Smart Living Weekly - March 22, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • March 22, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Get Inspired at Home & Garden Showcase

See Page 20

Are You Money Literate?

If the Shoe Fits, You’ll Wear It How’s Your Water Quality?

RSO Presents Motown’s Greatest Hits Why Athletic Trainers are Good for Health

FREE WIN!

$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

See Pg. 32 Details

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. 20 Home & Garden Show Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 What to Know About Your Water System Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 True Comfort Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Meal-Planning Tips Your Outings ...................................................9,17 RSO Presents Motown Hits; ‘Snow White’ in Ballet Your Technology ................................................19 Reduce Your Tech Bills Your Senior Living .............................................23 Bonds of Affection Matter Your Health ............................................... .. 25, 26 How a Trainer Can Help You; If the Shoe Fits Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 Dos Reales Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Financial Literacy Matters

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

Medicare.gov ranks 1st Family Home Healthcare higher than industry competitors.

Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner

Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Home Health Aides • Medical Social Workers • Speech Therapy Covered by Medicare and Most Insurance Plans.

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General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky 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.

All Over the World

I

t’s official! Spring is here! It arrived Monday. So how is the first day of spring determined and is it the same all over the world?

In the northern hemisphere, the first day of the spring season is the vernal equinox – the day of year when the sun crosses the imaginary line in the sky above the equator, moving northward. On this day, the Earth’s axis is neither tilted away from nor towards the sun. This happens every year on March 19th, 20th or 21st.

The term “equinox” (‘equal night’ in Latin) refers to the fact that night and day are equal in length, or about 12 hours each, worldwide.

But that’s just the scientific definition. For most of us, the first day of spring spells anticipation for warm weather and a reawakening landscape, and all the joys that come with it, from unfurling buds and chirping crickets to backyard BBQs and the start of baseball season.

Around our office, Spring also means something else. Our staff is very busy this week getting a special issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine off to the printer. It’s the Annual 25 Most Interesting People issue, which not only contains many special articles and guides to healthcare and business, but also 25 profiles about fascinating people in our region who are making a difference.

It’s likely that these 25 folks have already touched the lives of you and your family members in a positive way. “Meeting” them on Northwest Quarterly’s pages inspires us to think about all the ways we can impact others in our own spheres of influence.

A region is, after all, only what its people make of it.

Like it or not, we’re all connected and we rise and fall together. If we in the Rockford region have learned anything, in recent decades, it should be that. Happy Spring! ❚

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Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Dance Company Presents ‘Snow White’

By Peggy Werner

M

ost people are familiar with some version of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” either from reading the story or seeing the movie, but chances are they haven’t experienced it in dance.

Now Rockford Dance Company presents a world premiere ballet of “Snow White” at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31 and at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., in Rockton, as choreographed

by Milwaukee Ballet II Director and Milwaukee School & Academy Director Rolando Yanes.

“This is quite a large undertaking, compared to restaging an existing ballet,” says Emily Cooke, executive director and artistic coordinator of the dance company. She’ll dance the part of the Evil Queen, Snow White’s stepmother. “This is a completely brand new production.”

Juliana Eno will perform the role of Snow White. She’s in seventh grade at Edison Middle School in Janesville,

Wis., and most recently danced the lead role of Clara in “The Nutcracker.”

John Carlson, a sixth grader at Keith Country Day School, Rockford, will play the role of the Prince. He’s been dancing for six years and performed Fritz in “The Nutcracker.”

Cooke says more and more ballet companies are performing the story of Snow White, but every version is different, based on choices made by the choreographer.

“Rolando is very big into all the production aspects of a ballet and how to make a story come alive on stage,” says Cooke. “He loves the storytelling and working with lighting. He’s a very inspiring person. The show will be intense and dramatic, while also being very magical and enchanting.”

Audiences might remember Yanes as the rehearsal master for the company’s most recent production of “The Nutcracker” staged last December.

Monica Isle of the Milwaukee Ballet & Academy was the choreographer. This time, they exchanged roles.

To buy tickets, contact the Rockford Dance Company, 711 N. Main St., at (815) 963-3341, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays. The office is closed Fridays and Sundays. Or order tickets online at tutix.com/Rockford. ❚ FREE!

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-Bee Keeping as a Hobby -Growing Veggies in Containers -Gardening with Recycled Products & More!

