Smart Living Weekly - March 4, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Sock Monkey Madness 2015

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

A

mong its many claims to fame, Rockford is home to the sock monkey, made from the red-heeled “Rockford,” the most popular work sock of its day. Since it was first crafted more than 80 years ago, the stuffed toy has captured the imaginations of people of all ages, all around the world.

Since 2005, the playful primate has been celebrated at the Sock Monkey Madness Festival, an original event held at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road. The theme for this, the 10th year, is “Fairy Tales & Red Heels,” on March 7-8 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Here, fans can spin their own enchanted yarns, by making fairy-tale themed sock monkeys, jousting with their monkeys, taking jester training and more.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Inside: Decorator Trends for 2015 • Diabetes 101 from FHN • Tips for Good Posture Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese • Restaurant of the Week: Olympic Tavern

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Sock Monkey Madness 2015 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Design Trends for 2015 Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Other Guy Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pecans Your Style ..........................................................17 What to Know About Oil-Based Skin Care Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Diabetes 101 from FHN Your Health ............................................. .......... 26 What is a Health Coach?

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Olympic Tavern Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Smartphone Use & Your Spine Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Financial Tips for the Sandwich Generation

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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‘Fascinating!’

M

arch is here! Some 300 years ago, March marked the start of the calendar year in many cultures. Meteorologically speaking, this was quite logical.

“Fascinating,” Star Trek’s Science Officer Spock might respond. Spock was played by actor Leonard Nimoy, who died Friday. His death saddened Trekkies worldwide, including me. At age 14, I attended the first major Star Trek convention, in 1975 Chicago, six years after the series’ 1969 cancellation and four years before its 1979 motion picture debut. (I stole Nimoy’s cigarette butt from an ashtray at the Conrad Hilton, for a keepsake. Maybe his cells could be regenerated from the DNA ...)

Since Nimoy’s death, I’ve been dismayed to read inaccurate accounts of Star Trek philosophy. Sorry, Washington Post, but Spock was never a cold, logical counterpoint to an emotional Captain James T. Kirk. He was a counterpoint to more passionate and impulsive Dr. Leonard McCoy. Both Spock and McCoy were men of science; both had spiritual depth; and both provided invaluable input to Kirk.

“Spock represents Rationality, McCoy represents Compassion,” wrote David Gerrold in his 1973 book, The World of Star Trek.

“Thus, the two of them are more than just characters aboard the Enterprise; they symbolize Captain Kirk’s internal dilemmas.” (Gerrold wrote for the original series, including the beloved “Trouble with Tribbles” episode.)

The Enterprise was a science vessel, not a battleship; its mission was to explore, not to conquer. It fought intolerance as often as it fought Klingons. Creator Gene Roddenberry cloaked his social views in science fiction to sneak them past obtuse 1960s network censors.

The green aliens and corny props were fun, but it’s the timeless and often painful human struggle to balance logic, compassion and courage (both physical and moral) that captured our hearts. Star Trek’s relentless optimism for the future and human potential remains irresistible.

Nimoy would have turned 84 on March 26; Shatner will turn 84 on March 22. Star Trek will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

Peace! Live Long and Prosper!

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2015 Decorating Trends

By Rachel Shore

N

eutral shades offset with accents of bright color, bold patterns and a mix of textures are trending in interior design for 2015, along with a fusion of contemporary and rustic styles.

“The vibrant colors are getting slightly muted with softer undertones now,” says Sheila Anderson, designer at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 808 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Dominant colors are various shades of gray, from taupe to charcoal, with a few pops of color added, such as cobalt blue or navy.

“You can usually figure out which colors you’re drawn to by looking at your closet,” Anderson says. “If you have a lot of neutrals, for example, that’s a good place to start when you’re decorating a room.”

Big bold patterns also make a statement. Popular this year are paisleys, geometric, Moroccan, ikat and tribal, sometimes in watercolor, oversized or very sophisticated interpretations.

