Smart Living Weekly March 13, 2019

iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • March 13, 2019

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Right in Our Region

Find a Friend at Noah’s Ark

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Prevent Water Damage Some Tasty Italian Recipes Conference Topic: Human Trafficking Understand & Improve Your Credit Score Making Friends with Your Garbage Disposal

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Noah’s Ark Expands Pet Programs Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 Befriending Your Garbage Disposal; Preventing Water Damage Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Pouring Our Hearts Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty Italian Flavors Your Outing ............................................. ....20, 22 Spring Stop ‘n Shop; Grace Preschool Gala Your Health ..................................................21, 23 New Invisible Braces; Perinatal Conference Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Grill Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Understand and Improve Your Credit

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia 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, Anthony Franklin 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 2019 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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March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Missing Quincy A

s I write, my husband Gary and I are grieving the premature death of Quincy, our much-loved vizsla dog. At just 4 years old, our goofy, joyous pup was transformed by leukemia into a listless old man. It was hard to watch. We miss stroking his silky ears, laughing at his “happy dance” and feeling his warmth between us on the sofa each evening. Vizslas are known as “Velcro dogs” for good reason – they stick very close to their owners.

And so it goes with pets. They capture our hearts and leave us too soon – in this case, way too soon. Neither pets nor people come with guarantees that they’ll be here tomorrow, but we risk loving them anyway because love is worth it.

Quincy leaves behind his brother, Brody, who wanders our house looking lost. The pair loved play-growling and wrestling each morning, racing through the house before collapsing into naps, curling up side-by-side like 65-lb. cinnamon rolls. Brody has lost his brother and fitness trainer. Like us, he’ll find his new normal, but it’s rough.

Even our no-nonsense cat, Daphne, who rules the house with an iron paw, seems to miss Quincy. On his last day of life, she gently licked his head in a mysterious display of creature empathy. She knew.

I grew up as a cat lover who only dabbled in dogs via relatives. I wasn’t a serious dog owner until I married Gary, who is an animal whisperer. He taught me there are rarely bad dogs, only bad owners. We’re rewarded exponentially for every effort we put into training and caring for dogs properly. As with most relationships, we reap what we sow.

It’s entirely coincidental for me that this week’s cover story is about pets. If you’re thinking about sharing your life with one, and I hope you are, visit the folks at Noah’s Ark to learn what’s required of a pet parent and how to make a good match.

Poets say it’s “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” and, even as I grieve Quincy, I couldn’t agree more. Daring to love is worth it.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com

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March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Stay Friends With Your Garbage Disposal

By Peggy Werner

A

garbage disposal is a great household helper, but you have to treat it well to avoid expensive repairs.

Garbage disposals are for leftover food scraps; they’re not meant to be used as garbage cans.

“The biggest mistake we see people making is putting too much food down the disposal at one time,” says Don Howe, licensed plumber and certified technician with Pearson, 2415 20th St., Rockford.

“The food is ground up, but it gets clogged in the trap and causes a blockage.”

If you have a disposal, use it regularly to prevent rust build-up and corrosion, but use it correctly, he says. “Always run cold water while grinding up food. This will cause grease and oil to solidify and be cut up before leaving the trap. After running the disposal, leave water running for about a minute to wash away any remaining particles,” Howe says.

It’s OK to grind up egg shells, small

fruit pits and small chicken and fish bones; in fact this actually helps to clean the sides of the disposal. Once or twice a month, grind up some ice to help keep the blades sharp.

Regularly putting citrus peels through a disposal will help it to smell fresh. For stubborn odors, put baking soda into the drain and let it sit for several hours before running water and the disposal.

Much of the time, when a garbage disposal doesn’t work, it just needs to be reset. Most disposals have a red or black reset button. If pushing that button doesn’t fix the disposal, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Most disposals also have a hand crank that may be used to free up a stuck mechanism.

Howe says there are some major menaces to avoid. Don’t pour oil and grease down a disposal. It will congeal into solid fat matter, clogging your pipes and wreaking havoc on your plumbing.

Instead, pour hot fat into a coffee can, let it sit overnight and throw it away.

Extremely fibrous food scraps like banana peels, celery and other stringy vegetables can tangle and jam the garbage disposal, possibly burning out the motor, says Howe. And, starch from potato peels, pasta and rice can turn into a thick paste and jam the disposal.

