Smart Living Weekly June 25, 2020

Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • June 25, 2020

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Right in Our Region

Rockford City Market Ups the Fun -- Safely See Page 16

Tasty Grilled Fruit Pediatric Mental Health Lower the Stress of Renovation Annual Plant Trends in 2020 Gardens

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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. 16 City Market Ramps Up 2020 Offerings Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Carpet Cleaning Done Right Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Book of Hope Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Grilling Fruit Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Pediatric Mental Health

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 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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Let’s Help Ourselves

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t may or may not surprise you to learn that retail (which includes food service and drinking places) is by far the largest private employer in the U.S., contributing more than $2.6 trillion per year to our national GDP in normal years. (Source: National Retail Federation/American Express.) Last year, retail directly employed nearly 29 million people, compared to less than 20 million in healthcare and 12.5 million in manufacturing. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.)

The indirect impact of retail is enormous, too. Think of the jobs in logistics, freight transportation, finance, insurance, advertising, real estate, pest control, technology etc.

The really interesting thing to me is that the vast majority of retail businesses – 99 percent – employ fewer than 50 people. That’s 11.5 million of the (pre-pandemic) 29 million jobs in retail.

For more than 15 years, we’ve been encouraging you to commit more of your shopping dollars to locally owned stores and restaurants. Why? Because a much larger share of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in our community. Most dollars spent at a big-box store or chain restaurant immediately fly off to a corporate headquarters out of state.

According to the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express, an average two-thirds ($0.67) of every dollar spent at a small, local business stays here.

Local businesses also build our unique identity in ways that chains just can’t do. Most of us suffer from big-box fatigue and online shopping isn’t always satisfying or secure. We treasure our locally owned stores and restaurants and enjoy getting to know the owners, who live here and have a personal stake in our region’s health.

As our local economy gradually opens up and businesses in our region struggle to keep their doors open, let’s do ourselves a favor and make a point of supporting them. We have plenty of great locally owned shops and dining venues, including the advertisers found on these pages and in Northwest Quarterly Magazine. And, by the way, they make it possible for this locally owned media company to thrive. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Expert Carpet Cleaning Requires an Expert

By Janine Pumilia

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rent Versendaal’s expertise in professional cleaning comes naturally.

He grew up in the carpet and upholstery cleaning business founded in 1972 by his father, Gerrit Versendaal.

After graduating college and working elsewhere, Versendaal purchased All Seasons Carpet Cleaning when his dad retired in 1997. He has since expanded services to include carpet repair, tile and grout cleaning, whole structure odor removal (such as post-fire or water damage) and expert area rug cleaning using off-site specialty equipment.

The business has grown to employ 10 people.

All Season uses hot water and powerful truck-mounted cleaning equipment.

“This is important because it leaves carpets as dry as possible,” Brent explains. “The longer they stay wet, the more problems can happen.”

He uses high-end cleaning agents that are Earth-friendly and gentle on our health. But it’s the quality of his well-trained staff that matters most, he says.

“The equipment wasn’t as good back in my dad’s day as we have now, so I had to learn to do it right even under more difficult conditions,” he says.

“Equipment is important but the person running the equipment is even more important. I feel that right now we have the best crew we’ve ever had. We’ve been blessed with a lot of good technicians.”

New employees are trained for two weeks and don’t go on a call without a mentor for their first three months. Ongoing one- and two-day training sessions are scheduled regularly.

How often does carpet need to be cleaned?

It depends on the household.

“A retired couple with no pets might get away with cleaning the carpet once every 24 months,” he says. “But a household like mine, with four kids, two dogs and a cat, needs it every three months.”

Attracting, training and retaining good employees is the key to his business success, says Versendaal.

“We’re not the cheapest carpet cleaning company but you get what you pay for and I guarantee it will be done right,” he says. “That’s why we’re still in business after nearly 50 years.”

