Smart Living Weekly - October 25, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Oct. 25, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Rockford Symphony Orchestra

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Better Options for Pain Treatment Tackling Those Stubborn Pet Odors Dancers Gear Up for Nutcracker Ballet Recipe: Orange-Cranberry Scones Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Rockford Symphony Orchestra Your Home .................................................. ...... 11 Tackling Pet Odors Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 In Martin Luther’s Words Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Tasty Cranberry-Orange Scones Your Outing ................................................. .24, 26 Holiday Events in Byron; ‘The Nutcracker’ Your Pet ............................................................ ..21 The Mystery of Cats

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Steven Wysong 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.

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The Reformation

O

ct. 31 marks a 500-year milestone not only in Christian history but also in Western civilization. It was in 1517 that German monk/scholar Martin Luther presented 95 big ideas about reforming the Roman Catholic church. The church was not excited about this, which led to the world’s third major sect of Christianity – Protestants – the root word being “protest.” (Roman Catholics had splintered from the Orthodox Church in the 1100s.)

Luther was among hundreds of reformers across Europe, many killed for their efforts.

He was especially influential in part because he fully leveraged the new technology of his day – the printing press – to spread his ideas.

After being ex-communicated, he spent 10 years translating scripture into German so that common people could read it for themselves ... and compare it to church dogma.

Luther advanced the idea of salvation by God’s grace – not human works. He opposed church practices such as selling “indulgences” to impoverished parishioners who were taught to purchase God’s mercy for their families.

Luther declared Jesus Christ the sole mediary between God and man; he said there was no scriptural basis for a Pope or intercessory saints.

The Reformation coincided with a rise in literacy across Europe, as the Renaissance overtook the Dark Ages; interest in science bloomed and superstition waned.

Late in his life, Luther espoused some absolutely repugnant radical views, including anti-Semitism. But the message he and other reformers spread about the rights of individuals to worship according to their own consciences would forever impact political landscapes and geographic movements made during the Age of Exploration.

As I see it, all of us who desire to improve should be reforming ourselves daily. And all people of faith should be comparing actual scripture to what’s merely said about it by those wishing to advance their own agendas. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y H  G

Tackle Pet Odors Quickly and Completely

By Peggy Werner

T

here are a lot of reasons why pets will do their business in places they shouldn’t. Sometimes the solution is as easy as treating a pet’s physical problem, such as clearing up a urinary infection with antibiotics. Other times there are behavioral reasons that may take longer to resolve. Either way, the result is the same – soiled floors and carpets.

Once Fluffy or Fido has eliminated in an area of the home, chances are good they’ll return to that spot and do it again.

This may become a chronic problem, unless addressed completely and quickly, says Chris Picot, general manager of Advantage Kwik Dry, 11137 Bertram Road, Machesney Park, a full-service restoration and cleaning company.

And it takes more than surface carpet cleaning to eliminate the odor, he says.

Advantage Kwik Dry takes extra steps to deep clean the carpet, padding and floor.

“The better an area is cleaned, the less likely it is that a pet will return to that spot,” he says.

It’s important to note that in hot and humid weather, carpets take longer to completely dry. When carpets have been cleaned, homeowners should keep the air conditioner on and the furnace fan setting on at least medium to keep air circulating in the home to allow carpets to dry within the recommended 24 hours.

Advantage Kwik Dry is a familyowned business that has been in the Stateline area for more than 25 years. All technicians are certified, licensed, bonded and insured, and they guarantee their work. The company is also a member of the Carpet and Fabric Care Institute, taking advantage of educational opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

The company is experienced in all

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types of cleaning processes, wet and dry, for homes and businesses, including drapery cleaning, carpets, oriental and area rugs, upholstery, tile and grout, hardwood cleaning and recoating, fabric and fiber protection, pet odor removal, major odor treatment, water removal and sewage cleanup.

For more information, coupons, and to schedule an appointment, go to advantagekwikdry.com or call (815) 332-3299 in Illinois and (608) 758-2379 in Southern Wisconsin. ❚

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A ‘ Mighty Fortress is Our God’

I

n recognition of the 500th anniversary of The Reformation, here are lyrics to one of the best-loved hymns by reformer Martin Luther, written in about 1527 in Germany. He composed both music and lyrics, the latter a paraphrase of Psalm 46.

