Smart Living Weekly - November 22, 2017

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Sm mart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • November 22, 2017

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Right in Our Region

Klehm Celebrates the Sweetest of Seasons

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Inspiring Holiday Tablescapes See ‘The Nutcracker’ this Weekend Ciao Bella Better than Ever The Origins of Thanksgiving

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Music and Dessert at Klehm Arboretum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Lovely Holiday Tablescapes Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Origins of Thanksgiving Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Cooking with Pumpkin Your Outing .......................................................19 See ‘The Nutcracker’ this Weekend Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Options for Treating Back Pain Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Ciao Bella Announces Updates Your Community .......................................... .... 26 Help Someone to Read

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, Steven Wysong, 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.

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Nov. 22

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Good People T

his week I’m thinking about all the things I’m thankful for that aren’t “things.”

This is especially easy after a two-week family driving tour around the southeast U.S. We visited charming horse country in Lexington, Ky., with its miles of old stone fences; the Great Smoky Mountains in the peak of fall color; the Low Country in South Carolina, where people live by the primal heartbeat of ocean tides; the elegant city of Savannah, Ga., its 22 green public squares and live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. We toured charming neighborhoods of Civil Warera homes in Charleston, S.C., including former slave quarters (politely called “carriage houses”) now selling for $1 million each.

We took a ferryboat to Fort Sumter National Monument – an already-solemn place made more solemn with the knowledge that each brick was hand-made by a slave. The Civil War began at this Federal fort when Confederates fired upon it in April of 1961; today, its guardians expect it will soon be swallowed by the rising sea level.

Next we drove to Monticello in Charlottesville, Va., the home of Thomas Jefferson, a stunning man as rife with strengths and flaws as our country itself.

We met countless kind people along the way who were eager to help us with directions, local tips and a jump when our car battery died. No one asked whether we were Republicans or Democrats before offering their help.

Like many of you, I’m deeply worried about our country. Powers both internal and external seek to divide us. Democracy itself is under threat.

I’m cheered, however, by the basic goodness of ordinary people all across our land.

I believe most people find courage to do the right thing and expect their leaders to do the same. America is great when America is good.

From all of us at Smart Living Weekly, a very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! ❚

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Nov. 22

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Serving The Greater Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit Areas Since 2008.

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Rockton, IL

Christmas Sale Black Friday (11/24) Christmas Eve (12/24)

www.gemshop.jewelry Holiday Hours: 11/24-12/24 Monday - Saturday 10a-5:30p Sunday 12p-4p

Sunday, December 3rd 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Rockford Flute Club, Emerald Wind, Betsy Baker and River City Sound A delectable assortment of sweets, treats, and beverages will be yours to enjoy during intermission.

$25 PER PERSON, $20 FOR MEMBERS, SENIORS and STUDENTS RSVP by November 27th at 815-965-8146 or klehm.org/christmasconcert

Generously Sponsored by

J. Carlson Growers KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN 2715 S. MAIN ST. ROCKFORD, IL 61102 | 815-965-8146 | KLEHM.ORG 10

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Nov. 22

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Y H  G

Inspired Holiday Tablescapes

W

ith the holiday home entertaining season gearing up, you want to create a holiday tablescape to serve as the focal point for your prettiest, most festive holiday party possible. The experts at CorningWare, Corelle & more stores offer these tips.

• Use family treasures.

Use a family heirloom as your starting point to bring a totally custom and retro twist to the table. Not only will it help to choose a color theme, but it will serve as a great conversation starter and ice breaker. Whether it’s your grandmother’s gorgeous glass vase filled with seasonal flowers that pop, or a retro tree topper, everyone at the table will notice and enjoy an unexpected piece.

• Sweeten the deal.

Nothing adds color and fun to a table like sweet treats. Fill uniquely shaped bowls and glasses with your favorite colorful holiday candy. Fill an oversized hurricane glass with mini candy canes or chocolates and marshmallows for after-dinner s’mores. Fill a cornucopia with treasures your guests will love, like old pictures, ticket stubs or memoribilia.

