Smart Living Weekly - January 13, 2016

9 @ rs w ge pa No ce e gs n Se in a av h t S En

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n iving g Smartt L ivi ivin ng Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Jan. 13, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Zac Matthews Band: Country’s Rising Star

By Paul Anthony Arco, Senior Writer

T

he Zac Matthews Band (ZMB) is turning heads in country music.

The locally based group is comprised of singer/guitarist Zac Matthews, who lives in Milton, Wis.; bass player Steve Blachford, of Rockford, and drummer Zach “Johnsy” Johns of Beloit.

In the past year alone, ZMB has opened for some of country’s best, including Kelsea Ballerini, Randy Houser, Billy Currington, Craig Campbell

and Tyler Farr.

In addition to playing bars and small clubs around the area, the band has performed in venues such as the Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, The Grand Theater in Wausau, Wis., Rock County and Green County fairs, the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and the Milwaukee County Zoo with Cassadee Pope, winner of NBC’s “The Voice.” It’s also headlined three tours to the Virgin Islands.

Continued on p. 20

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! A New You in 2016! • A Visit to Spectrum School • Wedding Venue of the Week: Ironworks Hotel Warm Up Your Home! • Recipe: Triple Sorghum Granola • Does Your Auto Need Enhancing?

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Issue 1

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Our philosophy is to provide the best possible care for every patient, while keeping current with the latest worldwide advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

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WHERE LUCK MEETS LUXURY.

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Zac Matthews Band Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 EfďŹ cient Fireplaces Warm Your Home Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Harnessing Our Ability to Change Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Recipe: Triple Sorghum Granola Your Auto .....................................................17 Questions to Ask Your Mechanic Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 What to Do if Your Child Breaks a Bone New You for 2016 ............................................ 26 You CAN Treat Your Varicose Veins Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Wedding Venue of the Week .............................29 Ironworks Hotel Focus on Education ..........................................33 A Visit to Spectrum Progressive School

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Jan. 13

New Beginnings

O

K, so there are ups and downs to living in a true four-season climate. For most of us, sub-zero temps are one of the “downs.” But seeing the earth wake up in delicate spring greens, soaking up summer sun and really appreciating it, sniffing crisp autumn air as the landscape turns golden red and savoring the first snowfall – make up for weeks like this one. At least for me.

The seasons bring fresh beginnings to the publishing industry, too. At Smart Living Weekly, we’re kicking off the year with a triple focus on three important subjects: Education, Wedding Planning and A New You. Our New You guide addresses a wide range of subjects, from becoming more fit through exercise and good diet to becoming more self confident in your appearance through plastic surgery, laser skin care, noninvasive body sculpting, varicose vein treatment and much more. It’s pretty impressive to see how many options there are in our region for professional care in these realms. As I watched the Golden Globe awards show on TV Sunday night, I was thinking how good it is that procedures once reserved only for the rich and famous are now accessible to so many.

Finding a great wedding venue also is easier than it used to be, in our region, thanks to expanding options. Church basement cake-only receptions are now rare. Today’s couples want full-service dinner receptions with plenty of room to dance and celebrate with friends and family members into the wee hours of night. Last week we looked at the newly refurbished ballrooms at Cliffbreakers and this week we visit Ironworks Hotel in Beloit.

Few decisions are as important as choosing the right school for your child. Our region is blessed to have many more options than it did when I was a kid growing up here.

We’ll introduce you to some of the schools you may never have thought about. Enjoy Your New Week and New Year! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 13

7

We’re bringing remarkable care home to you...

Welcome

Jamie Frantz, MD Sports Medicine/ Orthopaedic Surgery Dr. Frantz joins the Beloit Health System from Birmingham, AL. Dr. Frantz will be treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions and injuries, with a special emphasis in the evaluation, prevention and treatment of sports and exerciserelated injuries.

Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University/ McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 2014

Dr. Frantz is currently accepting new patients.

