Smart Living Weekly January 24, 2018

Smart a r t L iving art Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • January 24, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Winterfest & U.S. Snow Sculpting Nationals

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Prevent Roof Ice Dams Seafood Recipes for Health Rockford Art Museum Events Tips for Finding College Money

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$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Winterfest and U.S. Snow Sculpting Competition Your Outing .........................................................9 Rockford Art Museum Art Sale Your Home ................................................... 11,19 Prevent Ice Dams; Insulate Your Home Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Thirsty for God Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Healthful, Tasty Seafood Your Technology .................................... .......... 21 Don’t Pay Too Much Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Tips for Preventing the Flu Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Finding College Scholarship Money

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

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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

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The Flu Still Kills

A

mong the tips you’ll find in this issue are strategies for preventing the flu. The U.S. is suffering through an unusually bad flu season and 30 children have already lost their lives to this virus.

We should take seriously the CDC’s advice on preventing the spread of flu. One uncovered sneeze or cough can shower people around us with a half million virus particles.

As an amateur history lover, I find it ironic that our worse-than-usual flu season is happening 100 years after the 1918 flu pandemic that killed 50 million people and infected one-third of the world’s population. Crowded conditions and extra global travel during World War I certainly contributed to its spread. But even after a century of researching samples of the 1918 virus and unlocking its genome sequence, scientists still don’t understand why it was so deadly for healthy young adults ages 20 to 40.

Could it happen again?

“We can only conclude that since it happened once, analogous conditions could lead to an equally devastating pandemic,” states a research article published by the CDC, written by pathologists Jeffery K. Taubenberger and David M. Morens, of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and the National Institutes of Health. “Even with modern antiviral and antibacterial drugs, vaccines, and prevention knowledge, the return of a pandemic virus equivalent in pathogenicity to the virus of 1918 would likely kill more than 100 million people worldwide.”

I’m by no means predicting a new pandemic. I do think, however, that our generation views the flu too lightly – more as a hindrance than a deadly threat to those most vulnerable.

People still die from the flu. We should seek treatment if we become very sick.

Developing better habits can only help us. It’s not difficult to cover every sneeze and cough or to wash our hands often. And when we’re sick, we should stay home. The world will spin just fine without us for a few days.

That’s smart living.

Have a great week!

Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Art Sale, ‘Misfits’ at Rockford Art Museum A

perfect counterpoint to the black and white scene outside our windows this month may be the lively selection of artwork on display and up for sale at Rockford Art Museum (RAM) on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

The artwork represents 20 local artists/artisans and includes assemblage art, block printing, ceramics, illustrations, jewelry and accessories, photography, paintings and much more. The $7 event admission buys entrance to RAM exhibits plus a 10 percent discount on museum memberships purchased that day.

Proceeds support RAM. Among the featured artists are Sue Abare, Jean Apgar, Beverly Broyles, Delores Burkholder, Karla Clark/ Gallery C, Jesus Correa, Lana Ewing, Nikki Hollander/Jet Set Vintage, Jane Peterson Hooker/Plain Jane Art, Sadie Hooker, Javier Jimenez/Fatherless, Chris Johnson, Jeremy Klonicki/Mainfraim, Kenzie Knabe, Greg Lang/Fatherless,

Cynthia Linnabary/CinLin Art, Jenny Mathews, Morgann McCoy/A Well Worn Story, Kari McDonald/Lemuette, Barbara McNamara, Sara Reed McNamara/SRM Prints, Steve Nofsinger/Karate Horse, Jasmine Rose, Nadja Schutt, Bailey Snider, Kelly Steward/Purpose Goods, Carmen Turner and Bruce Whitacre.

Sale-goers also will be able to catch the last few days of “Misfits,” an exhibit that surveys 1960s biker subculture through film, literature and Danny Lyon’s iconic street photography portfolio, “The Bikeriders.”

