Smart Living Weekly - November 8, 2017

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Nov. 8, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Stargazing with Local Amateur Astronomers

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Light Up the Fireplace Tips for Easing Back Pain Increasing Literacy Day by Day Dancers Prepare for ‘The Nutcracker’

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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Amateur Astronomers Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Light Up the Fireplace Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 God Loves Humility Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Recipe: Korean-Style Short Ribs Your Wellness ............................................. .......23 Tips for Easing Back Pain Your Community ............................................. ..21 Learn a Little More Every Day

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Your Outings ...................................................9,19 “The Nutcracker Ballet”; Apple Season at Ten Eyck Orchard

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Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Education ........................................ ......... 24 Criminal Justice Your Technology ........................................ ...... 29 Save Money

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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, Steven Wysong Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Thank You, Veterans

V

eterans Day is Saturday, so let’s review what we know about it.

First observed in 1919 as Armistice Day, one year after World War I hostilities ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – November – the name was changed to Veterans Day (no apostrophe) in 1954. Its sole purpose is to recognize veterans of all U.S. armed forces, whether they served in times of war or peace.

By contrast, Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) is a time to honor those who lost their lives during military service to our nation.

Who are the 21.8 million veterans (about 10 percent female) who live in our nation of 319 million people? Most are 55 or older (64 percent) and 1.6 million are under age 35.

The majority, or about 7.3 million, served in the Vietnam War (1964-1975), the last U.S. war in which soldiers were drafted.

About 5.2 million served in the Gulf War era (1990 to present). This group has the highest percentage of service-connected disability – 29 percent compared to 15 percent of all veterans – presumably because improved defense armor and battlefield medicine decreases the death rate among the critically wounded.

About 2.2 million of our veterans served in the Korean War (1950-1953), our first military action during the Cold War. Just 558,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II still live among us; only three years ago that number was 1.7 million.

Our last known World War I veteran died in 2011. More than a million of our veterans served in two and even three wars.

We’re more indebted to these selfless souls than we can begin to verbalize. But let’s try. On Saturday, and every day, let’s take time to say “thank you” to the bravest among us.

Have a good week! ❚

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It’s Apple Season at Ten Eyck

By Lindsey Gapen

T

he Ten Eyck family has been nurturing apple trees all year long. Now it’s time for the public to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

“We pick everything right before it’s ripe,” says owner Drew Ten Eyck.

“The quality of our apples sets us apart – everything is fresh and delicious.”

The woodlands, prairies and changing leaves make for a gorgeous ride out to the family farm, located on Highway 11 and 81, just 3 miles west of Brodhead, Wis., and 10 miles east of Monroe, Wis. Every year, visitors come to browse more than 50 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples with names both familiar and not-so-familiar, from Ambrosia to Winesaps. When it comes to cooking, Drew recommends Portland and Jonathon apples. For eating, Honey Crisp, Sun Crisp and Holiday apples are among his favorites.

“Those are the best to bite into,” Drew says. “The Honey Crisp is sweet

and crunchy, while the Sun Crisp is a little more citrusy. The Holiday is very crisp and tart. All of them are delicious.”

In addition to apples, the farm also offers pumpkins, gourds, pears, plums and a plethora of apple-infused treats.

The Ten Eycks make cider, donuts and pies with their apples – and everything is made from scratch.

“We have everything from handdipped caramel apples to weird, worty squashes,” Drew says. “It’s a great variety of products and everything is fresh.”

Opal John, the orchard manager, has been working with the Ten Eyck family since she was a teenager. Now she manages the orchard’s beehives and makes treats with raw, unfiltered honey.

Products from her Opalicious Honey line are also available in the selling shed.

For the second year, the orchard has a 5-acre corn maze for visitors to enjoy.

Drew Ten Eyck is the sixth generation to own and operate Ten Eyck Orchard. Last year, he returned to the

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(Janine Pumilia photo)

Y O

Rob and Drew Ten Eyck

family farm with experience in ecological monitoring and prairie management.

He’s working to modernize the business while holding tight to all that his father, Rob Ten Eyck, teaches him about growing quality apples and being good to his community.

