Smart Living Weekly - January 27, 2016

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Jan. 27, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Snapshots of Culture at Beloit Film Fest

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor

F

ilmmakers from across the globe have submitted more than 1,000 films to Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) over the past year. After surviving multiple levels of screening, the top 100 will play at this year’s festival, Feb. 19-28 in downtown Beloit.

“We pulled back on the number of films this year and focused a little more on quality,” says Rod Beaudoin, BIFF executive director. “As the first affiliate of the Hollywood Film Festival, BIFF has accessibility to films of an elevated level. Our submissions are of the highest quality.”

Continued on p. 20

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! All About Luxury Vinyl Flooring • Wedding Venue of the Week: Kilbuck Creek Education Focus: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School • How to Win Back Weeknight Cooking

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ....................... Cover & p. 22 Beloit International Film Festival Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Luxury Vinyl: An Exciting New Flooring Option Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Love: A Big Idea in a Little Word Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Using Canned Goods for Weeknight Meals New You for 2016 ..............................................17 New Treatments for Varicose Veins Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Easy Relaxation Techniques That Really Work Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Wedding Guide ................................................. 29 Kilbuck Creek: A Quiet, Retreat-like Setting Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Big Papa’s Barbecue Focus on Education ..........................................33 A Visit to Spectrum School

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2016 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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Jan. 27

Eat Cake, Do Good

A

s I write this (on Jan. 25), I am celebrating Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. (As if we needed another reason to give those little bubbles a satisfying “pop.”) You think I’m making this up, but I’m not. The special date was declared by the Sealed Air Corp., maker of Bubble Wrap.

Even better, Wednesday, Jan. 27 is Chocolate Cake Day. No lie! Not sure who is behind this one. Betty Crocker? Duncan Hines?

No matter. We like cake. And if you’re not a chocolate lover, don’t fret: National Carrot Cake Day is right around the corner, on Feb. 3. (Right after Ground Hog Day on Feb. 2. Is there a connection?)

In the U.S., there’s a reason to celebrate something every day, though some reasons strike me as weird (National Toothache Day is Feb. 9) and even a little racy (National Shower with a Friend Day is Feb. 5).

Around here, every day is Support Locally Owned Businesses Day, since our mission is to urge you to shop locally whenever possible. Right now we’re highly focused on local schools, wedding venues and health & beauty providers (in our weekly New You articles.) Soon it will be spring and we’ll point out the advantages of hiring local landscapers and buying plants and trees from locally owned nurseries and greenhouses rather than the big box stores.

Why do we care? Because the more money each of us spends at locally owned businesses, the stronger our local economy is and the more jobs there are to go around. I like the idea of keeping more money at home and sending less of it out of state to Big Box Headquarters.

Many “national days” have a profit motive; some are just plain nice. Visit a Shutin Day is Feb. 11, National Random Acts of Kindness Day is Feb. 17 and National Caregivers Day is Feb. 19. And, importantly, National Organ Donor Day is Feb. 14.

So pop some bubbles, eat some cake and do something good! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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• Five pairs of tickets to Beloit International Film Festival showings* • One-night stay at the Ironworks Hotel** • $100 gift card to Merrill & Houstonʼs Steak Joint * Tickets may be used at any BIFF showing when seating is available.

Find information on venues and showtimes at www.beloitfilmfest.org. * * Overnight is good for Friday, February 19th or Saturday, February 20th only.

View hotel accommodations at www.ironworkshotel.com.

Winner will be selected on Friday, February 12th.

Now in its eleventh year, BIFF is a ten-day tribute to the power and excitement of independent film from around the world. Residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues in Downtown Beloit to experience more than 100 films and meet filmmakers who come from as far away as Europe, Asia and South America! Tickets are available at www.beloitfilmfest.org.