“A leading figure in the American street photography movement of the 1960s, Lyon distinguished himself by the personal intimacy he established with his subjects and the inventiveness of his practice,” explains RAM Curator Carrie Johnson. “With his ability to find beauty in the starkest reality, Lyon has provided a charged alternative to the bland vision of American life often depicted in the mass media.”

Danny Lyon’s “Three Boys and ‘A Train’ Graffiti in Brooklyn’s Lynch Park in New York City,” 1974.

“Misfits” incorporates a portion of the 1960s social landscape, exploring the influence the movement made on filmmakers, authors and artists during this turbulent, experimental era. Included are vintage bikes and ephemera, plus firsthand stories documenting the Rockford motorcycle scene of the 1960s and the impact it had on the country. ❚

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10 Year Anniversary Celebration Thursday, February 22, 2018 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Rockton Township Town Hall

1315 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL Refreshments Register for a provided. $100 gift card!

Public is Welcome. Please join us.

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Is Your Home Properly Insulated?

By Jermaine Pigee, deputy editor

K

eeping your house warm this winter starts with making sure it’s properly insulated.

Unwanted drafts, mold and low air quality can come from poor air sealing or inadequate insulation, says Julia Swanson, operations manager for Saunders Insulation Specialists, 9016 Swanson Drive, Roscoe.

“If you’re sitting in your home and you feel a draft, there’s a reason why,” Swanson says. “You have to seal up those holes, especially in the attic.”

You may notice cold spots in certain areas of main floors, too.

“Some of the walls in your closet may not have insulation, which is why some of them may be cold.”

Along with cold drafts, inadequate insulation can cause excess moisture in a non-insulated room, which can lead to mold and mildew.

“That happens when there’s a lack of insulation or humidity,” she says. “It increases when temperatures go down because air holds moisture.”

Swanson says foam insulation works best to seal cracks in a home.

“Foam insulation has the highest R-value (insulating power) per inch and it seals the home at the same time,” she says. Some insulation problems should be addressed by professionals; others can be tackled by homeowners.

“People can grab a can of spray foam at Menards and crawl into their attic to look for crevices and fill them.”

In addition to the attic, cold air may infiltrate from around light fixtures, ceiling fans and that electrical box in the basement.

“Wires come in through the walls and electricians have to drill holes, which can allow air in,” Swanson says.

In winter months, cold air pushes warm air generated by the furnace upward to the attic, where it leaves the home through leaks. This happens because cold air has a higher density and moves through the home at lower levels.

This process, which Swanson calls “the stack effect,” is an important reason to insulate your attic.

Save money and remain cozy this winter by preparing now, and meeting the challenge head-on. ❚

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Thirsty for God I

t’s a fact of human nature that we most yearn to know God during times of personal hardship. Conversely, it’s easy to forget about God when our lives are going well. We may even believe we’re “self-made” people who “have it all under control” and pay Him only lip service.

When self-important religious leaders asked Jesus what the greatest commandment is, he replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39). How glad God must be when we come to Him in gratitude and praise, not just in desperation. But when we do cry out for him in desperate moments, He’s there for us. Psalm 42 expresses this beautifully: As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me.

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

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

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

O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, And from the heights of Hermon, From the Hill Mizar. Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me — A prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. ❚ 12

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Seafood Solutions for Better Health A

ccording to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, eating seafood two to three times per week reduces the risk of death. Seafood provides lean protein and is a quality source for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health.

For this recipe, you may use any white fish, such as cod, mahi mahi or flounder. For more seafood recipes and ideas, visit seafoodnutrition.org.

Quinoa Salad: 1 TB peanut oil 1 cup corn, canned and drained or frozen and thawed to room temperature salt, to taste, pepper, to taste 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and thawed to room temperature 3 cups quinoa, cooked

Blackened Catfish with Quinoa and Citrus Vinaigrette

Citrus Vinaigrette: 2 TB lemon juice 1 tsp. lemon zest 1 TB honey 1/2 tsp. thyme 2 TB olive oil

Blackening Seasoning: 1 TB salt 1 TB pepper 1 TB cayenne pepper 1 TB garlic powder 1 TB thyme

To make Blackening Seasoning: Combine salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and thyme. To make Quinoa Salad: Heat and oil skillet. Add corn; salt and pepper, to taste, and saute until golden brown. Add edamame and sauteed

Recipe courtesy of chef Tim Hughes on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership. Serves 4.