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Y H  G

What to Know About Your Water System

By Anna Girgenti

I

f there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about during the busy summer months, it’s your water. Having clean, accessible water in your home or business involves proper installation and maintenance, according to the experts at Affordable Water, 214 W. Menomonie St., Belvidere.

“The biggest mistake people make with their in-home water systems is misapplication of equipment,” says Samantha Strobel, general manager at Affordable Water. Without proper installation, your water system is susceptible to permanent damage.

Installing a water treatment system is more complicated than many people think. The slightest mistake may result in hard water, staining or the introduction of bacteria and viruses. Misapplication due to inadequate installation can ruin both the equipment and the water. If you’re

thinking about installing your own water system, you may be putting your system at higher risk of malfunction. Consider calling a professional water company to handle the entire process for you.

“We specialize in water purification equipment and chemical-free systems.

We also offer a complete lineup of equipment for rental, leasing, residential, commercial accounts and more,” says Stro-

bel. The family-owned business offers more than 35 years of experience, with certified service technicians.

“People commonly run into issues with their water softeners when they’re not keeping up with maintenance or when the system isn’t programmed properly,” says Strobel. Some types of water treatment systems need maintenance more often, and some require regular professional maintenance. Your water system will last longer if you rely on a company that can service all your needs.

“Affordable Water is an accredited business for the Better Business Bureau,” says Strobel. “Consumers looking to install or repair a home water system should check with the Better Business Bureau to know they’re doing business with a reputable company,” says Strobel.

Affordable Water is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (815) 544-0918 for more information. ❚

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I  W

True Comfort E

specially as the Easter season unfolds, we’re reminded that our faith is rooted in the hope of being forever together with Jesus Christ.

Most of us fear our mortality because this life on Earth is all we know and we dread the pain of death and fear its mystery. This is natural. Even Jesus prayed for God to take away the ordeal of execution set before him.

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.

(Matthew 26:39, AKJV).

After his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus made various appearances to his disciples and others, for 40 days, before ascending and disappearing into a cloud.

As his apostles watched this phenomenon, two angels told them: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NIV).

Knowing that Jesus Christ will someday physically return to Earth in triumph is a source of hope, joy and comfort to us.

In a letter to Christians at Thessalonica, Paul wrote: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage each other with these words.

(I Thessalonians 4:13-18, NIV). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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The Yard Care Experts

MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING MOSQUITO CONTROL Call Today for a Free Estimate

815.877.3500 EwaldServices.com

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Y K

Eat Healthy with Easy Meal-Planning Tricks I

f you’re having trouble sticking to a healthy eating regimen, you may be surprised that one highly effective practice doesn’t require counting calories.

You simply need to plan out your meals.

If you don’t know where to start, follow these easy tips: 1. Build meals around themes like taco night or seafood night. This can help narrow down your options but still allow you to experiment with new recipes.

2. Be sure to include breakfast, lunch and snacks. Planning ahead can help ensure you have tasty, healthy options at your fingertips all day long.

3. Make it a family affair. Invite meal feedback from everyone and keep kids involved in the prep process.

4. Take inventory of your pantry and leftovers before heading to the store – yesterday’s grapefruit breakfast could be today’s citrus salad.

5. Shop wisely. Maximize time and money savings by shopping at a

store such as ALDI, where you can find fresh produce and organics, dairy, USDA Choice beef and bakery items. ALDI also offers a variety of healthy eating resources, including weekly meal plans and recipes like these Quinoa Lentil Tacos, at aldi.us/hellohealthy.

Quinoa Lentil Tacos: Recipe courtesy of Chef Michelle, ALDI Test Kitchen 32 ounces SimplyNature Vegetable Broth 3/4 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Iodized Salt 1/4 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Black Pepper 1 TB Stonemill Essentials Paprika 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Cumin 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Garlic Powder 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Chili Powder 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Onion Powder 1 cup SimplyNature Organic Tri-Color Quinoa, rinsed 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed 1 TB Baker’s Corner Corn Starch 10 Pueblo Lindo White Corn Tortillas

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 avocado, diced 1/2 cup crumbled Pueblo Lindo Fresco Cheese 2 limes, cut into wedges Preparation: In medium saucepan, bring broth, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, quinoa and lentils to boil; reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes, partially covered. Remove lid and add corn starch. Stir 5-8 minutes until lentils are cooked through. Heat medium pan over high heat. Heat tortillas 1 minute on each side. Divide lentil mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with red onion, avocado and fresco cheese.