Learn more at allseasoncarpetcleaning.com or call (815) 399-8690. ❚

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I  W

Book of Hope T

he Bible promises there is more to this world than meets the eye and that love will triumph over evil in the end. Most of all, it promises that when we follow Jesus Christ, we’ll enjoy an eternal life with God. That’s why the Gospels are called “The Good News!” Even death is overcome.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (I Cor. 15:55 KJV) But the Bible’s message of hope is not restricted to eternity alone. God gives us hope in this life, too. In the midst of sickness, oppression, war, prison, famine, pain, grief, poverty, lonliness, rejection, shame, addiction or any chain that binds us (selfimposed or otherwise) God promises to love us and lead us. He holds up a light and invites us into its warmth. We are intimately known by God. The Creator sees us.

Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12: 6 & 7 NIV).

The Bible doesn’t promise us easy lives. It does promise that we don’t have to navigate this world alone or only by our own strength. As we try our best to follow God’s will, “the Comforter” – the Holy Spirit – gives us courage, stamina, insight, wisdom, patience and even the right words to speak. It’s our constant helper.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) The Bible gives us hope that we can transform our minds to think like Jesus Christ. Our past behaviors don’t have to dictate our futures. We can change.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17) The Bible, our Book of Hope, reveals to us our God of Hope. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Fire Up the Grill for Tasty Smoked Fruit M

any barbecue enthusiasts know about grilling corn, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, onions, zucchini and artichokes, but consider trying cauliflower, portobello mushrooms, yellow-black plantains and even pineapple on the grill this summer.

Visit Dole.com for more grilling recipes for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Smoked Hasselback Pineapple with Spiced Turkey Chorizo & Onion

4 cups favorite wood chips 1 pound 93 percent lean ground turkey breast 1 small DOLE Red Onion, diced 2 TB olive oil 2 TB fresh thyme leaves 2 TB smoked paprika 1 TB ancho chile powder 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 large Dole Pineapple, top on, peeled and halved lengthwise Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

In large bowl, soak wood chips as label directs. Prepare outdoor grill for indirect grilling over medium heat.

In medium bowl, stir turkey, onion, oil, thyme, paprika, chile powder, cumin and salt.

Place 2 cups of soaked wood chips in foil boat or pie tin and place on hot grill rack over lit side of grill (place chips directly on coals for charcoal grill).

Place pineapple halves, flat side down, on cutting board; cut crosswise slices into pineapple halves, about 1/2 inch apart, cutting only 3/4 of the way through.

Place medium bowl upside down; one at a time, place pineapple halves, flat side down, over bowl to separate slits. Fill slits with turkey mixture.

Place pineapple halves, flat side down, on hot grill rack over unlit side of grill; cover and cook 1 hour, 45 minutes, or until turkey mixture is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 170 F, rotating once and adding remaining chips halfway through cooking. Transfer

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.

pineapple halves to cutting board; cut crosswise in half. Serve pineapple garnished with cilantro, if desired. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

City Market Ramps Up 2020 Offerings

By Peggy Werner he popular Rockford City Market got off to a late start this year because of the Covid-19 crisis, but it’s growing each week as restrictions loosen up and new ways to operate are implemented, says Market Manager Cathy McDermott.

“It’s hard to predict the future, but we’re adding more vendors every week and as we move into the fourth phase by the end of this month, we hope to have more of our vendors return and to add live music,” she says.

In its third week, the city market got approval from the Winnebago County Health Department to add tables, chairs and beverages. People are still encouraged to social distance and will be asked to spend a limited amount of time at tables for six on Market and Water streets.

Vendors with pre-packaged foods that don’t need to be kept cool or warm and are prepared in a certified community

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kitchen, will start selling their products.

The beverages will be served alongside six food trucks on Madison Street: Wok n Roll by Bamboo, the Churros, Cantina Taco, Disco Chicken, Hicks BBQ and Catering, and Jammin Jerk Grill. Music is provided by Midwest Radio. Prairie Street and Pigs Mind brewing companies will soon join LaMonica Beverages at the market.

New vendors and products this year include Eagle Hill Flowers of Oregon; Louis Leathers of Rockford; gourmet mushrooms by Primordia Foods of Bloomington; mixed media art, photography and canvas prints from 815 of Rockford; a variety of garlic, garlic powder and dips from Midwest Gourmet Garlic of Beloit; cookies, cakes and cupcakes

by The Gluten Free Girlfriend of Belvidere; hand-pulled, screen-printed Tshirts and hoodies by Unstated Apparel

June 25 To advertise call 815-316-2300

of Rockford; and lotions, soaps and bath products by Verite Skin Care of Rockford.