Blackened Catfish: 1 TB peanut oil 1 pound catfish, cut into four fillets 5 TB Blackening Seasoning

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corn to quinoa and set aside. To make Blackened Catfish: Heat cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat with 1 TB peanut oil added. Coat both sides of catfish fillets with Blackening Seasoning. Add catfish to skillet and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until well done. To make Citrus Vinaigrette: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, honey and thyme. Slowly add olive oil, whisking til dressing is formed.

Serve Blackened Catfish on top of Quinoa Salad and drizzle with Citrus Vinaigrette. ❚ Source: Family Features. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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Snowy Fun at Lake Geneva’s Winterfest W

hether or not cabin fever has you down, there’s much fun to be had in Lake Geneva, Wis., as the city hosts Winterfest, starting Jan. 27, and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 31 to Feb. 4.

“These snow sculptures are really a sight to behold,” says Julie Baron, public relations representative for VISIT Lake Geneva. “People love walking through the parks, whether to watch the sculptors at work or to view the breathtaking artistry and take photos. But before the snow sculpting begins, there are several days of fun winter events designed for people of all ages and interests.”

Highlights of the nine-day festival include Human Dog Sled Races, a wine pairing dinner, live magic and illusion at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, helicopter rides, historic tours of Maxwell Mansion, live music and entertainment, a chili cook-off and the Cocoa Crawl

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in downtown Lake Geneva. Learn more at Visitlakegeneva.com.

Here’s a closer look at a few of the events: Sat., Jan. 27: Abominable Snow Race This event kicks off Winterfest at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Participants will conquer a four- to six-mile course made up of 20-plus obstacles at the Mountain Top Ski Hill. Kids age 4 to 11 can take on the Lil-Yeti course made up of eight smaller Yeti obstacles.

Afterward, participants head to the lodge for some hot chili and other foods, plus cold craft beer, by the fire pit.

Cheer on fellow racers and enjoy music and games, dancing and pictures with Yeti.

Sun., Jan. 28: Human Sled Dog Races Think traditional dogsledding – minus

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the dogs. Each team consists of six people. There are four sled pullers, a sled rider and a sled pusher. All sleds and harnesses are provided. Simply show up ready to race. Teams compete against each other in a double elimination tournament.

The field is capped at 16 teams, so

R  O R start assembling your friends, co-workers and family members to compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place prizes. Register with Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, (262) 2489271.

Jan. 31-Feb. 3: U.S. National Snow Sculpting The best snow sculptors in the nation will work their magic and leave onlookers filled with wonder. Sculptors officially end their work at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. Visitors may vote on their favorite sculptures for the People’s Choice award.

Voting ends at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 and ballots may be cast in the Riviera Ballroom or the visitor center at Flat Iron Park between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A 3 p.m. award ceremony will follow.

“The sculptures will remain in place for as long as the weather permits,” says Baron. “They’re made from 8-foot by 9-foot snow cylinders produced with a snow machine.”

The Riviera Marketplace will offer live music, food and more, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 1 Showcase Enjoy an evening of music, comedy and magic at the Riviera Ballroom on Feb. 1 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., featuring music by Un-hich’D, comedy

by Steve Iott and magic by Tristan Crist Magic and Illusion Show. A $20/adult, $10/kids’ ticket includes two drinks and food samples. Enjoy the New Glarus Beer After Party at Champs Sports Bar & Grill, 747 W. Main St. Fri., Feb. 2 Cocoa Crawl This free family event on Feb. 2 takes place in downtown Lake Geneva, 244 Broad St. Check in at the Geneva Theater to pick up a map of participating businesses and come back to the theater to vote on your favorite one. The theater will host a free showing of the movie “Frozen,” with Elsa and Anna on hand for a meet and greet.

