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Sm mart a L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Nov. 14, 2018
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Right in Our Region
Messiah!
Rockford Choral Union’s Gift to Our Community See Page 16
You CAN Learn to Dance Lots of Shopping Ideas! The Origins of Thanksgiving Tasty, Healthful Pumpkin Recipe
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Experience Downtown Rockford
In This Issue Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 16 Messiah, Rockford Choral Union’s GIft Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Be Ye Thankful Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty, Healthful Pumpkin Recipe Your Outing ......................................................19 Always Wanted to Dance? You Can! Your Fun .................................................. ......... 25 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 2018 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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Still Thankful
B
eing thankful is a healthy habit, whether or not we’re religious and whether our lives are perfect or a perfect mess. The practice of gratitude is smart living. The concept of giving thanks for the harvest dates back to ancient times, in JudeoChristian, pagan and other cultures. The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian in origin. The setting aside of days for fasting and thanksgiving was common among 1600s New England Puritans. In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a three-day celebration after the colony’s first successful corn harvest. Colonists celebrated survival itself and invited Native American friends to join them. Much later, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving per year. Then, in 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, asking Americans to thank God for their new country and to ask for blessings upon it. John Adams and James Madison followed suit. Perhaps the greatest champion of a specific national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday was author Sarah Josepha Hale (composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”) For nearly four decades, she tirelessly urged politicians to set aside one official day each year for Americans to give thanks for their country. Hale’s wish was finally granted by Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War. He chose the final Thursday in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Critics referred to this as “Franksgiving” and, in 1941, he reluctantly moved Thanksgiving Day back to the fourth Thursday in November. Today, for many, the holiday is more about food, football and Black Friday sales than gratitude. But it didn’t begin that way. It began with prayers for our nation, prayers for one another and gratitude for survival itself. It was a good way to start our new civilization and it would be a good way to continue it, especially during these very chaotic times in our democratic republic. Count your blessings and have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Honesty Matters H onest people can be trusted to do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But liars rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to tell ‘white lies.’ Sometimes they believe anything is justifiable in the pursuit of making money. And lying politicians have become so common that we reward them with public office. Big or little, a lie is a lie. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10 (NIV) While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 Commandments, it’s at the core of most. Stealing, bearing false witness and committing adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. When we lie, we rob ourselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) We also weaken the fabric of society, which depends upon basic honesty to function well. Dishonesty grieves the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. And God is never fooled by the lies of men. “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15) Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again. Today, in the Age of Grace, we have better options. We can choose to change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God and walking in step with Him. We feel joy. And with each honest move, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world. The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything. Yes, the world exalts cheaters. Don’t let it get you down. Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (John 16:33). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
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Tasty, Nutritious Sweet Potato-Pumpkin Puree
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ere’s a holiday treat that isn’t loaded with sugar but is loaded with vitamins, antioxidents, fiber and flavor, courtesy of Atkins.com. Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes 3 large egg whites 5 Tb. sugar substitute, divided 1/2 cup pecans 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled 1/4 cup unsalted butter stick 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 15 ounces pumpkin (without salt, drained, cooked and boiled) Heat oven to 250 F. Lightly butter baking sheet. In medium mixing bowl, beat
egg whites with electric mixer at high speed until foamy. Gradually add 3 Tb. sugar substitute and continue mixing until soft peaks form. Spoon onto prepared baking sheet and spread with spatula to 1/4-inch thickness. Bake 35 minutes. Turn oven off; let meringue stand in oven 45 minutes. Crush meringue and place in bowl. Add pecans and toss gently to combine. Set aside. While meringue is resting, place sweet potatoes in medium saucepan. Cover with water to 2 inches above potatoes and bring to boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes, and drain. Return saucepan to medium-high heat. Add potatoes, butter, cream,
remaining sugar substitute, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine. Mash with potato masher until smooth. Heat through, about 1 minute. Transfer potato mixture to serving dish and cover with meringue. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
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R O R
Messiah: A Gift to Our Community
By Peggy Werner n its 73rd year, the Rockford Choral Union’s performance of Handel’s Messiah is one of the longest-running annual traditions in the nation. This free gift to our community has kicked off the Christmas season here since 1945. The three-part work begins with Old Testament prophecies and leads up to Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. The “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung at the end of Part Two. This year’s performance will be at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24 & 25 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave., the location where it was first performed here. Webb Stevens, vice president of the board of governors for the Rockford Choral Union, says what began as a Lutheran Church endeavor has grown to embrace people of many faiths. “More than 60 churches are now represented in the local performance, some coming from as far away as the Chicago
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suburbs. We’ve earned a reputation as one of the better choral performances in the country,” he says. A longtime Rockford musician will make his conducting debut. Rockford Choral Union Music Director Michael Beert has been involved as a cellist with Rockford Choral Union since 1985. He’s the sixth director, since former director Nat Bauer retired in 2017. “I’m going from a supporting role to a bigger supporting role and, although people may notice subtle changes in some of the pieces with tempo and speed, I’m trying to keep the production as traditional as it has been in the past,” Beert says. Beert has sought direction from Bauer and vocal coach Beth Fredrickson while working with the 120 volunteer singers, ages 13 to 80s. “This is such a powerful production and it’s all about Christ, who came to bring hope and peace to the world. If you listen to the words, you will be
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blessed, whatever your background, because it’s about our Savior coming to save us from our sins,” Beert says. “From the first year it was performed here, Michael Beert partly as a way to observe the end of World War II, Messiah has always been a way to express thanksgiving. I get comments from people all the time that this performance is the beginning of their Christmas season, putting them in the right frame of mind for the month ahead,” he says. Returning this year are four guest soloists featured in last year’s Messiah. Baritone Nicolai Janitzky lives in Belvidere and is a frequent soloist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Soprano Amy Conn is from Chicago
R O R and Beert describes her voice as having a “transcendental quality.” Mezzo Soprano Tracy Watson and her husband, Tenor William Watson, are from Michigan. Beert describes the soloists as highlevel performers with superior musical technique and distinctive, beautiful voice quality. Handel was 55 years old and had experienced both success and failure in his career when he wrote Messiah, an English language oratorio composed in 1741, with text from the King James Bible. Handel started his career writing Italian operas but turned to English oratorio in response to changing public tastes.
