Smart Living Weekly February 14, 2018

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Feb. 14, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Rockford Home Show Inspires Spring Projects See Page 16

Grow Your Own Microgreens Advance Your Education Prevent Leaks from Ice Dams Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

FREE WIN!

$25 Gift Card from Arch

See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 10

3

Experience Downtown Rockford

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 38th Annual Rockford Home Show Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Beware Ice Dams!

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Love & Courage Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Sweetheart Cookies Your Technology ...............................................19 It’s Easy to Save Money on Tech Bills Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Growing Nutritious Microgreens Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Education ........................................ ......... 29 How to Advance Your Education Locally

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, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes 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 2017 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.

6

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

KIDS & PARKING FREE!

Ice Be Dammed!

I’m amazed at how often the information in Smart Living Weekly comes in handy during my day-to-day life.

As I write this, two brave guys from Lask Roofing are high up on ladders chipping ice out of a gutter at my late parents’ home. My kids rent that house these days and one of them awoke on Saturday to a stream of ice water dripping on his head through the plaster ceiling.

Ice dams are aptly named because they’re “enough to make a preacher swear,” as Mom would have said. My folks built the house in 1940 and it’s “exceptionally sturdy,” a home inspector recently told me, but the insulation long ago sank inside the walls. It therefore releases too much heated air, which melts snow, which re-freezes into ever-higher ice dams in the gutters and forces water to back up and drain inside the house rather than out. Months like this one, with fluctuating temps and lots of snow, exacerbate the problem.

I wouldn’t understand ice dams if I didn’t edit Smart Living, but in this case understanding was insufficient. It would have been better if I’d insulated the house properly before my firstborn got his icy awakening.

There’s also something called a heat cable that can be installed in problemprone gutters. It creates enough heat to keep a small ravine flowing.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, they say, and it’s true. How much do smoke detectors and grounded outlets cost compared to a fire? How much less expensive is an annual furnace checkup than a preventable HVAC problem that festers? How much better is it to grind tree roots out of home sewer lines occasionally than to wait for a smelly backup in the basement (which always happens on a night you’re entertaining.)

We love our homes but they do require care and updates. If you have questions about your home, you might want to attend the Rockford Home Show this weekend.

Learn more about it in our cover article and have a great week! ❚

February 23-24-25

FRI. 3PM-8PM, SAT. 10AM-7PM, SUN. 11AM-5PM

INDOOR SPORTS CENTER AT MERCYHEALTH SPORTSCORE TWO, 8 8 0 0 E . R I V E R S I D E B LV D .

IMPROVE, REMODEL & BEAUTIFY THE HOME & YARD!

LANDSCAPE/YARD DESIGN, DECKS, DECORATING, WINDOWS, KITCHENS, ROOFS, BATHROOMS, WATER GARDENS, SIDING, WATER TREATMENT, GUTTERS, FLOORING & MORE!

BRING THE KIDS! ARE FREE...

ALL KIDS ACTIVITIES

ANIMAL SHOWS KIDS GARDENING PROJECTS,

WITH MS. TWISTY PANTS

FUN & EDUCATIONAL

Auction &

239-1436

FREE ANTIQUE APPRAISALS

SUN. 1:30-3:30

VISITORS BRING IN ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, COINS, TOYS OR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!

-DISPLAY FLOWERS ON SALE 2PM, SUN.

FACE PAINTING & JUMPY HOUSE!

MORE INFO: 815-871-7469

es, Inc. (815)

Realty Servic

ANTIQUE ROAD SHOW!

-LANDSCAPED EXHITBITS, WATERFALL & BEAUTIFUL FLORAL!

WWW.SHOWTIMEPRODUCTION.NET

Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

7

8

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

9

40-60

%

OFF

Floor Samples Store-Wide!

ALL Furniture %

35-40

OFF!

One Time Only Discounts in EVERY Department!

Savings Throughout the Entire Store!

