Smart Living Rockford - April 2026

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Baseball Season

Could I name one single baseball player who’s playing professionally today? No... probably not. But everyone knows the standard rules of “hit the ball, get on base, don’t get thrown out.” For me, that’s enough. I have no desire to learn anything deeper. All I need to know is baseball games are FUN. They have the best food and the best weather, and I’m here for it.

As much as I love the Chicago Cubs, I do think minor league baseball is my favorite. I grew up attending Kane County Cougars games, since we would get free tickets for reading a certain number of books in school. I loved eating peanuts and cotton candy, catching foul balls (which apparently, I attract), and singing all the lyrics to “Shout” whenever that song would come on.

These days, my allegiance has shifted to supporting the Sky Carp at ABC Supply Stadium, in Beloit. As an adult, I now get to experience these games through the eyes of my children, ages 4 and 2, which makes it even more meaningful. For them, every detail is an adventure. The mascots feel larger than life; the fireworks are magical. The Sky Carp really make everything feel special (and you can learn more about them in our cover story).

Our family has started a tradition of pairing Sky Carp games with our favorite “staycation.” Instead of traveling far, we head to the Embassy Suites in Rockford and pretend to be tourists in this very town. There’s something refreshing about stepping away from the everyday routine without the stress of a long trip. The kids love the excitement of a hotel stay –they’re obsessed with the pool – and they don’t care that home is close by.

Summer does not always need to mean elaborate plans or faraway destinations. Sometimes, the best memories come from simple traditions, like cheering from the stands for your favorite team. Baseball season reminds me that joy often lives in these small moments, and I cannot wait to share another summer of them with my family. ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Trusting God with Reality

In

the middle of our Bibles is a collection of 150 psalms that offer a jarring roller coaster ride of human emotion directed toward God. Several authors wrote the psalms over a period of about 1,000 years; King David penned roughly half of them.

While we gravitate toward the psalms that reassure us (like the 23rd), many were composed during times of deep disappointment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare.

If we’re honest, all of us have been disappointed with God. Most of us have experienced or witnessed hardship, oppression, sickness, injustice, unanswered prayers. We may feel that our acknowledgement of reality conflicts with our faith life.

This is when the emotional poetry of the psalmists shows us what a healthy relationship with God looks like, suggests author Philip Yancey. We’re like third parties “peering over the shoulders” of these diary-writers. We witness their rants, but we also see them “talk themselves down from the ledge” as they journey from rage to a calm acknowledgement of what they know for sure about God: He is good, wise, powerful, loving.

The psalmists force themselves to recall the times God rescued ungrateful Israel from its self-inflicted messes and it helps them to regain perspective. Without God they would be nothing, have nothing.

The psalmists find God in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their rants turn to flights of praise – in spite of everything.

In “The Bible Jesus Read,” Yancey writes: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did. Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.”

To experience Psalms is to feel kinship with people through the ages whose struggles were not so different from our own. ❚

– Janine Pumilia

Sky Carp Season Set to Soar

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

With opening day on the horizon, anticipation is building across the Stateline region as the Sky Carp prepare to launch another high-energy season filled with family fun, creative promotions and rising baseball talent.

After a record-setting year that energized fans and carried the team into the playoffs, the organization is preparing to deliver an even bigger and more engaging experience at ABC Supply Stadium, 217 Shirland Ave., Beloit. For Barb Bortner, assistant general manager of Sky Carp Baseball, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to build on last year’s success that transformed the ballclub into one of the region’s most exciting entertainment destinations.

“What excites us most is building off the incredible momentum we created last season,” Bortner says. “As the MiLB

High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins, creating memorable experiences is at the heart of what we do, both inside the ballpark and throughout the Stateline community. Because of our fans, last year wasn’t just successful – it was truly special, and we’re bringing that same energy into an even bigger and better season.”