• Stay chic with the classics.

Invest in quality white dinnerware and serveware to easily transition from holiday to everyday use. Classic white plates complimented with white baking and serving vessels can serve as a blank canvas to add color and personal touches.

• Add seasonal elements.

Personalize the table with your favorite seasonal flowers, fruits and vegetables for an organic and fresh look that adds color and texture to your tablescape. Add fragrance with festive greenery, such as berries, pinecones and sprigs of cedar.

• Match it up.

Components that match create the most cohesive looks. Find complete kitchenware collections from more than 80 trusted brands, as well as holiday products in festive colors and patterns, at CorningWare, Corelle & more stores.

Not only will guests bask in the creative design of your stunning table, but it will bring everyone together to create new memories – which is what the season is all about.

For more ways to make your spread spectacular, visit shopworldkitchen.com. ❚

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Source: Family Features

Nov. 22

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I  W

The Origins of Thanksgiving “… Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– Ephesians 5: 19b

B

eing thankful is a healthy habit, whether or not you’re religious, and whether or not you have big problems.

The concept of “thanksgiving for the harvest” dates back to ancient times, in both Judeo-Christian and pagan cultures.

The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian. Setting aside days for fasting and thanksgiving was common among 1600s New England Puritans.

In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a three-day celebration after the colony’s first successful corn harvest, inviting Native American allies to join in the merrymaking. The colonists celebrated survival itself.

Much later, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving per year. In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, asking Americans to thank God for their new country and to ask His blessings upon it. John Adams and James Madison followed suit, but there was no official date.

Perhaps the greatest champion of a national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday was author Sarah Josepha Hale (composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”) For nearly four decades, she urged politicians to set aside an official day each year for Americans to give thanks for their country.

Hale’s cause was finally answered

by Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War. Lincoln chose the final Thursday in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Critics referred to his action as “Franksgiving,” and in 1941 he reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

Today, for many Americans, the holiday is all about food and football, but it began with prayers for our nation and gratitude for survival itself. ❚ 12

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Nov. 22

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Y K

Tasty, Nutritious Sweet Potato-Pumpkin Puree

H

ere’s a holiday treat that isn’t loaded with sugar but is loaded with vitamins, antioxidents, fiber and flavor, courtesy of Atkins.com.

Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes 3 large egg whites 5 Tb. sugar substitute, divided 1/2 cup pecans 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled 1/4 cup unsalted butter stick 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 15 ounces pumpkin (without salt, drained, cooked and boiled) Heat oven to 250 F. Lightly butter baking sheet.

In medium mixing bowl, beat egg

whites with electric mixer at high speed until foamy. Gradually add 3 Tb. sugar substitute and continue mixing until soft peaks form.

Spoon onto prepared baking sheet and spread with spatula to 1/4-inch thickness.

Bake 35 minutes. Turn oven off; let meringue stand in oven 45 minutes.

Crush meringue and place in bowl. Add pecans and toss gently to combine. Set aside.

While meringue is resting, place sweet potatoes in medium saucepan. Cover with water to 2 inches above potatoes and bring to boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes, and drain.

Return saucepan to medium-high heat. Add potatoes, butter, cream, remaining sugar substitute, salt, cinna-

mon, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree.

Stir to combine. Mash with potato masher until smooth.

Heat through, about 1 minute.

Transfer potato mixture to serving dish and cover with meringue topping.❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

Klehm Celebrates the Sweetest of Seasons S B y To n i R o c h a weet sounds and sweet treats are equally essential to a joyous holiday season. So, too, are winter wonderland walks in the natural beauty of Northern Illinois’ woodlands, parks and nature preserves. And spending a Sunday afternoon with family, friends and neighbors may be the sweetest thing of all.

When Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden brings all of these favorites together, the result is magical.

For the second time, Klehm Arboretum will host a Christmas concert complimented by a lavish dessert buffet. This year’s event is scheduled for Dec. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the arboretum’s visitor center at 2715 S. Main Street, Rockford.

