Smart Living Weekly - November 1, 2017 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Nov. 1, 2017

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Right in Our Region

Stroll on State

See Page 16

Ease Your Back Pain Beautiful Living Rooms Prepare Your Lawn for Winter Mary’s Market Expands Catering 500 Years Ago ... The Reformation

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 1

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 1

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Y T

Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely By Peggy Werner

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

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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 ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 1

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Stroll on State Your Home ....................................................9, 11 Lovely Living Rooms; Prepare Your Lawn for Winter Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 500 Years Ago ... Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Easy Tailgating Your Wellness ............................................. ......19 Easing Back Pain Your Community ............................................. 21 Teach an Adult to Read Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Cataract Treatment Your Outing ...................................................... .24 “The Nutcracker” in Rockford Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Dining Locally ................................................. .26 Mary’s Market

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing 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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Grant Revealed I

’m reading a new book that’s of special interest in our region because it proﬁles a native son who not only helped to preserve our United States but also became president. “Grant,” by historian Ron Chernow (whose book “Alexander Hamilton” inspired the musical) is a very thorough portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, a complex man whose military genius probably prevented our nation from splitting in two. One general after another failed Abraham Lincoln before Grant took charge of the Union Army. As president, Grant led our battered republic through a painful Reconstruction period. He clamped down on the domestic terrorism waged against southern blacks by the lawless Ku Klux Klan. And he condemned predecessors like Andrew Jackson for systematically slaughtering Native Americans. “A system which looks to the extinction of a race is too horrible for a nation to adopt without entailing upon itself the wrath of all Christendom and engendering in the citizen a disregard for human life and the rights of others, dangerous to society,” Grant wrote. Chernow reveals Grant as a modest Midwesterner with quiet strength and deep convictions. He hated war, loved his wife and didn’t chase the limelight. I’ve long believed Grant was shortchanged by historians and am thrilled to see Chernow make that case. Grant was ﬂawed, like all of us, and tended to trust the wrong people too often. But he served honorably, resisted corruption and had moral courage. Along with Lincoln, Reagan and Obama, Illinois proudly claims Grant. Maybe you’ve toured the Galena home where he and wife Julia lived before moving to Washington D.C. It was presented to him in gratitude for his military service and today is maintained by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Be sure to put that tour on your bucket list and this book on your reading list. Have a great week! ❚

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Easy-Going Comfort is Living Room Bliss By Jermaine Pigee

our living room is the place where you relax, read a book, maybe watch some TV. It’s also a place to gather with friends and family. There was a time when homes had “comfortable furniture” that was relegated to the family room and more formal furniture in other living spaces. Not anymore. “There really isn’t a living room and family room anymore,” says Jessica Hughes, interior designer at Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “The fancy, formal feel is out, for the most part. People want something that’s tidy and structured, with a casual feel. Fabricwise, they want color again and blue has been popular lately. There’s also a push for slight patterns and textures.” Gray remains a favorite tone throughout the home and goes well with nearly every other color.

Hughes says homeowners are looking for eclectic styles in which separate pieces come together in unique ways. They don’t think twice about pairing a casual leather sofa with an elegant TV console table, for example. “People love sectionals and they love separate pieces,” Hughes says. “People are buying sofas and two chairs, where in the past, it’s been a sofa and loveseat. They want one, two things at the most, and not an over-cluttered look.” It’s important to know your options when furniture shopping. “You say you want something, but why do you want it and how will you use it and who will use it?” Hughes says. “Is it the right fit for everyone in the home?

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These are some of the things to take into consideration.” When it comes to fabrics and decorations, people are most comfortable playing it safe with plain looks. But Hughes encourages updates that are easy to enjoy and change out over time. “Sometimes just a pop of color here or there can make a big difference.” ❚

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6 Tips to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter A

s days get shorter and temperatures drop, many homeowners overlook their lawns’ needs. Just like chapped lips and dry skin, plants struggle to ﬁnd moisture in the winter. Dry or frozen soil can prevent plants from replenishing needed water, which can result in winter burn. When temperatures drop below a plant’s natural tolerance, it can impact their health and cause them to decline prematurely. “Many homeowners may not realize that late fall is a good time to help prepare your lawn and landscape for a healthy spring growth,” said Ben Hamza, director of technical services for TruGreen. “Homeowners should remember to perform common maintenance practices on their lawns and landscapes, such as late fall fertilization and continuing to water during dry periods.” To help prepare your lawn for winter he recommends the following practices.