Select CLEARANCE Units up to

40% OFF!!

12 Months Interest FREE Financing Available

% 40 ALL

OFF!

Flooring!

Flooring

Fireplaces

Carpet, Tile & Hardwood!

Over 200

CLEARANCE Fixtures up to

60% OFF!!

Kitchens, Baths & Granite

Lighting

Over

1,000

Fixtures On Display

Visit our web site (lighting dept.), to view all 65,000 lighting fixtures available!

1100 Eleventh Street (just south of Charles) • Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000

Visit our Café serving 815-227-2000 • Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays Breakfast and LunchLiving Weekly To online advertise call 815-316-2300 Visit at: www.bensonstone.com Smart Feb. 14 us 10

Y H  G

Prevent Ice Dams from Causing Leaks I

f snow and ice is not cleared from your roof, you could struggle with leaks in your home, says Toby Lask, executive vice president of Lask Roofing & Siding, 1101 22nd St., Rockford. The company offers assistance and advice on roofing needs year-round and recently added inhouse financing options for customers.

Ice dams form when water freezes in the eaves of your roof, preventing drainage. If left untreated, ice dams will continue to build up, blocking water and causing it to back up and leak into your house through walls, windows or a ceiling. Cleared gutters allow rainwater and melting snow to drain properly.

“After a snowfall, try to use a roof rake to pull down snow along gutter edges to help water flow and help prevent ice damming,” Lask says. “Also, chop or chisel thicker ice dams to create drain

trenches along valley bottoms and gutter edges to help allow air flow.”

Ice dams may be removed by spreading roof friendly salt along the ice dams, Lask says, but be sure to choose the right ones. “Lots of ice-melt salts on the market today are not roof friendly. Be sure to check prior to applying the salt.”

Homeowners should remove leaves, sticks and other debris from valleys, gutters and downspouts before the first snowfall, but should use extreme caution.

Never climb a ladder to reach a roof if you feel unsafe doing so.

“There are many dangers and risks involved in roofing and winter weather,” Lask says. “Personal safety is most important. Always seek a professional opinion prior to attempting any roof services.”

There are things that can be done to prevent such situations.

“Have a professional roofing contractor install a high-grade, self-regulating heat cable along sections of your home to help reduce build-up of ice and snow,” Lask suggests. “A roofing contractor also can install a gutter protection system that helps to prevent the buildup.”

Properly insulating your home also helps, since heat escaping from your home can cause the snow to melt and refreeze into ice dams. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

11

I  W

Love & Courage W

e live in a time of increasing bitterness and ugly behavior. Dissension sown among Americans by our enemies is taking a toll. “How can they be so blind?” one side cries indignantly. The other side responds with equal self-righteousness. Crass language, dehumanizing rhetoric and disregard for basic decency poison the air.

At these times, and at all times, we Christians must search our souls to ask whether our thoughts and behaviors are conforming to the mind of Christ. There’s a constant barrage of chatter from those who wish to control our thinking; it’s up to us to turn down the noise and listen with humility to God’s still, small voice within us, one on One. Quietly. Prayerfully.

Opening the Bible is a good place to start because Jesus Christ has already told us what to value. He tells us the first commandment is to love God with all of our strength; the second is to love other people as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:36). His commandments have nothing to do with self-righteousness and everything to do with loving God and loving other people.

But what is love?

“Love is patient, love is kind,” Paul writes in Corinthians 13. “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

When we see or do behavior that is boastful and proud, it’s not of God. When we see behavior that belittles others and glorifies self, it’s wrong. When we see behavior that keeps score and exacts revenge, this can’t be the way of Jesus Christ.

When we hear statements made in vindictive anger, or see those who delight in pointing fingers, we shouldn’t follow them. We’re followers of Jesus Christ. When people sow chaos in order to obscure truth, we should be wary of their motives and pray to keep our own inner peace. Confusion is not of God. Love doesn’t throw people under the bus to save self – love risks all to protect others.

