Smart Living Weekly February 27, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • February 27, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Midway Village Museum Welcomes Springtime

See Page 16

Save Money with Solar Energy A New Way to Do Chiropractic Savory Duck Breast Recipe Blood Donations Needed!

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$25 Gift Card from Capital House See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

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You Deserve Barbara’s Unsurpassed Service Barbara Carstens, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Barbara’s Customers Have to Say:

She is a outstanding and professional Realtor Who provided information on home structure flood zones crime areas and home values with this being my first home that I purchase she provided me with information to make a great decision and I will always be grateful and in debt to her she’s a wonderful woman who does not let finances dictate her

professionalism she treated me as though I was buying a million dollar home and that’s hard to find in a business that is about profits there’s one thing I learned in life is that good people come in your life for a reason and if you only listen and learn from them you will achieve your best and I did by listening and learning from her I’m forever grateful. Thank you!

James Gladney 815.871.3604 • bcarstens@GoGambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/bcarstens

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Midway Village Welcomes Springtime Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 New Home Showroom; Solar Energy Saves Money Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Embrace the Grace Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 18 Savory Duck Breasts Your Community ...............................................19 We All Need to Donate Blood Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Spring Stop and Shop Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 A New Way To Do Chiropractic Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Education ........................................ ......... 29 The Rockford Lutheran Experience

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling 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, Anthony Franklin Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn 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 2019 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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Choosing to See

W

e walk through our days choosing what to see and hear and what not to see and hear. If we didn’t screen out some of the hubbub, we’d be total wrecks.

I became very aware of this when my kids were little. I barely “heard” their noisy jabbering, until an urgent scream would break through the din and set my heart pounding.

I’m sure their jabbering was very distracting to other people who weren’t used to them.

The same holds true with our thought patterns. We don’t dwell on every sad or scary thought that pops into our heads. We do a lot of mental screening for the sake of self-preservation.

I’m one of those sensitive souls, for example, who turns the channel when animal abuse TV ads play. Just thinking about hurting animals is torture for me. I could never be a veterinarian or ASPCA worker for this reason. This does not give me license to deny that hurting animals exist. It does challenge me to support the souls, braver and better than me, who work to help them.

In our increasingly isolated lifestyles, it’s easy to pretend that upsetting things don’t exist or that someone else will fix them without our help or that it’s all just too much to face.

We have hundreds of ways to distract ourselves with something more “fun” to think about. To be sure, none of us can carry the full burden of a troubled world. But each of us can do something.

If we all ignored the need for blood donation, guess what? We’d all be out of luck the next time we faced unexpected surgery.

If we all ignored the fact that more than 1,200 children in Rockford Public Schools are homeless, no one would be helping them to stay warm each night.

Life is a thousand daily decisions about how we spend our most precious resources – our thoughts and our time.

Here’s to what we see, to what we choose not to see, and the selfawareness to know the difference. ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

New Renovation Showroom in Machesney

By Peggy Werner

M

acktown Construction, 9957 N. Alpine Road., in Machesney Park, has put on a new addition to make life easier for homeowners who are looking for ideas and materials for renovating their homes.

Cedar & Stone Cabinetry and Flooring is a new 2,400 square-foot showroom that carries a full line of cabinets, flooring, cabinet hardware, countertops and lighting to help people make choices, says Tony Bonnet, president.

“We want to create a better overall experience for our customers. In this business for more than 15 years, one thing that stands out is just how overwhelming and stressful it can be for people trying to make choices,” Bonnet says.

Macktown specializes in kitchens, bathrooms and home renovations and adheres to a seven-step process to make sure every construction project runs as

smoothly as possible and with minimal surprises.

“When it comes to remodeling, you can find a lot of buried headaches in the areas of plumbing, electrical work and framing that can’t be seen at first. We want to make sure we have everything covered and there are no surprises,” he says.

Macktown Construction professionals offer a free inhome consultation with customers. It gives advice and discusses goals and fears a customer may have regarding the project. A pre-construction meeting takes place before the project begins. When work is finished, a warranty is delivered and follow-up appointments ensure satisfaction, Bonnet says.

When thinking about a home remod-

eling project, people need to have an idea in mind of how they want an area to look and what they are willing to invest.