1. Clear leaves. It’s important to remove leaves or mulch them with a properly equipped mower as they can suffocate grass. Matted leaves left over a lawn throughout the winter months can delay spring green-up. After clearing leaves, compost them. 2. Replace unhealthy patches. Fall’s favorable weather conditions, as well as moist and warm soil temperatures, create the ideal opportunity for successful seeding of bare lawn areas and overseeding of healthy grass to improve lawn density. 3. Trim. Trees and shrubs are vulnerable to winter weather and should be properly groomed and fertilized. 4. Give a good fall feeding. The roots of lawns, trees and shrubs need energy to prepare for a healthy spring revival. Keep fertilizer on target to prevent run-off and sweep fertilizer granules that may reach pavement back onto your lawn.

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Give sprinklers a break. In most parts of the country, failing to winterize your sprinkler system can result in major problems Put your system to winter rest properly. Be sure to blow out underground systems to eliminate any remaining water that may freeze and expand. Mow against snow mold. Keep lawns trimmed until growth ceases. This can help prevent snow mold. Tall or improperly mowed grass is most at risk. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

(Source: Family Features)

Nov. 1

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500 Years Ago …

ct. 31 marks a huge milestone in Christian history. It was in 1517 that German monk and scholar Martin Luther presented 95 ideas about reforming the Roman Catholic church, based on scripture. The desire for reform was already taking root across Europe, but Luther was especially inﬂuential because he took full advantage of new technology – the Gutenberg printing press – to spread his ideas and to publish German translations of scripture. It also helped that, for political reasons, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V chose not to execute Luther, as was the fate of many other reformers who threatened the church’s absolute power. Luther advanced a belief that we’re saved by God’s grace, not by our own good works. We take this concept for granted today, but things were very different 500 years ago, when lavish-living church leaders sold “indulgences” to their poverty-stricken and illiterate parishioners. Indulgences were an opportunity to buy God’s forgiveness and reduce time spent in Purgatory. Propaganda murals painted on church walls of people suffering eternal pain reinforced the idea. Luther believed it was the right of all people to read scripture for themselves rather than blindly follow tradition. His bold stance earned him ex-communication, so he spent his next 10 years translating scripture into German as literacy grew. Luther’s intention was to reform Catholicism, not to start a third major branch of Christianity, but Protestantism (root word being “protest”) was the end result. (Roman Catholics had already splintered from the Orthodox Church in the 1100s.) Luther married a former nun and had five children. Before he died in 1546, he became an outspoken anti-Semite and a defender of polygamy, views we find repugnant today. Travel expert Rick Steves has produced “Luther and the Reformation,” a TV program filmed in locations where reformation leaders upended their religious and political landscape 500 years ago, forever impacting the Western World. – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Tasty Tailgating Made Easy K

ick your game up a notch with simple recipes that bring flavor and heat. Wings have been holding the line ever since 1964, when Frank’s RedHot was the key ingredient in the first-ever Buffalo wings. Just bake the wings for half an hour to get that crispy coating, toss with twoingredient sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. Another tried-and-true, one-pot classic: chili. Don’t overthink it – all you need to do is brown some ground beef, add some onion then crushed tomatoes, beans, hot sauce and seasoning. Simmering for just 15 minutes will build flavor

and you’re good to go. Finish it off with shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream and more hot sauce. Enjoy your chili on its own or spoon it on top of hot dogs, nachos and whatever else you have on hand. For more great-tasting game day recipes, visit franksredhot.com/recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce 1/3 cup butter, melted blue cheese dressing celery sticks Preparation: Heat oven to 450 F. In foil-lined pan, bake wings 30 minutes until crispy, turning once. In bowl, combine sauce and butter. Toss wings in sauce to coat completely. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery.

Chili

Ingredients: 2 lbs. ground beef

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1 large onion, chopped 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree 1 can (15-19 ounces) kidney beans, undrained 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce 2 packages (1 1/4 ounces) chili seasoning mix Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, sour cream. Preparation: In large, nonstick pot, cook beef until browned. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Drain. Stir in tomatoes, beans, sauce and seasoning mix. Heat to boiling. Stir often. Simmer, partially covered, 15 minutes, or until flavors are blended. Stir often. Garnish, as desired, with shredded cheddar cheese, scallions and sour cream. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Nov. 1

