Smart Living Weekly February 21, 2018

Sm mart a L iving ma Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Feb. 21, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Beloit International Film Festival

See Page 16

Discover Engineering!

Choose the Right Flooring Stuffed Pepper Makeover Mass Transit Turns 10

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

26

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 10

3

short films by, for, about women

film festival

lunafest.org

March 20, 6:00p Giovanni’s, 610 n. Bell school Road A screening of nine award-winning short films by, for and about women.

Dinner buffet, drinks, wine & beer pull, raffle, silent auction & other fun activities. $50 per person OR $360 per table of 8 (order tickets by March 6)

womanspace-rockford.org • 815-877-0118

Brought to you by:

Benefitting:

Sponsored by:

LUNABAR.COM

KIDS & PARKING FREE!

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 &

4

Smart Living Weekly

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

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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

Feb. 21

5

OMG!

I could be paying what!?!?

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Beloit International Film Festival Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Choose the Right Flooring for You Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Humility Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Stuffed Pepper Makeover Your Outing .......................................................21 Discover Engineering!

Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Treatment for Pain Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Taco Betty’s Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Adulting is not always easy. We’re here to help.

Your Community ...................................... ......... 29 Stateline Mass Transit District Turns 10

6.90%APR* ON ALL BALANCE TRANSFERS & CASH ADVANCES - good until those credit balances are paid off!

NO TEASER LIMIT ON CASH ADVANCES - can cash advance up to full credit card limit

NO BALANCE TRANSFER OR CASH ADVANCE FEES

Apply today!

815.226.2260 l membersalliance.org

Your savings insured to $250,000 per account. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured. *APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Promotional rate is subject to change. Applications subject to credit approval. Special rate available to new and current cardholders. For cash advances & balance transfers made between Dec. 1, 2017-Mar. 31, 2018 the special rate is valid until the promotional balance is paid off. Any cash advances or balance transfers made after Mar. 31, 2018 will be at the APR documented on your statement. Some restrictions may apply.

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 2018 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. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Hot Off the Presses

W

e’re so fortuante to have a high quality film festival right here in our region!

I remember writing about the first Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) for Northwest Quarterly Magazine (NWQ) in 2006. We had high hopes that BIFF would grow and thrive and it certainly hasn’t disappointed. Like its home city, BIFF grows better and more influential each year.

NWQ was just a young pup when BIFF was “born.” As with BIFF, we had high hopes for our new magazine company, too.

Thankfully, the community has always been supportive of NWQ, which is one of very few locally owned media companies in our region.

The challenges faced by publishing companies sometimes make for great drama, as in the new film, “The Post.” Gary and I recently saw it as part of our journey toward Oscar night on March 4. It was excellent.

Many of us don’t recall the Pentagon Papers chapter of 1960s American history.

“The Post” is not only a refresher about the classified documents that helped end the Vietnam War, but also a reminder of why a free society absolutely needs a free press.

Do trained journalists always get things right? Of course not! But most try very hard to sort fact from fiction when it comes to information our government does (and doesn’t) want us to know.

In “The Post,” I also enjoyed scenes showing newspapers rolling off the 1970s presses that were fed by templates made with hand-set metal type. These were still in use when I entered the field. The digital age has transformed publishing in all kinds of ways, for better and worse, and it’s up to each of us to be discriminating consumers. Posting something on social media doesn’t make someone a journalist.

Hot off the presses around here, this week, is our new issue of NWQ. You can pick one up from a favorite retailer, clinic or other local business. We’re able to offer it at no charge because of the many faithful advertisers who support us.

If you enjoy NWQ, please thank them.

May this week be much kinder to our nation than last week was. Let’s make it a good one! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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

Feb. 21

7

RV Camping

, ford Rock is Illino

& Travel Show

March 9-10-11 Fri. 2pm-8pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm

Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center 8800 E. Riverside Blvd.

NEW

’s, 2018 RV ds, oun Campgr g Campin s, rie Accesso ore! hM and Muc

$1off Valid on s ingle adult adm $6 ission

Priz e Eve s r Hou y r!