Planning this year’s market has been a “real challenge,” and the market layout changes weekly to accommodate vendors and visitors while adhering to federal, state and local guidelines.

About 30 vendors are set up in the pavilion, spaced far enough apart so people can socially distance. Most sell produce, fresh flowers, dog treats, cheeses, soaps, jewelry, skin care items and hanging plants. Some vendors can’t sell on site, but take orders and pre-orders.

A 1,500 square-foot certified community kitchen opened last July on the third floor of the indoor market, 116 N. Madison St. It has three work stations, three hand washing sinks, a double food prep sink, a 10-burner stove, two doublestack convection ovens, refrigerator and

R  O R

freezer space, and a 60-quart mixer.

The kitchen is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reserved by the hour or on a regular schedule for preparing foods to sell or cater, says Kitchen Manager Judy Johnson, owner of the indoor market’s Quixotic Bakery. She uses the kitchen to bake cookies, cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls and more.

Johnson got her start at a church ministry, helping kids to bake goods to raise money and learn job skills, before she began using her baking skills to earn money. She built a large enough following

to open a retail store.

She stayed open during the shutdown by filling curbside pickup orders. She’s now open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To make the most of a difficult time, she partnered with local non-profits to raise money. The Warm Cookie Bake began in May. Boxes of four big warm cookies with caramel or hot fudge dip sell for $12. Non-profits get about 40 percent of the sales. Contact Johnson at quixoticbakery@gmail.com.

Cooking classes for children and adults were supposed to begin in March at the kitchen but will be scheduled when allowed, due to the pandemic.

Judy Perrecone, Certified Nutrition Consultant and owner of Perrecone Wellness, will offer the classes.

“We tend to eat the same things all

the time and I want to help people learn about something new and different, which can be intimidating to do on your own,” says Perrecone. “I want to educate people about the ingredients they will be using, where they come from, how they can be used and the nutritional value.”

McDermott says the indoor market rents out small or large spaces for meetings, weddings and other events, hosts year-round activities and offers the kitchen rental.

“The market has become an entity all its own that encourages entrepreneurs to start a business or grow a business by getting exposure,” she says.

“It’s a great forum for small businesses to grow and make adjustments based on what they learn is and isn’t working for them.”

City Market began in 2010 and traditionally opens in mid-May. This year, the market opened June 5 and will continue from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 25. ❚

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Y H

Detecting Mental Illness in Pediatric Patients

By Lindsey Gapen Lukas

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routine doctor’s visit isn’t just about a patient’s physical health.

“Mental health illnesses are pretty common – we probably spend 10 to 15 percent of our days seeing kids or teens who have some sort of mental health diagnosis,” says Dr. Leah Farley, a pediatrician at Beloit Health System. “We see ADHD more often in the younger kids, and with teenagers we tend to see more anxiety and depression.”

Farley asks all of her teenage patients if they have concerns about their mental health. Sometimes this leads to a standardized questionnaire screening.

“I generally try to do counseling with both the parents and the patient in the room about warning signs of anxiety and depression,” Farley says. “These illnesses in teenagers may not always present as the child seeming particularly anxious or sad.”

Teens may display decreased motivation, poor concentration or increased irritability.

If a parent calls with concerns, Farley jumps into triage mode.

“If there’s any concern that the child has any sort of suicidal ideation, then we send them directly to the emergency department where they’ll be evaluated by a social worker or a psychologist to make sure the child is safe at home,” she says.

A diagnosis of depression or anxiety is based on criteria in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Treatment is case by case and depends on the severity of the illness.

“It also depends on the child’s family and social structure,” Farley adds. “I always try and work with families to first do lifestyle modifications to help with mood.”

A common lifestyle modification is making sure the child is getting an appropriate amount of sleep, at least 8 to 10 hours a night, without phones or TVs on.

“The other thing we commonly see is kids who aren’t active enough,” Farley adds. “The more physical activity you get, the better it helps with mood. So, really try to make sure your child is getting out, getting active, moving around, not spending all day on the phone or sitting around at school.” ❚

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