An eclectic room décor and can help you to express your own personal style.

“Mixing textures and styles adds to the conversation with Ashley short-leg recliner in paisley people who visit your home,”

Anderson says. “You can pause and tell people why a certain piece of art appealed Signature Design rug; to you, for example.

The design doesn’t have Ikat pattern pillow. to be so predictable. The art doesn’t have to match the couch.”

To create an eco-friendly home, consider buying furniture made from recycled wood. From headboards and benches to dining room tables, there are numerous ways to incorporate ecofriendly or reclaimed items into your decor, whether your tastes lean toward traditional or contemporary.

“These restoration and vintage designs are really trending,” says Anderson. “You can find items ranging from North Woods rustic to an industrial look, which is popular in loft-style homes.”

A visit to Gustafson’s will familiarize customers with a wide array of furniture and accessory styles, such as those pictured here.

“The secret at Gustafson’s is that we have so much space, so we can carry many brands and price points,” she says. ❚

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

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I  W

The Other Guy

J

esus spent a lot of time teaching us how to treat people beyond the friends and family members we already love – how to treat “the other guy.” Yet how easy it is to excuse ourselves from doing what he still asks of us.

For example, there are hundreds of scriptures about the way we should treat poor people. Here is one: “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:12-14 (NIV).

Jesus also went out of his way to embrace people with “rough edges,” much to the dismay of religious leaders content to treat “sinners” as outcasts. Jesus reminded us we’re all sinners. In one example, he prevented a woman from being stoned to death for marital infidelity. “Let any one of you who is without sin throw the first stone at her.” – John 8:7. By verse 11, Jesus tells the woman he doesn’t condemn her, and adds: “Go and sin no more.”

In our society, racial intolerance is a huge problem. It was in Jesus’ time, too, but he defied it. By his obedience to God, Jesus broke down walls that separate races. He not only gave his followers the authority to do the same, but gave them a a direct order to carry his messsage to the uttermost parts of the earth. After his resurrection, all people who chose to follow Jesus Christ were welcomed as equals into God’s fold, and still are today. Jesus asked us to work tirelessly to share the gospel to all people so that those with ears to hear his voice may respond to it.

In a sort of preview of this new age, Jesus once showed kindness to a Samaritan woman he met at a water well; the Jews with whom he grew up despised Samaritans. When the woman spoke of her belief in a coming Messiah, Jesus said what others had begged him to say: “I, the one speaking to you, I am he.” (John 4:26) Inner hearts, not outward appearances, – Janine Pumilia matter to Jesus. ❚ 12

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Y Y K K

Olive Oil: It’s not Just for Dipping & Salads E

xtra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar make delicious additions to all sorts of recipes. The Olive Oil Experience & Spice Galleria, 6430 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, offers more than 50 extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and gourmet oils from all over the world.

Owners Charles and Brandi Ducharme enjoy helping people to discover the many ways their products can enhance and complement foods. “As people come in to try the different oils, they’re more and more aware of the many ways to use olive oil,” says Charles.

All varieties are free to sample, and the Ducharmes bottle your purchases fresh on the spot.

In this recipe, the olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette with goat cheese and toasted pecans accent the beets for a satisfying combination of sweet, crunch and tang. ❚ Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Roasted Beet Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese & Toasted Pecans Ingredients 1½ 8 6 1 ¼

1 ⅓

lbs. fresh beets oz. Chevre (fresh goat cheese) cups baby arugula or mixed greens cup whole pecans, toasted cup + 2 Tb. The Olive Oil Experience Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic Vinegar Tb. good quality grainy mustard cup + 2 Tb. The Olive Oil Experience extra virgin olive oil fresh ground pepper to taste from Spice Galleria

Directions

Preheat oven to 400. Trim beets and wrap in foil packet drizzled with a tablespoon of water.

Roast for 1 hour or until tender when pierced with a knife. When cool to touch, peel beets by rubbing the skin off between paper towels. Warning: This will dye your hands bright red.