•••••••••

Enter online at http://ow.ly/Xfd7A or complete the form below and mail to: Visit Beloit, Attn: Film Fest • 500 Public Ave., Beloit, WI 53511 Name ___________________________________ Email ___________________________________ Phone ___________________________________ www.visitbeloit.com 608.365.4838

*All forms must be postmarked by Feb. 9th, 2016 Smart Living Weekly

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Y H  G

Luxury Vinyl: A New Rising Star in Flooring

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

W

hen it comes to flooring, most of us want something that’s practical, beautiful and easy to live with. Because new luxury vinyl checks all of those boxes, it’s a rising star in the world of home décor.

“The most innovative new thing in the flooring world right now is luxury vinyl, which comes in the loose-lay luxury vinyl planks (LVP) or in luxury vinyl tiles (LVT),” says Kevin Rose, president of Carpetland USA, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“People are thrilled with how good it looks and how well it wears.”

Not to be confused with the plasticlooking vinyl floors of yesterday, today’s luxury vinyl imitates natural wood and stone with stunning accuracy. The image on the surface of the vinyl is topped with a highly durable finish; the planks or tiles resist stains, scratches, tears and dents.

Unlike laminate flooring, which can disintegrate in moisture, or wood floors, which may warp in moisture, “Luxury vinyl is 100 percent waterproof, which means it can be used in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and anyplace moisture could be a problem,” says Rose.

“But we also see customers putting it in other rooms just because it’s so attractive and easy to care for.”

Luxury vinyl planks and tiles can be installed over existing flooring with no need for staples or nails.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring by Shaw.

Planks don’t need to be glued down, although installers sometimes use a small substrate needs to be right.” amount of glue around the floor perimeThe variety of patterns and colors in ter. This is one of the easier floor types to luxury vinyl make it a dream material for install, but Rose still recommends a prodesigners to work with. fessional installation.

“It’s dent resistant, stylish and “As with any project, the prep work unique,” says Rose. “It’s not hard to see is the most important part,” he says. “The why it’s already become so popular.” ❚

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I  W

What is ‘Love?’

E

very day we encounter an enormous concept summed up by a tiny English word – “love.” Some other languages do a better job of breaking down that word into more specific types of love. The New Testament was first translated to English in the 1500s and drew heavily from texts written in Greek and Aramaic.

In the Greek version, at least four words are translated “love” in English; “agape” and “phileo” are used most often.

“Agape” also is translated into other English words, including “charity.” Phileo love refers to a brotherly type of love – the non-romantic affection of people toward one another (i.e. Philadelphia, “city of brotherly love.”) “Agape” refers to an exceptionally large, powerful, active and self-scrificing kind of love.

Because the word “love” is used so indiscriminately in English – we use it for everything from “I love my wife” to “I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches” – it’s difficult to sense how important and powerful the meaning of “agape” really is when it’s used in scripture. This unconditional kind of love is how God describes His love for us. Agape also is translated “charity” in English, which can confuse us even more because of our modern interpretations of that word.

Much of scripture is an “I love you” message of the most powerful, positive kind, from God to us. God calls us His “children” and asks us to love each other in the same way He loves us. Much time is spent in scripture explaining just what God’s idea of love entails. The Apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails …

And the words of John: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! –1 John 3:1 You are loved. Really, really, loved! ❚ 12

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Jan. 27

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How to Win Back Weeknight Cooking W

ith a pantry full of canned foods, a delicious and nutritious homemade meal is just minutes away.

Not only are canned foods convenient, but they are also one of the best ways to get food from the farm to the family table. Canned fruits and vegetables are picked and packed when they’re at their peak of ripeness and nutrition, sealing in their freshness and flavor.

A pantry stocked with canned ingredients is also a source of recipe inspiration. Staples such as canned chicken, corn, green chilies, olives, beans and tomatoes atop lettuce combine to create a wholesome Chicken Burrito Salad the whole family will enjoy.