SLW3

www.rkfdrvshow.com 815-997-1744 8

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

24

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

10

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

Y H  G

Kitchens: Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact

By Peggy Werner

R

educing the cost and time spent on a kitchen remodel, while providing top-quality products and service and 95-plus years of homebuilding experience, is the aim of Gambino Building & Remodeling.

Owner Frank Gambino says his affordable kitchens focus on small and mid-sized kitchen remodels. Most projects can be completed in one to two days.

“Most of our customers have lived in their homes for 10 years or more,” he says. “They’re not looking to sell right now, but it’s in the back of their minds.

They just need to update their kitchen and make it look better.”

Many people shy away from remodeling because of the expense and time involved, but Gambino Building & Remodeling offers a streamlined process, says Gambino.

“The whole process is handled through our company, including measuring, consultation, designing, removal

and installation,” he says.

“Some homeowners save even more money by doing some of the work themselves.”

Gambino Building & Remodeling offers quality cabinets in oak, maple, birch and cherry, with plywood construction and solid wood dovetail drawers with a custom soft close. They also offer granite and other countertops, tile and wood flooring. Highly experienced installers perform the work; both labor and products are guaranteed.

The business has filled a niche and people are responding, says Gambino.

When the new and existing housing market slowed, former customers were calling Gambino to have their homes remodeled, so he decided it was time to get into the remodeling business.

Because of his longtime association with people in the homebuilding business, he was able to pull together all the pieces that were needed to create a business to meet the growing demand.

“While Gambino was building new homes, we were also designing kitchens for those homes and customers,” says Gambino. “We have built thousands of kitchens over the years.” ❚

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

Feb. 21

11

I  W

A Humble Heart S

ome things in scripture are crystal clear.

One is that God despises arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns hubris and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor.

Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my

eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over

which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How much clearer can scripture be? If anyone had the right to behave arrogantly, it was Jesus Christ. He chose instead to model the behavior he wishes us to follow. “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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

Feb. 21

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

A Classic Recipe Makeover: Stuffed Peppers I

t’s true that classics never go out of style, but they can also evolve to keep current while still maintaining their original appeal.

Take stuffed peppers. It’s easy to give them a Tex-Mex spin simply by using a can of READ Southwestern Bean Salad as the base for the filling. The salad already has black and kidney beans, hominy and corn in it, as well as a slightly spicy dressing. Build on that flavorful combination by adding browned ground beef or turkey, cheese and tortilla chips.

Poblano peppers could be substituted for bell peppers for an even more authentic south-of-the-border flair.

For more easy, flavorful dinner ideas, visit READsalads.com.

Southwestern Bean Salad Stuffed Peppers Ingredients: 1 can READ Southwestern Bean Salad 1 tsp. ground cumin

1 small jalapeno pepper, minced (optional) 1/2 pound ground lean beef (90 percent lean) 1/2 cup chopped onion 3 large bell peppers, any color or combination nonstick cooking spray 1 cup crushed tortilla chips, plus 1/4 cup (optional), divided 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Preparation: Drain bean salad; discard liquid. With fork, mash half of beans until chunky. Combine with remaining beans. Stir in cumin and jalapeno, if desired; set aside.

In medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion 8-10 minutes until ground beef is completely cooked, stirring frequently.

Cut bell peppers in half, lengthwise. Remove membranes and seeds. Line baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray (or brush lightly with vegetable oil).

Heat oven to 350 F.

Combine ground beef and onion mixture with bean mixture. Stir in 1 cup tortilla chips and 1/2 cup cheese. Divide evenly among peppers. Arrange peppers cut-side up in prepared pan; peppers should fit snugly. Top with remaining crushed tortilla chips, if desired. Bake, covered, 25 minutes, or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake, uncovered, until cheese melts. ❚

Source: Family Features

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

Feb. 21

15

R  O R

Quality Films at a High-Energy Festival

By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor

W

hen the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) began in 2005, hopeful filmmakers sent in their VHS tapes for consideration.

A lot has changed since then.