Cut peeled beets into 1-inch pieces.

Whisk together 2 Tbs. Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic with 2 Tbs. olive oil, add beets and toss. Set aside.

To make vinaigrette, in medium bowl, whisk remaining Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic with grainy mustard until well combined. Slowly drizzle in olive oil of choice, whisking constantly until mixture is thickened or emulsified. Add freshly ground pepper and sea salt to taste.

Arrange arugula and greens in serving dish, dress with the Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic vinaigrette. Add marinated roasted beets, top with crumbled goat cheese and pecans.

Yields 6-8 generous portions.

From the Kitchen of: The Olive Oil Experience & Spice Galleria. Find more recipes, and shop for extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and more, at theoliveoilexperience.com.

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Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

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How to Choose an Ideal Oil for Skin Care I

n the skincare world, most people seek to banish excess oil from their faces, but a little oil is actually good for your skin. By the time makeup, dirt and excess oils have been washed away, so have all the “good” oils, and skin is left stripped and chapped.

With so many oil types, it’s difficult to known which to use.

The experts at Arch Apothecary offer these tips to tell them apart and determine which one is right for you.

Sunday Riley is a line favored by many celebrities and super models, and it boasts four very different hydroactive cellular face and body oils.

Juno and Juno Body: This dry oil is essential-oil free, and suited to all skin types. It contains Omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as cranberry seed oil. It’s fantastic for inflamed skin, due to its amazing drynesspreventing properties. One is for your face, and the other, in a larger bottle, is for your body.

Isis: This anti-aging oil is deeply moisturizing, smooths the texture of your skin and reduces the appearance of lines. It contains rosehip and chia seed oils – great for mature skin that’s not super-inflamed. Good in place of a typical night cream, especially for those worried about fine lines and wrinkles.

Artemis: Also contains essential oils. This one is the best for acne-prone skin. It contains lemon myrtle, black cumin and pomegranate seed oil, and is both cleansing and purifying. It keeps acne at bay by detoxifying the skin. Although it fights redness, it’s not recommended for someone with very irritated skin.

RMS Beauty Oil: Containing turmeric, jojoba and licorice oils, this organic oil smells fantastic and is extremely gentle and nourishing. Both acne-prone and mature skin can benefit.

All of these oils come with an eye dropper top for easy and precise application. Each may be blended into your daily moisturizer, simply by adding a drop.

Although oils might seem hard to use, they are actually quite easy to use and are chock full of benefits, no matter what your skin ailment.

The hardest part is finding the one that works best for you. ❚ Source: Arch Apothecary

Get SLW Style articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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R  O R

Sock Monkey Madness

Continued from Cover

“The festival is our chance to help families have fun with the sock monkey, and celebrate Rockford’s industrial heritage at the same time,” says Laura Furman, curator at Midway Village Museum.

During the festival, Make-a-Monkey workshops allow participants to create sock monkeys in fashionable colors – Princess Pink, Knightly Red or Blue, Dragon Green or Banana Yellow – as well as the traditional brown. Kits are $20; register for the workshops in advance or at the festival.

“In the workshops, people get help making the monkeys, so you don’t need to be an expert at sewing,” Furman says. “We also have Fairy Tale Costume kits for $5, a Princess, Knight or Villain. And we always have a selection of free miscellaneous fabric and trim that people can take for their sock monkeys.”

Make-a-Monkey workshops take about two hours.

The festival also features free activities, including a number of craft and game stations for families

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to enjoy. “Visitors can joust with their monkeys, go through jester training, play Medieval children’s games, or have royal silhouettes drawn,” Furman says.

In addition, the “Sockford” Public Library will be taking part in Sock Monkey Madness. “Michelle Vosberg, a library representative, will provide Storytime,” says Furman. Representatives will also issue library cards to those who want them.