Love is not paranoid; love freely makes itself vulnerable, confident that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Love always trusts that love will win out in the end.

May we conform our thoughts to the mind of Jesus Christ who gives us eyes to see truth and the courage to act upon it. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day with Cookies V alentine’s Day is a time for building memories and connections to show the special people in your life you care.

With so many options for gifts and little ways to show how you feel, it’s hard to decide where to start ... and why limit the fun? This year, start a new tradition by creating a basket full of treats and fun activities your whole family will love.

Pull together a fun basket of goodies with different ingredients for a delicious baked good you can make together. Need inspiration? Hershey’s has partnered with Betty Crocker to create fun recipes such as these “Sweetheart Cookies,” perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Sweetheart Cookies Main Ingredients:

• 1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix (Butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch) • 2 Tb. Gold Medal all-purpose flour

• 3 Tb. white sparkling sugar or granulated sugar • 3 Tb. coarse pink sparkling sugar or pink decorator sugar • 1 Tb. instant coffee powder or granules • About 36 Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate Candies, unwrapped • About 36 Hershey’s Hugs Candies, unwrapped

Directions: Make cookie dough as directed on package, stirring in flour. Roll dough into 36 (1-inch) balls.

Combine sugars and coffee powder in small bowl. Roll balls in sugar-coffee mixture.

Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375°F 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Immediately press one Hershey’s Hugs Candy into center of each cookie.

Allow to stand about 5 minutes until

soft; press lightly. Top melted candy with chocolate candy.

If desired, reverse the candies on the cookies. Cool; place on cooling racks.

Cool completely. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Source: Brandpoint

Feb. 14

15

R  O R

Spring Begins at Rockford Home Show

By Janine Pumilia

A

re you ready to think about spring and all the potential it holds?

Now in its 38th year, the Rockford Home Show will take place Feb. 23-25 at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Last year’s show was so popular that it sold out.

“This is a great way to get into the mood for spring projects and to get a jump on planning for them,” says Andrea Nichols-Costello, show coordinator. “It’s also just a fun family event with a lot to do and see for all ages.”

Whether you’re planning to improve your home or buy a new one, a visit to this show can spark hundreds of ideas in a hands-on environment where experts from 200 local companies are under one roof to answer your questions.

“This an efficient way for people

16

Smart Living Weekly

to learn what’s new in siding, windows, doors, roofing, landscaping, hardscaping, flooring, new kitchen countertops and much, much more,” says Nichols-Costello. “You’ll be able to set up appointments for quotes and get your spring ‘to do’ list rolling.”

Two major feature exhibitions will inspire ideas on how to extend your living space to the outdoors.

The “Ultimate Backyard Paradise” will showcase waterfalls, a pond and a bubbling vase created by Tim Siegner of Natural Water Gardens, Freeport.

All-new this year is the “Secret Garden,” an exhibit from the Landscape

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Connection and Image Pro Landscaping of Rockford.

“It seems that everyone these days is interested in making outdoor spaces more enjoyable,” says Nichols-Costello.

“Patios, outdoor kitchens, firepits, water features, various kinds of landscaping and plants are among the things you

Children will enjoy the Animal Express show.

R  O R

It’s not often that you can speak with more than 200 home experts in one weekend.

can learn a lot about, very quickly, at the home show.”

Cooking demonstrations will also be part of the 38th annual event.

Children will enjoy the Rockford Home Show, too. They can join Ms. Twisty Pants, featured on the Cartoon Network, for some free and fun balloontwisting lessons and take their project home with them.

All ages will enjoy Animal Express, a hands-on exotic animal show. Where

else can you see a fox up close or hold a tarantula?

Children also can take part in takehome gardening project sessions hosted by the Landscape Connection. They’ll enjoy a bouncy house and face painting, too. All of these kid-friendly attractions are included with admission and happen multiple times throughout the show. Find a complete schedule on the website.