Coffee grounds can cause the buildup of a sediment-like material.

Large fruit pits and bones create too much stress for the average garbage disposal system. ■ Learn more by calling (815) 3988312 or visit PearsonGuy.com.

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I  W

Pouring Our Souls

I

t’s a fact of human nature that we most yearn for God during times of personal hardship. We long to hear His voice when we’re grief-stricken, sick, imprisoned or otherwise in a position of weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” we read in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

God’s strength is “made perfect” in those times because we allow ourselves to accept it – even to yearn for it.

Conversely, it’s all too easy to forget about God when our lives are going well.

We may give Him lip service or keep up appearances, but the heart-to-heart yearning for connection is absent and we cut ourselves off from His spiritual guidance.

In these good times, we may delude ourselves into thinking we’re self-sufficient and may even feel prideful about our good situation. We may forget the good things God has already done for us, just as Israel did over and over again, as told in the Old Testament. Too, we may give in to the taunts of those who live life without God and urge us to do the same.

Psalm 42 expresses the yearning for God that should fill us in good times and bad. Our connection to God is not an emotion, but a fact of living, like air and water.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? “My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’ “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, And from the heights of Hermon ... The Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me – A prayer to the God of my life.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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March 6 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Italian-Inspired Dishes I

n honor of Italian heritage, light up the dinner table with sophisticated, traditional Italian recipes like these from Carapelli Olive Oil.

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Olive Oil Agrodolce Servings: 4 Roasted Mushrooms: 2 lbs. Portobello mushrooms 1/2 C extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp. fresh sage, minced 2 tsp. fresh rosemary, minced Salt & pepper to taste Agrodolce: 1/2 C red wine vinegar 2 TBs honey Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oi

Mushrooms: Clean and cut large mushroom caps in half. then toss with olive oil, sage and rosemary. Marinate 1 hour. Heat oven to 400 F. Spread marinated mushrooms on parchmentlined baking sheets in single layer.

Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

Roast 30 minutes until crisped and golden brown at edges.

Agrodulce: Over medium-low heat, bring vinegar and honey to simmer, until honey dissolves. Simmer 15-20 minutes until vinegar is reduced and syrupy.

Drizzle mushrooms with Agrodolce and olive oil.

Rustic Tuscan Potato Leek Soup with Olive Oil Pesto

Servings: 6 3 medium-large leeks 2 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 large chopped garlic clove] 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 2-inch cubes 6 C chicken or vegetable broth Pesto: 1 packed cup fresh basil 1 packed cup flat-leaf parsley 1 chopped garlic clove 3 TB pine nuts or walnuts 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 C extra virgin olive Oil

Y K

Slice tender white and light green leek stems in half then soak in cold water 10-15 minutes to remove dirt. Sice into thick half-moons. In large stockpot over medium-low heat, heat olive oil. Add leeks, garlic and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft, about 10 minutes.

Add potatoes and broth. Cover and increase heat to medium. Bring soup to simmer then uncover and continue cooking 30 minutes.

Using immersion blender, puree soup.

Pesto: In food processor, pulse basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts, salt and olive oil to make chunky herb sauce.

To serve, ladle soup into bowls and spoon Pesto on top of each serving. ❚ (Family Features)

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R  O R

Noah’s Ark Expands Services for Pets

By Peggy Werner oah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N. 1st St., has a vision that reaches far beyond its organization. It’s involving local residents in pet overpopulation reduction efforts and teaching people to become better pet owners. It’s also recruiting volunteers to free up staff for expanding shelter programs.

Noah’s Ark recently teamed up with PAWS of Rockford to offer the community a Trap, Neuter/Spay and Return (TNR) program in response to Winnebago County Animal Services’ decision last year to stop accepting live trapped feral cats. The county still accepts strays in cat carriers, as well as owner surrenders by appointment.

Stephanie Lauer, executive director of Noah’s Ark, says PAWS provides traps and advice for trapping cats and Noah’s Ark provides the services of neutering or

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spaying and vaccinating feral or barn cats before returning them to the outdoors.

The “Return to Field” program began Feb. 23 and is specifically for outdoor cats that are not adoptable as pets.

The program helps to curb the cat population and the spread of disease, Lauer says.

“We’ve teamed up just in time for the spring kitten season, which began mid-February and will continue through June, when hundreds of kittens will be born before a brief slowdown until more births in the fall,” she says.

