Smart Living Weekly - November 20, 2013

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • November 20, 2013

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Right in Our Region

Mendelsson Chorale Explores the Real Santa Claus

By Chris Linden, managing editor

F

orget about Rudolph, Frosty and Jolly St. Nick – Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s (MPAC) Christmas concert on Dec. 6 tells a very different tale of the real Santa Claus.

Hosted at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford, this performance joins two pieces by the late Benjamin

NEW

Britten, a British composer who would have turned 100 this year.

Ceremony of the Carols and St. Nicholas draw together MPAC’s full Mendelssohn Chorale and the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra Ensemble, with help from a harpist, a tenor, and members of the Rock Valley Children’s Choir and Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford.

Continued on p. 20

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Issue 1

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Sept. 4

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Village Green Home and Garden

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA 40% OFF ‘ALMOST REAL’ TREES Village Green — it’s like nowhere else for the Holidays. Over 100 pre-lit trees, with new lights that always stay lit — now at 40% savings. Stroll through our enchanting World Market at the Riverside Store bursting with gifts (and savings) from around the world. Discover dazzling decorations and floral — special holiday container gardens — candles, soaps, gourmet goodies and women’s accessories at both stores and home furnishings at Riverside. Great savings, great joy – join the celebration!

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Village Green has everything you need to make the outside of your home as colorful as the inside with a holiday container garden. Add color and interest to an entryway, patio, porch or balcony. We have everything from pine cones to birch branches to red and yellow twig dogwood, plus much more.

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Village Green AforGiftYou 6101 E. Riverside Blvd. 2640 North Main Street Rockford 815-877-9559

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Smart Living Weekly

For directions, go to www.villagegreenrockford.com

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In This Issue Right in Our Region: The Real St. Nick .................... Cover & p. 20 Your Home Holiday Outdoor Containers .......................11 Inspiration & Worship ..............................12 Your Kitchen Easier Holiday Recipes ..............................15 Your Outing To Chicago the Easy Way ..........................17 Your Health Getting Enough Sleep ................................25 Your Fun ................................................... 27 On the Town ........................................... 29 Your Money Trustworthy Home Contractors ...................33 Tips A Better Life ...............................................31

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 Artist Christin Dunmire General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Steve Blachford, 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 2013 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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A ‘Buy Local’ or ‘Big Box’ Holiday?

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s we head into the holiday season full blast, the staff of Smart Living Weekly and Northwest Quarterly Magazine offers this thought: How about doing at least some of our holiday shopping in local stores this year? It’s one of the best ways we can pull together to help ourselves as a community, and it’s just plain more fun.

I’m reminded of this because I’ve been busy, the past few weeks, pulling together a “buy local” shopping guide for the forthcoming issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine. I’ve traipsed through dozens of shops in our region, and can tell you they’re spectacularly dressed out and stocked up with gifts that are as unique as the people you’re buying for. We can’t really say that about the mass-mentality big box stores.

Thanksgiving 2013 comes especially late, which means our shopping season will be brief. Don’t be afraid to head out early and get into the spirit of things.

Another way to saturate our souls with the spirit of the holidays is by attending one of the great live performances scheduled in our region. Our cover story tells you about one of them – a very special concert that combines the talents of local adults and children, and even features the acclaimed Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford.

What fun to learn this concert was scheduled for Dec. 6, before anyone realized that was the date of the Feast of St. Nicholas. Since the main piece featured at the concert is Britten’s “St. Nicholas,” a cantata depicting the life of the real saint, the coincidence couldn’t be more perfect.

As we gear up for Thanksgiving, we count our blessings, and you are among them. Enjoy the season, and let’s not get too stressed. It’s a time, after all, to ponder “Peace on earth, good will toward men.”

Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 20

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Enjoy Outdoor Containers All Winter Long ByJanine Pumilia, executive editor

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(Janine Pumilia photos)

ssembling a holiday outdoor container is easy, when you have the right materials. It can be more wintery than Christmasy, if you wish, or Christmas additions can be removed after the holidays. Anchoring a few kinds of evergreen boughs, with contrasting textures, into a base of loose dirt, is the starting point, says Jessica Salisbury, general manager of Village Green Home & Garden, 6101 E. Riverside Blvd. and 2640 N. Main St., Rockford.

If you’d rather not snip boughs from your own trees, buy them by the bunch at the greenhouse, in red cedar, shore pine, juniper, Douglas fir, noble fir,

incense cedar or western long pine. For the first time, Village Green also is selling inexpensive spruce tops.

