Smart Living Weekly January 30, 2019 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Jan. 30, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

‘Wizard of Oz’ Cast Includes Hometown Son See Page 16

Tasty Game Day Recipes Ready for Solar Power? More Blood Donors Needed Make Meals & Entertaining Easier News in Orthodontics

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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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Hometown Boy in ‘Wizard of Oz’ Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Is Solar Energy Right for You? Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Servant Leadership Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty Game Day Eats Your Health .................................................19, 23 Orthodontic News; How to Thank Blood Donors Life Hacks .........................................................21 Meals and Parties with Less Stress Your Outing .......................................................24 Beneﬁt for Rock House Kids Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

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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Better Angels T

his week we’re celebrating the remarkable life of the late Webbs Norman, who built our Rockford Park District into a crown jewel. That this humble master of collaboration stayed true to his core beliefs, sidestepping the pitfalls of ego which ensnare so many leaders, is our community’s great fortune. “Webbs Norman wrote the book on effectively building collaboration among governmental units,” former Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christiansen once told me. “It’s just not important to him who gets the credit or what faction came up with the idea. What matters to him is whether it’s a good project, whether it makes sense and what can the park district do to help?” Under Norman’s hand, the district grew its community partnerships from 18 to more than 150. This allowed groups to focus on core missions without duplicating services or facilities taxpayers had already funded. His own childhood experiences shaped Norman’s core belief that every human being is valuable. He wanted a park district that served everyone, from executives and doctors in need of great golf courses to at-risk youths in need of wholesome activities. “We’re all interconnected,” he told me. “None of us can do alone what we can do in partnership, and sooner or later we all learn that. It’s simply the way our universe is designed. You can argue all you want about whether it takes a village to raise a child, but the answer is that, yes, it does. It takes a family, a neighborhood, a community. It takes all of it because we are all interconnected.” He added, “It’s pay now or pay later. We get from anything what we put into it. We can offer people things that help them to be healthy and productive or we end up paying for it down the road when things go wrong.” Looking back on our hometown’s history – what’s gone right and wrong – it’s obvious how right he was. Ignoring problems costs us plenty. Partnering to solve them lifts us all. When we speak of “better angels” in our human nature, I will always think of Norman. Now, may young people who’ve benefitted from his vision – knowingly or not – pay it forward. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Now is the Time to Consider Solar Power By Peggy Werner

amily-owned Fosler Construction, 703 E. South St., Freeport, in business for more than 20 years, is known for its 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 help people save money with solar power. 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 dependency 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 being made based

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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 want to become eco-friendly and “go green,” while being environmentally conscientious, he says. To set up an appointment, call Fosler at (815) 656-4440. ❚

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Jan. 30

I  W

Servant Leadership

e know from scripture that God despises arrogance and exhalts the humble. For the most part, our culture does just the opposite ... exhalts the noisy self-promoters and ignores the humble. And, most worldly leaders measure themselves by the money and power they wield, not the wellbeing of their people. This is nothing new and came as no surprise to Jesus in his day, either. When a few of his disciples began quibbling over their pecking order, Jesus quickly set them straight. In Mark 10:42-45 (ESV): “And Jesus called them [the 12 disciples] to him and said, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be ﬁrst among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” In Luke 14:11 (ESV) Jesus said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” And in Philippians 2:3 Paul instructs, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more signiﬁcant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” If anyone had the right to promote himself in large fashion, it was Jesus Christ. He chose instead to model the behavior he wishes us to follow. We are in the world but not of it. We follow the will of God. Our humility lies in knowing that everything we are and all that we have and every breath we take belongs to God. Our only greatness is the presence of God working through us. John 14:21-24: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Game Day Eats & Treats I

f the crew is coming over to root for your favorite team, it may be time to spice up the menu. Switch up your typical spread and serve something new to leave your guests cheering for more. Here are some ideas:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Peach-Olive Jam 1 3 4 4 8 1 1 2 1 8

tsp. olive oil lbs. pork shoulder roast cloves garlic, quartered C low-sodium chicken broth oz. dried peaches TB chili powder C California Black Ripe Olives, wedged tsp. country mustard oz. arugula onion rolls, split and toasted

Heat oven to 375 F. In large, high-sided saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper,

to taste, and cook in pan 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Stir in garlic and continue cooking 3-5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, peaches and chili powder; bring to boil. Cover loosely with foil and bake in oven 2 hours. With slotted spoon, carefully remove peaches and transfer to small mixing bowl. Mix olives and mustard with peaches; set aside. Continue to cook pork in oven 30-60 minutes until fork tender. Allow to cool slightly then shred by pulling apart with fork.Assemble sandwiches by spooning pork onto toasted rolls.Top with arugula and peach-olive mixture.