“We like to offer an event for the community during the month of December,” says event coordinator Jim Wojtowicz. “There’s not too much happening

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in the flower gardens during our Midwest winters, so this is one way to bring people out to Klehm to enjoy the natural beauty of the trails and wooded landscape along with some musical entertainment and a great spread of delicious holiday desserts.

It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”

Last December, Klehm organized the concert and dessert buffet on the first Sunday of the month. If you recall, it snowed the first three Sundays in December, including that one.

“It was absolutely gorgeous out here, with the snow blanketing the ground and the trees, but it kept a lot of people away,” Wojtowicz says. “We decided to give it a second chance and hope for a little better weather this time around.”

This year’s concert features four local musical groups performing in

Nov. 22

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half-hour sets in the visitor center’s cozy gallery room, with its wall of windows looking out to the landscaped grounds.

Rockford Flute Club, described as a community of musicians dedicated to the performance and education of the flute and flutist, will be the first act showcased at the concert. This non-profit organization engages musicians from youth to seasoned performers and promises to deliver a light-hearted, upbeat start to Klehm’s program.

Next, Betsy Baker’s Bluesy Sounds

R  O R

of Christmas will jazz up the party. A classically trained songstress, Baker offers a wide repertoire of musical styles and will entertain the crowd with her interpretation of fun, jazzy, bluesy, holiday songs.

After intermission, Emerald Wind Harp Ensemble takes the stage. This sister act features both harp and flute, which create the beautiful and sometimes haunting sounds of traditional Celtic music. Offering a vivid contrast to the other

performers, Emerald Wind will entertain and inspire visitors.

The River City Sound Chorus (pictured left) will wrap up the afternoon by sharing its nationally acclaimed vocal excellence. About 30 women will sing old favorites and a few more modern tunes as well. Formerly known as the Sweet Adelines, these talented ladies will leave everyone in a happy, holiday mood as they head home for the day.

And, there’s the sweet treat element of Klehm’s holiday event.

“Guests will find hot mulled wine and hot chocolate available throughout the concert along with other beverages,” Wojtowicz says. “During intermission, our fantastic dessert buffet will feature a spread of bite-sized sweet treats and holiday favorites perfect for sampling, mostly catered by Jim Hobel of Rockford. It’s an ‘all you can eat’ smorgasbord of cakes, cookies, bars, candy and other wonderful desserts beautifully displayed in the visitor center lobby. You won’t be

disappointed!”

Concertgoers are encouraged to stroll through Klehm’s beautifully landscaped grounds before the program begins. Wojtowicz recommends arriving an hour or so early to walk the 2-mile paved path. A shorter, three-quarter-mile path is also an option.

“We’re looking forward to a perfectly lovely Sunday afternoon with all of the most appealing attractions … good music, delicious sweets and a serene natural setting ,” he says. “And maybe just a nice dusting of snow!”

The event is a fundraiser for Klehm, a non-profit organization that provides educational and recreational opportunities, as well as inspiration, for the greater Northern Illinois community to enjoy. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for students, seniors and Klehm members.

Children age 5 and younger are admitted free of charge. Learn more at klehm. org/Christmas concert or call (815) 9658146. ❚

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Experience Downtown Rockford

Y O

‘The Nutcracker’ Opens this Weekend

By Peggy Werner

F

or many people, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without seeing “The Nutcracker” ballet, which brings to life all the magic, excitement, color, music and life-sized dreams a heart can hold at Christmastime.

The Rockford Dance Company will perform the traditional ballet this weekend at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25th and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 at Rockford University’s Maddox Theater in the Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. “The Nutcracker” is special because it has something for everyone to enjoy and all people can relate to the story in some way, says Emily Cooke Ayala, executive director and artistic coordinator of the Rockford Dance Company.

“The Nutcracker has all the dynamics people are able to grasp, such as families together for the holidays, having fun, and children getting the gifts of

their dreams. The story connects with everyone, and is so quick-paced and visually appealing, with all the lights and costumes. The different dances provide a lot of action, great music, and scene changes,” she says.