Nicolai Janitsky
Amy Conn
Messiah was his sixth work in the new genre. Legend says that when Messiah was first performed in London, about one year after its debut in Dublin, King George II was so moved by the music that he stood up for “Hallelujah Chorus.” The tradition continues at U.S. performances, but not in England, Beert says. Born in Rockford, Beert has been a cellist for 49 years, with the position of Prinicipal Cello at Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) for 10 of 25 years there. He also is Professor of Music and Academic Chairman of Music & Art at Rock Valley College, and conductor of the Rock Valley College and Community Orchestra. His conducting experiences include 10 years as the music director of the RSO Youth Orchestra. He is a past recipient of the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center Starr of Excellence Award. Beert is married to Concertmistress Rachel Handlin, who has conducted the choral union’s chamber orchestra for more than 20 years and is a violin instructor at
Bill and Tracy Watson
The Music Academy in Rockford. Their daughter, Aria, 16, will play second violin in the orchestra during Messiah. She also plays piano, is a blossoming mezzo soprano and a member of the RSO Youth Orchestra. Jenny Graham, a singer and board member of Rockford Choral Union, says she grew up listening to classical sacred choral music and it’s a part of who she is. “I never get tired of listening to Messiah,” she says. “It’s hard to describe, but being in the middle of it all is so thrilling.” Her favorite pieces are “Lift up Your Head,” “Worthy is the Lamb” and the “Amen” chorus at the end. ❚
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Beautiful flowers, topiaries and gift s 2213 E State St Rockford, IL 61104 Poskastyle.com (815) 316-2979
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You, Too, Can Enjoy Ballroom Dancing By Janine Pumilia
D
o you watch with longing as people on television Waltz or Rumba around a ballroom floor? Do you think it looks like great fun but have no idea how to get started doing it yourself? There’s no reason you can’t learn to dance or brush up on what you already know, whether or not you have a dance partner, says David Bentley, president of Northern Illinois USA Dance. “We invite anyone who wants to dance to join us and no experience is necessary,” he says. “Dance is one of the best forms of exercise there is, for both body and mind. It moves all the muscles and joints, improves balance and keeps your brain busy coordinating timing and movement.” You don’t have to join the organization to share in its fun. Come alone or with a partner, says Bentley. The group meets every fourth Satur-
day, in a beautiful art deco ballroom with a huge wood floor, at the Belvidere Community Building, 111 W. First St. Evenings begin with professionally taught lessons at 7 p.m. followed by dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. The cost is $8 for non-members. “You don’t have to show up in a tux or ball gown, either,” says Bentley. “Dress
is casual, but try not to wear sticky shoes like sneakers. Smooth soles are easier on the joints.” “Ballroom dance” is a very broad term that encompasses many kinds of dance, including the Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango and Latin dances like the Cha Cha, Rumba and Mambo. “We play every kind of music, not just Big Band,” Bentley says. Northern Illinois USA Dance was organized in 1996 and has been thriving ever since. It’s part of a national organization that exists to promote ballroom dancing. While some local members participate in dance competitions, the main focus is dancing for social fun. “Dancing a great kind of exercise because it feels like fun, not work,” says Bentley. “We’d love to see more people come and experience the benefits.” Learn more at usadancerockford.org or facebook.com/usadancerockford. ❚
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Events Straight No Chaser
Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. This 10-member male a cappella group, which originated at Indiana University, performs classics, movie themes and more. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’
Y F Reeves are featured in this show, a time of worship, ministry and unity. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
‘A Nunsense Christmas Musical’
Nov. 16-Dec. 2, 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Pec Playhouse, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes
Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. A nostalgic look at Hank Williams performed by singer/actor Jason Petty. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Nov. 15-18, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, artistsensemble.org.
Branson on the Road – Christmas Style
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ & ‘Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus’
Handel’s “Messiah”
Nov. 16-18, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Join the Peanuts gang for a special Christmas celebration. Main Street Players, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.
Big Church Night Out
Nov. 16, 7 p.m. Crowder, Jordan Feliz and Sarah
Nov. 23 & 24, Nov. 26-28. Christmas music, and comedy. White Pines Inn, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com. Nov. 24-25, 3 p.m. See cover story. The Rockford Choral Union’s annual gift to the community. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave., Rockford, rockfordchoralunion.com.
AE: ‘A Picasso’
Nov. 29-Dec. 9, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Rockford U., (815) 3945004, artistsensemble.org. ❚
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Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com. Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.
398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. GreenFire Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.
Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$
Salamone’s North Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200
Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)
Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
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In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza
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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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