Southern Style Succotash with Sweet Corn Sauce Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ounces olive oil • 1 can (14.5 ounces) sweet corn kernels, drained • 1 can (15.5 ounces) butter beans • 1 can (15 ounces) sweet peas • 1/2 cup sliced canned carrots, drained and diced • 1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes • 8 sprigs fresh thyme • 1 fresh bay leaf

Sauce Ingredients:

• 6 ounces canned corn, excess liquid strained off • 3 ounces champagne or dry white wine • 4 tablespoons butter • salt, pepper, thyme sprigs

Directions: Add olive oil to large skillet and quickly saute all ingredients with salt and pepper until heated through, about 5 minutes.

In blender, puree corn and champagne for the sauce until very smooth.

Strain through fine strainer and place strained corn juice in small saucepan.

Heat until simmering and slowly add cold butter, salt, pepper and fresh thyme.

Serve dish on top of sauce. ❚

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Source: Family Features

Jan. 20

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A N Y  

Advancements in Vein Treatment Offer Relief B y To n i R o c h a

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n America, varicose veins affect 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Yet varicose veins have been taken for granted as part of the aging process. The truth is, anyone at any age can develop varicose veins, as a result of valve failure that can occur because of leakage, calcification or other causes.

For Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, a fascination with computerized, minimally invasive medical procedures, coupled with a family history of varicose veins, resulted in the founding of the Northern Illinois Vein Clinic, in the Renaissance Pavillion at 1340 Charles St., Ste. 404, Rockford.

Northern Illinois Vein Clinic will offer free vein disease screenings on Feb. 8 & 23. Schedule your screening appointment online at niveinclinic.com, or call (877) 999-7912.

Here, patients of all ages find state-ofthe-art help.

Gilvydis became interested in specialized treatments for varicose veins during his interventional radiology fellowship at Chicago’s Rush-PresbyterianSt. Luke’s Medical Center, now called Rush University Medical Center. His fellowship class was the first to be introduced to a new minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.

“At that time, the treatment included only radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins,” he says. “Since I had a significant amount of varicose veins myself, I instantly became very interested in learning this new treatment.”

Today, he performs endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) surgery, the very latest minimally invasive treatment available.

Gilvydis began performing radiofrequency ablation treatments in SwedishAmerican Hospital’s cath lab.

Encouraged by the excellent outcomes and a growing patient referral base, he opened a dedicated outpatient vein clinic where he could concentrate on varicose vein treatment.

“I visited numerous other vein clinics that were run by very well-known physicians in the field,” he says. “I then took the positives from each of these clinics and developed what has turned out to be a very comprehensive and progressive vein clinic. Initially, the clinic was open just one day a week. That quickly expanded to five days a week, because of our successful outcomes.” ❚

Don’t let painful varicose veins interrupt your life.

End your leg pain with our state-of-the-art varicose vein treatments.

As one of the Midwest’s premier vein care centers, it’s our responsibility to inform you that varicose veins are a serious, progressive medical condition. To keep you and your family healthy, establish an effective vein treatment program with the board-certified professionals at Northern Illinois Vein Clinic. With our specialized training and advanced treatment capabilities, we can give you greater relief from achy legs than many other vein doctors, and with far fewer procedures.

End your leg pain and get back to doing what you love by calling (815) 315-9529 for a FREE vein screening, or visit us on the web at NIVeinClinic.com.

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The Renaissance Pavillion 1340 Charles Street, Suite 404 Rockford, IL 61104 NIVC_Ad.NQ.HalfPage.Jan2016.indd 1

Rimas Gilvydis, MD

Diplomate: American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine Board-Certified: Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology, Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship: Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago

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BIFF

Continued from Cover

Now in its 11th year, BIFF has upwards of 400 volunteers who make the event happen. Work begins 11 months in advance with pre-screenings of films, booking of venues and financial planning. During the festival, volunteers take tickets, welcome viewers and help run question-and-answer sessions after film showings.

Beaudoin ultimately selects the films shown at BIFF with the help of programming coordinator Adam Fogarty, board president Marty Densch, a handful of other BIFF employees and a festival prescreening team. First and foremost, the team bases its selection on direction, cinematography, script and acting.

