Smart Living Weekly - March 29, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 29, 2017

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Right in Our Region

Famed Garden Designer to Speak at Klehm’s Botanica

See Page 20

How to Grow Your First Beard 5 Tips for Easier Spring Cleaning ‘The Great War’ at Midway Village Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Protect Your Identity at Tax Time

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Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Botanica at Klehm Arboretum Your Outing ........................................................9 ‘The Great War’ at Midway Village Museum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Spring Cleaning Tips Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Lying Lips Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Savory Pork Dishes Your Technology ..............................................19 How to Care for a Cellphone Your Style ..........................................................23 How to Grow Your First Beard Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 All About Athletic Training Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 Prairie Street Brewhouse Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Protect Your Identity at Tax Time

Smart L iving Weekly ™

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 Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky 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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Loving Our Land

S

ince our very first issue in 2004, Northwest Quarterly Magazine has been celebrating the landscape and native wildlife of our region. For 13 years we’ve been learning, along with our readers, about the amazing aquifers, wetlands, animal neighbors, river ecosystems, woodlands, wildflowers and prairies in our own backyards.

So I was keenly interested to read about George Johnson and his late wife, Marilyn, this year’s recipients of the George and Barbara Fell Award, presented by the Natural Land Institute (NLI) on March 21.

NLI reports that the Johnsons led multiple efforts to restore and manage land with innovative and creative solutions, during the past several decades. In 2003, they began restoring to prairie 26 acres of farmland near Durand, Ill. – no easy task. In 2007, they donated a conservation easement to NLI to protect the Mary Sackett Prairie in perpetuity. They also established the Harvard Seed Group, a cooperative endeavor to restore natural communities near Harvard, Ill. High Point is the highest point of glaciated land in Illinois and the Johnsons led the charge to protect it. George was a leader in the Volunteer Stewardship Network and president of the Illinois Native Plant Society.

He and Marilyn also were active in the Illinois Prairie Path effort to convert an abandoned railroad to a preserve and recreational trail.

More than 280 land lovers gathered to celebrate conservation efforts at this March 21 event. God bless them. It’s especially important right now that private citizens rally to protect our land, air, water and wildlife.

Many of you will recall that Rockford’s George Fell founded not only NLI but also The Nature Conservancy, one of the most important conservation groups in the world, active in 69 countries and all U.S. states.

Learn more about NLI at NaturalLand. org. And have a wonderful week watching our landscape awaken from its winter slumber. ❚

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Y O

Midway Hosts Largest WW I Reenactment M

idway Village Museum will host the 5th annual Great War event, a WWI military event that features more than 225 reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians from the U.S. and Europe, on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9, in the museum’s historic village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. This special event is in partnership with the United States World War I Centennial Commission.

“Midway Village Museum is honored to be a partnering event for the Centennial Commission to help bring awareness and focus on World War I, which happened 100 years ago,” says Kristen Hoeker, special events coordinator for Midway Village Museum.

“The partnership also assists in bringing national attention to Rockford and the museum’s World War I event. There are dozens of delegates from the National Commission attending our event, which is the largest World War I public reenactment in the country.”

Visitors will enter encampments, tour a reproduction 150-yard trench system and watch large-scale narrated battle reenactments.

Among the Activities • Large scale battle reenactments featuring pyrotechnics • WWI Tanks, including the FT-17 French tank • Large scale WWI model airplane displays and flying demonstrations • Tours of the 150 yard trench replica including bunkers • Exclusive Trench Train, also known as the Tin Turtle • Displays of WWI weapons, equipment, and artifacts • Live horses from the Cavalry units • Lectures throughout the day by experts • Salvation Army donut dollies demonstrations • Live musical performers with songs form the 1910s • Battle skirmishes throughout the day in the village

• Movies from the 1910s shown on original equipment • Militaria sales vendors with real and replica WWI equipment, clothing, books and artifacts • Food vendors Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children (3-17 years old), museum members free.

Call (815) 397-9112 or go to midwayvillage.com to learn more. ❚

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5 Spring Cleaning Shortcuts M

ake spring cleaning easier with these tips.

1. Experiment with everyday pantry items to save money and avoid harsh chemicals. These are often just as effective in their cleaning power.

A solution of warm water and vinegar removes built-up grime from your floors, while leaving a clean, rinse-free finish. Just add a half cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of warm water and start mopping.