Feral cats are conditioned from birth to live outdoors because their mothers teach them how to hunt and their coat and body composition changes with the seasons. TNR is a humane approach to addressing a community’s cat overpopulation. It improves the lives of cats, addresses community concerns and complaints

March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

about cats, and reduces breeding cycles and disease.

Cats who have been through the program have their ears “tipped,” a cut made on the ear while the cat is under an anesthetic. The healed cut signifies to people that the cat is a stray, but has been altered.

There’s also an expanding program at Noah’s Ark to help animals find forever homes.

Noah’s Ark recently announced an expansion of its foster care program through its Facebook page and website, noahsarkanimals.org. Individuals can foster a cat, kitten, puppy or dog until the animal is old enough to be adopted or there is room in the shelter.

“The more foster parents we have, the more animals we can help,” says Lauer. “It’s always our goal to help the most animals we can.”

R  O R

Volunteers help the staff to be more available for growing shelter services.

They’re asked to work at least four to six hours a month. Volunteers clean litter boxes and cages, feed the animals and monitor their behavior for any changes.

They also play with and cuddle animals to help them socialize.

Shelters would have an easier job if pet owners were better trained.

Too often, people impulsively adopt an animal without realizing what a big responsibility it is to properly care for a pet, Lauer says.

People need to be emotionally and financially prepared to care for an animal, have valid reasons for wanting to own a pet, understand the traits of the breed they are adopting, and be willing to commit to the pet’s wellbeing for a lifetime.

“Pets become part of your life, part of your home and family, and they need to be treated with the same love and respect as anyone else in the home,” she says.

There are legitimate reasons why people surrender animals, such as when allergies develop, an owner becomes too sick to care for the pet or some other lifechanging situation occurs.

But all too often, people just don’t accept the responsibility of pet ownership and give up too easily, Lauer has observed.

An all-too-common scenario is when someone impulsively buys a “cute” little puppy, fails to train it properly and then can’t control the destructive dog it becomes.

“All dogs need training,” says Lauer. “There is not one puppy ever born that doesn’t need training. A lot of aggression issues with dogs are the result of puppy issues that were never dealt with and corrected.”

As a result, people become afraid and may neglect or abandon their pet. Or, they may euthanize a dog because it has become too aggressive.

There’s no excuse to own a pet and not properly care for it.

Agencies like Noah’s Ark, PAWS, Mending Hearts, Care for Pets and many other shelters will help owners to train dogs. They’ll also provide tips for helping a pet acclimate to a new home. Pet food pantries, spay, neuter and other medical services are available for people with low incomes. And Winnebago County Animal Services has a list of petfriendly landlords.

“If you can’t take care of a pet, don’t get one,” says Lauer. “But if you do get a pet, we can help you to keep it.” ❚

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You Deserve Brad’s Unsurpassed Service Brad Zimmerman, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Brad’s Customers Have to Say: Brad Zimmerman was a fantastic realtor when my Dad bought the house 26 yrs ago and his outstanding service and knowledge helped us with selling the house recently. We had 6 viewings

within the first 44 hours of the listing and an offer at the 48th hour that we happily accepted! Thank you Brad Zimmerman. See you next listing!

Lisa Brand 815-985-2830 • bzimmerman@gogambino.

See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/bzimmerman

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March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

How to Prevent Indoor Water Damage

By Peggy Werner

W

ater can be soothing, romantic and mesmerizing. Left to its own devices, however, it can be destructive and even deadly.

A few preventative steps can help you to avoid unwelcome surprises, damage, and expense.

“People going away on vacation, whether for days or months, should turn off the water to their whole house,” says Chris Picot, general manager of Flood Pros, 11137 Bertram Road in Rockford.

“People don’t always think to do that, but it only takes a couple hours to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage because of water.”

Frozen pipes, worn-out appliances, and leaks or breaks in water lines, roofs and windows can all lead to water damage.

Picot also suggests having a plumb-

er change out water supply lines from plastic ones to rubber hoses encased in braided stainless steel, which prevents flexing. Plastic ice maker water lines can be changed to copper. Copper water lines leading to the outside in unheated areas of the home should be shut off in the winter. Water lines in exterior walls should be well insulated.

Flood Pros has been in business since 1992 and works around the clock to respond to water problems quickly. A water damage specialist explains to customers the process of water damage restoration and helps with processing an insurance claim, if needed.