Vosberg will be reading Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole, I Want a Sister by Tony Ross, and Waking Beauty and Falling for Rapunzel, both by Leah Wilcox.

New this year: the museum will be yarn-bombed. “We’ve partnered with local knitters and crocheters, who are going to bomb the Museum Center with all kinds of colorful and creative yarn,” Furman says. “Everything inside will be covered in knitted yarn – railings, benches. I’m excited to see what it all looks like.”

Midway Village is also home to Nelson, the world’s largest sock monkey, made from 44 red heel sock and standing 7 feet,

R  O R two inches tall. The museum maintains a permanent sock monkey exhibit, which includes the history of John Nelson, who founded Nelson Knitting Co. in Rockford in 1880. His company manufactured the sock from which the sock monkey is made.

It was so popular, that all work socks came to be known in the lexicon as “Rockfords,” much the way “Kleenex” became synonymous with facial tissue. Naturally, imitation followed. In order to let customers know that they were getting the genuine article, Nelson Knitting incorporated its trademark red heel, in 1932. The monkey’s distinctive red lips are the result of the popularity of this first mass-manufactured work sock.

During the Depression, resourceful tailors and seamstresses began using the socks to create the toy, which grew in popularity. In 1953, a Colorado woman patented her sock monkey version, the recognizable, now-famous design. When Nelson Knitting discovered this, it purchased the patent in 1955 and began to package the sock monkey pattern with the socks.

Many U.S. groups make and send sock monkeys overseas, to soldiers and sick or underprivileged children. Operation Sock Monkey is sponsored by Clowns Without Borders South Africa, an international group offering support and humor – and sock monkeys – to communities affected by HIV/ AIDS. Sock Monkeys Against Cancer, or SMAC!, started by the daughter of a

cancer victim, raises money for cancer research by creating and selling custom sock monkeys representing every form of cancer. The organization’s ultimate goal is to have hospitals and corporate sponsors provide a SMAC! monkey to anyone diagnosed with cancer.

Today, thousands of sock monkey-related items are sold on eBay, from pajamas and slippers to shower curtain hooks, fingernail decals and wine bottle bags, not to mention the actual dolls, both new and vintage.

Sock Monkey Madness hosts vendors selling all things sock monkey, from buttons, trading cards, sock monkey kits, unique accessories and ready-made clothes, to monkeys made from funky, unusual socks and handmade socks.

Sockford General Hospital offers free “medical check-ups” and “minor surgery,” to repair attendees’ vintage and well-loved sock monkeys, for free.

Visitors can take a break from the monkeyshines of the festival to visit the museum’s gift shop or other exhibits.

“The entire museum will be open,” says Furman. “The cost includes access to our other exhibits and features.”

Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 3-17. Museum members and children under age three are free.

For more information, visit midwayvillage.com. ❚

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EVERY MOMENT MATTERS

G R OW I N G TO S E RV E YO U OSF Center for Cancer Care expansion - Summer 2015 completion date.

Throughout a patient’s cancer journey, every moment matters. Whether it be the moments spent living life and enjoying family and friends or the ones spent in treatment, those moments all make an impact on quality of life. That is why the team at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care puts the patient experience at the forefront of planning for the new cancer center expansion.

Center for Cancer Care Follow us on

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E X PA N S I O N PROJ E C T

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Certified

Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence

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Diabetes 101: Patient Education at FHN T

he American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 25 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, a disease in which the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood are too high.

Glucose comes from the foods you eat. When it’s functioning properly, your body makes insulin, a hormone that helps your body to use glucose for energy. Some people’s bodies don’t make insulin at all – they have Type 1 diabetes. The most common type of diabetes is Type 2, in which your body doesn’t make or use insulin well, and can’t use up the glucose in your diet.

FHN Diabetes Education Small Steps, Big Rewards: Pre-Diabetes Education March 19, 5-7 p.m. Free & open to all Diabetes Basics: Series of three group sessions that teach the skills needed to manage diabetes Part 1: March 16 9-11 a.m., April 13, 1-3 p.m.

