Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner
General Sales Manager Brent Hughes
Sales Manager Brad Hughes
Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes
Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes
Larry Fairbairn
Make Time to Care
Most mornings, I’m in survival mode. It’s changing diapers, hunting for matching shoes, answering work emails with one hand while frying bacon with the other. By the time the day winds down, I’m drained — mentally, emotionally, spiritually. The news scrolls by in the background, but I rarely stop long enough to absorb it (which, as a journalist, is hard to admit). It’s easy to stay wrapped in the bubble of my daily routine that consists of mom duties, teaching a few dance classes here and there, and being an editor in a largely positive, upbeat magazine-land.
But lately, that bubble has felt thinner. Maybe it was a headline I couldn’t ignore. Or a conversation with a friend whose family is being directly impacted by global conflict. Or a moment where one of my students asked a question about injustice that I didn’t have a good answer for.
Whatever it was, it shook me. It reminded me that while parenting and work are incredibly important, they can’t be the only things that consume my attention. There’s a bigger world out there, and I want to be awake to it.
So, I’ve started carving out space. Ten minutes of real news reading in the morning instead of doom-scrolling at night. Listening to a news podcast about climate policy while I unload the dishwasher. Donating to a cause that matters (specifically, NPR). Writing to my elected officials. Having age-appropriate conversations with my students about what’s happening in the world, if they ask.
It doesn’t feel like much, but it’s something. A start.
I’ll still deal with the grocery runs and laundry piles. But I don’t want to let the rhythm of the everyday lull me into apathy.
My kids are young, but they’re watching, and I know they absorb more than I realize. I want them to grow up knowing that yes, life is busy, but we always have time to care. Even if it starts in small, ordinary ways. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Art, Music & History at Grand Detour Fest
By Peggy Werner
One of the longest-running art festivals in the state takes place each year in the picturesque setting of the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Ill.
The 76th annual Grand Detour Arts Festival is happening Sept. 7 from 9 a.m.4 p.m. at 8334 S. Clinton St. Admission is free.
“The festival brings a lot of people to our town,” says Lynn Roe, a member of the Grand Detour Arts Festival Committee. “It’s as much a social event as it is an art show.”
This year’s juried show features the works of about 40 artists, including paintings, graphics, sculptures, jewelry, photography, drawings and artisan crafts. A student art show consists of submissions from area art teachers as well as individual entries.
Festival attendees can tour the John Deere home and museum and see
blacksmith demonstrations. Explore rooms furnished with household items that show how pioneers cooked, cleaned, bathed and spent their leisure hours; stand in the exact location where Deere forged the first commercially successful steel plow, changing the world of agriculture forever; and see excavated artifacts and listen as Deere describes how he built a thriving manufacturing business.
The festival has live music all day by local musicians, including Linnette Chamberlain, Jim Henkel, Robbie LeBlanc and Jeff Kagay. Food vendors are also on site.
Raffle tickets are available for a framed photograph entitled “Winter Shelter,” done by the late Charlie Kerr, who was a longtime participant at the show.
The festival had its beginnings when area artists would come to Grand Detour
to get away from city life and be inspired by the scenic surroundings, Roe says.
“It just became an artist colony and people living in cities would come here to paint and spend their summers,” she adds.
The festival, once run by local artists, was eventually taken over by the Ogle County Art Alliance, who turned the event over to the Grand Detour Arts Festival Committee. Artist applications can be found at nextpictureshow.org. ❚
The Grand Detour Arts Festival takes place Sept. 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Grand Detour, Ill.
Fat in Fruit
Sometimes,
it’s standard sermon fare to promise wealth to those who live by God’s rules. Certainly, there are many indications in the Bible that God desires to take care of His people, and wants His people to take care of each other.
There also is much precedent for giving to God our “first fruits” – the first and best rewards reaped from our labor. In our culture, that generally translates to money, rather than the fattest sheep or tastiest grapes.
But the desire for wealth is not a reason for people to follow Christianity, says the apostle Paul. Life in Christ is never promised to be safe, secure or comfortable, in a physical sense.
To the contrary, hunger, persecution and pain were often part of everyday life for early church leaders like Paul and Peter, through no fault of their own. This remains true across the world today.