The company has state-of-the-art equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to determine the source of water damage. It also uses high-powered dehumidifiers and large

air movers to reduce drying time to three days or less, in most cases. By recording data on each damaged area, Flood Pros can determine what progress is being made. Totally drying an area eliminates mold or other pathogenic growths from developing.

For more information, visit floodpros.net or call the Rockford office at (815) 398-2379. The Janesville location is at 2811 Milton Ave. and its phone number is (608) 756-9300. ❚

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Y O

Calling All Vendors: April Stop & Shop Slated

By Peggy Werner

E

vents by Jodi will host its 9th annual Spring Stop and Shop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Tebala Shriners, 7910 Newburg Road. Any vendors interested in participating can learn more at eventsbyjodi.com.

More than 70 vendors will sell a variety of crafts and other gift items including jewelry, home décor, candles, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, bath bombs, apparel and children’s books.

“I’m hoping people will come to the event with family and friends and have a fun-filled shopping day, where they’ll be able to find just what they need for Easter and Mother’s Day gifts,” says Jodi Dandridge, event planner.

Valencia Riley of Janesville, Wis., is among the vendors. She started a business two years ago featuring homemade body butter, beard oil, body sprays, sugar scrubs, bath salts and room sprays. Her

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business, The Sophisticated Lady, was inspired out of her own need to find relief for extremely dry skin.

“I just learned by trial and error what worked for me and my Mom suggested I go into business to help others, too,” she says.

Her main product is a whipped body butter made from shea butter, mango, and kuki (Hawaiian butter). She describes it as a thick, rich protective barrier for the skin that’s also lightweight and nongreasy.

Riley says events organized by Events by Jodi have given her business a big boost.

“Jodi gets a lot of traffic at her events and handles it all very well. She’s extremely well organized, has a great personality and knows what she’s doing,” says Riley.

Dandridge says she started her busi-

March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

ness in 2010 because she was aware of the many talented small business owners in the area and wanted to show her support for them.

Upcoming shows include “Christmas in July,” on July 13, in Moss Hall, at the Pecatonica Fairgrounds and “One Stop Christmas Shop,” Nov. 16 at Tebala.

Any vendors interested in participating in a craft show can email Dandridge at Jodidandridge@yahoo.com or go to eventsbyjodi.com. ❚

Y H

Clear Aligners Offer Alternative to Braces B y To n i R o c h a ntil relatively recently, just the word “braces” was enough to make people frown. Now clear aligners are an innovative way to realign teeth gently and flexibly while keeping smiles on patient faces.

In its clinic at 5051 E. State St. in Rockford, Orthodontic Experts is one of the leading Midwest providers of Invisalign and similar products. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, owner of the Rockford location and nearly a dozen locations in the Chicago area and Colorado, says the clear aligner advantage is, well, clear.

“They are more esthetic and comfortable than metal braces,” Yarmolyuk says.

“Patients used to need adjustments every six to eight weeks, but now they change trays every week, slowly easing teeth into proper position. Patients are given 12 to

U

16 trays so the number of appointments are reduced.”

Patients can remove clear aligners to eat, floss and brush their teeth, which helps to keep their mouths hygienically cleaner.

And the more gradual correction causes less discomfort than traditional metallic braces. Yarmolyuk says it takes six months to a year or more for the process to be completed, depending on how much alignment is necessary.

“Plus there are no dietary restrictions,” he adds. “They can eat anything they want because their braces are removed for meals.”

Other benefits of this new alignment system include compatibility for patients with less than perfect oral hygiene or a higher risk of dental decay. Appointments are shorter and less frequent, giving pa-

tients more scheduling flexibility. Also, Yarmolyuk says patients involved in active sports can remove their aligners during practice and games.

For more information about clear aligners or other orthodontic needs, call Orthodontic Experts at (815) 918-4427 or visit orhodonticexperts.com. ❚

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Y O

Preschool Celebrates 75th with March 23 Gala I

n 1944, three years before Loves Park officially became a city, Grace Lutheran Church opened Grace Preschool to serve the many families moving to the area during and after World War II. The preschool fast became a community fixture that still serves families today.

Grace Preschool invites the public to its 75th anniversary celebration for a night of music, dinner and festivities on March 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church, 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park. Tickets cost $20 and childcare is available for $5 per child.