Fellowship: Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, American Sports Medicine Institute/Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, AL, 2015

Frantz Welcome Northwest Quarterly.indd 1

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New Stoves, Fireplaces Burn Cleaner, Better I

t’s no secret that an older fireplace isn’t the most efficient home heating method. Worse, it can serve as an unwanted air conditioner during winter.

“An open fireplace can actually have a negative efficiency, because of the amount of air it sucks out of the home,” says Brad Vander Heyden, owner of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., Rockford. “Some fireplaces consume 300 to 400 cubic feet of air per minute out of the house. That’s one thing when it’s 40 or 50 degrees outside … but it’s another thing when it’s zero or 10 below zero. You just suck so much air out that your furnace is working overtime.”

Some of the old, noncertified wood stoves do better – up to a 50- or 60-percent efficiency range, Vander Heyden says. But new technology in wood-burning appliances brings a huge improvement. Newer, cleaner-burning stoves are up to 80 percent efficient.

“If you have an old, inefficient, non-certified stove, you’ll easily save a third of your wood (by replacing it with a new one),” he says.

“I’ve had some people come in and say they’re getting the same heat and burning half the wood.”

That’s largely because some new stoves or fireplace inserts cause secondary combustion – basically, they burn up the smoke before it ever enters the chimney. That not only equates to better heat transfer, it also reduces dangerous creosote buildup.

Fireplace inserts, either woodor gas-fueled, can transform an older, warmth-stealing fireplace into an efficient heating option, Vander Heyden says. One big difference today is ceramic glass doors instead of tempered

glass. The doors prevent warm air from being sucked out of the room, but in the past, tempered glass also blocked fireplace heat from entering the room. Today, homeowners get the ambience of a fireplace … and it even heats the room. ❚

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

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11

I  W

Harnessing Our Ability to Change

T

he beginning of the year is often when we vow to change our ways, in everything from eating less to reforming behaviors that are at cross purposes with how Jesus Christ taught us to live.

Make no mistake: Changing a bad behavior is work. Many behavioral scientists agree that it takes about 40 days to establish a new habit.

But as Christian people, we have an advantage. We can draw upon the strength of God as we embark upon a journey of positive change. This isn’t to say God will do the work for us; each of us has free will. But God assures us that we are capable of changing our thought patterns by drawing strength from the spirit He gave to us. He created us to be masters of our own minds.

In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul writes: “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Countless scriptures reassure us that God is willing to help us in the endeavors that line up with His will.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31.

When you think about it, the human body is awesome in its design and the human mind is no less stunning; God has given us the ability to think independently and to make, or not make, the most important decision of all: to love our creator, or not. We have the freedom to transform our thought patterns for better or worse.

It’s not easy. We live in a world that often pressures us to succumb to our ugliest impulses. But we can do it, thanks to the grace of God and the loving support we find within the Body of Christ.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become as new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Jan. 13

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Jan. 13

Y K

Breakfast Tips to Kick-Start Your New Year A

s you look to the new year with plans for healthier habits, there’s no better place to start than the beginning of each day. Countless studies have shown the benefits of a nutritious breakfast, and there are plenty of options to make a filling, good-for-you breakfast that tastes great, too.

Wake up your morning routine with these tips for a healthier start to each day: • Plan a well-rounded meal. Incorporate whole grains, like sorghum, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables, for a nutrient-rich meal that will keep you fueled until lunch time.

• Experiment with new flavors.

Avoid burnout and boredom by trying new foods.

• Eliminate obstacles. If hectic mornings are preventing you from getting a healthy breakfast, find solutions that work for you. Prepare make-ahead foods that you can heat in minutes or look

for on-the-go options, such as this Triple Sorghum Granola.

Triple Sorghum Granola

Recipe developed by Pam Correll

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked sorghum (cooked according to package directions) • 1/2 cup dry whole oats • 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) • 1 cup slivered almonds • 2 Tb sorghum syrup • 2 Tb coconut oil • 1/2 cup dried cranberries • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut chips • 1/2 cup popped sorghum (popped according to whole grain package directions)

Directions: Heat oven to 200 F. Spread sorghum on jelly roll pan. Place in oven 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to large mixing bowl.