Adults also will enjoy special attractions, like the chance to get items

appraised at no charge by the professionals from Hacks Auction and Antiques on Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring in antiques, collectibles, coins, toys – or whatever – and find out how much they’re worth. Who knows, maybe you can afford that new kitchen after all!

Those attending the show on Sunday afternoon will be able to take home a piece of spring, as flowers in the garden exhibits will be sold at bargain prices starting at 2 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults; children 12 and under attend free. Find discount coupons at area McDonalds.

Parking is free. Show hours are 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25.

The Rockford Home Show is sponsored by Showtime Productions of Milwaukee.

Learn more at Showtimeproduction. net/home-show/. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

17

18

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

It’s ‘Not that Hard’ to Pay Less for Tech

By Peggy Werner

A

customer walks into EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, and within a few minutes leaves happier than when he came in, after finding out how to pay less for internet, phone and television services.

During the customer’s visit, EZ Satellite and Wireless Owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano asks him questions about the number of televisions in his home, his favorite channels, whether he enjoys streaming and recording, how many phones he has and if he needs high-speed internet.

Zambrano’s goal is to help every customer save money.

“Most customers are paying too much, up to $250 for phone, television and internet. I can save them $50 to $100 per month. With every customer, I can offer them the best each company has to offer,” he says.

“A lot of people are not happy with their tech services, but they’re afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research to find a better deal. It’s not that hard to get a better deal and start saving money,” he says.

Zambrano’s business has doubled since he moved it to the Loves Park location from Roscoe two years ago. Although he plans to open a second store in the future, a more immediate goal is to start selling, installing and servicing security cameras and surveillance systems within the next few months.

What sets his business apart from others, he says, is personal attention, good customer service and honesty.

“I make sure the customers know exactly what they are getting and that they are not paying for services they don’t want or need,” he says.

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Protect America.

Learn more by calling EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or by visiting the office.❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

19

20

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H

How to Grow Nutritious Microgreens

By Melinda Myers ew things contribute to good health as much as fresh, nutritious foods do, but eating well is more challenging during winter months. Consider growing your own microgreens to dress up your salads, sandwiches and snacks.

These mini sprouts are easy to grow, ready to harvest in less than two weeks and require no special equipment.

Simply purchase seeds labeled for microgreen growing or organic sprouts such as sunflowers, kale, radish or cilantro. These are meant for this purpose and have not been treated with harmful chemicals.

Radish microgreens add a bit of zip to salads and sandwiches. Cilantro microgreens have a milder taste than leaves harvested from a mature cilantro plant.

Kids of all ages love sunflower sprouts.

They have a nutty flavor and make a tasty snack when eaten alone.

F

Sprout seeds in a shallow container with drainage holes. You can purchase sprouting containers or make your own from clean fast food containers. Just punch holes in the bottom for drainage. Use the clear tops to create a mini greenhouse.

Fill the container with a quality seed starting mix like Hsu Germination+ organic seed starting mix (hsugrowingsupply.com) that retains moisture and contains naturally occurring beneficial soil microbes. Leave about half an inch of space between the lip of the container and the seed starting mix.

Sprinkle seeds over the soil surface

and lightly press them into the soil. Water with a very gentle stream of water or use a spray bottle. Cover the planted container to increase humidity and speed sprouting. Place in a warm dark location.

Once greens break through the soil, remove the cover and move them to a sunny location or place under artificial lights. Water often enough to keep the seed starting mix moist, but not too wet.

The microgreens are ready to harvest in 10 to 14 days, when they’re about two inches tall.

Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the greens and rinse thoroughly right before serving. Store extras unwashed in a ventilated plastic bag in the refrigerator.

For a continual supply of this nutritious treat, simply plant a new batch every four or five days and enjoy. ❚ Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books. Find more of her articles at MelindaMyers.com.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

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.

