Smart Living Rockford- September 2023

Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas

Managing Editor Jim Taylor

Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi

Graphics Director Samantha Behling

Graphic Designer Ashley Smith

Contributing Writers Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Rebecca Nunes, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner

General Sales Manager Brent Hughes

Sales Manager Brad Hughes

Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Pamela Loebel

Embracing Change

Where did the summer go?

Every year, I echo this cliche question. And it makes me wonder, did I enjoy myself enough? Did I wrangle my family into going to the pool and/or beach a satisfying amount of times? Did we really take advantage of our back porch and our zoo membership?

I never feel sure, but I know I’m trying my best — like most parents are.

For the most part, I try to live in the moment and not dwell too much on the past or worry too much about the future. But it can be hard… especially knowing how much things are about to change for my family.

Right now, my son is mere days away from becoming a 2 year old, and I’m mere days away from being 20 weeks pregnant. To be honest, I’m pretty tired. Baby No. 1 has been waking up at 5 a.m. every day, and baby No. 2 in utero has me hunting down carbs at all hours of the night. It’s exhausting, to say the least. But then I read about the bus shortages at Rockford Public Schools and how parents and students are scrambling with an extended school day... and I try to be thankful for my current situation. We all have something challenging to navigate.

Living in the moment right now means enjoying the calm before the storm of a newborn baby crying while the toddler throws a tantrum. It’s been a relatively breezy summer, so stepping into a new season feels somewhat daunting. But change is a part of life. And with the bad comes all the good… snuggling a newborn, seeing my 2-year-old become a big brother, and falling even more in love with my husband as he proves on a daily basis that he’s an epic example of a great partner and father. (Truly, he should teach a class called “Supporting Your Pregnant Wife Without Saying Anything Dumb”).

So bring on whatever the next chapter of parenting entails! And definitely bring on the apple cider, fantasy football, Halloween costumes and cute sweaters. It’s time to embrace the next phase of life. ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Storage Units Serve Many Purposes

By Peggy Werner

Asthe sole owner of Flanders Insurance Agency for about 30 years, Owen Costanza saw an opportunity outside his office window.

In 2016, he bought 10 acres of land next door and is now also the owner of Lyford Storage. Both businesses are headquartered at 1947 N. Lyford Road.

The first two storage buildings immediately filled up. More spaces are available in four new buildings that house 57 units, including 10x20 units and 10x40 units. As they fill up, Costanza plans to build more.

“The resale business is huge,” he says. “A lot of people go to estate sales and make a living reselling items online or at retail shops. More and more people are starting up small businesses and getting involved in ecommerce and need a place to store equipment and supplies.

“Trades people will use a storage unit for a safe place to park a trailer full of tools and other expensive equipment. Some people will spend hours at their units, using it as a workshop or an offsite office, where employees meet to get assignments and supplies before heading out for a day’s work,” he adds.

Other reasons people rent a storage unit include decluttering and making space at home, and storing seasonal items, boats, jet skis, vintage cars, snow-

mobiles, furniture, lawn, exercise and business equipment, and more.

The storage units are not temperature controlled and have security cameras on every building. In the next phase of development, four more buildings will be added, the property will be gated, and individuals will have an access code to get into their paid units at any time day or night.

Lyford Storage is also an independent dealer for U-Haul, operating as a drop-off and pick-up site for U-Haul trailers, vans, car haulers and U-boxes. U-Haul manages the website lyfordstorage.com for Lyford Storage, where people can book rental units and reserve U-Haul equipment for their moving needs. However, each business operates independently. ❚ For more information, visit lyfordstorage.com or call (815) 226-1444 ext. 204.

Who was Lydia?

You never know where a good business decision will lead.

For a God-fearing saleswoman named Lydia, it led to eternal life and the distinction of becoming the first Christian convert in Europe.

As an enterprising native of Thyatira (in Asia Minor), a city known for its colorful dyed products, Lydia chose to cross the Aegean Sea to sell expensive purple cloth in the wealthy Greek port city of Philippi, a Roman colony. Purple dye was made from boiled snail glands; thousands were needed to dye one piece of cloth, making it a luxury.

In Philippi, Lydia and other women gathered on a riverbank one Sabbath day in about 49 A.D. A group of missionaries approached and proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ. Lydia embraced the message of Paul the Apostle, was baptized, and welcomed Paul’s group into her home.

Years later, Paul would write a letter to Philippian believers thanking them for their enduring generosity. In it, he acknowledges the work of both brothers and sisters in Christ.

Philippi became a Christian hub in Europe and Lydia likely helped to develop it. A church was established in Thyatira, too.