Monica Isla of the Milwaukee Ballet will choreograph the production again this year. Last year, she started from scratch to bring a more classic Nutcracker to the Rockford stage.

In years past, the production took on a different look and feel because of variations in artistic vision for the ballet company and its productions, Cooke Ayala says. Based on her own artistic style and audience feedback, a return to a more definitive version of “The Nutcracker” was the goal.

“People want a classic Nutcracker.

Some productions have a more contemporary look and feel, but when it comes to ‘The Nutcracker,’ you don’t want to touch

that tradition,” she says.

For 14 weeks, about 90 performers, ages 5 to 20, rehearse their parts, while about 60 volunteers work behind the scenes on lights, sets, costumes, ticket sales, concessions and all that’s needed to get ready for the big weekend.

Ania Hidalgo and Randy Cresto, principal dancers with the Milwaukee Ballet, play the parts of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome partner, Cavalier.

For tickets, go to rockforddancecompany.com or call the office at (815) 9633341. ❚

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for the Holidays www.edgebrookshops.com 1639 N. Alpine Rd • Rockford, Illinois • 815.226-0212

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Nov. 22

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Y H

There are Many Options for Pain Relief A

By Peggy Werner

t a time when the opioid epidemic is a top news story because of its strangulating hold on society, with more and more people falling victim to addictive prescription or illegal painkillers, people need to know there are better options for treating pain, says Chris Scott of Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202 in Loves Park.

In business for more than 25 years, he opened his own clinic in 2014, specializing in pain management with Medical Massage Therapy and Myofascial Release. He has two physicians and three therapists on staff.

“You can have success treating pain without drugs,” he says.

More than 80 percent of the aches and pains people experience are musculoskeletal in nature, usually involving muscular imbalance and tightness, especially around joints, he says. People who

suffer from chronic pain often have anxiety and depression as a result of their suffering, which can also be addressed and improved with pain management therapy, he says.

One of the easiest ways people can lower their pain and anxiety levels is by using deep breathing exercises.

One example is called “box breathing,” and is done by slowly inhaling air through the nose to get the deepest breath, then holding it a couple seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth, while thinking positive thoughts or visualizing beautiful nature scenes, he says.

“Science teaches us the brain controls the body, but what controls the brain? It’s your breath,” he says.

Scott says he has helped hundreds of

people either get off pain medication or greatly reduce their need for it.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic at (815) 9773747. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. ❚

Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Nov. 22

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

“Little Women” Thru Dec. 3, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m.

Four young March sisters and their mother struggle to keep their family going while their Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com father is away in the Civil War. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, (815) 2391210, pecplayhouse.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

14th Annual Juried Exhibition Thru Feb. 19, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Featuring work by artists from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Advent Concert Nov. 19, 3 p.m. The Freeport Choral Society presents advent, Christmas and winter music; joined by the Community Handbell Choir. St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Boulevard, Freeport, (815) 449-2936, stephenson-county-il.org.

RDC: “The Nutcracker” Nov. 25-26, Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Prepare to be enchanted by magical moments with Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dolls that come to life in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Rockford Dance Company, Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockforddancecompany.com.

Rockford Choral Union: “Messiah” Nov. 25-26, Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The 72nd annual presentation features internationally known soloists, a large regional chorus, a chamber orchestra and a harpsichord. Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford, rockfordchoralunion.org.

The Annual Original Christmas Show Nov. 25-26, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The annual Christmas Show is filled with comedy and songs with a holiday theme. Mighty Richland Players, IOOF/Masonic Hall, Orangeville, Ill., (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.com.