“The first thing we always want to know is why someone wants to make a change, whether it’s to update an existing space, open up an area, or set another goal,” he says. ❚

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I  W

Embrace the Grace

G

od loves us. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” Jesus tells his disciples in Luke 12:7 (NIV).

God also knows we’re vulnerable to being misled and turned from Him. A few verses earlier, in Luke 12, Jesus warns the disciples not to be deceived and misled by hypocritical leaders who say one thing but do another. They don’t fool God, he says.

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2 & 3) Many of us believe that if God really knew us, He couldn’t possibly love us. Our shame can cause us to “hide” from God, which is not only impossible to do, but also the exact opposite of what He wants.

Adam and Eve tried hiding in the garden, after sinning, but it didn’t go well, to say the least. They only managed to distance themselves, and the rest of us, from God, until Christ arrived to undo the damage.

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he [Adam] said, ‘I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’” (Genesis 3:8-10) No one hides from God. And not one of His children needs to. God knows what we’re made of and loves us anyway. We’re not “good enough” to earn His love. Jesus Christ is. To ignore this is to ignore all that Christ accomplished for us on the cross.

Through Christ, the bridge between God and people was rebuilt.

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4) Seek, don’t hide. Embrace the grace! ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Sweet & Savory Duck Breasts

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hocolate for dinner sounds too good to be true, but a bit of bittersweet cocoa powder helps balance out the richness of red meats like duck. Although it’s leaner and lower in saturated fat than other red meats, duck has a bold flavor and texture similar to steak. Find more comfort food recipes and tips for cooking with duck at mapleleaffarms.com.

Cherry and Red Wine Pan Sauce:

Mocha-Rubbed Duck Breast with Cherry and Red Wine Pan Sauce

Mocha Rub: In small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, coffee, salt, pepper and cocoa powder. Set aside.

Pat duck breasts dry and score according to package directions. Use half of rub on meat side of breasts. Cover breasts and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

In cold saute pan, place duck breasts skin-side down. Place pan over lowmedium heat 8-12 minutes, or until fat is rendered and skin is crisp and brown.

Turn breasts over and sprinkle remaining rub on skin side. Cook breasts 1-2 minutes skin-side up. Turn breasts

Servings: 4

Mocha Rub:

2 TB brown sugar 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika 1/2 tsp. ground coffee 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. cocoa powder 4 thawed Maple Leaf Farms duck breasts

2 TB reserved duck fat 1/2 C minced shallots 3/4 C dry red wine 1 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar 5 oz. frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed and halved 5 sprigs fresh thyme Salt & pepper to taste Toasted sliced almonds, for garnish

back to skin-side down 1-2 minutes to caramelize rub. Reserve approximately 2 tablespoons duck fat for sauce.

Heat oven to 350 F. Place duck breasts skin-side up on rimmed baking sheet; bake 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F. Let breasts rest 4-5 minutes before slicing. Temperature will rise during resting period to reach 165 F. Sauce: Place saute pan with reserved duck fat over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until softened. Add wine to pan to deglaze. Stir in balsamic vinegar, sugar, cherries and thyme sprigs; simmer until reduced. Season to taste. Garnish with toasted almond slices. ❚ (Family Features)

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R  O R

Midway Village Museum Gears Up for Spring B y To n i R o c h a ne sure sign that spring is on its way? Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, is launching its annual series of fun, educational spring events in March.

This year’s season begins with a communitywide favorite: the 15th Annual Sock Monkey Festival, returning as an exclusive one-day attraction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, with a theme of “Around the World.”

Guests are invited to “travel” around the globe and experience various cultures, crafts and customs. Passports are stamped as families move from exhibit to exhibit.

Lonna Converso, the museum’s director of marketing and social media, says festivalgoers can expect several new experiences designed to delight a wider age bracket.

“This year, we’ve added a new

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pre-kindergarten sock monkey experience for children ages 5 and under,” she says.

The children, along with their parents, can make a “Mini-Monkey Buddy” sock monkey doll, under guided supervision, for $10. The traditional sock monkey doll is $20 and includes all supplies and guided instruction. The activity takes up to two hours.