Part 2: March 18, 9 a.m.-noon, April 15, 1-4 p.m., Part 3: March 19, 9 a.m.-noon, April 16, 1-4 p.m.

Available only through physician referral; requires a fee.

Call (815) 599-6253 for more information.

Diabetes Support Group: For anyone in the general public with diabetes April 6, 1 p.m. Free. No registration required.

Having too much glucose in your blood can cause heart disease and stroke, as well as kidney, eye and nerve damage. People with diabetes must learn to monitor the amount of glucose in their bodies and keep it consistent.

“Our goal is to help our patients to control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise,” says FHN Diabetes Educator Nicolette Drane, RD, LDN, CDE. FHN provides diabetes education in a variety of ways, including individual appointments and group sessions. Drane, a registered dietitian, teaches FHN’s Diabetes Basics courses as well as the free pre-diabetes class “Small Steps Big Rewards.”

“Taking a few steps today to make your diet and lifestyle healthier can actually reduce your risk of developing diabetes,” Drane says. “And if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, following a healthy diet and getting enough exercise may reduce the amount of medications you need to control your glucose levels.”

All classes take place at FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson St., Freeport. Diabetes Basics series requires physician referral and involves a fee. Learn more about FHN’s diabetes education at fhn.org. ❚

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Y H

What is a Health Coach?

B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

W

e can all think of lifestyle changes that we know would be good for us – everything from eating and exercise habits to our social lives and recreational pursuits – but we often fail to follow through on them. Long-term support – the kind you get from a health coach – can help us to sustain these positive changes.

“In my experience, most people who come to me feel like they’re running out of options,” says Pat Leitzen Fye, owner of Your Core Being, a wellness studio at 107 W. Main St., Freeport. “We need to take control of our lives and our health, but it’s not easy to do on our own. I help people to set goals and make good choices, based on their whole lives, not just what they eat or how active they are.”

As a health coach, Leitzen Fye develops Pat Leitzen Fye a partnership with

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her clients, to create a completely personalized “roadmap to health,” and she serves as navigator on the journey. “There’s no tried-and-true formula,” she says. “Every person – every person’s body – is different. It’s all about the individual, which is why I take a holistic approach.”

A health coach focuses on the mind, body and spirit, to help clients make the changes that support a healthier lifestyle.

“If you want to lose weight, it’s not about deprivation,” says Leitzen Fye. “For me, it’s about choosing real food over processed food. It’s about being healthy.

There’s no ‘magic number’ when it comes to weight, so forget those height-weight ratios. You may not be the ‘perfect’ weight, but you can still be healthy.”

With Leitzen Fye, sessions take place in person, though some coaches offer services online via Skype and other apps; a lot of follow-up and dialogue is carried on via email. She begins with a brief health

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history and daily activity consultation.

“People usually have a specific problem in mind, whether it’s fatigue, Crohn’s, IBS, weight,” Leitzen Fye says. “But I always look at the whole person, because there’s always something in life that impacts that problem, and the solution may involve a lifestyle change. It may not be what they eat but how or when they eat, and with whom. It could be work, friends, day-today stress. We need to look at the whole situation in order to make changes for the better.”

In addition to individual health coaching, Leitzen Fye offers tailor-made workshops for corporate groups or other entities. Visit yourcorebeing.com or call (815) 297-1545 to learn more or to schedule a free 50-minute consultation. ❚

Y F

61st Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast March 7, 7 a.m.-noon. Annual fundraiser for Kiwanis. Info: (815) 235-2301. Freeport High School Cafeteria, 701 W. Moseley St., (entrance on Empire Street), Freeport.

Irish Pub Night March 6, 7-10 p.m. Fundraiser for Mendelssohn.