“My dad has stressed that quality is the most important,” Drew says. “We don’t have the largest quantity, but we do have a better tasting apple than anybody else. It’s the variety and quality of apples, combined with the friendliness of the staff, that keeps people coming back to Ten Eyck Orchard. ❚

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Y H  G

It’s Time to Light Up the Fireplace

By Jermaine Pigee

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s autumn deepens, now is a good time to look around your home and prepare for cold days ahead. One thing that can put warmth and comfort in your home is a fireplace. Over the past decade, many homeowners have been switching to a gas fireplace.

“People haven’t been burning wood as much because it’s a lot of work,” says Kevin Obee, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “When I get home at night, I’m tired and the last thing I want to do is get wood and tend to it when I can get the same effect in a gas fire.”

Another reason for the switch is the creation of the direct-vent gas fireplace.

“That completely changed the way the fireplace industry went,” Obee says.

“Open-faced, wood burning fireplaces can now be converted into a sealed gas direct-vent fireplace.”

These are much more energy effi-

cient because warm air from your home is not swept up the chimney.

Obee also finds that using a gas fireplace is less stressful. Unlike wood fires, gas fires turn on and off with the flip of a switch or remote. Depending on the model, options like flame intensity, heat output and electric ambiance lighting can be adjusted by remote control.

“People have come in here and told me they haven’t used their fireplace in five years because they don’t have the time to babysit a wood burning fireplace and you have to clean it out,” Obee says.

“To burn a wood fire, you need four or five hours at the fireplace to enjoy and maintain the fire.”

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But gas fireplaces aren’t for everyone. “We still have people who love wood fires best,” Obee says. “They love the beauty of the flames and the scent of burning wood.”

No matter your preference, Benson Stone can accommodate your fireplace needs. “We have pretty much anything you’d want in the fireplace industry or anything to do with that,” Obee says. ❚

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God Loves Humility

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ome things in scripture are crystal clear.

One is that God despises arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor.

Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my

eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over

which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “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.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How are we to behave? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Lettuce-Wrapped Korean Short Ribs L

ooking for something a little out of the ordinary? Tired of filling up with empty carbs found in bread?

Here’s a fast and tasty alternative when you feel sandwich fatigue coming on. Prep time: 10 minutes, plus marinating Cook time: 4 minutes Servings: 4, about 6 oz. (pre-cooked) per portion

Ingredients: 3 Tb. packed dark brown sugar, divided 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 1/2 lbs. thinly sliced, boneless beef short ribs 1 cup Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine 6 Tb. toasted sesame oil 1/4 cup roasted garlic paste 2 Tb. soy sauce 1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided 1 tsp. cornstarch

1 head fresh romaine lettuce, separated into large leaves 1/2 cup sliced fresh red radishes 1/2 cup shredded fresh carrots dipping sauce Preparation: In small bowl, combine 2 Tb. brown sugar, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle evenly over short rib slices, gently rubbing into both sides. Place in re-sealable plastic bag.

In bowl, whisk cooking wine, sesame oil, garlic paste, soy sauce and remaining brown sugar. Pour half of mixture into bag with meat and add 1/4 cup green onions. To marinate, refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours.

In small saucepan, whisk remaining wine mixture and cornstarch until smooth. Bring to simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook 1 minute, or until thickened, stirring constantly. Set aside until cool. Stir in 2 Tb. green onions.

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Heat grill to medium-high.

Remove ribs from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard marinade. Grill 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cut ribs into 1-inch pieces.

Serve with remaining green onions, lettuce, radishes, carrots and warm dipping sauce.

Tips: For fusion tacos, substitute corn or flour tortillas for lettuce leaves. In place of garlic paste, use 2 Tb. minced garlic. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Local Options for Amateur Astronomers

By Jon McGinty

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f you’ve ever gazed at the night sky in wonder, wishing to understand it better, you’re not alone. There are numerous ways to involve yourself in amateur astronomy in our region. Here are three.