“The spruce tops go a long way toward providing the structure and height you need to make your container a standout,” says Salisbury. An alternative is to center your container with focal point tall sticks, perhaps covered in glitter, or pieces of white birch.

Tuck boughs around the focal point, and add color accents you enjoy, whether in berry red, Mardi Gras purple, bright lime, or shades of copper, platinum or gold. “And add some sparkle,” Salisbury advises. “Glitter is good in wintertime.”

Make sure the differing textures and heights work together well, and when you’re done, spray the whole arrangement with a product like Wilt-Pruf or Wilt-Stop, to extend its life. There’s no reason to water – in fact, doing so may crack a ceramic container, as water freezes and expands in the dirt.

If you don’t want to make your own winter container, more than 50 varieties are pre-made for you to buy. But if you do enjoy indulging your creative side, Village Green makes it easy to copy the look of its prototypes; every material used in each of the 50 containers is available right next to that container, for purchase. Just pick the prototype you like best, emulate its design and add your own touches.

“There are no hard rules,” Salisbury adds. “Do what makes you happy.” ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Freedom for All

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s we turn our thoughts toward Thanksgiving, images of pilgrims, turkeys and American Indians fill our heads. Although the history behind this holiday is sketchy, it has something to do with two very different groups of people coming together peacefully – whiteskinned Europeans immigrants and redskinned folks who already lived here. At least for that moment in time, they not only tolerated one another, but broke bread together as friends.

Subsequent events didn’t go well for the American Indians, who lost everything – life, liberty and happiness.

And many horrible chapters of intolerance played out within Euro-American communities, too, between the 1620 landing of pilgrims on Plymouth Rock and the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. The pilgrims didn’t live to see the remarkable day in human history when every American was guaranteed the right to freely follow the dictates of his or her own conscience, with respect to religion.

As we ponder our blessings, surely one of them is living in a country where the government plays no role in telling us what to believe, with regard to religion.

May we earnestly treasure that right.

Just as important, may we practice tolerance toward all those whose beliefs differ from our own. Like love, freedom is something we must give, to receive. “... Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities...”

– Thomas Jefferson, The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom, 1786 ❚ Written by Janine Pumilia 12

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Add Traditional Twists to the Thanksgiving Meal New-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie A cross America, families will be spending Thanksgiving together, and more than likely, enjoying the same menu items they’ve enjoyed in years past. Interestingly, more than half of Americans would embrace adding new foods or new preparations to the Thanksgiving table this year, and many think that side dishes provide the perfect opportunity to experiment, according to the findings of a new survey by Pillsbury.

The survey reveals that 89 percent of Americans say preparing homemade foods shows their loved ones how much they care. However, many think the Thanksgiving meal is the most stressful of all holiday meals to make, and 72 percent are looking for tips and tricks to prepare their dishes quicker.

The survey also shows how new food trends are shaping today’s Thanksgiving table. While some households are starting to offer alternatives to turkey, more are incorporating vegetables into their meals, especially green beans, corn and carrots. Other side dish staples include stuffing or dressing, potatoes, yams/sweet potatoes and cranberries. An easy and delicious dish such as Sweet Potato Casserole Crescents is one that will surprise and delight friends and family members. (Recipe is at Pillsbury. com).

Pie is a traditional Thanksgiving element and many families will end their meal with the pumpkin variety, the top Thanksgiving dessert served across America, according to the survey. Apple and pecan pies are close followers.

“We often hear from consumers that they want to make a homemade pie for their holiday celebration, but they find making the pie crust challenging,” says Madison Mayberry, Pillsbury food editor and entertaining expert. Her recommendation: make a homemade pie using a Pillsbury Pie Crust, found in the refrigerated aisle at your supermarket.

The pre-made crust allows you to unroll, fill, top and bake, saving time and making it easier to tackle. Mayberry recommends adding one of these popular pie recipes to your holiday meal: New Fashioned Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Apple Pie, or Salted Caramel Pecan Pie.

Ingredients: 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box 2 eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk (1 1/2 cups) Directions: 1. Heat oven to 425 F. Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie pan as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie. 2. In large bowl, beat eggs with wire whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients until well blended.

3. Pour into crust-lined pan. Bake 15 min. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F; bake 40 to 50 min. longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

4. Cool completely, about 2 hours.

Store in refrigerator.