If you dislike the smell of vinegar, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil – the fresh scent will be like a small reward.

2. Get streak-free mirrors and clean windows with this tip from Cas Aarssen, author of “Real Life Organizing: Cleaning and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day” and the YouTube channel

Y H  G

ClutterBug. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to your favorite glass cleaner and shake until dissolved. Cornstarch improves the cleaning power of the solution and makes streaks a thing of the past, so you’ll get the job done faster.

3. Shine up your kitchen appliances and repel fingerprints and food splatters by spritzing on a little wood furniture polish and rubbing it in with a soft cloth until the surface shines like new.

a broom, and give those hard-to-reach areas a clean sweep.

4. To clean your ceiling fan without showering dust bunnies everywhere, an old pillowcase is your best tool. Spritz the inside of it with a vinegar and water solution and slip it over the blades of the fan, pulling it back to trap the dust.

For those tough to reach moldings and corners, use a sturdy rubber band to wrap a microfiber cloth around the end of

5. Reach for a smarter floor-cleaning tool. The O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System has a built-in wringer that offers superior moisture control of the mop. The hands-free wringer requires a simple press of the foot pedal to easily spin out the water and help finish the job with less mess and faster drying times. ❚ (Source: Brandpoint)

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I  W

Lying Lips

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22 emarkably, there’s a lot of discussion today about whether or not honesty and integrity really matter all that much, especially in public leaders. ‘Maybe it’s too much to expect. Maybe it’s a thing of the past. Maybe it’s just his or her personality.’ But when people feel their leaders are lying, trust erodes. This in turn damages the basic framework of a free society.

Trust in the U.S. government has been falling since the 1960s. Pew Research Center reports that only 19 percent of Americans trust the government in Washington D.C. to do what is right “just about always” (3 percent) or “most of the time” (16 percent). This month, Fox News bemoaned the “seemingly endless stream of exaggerations, evidence-free accusations, implausible denials and other falsehoods” from the executive branch. Gallup reports that only about 6 percent of the public says it trusts Congress.

God certainly doesn’t tell us to place our trust in government. He does, however, ask us to behave in a trustworthy manner and to expect honesty from those who lead us.

When we tolerate, make excuses for, laugh off or normalize dishonesty, we do so at our own peril and in defiance of God, who without question despises lying.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. – Proverbs 6:1620a.

Whether in a family, a community or a nation, lying does damage. Only truth sets us free to flourish in the light of day.

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. – John 3:21 ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Try Slow-Cooker Pork for a Savory Supper A fter a long day, it’s easy to turn to familiar dishes. But with freshly seasoned ingredients like Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork, a delicious, hassle-free meal can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Take an extra step to simplify dinner with an easy slow-cooker recipe such as this Cheesy Pork and Enchilada Stew, or try Pork Chops smothered in onions and mushrooms for a quick, savory supper.

For more recipe ideas, and to see what you can do with 30 minutes, visit SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com.

Cheesy Pork Enchilada Stew 1 package Smithfield Boneless Pork Shoulder Seasoned Carnitas 1/2 cup corn flour hot sauce 2 cans (10 ounces each) red enchilada sauce 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic fresh cilantro

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup no-salt-added chicken stock 1/2 large red onion, diced sour cream 4 ounces cream cheese 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation: Place carnitas in 5-quart slow cooker.

Add corn flour and toss to coat meat. Add all remaining ingredients except cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours (low 7-9 hours). Break meat apart with spoon. Add cheeses and stir until melted.

Smothered Pork Chops 6 slices Smithfield Hickory Smoked Bacon, cut into 1-inch slices 1 Smithfield Garlic & Herb Marinated Fresh Pork Sirloin Roast, cut into five 1-inch chops 2 TB butter 1 large sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper

1 cup no-salt-added chicken stock 2 TB balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. minced garlic Preparation: In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp. Carefully remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

Brown pork chops in bacon grease over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side; remove chops from skillet. Add butter to bacon grease in skillet; saute onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper until onions have browned and are tender. Stir in stock, vinegar and garlic; cook and stir until reduced by half. Add browned chops and cooked bacon to skillet.

Cover and simmer until internal temperature of meat reaches 150 F, turning once, about 10 minutes. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Dance Outreach Offers Joy of Movement

By By Peggy Werner usic and movement lift the spirit.