Weiskopf Observatory

This observatory is located on the thirdhighest point in Ogle County at the Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road, south of Byron, Ill. It’s open for public viewings every Saturday evening, year-round, from dusk to about three hours later, unless it’s too cloudy to see the stars. In summer, it’s also open on Tuesday evenings and for special events.

Observatory coordinator Vicki Funke has worked at the Prairie Center for about 11 years. She also leads birdwatching and wildflower hikes through the nearby prairie landscape.

“Dr. Weiskopf is a plastic surgeon in

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Rockford who donated the telescope and dome to the Byron Forest Preserve District in 1993,” she explains. “The main telescope is an 11-inch Celestron catadioptic, which means it uses both lenses and mirrors to focus an image. We also have two portable Dobsonian-type telescopes, a 17-inch and a 13-inch, but you sometimes need a ladder to reach the eyepiece on the bigger one.”

During viewing sessions, Funke likes to describe things that help her audiences appreciate our place in the cosmos. “It gives you some perspective on how small we are on Earth, compared to everything else.”

Lockwood Observatory

Located at 5201 Safford Road in Rockford, this facility is maintained by the Rockford Park District, but operated by members of the Rockford Amateur Astronomers club (RAA). The club conducts

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free public viewing sessions on second and fourth Saturday evenings year-round, starting at dusk in the summer, and at 7 p.m. the rest of the year. It’s also open for special celestial events.

The club’s primary telescope is a 10inch [diameter of the lens] refractor under a 14-foot movable dome. The club also has several portable telescopes, from 6-inch to 18-inch lens sizes, which can be set up for viewing outside, or transported to other sites.

This club has more than 40 members and meets monthly on the third Wednesday to conduct business, plan events and discuss various astronomical topics. It also maintains the website rockfordamateurastronomers.com and produces a member newsletter. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in astronomy, at any level. Annual dues are $25 for individuals and $30 for families. All current members also belong to the Astronomical

(Jon McGinty photo)

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Vicki Funke programs a telescope in Byron, Ill.

League, a nationwide umbrella organization that promotes amateur astronomy.

Robert Watters is president of RAA, and also chief designer at Astro-Physics, a local manufacturer of astronomy equipment. His primary interest is astrophotography or imaging.

“The hobby has changed a lot in the past 10 to 15 years, due to digital cameras and other imaging techniques, which can produce high-resolution true-color images of very faint and distant objects.”

“We learn from each other,” says Augie Orlandi, a 30-year member of RAA. “The club also provides friendship with people who have similar interests. You could get on the Internet and watch things through someone else’s equipment, but I’d rather be outside doing my own observing.”

RAA member Brandon Coppernoll adds, “I like to interact with the public, especially the kids,” he says. “I enjoy the look on their faces when they see the rings of Saturn or Jupiter’s moons for the first time.”

Doug Firebaugh Observatory

This facility is located in the Park Hills Golf Course at 2892 W. Stephenson Road in Freeport, Ill. It offers free public viewings on the first and third Saturday evenings, May through October, at 8 p.m., rain or shine. If the weather prevents observation, there will be a presentation or discussion on an astronomy topic.

“This is our 50th year in operation,” says Jim Dole, director. “It started out as

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the meeting place for the Freeport High School science club.”

The observatory has three telescopes for public use – a 5-inch refractor and an 18-inch reflector upstairs under a roll-off roof, which permits direct viewing of objects from horizon to horizon.

“By having three kinds of telescopes, we can introduce the public to the advantages and disadvantages of each type,” says Dole. “And the new technologies may spur more interest in the hobby, as well as make it accessible to people with disabilities.”

The Freeport folks belong to the Planetary Studies Foundation, whose headquarters in Elizabeth, Ill., contains a museum that promotes astronomy and meteor research.

“Astronomy is a learning hobby,” says Dole. “If you read a book or an Internet article, or join a club where you can meet people who know more, you get a better enjoyment out of the whole thing.

You can understand what you’re looking at.” ❚

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Y O

Cast of ‘The Nutcracker’ Prepares to Delight

By Peggy Werner

F

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“People want a classic Nutcracker.

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

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that tradition,” she says.