Tradition holds true across the country, when it comes to Thanksgiving dinners. But with families trying to incorporate time-saving techniques and modernizing some of the classic recipes, today’s Thanksgiving table has a bit of a new look from years past. And that's just fine. Find more recipes at Pillsbury. com. ❚ Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

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The Easy Way to Do Chicago Day Trips T

aking in a top-tier Broadway show in Chicago is as easy as hopping aboard a bus with Canterbury Tours, 1662 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

A typical day trip starts with a 9 a.m. boarding of the bus at Highcrest Centre, says Janet McGregor of Canterbury Tours. Once in Chicago, passengers are dropped off at one of two downtown stops for lunch and shopping, then picked up again for a 2 p.m. matinee. After the show, the bus drops them at any of four downtown Chicago restaurant areas. By 7 p.m., people board the bus again and arrive back in Rockford by 9 p.m.

Most trips include a wide range of ages. Even for people who like to drive into the city, a bus trip with door-to-door service is an attractive alternative to traffic, parking, gas and tolls, McGregor says.

“We get our guests to places that they may not get a chance to go to without our service,” she says, “and because

of our relationship with our ticket outlets, we can offer the best of the best seating.”

Other popular Canterbury destinations in Chicago include the Auto Show in February and the Flower and Garden Show in March, McGregor says.

Canterbury also does other regional trips – to Ravinia, Milwaukee, Madison or even multi-day trips to Door County, Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls – even Italy last year.

Always, though, the biggest draws are the Broadway musicals, McGregor says.

“Rockford has always been a classy town for theater and opera. So I’m always asking people what they want.”

That list includes new shows like “Once,” or Sting’s pre-Broadway musical “The Last Ship” or popular standards

like “Wicked.” Or “Motown,” coming next year; McGregor bought tickets for May 28 and June 28, and one of the dates already has sold out. So she bought 56 more tickets for another busload.

For more information, go to canterburytoursrockford.com. ❚ Get SLW Style articles every week.

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Mendelssohn Continued from cover

“This is a major performance that we’re very excited to be presenting to the Rockford area,” says Beverly Broyles, MPAC executive director. “It’s two important works by an important composer, and we’re excited to bring it here as part of a nationwide celebration.”

Britten is recognized as one of the most important English composers in the 20th century. His orchestral scores helped to revive opera in England, but his most significant pieces are inherently collaborative.

“He did a lot of work geared toward high school kids,” says Marti Bein, who conducts the performance. “They wouldn’t be your average high school kids in modern America – these were British college-prep school kids from half a century ago, so a very different skill level. Britten’s pieces created numerous collaborations between professionals and amateurs.”

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That collaborative attitude melds perfectly with MPAC’s mission of presenting fine music. Not only are Kantorei and the children’s choir in residence within MPAC, but its chorale and orchestra ensemble gather together a range of professional, semi-professional and amateur vocalists.

“We wanted to do a standalone chorale concert for a while, but budget hasn’t allowed us,” says Bein. “This

The Il Coro Piccolo singers

year, we decided to make it work, and so we prepared this performance.”

It was, perhaps, divine inspiration.

“It was a piece I had wanted to do for a while,” says Bien. “It just so happened that this year is Benjamin Britten’s 100th birthday, and Dec. 6, the day of the concert, is the Feast of St. Nicholas. We didn’t realize the coincidence of the date when the concert was scheduled.”

This year’s grand chorale concert

opens with Ceremony of the Carols, a series of tunes reminiscent of a classic Anglican Christmas. The three-part treble chorus draws together MPAC’s elite Il Coro Piccolo singers, accompanied by harpist Nanette Felix.

“It begins with a procession, so this is very much for Christmas,” says Broyles. “It’s a Gregorian piece.”

But the main feature, she says, is St. Nicholas, a dramatic cantata depicting the life of the real St. Nicholas. This nine-movement piece energizes the ensemble’s full force.

“A lot of people think he’s this warm and fuzzy guy,” says Broyles. “He was the saint of merchants and sailors, pawnbrokers and children – the secret gift giver. He’s pretty interesting.”

It’s a story both dark and uplifting.

The fourth-century Christian saint gave away his family’s fortune to the poor, was imprisoned by the Romans and eventually was appointed a bishop in the early church.

Britten weaves a profound tale of dark and light, using sound and song.