Easy Olive Bread

Recipe courtesy of The Wicked Noodle 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 C unsalted butter, softened 1/2 C mayonnaise

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1 clove garlic, minced 2 C shredded cheddar cheese 10 oz. chopped green olives 2 green onions, chopped 1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise Heat oven to 350 F. In bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and mayonnaise until thoroughly combined. Add garlic; stir well to distribute. Add cheddar cheese, green olives and green onions; stir to combine. Spread mixture on cut sides of bread. Bake 20-30 minutes, until cheese is hot, bubbly and starting to brown. Photo courtesy of The Wicked Noodle (Family Features)

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Jan. 30

R  O R

‘Wizard of Oz’ Features a Hometown Son By Janine Pumilia

hen “The Wizard of Oz” whirls into winter-weary Rockford on Feb. 28, it’ll bring colorful sets, lively music and dance, breathtaking special effects and a beloved storyline to the Coronado stage. It’ll also bring a hometown son for whom the famous line, “There’s no place like home,” will surely resonate. “From the time I was a young, I attended shows at the Coronado,” says cast member Andrew Trotter, 27. “To be performing on the Coronado stage, in a high quality production like this one, is really a dream come true.” Trotter is an ensemble member and understudy for the roles Andrew Trotter

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of Scarecrow and Tin Man in this national tour that’s been crisscrossing the nation since Oct. 9. Exactly 10 years ago, he played the role of Tin Man in a local production by Christian Youth Theatre (CYT). This production celebrates the 80th anniversary of the 1939 classic film starring Judy Garland. Promoters describe it as “a new, refreshed and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly colored sets, charmed by the timeless score and enthralled with breathtaking special effects.” Frank L. Baum’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” published in 1900, inspired the film. The production is led by director Dean Sobon and choreographer Amy McCleary, who take Dorothy, Toto and

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their friends – the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow – “Over the Rainbow” to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest and the Emerald City. Trotter admires the approach his directors take for this show, which is presented by Jam Theatricals as part of the Savant Presents 2018-19 Broadway at the Coronado season. Jam Theatricals and its principals have produced more than 50 shows on Broadway and have earned 10 Tony Awards. “We stay very true to the film,” says Trotter. “Fans who grew up watching the film won’t be disappointed.” The energetic dialogue and choreography, as well as classic songs like “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “If I Only Had A Brain,” still appeal to all ages. “The sets are beautiful and it’s very

R  O R

family friendly,” says Trotter. “It’s so cool for us to see the way young kids still connect with this show. It really is timeless.” This coast-to-coast tour will wrap up March 17. Cast members average six to eight performances per week. This is Trotter’s first experience with a national tour. He previously worked as a cast member at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee and has acted, sung and danced in

regional theater productions around the country. Trotter grew up in Rockford and participated in local community theaters including Starlight Theatre, Byron Civic Theatre and CYT. He was part of the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program at Auburn High School. After graduating Rock Valley College, he transferred to Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, where he earned his B.A. in musical theater and honed his dance skills with tap, jazz and ballet training. Trotter’s first professional break came right after graduation, when he was hired to work as a madrigal singer/character for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim, Pa. This led to job opportunities as a cast member at regional theaters and theme parks. “You don’t think of this show as having a lot of dance, but it actually does,” he

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says. “For example, there’s a jitterbug sequence in the Lollipop scene that’s very challenging.” Two people who undoubtedly will be in the audience on Feb. 28 are Andrew’s mom and sister, Darcey and Sydney Trotter of Loves Park. “I can’t say enough about my mom and the huge amount of support she gives to me,” says Trotter. “She understood that I needed to pursue this journey of being in the performing arts. From the time I was on stage in high school, I knew that I had to be a performer and there was no looking back.” Tickets for “The Wizard of Oz” are on sale now and start at $37. They can be purchased at the Coronado PAC and BMO Harris Bank Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling (815) 968-5222, where you can also learn about discounts for subscribers and groups of 10 or more. Learn more at wizardofoztour.com. ❚