The trick, says Paul, is to keep our heads straight and right with God, whether we’re in a state of great need or great plenty. Either condition can tempt us to lose our way and veer toward a carnal, rather than spiritual, life. And, wealth may cause us to think more highly of ourselves than we should, just as poverty may cause us to judge ourselves too harshly.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty,” Paul writes to the Philippians, who have sent him a gift of money to support his ministry. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:12 & 13 (NIV).
God directs us to cultivate the “fruits” that naturally result from living a Christ-centered life. As we practice “putting on the mind of Christ,” (Romans 12:12), which means training our minds to conform to God’s will, we reap “fruit of the spirit” – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22 & 23 NIV). These are fruits that no one can take away. No law can be made against them.
Being fat with fruit is better than having a fat bank account, in God’s eyes. Perhaps, from time to time, we should take time out to ask ourselves how rich we are in what matters most. ❚
-Janine Pumilia
From Top to Bottom, Winterize Your Home
By Peggy Werner
It’s a good time to think about whether your house is ready for winter.
Summer and fall are the ideal seasons to give your home’s exterior a checkup and take a close look at the condition of the roof, doors, windows, siding and gutters, says Jeremy and Jenna Boeke of K&H Exteriors, 5257 Swanson Road, Roscoe, Ill.
“The next six months are when we really see problems show up,” says Jeremy. “Between heavy snow, ice and early spring rain, it doesn’t take much for a small issue to turn into water damage or energy loss.”
If shingles are curling, cracked or showing bald spots, it’s a good idea to have them inspected now. K&H installs modern, rubberized shingles that can better withstand hail, wind and temperature swings compared to other shingles. Some insurance companies even offer discounts
for using upgraded roofing materials, Jeremy says.
Problems with doors and windows are two of the biggest reasons for heat loss in a home.
“Old windows and doors can really increase energy bills,” Jeremy adds. “If you’re feeling drafts, seeing fog between panes or noticing ice buildup, it’s time for an update.”
Wood frames are especially prone to swelling, shrinking and shifting with seasonal changes, which wears down seals and creates gaps. K&H offers custom-fit, energy-efficient options that not only help insulate your home but also look great.
“You don’t have to choose between form and function. We help you get both,” says Jenna.
And don’t neglect the siding and gutters. Warped or damaged siding can let moisture in, while clogged gutters can
lead to ice dams that push water under your shingles and even into your basement, says the couple.
Since 1961, K&H Exteriors has been helping homeowners prepare for the seasons with high-quality products, trustworthy service and down-to-earth advice. Jeremy spent 17 years in sales before he and Jenna purchased the business in 2018, continuing the tradition of craftsmanship and care. ❚
Visit K&H Exteriors’ showroom, call (815) 637-6946 or schedule a consultation at khexteriors.com.
K & H Exteriors, in Roscoe, can fix your roof, doors, windows, siding and gutters for winter.
Fun, Small-Town Spirit at Autumn on Parade
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Autumn on Parade returns to downtown Oregon, Ill., Oct. 4 and 5 with a festive blend of food, music, family fun and one of the largest parades in northern Illinois. Now in its 54th year, the all-volunteer event draws tens of thousands of visitors to this scenic riverside town each fall.
What began more than five decades ago with just seven vendors has grown
into a two-day celebration filled with local pride and tradition.
“Since 1970, there has been a core group of volunteers guiding this not-forprofit festival,” says Meggan Dickson, Autumn on Parade marketing director and board member. “Each group has left us a legacy that we can build on.”
The open-air market remains a major draw, with more than 200 vendors offering handmade, homegrown and homemade items. It surrounds the historic Ogle County Courthouse and is a favorite for early holiday shopping.
Foodies find plenty to enjoy at the Jefferson Street food court, where nonprofit groups and local vendors serve brisket, pulled pork, elote, frozen treats and more. The food court is open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Families can explore the Fun Zone on Fifth Street. This kid-friendly area includes bounce houses, inflatable slides, live character visits and Miller’s Petting Zoo.
“It’s the last petting zoo in Illinois where you can go inside and feed the animals,” says Dickson. “There are ducks,
Autumn on Parade returns Oct. 4 and 5.
Autumn on Parade Car Show
potbelly pigs, bunnies and goats. It’s one of my favorite parts of the festival.”