Now in its 13th year, BIFF attracts the work of some of the best independent filmmakers anywhere. The result is better quality films than ever before, says Max Maiken, BIFF’s new executive director.

“That’s especially true for Wisconsin and Illinois filmmakers,” Maiken says.

“It’s really cool to see films of the same quality here as films from Hollywood that you’d see on a big screen.”

The 10-day festival runs Feb. 23 through March 4. Nearly 1,000 submissions have been whittled down to the top

Cover photo: L-R BIFF Executive Director Max Maiken with Michelle Kaufer and Jon Pavlovsky, producers of “American Street Kid.” Photo by Hilary Gavin.

16

Smart Living Weekly

100 narrative features, documentaries and short films. From experience, Beloit’s local shops and restaurants are prepared to welcome the hundreds of visitors who attend the festival.

“I see this year’s BIFF as having more energy, more people and more hustle and bustle,” Maiken says.

A New Leader

Rod Beaudoin, BIFF’s first executive director, trained Maiken to assume the leadership role before departing for Hollywood last year. A Beloit native, Maiken started working at BIFF after graduating from Beloit College with a degree in economics. He and a friend would occasionally freelance film projects on the side – mostly for weddings and corporate events.

“I worked for both BIFF and the Beloit Janesville Symphony

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Orchestra after graduating,” Maiken says.

“I didn’t study film, but I have some production background and my music background has given me an artistic sense. I kind of fell into BIFF and loved it and kept going with it.”

Along with growing educational programs, Maiken hopes to create more energy around the festival by bringing more filmmakers to Beloit for Q&A sessions.

He also hopes to literally jazz up Beloit’s nightlife during the festival days.

R  O R

“Keep following BIFF for more details on that,” Maiken hints.

But otherwise, BIFF will retain its format that has proven successful. Films are categorized into narrative features, documentaries and shorts, with a blend of local, national and international films shown. The first weekend of the festival is dedicated to showcasing the work of Illinois and Wisconsin filmmakers. Special events include big-screen showings of a classic film, sing-along film and silent film.

This year’s festival will occupy the same popular downtown venues: Bagels & More, Bushel & Peck’s, Domenicos, Hendricks Art Center, La Casa Grande

and Luxury 10 cinema. Tickets remain $10 per film, available online or at the door, with discounts available for early birds and students.

“The format is really solid,” Maiken says. “Hundreds of volunteers come out to help us produce this event. I think that’s just due to the bootstrapping nature of Beloit people. They see something good for the community and they say ‘Let’s do this together and be a part of something bigger.’ BIFF is just a perfect example of people coming together and we couldn’t do it without our volunteers and sponsors.”

Must-See Films

Maiken and Greg Gerard, the director of BIFF programming, think a handful of films stand out from the rest.

For starters, “Land Grab” is a choice documentary about reclaiming blighted areas in Detroit.

“It’s a really nice look at something great that’s happening in Detroit, and it also has a parallel to Beloit because we’ve got our own people infusing resources and funding to improve the infrastructure here,” Gerard says.

Another one of Gerard’s favorites is “Train Drivers Diary,” a Croatian film.

“It’s just very odd and quirky, but beautifully filmed,” Gerard says. “Nice acting, great direction, it’s all there.”

Maiken picks “Zero Weeks” as another top documentary. The film is part of the BIFF Cares Series put on by Beloit Health System. “‘Zero Weeks’ details the importance of maternity leave and the stresses on society without it,” Maiken says.

“Wasati” is a short film to keep on your radar, Maiken adds.

It’s widely known that Beloit has experienced a renaissance in recent years.

BIFF is a piece of that puzzle.

Learn more, purchase tickets and find a schedule at beloitfilmfest.org. ❚

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

Feb. 21

17

28

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Experience Downtown Rockford

16

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

‘Discover Engineering’ Saturday at Museum C

omputer science engineers are working on robots so tiny they might eventually fit inside the human body.

This is just one aspect of engineering visitors will learn about during Discover Engineering at Discovery Center Museum on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in honor of National Engineers’ Week Feb. 18-24.