March 15, 2018

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

CHICAGO FLOWER &

GARDEN SHOW

$69 per person

(includes transportation)

Space is limited.

Call to register!

815.387.9122

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Rkfd. Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show Feb. 16-18 at Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Boats, Rockford, IL 61101 hot 1.800.521.0849 vacation spots, figorockford.com shing gear, trout pond, Hawg Trough and much more pack this show for a weekend of fun for the whole family. rockfordboatshow.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Justin Moore Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. The Arkansas native is entertaining coast to coast with his “Hell on a Highway Tour.” BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

The Wonder Bread Years Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Former Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell stars in this comedic salute to baby boomers. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Sky Circus on Ice Feb. 16-18. Three days of family fun with a blizzard run snow slide, ice and snow sculptors, hands-on snow-carving and kite-making workshops, kite flying lessons and gigantic kite displays over Delevan Lake. Connor Doran from “America’s Got Talent” provides evening entertainment.

Lake Lawn Resort, Delevan, Wis., (262) 728-7950, lakelawnresort.com.

Lunar New Year Celebration Feb. 17, 2-4 p.m. The Fu Saan Jung Fu lion dancers entertain; traditional games, food, crafts and more. Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, (608) 758-6600, hedbergpubliclibrary.org.

Snow Viewing Tea Ceremony Weekend Feb. 17 & 18. Anderson Japanese Gardens will host three traditional Japanese snow viewing tea ceremonies Feb. 17 and a sweets-making workshop Feb 18.

Registration required. Learn more at AndersonGardens.org/tea-gatherings.

Winner’s Recital Feb. 18, 3 p.m. Performances by young musicians who've won the Chandler Starr Miller Scholarship Competition. MPAC,

Sky Circus on Ice promises family fun Feb. 1618 in Delevan, Wis.

Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Richard III Feb. 22-25, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The tale of a ruthless, power-crazed Machiavellian who lies and cheats his way to the highest seat in the land through charm, deception and force of presence.

Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 23-March 5. See website for schedule and ticket information. Scores of shorts, documentaries and feature films are presented in unique venues throughout the Beloit area. Tickets/Info: (608) 3124256, beloitfilmfest.org.

Trivia Night Fundraiser Feb. 24, 5:30. Help raise money for the historic Mighty Richland Players in Orangeville, Ill at the Route 20 Bar and Grill, 2051 N. AYP Road in Freeport.

Teams of four to six, $10 per person.

Register early and earn your team on free answer. Learn more or register by calling (815) 819-1310.

Broadway: Riverdance Feb. 25, 7 p.m. The internationally known Irish group celebrates its 20th anniversary with a world tour, entertaining with its blend of energetic dance, music and song.

CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

25

WDL

Good Food & Folks at Cucina di Rosa

By Peggy Werner

R

osemary Leggio believes in celebrating each day with good food and good people and that’s just what she does at Cucina di Rosa in Rockford.

Sicilian born, Leggio began her restaurant career in 2006 after friends who tasted her cannoli begged her to start selling the creamy, crunchy Italian dessert made from a 100-year-old family recipe. She opened Cannoli Café at 1620 N. Bell School Road and in 2016 opened Cucina di Rosa (Rosa’s Kitchen) in the same location.

“It’s my kitchen, and that allows me to be creative and prepare food as I would for my own family,” Leggio says.

Leggio serves craft beers and Italian wines, some made with grapes grown only in Sicily. Her daily specials are much anticipated by regular customers eager to see what she’s cooked up.

The core menu consists of soups, salads, panini and entrees such as fried

rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese and ham or meat sauce and peas. Favorite entrees include eggplant Parmigiana, ravioli, tortellini and a special Sicilian lasagna made with peas and slices of hard-boiled eggs.

Leggio offers an array of desserts, including 16 flavors of homemade gelato, cannoli, cannoli cake, eclairs, cream puffs, bisconti, croissants with various toppings and an assortment of Italian cookies.