Serve each with lime wedge. ❚

Source: Family Features

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RSO Performs Motown’s Greatest Hits R

ockford Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2016/17 Pop Series with “I Hear A Symphony – Motown’s Greatest Hits,” on Saturday, April 1, in the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

The concert features a hit parade of Motown Billboard chart-toppers like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “ABC,” “My Girl,” “Stop In The Name Of Love,” “I Hear A Symphony,” “Respect,” and so much more, with a full orchestra.

Singing songs from the greats like The Jackson Five, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and The Four tops are Allison Semmes, who is currently playing Diana Ross in Motown the Musical; Destan Owens, who has appeared in “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “Rent;” and Patricia Phillips, who played the role of

Carlotta in the longest-running show on Broadway, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Most recently Phillips appeared in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of “Kinky Boots,” with Billy Porter and Wayne Brady.

Tickets start at $22 and are available by calling (815) 965-0049 or visiting rockfordsymphony.com.

Student tickets are $7 for students 25 and under with a valid school ID and are available only by phone or the RSO box office.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a regional, award-winning professional orchestra performing at the Coronado Performing Arts Center from October through April.

RSO Music Director Steven Larsen is the recipient of the 2016 Conductor of the Year award from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. ❚

I Hear a Symphony—

TM

You will want this show to go on All Night Long as you celebrate the billboard hits of Motown. Featuring such greats as I Heard It Through The Grapevine, ABC, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, My Girl, Stop In The Name of Love, Respect, and more sung by three Broadway singing stars.

Saturday, April 1, 7:30pm | Coronado Performing Arts Center

ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! CALL 815.965.0049 CLICK ROCKFORDSYMPHONY.COM VISIT 711 N. MAIN ST.

TICKETS START AT JUST $22 • STUDENT TICKETS (25 & UNDER) $7 SPONSORED BY

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

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Y T

Reduce the Cost of Monthly Tech Bills

By Peggy Werner

W

hile thinking about all the money you have to spend this holiday season, why not also think about ways to save money on your monthly tech bills?

EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, can help with that.

“People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.

People get excited when they see promotions because they’re just looking at the price, which will jump up dramatically after the special offer ends. Plus, they don’t always know exactly what they’re getting – and what you don’t know can hurt you.”

When you purchase TV and internet service through EZ Satellite & Wireless, you’ll get a $100 gift card when you share the news with someone else.

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

The company also offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for $19.95 per month.

EZ Satellite specializes in helping people make the right choices based on what they need and where they live, so they can save money.

The family-owned business opened in 2011, in Roscoe, and moved to a larger, more visible location in Loves Park last May, adding a new bill-paying center for customer convenience. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. About 80 percent of his business is working with residential customers in Southern

Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The company also works with businesses.

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.

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

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

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Get Inspired at Home & Garden Showcase

By Peggy Werner

T

he promise of spring motivates a lot of people to find their gardening tools and go to work.

For ideas, inspiration, and lowpriced plants, visit the 14th annual Home and Garden Showcase Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Forest Hills Lodge, Illinois Route 173 and Forest Hills Road, in Loves Park, Ill. “It’s just a time to welcome spring and a place where people can do all their planning for spring projects under one roof,” says Andrea Nichols-Costello of Showtime Productions, event sponsor.

“They can talk with experts one-on-one and get discounts on goods and services.”

More than 100 vendors offer homeowners and apartment dwellers the convenience of comparative shopping for items and services related to landscaping, decks, backyard ponds, waterfalls, home remodeling, plants and garden gadgets.

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Master Gardeners from University of Illinois Extension will be available all weekend to host workshops, provide tips and answer questions.

Saturday workshops led by Master Gardeners include “Container Gardening in Small Areas,” by Connie Austin at 10 a.m.; “Ornamental Grasses,” by Michelle Cox of The Landscape Connection, at 11:45 a.m.; and “Bee Keeping as a Hobby,” by Bob Arevalo at 1 p.m., followed by his presentation on “Why Native Plants” at 2:15 p.m.; and “Herb Mania” by Cox at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday’s workshops led by Master Gardeners include “Growing Veggies in Containers,” with Brenda Stubblefield-Smith at 10:45 a.m.; “Composting,” with Lyvonne Foster at 11:45 a.m.; “Gardening with Recycled Products,” with Cox at 1 p.m.; and “Seed Starting,” with Brian Rudny at 2:30 p.m.