Music by local Irish pub band Gaelic Fury, stepping by the McNulty Irish Dancers, an authentic Irish dinner from Meads Longwood Meat Market, cash bar, games, dancing, raffle. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Deathtrap Marc 6-7, 13-14, 7:30 p.m. A thriller with twists and turns, a successful Broadway murder-mystery playwright on a dry spell conspires to steal a sure hit from one of his college students. Winneshiek Playhouse, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.

Gaelic Fury March 7, 7 p.m. Celtic music. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water, and popcorn are available for purchase. Free admission; donations welcome. Spring Creek UCC, Rockford, springcreekucc.org.

RSO: What a Wonderful World: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong March 7, 7:30 p.m. Steven Larsen, conductor; Byron Stripling, trumpet. Musical hits from the Big Easy and beyond include “What A Wonderful World,” “Saint James Infirmary,” “Royal Garden Blues,” “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans,” “Hello Dolly” and “Basin Street Blues.” CPAC, Rockford, rockfordsymphony.com.

Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Show March 7-8, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See popular rubber stamp/scrapbook manufacturers, view their entire lines and buy direct from them. Free product demos. Raffle with 100 percent of proceeds going to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Admission $7/$6 online in advance.

Clock Tower Resort r, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (727) 644-0590, ssatshows.com Fever River Railroad Spring Open House March 7-8, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Operating model railroads and memorabilia, including the fully operational HO-scale model Fever River Railroad, at 120x24 feet, 800 feet of main line a multi-level staging yard, own the of the largest club-based layouts in the Midwest. $4/$1 children/$8 family. Fever River Railroad, 1055 W. Beach Street, Freeport, feverriver.org.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents “What a Wonderful World,” a tribute to jazz trumpet great Loius Armstrong, on March 7.

Sock Monkey Madness Festival March 7-8, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. This year’s theme: “Fairy Tales & Red Heels.” Make your own to take home. See world’s tallest sock monkey, learn the history, join in activities. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Paranormal Tour March 13, 7-10 p.m. scintillating tales from paranormal experts, audio clips recorded in the Cottage, tour with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. BYO emfs, camcorders, cameras, audio recorders if you wish. Begins in the Barn. $25/$20 members. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 9642424, tinkercottage.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party March 14, 3 p.m. Parade starts at 7th & 5th avenues and ends at Memorial Hall. The party starts right after the parade at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 S. Prairie Street, Rockford, irishmarchingsociety.com.

PaleoFest 2015 March 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Focusing on the Triassic and Jurassic periods, this year’s event is a symposium, with 20 renowned speakers, exclusive programs and activities, and a special dinner and lecture with Dr. Hans-Dieter Sues. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

5th Annual Shamrock Shuffle March 15, 9 a.m. The 5K Run-Walk benefits Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in the fight against Duchenne. Clock Tower Resort , 7801 E. State St., Rockford, parentprojectmd.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Olympic Tavern Keeps Customers Happy

By Peggy Werner

T

he Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., has been a familyowned Rockford icon for 70 years, always changing with the times and giving customers what they want.

The business has come a long way from the days when Anthony Rotello opened a little place where factory workers could get a burger and beer on the corner of Main and Fulton. When Anthony’s son, Tom, took over the business, in the 1990s, he fulfilled his vision of a full-service restaurant, three times larger, with a fireplace and lots of atmosphere.

Zach, the third generation of Rotellos to work in the restaurant, is beer director and an authority on craft beers.The beer menu changes daily, and lists 28 draft beers in order from lightest to darkest, with a description of the style, alcohol content and price.

Daily specials are seasonal items not on the menu, ranging in price from $14 to $19. Monday night is always burger night, with a half-pound burger and fries for $5 (no carry outs). The $12 Friday night fish fry includes cod with all the trimmings. The patio, which seats 80 and is open seasonally,

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

just got all new furniture from Village Green.

The Olympic remodeled, updated and expanded its bar about three years ago.

Although the business climate has changed, neighborhood and area people still support The Olympic.