Just ask anyone who knows the feeling that comes with mastering classical ballet techniques.

But what if you can’t routinely experience the fun and exhilaration of dance and theater classes? Rockford Dance Company will bring them to you.

“When people dance they seem to be happier, and it brings a smile their face.

They become more social and enjoy the feeling of movement,” says Gabrielle Myers, who has danced with the local dance company since age 3, and is now its outreach coordinator.

She’s one of four teaching artists who travel around Rockford every week, taking their love of dance and instruction to schools, group homes for the developmentally disabled, adult day care centers, and other organizations. There’s a minimal cost to participate and the money

M

goes right back into the program. Some scholarship money is available for those who need financial help, she says.

The weekly classes are about an hour long and include get-acquainted games, warm up, and dance instruction to learn basic dance movements and eventually perform a routine alone or in a recital. Gigi’s Playhouse dance performance will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St. Myers is on a personal mission to bring dance to children with autism and is currently researching ways to do that. She wants to help them develop better social skills because dance, by nature, is a social activity.

“For adults and children alike, dance teaches discipline, structure and listening skills in order to follow directions, all while having a good time,” she says.

In the summer, the dance lessons

Rockford Dance Company presents a world premiere of “Snow White” at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31 and at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., in Rockton. For ticket information, go to rockforddancecompany.com.

continue in the form of camps in collaboration with Rockford Art Museum and the Discovery Center.

Those interested in bringing dance to a group may contact the Rockford Dance Company at (815) 963-3341 or email Myers at gabi@rockforddancecompany. com. ❚

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Y T

How (Not) to Care for Your Cell Phone

By Peggy Werner

T

he excitement that comes with owning a new phone won’t last long, if you don’t know how to take care of it.

Anthony Jenkins, owner of Apple Shack Repair Shop, 11706 N. Main St., Roscoe, daily sees the results of carelessness, when it comes to electronic devices.

His business specializes in the repair and replacement of all Apple and Samsung products, including smart phones, tablets, computers and more. He backs up all his repair work with a one-year warranty.

Cracked screens and damage from liquids are among the most common problems he sees with cell phones. People throw phones, set them on top of a car and drive off, step on them, drop them in the toilet or another pool of water.

If your phone gets wet, it needs immediate attention.

“The longer you wait, the more corrosion sets in and the more damage is

done. Water can destroy a phone. You need to turn it off, unplug it, remove the battery, if you can, and get the phone to a repair shop,” he says.

People can extend the life of their phones by protecting them with a tempered glass protector and a protective case that will not only reduce the shock when dropped, but will limit the amount of dust that can accumulate.

Keep the phone clean by using a can of air or a cotton swab with 99 percent Isopropyl alcohol and wipe off all areas where dust can get trapped, like speakers, the headphone jack, and other openings.

Don’t put the phone in a bag of rice to draw out moisture. That doesn’t work,

he says.

“Electronic devices hold their value, so the better you take care of them, the better resale value they will have,” he says.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Jenkins at appleshackrepair.com or call him at (779) 203-8500. ❚

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R  O R

Famed Garden Designer Speaks at Botanica

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

W

e know springtime is near when Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden presents Botanica, its annual gardener’s luncheon fundraiser. It’s a chance for garden lovers to celebrate the new growing season, enjoy gourmet food, gather some fresh ideas and support the important mission of Klehm.

The 23rd annual Botanica will take place Friday, April 7, in the Gallery Room at Klehm, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. Tables will be adorned with bouquets of fresh tulips for sale as GreenFire Restaurant provides a delectable plated luncheon of chicken or ratatouille crepes followed by bread pudding with chocolate chips and Bourbon sauce.

“The dessert is a nod to our guest speaker, Jon Carloftis, a famed garden designer who’s also a southern gentleman from Kentucky,” says Jim Wojto-

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Jon Carloftis

wicz, Klehm’s landscape architect/event consultant.

Carloftis will host a 10 a.m. workshop and will also speak at 1 p.m.

“During the 10 a.m. workshop, he’ll offer ideas on how to bring the outdoors into your home by using plants, natural elements and found objects,” explains

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Wojtowicz. “During the luncheon presentation, he’ll focus more on outdoor spaces – tricks and tips for creating beautiful, magazine-worthy spaces, something he’s been doing for 27 years.”