Feb. 3 Winter Carnival This day of outdoor fun, open to the public, begins at 9 a.m. at the Mountain Top

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at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, games and competitions including a Ski Boarder Cross and Rail Jam. Kids’ activities and a fireworks show are complimentary; a lift ticket is needed to access skiing and snowboarding events on the ski hill. There’s a beer tent and a Torch Light Hillside Parade at 8:30 p.m. ❚

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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. Water backed up from an ice dam can leak into your house through the windows or 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.” ❚

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

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How to Stretch Your Budget a Little Further

By Peggy Werner

I

f you’re thinking it would be nice to have a little extra spending money about now, to pay off those holiday bills, here’s a tip: take a close look at what you’re paying for tech services.

“Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says.

“I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.”

Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends.

“You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”

Zambrano also finds himself helping residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems. He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month.

The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint.

Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels

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of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them.

And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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6 Ways to Fight the Flu Y

ou can reduce your odds of catching the flu.

“I always recommend the flu shot – especially in a harsh flu season like this year – along with good nutrition and plenty of sleep, but there are other healthy habits we can all develop,” says Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician, author and founder of Calabasas Pediatrics.

These tips from the experts at Clorox can help you prevent the spread of germs: 1. Get Vaccinated. It’s still important to get a flu shot if you haven’t already. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a yearly flu virus vaccination, even if the vaccine’s efficacy fluctuates, for almost everyone 6 months and older.

2. Keep Hands Washed. Hands touch so many things throughout the day.

Germs can spread by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact

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with a contaminated surface. Those areas are common entry points to the body for germs. Try not to touch your face or eat until you wash your hands.

3. Stay Home if You’re Sick. Even though you may not want to miss work or school, it’s important to prevent the spread of illnesses. Even at home, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of germs.

Lastly, try your best to make good use of your time off to rest, relax, eat well and recover from illnesses.

4. Follow Health Guidelines. It’s important to eat right (fill up with fresh fruit and veggies, vitamin D and probiotics), get some exercise (at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity) and get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours per night) to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of cold and flu viruses.

5. Be Aware of Your Environment.

Take extra precautions to avoid illnesses

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going around your community and know when to seek medical attention.

6. Disinfect Hard Surfaces. The CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched, hard surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches and faucets, with an EPA-registered disinfectant like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They help kill 99.9 percent of germs that can live for up to 48 hours on hard, non-porous surfaces. ❚ (Source: Family Features; Photo: Getty Images)

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Tourism

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

Attractions & Events

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

“Barefoot in the Park” Through Feb. 3, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. StraightRockford, 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com lacedIL attorney Paul and his freespirit bride adjust to married life in a tiny Manhattan apartment. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Pedro and Belinda Roman make Valentines at last year's Chocolate Sunday Sundae event at Discovery Center Museum. This year the event will be on Feb.11.

“The Odd Couple” Jan. 26-28 & Feb. 2-4, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. In Neil Simon’s comic play, Felix Unger and Oscar Madison have very different ideas about lifestyles. Byron Civic Theater, (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.

Monkey Business Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Curious George leads as you build, maneuver and manipulate your way through a world of science and engineering that offers problem-solving opportunities. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

MPAC: Classics in Winter Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m. MPAC’s Young Musicians Series presents a recital featuring music from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods for instruments and voice. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Murder at the Prop Table Feb. 2-11, Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m.