“The production values are important for me,” Densch says. “You want to see that the filmmakers know what they’re doing, because you’re not going

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to like a film where you can’t hear the dialogue well, or if the acting is poor.”

However, the feel of the movie is also important.

“I need to see that the filmmakers accomplish their goals,” Densch adds.

“What was their intention and how effectively did they achieve what they set out to do? That, for me, is the bottom line.”

Films in this year’s festival include dramas, psychological thrillers, family dramas, comedies, foreign language films, documentaries, short films and one experimental documentary. Films shown during the first weekend of the festival have a heavy emphasis on filmmakers from Wisconsin and Illinois, while the second weekend has more foreign films.

Six venues around Beloit will showcase films: Bagels & More, Bushel & Peck’s, Domenico’s, Hendricks Art Center, La Casa Grande and Luxury 10 cinema. Each venue has become known for a specific style of film, Beaudoin says.

Bushel & Peck’s is known for showing

Jan. 27

comedies and narrative features, Domenico’s for showing documentaries, while La Casa Grande – the largest venue, with 200 seats – has repeat showings of all styles of film.

Luxury 10 shows the festival’s only non-independent films: a sing-along, a classic film and a silent film. Each showing is a main event, Fogarty says. This year’s sing-along is “Hairspray” (2007), the classic film is “The Maltese Falcon” (1941); and the silent film is “The Wizard of Oz” (1925).

“People get dressed up for the singalong – it’s one big party,” Fogarty says.

R  O R “And there’s always a rush to get tickets for the silent film. That’s become a huge event at BIFF. ” Of all 100 titles, a handful stand out to Fogarty, Densch and Beaudoin.

Fogarty’s top five include “Hell’s Heart,” “One Smart Fellow,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Waffle Street” and “Child K.” “‘Hell’s Heart’ is a supernatural psychological thriller that crawls up into one of my all-time favorite films,” Fogarty says. “‘One Smart Fellow’ is brilliant – it’s so economically written that it’s something that should be shown in film schools as an example of how to write a film. ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ and ‘Waffle Street’ are excellent narrative features, and ‘Child K’ is a short film I highly recommend viewing.”

Densch’s top five include “Field Niggas,” “Among the Believers,” “Waffle Street,” “Funny Bunny” and “Kittens in a Cage.” “‘Field Niggas’ is the one

experimental film in the festival,” Densch says. “The cinematographer started out photographing street people in Harlem, and then started interviewing them. I think, as a viewer, you learn more about what life is like on the street for someone like that, in this film, than you do from any other documentary on this subject.”

“Among the Believers” was extremely dangerous to make, Densch adds.

“It’s about the training programs for the Taliban. ‘Waffle Street’ is heart-warming and engaging, ‘Funny Bunny’ is hilarious – it’ll grab your attention in the first few minutes – and ‘Kittens in a Cage’ is a rather controversial comedy. Screeners loved it or hated it.”

As for Beaudoin, heart-warming films are the most impactful. His favorites are “Pony,” “Among the Believers,” “Waffle Street,” “Right Footed” and “Glory Daze.”

No matter the viewer’s taste, this year’s lineup promises a diverse collection of stories.

“I enjoy films that leave you filled with hope and belief in man,” Beaudoin says. “But as you can see, we have a diversity of opinions. We each have our own viewpoints that we share, and somewhere down the line, a festival gets put together.”

To view this year’s lineup and to purchase tickets in advance (shows do sell out early), visit beloitfilmfest.org or call the BIFF box office at (773) 818-5010. ❚

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Y H

Easy Relaxation Techniques That Really Work D eep breathing is one of the easiest stress management techniques to learn. The best thing about it is it can be done anywhere! When we become stressed, one of our body’s automatic reactions is shallow, rapid breathing which can increase our stress response.