“I love to hear people say how happy they are that I’m back in business and I love to see their reactions to the foods they recognize as what their grandmas used to make,” says Leggio. “I feel so appreciated and I feel that I’m offering something unique to Rockford.”

Leggio’s staff members interact like family, which some of them are. Her

daughter, Leandra Sandahl, helps run the business and will someday take it over.

Leggio’s sons, Joe and Eric, also assist in the business effort.

Cucina di Rosa is available for private parties on Sundays and Mondays and also caters special events.

Regular hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There’s live entertainment every Saturday and most Friday evenings. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, loBaci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. ComGiordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, plete menu at Baciskitchen.com. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Big Papa’s Barbecue  BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 amGreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sea10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- 3pm. $-$$.

9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$

Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. AuthenDrive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

26

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

D

Dos Reales

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998.

Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy.

“We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager.

Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

27

e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced Feb. 21 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $25 Gift Card Arch

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest Contest Giveaway may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

28

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

F  E

How to Further Your Education Locally H

By Peggy Werner

elping you to get more out of life by advancing your education is what Upper Iowa University (UIU) is all about.

Founded in 1857, UIU is celebrating its 10th year of service to our region. This private, not-for-profit university is based in Fayette, Iowa and maintains a campus in Rockford at 1161 Tebala Blvd.

“Our programs are designed to benefit working adults,” says UIU-Rockford Center Director Pamela Timmons.

“Classes are eight weeks long and anyone can take one or more classes at the center or online year-round. With no application fees, entrance fees or entrance exams, everything we do is with the student in mind. With flexibility and a commitment to high standards and quality, we strive to meet the needs of all students.”

To help more people reach their educational goals, UIU is offering a 10 percent discount to Rock Valley Col-

lege graduates. Over the years, the UIURockford Center has developed close relationships with many local community colleges.

“There are a lot of people who graduate from Rock Valley but don’t attempt to earn a bachelor’s degree,” Timmons says. “This tuition grant is another way for us to partner with community colleges to help students continue and complete their educations. Our community has a lot of people with associate degrees, but we have a very low number of those with bachelor’s degrees and we want to see that change.”

A caring faculty and staff helps students to reach their full potential, regardless of age, says Timmons. UIU students have more than 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs from which to choose. Skilled professionals at UIU help students to make the most of financial aid.

UIU provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students through its Fayette Campus, its 25 U.S. education locations and locations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. It also participates in the Principles of Excellence and Yellow Ribbon programs and repeatedly has been named a top Military-Friendly University by Military Advanced Education & Transition and Victory Media.

Call Timmons at (815) 332-1414 or email her at Timmonsp12@UIU.edu.

Learn more at UIU.edu ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Find your

WIN. ALL THE LATEST SLOTS & TABLE GAMES AWARD-WINNING DINING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LUXURY HOTEL AND MORE!

FEBRUARY 1–28

WIN A TOYOTA® HIGHLANDER THURSDAYS IN JANUARY

Play with your Club card Jan. 1–25.

Make your besttake pick the total value Then Thursday nights, the at giant Roll for your Ride —a 2018 dice and of stars in the cube and you could Toyota Highlander!

win the $25,000 cash grand prize and FKC Reward Play! Play with your Club card to earn more picks all month long.

Learn how to win and plan your visit at or thousands more in cash PAYSBIG.COM/ROLL

Learn how to win at PAYSBIG.COM/WINPICKS

1721 WEST CANAL STREET | MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 | 1-800-PAYSBIG MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AND A FIRE KEEPER’S CLUB® MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE MEMBERSHIP IS FREE | WINNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAXES MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-426-2535 ©2017 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

1721 WEST CANAL STREET | MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 | 1-800-PAYSBIG MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AND A FIRE KEEPER’S CLUB® MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE MEMBERSHIP IS FREE | WINNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAXES MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-426-2535 ©2018 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1