“The public makes us who we are. We are the living room Zach Rotello of the neighborhood – a place where people can stop between work and home – and we’ll do the dishes for you,” he says.

Zach has a good role model in his father, who still works every day. “He taught me not to settle for second best and to always strive to be the best I can be,” he says. “Our business is about hospitality and making people feel welcomed, whether it’s greeting customers with a smile or doing something special for them on birthdays and anniversaries. We’re just one of a very few places that has called Rockford home for this long.” ❚

Main Street Bistro  Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

In the Spotlight

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Higher Grounds

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatSun 8am-5pm. $.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

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

Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. Daily specials, Fri. fish Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- fry, 28 craft beers on tap. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$ port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Ex- Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, tensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

(815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Sisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2294545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $.

Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

F

or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents get their days off to a great start.

Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches.

Naturally, the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes.

Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

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T  I

Smartphone Use & Spine Health S

martphones and tablets may be creating more than a social gap. All that time spent with your head down checking email and texting – 2 to 4 hours a day, on average – may be harming your spine.

Research suggests that spinal pressure actually doubles with each inch you bend your head down.As a result, back and neck pain have increased among users of electronic gadgets, and the effects may linger for years.

Poor posture negatively impacts your muscles and ligaments, as well as your spine, which can lead to a host of health problems ranging from neck and back pain to gastrointestinal problems and even hyperkyphosis, a condition in which the spine curvature is significantly exaggerated, increasing a risk of pulmonary and arterial health problems.

Ditching your smartphone probably isn’t a practical solution for improving your posture, so instead, work to keep your posture in check with these tips: • To protect your posture while using your phone and other electronic devices, avoid angling your head down for prolonged periods. Raise the device closer to eye level, or use a stand to prop the screen.

• Treat back and neck pain, which may signal a posture problem or worsen poor posture habits, with regular chiropractic adjustments to keep your body balanced and flexible.

• When sitting, avoid crossing your legs and keep your knees at or below hip level.

Use a back pillow to support your lower and middle back. Relax your shoulders and avoid sitting in the same position for extended periods of time.

• While standing, keep your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent.

Stand straight with your shoulders pulled back and your stomach tucked in.

To learn more about the ways your spine affects your body’s overall health, visit online at thejoint.com/spine. ❚

Source: Brandpoint

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Y M

5 Financial Tips for the Sandwich Generation

T

he Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers – and now, the Sandwich Generation. This growing group is made up of middle-aged adults who are simultaneously supporting elderly parents and adult children. These people are sandwiched between caring for two generations of family while trying to plan for their own retirement goals, all at the same time.

According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, 21 percent of adults ages 40-59 provided some financial support to a parent aged 65 or older, while 48 percent provided support to at least one adult child in the same period.

“The emotional strain is challenging, but financial security becomes a big concern,” says Adam Hamm, president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). “Fortunately, making smart choices along the way can help to alleviate these financial stresses and safeguard long-term financial security.”

NAIC offers five tips to the Sandwich Generation, to avoid common pitfalls and plan for the unpredictable.

1. Create a plan: Arrange for a loved one’s care before a crisis.

2. Solicit support: Caring for a parent, working full-time and raising kids is physically and emotionally draining. Surround yourself with people who care, and be willing to ask for help.

3. Talk about finances: Long before you think you need to, review your parents’ insurance policies to understand their wishes, so you’re informed enough to make changes together.

4. Set expectations: Be open about how much financial support you plan to give your children once they reach adulthood. Decide how long you’ll allow coverage under your health plan and who’ll pay associated co-pays and deductibles.

5. Review your life insurance: If your family depends on you as the primary source of income, take time to evaluate your life insurance needs. Getting the correct amount provides peace of mind. Once your child is financially independent, you may wish to decrease the amount of your policy.

For more information, including a checklist with action items you can initiate now to ensure that unforeseen insurance needs don’t impact financial stability, visit insureuonline.org. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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Issue 1