“This year, we introduce Midway Village’s new mascot, Babs, who will be available for photo ops and interaction with the children,” Converso adds.

Advance tickets are available by calling (815) 397-9112 or visiting midwayvillage.com. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 17. Museum members are free.

Another long-time spring favorite at Midway Village Museum is the annual Egg Artistry Show and Sale. Hosted

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R  O R by the museum, the event presents fabulous egg creations from around the world, crafted by renowned artists. Not only are the eggs themselves for sale, but visitors can purchase supplies to make their own.

The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 3 to 17; museum members are free.

As spring draws even closer, the 7th Annual “The Great War” weekend military encampment returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7, bringing more than 220 re-enactors portraying soldiers and civilians from America and Europe.

The attractions include World War I replica tanks, a 150-yard reproduction trench system and full-scale battle re-enactments, among hundreds of other relics and displays.

“We educate the public about World War I because it has such close connections to our community,” Converso says.

“Mainly, Camp Grant here in Rockford

The 7th Annual “The Great War” event will take place at Midway Village Museum on April 6 & 7.

was where thousands of soldiers and medics came to train. This was a big part of our history and Rockford played a major role in this huge global event.”

In addition, during “The Great War” event, the Midway Village Museum Traveling Bijou Theater will feature silent films by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, along with “The Great War” special event footage by Jorg Rochlitzer.

The Midway Village Museum cam-

pus includes historical and iconic buildings, extensive exhibits and a gift shop.

Nearly 50 annual events draw thousands of visitors to have fun while learning about the history of our city.

Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 17, excluding film showings.

For more information about these and other events, visit midwayvillage. com or call (815) 397-9112. ❚

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Y K

Why a Real Butcher Still Knows Best

By Peggy Werner

R

emember the days when you could walk up to a meat counter in a grocery store and talk to a butcher who knew about cuts of meat, how to prepare them, and how to fill a custom order?

Well, that kind of customer service is – and always has been – a top priority at Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, because owner Jarrod Bush, with more than 20 years in the business, takes pride in giving people what they can’t get anywhere else.

“A lot of supermarkets don’t need butchers any longer because all meats come prepackaged from the wholesalers to the retailers and you don’t always know where the meat comes from,” he explains. “My job doesn’t really exist anymore, so that’s why people love coming in to talk to me – they don’t always know what they want or how to prepare it.”

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Countryside is a full-service meat market that specializes in Midwestern beef, poultry and pork for individuals and large parties. Its fully stocked, very organized, spotless 20-foot-long display case of fresh meats is a thing to behold. ”I want this meat case to be the best one anyone has seen anywhere,” Bush says.

One of the most popular cuts on the West Coast recently debuted at Countryside. It’s the exceptionally tender and versatile Tri-Tip Steak, which is a bottom sirloin.

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“It has great marbling, fantastic flavor and can be used for a lot of things such as fajitas, stroganoff and steak sandwiches,” he says.

The store offers weekly advertised specials, in-house specials, and has “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie and chicken Kiev.

There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as coleslaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring, Boar’s Head luncheon meats and 25 varieties of bratwurst. Gourmet items include stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, twice-baked potatoes and garlic cheese bread. All food is prepared onsite. ❚

Y H  G

Reduce Your Electric Bill with Solar Power

By Peggy Werner

F

amily-owned Fosler Construction, 703 E. South St., Freeport, in business for more than 20 years, is known for offering quality building and remodeling services. Now it has broken new ground to help people save money and contribute to a cleaner, greener state.

About a year ago, the business made a decision to help people understand the value of solar power. There is no better time to make the change, says Shane Werntz, energy consultant.

“We’re excited to create job opportunities and to help people save money with solar power,” says Werntz. “Solar doesn’t replace the electric bill, but it greatly reduces the need for electricity.

Our goal is to help eliminate the need for electricity at a reasonable price and with a quick payback.

“The panels create kilowatt hours, which can be rolled over and used later

through a process called net-metering,” he says.

With state rebates and federal tax credits currently available for those switching over to solar power, homeowners can save up to 75 percent of the installation cost. Illinois has set a goal to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel by 25 percent by the year 2025.

Fosler helps customers every step of the way and will do everything from start to finish, including taking care of the applications, getting permits, applying for incentives, and ordering, installing and maintaining the panels.