March 22 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Master Gardeners undergo intensive training through county extension offices to learn about botany, soil, insects, gardening, plants, landscaping, trees and more, and then volunteer at gardens throughout the community, says Samantha Burbach, program coordinator for University of Illinois Extension in Winnebago County.

They also volunteer at county extension offices, schools and community gar-

R  O R dens, to answer questions, identify problems with soil and vegetation, and teach every aspect of growing, from starting seeds to harvesting.

Winnebago County has about 75 active Master Gardeners; training takes place throughout the region each year, this year in Boone and Stephenson counties. A person can train in one county and volunteer in another. For more information contact Burbach at (815) 986-4357 or online at web.extension.Illinois.edu/ JSW. A new vendor this year is The Seed Keeper Company of Palatine, founded

by Kerrie Rosenthal and Carol Niec. The women developed a method for keeping track of hundreds of seed packets, to save gardeners time and money while preserving, protecting and identifying seeds.

More and more people are planting from seeds for fresher produce, a wider variety of crops, and for the satisfaction of independently growing their own food.

“It’s the No. 1 hobby in America,” Rosenthal says.

Back by popular demand is Planter’s Row, a wholesale live plant sale. This is the fourth year The Landscape Connection (TLC), 4472 S. Mulford Road, in Rockford, has sponsored the plant sale. It brings in more than 1,000 plants, including pansies, violas, Martha Washington Geraniums, accent plants, cool season herbs, Cool Wave Pansies, begonias and more. Some perennials and starter houseplants will be sold, too.

“This is not a moneymaker for us. We just want to give back to the community, get our name out there and have some fun,” Cox says, adding that everyone who stops by the TLC booth will get a pot to bring into the store for a free plant, plus a newsletter that provides gardening tips.

TLC opened three years ago and conducts classes and workshops. The business is one of several drop-off sites for homegrown produce from June through October. The produce is donated to Northern Illinois Food Bank.

TLC will open its new greenhouse this spring and kick off a monthly Saturday garden club for active gardeners.

“We want to be more than a store.

We want to be a place where people gather and where they can come in, slow down, and take a deep breath,” Cox says.

For more information, contact Andrea Costello at Showtime Productions, (815) 871-7469. ❚

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Y S L

Quality Relationships Make All the Difference

By Peggy Werner

M

att Hopkins’ desire to care for others has always been a main motivator for choosing a career. So it was no accident that he was promoted to executive director of Crimson Pointe Senior Living, 7130 Crimson Ridge Dr., two years ago.

As a little boy, he wanted to be a fireman. He served in the U.S. Navy, took courses to become an Emergency Medical Technician and later became a Registered Nurse, working with hospice patients. He discovered an ideal place for himself at Crimson Pointe, a Five Star Senior Living community in Rockford.

“I just love taking care of people,” he says. “If you think about it, working in emergency medicine or helping someone in their home is all about making things work, whether getting the right equipment in place or making people comfortable in other ways.”

Hopkins grew up in Rolling Meadows and moved to Rockford in 1996.

He became acquainted with Crimson Pointe while visiting hospice patients in the building. At one point, he learned of an opening for the position of resident services director, which he landed. Next, he became the interim director. Three months later, in July 2015, he was hired as executive director.

Hopkins says he likes Crimson Pointe because of the family atmosphere and close bond he feels between employees and residents. Those close relationships are what make Crimson Pointe special.

Crimson Pointe is an assisted living community for seniors who need some support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.

Individualized medication programs are

available to meet each resident’s needs.

Rehabilitation and respite stays are also available. Other Five Star Senior Living communities in our region include Morningside in Sterling, Ill., and Huntington Place in Janesville, Wis. In all, Five Star Senior Living, based in Newton, Mass., operates more than 260 communities nationwide. Learn more at lifeatcrimsonpointe.com or call (815) 398-7792. ❚

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Y H

Trainers Can Be Good for Your Health

By Peggy Werner

W

hether you’re still trying to keep that New Year’s resolution or just want to look and feel great when warm weather comes, you’re more likely to meet your fitness goals if you work with a personal trainer.

A certified personal trainer has the know-how, understanding and patience to help individuals develop and execute an exercise plan that can bring about desired results, while keeping you accountable and realistic.