Live music takes over the Entertainment HotSpot on Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. This year’s lineup includes Oregon’s own Korey Pepper, Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Bowman, Pickney and Evans, and headliners Too Hype Crew – a choreographed tribute to late ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop.
Car enthusiasts and tractor fans can catch the Car Show and Antique Tractor Show at Oregon Park East, with a vintage tractor parade rolling through downtown
Saturday at 4 p.m. A free shuttle provides transportation on Saturday to the park and to Stronghold Castle, home of the Olde English Faire, a Renaissancethemed experience that runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Sunday, the Harvest Time Parade steps off at 1 p.m. from Ninth and Adams streets. With more than 100 entries, it features marching bands, dance teams and longtime favorites like the Jesse White Tumblers.
“There are some paid entries, like tumblers and drumlines, so it’s very ex-
citing,” Dickson says. “Last year, people were reserving their spots the night before. They’re serious about their parade watching.”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers meets year-round to plan and produce the event.
“We start in January and meet monthly,” Dickson says. “By September, we’re meeting several times a month to tie up all the loose ends. It takes a lot of work and a lot of heart.”
That spirit is passed down through generations. Dickson’s mother, Debbie, has long served as a board member and the voice of the parade, while her father, John, helps manage facilities and the food court. This year, Debbie retires from her longtime role.
“It’s generational,” Dickson says. “We have families that have been involved for years, from the volunteers to the vendors to the people who run it.” ❚
For more information, visit autumnonparade.com.
Autumn on Parade Antique Tractor Show
Artist Nick Gjonola and the Autumn on Parade agamograph
Robotic Surgery Transforms Care at BHS
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Within the past few years, northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin hospitals have researched, tested, invested in and implemented new systems, devices and models on the cutting edge of medicine. Why the push?
“It’s obviously for improvement of patient care,” says Dr. Neel Karne, a general surgeon at Beloit Health System.
New technologies are helping surgeons to make smaller incisions with fewer complications, less patient discomfort and faster patient recovery times.
Beloit Health System has voraciously amped up its robotic technologies in the past 16 months. In April 2024, Karne was the first Beloit Health System surgeon to use the newly purchased da Vinci Xi surgical system, a fourth-generation version of the robotic-assisted surgical device. Before da Vinci was available at Beloit Health System, Karne used
a camera for laparoscopies, those minimally invasive procedures that allow doctors to operate inside the abdomen or pelvis. While laparoscopies are good procedures, they do have limitations, Karne says.
“The picture is not as clear,” Karne says. “You’re limited by almost a twodimensional aspect.”
By contrast, the robotic consoles present a three-dimensional view that feels like “putting yourself inside the patient,” Karne describes.
“I’ve done close to 300 cases now, in a little over a year, and that’s just because I literally have changed everything over to doing robotic surgeries,” he says.
“We’ve seen a significant decrease in the amount of pain patients experience; they’re going home quicker; there are smaller incisions; there’s less likelihood of having to move to open surgery. It’s
the best technology out there when and if you need surgical care.”
The da Vinci can assist any surgery that would be done laparoscopically, including hernia, gallbladder, appendix or colon surgery; gastric bypasses; and more, Karne says.
Once the rest of the surgical staff was trained, the demand for the da Vinci system was so great that Beloit Health System purchased a second system.
“We offer robotic surgery 24/7,” Karne says. ❚
Beloit Health System utilizes the da Vinci Xi surgical system to better serve patients.
School Day Fuel: Meals & Snacks
From packing lunchboxes to afterschool snacking and evening meals, school days can get hectic in the kitchen. Saving valuable time is of the essence for busy families looking to stave off hunger without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
To help make delicious yet nutritious meals a reality all day long, consider these recipes, perfect for sending in a lunchbox or enjoying while finishing homework.
For recipes that fuel families throughout the school year and beyond, visit Culinary.net.
Shrimp Spaghetti
1 pound spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 package (12 ounces) raw shrimp
2 tablespoons garlic powder, divided
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup frozen or fresh spinach bread, for serving
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. In skillet over medium heat, add butter, avocado oil and shrimp. Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic powder and paprika. Remove shrimp after they begin to turn pink; set aside. Add chicken broth, Parmesan, heavy cream, remaining garlic powder, onion powder and spinach to skillet and mix well. Add shrimp back to skillet to finish cooking. Mix in noodles and serve with bread.