While solos by singers from Kantorei and Rock Valley Children’s Choir reflect moments of divine inspiration, deep voices and inventive instrumentalism denote its darker moments.

“There’s a whole big scene in it where a bunch of men are out on the sea,” says Bein. “Two pianists are actually recreating the sound of the storm, and it’s incredible.”

The saint is voiced by tenor Roderick Dixon, a nationally renowned singer who’s also appeared at Ravinia and with the Cincinnati Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Worship and music director for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Bein has found more than musical inspiration.

Since rehearsals began in September, she and the ensemble have discovered an even deeper side to the story.

“There are a couple of parts in there that are chilling, but the more I learn about it, the more it has an impact on me, spiritually and musically,” she says.

MPAC’s Ceremony of Carols and St. Nicholas will be performed Dec. 6 at

St. Nicholas

7:30 p.m., inside Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rockford. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children and special group rates are available. For more information on the concert or MPAC, visit mendelssohnpac.org. ❚ Get SLW Right in our Region articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. com and start your E-Edition today.

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Get Enough Sleep This Holiday Season I

f extra stress from the holiday season affects your sleep, you could be caught up in the vicious cycle of exhaustion causing stress and stress causing more exhaustion.

“A lack of sleep negatively impacts our mood and outlook, as well as our physical health,” says Terry Cralle, a registered nurse and certified clinical sleep educator. “Sufficient sleep, a good diet and regular exercise are the three ingredients to staying healthy all season long.”

The Better Sleep Council reports that 66 percent of people 18 to 34 claim that they have trouble falling and staying asleep. That number drops to 53 percent of people ages 35 to 54, and just less than half of people 55 and older. Consider these tips from the Better Sleep Council.

• Build a good sleep environment.

“A good mattress is an investment, not only financially but for your health,” says Karin Mahoney, director of com-

munications for the Better Sleep Council. “To help improve your sleep - and your quality of life - it’s a good idea to compare the mattress you are sleeping on to new models every five years and to consider replacing your mattress if it is more than seven years old.”

• Sleep in your ideal bedroom.

Light, noise and temperature can disrupt sleep or make it difficult to fall asleep.

Purchase light-blocking shades and install them in windows to keep the sun, streetlights and passing car headlights from shining in. Consider using a source of white noise, such as a fan or a sound machine, to cover up other noises happening in the house.

• Turn the temperature in the bedroom down a degree or two, or get it as close as possible to the ideal bedroom temperature of 65 F. • Count your sleep, not sheep. Track your sleep using a sleep app. Several apps reviewed by the Better Sleep Coun-

cil provide users with a variety of benefits. For example, some are designed to monitor your breathing and movements. Others can record your snoring and breathing habits to help determine if you are experiencing any distractions mid-slumber.

Learn more about how to sleep better this holiday season at facebook.com/ BetterSleepCouncilOrg. ❚ (Source: BPT) Get SLW Health articles every week.

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Peter Pan Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Peter, Wendy, and friends fly away to Neverland in this version at Auburn High School directed by Jim Crow. $8. All Ages.

Email ahscapatheatre@ gmail.com for tickets. 5110 Auburn St., Rockford.

p.m.; Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Features artist heritage quality one- of-a-kind Santas by nationally recognized Santa artista Barbara Buck. Cookies, cider and pumpkin fudge.

1240 S. Walnut, Freeport.

(815) 541-8890.

The Memorandum Nov. 22, 8 p.m. A darkly comic fable written by Vaclav Havel, playwright and First President of the Czech Republic in 1968 to satirize government bureaucracy and lack of humanity.

Now, 45 years later, social media, texting and global corporations keep such issues alive.

For Adults. (608) 363-2755. Contact: Val Annis. Beloit College, Neese Theatre, 700 College St. Beloit, Wis. Evening with the Owls Nov. 22, 7 to 9 p.m. Learn all about American owls then take a hike to find them. Dress for the weather. $2, Jarrett Center, Byron Forest Preserve, (815) 234-8535.

Avalon String Quartet Nov., 22, 7 p.m. One of the nation’s leading chamber music ensembles comes to Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford.

More info at mendelssohnpac.org.

2nd City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue Nov. 22, 6: 30 p.m. An all-new show that captures all the magic, mystery, and mayhem of the season with original songs, brand-new sketches, and some classic favorites. Presented by Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford and Fitzgerald Equipment. The $40 admission includes dinner. Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. More info at spectrumschool.org or call (815) 877-1600.