All funds will go toward school improvement to help Grace Preschool thrive for the next 75 years.

A hearty lasagna dinner will be served and alumni will perform. There will be opportunities to win gift baskets and to catch up with Grace Preschool alumni past and present.

This year, the preschool serves 110

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students and their families. Through the decades, many thousands of students have been taught that they’re “loved and are capable of doing great things.” It’s a message that hasn’t changed for 75 years, although most everything else in Loves Park has changed.

According to the 1950 U.S. Census, about 5,400 Loves Park residents had a median income of about $4,000 per year, when Grace Preschool was in its early years. There were just five TV sets in Loves Park in 1950.

Today, about 23,000 people live in Loves Park and 88 percent of households have a computer. The median household income is about $52,000.

Although Loves Park didn’t officially incorporate until 1947, families lived in the area since the 1920s. The community is named for Malcolm and Rose Love, who purchased a large tract of riverfront farmland there in 1901 and devel-

March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

oped it into a private park.

The first Grace Lutheran Church building was dedicated on Christmas day in 1924, at its present location on 2.5 acres of land between Grand Avenue and River Lane. When Grace Preschool opened in 1944, under the leadership of the Rev. Will T. Chell, it played a key role in community development by introducing new community members to Loves Park. ❚

Y H

Human Trafficking Among Conference Topics

M

ercyhealth will host the 5th Annual Northern Illinois Perinatal, Neonatal and Pediatric Conference Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford.

This maternal child conference is

suited for the continuing education of perinatal nurses, pediatric nurses, neonatal intensive care nurses and social workers.

Keynote speakers include:

April 8 • Mark Yarbrough,“Suffer from Burnout? Give ‘em the F.I.N.G.E.R!” • Jimmie Getter, “Human Trafficking,” Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling

April 9 • Tamela Milan, “A Mother’s Story: Her Journey to Becoming a Community Advocate” • Pat Halverson, “SelfCare: Why it Matters” • Lisa Stravinskas “Nursing Today: Navigating Through the Social Media Storm”

Among Topics Covered

• Perinatal: New Labor Induction Ideas; Obesity’s Impact on Mom and Fetus; Cesarean Birth Complications • Neonatal: Meconium Aspiration; Antibiotic Stewardship; Feeding Intolerance; Evacuation; Post-Delivery Stabilization • Pediatric: Influenza Vaccine; Arrhythmias; Type 1 Diabetes; Human Trafficking; Palliative Care To register, please visit MercyHealthSystem.Org/MaternalChildConference. Registration for one day is $85 with both days costing $150.

Mercyhealth is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the America Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commision on Accreditation. (OBN-001-91) 219-2021. ❚

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March 13

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

FAM: ‘I am American’ Now thru April 15, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Immigrants and Native Americans explore the meaning of being Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com American. Freeport Art Museum, (815) 1259755, freeportartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

AE: 'Silent Sky' Thru March 17, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In 1905, the inspiring story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a woman who literally changed the way we see the universe. AE, Rockford U., Cheek Theatre, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

James Lee Stanley March 15, 7 p.m. Singer-songwriter Stanley combines creativity and finely crafted lyrics with a quick wit. In conjunction with Rockford Urban Ministry. (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Comedy on Main March 15, 8 p.m. A night of laughs with nationally acclaimed and up-and-coming comedians.

Brian Hicks entertains. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

2019 St. Patrick's Day Parade and PaddyFest March 16, parade 3 p.m., PaddyFest 4-8 p.m, in downtown Rockford and at Prairie Street Brewhouse, presented by the Irish Marching Society. There will be a special limited menu with Irish dishes and drinks, live music.

'The Sound of Music' comes to the Coronado on March 26.

Paula Cole March 23, 7:30 p.m. Cole performs from the anthology of her original work, created over 20 years. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Rockford Laugh-A-Thon March 23, 7:30 p.m. With Corey Holcomb, Don “DC” Curry, D.C. Young Fly, Comedian J.J. and T-Dot. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Blackberry Smoke March 24, 7:30 p.m. The Southern Rock band entertains with its “Break It Down Tour,” its first-ever acoustic tour. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Trinadora’s Celtic Frolic March 16, doors open at 6 p.m., concert 7-9 p.m. Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm sing and play keyboard, guitar, ocarina, harmonica and jazz. Pizza and snacks. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

‘The Sound of Music’ March 26, 7:30 p.m. Rogers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp family. Score includes “My Favorite Things,” "Edelweiss” and “The Sound of Music.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

WWE: Road to Wrestlemania March 18, 7:30 p.m.