Discover Engineering features engineers from local companies, along with local members of professional engineering societies and high school robotics teams, who will provide demonstrations, hands-on activities and general information.

The event offers elementary and middle school-age children the opportunity to take part in numerous experiments and hands-on activities such as designing and testing catapults and bridges, experimenting with circuits, experiencing an augmented reality sandbox, watching liquid nitrogen demonstrations and much more.

Engineering is a very wide field that relates to nearly any subject you can name. Biomedical engineers develop artificial lenses that restore sight to the blind; environmental engineers find ways to clean up our oceans and rivers; agricultural and biomedical engineers design methods of keeping harmful microorganisms out of our food supply. Cars are safer, medical tests are more accurate and computers and cell phones are a lot more fun, all thanks to engineers.

A variety of groups will be represented at Discovery Center, including Woodward, UTC Aerospace Systems, Women of Today’s Manufacturing, Ingenium Technologies, Underwriter’s Laboratory, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, TAC Rockford, Exelon Byron Station, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bergstrom, Superior Joining Technologies, Ingersoll Machine Tools, All World Machinery, Danfoss, NIU College of Engineering, and several engineering societies, and student robotics groups.

Discover Engineering is sponsored by TAC Rockford, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Advanced Machine/Hennig, Huntington Learning Center and the Illinois Space Grant Consortium.

Cost for visitors is included with admission to the Museum; it’s $8 for adults and children ages 2-17; free to museum members and children age 1 and younger.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Learn more by calling (815) 963-6769 or go to discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚

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

Feb. 21

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H

How to Find Pain Relief Without Drugs 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.

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

Feb. 21

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

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

Richard III Feb. 22-25, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The tale of a ruthless, power-crazed Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 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.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Disney on Ice: Dream Big Feb. 22-25. See the stories of Disney’s most courageous leading ladies told through artistic skating and acrobatics.

BMO Harris Bank, 300 Elm St., ticketmaster.com.

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) 312-4256, beloitfilmfest.org.

Home Show Feb. 23-25, Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See what’s new in the home and garden market, talk with experts, attend clinics on home and lawn care; entertainment for kids and adults.

Indoor Sports Center, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 987-8890, mercyhealthsportscore. com.

Super Science Saturday Feb. 24, 3-4 p.m. Ages 10-19. Tweens and teens create chemical reactions and perform experiments as they make elephant toothpaste and monster slime. Hart Interim Library, Rockford, (815) 9657606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

RPS Athletic Hall of Fame Feb. 24, 5 p.m. Dinner, drinks and a silent auction to raise funds for the Rockford Sports Coalition and Rockford Public Schools athletics. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Tickets/Info: (815) 9668960, rockfordsportscoalition.org.

Riverdance will perform at Coronado Theatre on Feb. 25.

Mini-Golf in the Library Feb. 24-25, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Play nine-hole mini-golf and bid on more than 100 silent auction items.

Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 332-2441, cherryvalleylib.org.

Discover Engineering Feb. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See how it feels to solve problems like an engineer. See related story, p. 21. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

MPAC Avalon String Quartet Feb. 25, 3 p.m. Pre-concert lecture at 2 p.m. by Dr. Brian Hart, professor of Music History at NIU. The group returns for a seventh season, featuring Schubert’s G major Quartet, Beethoven op. 59 # 1, Shostakovich and more. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.

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. 21

25

WDL

Taco Betty’s Offers Tasty, Trendy Fare

By Jermaine Pigee

L

ocated at 212 E. State St., this trendy, casual downtown Rockford restaurant takes its name from the nickname that investor Brent Hughes uses for his wife, Betsy Branca. Hughes and coinvestor John Bross came up with the concept for Taco Betty’s in 2014. Chef Paul Sletten is president of the company and handles daily operations.

The entrance to Taco Betty’s faces State Street near the Rock River and the restaurant has an open design and large windows that bring in loads of natural light. Diners have a front-seat view of Rockford City Market in summertime and downtown Rockford year-round.

The goal of this restaurant is to serve tasty food, not necessarily authentic Mexican fare, says manager Dann Shallenberger.