A mighty Fortress is our God, A Bulwark never failing; Our Helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His Name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth: Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His Kingdom is forever. ❚

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Orange-Cranberry Scones W

hether your tastes tend toward the spooky or spectacular, or maybe a little of both, this Halloween you can set the scene for a scary good time with a menu that entices goblins big and small.

You won’t have to scour a witch’s lair to find the right ingredients for these treats. All you need is Limited Edition TruMoo Orange Scream Milk, which is inspired by an orange frozen ice pop with vanilla ice cream. It’s tasty served on its own in a cold glass, or added to Halloween-inspired recipes perfect for hosting your fellow ghouls and goblins.

Try using it for non-traditional recipes, such as Orange-Cranberry Scones for hosting a scary fun Halloween get-together. Or for another creative snack option at your ghoulish gala, go for Bread Pudding to send guests home screaming with delight.

An added bonus, TruMoo Orange Scream Milk leaves out lots of things. It

Y K

contains no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones, no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavors, so all that’s left is a nutritious, family-friendly and tasty fun time. TruMoo Orange Scream Milk has no GMO ingredients.

For more Halloween-inspired recipes, visit TruMoo.com.

Orange-Cranberry Scones Servings: 6 scones Scones: 2 1/4 1/4 2 1/2 4 2 1/2 1/2 1

cups all-purpose flour cup granulated sugar tsp. baking powder tsp. salt Tb. cold butter large eggs cup TruMoo Orange Scream Milk cup dried cranberries Tb. grated orange peel

Orange Glaze: 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 Tb. TruMoo Orange Scream Milk

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To prepare Scones: Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in eggs, one at a time, then milk, cranberries and orange peel.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface.

Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until firm. Pat dough into 8-inch round, about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into six wedges; carefully separate wedges and place on parchment-lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake about 15 minutes until lightly golden and crusty.

To prepare Orange Glaze: In small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and milk until well blended. Cool scones slightly. Drizzle scones with glaze. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Rockford Symphony Surprises with Themes S B y To n i R o c h a cience. The Reformation. Fantasy.

Classic organ. Country. They all play a role in the Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s (RSO) 2017/2018 season, making it one of the most remarkable and challenging ever presented.

“I usually start about a year ahead, in September, with between a dozen and 20 ideas,” says Steve Larsen, RSO music director. “I always have a few thoughts, plus I listen to the requests and suggestions of our patrons.”

Coming Up This Season

On Nov. 11 and in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, RSO features Brahms’ “German Requiem,” a musical translation of the Bible, plus Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” based on Martin Luther’s Chorale. “‘German Requiem’ is a message of

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hope and comfort for survivors,” Larsen says. “The Sermon on the Mount says, ‘blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.’”

One of the most popular RSO concerts, the Holiday Pops, brings the joyful music of the season to the Coronado on Dec. 16 and 17, and will feature harmony vocals by Five by Design.

Another seasonal program that’s exciting to Larsen is an organ concert on Jan 13.

“We’ll be treated to the fantasy classic ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,’ by Hector Olivera, possibly the finest organist in the world,” he says.

RSO will present its first country music concert on March 3, showcasing classic country favorites by two guest performers – Rachel Potter from “The X Factor” and Patrick Thomas from “The Voice.”

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In April, the RSO will join a movement across the country to celebrate the birthday of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

“Leonard Bernstein at 100” features various local performance groups collaborating on beloved compositions such as “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story,” “Three Dance Episodes” from “On the Town,” and the chorale favorite, “Chichester Psalms” on April 28.

These are just some of the season’s offerings, which will also include chamber music. Find the entire season’s program at rockfordsymphonyorchestra. com.

RSO’s Success

One of the reasons RSO enjoys trong support is its performance venue, the Coronado Performing Arts Center, says Julie Thomas, RSO executive director.

“Patrons love it,” she says. “It was built to be a concert hall and its acoustics are perfect. Altogether, the Coronado provides an exceptional musical experience no matter where you sit.”