Guests may choose to attend the 10 a.m. workshop only, for $25, or the luncheon with presentation only, for $55, or the entire event for $80. The event sponsor for Botanica is Alpine Bank. Lana Engen, Aspire Financial Group, Ameriprise Financial is the guest speaker sponsor.

Carloftis has written three books, is a regular garden lecturer, owns a gardening shop and is a frequent TV guest on gardening shows. His work is often featured in magazine articles and his client list includes Hollywood stars like Edward Norton and Julianne Moore, business tycoons and Washington, D.C. dignitaries. He first made his mark by fashioning rooftop

R  O R

gardens throughout New York City. Today he’s back in Kentucky restoring the 1851 home and garden he purchased in Lexington.

Botanica begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration, followed by the 10 a.m. workshop. At 11 a.m., guests will enjoy a champagne bar social hour with music

by Jodi Beach. The luncheon begins at noon and a unique live auction will take place at 12:30 p.m.; Carloftis will speak at 1 p.m.

At the live auction, guests will bid on gourmet dining experiences that are cou-

pled with something special, such as a tennis clinic, boat ride, wine tasting, necklace beading workshop or a tour of the iconic Atwood Home on the Rock River.

All proceeds from this event will support Klehm’s mission of maintaining a living museum for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all people.

To register for the event, call (815) 965-8146 to check on ticket availability.

“Luncheon seating in the Gallery Room is limited to 225, so it’s just a matter of first-come, first-serve,” says Wojtowicz.

The story of 155-acre Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden began with landscape architect William Lincoln Taylor, who established Rockford Nursery on the site in 1910. Many of Klehm’s rare trees are a result of his experimental plantings.

The Klehm family bought the nurs-

ery in 1968 and maintained the land until 1985. Realizing its botanic value, they donated it to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District with the stipulation it be maintained as an arboretum.

Consulting arborists completed a professional inventory of the site in 1991.

They concluded that Klehm Arboretum has an assortment of plant life unlike any other natural area in the United States.

The combination of native plants and those from around the world provides a unique botanical resource for study.

There are many unique species from throughout the U.S. that normally do not thrive in this region, plus the Midwest’s most vigorous evergreen collection.

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden opened on a full-time, seven-day-a week basis in March of 1998. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Off-season hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome to stroll Klehm’s paved pathways with their owners. ❚

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Y S

How to Grow Your First Beard: A 30-Day Plan I

f you want to grow a beard but don’t know how to start, here’s some advice from Dave Armstrong, owner of Downtown Barbers Shave Club of Rockford, 115 S. Main St., Rockford.

beard. Start using a cleanser several times per week and begin training the hairs with a boar bristle brush. You can clean up patchy edges with a razor if you want, but don’t trim the hairs you plan to keep.

Week 1

Week 4

If you’re used to a clean-shaven face, the first week of beard growth is less about what you do and more about what you don’t do. Be forewarned: Your scruff is about to look weird, and feel weirder, but you have to resist the urge to shave, trim or cut. It’s important to get a sense for the final shape of your beard and hedging your whiskers will certainly skew the results.

After day three, you’ll begin to feel that dreaded itch. Resist the urge to scratch, lest you bring on infection. Invest in lightweight beard oil, like Forrest City Beard Oil, sold at the Downtown Barbers Shave Club of Rockford. Apply a few drops at the start of each day to keep

it soft and smooth.Week 2 This week is all about observation: You begin to get a sense for the shape of your beard – where it’s patchy, where it’s thick.

This helps you to choose a style that best suits your face. Growth is still the priority, so resist the urge to trim or clean up the edges. The itching will persist. Keep applying your beard oil to reduce irritation.

Week 3

Congratulations! The hardest part is over. That tiresome itch has subsided and your scruff is taking shape as a bona fide

Week four is the first major milestone on your path toward bearded greatness.The itch should be gone, the patches should be filled and you should have a good sense of the shape of your beard. Choose a beard style that suits you and stick with it. Invest in a good safety razor and don’t fall behind on upkeep. A poorly trimmed beard is a major grooming faux pas.

Downtown Barbers Shave Club of Rockford is open Tues.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To make an appointment, call (779) 2215080. ❚

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Y H

Trainers Can Be Good for Your Health

By Peggy Werner

W

hether you’re still trying to keep that New Year’s resolution or just want to look and feel great when warm weather comes, you’re more likely to meet your fitness goals if you work with a personal trainer.