Taking deep, slow breaths is an antidote to stress and is one way we can “turn off” our stress reaction and “turn on” the relaxation response. Deep breathing is the foundation of many other relaxation exercises.

Steps: • Get into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.

• Put one hand on your stomach, just below your rib cage.

• Slowly breathe in through your nose. Your stomach should feel like it’s rising and expanding outward.

• Exhale slowly through your mouth,

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Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University/ McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 2014

emptying your lungs completely, letting your stomach fall.

• Repeat several times until you feel relaxed.

• Practice several times a day.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Our muscles often respond to stress and thoughts of perceived threats with tension. Too much tension can cause stiffness and may result in headaches, stiff necks and backaches. One way to relieve this tension is through Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). It involves systematically tensing, then relaxing the body’s muscles from head to toe.

Steps: • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

• Assume a comfortable position and slow your breathing.

• Begin with your facial muscles.

Contract the facial muscles for 5-10 sec-

onds, then release the muscles and relax.

• Repeat this sequence with each muscle group, moving from head to toes.

• Suggested muscle groups include, but are not limited to, neck and shoulders, upper back, abdomen and lower back, upper limbs and lower limbs. ❚ Source: NorthPointe Wellness

Welcome

Jamie Frantz, MD Sports Medicine/ Orthopaedic Surgery Dr. Frantz joins the Beloit Health System from Birmingham, AL. Dr. Frantz will be treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions and injuries, with a special emphasis in the evaluation, prevention and treatment of sports and exerciserelated injuries.

Dr. Frantz is currently accepting new patients.

Fellowship: Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, American Sports Medicine Institute/Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, AL, 2015

Frantz Welcome Northwest Quarterly.indd 1

Beloit Clinic 1905 E. Huebbe Pkwy., Beloit, WI

ph (608) 364-2200

5605 E. Rockton Rd., Roscoe, IL

ph (815) 525-4500

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Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 27-30, recurring daily. View massive works of snow art and vote for your favorite from 8:3011 a.m. on Jan. 30. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, ilsnowsculpting. com.

"Body Language" Jan. 28-30, 7:30 p.m. Witness a dance concert featuring the Rockford University Orchesis Dance Company. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4000, rockford.edu.

An Evening with The Manhattan Medium Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an intimate evening with medium Thomas John, “The Manhattan Medium,” as he shares stories with Emmy awardwinning journalist Jenniffer Weigel about his years of being able to talk to the dead. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Bell’s Blues & Jazz Night Jan. 29, 11 a.m. Listen to live blues and jazz tunes while enjoying various beers on tap throughout the day. The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758, theolympictavern. com.

Organ Music At Noon Series Jan. 29, noon-12:45 p.m. This month's free concert, titled "Winter Dreams," features soothing, meditative tunes of the season.

Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

The Pines Jan. 29, 7-8:30 p.m., doors 6 p.m. Iowa-born/ Minneapolis-based folk rock artists take the stage at Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells. com.

The Pines perform Jan. 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Severson Dells Nature Center.

Something Blue Bridal Show Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Discover creative ideas for your wedding day by viewing vignettes and speaking with premier wedding vendors. Brunch available. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, eventbrite.com/e/somethingblue-the-wedding-event-to-inspire-your-lovestory-tickets-20146794605.

Crowns: The Gospel Musical Feb. 3-13, Wed., Thu., Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. The story follows Yolonda, a proud, tough girl from Brooklyn who moves to South Carolina after the shooting of her brother.

Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu/community/theatre.

Classic Film Series: 1916’s Greatest Actors Feb. 3, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. This series features films with actors who were born in 1916. In the latest installment, watch “Lust for Life!”

(1954) starring Kirk Douglas. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0025, classiccinemas.com.

Katie's Cup Music Series: Luke McGowan Jan. 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy live music in a comfortable setting. Food and beverages available for purchase. Katie's Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, katiescup.com.