(Rev. 2:18)

Lydia’s story is found in Acts 16:11-15:

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us. (NIV) ❚

--Janine Pumilia

New Options for Mothers in Labor

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

Asmothers become more educated about birthing opportunities, many are opting to try something different than the traditional hospital route.

Starting Oct. 1, moms will have a homelike atmosphere in which to deliver their babies, says Jen Geary, a nurse of 19 years and the first outreach and education coordinator of NorthPointe Birth Center, a brand-new freestanding building located on the NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus in Roscoe, Ill., which is part of Beloit Health System.

The center primarily will be run by midwives, with registered nurses serving as birth assistants. Three birthing suites – each with their own vibe and distinct features – will have a queen-size bed, separate tub to labor in, support bars, birthing balls and more. The other side of the center will include a full-size kitchen,

as well as a common seating area with a fireplace. Four clinic rooms will be available for midwives to see patients for prenatal and postpartum visits, and there also is space for classes.

“We really stress education for our patients,” says Jamie Turner-Rose, a Certified Nurse-Midwife who has worked in labor and delivery for 20 years. “We’ll have prenatal classes in the birth center, and prenatal visits will last 30 minutes to an hour – not the 15-minute visits some of us have experienced in the past.”

In order to utilize the services of NorthPointe Birth Center, pregnant mothers must have a low-risk pregnancy, Geary says. This accounts for roughly 85% of women who deliver in hospitals.

There’s a vast difference in pain management options provided by the birth center versus a hospital.

“We don’t offer IV pain medication; we don’t offer epidural,” Turner-Rose says. “We do offer water birth, freedom of movement, ability to eat through labor – a lot of choices to make people more comfortable. There are people who want a more natural birth experience.”

However, in the middle of labor, if a mother changes her mind about wanting pain medication, “that’s OK,” TurnerRose says. “Then we take a trip over to the hospital to get that pain medication. Our goal will be to make anyone who comes to see us really comfortable.” ❚

Volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank

By Rebecca Nunes

Of all the myths that surround the issue of hunger, perhaps the biggest one is that it doesn’t exist. Not here, anyway. Surely not in our own backyard.

Most of us find it hard to fathom that our neighbors could be hungry.

Such was the case when Franciscan Sister Rosemarie Burian established Bethlehem Food Center in Carol Stream in 1983. Some folks told her the food center was a solution in search of a problem. But she’d worked closely enough with local families as a schoolteacher and pastoral associate to know the need for supplemental groceries was real. She also knew that thousands of pounds of edible food were being dumped into landfills by manufacturers and grocery retailers. Since our region is a food production mecca, she thought it must be possible to

bridge the gap between waste and hunger.

In its first month, the Bethlehem Food Center delivered 7,000 pounds of food to neighbors facing food insecurity. Volunteers came out to help and generous businesses did their part.

Bethlehem Food Center evolved into Northern Illinois Food Bank, now headquartered in Geneva. It’s among the 15 largest food banks in the nation. Thanks to a battalion of caring volunteers and donors, it provided 80 million meals to food-insecure people last fiscal year.

“Over the past 40 years a lot has changed, but our mission remains the same: to provide nutritious food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity, with dignity, equity and convenience,” says Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank.

The Food Bank operates distribution

hubs in Geneva, Rockford, Lake Forest and Joliet. Food is delivered to them in bulk, sorted and then repackaged for delivery to pantries and soup kitchens.

“In the 13 counties that Northern Illinois Food Bank serves, there are 400,000 food-insecure neighbors, 100,000 of them children,” says Julia Jones, senior development officer and co-chair of the 40th anniversary committee. “That’s about one in every eight residents, one in every five children in northern Illinois. Anyone in need of a little help can access the Food Bank’s network of 900 pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs.”

There’s no “typical” client who comes to a food pantry, Jones adds. People find themselves needing a little help for all sorts of reasons.

“Most people who access the charitable food network are employed at least

part-time and are having trouble making ends meet,” she says. “So many people in northern Illinois are just a paycheck or a medical bill away from needing assistance for basic things.”

The Food Bank requires no proof of income. People don’t have to be homeless, unemployed, disabled or SNAPqualified (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) to receive food.

“Some food pantries in our network may have their own qualifications, such as living in the township or community

where they operate,” says Jones. “Many have no restrictions at all.”

In many pantries, neighbors can come every week. In smaller ones, the rule may be once or twice a month.

Northern Illinois Food Bank receives about 63% of its donated food from hundreds of local and national food retailers and manufacturers like Jewel, Aldi, Schnucks, Walmart, General Mills and Del Monte. It uses cash donations to purchase about 26% of its inventory, especially fresh produce.