A certified personal trainer has the know-how, understanding and patience to help individuals develop and execute an exercise plan that can bring about desired results, while keeping you accountable and realistic.

“After the holidays, many people jump right into an exercise program and hit it hard and that’s when injuries happen and many people stop exercising,” says Jason Lubben, a personal trainer with Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Dr., Loves Park and Peak Fitness, 4304 East State St., Rockford. He’s also an athletic trainer with Athletico Physical Therapy, located in the Loves Park Peak building.

Lubben works with clients of all ages who have various health conditions and are from all walks of life.

“Just because a person has limitations due to a health problem doesn’t mean they can’t exercise,” he says. “We may have to work around a condition, and in many cases, that condition will improve in time.”

All Peak members get a free 45-minute fitness evaluation that allows individuals to talk about their goals, ask questions and be evaluated on their form, strength and flexibility, whether they’re just starting out or have exercised for years. The trainer will make sugges-

tions for a better workout, tell you how to prevent injuries and provide diet and nutrition tips.

“A trainer’s goal is to motivate, give positive feedback and customize workouts based on each person’s abilities and goals. A healthy lifestyle means making changes. Healthy living is not a fad, it’s a lifestyle.” ❚

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March 29

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

Simply Spring: The Butterfly Exhibit Through May 21, Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy being surrounded by butterflies in a tropical conservatory, and see the whole Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com butterfly life cycle in action as you view butterflies emerging from their chrysalis in the emergence area. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Spring into Science March 27-31, Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Keep your brain engaged over spring break with fun, creative activities and live science demonstrations. Play with numbers, explore colors and turn everything into art. Discover Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

"Red": A Tony Award-winning Play March 31, 7:30-9 p.m. Artists' Ensemble, in a special partnership with Rockford Art Museum, presents a memorable one-nightonly performance of this Tony Award-winning play. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Rockford Dance Company: “Snow White” March 31-April 1, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 1 & 7 p.m.

Meet seven dwarfs, Snow White, gargoyles, enchanted and evil forest creatures, a prince, a huntsman and the evil queen. Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.

Arne Johnson 10 Mile & 5K April 1, 7:30 a.m. 10-mile walk, 8:30 a.m.

10-mile run, 8:40 a.m. 5K run. The Rockford Road Runners present this annual event with all proceeds going to Annie's Locker. Harlem High School, 9929 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, runsignup.com.

Concerts on the Creek: Randy Sabien April 1, 7 p.m. Randy Sabien returns with his full band for an evening of jazz-fiddling wizardry.

Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Dancing with the Pastors April 1, 5 p.m. SOAR Radio presents Dancing with the Pastors, which has local pastors and leaders in a competition with guest judges.

Rockford Dance Company's Emily Cooke plays the Evil Queen in RDC's production of "Snow White" on March 31 through April 1.

Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 320-9005, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

RSO: “I Hear a Symphony: Motown’s Greatest Hits” April 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Celebrate Motown hits with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, rockfordsymphony.com.

Home & Garden Showcase April 1-2, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m.

More than 100 companies offer an array of products and services all in one place. See the latest trends in landscaping, decks, backyard ponds and waterfalls, and discover neat gadgets for the garden enthusiast. Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 West Lane Road, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 871-7469, showtimeproduction.net.

First Soar Radio Awards April 3, 7 p.m. See appearances from national artists Kierra Sheard, Michele Williams, Zacardi Cortez and Kimberla Lawson Roby. Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, (815) 320-9005, soarradio.com.

Mendelssohn’s Music on Main: Solos and Duos for Flute and Piano April 3, 5:30 p.m. Savor an intimate concert with light refreshments to follow. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Alton Brown: Eat Your Science Tour April 5, 8:30 p.m. Drool over tasty confections during Alton Brown's insane science demonstrations. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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March 29

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Prairie Street Brewhouse

By Peggy Werner rairie Street Brewhouse., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer, and a view of the Rock River.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating line-up of 16 craft beers on tap, all brewed on-site.

The restaurant and brewery are located inside an 85,000-square-foot multi-use venue that was home to the original Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939.