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

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

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

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Learn a Little More Every Day

By Peggy Werner or the good of his family and his own future, Joel Gil made the brave decision about a year ago to escape the cruel political climate in his home country of Venezuela.

With college degrees in information technology, he had worked in his homeland for about 24 years developing software, teaching people how to use it and working in administrative roles.

In his new land, he wants to master the English language. In appreciation of those who’ve helped him, he’s already giving back to the community by teaching others his skills. Meanwhile, he’s also in the process of getting political asylum and a work permit, which he expects to have by fall, so he can pursue his career.

“Basically, I’m starting over,” he says about his new life in America.

One of the first steps he made was contacting The Literacy Council, where

F

he was assigned a tutor he met with weekly for seven months. At the same time, he was taking an intensive English program at Rock Valley College, taught by Bonnie Juarez, the literacy coordinator for The Literacy Council.

Juarez asked Gil to volunteer to teach a basic computer class at The Literacy Council. She reasoned he could work on his conversational English with the students, while teaching them the language of computers.

“I asked Joel to teach the class because I knew he was amazing in assisting fellow students in the Rock Valley Class.”

Halfway into the six-week session, the arrangement is working out well.

“I was very nervous at first, but I’m feeling more comfortable now. I have a deal worked out with one of my students that if I mispronounce something, she will correct me,” he says.

The Basic Computer Literacy Class

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Y C

teaches students essential information about computer and internet use.

“I thought that in the country where the internet was invented, everyone would know how to use the internet, but I was wrong,” says Gil. “If people don’t know how to use computers, they’re often afraid of them. But I tell them to just take it a step at a time and not be afraid and their self confidence will build up. I tell them it’s okay to make mistakes. It doesn’t mean the computer will blow up.

“I am happy I can help someone in their 80s and I enjoy seeing someone that age being excited about learning.

“I’m doing the same thing I tell my students to do – practice every day, learn something new every day, and you’ll get there,” he says.❚

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Y W

Tips for Easing Back Pain

By Peggy Werner bulging or herniated disc doesn’t happen overnight, but with one sneeze or another quick move, you can suddenly be aware of it, says Dr. Brittany McMullen, Chiropractic Physician with Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202.

When struck with debilitating pain, people can turn to chiropractors for relief and get tips on how to prevent more back problems.

“Disc problems are the most common back ailment I see,” she says, adding that most disc problems affect either the neck or lower back. They have many causes, such as aging, dehydration, a prior injury or general wear and tear, most often affecting those between the ages of 20 and 50.

For back pain, Dr. McMullen uses flexion/distraction (decompression) treatments, massage, ultrasound, and electri-

A

cal muscle stimulation. The best preventative medicine for back pain, she says, is regular exercise and activity, and not sitting for long periods of time without getting up and walking around.

“Exercise strengthens the muscles that protect and stabilize all bones and joints, including the back,” she says.

Some of the best moves for the back include core exercises that target the abdominals and lower back, such as planks.

Stretching is also very important and some of the best stretches for the back include slowly rolling your back as you reach to the floor to touch your toes, and then slowly rolling back up and reaching for the ceiling.

Just lying on your back with bent legs and pulling your knees to your chin can open up the spaces between the vertebrae and release pressure, she says.

A good stretch for the neck is leaning

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the head to the left and then to the right, each time using the flat part of the hand to gently apply additional pressure for a better stretch. To stretch the back of the neck, look down and use the palm of your hand to gently apply more pressure to the back of the head. Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds and try to do them twice a day, she recommends. ❚

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F  E

Learning About Criminal Justice Careers

By Chris Linden, executive editor

J

ust because you’re pursuing a career in criminal justice doesn’t mean you have to be a police officer.

Michael Smith, a criminal justice professor at Upper Iowa University’s Rockford center, encourages his adult students to explore many of the career paths within his field, including the courts and legal system, the correctional system, and law enforcement, including local police, sheriff’s office and federal bureaus.

Smith is a deputy court administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Illinois.

He regularly leads student tours through local courts and jails, and introduces students to his coworkers, all in an effort to guide them toward a successful career path.