“We design systems and walk customers through the process, showing them where their energy costs are coming from and what kind of system would best work for them,” he says.

The first step is a free consultation,

with recommendations based on the size and style of a home and its average energy consumption. Depending on the design of a home, roof or ground panels are used.

Solar energy is growing in popularity as homes and businesses become ecofriendly while being environmentally conscientious, he says.

To set up an appointment, call Fosler at (815) 656-4440. ❚

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Y C

More Local Blood Donors are Needed

By Janine Pumilia

E

very resident of our region owes a big thank you to 17,515 individuals in a 10-hospital area of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Each one took a little time in 2018 to donate the blood all of us rely upon.

And a little time is all it takes, says Lisa Entrikin, Director of Operations at Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC).

“The blood draw itself takes just 10 minutes and the whole process from mini-health check to juice-and-cookies takes up to an hour,” she says. “Each week, we need 1,000 donors or more to supply our local hospital needs, so every donation matters.”

Winter is an especially challenging time to collect enough blood. The blood center has seen hundreds of cancellations in recent weeks related to bad weather and cold & flu season.

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Blood donation is safe, nearly painless and most people can donate even if they’re on medication, she adds.

Nationwide, only about 5 percent of the population donates blood. In the Midwest, the percentage is a little higher because “people in the Midwest are very giving,” says Entrikin, who’s worked at our blood center for 16 years and in blood collection for 25 years. In some pockets of the Midwest, the donor rate is as high

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as 10 percent – which still means a few people are carrying the load for all.

“Giving blood is everyone’s responsibility,” notes Entrikin. “Donors aren’t donating to RRVBC. They’re donating to patients who need the blood.” And that could be any one of us, or any one of our loved ones who become injured or face surgery for any reason.

For donor convenience, the blood center maintains two donor locations in Rockford, one in Belvidere and one in Freeport, along with multiple mobile locations each week.

You can schedule an appointment online or by phone. If you’re wondering whether your medication disqualifies you, simply place a call to the center and find out. Every blood type is needed.

The best way to thank donors in our region is to help them carry the load.

Learn more at rrvbc.org or call (815) 965-8751. ❚

Y O

Calling All Vendors: April Stop & Shop Slated

By Peggy Werner

E

vents by Jodi will host its 9th annual Spring Stop and Shop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Tebala Shriners, 7910 Newburg Road. Any vendors interested in participating can learn more at eventsbyjodi.com.

More than 70 vendors will sell a variety of crafts and other gift items including jewelry, home décor, candles, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, bath bombs, apparel and children’s books.

“I’m hoping people will come to the event with family and friends and have a fun-filled shopping day, where they’ll be able to find just what they need for Easter and Mother’s Day gifts,” says Jodi Dandridge, event planner.

Valencia Riley of Janesville, Wis., is among the vendors. She started a business two years ago featuring homemade body butter, beard oil, body sprays, sugar scrubs, bath salts and room sprays. Her

business, The Sophisticated Lady, was inspired out of her own need to find relief for extremely dry skin.

“I just learned by trial and error what worked for me and my Mom suggested I go into business to help others, too,” she says.

Her main product is a whipped body butter made from shea butter, mango, and kuki (Hawaiian butter). She describes it as a thick, rich protective barrier for the skin that’s also lightweight and nongreasy.

Riley says events organized by Events by Jodi have given her business a big boost.

“Jodi gets a lot of traffic at her events and handles it all very well. She’s extremely well organized, has a great personality and knows what she’s doing,” says Riley.

Dandridge says she started her busi-

ness in 2010 because she was aware of the many talented small business owners in the area and wanted to show her support for them.

Upcoming shows include “Christmas in July,” on July 13, in Moss Hall, at the Pecatonica Fairgrounds and “One Stop Christmas Shop,” Nov. 16 at Tebala.

Any vendors interested in participating in a craft show can email Dandridge at Jodidandridge@yahoo.com or go to eventsbyjodi.com. ❚

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Y H

A New Concept in Chiropractic Care

By Peggy Werner hen Jon Chesak woke up one day with a sharp pain shooting down his leg, he sought help from his chiropractor and got relief after just a few adjustments.