“A lot of people say this is not an authentic Mexican restaurant, but we never tried to be that,” Shallenberger

says. “We just want to make fun, unique tacos.”

Among signature offerings are pork and pineapple tacos made with chilebrined pork, roasted pineapple, cilantro and onion and crispy fish tacos with roasted corn, dried chiles, cheese, avocado lime mayo, cilantro and onion.

Tacos come in pairs for lunch and threesomes for dinner. They’re served with smoked black beans and rice, house pickles and salsa. Additional flavor combinations come and go throughout the year.

Other items on the menu include chips and guacamole, chicken taquitos, chicken verde nachos and taco salad.

The kitchen inside Taco Betty’s is exposed, so your food is made right in front of you. Executive Chef Quinn Lawyer oversees what happens in the kitchen.

The restaurant continues to evolve,

Dann Shallenberger mixes margaritas from juice squeezed fresh daily.

with more made-from-scratch items being added over time.

“Pretty much everything we serve is made in-house,” says Shallenberger.

The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m.

The kitchen is open Sun.-Thurs. until 10 p.m. and until midnight on Fri.-Sat. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E 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. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, loBaci’s Kitchen E 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 E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, plete menu at Baciskitchen.com. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Big Papa’s Barbecue E 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 E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sea10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; Bravo Pizza E 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 E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Ciao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- 3pm. $-$$.

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante E 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 E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Taco Betty’s E 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 E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. AuthenDrive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

26

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Alchemy

T

his trendy restaurant inside Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience in a big-city atmosphere.

“Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” says Al Castrogiovanni, chef and founder. “I always had a vision and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and customize everything.”

The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Pizzas made from handcrafted dough, with names like Chicago Dog and Thai Pie, are baked in a wood-fire oven. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a special twist, and daily specials.

Alchemy serves lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.; and dinner 4-10 p.m. Mon.Thurs. and 4-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. The bar is open later. ❚

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

Feb. 21

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. 28 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. 21

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y C

SMTD Celebrates 10 Years of Service

By Jermaine Pigee

B

efore Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) was established in 2008, some residents in the stateline region had a tough time getting to the doctor’s office, the bank or the store.

This month, SMTD celebrates 10 years of making life easier for residents by providing affordable public transportation to people in Rockton, South Beloit and Roscoe. The public is invited to an anniversary celebration on Feb. 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Rockton Township Hall, 1315 N. Blackhawk Blvd. There will be refreshments, a drawing and awards.

“We’re going to be around for years to come because the need exists,” says Sharon Hecox, SMTD executive director.

“If someone has a need to get somewhere, SMTD is here to get them there. I’m a problem solver and transportation is the answer to a problem.”

The service began with four buses

SMTD Executive Director Sharon Hecox reviews a bus map.

and now has 10, thanks to a continual uptick in ridership.

SMTD offers a shared, curb-tocurb service in which buses pick up and drop off at a person’s desired time and destination.

“Right now, although there are more seniors using these services, anyone can ride SMTD, and that’s something I really want people to know,” Hecox says. “People who are unable to drive are finding they can ride SMTD to get around.

Veterans are getting to the Rockford VA

Clinic, children are getting to after-school programs and events, people are getting to church on Sunday and individuals with cognitive difficulties are now able to get to work, thanks to this service.”

Prior to the start of the services, Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit were independently contracting to provide transportation in their communities. They came together in 2007 and determined something needed to be done.

“What started as a vision of local leaders transformed into a reality after obtaining the buses and forming the SMTD,” says Hecox.

In the first month of service, SMTD provided 207 rides. Today, 1,400 people ride SMTD each month and the numbers continue to grow, says Hecox.

“This is definitely making a difference in the community because people have flexibility, independence and control, which leads to a better quality of life.”

Learn more at SMTD.biz. ❚

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

Feb. 21

29

22

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 21

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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

Visit our Café serving Breakfast and Lunch

Lighting

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

815-227-2000 • Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays

Visit us online at: www.bensonstone.com

Over

1,000

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1