Nordlof Center Grand Opening Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., celebrate the grand opening of the Rockford Public Library (RPL) Nordlof Center at 118 N. Main St. See magician Magic Man Zack perform at 11 a.m., and stay for a showing of “Planes,” after a light and sound demonstration at noon.

25th Barbara Buck Studio Santa Fest Nov. 22-24, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m-7

Turkey Skate Nov. 24, 2 to 4 p.m. Music by a DJ, free ice skating lesson, turkey bowling, prize drawings. $5. Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park, (815) 969-4069, rockfordparkdistrict.org/iceskate.

Light Up the Parks Holiday Parade Nov. 24, 4:45 p.m. parade start; 7 p.m. tree lighting. Parade leaves from Schneider Electric, 1354 Clifford Ave., travels north on Elm Avenue and ends Roosevelt Road. Float awards given at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Machesney Park Village Hall, 300 Machesney Road. (815) 6333999, parkschamber.com.

Mistletoe Walk Nov. 24, noon-4 p.m. Carolers, Santa, carriage rides, treats, and special sales in stores decorated for the holidays; view entries in the Gingerbread House Contest at Freeport Public Library. Benefits Freeport Downtown Developmt. Foundation, the Salvation Army and the Freeport Area Church Cooperative.

(815) 232-9000, (815) 233-0013.

Lighted Holiday Parade Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m. tree lighting 6 p.m., parade 6:30 p.m. Santa makes his grand entry from a rooftop to light the tree; floats from businesses, civic organizations and families.

Parade route starts at the 200 block of West Grand Avenue and ends at Horace White Park-Beloit. Santa taking requests at Turtle Creek Bookstore beginning at 7 p.m. Beloit, Wis., (608) 365-0150, visitbeloit.com.

Taste of Chocolate Nov. 30, 6-10 p.m. An evening of chocolate decadence, crowned by the premiere lighting of the Holiday Light Show throughout the Gardens. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, Wis., (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org. ❚

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2nd Cousins Bar & Grill, 6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 637-2660: 11/20, 11/21, 11/27 & 11/28 DJ Quick Mixin Nick; 11/23 & 11/30 DJ JES-ONE; 11/22 Mason Rivers; all 9 p.m.

Big Al’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rkfd., (815) 398-6411: 11/22 Classical Blast; 11/23 The Classix; 11/30 X51, all 9 p.m.

Butterfly Club, 5246 E. County Road X, Beloit, (608) 362-8577: Third Fri.: Mike Williamson; Third Sat. & Fourth Fri. & Sat. Phil Ramsey, all 7 p.m.

Cannova’s, 1101 W. Empire, Freeport, (815) 233-0032: Live Pianist Fri. & Sat. 6-9 p.m.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rkfd.: 11/22 Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, 8 p.m.; 11/23 1964: The Tribute, 8 p.m. Call (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 977-4524: 11/20 Wayland & Royal Bliss w/The Merkins; 11/23 Mike & Joe, 10 p.m.

Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek, Rkfd., (815) 229-0800: 11/23 Big Daddy Woo Woo, 9 p.m.

Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. 2nd, Loves Park, (815) 977-8585: 11/16 Sweet Lucy; 11/22 Trash 80s Unplugged; 11/30 Gaelic Fury; 12/6 After 5 Jazz Trio; 12/7 Desolation Row; 12/13 Harlan Jefferson & Guests; 12/14 Christmas Comedy.

JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903: 11/22 North Country Blonde; 11/29 Blues Across The Ages (Various Performers).

Jax Pub, 4160 North Perryville Rd. Loves Park, (815) 877-0600: Wed., Fri., Sat., Music w/Special Guest.

Kryptonite, 308 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 9650931: 11/23 My God, the Heat, 9 p.m., $5; 11/27 Black Weds. Massacre, 9 p.m. $5; Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison, Rkfd., (815) 962-7944: 11/22 New Savages; 11/23 Eric Lambert & Friends; 11/27 Karaoke; all 9:30 p.m.

On State Bar & Restaurant, 4002 E. State St., Rkfd., 815-708-6306: 11/23 The Between Planes Roots Music Party, 7 p.m.

Oscars Pub & Grill, 5980 East State St., Rkfd., 815-399-6100: Wed., Fri., Sat., Music w/Special Guest.