The brewery is a backdrop to the bar, which is made of reclaimed materials from the 1849 building. Restaurant decor features exposed original brick and ductwork. “It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president and co-owner of the business with Reed Sjostrom and Dustin Koch.

The menu features daily specials, and

appetizers such as shrimp & avocado ceviche, truffle fries, a hummus plate and Poutine, made with Yukon gold fries, screw city light braised pork belly, cheese curds and herbed bacon gravy.

Reed Sjostrom, Chris Manuel and Dustin Koch.

“Handhelds” are sandwiches like pulled pork, screw city light corned beef, turkey club, mint yogurt. For dessert, there’s a root beer and a BLT, which can be served with a half- float, pie in a pint, cheesecake of the day or pound beef patty, cherrywood bacon, and/ crème brûlée.

This summer, Dinner on the Dock will or duck bacon. In addition, there are soups and salads, sides like house-made chips be offered each Thursday from 5-10 p.m., with a special sandwich menu and live with sea salt and build-your-own pizzas.

Entrées include fish and chips, Medi- music from 6-9 p.m.

Prairie Street Brewhouse is open Sun.terranean beer chicken, ribeye steak, blackened bone-in pork chop, and Grilled Jail Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. to midnight; Island Salmon, served with coconut rice, and Fri.-Sat. to 2 a.m. For reservations, call curried cauliflower and peas and cucumber (815) 227-9427. ❚

(Blake Nunes photo)

P

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/AmeriArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 can. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11am-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$.

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

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sealoit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakCosta’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Som- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. melier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚ 28

Smart Living Weekly

March 29 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Alchemy

T

his trendy restaurant inside Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience in a big-city atmosphere.

“Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” says Al Castrogiovanni, chef and founder. “I always had a vision and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and customize everything.”

The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Pizzas made from handcrafted dough, with names like Chicago Dog and Thai Pie, are baked in a wood-fire oven. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a special twist, and daily specials.

Alchemy serves lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.; and dinner 4-10 p.m. Mon.Thurs. and 4-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. The bar is open later. ❚

SLW Dish of the Week Name of Plate: Enchiladas Mexicanas Restaurant: Dos Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford Description: This typical Mexican dish comes with three enchiladas of the customer choice – ground beef, shredded chicken or shredded beef – with gluten-free tortillas that are fried in vegetable oil. The plate also comes with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole.

“It’s a wonderful plate,” says Jose Gonzalez, manager. “Of the entire menu, this is one of the most requested dishes.”

Why does this dish stand out?

“Enchiladas are one of the most known dishes from Mexican cuisine,” Gonzalez says. “In Mexico, they make enchiladas spicy, but we take the spice out because we know most of our customers want something milder in taste. A Mexican customer might add hot sauce to it. The dish also has a good portion size. There’s enough to fill you up.”

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March 29

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Smart Living Weekly

March 29To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Smart Living Weekly

March 29

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March 29 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

4 Tips to Protect Your Identity at Tax Time T ax season is a busy time for everyone, including cybercriminals who use the flurry of activity to swindle sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims.

According to research from Symantec, cybercriminals launched more than 1 million web attacks against internet users every day in 2015. Here are four things you can do to help protect yourself and your identity from cybercriminals.

1. File your taxes as early as possible. The sooner you file, the harder it will be for criminals to file taxes on your behalf for a refund, which a thief can do with only your date of birth and Social Security Number. If you want some extra protection this tax season, consider contacting the IRS to see if you’re eligible for an Identity Protection PIN. It’s a sixdigit code that is assigned to you by the IRS to help prevent misuse of your SSN

on fraudulent federal income tax returns.

2. If you’re filing your taxes online, use a secure Wi-Fi connection or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN is an easy-to-use technology that ensures a secure connection.

3. Remember that the IRS only communicates through the U.S. Postal Service. They will never request personal and/or financial information through email, text messages or social media sites. If you receive a letter in the mail and you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, use the IRS lookup tool to find your letter:

www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-notice-orletter-for-individual-filers 4. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, ask for their name, badge number and callback number. Report the call to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 and provide this information to confirm the authenticity of the caller’s request.

If the caller isn’t willing to provide this information, hang up and report the incident to the IRS. If you believe you’ve been the victim of an IRS scam, you may also report this to www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml. It’s up to you to protect your identity every single day. ❚ (Source: Brandpoint)

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