Stir in oats, pepitas and almonds.

Raise oven temperature to 300 F. In 1-quart sauce pan, heat sorghum syrup and coconut oil until oil melts.

Blend well. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients; stir to blend well. Spread evenly on jelly roll pan. Bake 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and stir in cranberries, coconut chips and popped sorghum. Allow to cool. Break apart. Store in airtight container. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Jan. 13

Y A C

Car Repair: Know What Questions to Ask

By Peggy Werner

F

ew things strike fear in our hearts more than finding out we need our cars repaired.

Trouble never occurs at a convenient time. We’re already stressed, in a hurry, and short of money.

To make matters worse, we’re at the mercy of a car mechanic, who may or not be telling us the truth about what needs to be done and what it costs.

Ken Tomlinson, owner of AutoEnhancers, 515 18th Ave., says there are steps we can take to avoid being totally in the dark and taken advantage of, when it comes to servicing our cars.

“Too many people just take the shop’s word for what’s wrong with a car and don’t make it their business to know for sure what the problem is and what needs to be done about it,” he says.

Ask to see the car, to be shown what

is wrong, and get a thorough explanation of what needs to be done, he says. If a part needs to be replaced, look at the part to see what the mechanic sees. Talk about your options, such as whether the part needs to be replaced right away or if you have some time left. If a part needs to be replaced, ask the mechanic to give you the old part when the new one is put in.

“Many mechanics are paid commission, so of course, they always want to up-sell. Too often mechanics will recommend replacing a part at the slightest hint of wear. In rare cases, people will be told work was done on their car when it wasn’t.

“I always let the customer decide. I show them the situation and talk to them about their options. Sometimes, a part is

going bad, but it doesn’t have to be replaced right away, so I let them know how much more time they have before going to the expense of getting a new part,” he says.

“I’m in business to make money, but I want to make it the right way.” ❚

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

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17

Gustafson’s West Serving Our Hometown Since 1928

Super January Sale!

36 Mon ths

0% Inter est 808 W. Riverside Boulevard • 815-636-8608

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England: Sofa WAS $909 NOW $799 Choose From 7 Custom England Sofas Choose From 21 Custom Fabrics and Over 200 Pillow Fabrics

Albany: 2 Piece Sectional WAS $1259 NOW $1049 Available in 3 colors: Chocolate, Beige, and Gray

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Flexsteel: Sofa WAS $2789 NOW $2589 Available in Tan and Gray Leather

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Jan. 13

Open 24/7 on the Web! • gustafsonfurniture.com

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*To Qualified Buyers on financed balance over $2,000 with 10% Down. Tax & delivery not financeable.

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Mon & Fri 10am-8pm | Tues-Thur 10am-7pm | Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 1

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GUSTAFSON FURNITURE • 808 W. Riverside, Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com Smart Living Weekly Jan. 13 Second location at 6651 E. State Street in Rockford now open!

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n 12-5pm | Open 24 Hours on the Web | Find Us on Facebook

January Price Thaw

Sale

Prices Good through Jan. 20, 2016

"Wynwood" Queen Bed. Was $1199

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*Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

808 W. Riverside in Rockford

GUSTAFSON'S

FURNITURE & MATTRESS I

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UPHOLSTERY:

6651 E. State Street in Rockford

Gustafson Furniture

ASHLEY 11850535 LOVESEAT WAS 499 NOW 275 ENGLAND LEATHER 6200 SOFA & LOVESEAT WAS 3900 NOW 1800 BASSETT LEATHER SOFA 4000‐72 WAS 4729 NOW 1900 SOUTHERN MOTION RECLINING SOFA WAS 1579 NOW 499 BEST LEATHER RECLINING SOFA S905 WAS 1869 NOW 995 ENGLAND SECTIONAL 1W00 WAS 2179 NOW 1299 SOUTHERN MOTION PWR RECLINING SOFA W/ CONSOLE WAS 1099 NOW 650 SOUTHERN MOTION PWR RECLINING SOFA W/CONSOLE 838‐21P WAS 1299 NOW 550