“That experience made a big difference in my life and changed my life. I was able to break the debilitating cycle of pain and am now able to do the things I enjoy, like exercising and living a healthy lifestyle,” he says.

The former restaurant manager is now the new franchise owner of The Joint at Forest Plaza, next to Kohl’s, at 6139 E. State St. The business is one of 440 locations nationwide that does chiropractic work differently – and better, according to Chesak.

The Joint offers more affordable and more convenient adjustment appointments by not accepting insurance and

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passing those savings along to the customer. The Joint accepts walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Chesak says when people are in pain they want immediate relief and don’t want to wait around for an appointment that doesn’t fit into their schedule because an office isn’t opened evenings or weekends.

“I’m passionate about The Joint’s business model because we are providing something people need and will help the quality of life for so many,” he says.

Current specials include a $29 new patient offer for a consultation, exam, and adjustment, as well as a “wellness package” of four visits per month for $59 – good at any location. New patients may call to schedule an appointment, but follow-up visits are walk-in only.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can help relieve neck and back pain as well as pain caused from arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, stress, sciatica, and other specific areas of the body like the knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, and elbow, he says, adding that routine visits can also help in early detection of other problems.

The Joint staff includes Clinic Owner and Director Dr. Dan Cammarano of Aurora and Illinois Board Certified Chiropractors Dr. John Staranko, and Dr. Kory Spear.

For more information, visit thejoint. com or call the clinic at (815) 977-4316. ❚

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Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

FAM: ‘I am American’ Now thru April 15, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Immigrants and Native Americans explore the 1.800.521.0849 bicultural experience and the Rockford, IL 61101 gorockford.com meaning of being American. FAM, Freeport, (815) 125-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Beloit International Film Festival Thru March 3. See website for schedule and ticket information. Scores of shorts, documentaries and feature films are presented in venues throughout the Beloit area. Tickets/ Info: (608) 312-4256, beloitfilmfest.org.

‘Run for Your Wife’ Now thru-March 10, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A British farce sure to make you laugh. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

First Fridays March 1, 5 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy art, music, food and shopping in downtown Rockford when galleries, shops, music and theater venues stay open late. Visit website for complete schedule. Downtown Rockford, (779) 537-5319, firstfridaysrockford.com.

Concert at Mendelssohn March 1, 7:30 p.m. Wisconsin's premier brass ensemble entertains under direction of brass icon John Stevens. Mendelssohn Hall, (815) 964-9703, mendelssohnpac.org.

Species Spotlight: Vertebrates March 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn about bats, bluebirds, frogs and toads, and find out if you’d like to become a Citizen Scientist critters. Reg. online. Forest Preserve Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr. Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Paleofest 2019 March 3-4, see website for details. Top scientists from around the world, plus learning and fun for all ages. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9653433, burpee.org.

Gaelic Storm March 3, 7 p.m. The group continues into its third decade, pleasing Celtic, country, bluegrass and rock fans with storytelling and passion for music. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

Beloit International Film Festival runs now through March 3.

AE: 'Silent Sky' March 7-17, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In 1905, Henrietta packs her bags for an exciting new job as a “human computer” at Harvard Observatory. The inspiring story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a woman who, quite literally, changed the way we see the universe. AE, Rockford University, Cheek Theatre, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

RSO: Behind the Mask and More March 9, 7:30 p.m. Relive Broadway’s iconic hits, from shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Evita,” “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys” and more. Performed by RSO with vocals by Broadway stars. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, rockfordsymphony.org.

Leah Zahn March 11, 5:30 p.m. Lifelong Rockford resident and violinist Zahn performs in the northern Illinois area; she is concertmaster of the Rock Valley College and Community Orchestra.

MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Trinadora’s Celtic Frolic March 16, doors open 6 p.m., concert 7-9 p.m.

Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm sing and play keyboard, guitar, ocarina, harmonica and jazz, with music ranging from country to jazz. Pizza and snacks available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

'The Sound of Music’ March 26, 7:30 p.m. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp family. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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Special Events Planned at Cucina di Rosa

By Peggy Werner ose Mary Leggio believes in changing things up and having some fun at Cucina di Rosa, 1620 N. Bell School Road. That’s why she’s introducing themed events, beginning with Flamenco Italiano on Wednesday, March 6, featuring the Vince Chiarelli Band, with Latininspired music, dance, food and fun, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Leggio also will host once-monthly Wine Down Wednesday, starting Feb. 27.