Celery and Whipped Ricotta with Drizzled Honey and Dried Apricots
Dandy Celery sticks (4-5 inches)
2 tablespoons whipped ricotta cheese
6-7 dried apricot slices
1 tablespoon honey
Using piping bag or freezer bag with one corner removed, fill celery sticks with ricotta cheese. Place dried apricot slices evenly across top of spread. Drizzle honey on top. Chill until ready to serve. ❚
Source: Family Features
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Rockford Community Bank is a branch of St. Charles Bank & Trust Company, N.A.
1. Total Access Checking, Access Plus Checking, or Premier Checking Bonus Information. Offer valid for accounts opened 3/13/25 – 9/11/25. Offer not available to existing or closed checking account customers of Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘WTFC’) & its subsidiaries or employees. Limit 1 bonus payment per customer, regardless of number of accounts opened; may only be received from 1 WTFC location. Offer combinable with any WTFC savings offer. Bonus payment subject to IRS 1099-INT reporting & may be considered income for tax purposes. 2. Total Access Checking, Access Plus Checking, or Premier Checking Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open new Total Access Checking, Access Plus Checking, or Premier Checking account; (ii) mention offer during in-branch account opening; (iii) have direct deposits totaling at least $500 per month made to the new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month the new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’); & (iv) enroll in online banking & e-statements within the Qualification Period. Your account opening date is the business day that we open your account. If your account is opened on a non-business day (weekends and federal holidays), your account opening date is the next business day. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic deposit, but does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital banking/telephone transfers between accounts at WTFC, external transfers from accounts at other financial institutions, peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or debit card transfers & deposits. New account must be open & have a balance greater than $0 to receive bonus payment. Balance determined as of end of each business day as funds currently in the account including deposits & withdrawals made in the business day. For eligible customers, bonus is deposited into the new account within 30 calendar days after the
Fees. $10 monthly
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Rockford’s Decade of Creative Rebellion
Through Sept. 28, Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The exhibit celebrates the dynamic and innovative art scene of Rockford in the 1990s, showcasing the work of more than 20 local artists who left a significant mark on the community’s artistic landscape. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
AE: ‘Guys on Ice’
Sept. 4-21, see website for times. Meet Lloyd and Marv, two Wisconsin fisherman out on the lake for a day of ice fishing, beer and deep thoughts about love, life and the Green Bay Packers, with occasional visits from Ernie the Mooch. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistensemble.org.
Woodsong: Gone2Paradise
Sept. 7, 6 p.m. Celebrating the music of Jimmy Buffet, the premier tribute band is led by awardwinning performers. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party Sept. 18, 7 p.m. One of the top stand-up comics in the business and a rising movie star, podcaster
and entrepreneur, Kreischer was named by Forbes Magazine as “one of the best storytellers of his generation.” BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, bmocenter. asmrockford.com.
RSO: Passionate Rhythms
Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. The season opens with a celebration of Spanish folk music, starting with Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Cappriccio Espagnot.” Ponce’s “Concierto del Sur” features the romantic sounds of the classical guitar. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.” Coronado Theatre, 314 N Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Fall Pec Thing
Sept. 20 & 21, Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 500 vendors sell antique tools, postcards, woodworking, sports memorabilia, spa products, quilts, furniture, home décor, candles, rocks and minerals, yard art, glassware, baked goods, stamps, jewelry, crafts and more. Wide variety of concessions. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1641, winnebagocountyfair.com.
Hometown Jams
Sept. 26, 6 p.m. Get ready for an unforgettable
Entertainment & Events
Fall Pec Thing, happening Sept. 20 & 21, features more than 500 vendors selling all sorts of items plus a wide variety of concessions.
night of iconic anthems and feel-good throwbacks as Toad the Wet Sprocket, Vertical Horizon and KT Tunstall take the stage. Coronado Theatre, 314 N Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, Coronado.asmrockford.com.
World War II Days
Sept. 27-28, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Engage in elaborate 1940s displays in the historical museum’s 148-acre campus. Realistic battles complete with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles and pyrotechnic displays. Uniformed re-enactors represent soldiers. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. ❚