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T

O

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UPHOLSTERY:

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L

A

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BEST LEATHER PWR RECLINING SOFA WAS 2049 NOW 900 ENGLAND ARMLESS LOVESEAT 5630‐43 WAS 839 NOW 425 ENGLAND GLIDING LOVESEAT 6550 WAS 989 NOW 450

CHAIRS:

WOOD PRODUCTS:

ENGLAND PWR HI LEG RECLINER 620031L WAS 1679 NOW 1099 HGTV 2552‐02 ACCENT CHAIR WAS 909 NOW 395 HGTV 2560‐02 ACCENT CHAIR WAS 1169 NOW 475

CHAIRS:

ASHLEY D550‐32 COUNTER HEIGHT TABLE ONLY WAS 529 NOW 225 ASHLEY D154‐32 COUNTER HEIGHT TABLE ONLY WAS 399 NOW 175 ASHLEY D468‐32 COUNTER HEIGHT TABLE ONLY WAS 599 NOW 175 ASHLEY B229 DRESSER AND MIRROR WAS 419 NOW 295

ASHLEY B246 NIGHSTAND WAS 589 NOW 150 FOREST DESIGN NIGHTSTAND 3035‐CH WAS 589 NOW 150 ASHLEY B671‐93 NIGHTSTAND WAS 489 NOW 225 ASHLEY W319‐38 TV STAND WAS 649 NOW 350 ASHLEY T697‐20 COCKTAIL TABLE WAS 589 NOW 295

KINCAID CHAIR 167‐84 WAS 957 NOW 350 JONATHAN LEWIS ACCENT CHAIR 7010 WAS 789 NOW 350 ULTRA COMFORT PWR RECLINER WAS 1859 NOW 750 PRIMO FUTON 2814 WAS 620 NOW 195 ULTRA COMFORT PL340 LIFT CHAIR WAS 989 NOW 599

WOOD PRODUCTS:

BEDS: BROYHILL 4444 QUEEN STORAGE BED WAS 1500 NOW 495

GUSTAFSON FURNITURE • 808 W. Riverside, Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly 13 21 Second location at 6651 E.Tell State Street in Rockford nowJan.open!

R  O R

Zac Matthews Continued from Cover

The band is launching its first album at a release party at the Barrymore Theater, Jan. 23 in Madison, Wis. The first 200 tickets sold include an autographed CD and a meet-and-greet with the band. Advanced tickets are $25 and $28 at the door. Part of the proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The album “It’s On Tonight” was produced by Big Machine Records’ Bill McDermott at Omni Studios in Nashville with assistance from studio musicians who’ve played with Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Cole Swindell.

“Their new music is fantastic,” says Bobby “The Iceman” Golomboski, a syndicated deejay who has worked in country radio music for more than 30 years. “It’s only a matter of time before they hit the big time.”

Matthews’ love for music started at a

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young age. His parents say he was about 3 when they found him trying to sing country tunes. He was 15 when he laid his hands on his great grandfather’s rare 1920 Gibson guitar. “There was so much action on that thing,” he says. “It was like putting my hands on straw string.”

It wasn’t long before Matthews joined his first band, a Christian group, before he decided to concentrate solely on country music. In 2014, Matthews caught his first big break when he tied for second at the 32nd Annual Texaco Country S h o w d o w n National Finals at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Every year, more than 50,000 acts compete in the Country Showdown, the largest country music talent com-

Jan. 13

petition in the country. To get there, Matthews won both the Wisconsin and regional finals. While he didn’t win the grand prize of $100,000, he was named the best Male Country Act as the last male remaining in the competition.

“It was a great experience,” he says.

“I got to hang out with some talented singers and songwriters. It really opened my eyes about how far I could go in this business.”