“A Christmas Carol” Nov. 30-Dec. 10, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

The Dickens classic adapted for the stage. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

AE: “The Lion in Winter” Nov. 30-Dec. 10, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. King Henry II’s three sons

Tommy Emmanuel will perform Yuletide classics in Rockford on Dec. 2 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

all want to inherit the throne. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Noëls, Pastorales and Carols Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Seasonal music and caroling, featuring Mendelssohn’s grand Möller pipe organ. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Second City’s Men’s Chorus Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Featuring the Rockford Metro Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Tommy Emmanuel Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy Yuletide classics played by the complex finger-style guitarist, who handles the melody, supporting chords and bass all at once. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Christmas Music of Johnny Mathis Dec. 5-6 & 12-13. A special Christmas tribute with David Robbins as Johnny Mathis, singing holiday favorites. White Pines Inn, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

Christmas Wonderland Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. A dazzling cast presents a nostalgic Christmas journey full of song and dance. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday Dec. 8-10, Fri.-Sat. 7:30, Sun. 3 pm. Custommade each year for the Rockford community, featuring holiday-inspired storytelling, comedy and popular music performed by national and local musicians and actors. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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Nov. 22

25

WDL

Lots of New Additions at Ciao Bella

By Peggy Werner

C

iao Bella Ristorante, 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, has made its mark as being one of the area’s best dining establishments, and in the past year has made many changes to have an even wider appeal to people of all ages, whether wanting to have an elegant leisurely evening meal or a quick affordable lunch on the run.

With a new chef, new menu items, new hours, a wider selection of beer and wine, a separate bar menu, slot machines, food specials, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu items, and new ways of placing food orders, Ciao Bella is stepping up to the plate.

“We just want more people to experience what we have to offer and we have taken the restaurant in a new direction by trying new things to attract those

who haven’t been here and keep others coming back,” says Owner Talia Castrogiovanni.

Topping the list of changes are being able to place an online orders through the Ciao Bella Face book page, $7 express lunches with an endless bowl of homemade soup, a lunch punch card that after 12 meals, you get one free, and the choice of buying full or half salads. Drink specials include house wines and draft beer for $3 on Mondays and Wednesdays, $2 house wines on Thursday, and a bar menu that features boneless chicken wings, quesadilla, tacos, burgers and wraps.

A new menu introduced just three weeks ago includes poplar specials that got rave reviews, such as Mango Grouper, which is a grilled piece of fish topped with a mango salsa and served with house vegetables and pesto angel hair pasta. Scallop or Shrimp Pappardelle is egg noodles

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. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 22

tossed with spinach, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. Other new menu items include an Italian Pizza Burger, Portabella Flatbread, Caprese Salad, and Classic Caesar Salad, Spinach Salad served with warm bacon dressing, and Teriyaki Tuna and Jumbo Asiago Shrimp as appetizers.

Ciao Bella is now open Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m., as well as 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

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Sicilian Pizza

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

L

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and and seafood selections.

Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history.

Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historical photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel.

Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

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Nov. 22

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

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y C

Literacy Council Seeks Reading Tutors

By Peggy Werner

N

ot being able to read and write well can ruin a person’s chance for advancement.

Just being able to “get by” isn’t enough if someone wants to be able to read to their children, help them with their homework, get a job, get a better job, or get a college degree, says Debbie Lindley, program director for The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St., Rockford.

“As a student learns to read, they feel their world opening up as they are enabled to do things they haven’t been able to do before. At the same time, they’re building a relationship with a tutor, someone who wants to help them make improvements,” she says.

“A good tutor is someone who is patient, is willing to work with people in different situations and with various levels of ability, and enjoys helping another person learn to read. Making a difference

in someone’s life, as they watch that individual reach their goals one step at a time, is so rewarding.”

Currently about 150 learners are paired with a tutor, half of them Englishspeaking and half learning English as a second language, yet another 50 people are waiting to be tutored. Some learners want to earn a GED, but don’t have the ninth grade reading level to qualify for the class.

Volunteers don’t have to have teaching experience, but need to be at least 18 years old, have a GED or a high school diploma and complete training that meets twice weekly for three weeks.

“We look forward to welcoming new tutors year round,” Lindley says.

There are numerous

Tutor Training Workshops for volunteers at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St. in Belvidere; North Suburban Library District (NSLD), 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park; and at The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. The workshop schedule and a registration form can be downloaded at theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323 for more information. ❚

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Nov. 22

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Nov. 22

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Smart Living Weekly

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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