Actors, playwrites, a stage manager and a recipe for disaster with a splash of love, suspicion and one dead body. JPAC, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Music on Main: Going Baroque Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a true chamber music experience in the intimate Fulton Room, with Wayne Hatwhich playing harpsichord and Matt Guschl playing oboe. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Dancing with the Stars Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. Showcasing ballroom and contemporary dances from the hit TV show, including sizzling group numbers and original pieces. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Jeff Dunham, 'Passively Aggressive' Jan. 27, 5 p.m. America’s premier ventriloquist brings his cast of characters on the road for a gleeful skewering of family and politics. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

RCCA: Yamato – The Drummers of Japan Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. This high-energy troupe of performers creates and presents original compositions, captivating the distinctive, exhilarating sound of taiko drums.

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

'Into the Heights' Feb. 2-4, noon. Follow the many colorful residents of Washington Heights, a New York City neighborhood on the brink of change. Children’s/Youth Theater Project, Nordlof Center, Rockford, (920) 4127151, ctpytp.org.

Chocolate Sundae Sunday Feb. 11, 2-4 p.m. Make a sundae while enjoying the tunes of Auburn’s Jazz Band; then create a Valentine card or craft.

Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum. org. ❚

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Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

Y

ears before he opened it, owner Nikko Castrogiovanni mulled over the concept for Baci’s Kitchen in his mind. He envisioned a fast-casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner that would become a neighborhood favorite because of its good food, reasonable prices and fast service all day long.

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads.

Much of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service, but full table service is available as well.

“The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many healthconscious and vegetarian options,” says Castrogiovanni.

For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spin-

ach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price.

There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey.

“The breakfast pizzas are great to pick up and take into morning office gatherings,” says Castrogiovanni.

The lunch/dinner menu begins at 11 a.m. daily and includes sandwiches, paninis, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet or lasagna.

Especially popular are Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls such as the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamame and shredded carrots, for $14. Other protein bowls star chicken, seared tuna, steak, shrimp or vegetables with quinoa.

Entrees like stacked salmon feature a pan-seared salmon filet topped with sautéed radishes, carrots, tomatoes, orange slices, for $20.

Enjoy live music most Friday and Saturday nights; check the website to learn the lineup.

Baci’s opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m.

Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚ ❚

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. ❚

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In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza

W

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining its classic Italian fare.

Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a home-made meal with fresh ingredients. The Italian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat sauce, was named Best in the Stateline by MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettucine Alfredo and fish specials.

“We make it all ourselves. Each meatball is about a quarter pound apiece, so they’re huge,” says Ocello.

Bravo has locations in South Beloit and Poplar Grove. Both offer a full-service bar, catering, carry-out and delivery services.

Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚

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Y M

Tips for Finding College Scholarships C

ollege is a significant investment and millions of families each year face the question of how to pay for it.

Earning scholarships can help to offset the financial burden. Here are some important steps to take.

Complete the FAFSA Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be required to apply for a number of scholarships, particularly those based on need, and other forms of financial aid, such as subsidized or unsubsidized loans. While you can begin filling out the FAFSA on Oct. 1 of the year prior to needing aid, many scholarships give priority to students who complete the FAFSA by their state’s application deadline. Some colleges and universities have earlier deadlines.

Talk to Your Counselor Scholarship providers often supply information about their award offerings and

applications to high school counselors. Specific awards by major can be applied for in the school’s financial aid office.

Apply for Scholarships in Your Field of Interest Many job sectors have scholarship opportunities available through related clubs, organizations, small businesses and other benefactors. For example, the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund in conjunction with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), provides $1,500 scholarships to students endorsed by local farmers for continuing their education at 2 or 4-year universities and trade schools in agriculture-related fields of study. This year, the program will award more than $500,000 to students in fields such as math, computer science, business, communications, engineering, farming,

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agronomy, education and more. Learn more at GrowAgLeaders.com.

Use a Scholarship Search Engine There are sites dedicated to helping students identify college scholarship opportunities. While paid options exist, there are also several free sites, such as Scholarships.com, Fastweb and Scholarship America. Industry-specific websites, such as FFA.org, can provide scholarship opportunities that pertain to a certain field of interest. ❚ Source: Monsanto Fund, Family Features

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