Last season’s playoff run helped fuel a surge in enthusiasm across the region, proving that the Sky Carp are more than just a baseball team – they’re a community gathering place. The organization experienced nearly a 20 percent increase in attendance and recorded 11 sellouts, setting franchise records in both total and average attendance. The electric atmosphere inside the ballpark became contagious, drawing longtime baseball enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.

“That playoff run, combined with

a record-setting year off the field, created an unbelievable buzz,” Bortner says. “That kind of energy carries over – it shows just how much this community is embracing what we’re building here.”

One of the biggest reasons fans keep coming back is the unique setting of ABC Supply Stadium. Positioned along the Rock River, the ballpark blends natural beauty with modern amenities, creating an inviting space where people can relax, explore and enjoy an evening together.

The experience goes far beyond baseball. Through the team’s partnership with RS3, the ballpark has elevated its dining offerings, featuring a variety of high-quality food options that extend beyond traditional hot dogs and peanuts.

“It’s all part of creating an experience where fans can enjoy great baseball, great food, and a great setting – all in one place,” Bortner says.

Minor league baseball is known for its imaginative promotions, and this year’s Sky Carp schedule may be the most exciting yet. More than a dozen theme nights promise to keep the ballpark

buzzing with creative energy all season long.

Fans can look forward to crowd favorites such as “Star Wars Night,” a Walt Disney World giveaway trip as part of “Princess Night” and a new Drone Show that will light up the night sky. The team is also bringing back the popular “Celebrate the Rock Night,” an event that allows families to drift down the river before arriving at the stadium for an evening of baseball and entertainment.

Other themed experiences include “Made in Rockford Night,” “Renaissance Night,” “DINO Night,” “Singles Night” and “Girls Night Out,” to name a few. Sports rivalries also take center stage during “House Divided Night,” when fans of the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers bring their competitive spirit to the ballpark.

In addition to the fun, the Sky Carp remain committed to meaningful causes. The schedule includes “Mental Health Awareness Night,” titled “9 Innings of

Winning,” as well as “ALS Awareness Night,” alongside celebrations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

“The Sky Carp, alongside Mason Crosby, Jordy Nelson and TEAM LAMMI, are proud to bring back the Border Brouhaha Softball Slam this summer, an action-packed charity softball game set for July 19 at ABC Supply Stadium,” Bortner adds. “The summer showcase will feature football heroes and other sports legends from Wisconsin and Illinois, all coming together to raise critical funds for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.”

Opening night on April 7 and every Saturday beginning in June will feature fireworks, giving families even more reason to gather under the lights.

“It really speaks to what we’re all about – creating memorable, fun and inclusive experiences for every type of fan who walks through our gates,” Bortner says. ❚ The full schedule is at milb.com/beloit.

Art Gallery Showcases Watercolor Works

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

The Next Picture Show (TNPS), 113

W. First St. in Dixon, Ill., sets the tone for the region’s visual arts scene, and this spring it shines a spotlight on watercolor. From April 29 through May 30, TNPS hosts the 42nd Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition, a juried showcase drawing artists from across the country to the banks of the Rock River.

The exhibition is the latest collaboration between TNPS and the Illinois Watercolor Society, whose mission is to advance the education and quality of watercolor painting throughout the state. Held annually in Dixon since 2009, the show draws a wide circle around the artform, celebrating contemporary watercolor and water-based media like acrylic and gouache.

This year’s juror, Kris Parins, is a professional artist known for her

atmospheric landscapes and decades of experience in watercolor. Her presence offers artists a discerning eye and visitors a curated experience that is shaped by one of the medium’s respected voices.

Parins hosts a live watercolor demonstration during the opening reception, held May 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the show is free. All exhibited work is available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting the gallery’s nonprofit mission.

Under the direction of executive director Chance Monroe, TNPS features a broad stroke of exhibitions throughout the year. “Black & White PLUS Photography Show” – a new TNPS tradition that debuted April 1 and runs until April 25 – celebrates monochrome photography. From June to July, TNPS presents “Absolutely Abstract,” an

exhibition dedicated to shapes, forms, colors and textures.