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Y H

Finding the Right Orthodontist for You B y To n i R o c h a

hether it’s a personal choice or a referral, ﬁnding the right ﬁt in an orthodontic specialist is vital. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, and owner of Orthodontic Experts in Rockford, says the most important aim is to find an actual “specialist.” “Illinois is one of only three states requiring advanced training to be licensed in both general dentistry and orthodontics,” he explains. “The Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulations mandates this.” Yarmolyuk says that many dentists also do orthodontic work in other states. It’s essential that patients look for a professional who has received the advanced education. “I did a three-year specialist residency in orthodontics,” he says. “I also did extracurricular work on weekends

while in training and have the experience to provide the best possible care. Technology has gotten easier, but still most general dentists fall short of what a specialist can offer.” Orthodontic Experts also provides patients with flexible payment plans for its services, which are covered under most major health insurance policies, in-

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cluding ObamaCare. “We can arrange payments in our clinic at 5051 E. State St., Rockford, or any one of our other clinics in the Chicago area,” Yarmolyuk says. “This is important because realignment and other treatments can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the length of time needed to complete the process.” He explains that minor treatments can take as little as six months while complex ones may take up to 2.5 years. “The other advantage we offer is our call center, which is available seven days a week. Our emergency call service is accessible 24 hours every day,” Yarmolyuk says. “With nine orthodontic specialists and 90 support employees, we have the ability to help anyone at any time.” For more information, call (815) 918-4427 or visit orthodonticexpertscom. ❚

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L H

How to Make Meals and Parties Easier By Peggy Werner

f you’re in need of a quick lunch, something to pop into the oven for dinner tonight, or you’re planning a special occasion, Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, has a wide variety of menu items from which to choose. And if you can’t make a decision, talk with Owner Jarrod Bush, who has more than 20 years of experience in his field. “We’re a full-service meat market and have food in small portions for home meals or we can cater for large special events and parties,” he explains. “People are not always sure what they’re looking for and that’s where I can help them make good choices.” Just walk into the store and you’ll be surrounded by options. Locally owned and operated, Bush’s store has a well-stocked, clean, organized and attractive 20-foot-long meat

case filled with top quality, freshly cut Midwestern beef, pork and poultry. The store advertises specials every Wednesday. There are cases filled with oven-ready meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie, chicken Kiev and 25 varieties of bratwurst. There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, seasonings, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as cole slaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring. Gourmet items include four varieties of chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto, fennel, cheese and Italian seasoning, traditional bread stuffing, ham and Swiss cheese, or apples and cranberries. Large Portabella mushrooms are

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filled with crab meat and Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese and bacon. Crab cakes, twice baked potatoes, garlic cheese bread and 25 varieties of bratwurst are also available. Boar’s Head luncheon meats are sold here. Everything in the store is made onsite with products purchased locally or regionally, and all meat grinding is done on site. ❚

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Y H

Blood Donors Need More Company By Janine Pumilia

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.” 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 as 10 percent – which still means a few people are carrying the load for all. January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, a good time to thank the good people who step up and donate. “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

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surgery for any reason. Winter is an especially challenging time to collect enough blood. “In January, we’re coming off back-to-back holidays and often have bad weather. Since the beginning of the month, we’ve had 200 donors cancel appointments due to cold/flu and another 200 cancel due to weather,” says Entrikin. 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. ❚

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Jan. 30

Y O

‘Roadshow’ to Benefit Rock House Kids O

n Saturday Feb. 2, Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm (the Trinadora duo) will present their “Hank and Patsy’s Roadshow” concert in a Branson-style dinner theater setting at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 3829 11th St., Rockford. Net proceeds will be donated to Rock House Kids. The concert will feature favorite songs of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline as well as songs by some of the stars they influenced, such as Hank Williams

Hank Williams

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Jr., Hank Williams III, Brenda Lee and others. The $8 admission includes priority seating and chicken dinner for those who arrive before 5:15 p.m. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Trinadora performs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event is open to the public, but seating is limited to 125, so please phone the Eagle’s Club at (815) 979-2063 to obtain tickets and learn more about the program. Rock House Kids is a non-profit organization located at 1325 7th St., Rockford, that serves children ages 6 to 18 by “Sharing God’s love with inner city children through Biblical principles, with spiritual and physical solutions.” Founded in 1999, the organization offers youths a hot meal and instructional time with caring adults, then sends them home with a kid-friendly food bag. It of-