Murphy’s Pub & Grill, 501 S. Perryville, Rkfd., (815) 986-0950: 11/20 &11/27 DJ Sandy Monster; 11/21 & 11/28 DJ Aaron Hodge; 11/22 & 11/29 DJ JES-ONE, all 9 p.m.

Poison Ivy, 5765 Elevator Road, Roscoe, (815) 623-1480: Live DJ Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m.

Rascal’s Bar & Grill, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park, (815) 636-9207: 11/23 Men of Our Times; 11/30 No Dice, all 9 p.m.

Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton, (815) 624-8877: Thu. Harlan Jefferson, 7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. DJ Ron Schoepfer, 8 p.m.

Shooters (inside Don Carter Lanes), 4007 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 399-0314: Live Band Sat., 9 p.m.

Shooters East (inside Cherry Bowl), 7171 Cherryvale Blvd., (815) 332-5229: 11/22 Sensations; 11/23 Vintage Vinyl, all 9 p.m.

Shooters North (inside Forest Hills Lanes), 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, (815) 654-3900: Live Band Sat. Splitters, 5318 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, (815) 877-6051: 11/22 Desolation Row; 11/23 Shotgun Jane; 11/27 Can’t Touch This, all 9 p.m.

Stumpy’s Pub, 5801 Columbia P k w y , Rockford, (815) 3161225: 12/14 The Swing Crew, 9 p.m. ❚

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Nov. 20

T  I

When Making the Move Means a Better Life

By Jim Killam

S

eniors dreading the idea of moving to an independent living community may come to realize it’s not only an improved quality of life for them, it’s also a huge help to their loved ones.

Sometimes, it’s a clear decision – particularly if the person has friends who already live there, or has fallen and now realizes it’s not safe to live in the home alone. Other times, it’s a slower process where family members may need to gently tell their loved one they are concerned for their health and safety, says Donna Goomas, Community Manager at Independence Village, 3655 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“They have to come to a point in their life where they say, ‘You know, you’re right. It’s hard for me to get up. All I do all day is sit in front of the TV. I’m lonely.

I’m bored. I’m missing friends, and a social life. I need to have a good conversation with a good friend,’” says Goomas.

A resident at Independence Village recently told a prospective resident couple about her own decision process, Goomas says. She told them she realized it wasn’t fair to her family for her to take up so much of their time in caring for her.

They needed time for their own family, and to know she was in a safe, positive place.

“Seniors know,” Goomas says. “If they depend on their kids to come and get them, to take them to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments. They already are starting to feel like a burden. That becomes reality. So then moving [to independent living] is a gift. It really is.”

And, she adds, it can lead to some of the best years of that person’s life. Cooking, cleaning and laundry can give way to more socializing, more church activities, more hobbies and new interests.

“All the things they wanted to do, they now have a chance to do,” she says.

“Their whole purpose has changed.” ❚ Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 20

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Nov. 20

Y M

Contractors Give Customers a Starting Point

By Jim Killam

O

ne of the reasons Dan Starry helped found Associated Construction Group of Northern Illinois is that he was tired of this scenario: “I ran into a whole summer full of jobs where I was picking up after other contractors,” says Starry, president of S & R Custom Homes and Remodeling, Inc., of Rockford, and president of ACGNI. “I ran into a big, high-dollar kitchen that was not even half finished, along with a lot of other miscellaneous things in the house that weren’t done.”

The contractors persuaded the homeowner to pay 95 percent when the job was only 40 percent complete. Then, they disappeared.

“They never returned a call, and they just stopped showing up,” Starry says. “I ran into several jobs that way. It’s kind of disgruntling to see people treated like that. I thought that was just not right. It’s not even a humane practice.”

ACGNI includes established local subcontractors, ranging from plumbing to concrete to lawn maintenance – one each for about 20 trades.

“I’ve used them for a lot of years, and that’s how this group started,” Starry says. “I wanted to give customers a place to call. You can open the phone book and there are gazillions of them. And if you don’t have somebody that’s referred somebody to you, you’re just taking a chance.

“We police each other. You report anybody on that card and we’ll get to the bottom of it. It reflects on all of us who are in that group.”

Of course, ACGNI’s oneper-trade policy means the group doesn’t include many other local subcontractors who are completely honest and reputable. Finding the right person is a matter of homeowners doing a little research, Starry says. That includes asking for and checking references – talking to the per-

son about the work that was done, and driving there to see it first-hand. Reputable contractors will gladly offer references, he says.

Learn more at acgni.com. ❚

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