Jackie Cruz: "Cruzing Through Adversity" Feb. 3, 1:30 p.m., 1 p.m. doors. Jackie Cruz, best known for her breakout role as 'Flaca' on the Netflix Original Series "Orange is the New Black," shares her inspirational story. Rock Valley College, Student Center Atrium, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-4183, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Yukimi Chakai: Snow Viewing Tea Ceremony Jan. 30, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Bring a pair of white socks for a traditional Japanese Snow Viewing Tea Ceremony. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-3306, andersongardens.org.

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog Jan. 30-31, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Meet Clifford The Big Red Dog in this special exhibition opening. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚

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Big Papa’s BBQ: A Destination Dining Experience

W

hen it comes to authentic southern barbecue, Big Papa’s BBQ, 8660 N. 2nd St., has earned a reputation above the rest.

Located just outside of the Machesney Town Center, it has been serving up the good stuff since June of 2012.

Great barbecue starts with a great sauce. Owner Kimberly Anderson prides herself on delivering a line of sauces that you don’t have to “doctor up.” Prior to opening the restaurant, her family developed award-winning JK Marley’s sauces and distrubuted them nationally for more than 10 years. The restaurant opened later, by popular demand.

“We were doing fairs and festivals and people were always freaking out, saying, ‘I can’t believe you don’t have a restaurant,’” says Anderson. “This food is amazing.”

The restaurant has a full-service bar and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week; breakfast is served from

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

8 a.m. to noon on Sundays. Big Papa’s BBQ has become a “destination restaurant” that draws diners from all around the region and beyond. Most items on the menu are made from scratch, and are served in a family friendly environment with southern hospitality.

“We bring families back to dinner,” says Anderson. “No loud TVs, gaming machines, toys … just great food, family atmosphere, and you can play checkers Kimberly Anderson, co-owner of Big Papa’s BBQ, 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park. while waiting for your food.”

Popular menu items include but obviously our fall-off-the-bone ribs a wide variety of specialty sandwiches, are the star of the show.”

Red Neck Hatten and Hand Cut Fries that Big Papa’s BBQ runs a bustling are “actually crisp.” Another fan favorcatering business and recently added a ite is the Parkinsas Special – a chicken pick-up window for carryout orders. It’s breast topped with pulled pork, coleslaw also available to host your next big event. and sauce.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 8 “Everything we make is engineered a.m.–8 p.m. ❚ to work together,” says Anderson. “There isn’t anything on the menu I don’t like,

In the Spotlight Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Arturo's Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Fresh Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144.

LD M 11am-8pm; Tue-Th 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

Main Street Bistro E Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Big Papa’s BBQ E Casual. Exceptional dishes made with proprietary BBQ sauces. 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park; (815) 877-7422. LD Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun. 8am-8pm. $-$$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale28

Smart Living Weekly

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

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Ciao Bella

his authentic Italian restaurant, at 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., has been family-run since it opened in 2008.

“We serve home-cooked Italian food with deep red sauces, hearty soups and homemade pastas, and it all starts in the kitchen,” says owner Talia Castrogiovanni.

Heading up the kitchen is brother Nikko, who joined the business about two years ago.

The bar features drink and appetizer specials Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. Menu specialties include pizza, pasta, salads and seafood.

For lunch, Ciao Bella offers an express lunch of sandwich and endless soup for $7. “Business people can get their meal within 10 minutes and still make it back to work within the hour,” says Castrogiovanni. Dinner prices are $12 to $25.

Ciao Bella is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sat. 5-9 p.m. ❚

W V   W

Kilbuck Creek: A Charming, Relaxing Retreat S

ara and Mark Henderson have many inside connections, thanks to their work, which proved handy when the time came to plan their own wedding in June, 2014.

As chief meteorologist WIFR TV, Mark has spent the past 11 years going inside some exciting stories. As a wedding planner, Sara has helped many brides to accomplish a picture-perfect event.

The couple knew they wanted an outdoor ceremony at Anderson Japanese Gardens, but it was Sara’s personal connections that pointed them toward a reception at Kilbuck Creek, a quiet retreat near Monroe Center, Ill. “We saw it and loved it right away,” she says. “We were amazed by how much the staff was there for us.”