With roughly 10 exhibitions scheduled each year, turnover between shows is quick, keeping the gallery fresh and continually evolving. The gallery is supported in large part by sponsorships and grant funding. Memberships, donations and community support all contribute, but the first step is simply walking through the door. Admission is free and the experience is designed for a seasoned collectors, emerging artists and curious newcomers alike. ❚

Explore Explore

Flooring Trends That Bring Warmth, Beauty

By Peggy Werner

The flooring in your home should suit your lifestyle, feel good underneath your feet, and add warmth and value to your home, says Elise Samaniego, coowner with her husband, Mike, of Flooring Trends in Loves Park.

“Flooring is the foundation of your home,” Elise says. “It’s everywhere you walk and needs to be made from quality materials, properly installed, look beautiful, and make you feel good.”

Flooring that has buckled, has gaps, is cracked, or not level can actually be harmful to your health, increasing the chance of falls and instability while walking, she says, adding that “back to nature” is the theme for all flooring trends this year.

“People want to bring nature back into their home with the latest finishes, colors and materials. You can never go

wrong with neutrals and anything that mimics textures of nature.”

Matte finishes and textured flooring give a soft, natural appearance and don’t show dirt and dust like glossy floors. All shades of brown, light oak, dark chestnut and walnut give the warmth customers want.

Patterns in all types of flooring add character, give a handcrafted look and create visual points of interest in homes. Herringbone, popular in Victorian times, is a classic look and trendy once again, Elise adds. Patterned and textured tiles and carpeting is especially effective in smaller spaces, if done correctly and strategically. In larger areas and from room to room, you want something more consistent to give a feeling of flow and openness, she adds.

Carpet is making a big comeback be-

cause people miss the coziness, warmth and quiet it brings to a home. Large tiles and wide planks make spaces look more open and cleaner with fewer grout lines for less maintenance, a top priority for homeowners.

At Flooring Trends, Mike is the main installer and Elise specializes in design and customer service. They employ their own contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured.

“Flooring is only as good as the person installing it,” Elise says. ❚

‘Clue’

April 20, 7:30 p.m. Based on the cult classic film and the board game, the show is the ultimate whodunit that leaves you dying of laughter and guessing who did it, until the final twist. Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronado.rockfordlive.com.

‘Rumors’

April 23-26, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Charlie Brock lies bleeding from a gunshot wound. His wife is nowhere to be found. The first guests scramble to get their facts straight before other guests arrive, creating confusion, coverups, miscommunication and rumors. Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

BCT: ‘On Golden Pond’

April 23-May 2, see website for times. The play reveals the turbulent relationship between father and daughter, the young and the old, and the difficulties of a long-married couple in the twilight years. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

Spring ArtScene

April 24-25, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m.

The biannual gallery walk features new and established local and regional artists’ works for sale at several Rockford sites. Artists talk about their work, sharing their unique approach and inspiration. See website for locations. Hosted by Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 963-6765, artsforeveryone.com.

The Gathering at Macktown

April 25-26, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. to 2 p.m. Step back in time to the early 1800s when Stephen Mack and Hononegah built a settlement along the Rock River. Re-enactors in period dress introduce you to life, fun and common trades. Macktown Living History Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 624-4200, macktownlivinghistory.org.

The Temptations & The Four Tops

May 1, 8 p.m. Celebrating The Temptations’ hit song “My Girl,” the legendary band teams up with fellow icons for an anniversary tour. Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (779) 269-9010, casino.hardrock.com.

Amy Grant

May 1, 8 p.m. From her roots in gospel to her iconic pop songs, Grant continues to leave her mark on multiple musical genres. Coronado

Entertainment & Events

Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, coronado.rockfordlive.com.

A River Runs Through It Tranquility Walk

May 8, 6:30-8:15 p.m. Celebrate the Earth’s “blood flow,” the rivers and streams that bring life to plants, animals and people. Clarcor Pavilion, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

RSO: America 250

May 9, 7:30 p.m. The jubilant celebration honors the nation’s 250th anniversary. Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. ❚