“After the holidays, many people jump right into an exercise program and hit it hard and that’s when injuries happen and many people stop exercising,” says Jason Lubben, a personal trainer with Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Dr., Loves Park and Peak Fitness, 4304 East State St., Rockford. He’s also an athletic trainer with Athletico Physical Therapy, located in the Loves Park Peak building.

Lubben works with clients of all ages who have various health conditions and are from all walks of life.

“Just because a person has limitations due to a health problem doesn’t mean they can’t exercise,” he says. “We may have to work around a condition, and in many cases, that condition will improve in time.”

All Peak members get a free 45-minute fitness evaluation that allows individuals to talk about their goals, ask questions and be evaluated on their form, strength and flexibility, whether they’re just starting out or have exercised for years. The trainer will make sugges-

tions for a better workout, tell you how to prevent injuries and provide diet and nutrition tips.

“A trainer’s goal is to motivate, give positive feedback and customize workouts based on each person’s abilities and goals. A healthy lifestyle means making changes. Healthy living is not a fad, it’s a lifestyle.” ❚

Want a second opinion?

We give you one at every visit!

The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community.

We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.

Call 815.972.1000 to schedule an appointment.

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Y H

When the Shoe Fits ... You’ll Feel Better

By Peggy Werner

M

ost people will have foot problems at some time in their lives, but that doesn’t mean they have to live with them forever.

A better-fitting shoe made of quality materials is the best way to address many foot problems, says Linda Myers, manager and buyer at Akerman’s Shoes at Edgebrook Center, 1613 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“The feet are oftentimes the most neglected part of our bodies,” says Myers. “Too often, people pick out shoes for how they look. They don’t think about the harm they’re doing to their feet because of the lack of support. That’s why they end up with aching feet. If you take care of your feet, they usually take care of you.”

Shoes for special occasions that will be worn for a short period of time can be

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Smart Living Weekly

chosen for looks, but when it comes to shoes worn for work, exercise and everyday use, more care should be taken in selecting them. And, shoes that fit properly will last longer.

“That’s where experience comes in,” says Myers, who has been in the shoe business since 1983.

To get a proper fit, your feet need to be measured carefully. Next, try on the shoes. Sizing varies among manufacturers.

The ball of the foot needs to line up with the widest part of the shoe, says Myers. Stand up and walk in the shoe to see if it creases where the foot bends and how it feels.

An experienced clerk looks for alignment, balance and slippage and can catch potential problems a customer might not spot. But only the customer can deter-

March 22 To advertise call 815-316-2300

mine how a pair of shoes feels on their feet and whether or not they like them.

“If they don’t like it, we just have to keep trying until they find something they like,” she says. ❚

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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

"The Last Romance" March 23-26, Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com path on his daily walk—one that leads him to the dog park and an unexpected second chance at love. Artists' Ensemble Theater, 5050 E. State St., Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble March 24, 7:30 p.m. With the precision and flexibility of modern chamber musicians, Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble specializes in experimental repertoire that is changing the paradigm of contemporary vocal music.

Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Decades Rewind March 24, 7:30 p.m. Get ready to have your memories brought to life by an eight-piece band and six brilliant vocalists; surrounded by concert stage lighting, poignant videography of American culture, and more than 100 period specific costume changes of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., (941) 677-8895, decadesrewind.com.

MELTFEST 2017 March 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the melting away of winter as well as the melting together of the community. Enjoy live music, ice skating with skate rental, trolley rides (weather permitting), vendors, crafts, activities, magic shows, science shows, juggling shows and more. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, meltfest.com.

The Egg Artistry Show and Sale March 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This 24th annual event has exhibits from artists throughout the Midwest with a variety of carved, painted, and embellished egg shells. Purchase the one-of-akind finished product or buy supplies for making your own. Kids can stop by the "Little Egger" and create their own take home egg project.

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Nano Day March 25, 11:30-3:30 p.m. Delve into the incredibly infinitesimal nano-scale world with handson projects and live science demonstrations.

The time-honored classic "Annie" comes to the Coronado Performing Arts Center on March 26.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Brave Beauties March 25, 1-4 p.m. Students in Medicine for the Arts invite you to Brave Beauties, an event supporting breast cancer fighters and survivors. Bring a guest and join in a day of free makeovers, massages, crafts and food. UIC Health Sciences Campus - Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, (815) 395-5755, RSVP BraveBeautiesinRockford@gmail.com.