The RSO knows it has competition, when it comes to live music options in Rockford. The city has a lot to offer and much of it is free.

“This is one of the reasons why we strive to grow our audience through innovative classical musical experiences while remaining true to traditional classical programs,” Thomas says.

“It’s challenging,” she adds. “We want people to experience this time-honored music on a broader level. This is why we combine the performances with extensive background information on our website as well as pre-concert lectures.

These give concert- goers tools to more fully appreciate and savor the RSO.” RSO is breaking down language barriers that may prevent people from attending.

“We translated our information into

Spanish and some of our volunteers speak Spanish,” she says. “They’re available to answer questions and assist with ticket sales and at concessions.”

The RSO has a strong subscriber base of more than 1,000 people, but is always looking to expand it. Thomas sees a trend toward newer patrons appreciating the flexibility of purchasing single or package tickets. Since the Coronado has 2,300 seats, there’s plenty of room for all.

Another indicator of RSO’s success is the growing age range of its audience.

“We’re seeing more family participation as well as students,” says Thomas. “RSO has a robust student symphony orchestra that has proven popular with families, friends and the community.”

Ticket sales account for about half of RSO’s annual income. The nonprofit organization also relies on the support of corporations and individuals.

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R  O R

“All of our musicians are professionals and are paid for their performances,” she says. “We depend on both patrons and supporters to enable us to produce exceptional programs that continue to expand our audiences.”

RSO remains one of the selling points for enticing newcomers to the greater Rockford community.

“Having outstanding cultural venues such as RSO brings new residents into the area,” Thomas says. “Rockford has so much to offer, and RSO is one of the draws.” ❚

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Y O

Cast of ‘The Nutcracker’ Prepares to Delight

By Peggy Werner

F

or many people, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without seeing “The Nutcracker” ballet, which brings to life all the magic, excitement, color, music and life-sized dreams a heart can hold at Christmastime.

The Rockford Dance Company will perform the traditional ballet at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25th and at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 26 at Rockford University’s Maddox Theater in the Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. “The Nutcracker” is special because it has something for everyone to enjoy and all people can relate to the story in some way, says Emily Cooke Ayala, executive director and artistic coordinator of the Rockford Dance Company.

“The Nutcracker has all the dynamics people are able to grasp, such as families together for the holidays, having fun, and children getting the gifts of

their dreams. The story connects with everyone, and is so quick-paced and visually appealing, with all the lights and costumes. The different dances provide a lot of action, great music, and scene changes,” she says.

Monica Isla of the Milwaukee Ballet will choreograph the production again this year. Last year, she started from scratch to bring a more classic Nutcracker to the Rockford stage.

In years past, the production took on a different look and feel because of variations in artistic vision for the ballet company and its productions, Cooke Ayala says. Based on her own artistic style and audience feedback, a return to a more definitive version of “The Nutcracker” was the goal.

“People want a classic Nutcracker.

Some productions have a more contemporary look and feel, but when it comes to ‘The Nutcracker,’ you don’t want to touch

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that tradition,” she says.

For 14 weeks, about 90 performers, ages 5 to 20, rehearse their parts, while about 60 volunteers work behind the scenes on lights, sets, costumes, ticket sales, concessions and all that’s needed to get ready for the big weekend.

Ania Hidalgo and Randy Cresto, principal dancers with the Milwaukee Ballet, play the parts of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome partner, Cavalier.

For tickets, go to rockforddancecompany.com or call the office at (815) 9633341. ❚

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Y P

The Affectionate but Mysterious Cat

By Peggy Werner

P

et cats can be affectionate and loving, while also being very independent, self-reliant and easy to care for. Yet so much about them remains a mystery, says Dr. Sharon Schamberger, founder and owner of Mostly Cats, 4901 N. Perryville Road.

“I love working with cats because there are so many unknowns. In veterinarian medicine, we’re still learning so much about diseases, metabolism and medications. We’re constantly being updated,” she says.

Therefore, when trying to diagnose cat illnesses and injuries, she often has to rely on what owners observe about their pets.

Only in the comfort of their own homes do cats reveal their true selves, Schamberger says.