“A lot of students are interested in criminal justice,” says Smith, who’s been in the field for 20 years. “But they’re not

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sure what position they want. So, we try to tackle each and every part of the criminal justice system so that they have an idea of what it entails and what would qualify them for that position.”

Upper Iowa’s curriculum is designed with the working adult in mind.

Built around eight-week accelerated courses, the curriculum engages students either online or on-site. Smith tries to make the most of his classes, interacting with students, engaging them in projects and challenging their skills. He’s twice been named teacher of the year.

“When I go to work, I see different things every day, and I bring that to class,” he says. “Students always want to know: What did I do at work today? What happened? What’s interesting? And not only do we focus on what’s happening in the courthouse, but we focus on world

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views within our field.”

Also available as a minor, Upper Iowa’s criminal justice program can be beneficial to students engaged in other fields, including human services, says Smith.

And, because Upper Iowa prioritizes each student’s career goals and family needs, the course load is highly flexible.

If you’re interested in learning more about an education in criminal justice, contact Smith or the team at Upper Iowa’s Rockford center. Visit uiu.edu to begin exploring today. ❚

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

Peppa Pig’s Surprise Nov. 9, 6 p.m. Life-sized puppets and costumed characters from the popular animated television series entertain with songs and dances, games Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com and surprises.

CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

'The Price is Right Live' Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. “Come on down” to be a member of the audience or a contestant on television’s longest-running game show. For a chance to be a contestant, register at the box office three hours prior to show time. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

'The Happy Elf' Nov. 10-19, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A last-minute check of the naughty and nice lists reveals that not a single person in Bluesville has been nice. Can Eubie the elf turn a whole town of naughty children nice in just one day? Main Street Players, Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.

Sunshine on My Shoulders Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Enjoy a John Denver tribute concert with Chip Messiner. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Janesville Fall Festival Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 90 vendors come together to help you get a head start on holiday shopping. The Pontiac Convention Center, 2809 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville, (608) 531-0284, pontiaccc.com.

Family Outdoor Skills – Shelter Building Nov. 11, 10:00 a.m.-noon. Head out to the woods and make a waterproof shelter that will keep you and your family snug. Best for families with children ages 6 and up. Reg. req. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 3352915, seversondells.com.

Speakeasy Murder Mystery Nov. 11, 6 p.m. Go back in time to the Roaring Twenties, the era of Prohibition, flapper dresses, zoot suits and Tommy guns. Tension is running high between gangsters and the police, so watch your back. Tinker Swiss Cottage, Rockford, (815) 964-2424, tinkercottage.com.

Jewelry, Gem, Fossil and Mineral Show Nov. 11-12, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Midwest dealers showcase their specialties; Tell them you saw it in ...

In recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the Mendelssohn Chorale joins Rockford Symphony Orchestra to perform Braham's "A German Requiem" and "Symphony No. 5" on Nov. 11.

lapidary demonstration, children’s area. Student/ Conference Center, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, (815) 745-2228, stephenson-county-il.org.

RSO: Mendelssohn & Brahms Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. The Mendelssohn Chorale joins RSO to perform Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 5 (Reformation)” and Brahms’ “A German Requiem.” CPAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com.

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

Chonda Pierce Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Comedian Chonda Pierce, known as “the queen of clean,” entertains with a combination of wit and southern charm. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Music on Main: Lyrical Conversations Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m. Historic Emerson House is the setting for a chamber music performance by the Dolce Duo, playing violin and piano. MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Star Wars Reads Day Nov. 14, 2 p.m. Celebrate all things Star Wars with crafts and activities for the whole family. Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Edgebrook Tree Lighting Nov. 17, 5 p.m. 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 11

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WDL

Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

Y

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

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

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

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

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

And that’s just what has happened.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚ ❚

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 8

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza

W

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

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

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

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

Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚

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Nov. 8

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Y T

Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely

By Peggy Werner

G

etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy.

“Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.”

Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says.

“You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”

With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems.

He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month.

The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

“I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.”

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also

Tell them you saw it in ...

offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint.

Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them.

And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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