R  O R Blachford heaps praise on Matthews, who stands out on stage, thanks to his 6-foot-6 frame, All-American good looks, affable personality and wicked guitar playing. “Zac is a natural,” says Blachford. “He has an energy that people just flock to.”

Matthews met Johns a couple years ago and hired the drummer to play the Rock County Fair last year. A few months later, Matthews hooked up with Blachford through mutual friends. “I auditioned for him and was hired that night,” Blachford says.

The release party in Madison is just the start of a busy 2016 for the band. ZMB has booked shows well into next summer, including festivals like Old Settlers Days in Roscoe, Juda Fore Fathers Festival in Juda, Wis., and Rhythm on the River in Fort Atkinson, Wis. Band members also will perform at the CMA Music Festival next June in Nashville for the second year in a row.

“We’re living our dream,” says Blachford.

With as many as four gigs a week,

the band recently purchased a customized bus to make travel easier. Many of its stops are in small rural towns across Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Matthews prefers playing smaller venues. “Big cities are oversaturated with music,” he says.

Still, they know that reaching the next level probably means a move to a larger market.

The band is planning to spend more time in Nashville, where it spent a chunk of last year making a debut album. “I like Nashville a lot,” says Matthews. “It’s exciting to be there with bands that I have been listening to for years. There’s a lot you can learn just by watching them.”

But first things first. ZMB is looking forward to playing its new music

to a packed crowd in Madison later this month.

“We’re not afraid to give it our all, no matter the size of the audience,” says Matthews. “That’s what defines us as a group. There could be five people in the audience, and we’ll still give it our all.

When we come to town, you know where the party is at. When we’re on stage, it’s always a good time.” ❚

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Jan. 13

Y H

What To Do When Your Child Breaks a Bone C

hildren are active, adventurous and not always careful. That combination, unfortunately, often leads to broken bones or fractures – common injuries sustained by children and a leading reason to see an orthopedic surgeon.

In children, broken bones are often the result of an accidental fall, a sports injury or a vehicle accident. Fractures often happen during summertime, when kids spend more time outdoors.

Children’s bones are different from adult bones in many ways, which calls for different treatment than adults. For example, children’s bones have a remarkable ability to heal quickly and the younger the child, the more this is true. This capacity for healing allows orthopedic specialists to cast or splint children’s bones as they heal, rather than operating surgically, which is more common in adults.

Because children are growing, their bones contain growth plates where new

bone cells divide quickly. A fracture in or near a child’s growth plate can have major long-term effects. Children’s bones are also extremely pliable, which means a bone could bend, rather than break, during an injury or accident.

The following are types of fractures that could occur in children: • A single fracture: The bone is broken in one place only.

• A comminuted fracture: The bone is broken into two or more pieces or crushed.

• A complete fracture: The bone is completely broken into two pieces.

• A greenstick fracture: The bone is cracked only on one side, not completely through.

• An open fracture: The bone is sticking through the skin.

• A bowing fracture: The bone bends but doesn’t break; this can only happen in children.

With most severe breaks, your child will experience sharp pain and you will most likely be aware that a bone is broken. However, there are many cases – especially if the fracture is small – when your child may not feel pain at all and you won’t know if a bone is broken.

If an accident or injury has occurred, it’s best to bring your child in for an examination and X-rays. Without timely treatment of a fracture, the bone will begin to heal itself – often in a compromised position.

If immediate help is needed, take your child to your 24-hour hospital emergency room or Immediate Care clinic.

Source: Beloit Health System

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A N Y  

Major Advancements in Vein Treatment B y To n i R o c h a

I

n America, varicose veins affect 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Symptoms include fatigue, a heavy feeling in the legs, aching and burning, throbbing and itching, ulcers that won’t heal, cramping and restless leg syndrome.

Yet varicose veins have been taken for granted as part of the aging process.

The truth is, anyone at any age can develop varicose veins, as a result of valve failure that can occur because of leakage, calcification or other causes.

For Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, a fascination with computerized, minimally invasive medical procedures, coupled with a family history of varicose veins, resulted in the founding of the Northern Illinois Vein Clinic, 1340 Charles St., Ste. 404.

Here, patients of all ages with all levels of varicose vein disease find state-of-theart help.

Gilvydis became interested in specialized treatments for varicose veins

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during his interventional radiology fellowship at Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, now called Rush University Medical Center. His fellowship class was the first to be introduced to the new minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.

“At that time, the treatment included only radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins,” he says. “Since I had a significant amount of varicose veins myself, I instantly became very interested in learning this new treatment.”

Today, he performs endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) surgery, the very latest minimally invasive treatment available.

Gilvydis began performing radiofrequency ablation treatments in SwedishAmerican Hospital’s cath lab.

Encouraged by the excellent outcomes and a growing patient referral base, he decided to open a dedicated outpatient vein clinic where he could concentrate on

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varicose vein treatment.

“I visited numerous other vein clinics that were run by very well-known physicians in the field,” he says. “I then took the positives from each of these clinics and developed what has turned out to be a very comprehensive and progressive vein clinic. Initially, the clinic was open just one day a week. That quickly expanded to five days a week, because of our successful outcomes.”

A second location, Gilvydis Vein Clinic, has since opened in Sycamore, Ill., at 2127 Midlands Court, Ste. 102. ❚

Y F

Katie’s Choice Book Club Jan. 14, 10 a.m. Discussion of “A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby & the Great Betrayal” by Ben Macintyre. Free. Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, katiescup.com.

RSO: SoundBites Jan. 15, noon. Join Rockford Symphony Orchestra Music Director Steven Larsen for an informal and enlightening discussion with the guest artists appearing with the RSO on the Classic Series concert. Conversations usually last approximately 60 minutes, but participants may come and go as they please. Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 965-0049. rockfordsymphony.com.

RSO: Chamber Orchestra Concert Jan. 15 & 17. The RSO plays pieces selected for a smaller orchestra with a romantic and contemporary mood and a lively nod to Shakespeare. Presented in alternative locations and concert times. Fri: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Sun: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Evening Skiing Jan. 15 & 23, 5-8:30 p.m. Cross-country ski on the trails at night to see deer, owls and other wildlife.

Enjoy hot chocolate upon your return and look through the telescope. Skis and instructions included. Weiskopf Observatory, Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, (815) 2348535, byronforestpreserve.com.

Winter Constellations Jan. 15, 7-8 p.m. Learn constellations – the brightest stars are visible in winter. Make a planisphere to take home. Free. Weiskopf Observatory, Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.

Time Line Trading Day Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Costumed re-enactors sell real and replica objects from various time periods, including Fur Trading, Civil War, Victorian Era, both World Wars and much more.

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

Lunch Buffet and Ballroom Dancing Jan. 17, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Join Top of the Town Dance Club for "Tea for Two," a lunch buffet Tell them you saw it in ...

Listen to and judge some of the best poetry in Rockford on Jan. 19 at the Nordlof Center.

and an afternoon of ballroom dancing to live music from the Dick Elliot Orchestra. $40 per couple. Forest Ridge Event Center, 11189 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, Ill., (815) 226-8910.

Winter Wonderland Party Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m. The infamous Snow Queen and Snow Princess along with Bat Hero and Spider Hero entertain guests with sing-a-longs, autograph sessions and fun conversation. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Music on Main: Songs of Shakespeare’s Era Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. Experience beautiful music, mingle with the performance artists, enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments, and have fun with your friends at this brief and intimate after-work concert with classically inspired performances. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Open Mic and Poetry Slam Jan. 19, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy an interactive event in which the audience listens to and judges some of the best poetry in Rockford. To participate, have at least two original poems of less than three minutes. Nordlof Center, Black Box Theater, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (847) 561-8224, facebook.com/RockfordCertifiedSlam.

Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 20-23, viewing hours sunrise until 10:30 p.m., awards ceremony Sat. 1 p.m. Experience snow sculptures created by teams from around the state. Free; donations welcome. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, ilsnowsculpting.com. ❚

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W V   W

Scenic Views, Ambiance at Ironworks Hotel

By Lindsey Gapen, associate editor

C

asey Taillie didn’t expect to meet his future bride during his first week of college.

But Katie Dempsey caught his eye within days of starting classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The two became fast friends after consistently seeing each other at church.

In August 2014, just three months after their graduation, Casey arranged an elaborate proposal.

“We went to dinner at the same restaurant where we had our first date,” Katie says. The couple explored many venues for their reception, but it was Ironworks Hotel in Beloit that captured their hearts.

Just up the road from Katie’s hometown of Roscoe, Ill., the recently renovated hotel is embellished with accents that pay tribute to the Industrial Age. The entrance canopy is constructed from steel I-beams that hold equipment from an ear-

ly Beloit factory. Light pours across the hardwood floors in the banquet hall from windows that reveal scenic river views.

The ballroom can hold up to 200 people or be divided into four meeting spaces.

“Having all four rooms gives you plenty of space, a great view of the river, your own private entrance and many more options for possible layouts,” Casey says.

The couple booked Ironworks just eight months before they were married on May 30, 2015. Celebrating with friends and family, they enjoyed a delicious feast catered by Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, the hotel’s in-house restaurant and a favorite dining spot for Katie’s family.

Around 10 p.m., as the celebration continued, hotel staff delivered a mashed potato bar. “It was a huge hit with our guests,” says Casey. “We highly recommend springing for late-night snacks.”

Guests also enjoyed Ironwork’s full bar, dance floor and open patio on the river, Casey says. Because his family is from Connecticut, many out-of-town wedding guests stayed upstairs in Ironworks’ 18 traditional rooms and 36 suites.

The couple appreciates how helpful and professional the Ironworks team was during the planning process, an experience they say was ‘incredible.’

“Ironworks did a great job,” Casey says. “We received many compliments on how wonderful the whole hotel was.” ❚

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R E C

Pricing Selling The Most Powerful Tool For Buying Your Next Home The Gambino Realtors Mobile App! Access to the most comprehensive and accurate real estate listings is now at your fingertips.

Download it today from the App Store!

Type in Gambino Realtors and download.

1.815.282.2222

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

3.05%

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment* $1,121.14 3.429%

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.86%

3.625%

$668.87

$661.24

4.409%

4.674%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Jan. 11, 2016) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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F  E

A Visit to Spectrum Progressive School S

pectrum Progressive School, 2909 N. Main St., Rockford, is focused on deeper learning and incorporates these main initiatives: • Teachers provide materials, but students choose how they’re used.

• Time is allowed for thoughtful planning and reflection.

• Children work in teams to learn how to collaborate and compromise.

• Successes and mistakes are celebrated.

• Children can show knowledge through many avenues.

Spectrum Progressive students are active all day long. They are planning, working, reflecting and genuinely engaged in their learning.

At younger levels, students have work time every day. They have a choice in the area in which they work and with whom they work. Teachers circulate throughout the classrooms encouraging students to expand their play and solve problems diplomatically.

Reviewing the work is also important. Students as young as three years old discuss what they did (or didn’t) accomplish during work time and how any issues with sharing, personal space or things not going as he/she planned were resolved.

At the higher levels, students participate in project-based challenges. Teachers introduce a topic, such as Greek Mythology, and students then pursue an area within the topic that interests them. Students spend a few weeks investigating and learning about the area they choose, such as myths, goddesses, Greek history, architecture or culture, and become expert on the subject. They then share their knowledge with the class independently or with a small group via a video, PowerPoint presentation, rap song, skit, or monologue. Sharing may also include a museum-style display of work to students at

other levels, as well as to parents.

It’s likely that many jobs parents have now will be taken over by computers by the time their children are ready to enter the workforce. Spectrum Progressive prepares students for the next generation of work – one that requires critical and creative thinking – in a warm and happy environment. ❚

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