“Cats are so easy to have in our over-

busy lives because they’re not demanding, as long as they don’t miss a meal and have a clean litter box. But getting a cat to walk across an exam room is difficult.

You can’t get what you want out of a cat.

It has to be the cat’s idea,” she says.

Dogs are generally open and good

communicators, while cats tend to withhold information, even when they need help.

“Cats hide their illnesses until they’re very sick and then it seems they get sick all of a sudden, making it difficult for owners to identify early warning signs indicating something is wrong,” says Schamberger.

She got the idea for her business after observing the unique needs of cats from a friend who raised them.

As a veterinarian since 1983, she also cares for dogs and other pets at her clinic.

“When people are happy because I have helped their pets to have a better life, even if it means easing suffering at the end of life, I realize why I am here; to help people and to do what I love to do,” she says. ❚

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Y H

There are Many Options for Pain Relief A

By Peggy Werner

t a time when the opioid epidemic is a top news story because of its strangulating hold on society, with more and more people falling victim to addictive prescription or illegal painkillers, people need to know there are better options for treating pain, says Chris Scott of Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202 in Loves Park.

In business for more than 25 years, he opened his own clinic in 2014, specializing in pain management with Medical Massage Therapy and Myofascial Release. He has two physicians and three therapists on staff.

“You can have success treating pain without drugs,” he says.

More than 80 percent of the aches and pains people experience are musculoskeletal in nature, usually involving muscular imbalance and tightness, especially around joints, he says. People who

suffer from chronic pain often have anxiety and depression as a result of their suffering, which can also be addressed and improved with pain management therapy, he says.

One of the easiest ways people can lower their pain and anxiety levels is by using deep breathing exercises.

One example is called “box breathing,” and is done by slowly inhaling air through the nose to get the deepest breath, then holding it a couple seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth, while thinking positive thoughts or visualizing beautiful nature scenes, he says.

“Science teaches us the brain controls the body, but what controls the brain? It’s your breath,” he says.

Scott says he has helped hundreds of

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people either get off pain medication or greatly reduce their need for it.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic at (815) 9773747. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. ❚

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

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Holiday Events at Byron Forest Preserve T

wo fun events are coming up at the Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 North River Road in Byron, Ill., home of the award-winning Jarrett Prairie Center Museum.

birds of prey show and tours of the new observation deck at the Jarrett Prairie Center Museum.

Learn more by calling (234) 8535 ext. 200.

Halloween on the Prairie

26th Annual Holiday Gift Sale

This event, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m., will offer lots of free fun, including family-friendly hayrides, tours of Weiskopf Observatory, a bounce house, a face-painting station, kids’ crafts, games, a free customer appreciation lunch, Native American hands-on activities, a live

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This event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It features about 30 vendors offering a variety of hand-crafted items, including Christmas ornaments and decorations, candles, wreaths, quilts, dolls, wood carvings, wooden furniture, baskets, birdhouses and much more.

In addition to these 30 vendors, owners of home-based businesses will be selling items from Avon, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One and more.

An affordable concession stand will sell hot dogs, barbecues and chili, along with hot apple cider, all day long.

Parents can shop while youngsters

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learn about their heritage in the newly remodeled Jarrett Prairie Center Museum. Visitors can check out the museum’s newly constructed 2,600-square-foot observation deck.

Admission is free and reservations are not required to attend the event. The Jarrett Prairie Center is accessible to the physically challenged.

To reserve a vendor booth or to learn more about the gift sale, call (815) 2348535 ext. 224. ❚

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

Found in Translation Through Nov. 4, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Featuring four Iowa women artists, this exhibit features abstract works suggestive of Rockford, IL 61101 environment.

1.800.521.0849 Freeport gorockford.com the natural Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

“Dirty Dancing” Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Great music, romance and sensational dancing surround the story of Baby and Johnny, teens from different worlds, who come together. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Black & White Night Concert Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Re-create Roy Orbison’s legendary Coconut Grove ConcertSee cover story.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

BJSO: Dr. Frankenstein Meets Dr. Tomaro Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit at this film and concert with conductor/music director Dr. Robert Tomaro and the rest of the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

RSO: Wizard of Oz Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra performs the soundtrack to the 1939 classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” New technology allows the original vocals and dialogue to remain intact while the score is performed.

CPAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

The Hollywood Class of ’67: “Camelot” Oct. 29, noon. Richard Harris stars in the classic film about the marriage of King Arthur to Guinevere. Lindo Theatre, Freeport, (815) 2330413, classiccinemas.com.

Connections between Music and Medicine Oct. 27, 6-10 p.m. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a concert by The Music Academy students and faculty, dessert and a performance by Jon Rozman and the Screw City Swingers. U of I College of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, (815) 968-0037, musicacademyinrockford.com.

Observe the Moon Night Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Observe the moon, make crafts and do experiments in the observatory.mWeisTell them you saw it in ...

Enjoy watching the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" as the Rockford Symphony Orchestra plays the score live, with vocals and dialogue intact, Oct. 28 at the Coronado.

kopf Observatory, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.

Brenda Myers-Powell Oct. 30, 7 p.m. Director of the Dreamcatcher Foundation, Myers-Powell was a victim of human trafficking at the age of 14, enduring abuse for 25 years. She now educates young women on the perils of human trafficking.

Maddox Theatre, Rockford U., 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Ole Time Christmas Craft Show Nov. 2-3, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring a large variety of handmade items for gift giving and home décor. Gift basket raffle. Proceeds benefit FHN’s 2017 United Way campaign. FHN Memorial Hospital, Lower Level, 1045 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, (877) 600-0346, fhn.org.

Model Train Show Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Model train enthusiasts showcase train sets and talk about collecting, preserving and assembling. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112.

Veterans 5K Run/Walk Nov. 4, 8:15 a.m. kids 10 and under; 9 a.m. adults race. A 5K run/walk to benefit the Veterans Drop-in Center in Rockford. The run is on a flat, beautiful course along the Rock River.

Mercyhealth Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, rockfordroadrunners.org.

Stories of the Lost: Remembering the Dead Nov. 11, 1:30 p.m. On this Veterans Day, learn about what happened to the service men and women who died during World War II. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9876660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 11

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Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

Y

tizers and drinks, then come back up and order the rest of the meal. It works out really well.”

The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many health-conscious and vegetarian options. For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spinach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price. There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey.

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

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

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

And that’s just what has happened.

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

Most of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service. Online ordering will soon be available.

“Baci’s is an order-at-the-counter operation,” Castrogiovanni explains.

“We give you a number and bring the food to you. We also offer the ability to start a tab, which is something many people really like. They start with appe-

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

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

Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

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

Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, loBaci’s Kitchen E Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. ComGiordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, plete menu at Baciskitchen.com. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Big Papa’s Barbecue E BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 amGreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sea10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Ciao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- 3pm. $-$$.

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. AuthenDrive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 25

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza

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

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

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

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

Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚

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Oct. 25

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Literacy Council Seeks Reading Tutors

By Peggy Werner

N

ot being able to read and write well can ruin a person’s chance for advancement.

Just being able to “get by” isn’t enough if someone wants to be able to read to their children, help them with their homework, get a job, get a better job, or get a college degree, says Debbie Lindley, program director for The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St., Rockford.

“As a student learns to read, they feel their world opening up as they are enabled to do things they haven’t been able to do before. At the same time, they’re building a relationship with a tutor, someone who wants to help them make improvements,” she says.

“A good tutor is someone who is patient, is willing to work with people in different situations and with various levels of ability, and enjoys helping another person learn to read. Making a difference

in someone’s life, as they watch that individual reach their goals one step at a time, is so rewarding.”

Currently about 150 learners are paired with a tutor, half of them Englishspeaking and half learning English as a second language, yet another 50 people are waiting to be tutored. Some learners want to earn a GED, but don’t have the ninth grade reading level to qualify for the class.

Volunteers don’t have to have teaching experience, but need to be at least 18 years old, have a GED or a high school diploma and complete training that meets twice weekly for three weeks.

“We look forward to welcoming new tutors year round,” Lindley says.

There are numerous

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Tutor Training Workshops for volunteers at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St. in Belvidere; North Suburban Library District (NSLD), 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park; and at The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. The workshop schedule and a registration form can be downloaded at theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323 for more information. ❚

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