The Food Bank also sources food from farmers, individuals, businesses and federal government commodities.

Every $1 donation to Northern Illinois Food Bank buys $8 worth of food, says Yurko. About 97% of its resources go directly to programs that feed people. Donations are essential, but so are volunteers. The Food Bank couldn’t function without the nearly 1,000 faithful helpers who show up each week to evaluate, repack and distribute food.

“Many people volunteer at the Food Bank for the first time with their company, maybe for a teambuilding exercise,” says Jones. “Or they may come with their church, school or service club. When you’re processing or repacking food, it’s fun to work together with friends and know you’re helping your own neighbors in your community through your efforts.”

As the Food Bank celebrates its past, it’s also sizing up the future. Earlier this year, it launched a new Food Finder map to help people connect with nearby food resources. It’s mobile-friendly, has multiple language options, has filters for days of the week and shows which pantries are open when.

“These digital tools are a gamechanger in the future of food accessibility and equity in Northern Illinois and beyond,” says Yurko.

“Our hope is that we can reach more neighbors experiencing food insecurity and help them and their families get to thriving faster.” ❚

A Trustworthy Place to Buy and Sell Tools

By Peggy Werner

Many people start out as customers and end up as friends at ReTool, 3622 E. State St.

Loyal customers have come to appreciate ReTool and its owner, Dave Stenberg. Dozens of new customers walk through his door every week to benefit from ReTool’s huge selection, Stenberg’s experience, and the opportunity to buy and sell tools at great prices. The quality of products and unparalleled customer service is why he has remained in business for more than 25 years, he adds.

“A lot of customers I consider friends. I remember them, not necessarily by name, but by what they buy and what I know they are always looking for. Everything you buy here has at least a 30day parts and labor warranty. So, it’s no risk and not like buying at an auction or a garage sale,” he says.

Ray Saathoff of Stillman Valley discovered ReTool when he and his grandchildren were at the Fairview Shopping Center and he saw the store sign.

“Anything that says ‘tools,’ I gravitate toward, and so I went into the store to see what it was all about,” he says.

That was 20 years ago.

Today, he stops in at least once a week. Always having to build or repair something, Saathoff specializes in building machinery and fixing electric wheelchairs. He estimates he saves about 50 percent of what he would otherwise spend by shopping at ReTool.

“Dave is just a genuinely good person and he’s a great person to talk to about tools,” Saathoff says. “He’s been in the business long enough and knows what will work best and will last the longest. He’s just someone you can trust and

that’s hard to find these days. It’s good to know there is someone who cares more about the customer than the sale.

“I rarely have a problem with anything I buy from him, and if there is a problem, he takes care of it right away. He’s a great asset to Rockford,” Saathoff adds.

Retool is open from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday. ❚

Greenwich Village Art Fair

Sept. 16-17, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. The fair draws together a juried selection of artists who display their works outdoors. They’re joined by local musicians, children’s activities, local vendors, food trucks and more. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

George Lopez: ‘ALLLRIIIIGHTTT!’

Sept. 16, 7 p.m. The artist currently stars in a comedy series “Lopez vs. Lopez” for NBC, featuring his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Disney’s ‘Encanto’: The Sing-Along Sept. 27, 6 p.m. “Encanto” lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite Grammy Award-winning songs. Tunes are performed by a live band while the family-friendly film plays onscreen. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, coronadopac.org.

Daniel O’Donnell

Sept. 29, 7 p.m. From Ireland, he has scored a hit in the United Kingdom album charts every year since 1988. His latest hit, “I Wish You Well,” was released in November 2022. Coronado Per-

Entertainment & Events

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

Bored Teachers: We Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Comedy Tour

Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m. Put the pen down, call your teacher besties, and burn off some of that stress the school year has been dumping on you and enjoy hilarious skits performed by some of the funniest teacher comedians in the world. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

World War II Days

Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. The largest World War II reenactment in the Midwest returns for one weekend, as the museum grounds are transformed into 1940s Europe, complete with nearly 1,000 historical reenactors and dozens of historically accurate military vehicles. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Mindful Grief Wanderings and Awareness

Sept. 19-Nov. 7, Tues. 10-11:30 a.m. Based on mindfulness and how to grow through our grief experiences. Wander the Gardens and reflect on your grief, honoring loved ones who have died,

but are never forgotten. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Tender Loving Crafts (TLC) Sale

Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This free, indoor event features two floors of more than 30 crafters selling a variety of handmade crafts, quilts, clothing, jewelry, accessories, baked goods and more. Proceeds benefit various missions of Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford, (815) 980-0891. ❚

The largest World War II reenactment in the Midwest returns to Midway Village Museum from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.