Opened in 2014 as a wedding, vacation and corporate retreat property, Kilbuck sits on 200 wooded acres and in-

cludes a guest house, a wedding pergola and a banquet hall that seats 250 people.

About 30 weddings were scheduled last year. The retreat-like setting proved the perfect stage for a relaxed reception, says Sara.

“We’re in our 30s, so we’ve seen lots of weddings, and I’ve worked on lots of weddings in my job,” she explains. “We turned the experience upside down. We wanted something traditional, but we wanted people to have fun, too.”

Couples who book their weddings at Kilbuck have free access to the grounds all weekend, so Sara and Mark took full advantage. On Friday evening, they used the Kilbuck lodge for a rustic rehearsal dinner. For their Saturday reception, wedding coordinator Branigan Theden arranged for lawn games to be spread around the property, including a life-sized game of Jenga on the deck. Theden even

helped Mark to plan a special fireworks show, put on by one of his friends.

“They had never done fireworks on the property, so Branigan worked everything out with the owner.

“It proved to be a great setting,” says Sara. ❚

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R E C

Pricing Selling The Most Powerful Tool For Buying Your Next Home The Gambino Realtors Mobile App! Access to the most comprehensive and accurate real estate listings is now at your fingertips.

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Type in Gambino Realtors and download.

1.815.282.2222

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

2.93%

3.72%

3.50%

$979.29

$657.52

$651.08

3.309%

4.260%

4.547%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Jan. 25, 2016) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

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Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

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F  E

A Visit to Spectrum Progressive School S

pectrum Progressive School, 2909 N. Main St., Rockford, is focused on deeper learning and incorporates these main initiatives: • Teachers provide materials, but students choose how they’re used.

• Time is allowed for thoughtful planning and reflection.

• Children work in teams to learn how to collaborate and compromise.

• Successes and mistakes are celebrated.

• Children can show knowledge through many avenues.

Spectrum Progressive students are active all day long. They are planning, working, reflecting and genuinely engaged in their learning.

At younger levels, students have work time every day. They have a choice in the area in which they work and with whom they work. Teachers circulate throughout the classrooms encouraging students to expand their play and solve problems diplomatically.

Reviewing the work is also important. Students as young as three years old discuss what they did (or didn’t) accomplish during work time and how any issues with sharing, personal space or things not going as he/she planned were resolved.

At the higher levels, students participate in project-based challenges. Teachers introduce a topic, such as Greek Mythology, and students then pursue an area within the topic that interests them. Students spend a few weeks investigating and learning about the area they choose, such as myths, goddesses, Greek history, architecture or culture, and become expert on the subject. They then share their knowledge with the class independently or with a small group via a video, PowerPoint presentation, rap song, skit, or monologue. Sharing may also include a museum-style display of work to students at

other levels, as well as to parents.

It’s likely that many jobs parents have now will be taken over by computers by the time their children are ready to enter the workforce. Spectrum Progressive prepares students for the next generation of work – one that requires critical and creative thinking – in a warm and happy environment. ❚

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Jan. 27

IF THE KEY FITS…

YOU COULD UNLOCK A TOYOTA® TUNDRA! THURSDAYS IN FEBRUARY Play with your Club card to earn entries from February 1–25. Thursday nights, 15 guests will be chosen and receive keys. Whoever unlocks the tool chest wins a Toyota Tundra 4x4 SR5 truck, valued at nearly $40,000! Runners-up receive FKC Reward Play.

DRAWING DATES AND TIMES:

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

Visit paysbig.com/ownthetundra for complete details.

1721 WEST CANAL STREET • MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 • 1-800-PAYSBIG • PAYSBIG.COM • MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AND A FIRE KEEPER’S CLUB® MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE MEMBERSHIP IS FREE • WINNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAXES • MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS • GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-426-2535 ©2016 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

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