Shamrock Rockford 5K Beer Run March 25, 2-5 p.m. The 5K run/walk features 5 beer stops, one at each 1K serving up 3 oz of craft beer so you’re sure not run out of thirst.

All participants also receive a souvenir pint-glass & long-sleeve t-shirt with their registration. At the end of the run, participants receive a commemorative finishers medal and pint of beer from the brewery of their choice. Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, shamrockbeerrun.com.

"Annie" March 26, 2 & 7 p.m. This production is a new incarnation of the iconic original. Coronado Performing Arts Center, (941) 677-8895, decadesrewind.com.

Spring into Science March 27-31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Keep your brain engaged over spring break with fun, creative activities and live science demonstrations. Play with numbers, explore colors, and turn everything into art. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚

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

Smart Living Weekly

March 22

27

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales

By Paul Anthony Arco

D

(Samantha Ryan photos)

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since 1998, along with some American favorites and signature margaritas, in an intimate yet fun atmosphere.

Dos Reales features several Mexican signature items on its recently updated menu: burrito cheese steak, chimichangas and appetizers such as guacamole ranchero. Newer dishes include torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. There are nontraditional dishes, too, such as chicken wings, burgers and french fries.

“There’s a misconception that all Mexican food is hot,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. “All of our dishes are mild unless guests request them to be spicy.

We prepare everything from scratch and Jose Gonzalez purchase our products from local sources.”

Dos Reales offers gluten-free options and has always used fresh, preservative-free corn tortillas, chips and vegetable oil in its cooking.

Recently, Dos Reales underwent a major renovation – its parking lot was repaved, the main dining room was repainted, new flooring and a new roof were installed and the kitchen received extensive upgrades.

There’s a new bar, where customers gather for what Gonzalez calls the “best margaritas in town.” Drink specials are popular on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Live music is featured every other Friday.

The main dining room seats 100, and the back dining area can be reserved for private events. Carry-out and catering are also offered. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/AmeriArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 can. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11am-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$.

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

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sealoit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakCosta’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Som- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. melier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚ 28

Smart Living Weekly

March 22 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. ❚

Dickey’s Dish of the Week Name of Plate: Rib Plate Restaurant: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 845 S. Perryville Road, Rockford Description: This dish comes with five hickory-smoked rib bones – just one bone short of a half rack. The plate also comes with two homestyle side dishes. Choose from mac and cheese, baked potato casserole, green beans with bacon and onions, waffle fries, coleslaw, potato salad and other options.

Why does this dish stand out?

“The ribs are smoked fresh every day with real hickory wood,” says Ryan McPeek, owner. “That gives them a really nice flavor. There’s also a lot of food on the rib plate. A lot of people end up taking home leftovers.”

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers dine-in, carry-out and catering services. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. ❚

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

March 22

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Smart Living Weekly

March 22To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Smart Living Weekly

March 22

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March 22 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Don’t Be Afraid to Learn Money Basics

By Peggy Werner

T

eaching people of all ages how money works is part of the mission of MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Educating middle and high school students about the basics of financial literacy is one of the responsibilities of Anna Hauck, director of training and development. Hauck has worked in the financial services industry for more than 16 years and is studying to earn her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor designation through the Credit Union National Association.

“I’ve seen students come in with their first paycheck and hand it over, not knowing at all what to do with it,” says Hauck. “Others have come in to apply for their first loan or credit card, without understanding what they need to get a loan, only knowing that they need the money.

There are even instances in which young

adults applying for credit for the first time find out someone has stolen their identity.”

In some cases, family members or friends have used a minor’s personal information to obtain services that require sufficient credit ratings because their own credit isn’t adequate.

Unfortunately, there are many people who never learned to manage their money or who have had bad experiences with a checking account or loan and ultimately decide to deal in cash only.

Two years ago, MembersAlliance began sponsoring Banzai, an online financial literacy program available to area teachers and students. The response was so positive that the program was expanded to provide in-class presentations on banking basics, credit and budgeting.

Hauck and other credit union professionals have taken the program to more than 2,300 students in 16 schools, both pub-

lic and private, in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties.

“If I just reach one student, it’s time well spent,” says Hauck. “That will be one less person struggling to understand and manage money later in life. Informing the students before they begin their financial lives will not only help them, but will also help our communities.”

MembersAlliance also has Rockford branch locations at 6951 Olde Creek Road, and inside the Wal-Mart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and Rockton Road. ❚

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March 22

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March 22To advertise call 815-316-2300

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