Featuring WWE superstars, including AJ Styles vs Randy Orton and Charlotte Flair vs Smackdown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers March 29, 8 p.m. With their signature “bagrock,” this nine-piece ensemble, consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboardists and drummers, entertains with a fusion of rock anthems and tunes from Scotland.

Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

[usual]Suspects Reads…Clue March 23, 6-10 p.m. The theater company tackles the screenplay for the 1985 film “Clue” as seven guests, a butler and a maid are invited to a dinner party with murders. Nordlof Center. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

One Night of Queen March 30, 8 p.m. Gary Mullen and The Works re-create the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of the iconic rock band. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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WDL

Baci’s Kitchen Serves Up Tasty Fare

By Peggy Werner

I

n his second year of owning Baci’s Kitchen, Nikko Castrogiovanni sees his business as constantly evolving to give people what they want from his full -service, all-day offerings of Italian and American cuisine. These include many health-conscious and vegetarian options.

“We offer great customer service, fresh foods and a great atmosphere,” he says. “People are pleasantly surprised when they come here and they make plans to return. And many people are still trying us out for the first time.”

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. It offers carryout, catering, delivery and full table service, with reservations highly encouraged. It also has a private gaming corner, a sit-down bar, daily specials and live music most Fridays and Saturdays.

Among favorite items on the menu

are 10 oz. burgers, such as a mushroom burger with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms and bacon; the avocado burger topped with lettuce, tomato, black beans, avocado, American cheese and onion; and the Baci Blue, with bleu cheese, bacon and purple onion.

Also beloved is Baci’s Mac and Cheese, made with corkscrew pasta that’s baked and lightly topped with panko crumbs. There are many options, like Alfredo Mac and Cheese with shrimp, peppers and broccoli.

For breakfast, waffles, omelets, skillets and ala carte items are available as well as breakfast pizza starting at $14 in three sizes, made with scrambled eggs and a choice of sauces, cheeses, toppings and meat. There are also breakfast bowls like Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey or sweet potato and egg with avocado and kale. Costs range from $4.50 to $8.

Lunch/dinner options include sandwiches, soups, panini, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet for $22 or lasagna for $14.95.

Among Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls is the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamane and shredded carrots for $14.

Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon.Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Learn more at baciskitchen.com. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Capital House  Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$.

Olympic Tavern  Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)

Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

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March 13

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms.

There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage.

Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon.

Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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March 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Understand & Improve Your Credit Score

By Peggy Werner

Y

our credit score is a reflection of how consistent and reliable you’ve been at borrowing money and paying it back on time.

“The main things that show up on your credit report are car loans, mortgages, personal loans, and credit card use,” says Matt Lynch, director of marketing at MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road.

If you get far enough behind in paying bills or fines, or if you file bankruptcy or have tax liens or judgments against you, those things will lower your score.

“Knowing what affects your credit score is important because if you have a problem, you will know how to fix it.

Having a better score means you’re able to get new loans at much better interest rates,” Lynch explains.

About 35 percent of your score is based on your payment history. About

30 percent is based on credit utilization, which is the total of what you owe compared to the total credit limit you have on revolving credit. Revolving credit mainly means credit cards, but may also include home equity or personal lines of credit.

“Using more than 25 percent of the total credit available to you can have a negative impact on your credit score,” he says. “The best way to have credit cards work for you is to use them, but pay off the balance each month or keep the balance as low as possible.”

Your length of credit history accounts for 15 percent of the score, while types of credit and new credit each account for 10 percent. That’s why it’s important not to apply for several forms of credit at once.

Lynch recommends getting a free copy of your credit report yearly from annualcreditreport.com. You can also request it from each credit bureau individually.

A perfect credit score is 850. The upper 700s is considered excellent and qualifies you for the best interest rates.

Scores in the upper 600s are viewed as favorable to above average. If your score is below 600, your chance of being approved for a loan decreases and interest rates increase. At 550 or lower, repair needs to be done.

Regardless of what your credit score is now, don’t lose hope. Just a few simple actions will help.

Learn more at membersalliance.org or at any MembersAlliance Credit Union location. ❚

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March 6 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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