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Patsy Cline

fers Bible classes, social activities, school support and seasonal giveaways. All services are free to the children and the organization relies upon the generosity of donors. Rock House Kids is always looking for more volunteers to help carry out its motto: “Help a child today and you won’t have to repair an adult tomorrow.” Learn more about Rock House Kids at facebook.com/rockhousekids.org. Learn more about Trinadora at trinadora. com. ❚

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

Lake Geneva Winterfest Now thru Feb. 3. Watch 15 teams of sculptors create art out of huge snow blocks in the national snow sculpting competition. Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Live music, food, a human dog sled race, live magic and illusion show, helicopter rides, tours of Maxwell Mansion, a chili cook-off and Cocoa Crawl. visitlakegeneva. com/winterfest. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Orchesis & Rockford City Dance Concert Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Produced in collaboration with various local artists under the direction of Panna Broman. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State Enjoy Rockton Yeti Fest Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. St., (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu. Comedy on Main Rockton Yeti Fest Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Nationally acclaimed comeJan. 31-Feb. 3, daily. Watch snow sculpting, dians and up-and-comers perform in an intihelp make a giant community snow fort, hunt mate setting. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, yetis, go ice skating, enjoy a chili lunch, pub janesvillepac.org. crawl and a sled dog mushing demonstration. Downtown Rockton and Settlers Park, 200 'Wizard of Oz' Hawick St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 624-7600. Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center will welcome this beloved musical, Schubertiad with its breathtaking special effects and classic Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Some of the area’s finest songs like "Over the Rainbow." Learn more at musicians come together in celebration of wizardofoztour.com. Schubert. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Groundhog Gala Feb. 2, 7-9:30 p.m. Featuring music, hors Rock House Kids Benefit d’oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction. Feb. 2. Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm of Midwest Museum of Natural History, Chapel Trinadora present their "Hank and Patsy's in the Pines, 15165 Quigley Road, Sycamore, Roadshow" concert in a Branson-style dinner (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org. theater setting at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 3829 11th St., Rockford, to benefit Rock House ‘The Sunshine Boys’ Kids. $8 includes chicken dinner if you arrive Feb. 1-3 & 8-10, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 before 5:15 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m; din- p.m. Neil Simon’s hit play at Janesville Little ner at 5 p.m. Call (815) 979-2063. Theatre, 906 W. Racine St., Janesville, (608) 756-4172‎, janesvilletheatre.org. ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Feb. 1-3, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The ‘Legally Blonde-The Musical’ hit musical chronicling the legendary 1956 Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Elle Woods tackles law recording session in Memphis that brought school, stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee scandal as she proves that a woman can be Lewis and Carl Perkins. Byron Civic Theater, blond and smart. Coronado PAC, Rockford, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. bctmagic.com. ‘Elephant’s Graveyard’ Transforming Grief to Hope Feb. 8-9, 14-23 & 28, Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. Erwin, Feb. 5 & 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Receive insights to Tenn. hosts Sparks World Famous Shows, help tap your natural resiliency, courage and which has a special attraction for 1916: the compassion to build the life you want on the largest living land animal on earth. [usual] other side of loss. Womanspace, (815) 877- Suspects, Nordlof Center, Rockford. Learn 0118, womanspace-rockford.org. more at rockfordpubliclibrary.org. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 30

WDL

Good Food & Folks at Cucina di Rosa

By Peggy Werner

ose Mary Leggio believes in celebrating each day with good food and good people and that’s just what she does at Cucina di Rosa in Rockford. Sicilian born, Leggio began her restaurant career in 2006 after friends who tasted her cannoli begged her to start selling the creamy, crunchy Italian dessert made from a 100-year-old 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, some made with grapes grown only in Sicily. 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. “I love to hear people say how happy they are that I’m back in business and I love to see their reactions to the foods they recognize as what their grandmas used to make,” says Leggio. “I feel so appreciated and I feel that I’m offering something unique to Rockford.” Leggio’s staff members interact like family, which some of them are. Her

daughter, Leandra Sandahl, helps run the business and will someday take it over. Leggio’s sons, Joe and Eric, also assist in the business effort. 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. There’s live entertainment every Fri. and Sat. evening, and some Wednesday evenings. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen E 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 E 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 E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House E 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. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Lino’s E Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s E Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern E 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. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

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

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

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

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 30

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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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Jan. 30

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Jan. 30

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Jan. 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Issue 1