She offers live music each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

On Wednesday, March 22, Leggio will stage a 1940s Supper Club theme, with a dance floor and entertainment by the Tom Panici Band, an internationally acclaimed band from Chicago.

Sicilian born, Leggio began her restaurant career in 2006, after friends who tasted her cannoli begged her to start selling the creamy, crunchy Italian

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dessert made from a 100-yearold family recipe. She opened Cannoli Café at 1620 N. Bell School Road and in 2016 opened Cucina di Rosa (Rosa’s Kitchen) in the same location.

“It’s my kitchen, and that allows me to be creative and prepare food as I would for my own family,” Leggio says.

Leggio serves beers and Italian wines. Her daily specials are much anticipated by regular customers eager to see what she’s cooked up.

The core menu consists of soups, salads, panini and entrees such as fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese and ham or meat sauce and peas. Favorite entrees include eggplant Parmigiana, ravioli, tortellini and a special Sicilian lasagna made with peas and slices of hard-boiled eggs.

Leggio offers an array of desserts,

including 16 flavors of homemade gelato, cannoli, cannoli cake, eclairs, cream puffs, biscotti, croissants with various toppings and an assortment of Italian cookies.

Cucina di Rosa is available for private parties on Sundays and Mondays and also caters special events.

Regular hours are Mon. thru Thurs.

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Capital House  Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$.

Olympic Tavern  Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)

Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Taco Betty’s

ocated at 212 E. State St., next to the Rock River, this trendy, casual kitchen serves up innovative tacos with signature twists like pork and pineapple or crispy fish with roasted corn, dried chiles, cilantro, onion and avocado-lime mayo. The tacos come in pairs for lunch and threesomes for dinner. Recipes are subject to change with the seasons or whenever the chef feels like it.

Other items on the menu include chicken verde nachos, chicken taquitos, taco salad and guacamole with chips.

Margaritas and other bar drinks are made with fresh juice squeezed daily.

The entrance to Taco Betty’s faces State Street and the restaurant has large west-facing windows that offer natural light and front-seat views of Rockford City Market on Fridays and the river.

Taco Betty’s opens daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and at 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. ❚

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F  E

Rockford Lutheran Offers Well-Rounded Experience

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n our hurry-up world, Rockford Lutheran School (RLS), 3411 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, offers multiple ways for high school students to achieve college credit in advance of post-secondary enrollment. Written agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities guarantee that credits will be accepted.

Students can also take advanced placement tests, earn CLEP credits and build online dual credit options into their high school schedules. Parents can even recoup the cost of the high school experience with savings from the first year of college tuition.

Lutheran schools across the nation value music, and Rockford Lutheran is no exception. Band and orchestra classes begin in grade 3. Songs of praise are taught and performed in every grade and opportunities for performance are built into every year of the Lutheran experience.

RLS is the only K-12 system in the stateline that has Project Lead the Way curriculum every year for every student.

This nationally recognized program gives students hands-on experiences in problem solving. In a world that prizes winning above all else, PLTW encourages experimentation. It’s important for engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists and all educated adults to know how to grow and learn by doing.

At the high school level, Lutheran competes in the Big Northern Conference and offers many kinds of teams, from bowling to a state champion cheer squad.

A new fitness lab allows students to build their strength and summer programs hone skill development.

A key concern at RLS is the student’s spiritual growth. As individuals called to “live in the world but not be of the world,” the whole person is important.

A strong Christian faith helps students

to gain spiritual perspective on lifetime goals and to value family and the joy of service.

RLS is led by Academic Dean Don Kortze and Executive Director Don Gillingham. It opened in 1964 and serves children pre-K through 12th grade. About 810 students are enrolled and the student/ teacher ratio is 15 to1.

The school is affiliated with the Lutheran Church but is open to people of all faiths. Tuition ranges from $2,329 (preK) to $7,828 (high school) and tuition assistance is available. Learn more at rockfordlutheran.org or call (815) 877-9551. ❚

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