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5th Stroll on State Bigger Than Ever By Peggy Werner

troll on State, this year on Saturday, Nov. 25th, will celebrate its fifth year of lighting up and livening up Rockford’s downtown. Presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, the event draws tens of thousands of people who share the spirit of the holiday season and reflect on what’s possible when a community pulls together and makes things happen. New this year are extended hours from 2 to 9 p.m., a 5K run/walk, a bigger parade, two new music stages, more vendors, up-to-the-minute information and updates on social media, a new fire and ice display, additional decorations and more volunteer opportunities, says Andrea Cook, marketing and communications manager for the Rockford Area Convention Center & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve seen tremendous growth and revitalization in our downtown,” says

Smart Living Weekly

Cook. “This magical holiday event only gets bigger and better each year, with so much to see and do, and all attractions and performances are free. The original goal of Stroll on State was to create a downtown holiday event that would become a fun family tradition every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That goal was met and then some. In its ﬁrst year, Stroll on State drew a crowd of about 30,000; last year more than 75,000 people attended and even more are expected this year. “We’re just so happy to be celebrating our ﬁfth year and partnering with so many local organizations and businesses to host this event that’s for the community and by the community,” says Cook. “We’re seeing tremendous growth because we have the community’s support.”

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Before it all happens, though, hundreds of volunteers are needed at various times for a variety of tasks. They decorate the downtown in two shifts, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18. Volunteers are also needed from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, through Nov. 24, at Santa’s Workshop in the Sharefest building, 301 W. Winnebago St. Plenty of volunteers also are needed on the day of the event and for the “back in the box” clean-up day on Saturday, Jan. 13th. Volunteers under 15 years old are allowed to participate, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers ages 16 and 17 are welcomed, too, but must have a signed waiver by a parent or guardian. Volunteers can register at strollonstate.com. No registration is needed for Santa’s Workshop.

R  O R Stroll on State mainly takes place downtown on East State Street and at the Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St. Highlights will include live music, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, a parade, numerous food and beverage vendors, Rockford’s River Lights, sponsored by ComEd (a light show synchronized to music), Santa Land, horse and buggy rides, ice skating, shopping and more. The celebration will begin with the Merry and Bright Holiday Parade presented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, local 364, this year featuring floats, festive music and costumed characters. The lineup begins at 2 p.m. and the parade officially starts at 3 p.m. Even before the official kick-off, the Dasher Dash 5k walk/run for children and adults begins at 8 a.m. at UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St. It’s a holiday-themed race through the historic parts of downtown Rockford, including four bridge crossings, Haight Village and

Tinker Swiss Cottage. Once runners cross the ﬁnish line on Grove Street, they will receive a medal, hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. To register, go to strollonstate. com. Local musicians still have time to register to perform music from three stages during the entire event; the main stage at East State and Wyman streets; the new Jingle Bell Stage at Mulberry and Main streets; and the Silver Bell Stage at North Second and State streets. The Stroll on State Facebook page will provide up-to-date information about attractions, trafﬁc alerts and other news. The cutting down and installation of the city’s Christmas tree will begin at about 6:30 a.m. Nov. 14, at a location yet to be determined. The tree has to be a spruce, at least 30 feet tall, healthy and full, and come from a Rockford-area neighborhood. In addition to downtown parking

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near the Stroll on State grounds, a free shuttle bus will transport people to and from the event from designated locations, including Illinois Bank & Trust, 4048 E. State St.; Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road; and the YMCA, 200 Y Blvd. Parking in downtown parking decks will cost $5 per car. Surfaced lots and on-street parking is free and posted regulations apply. “We hope to continue hosting this event for years to come, making it an exciting holiday tradition for everyone.” ❚

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Preventing Injury Beats Treating Injury S By Peggy Werner

ociety has come a long way in showing its acceptance of chiropractic medicine as an alternative to conventional methods to treat aches and pains and other ailments. “People are learning the value of taking preventative measures to promote health and wellness, while avoiding having to resort to medicines and surgery for pain relief,” says Dr. Brittany McMullen, chiropractic physician with Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202. Some of the best medicine for back health is good posture, being active, stretching, and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, she says. Among the pain relief services performed by Dr. McMullen is Graston, modeled after an ancient Chinese practice called Gua Sha. Today, a ﬂat metal instrument glides across skin covered with lotion to detect adhesions or knots under-

neath the skin. When a knot is found, pressure is applied to release the knot, she explains. In yet another service she offers, kinesio tape acts as a second skin and helps to control pain by supporting and giving more range of motion to affected areas. Dr. McMullen is also certiﬁed to use an activator, which is a spring-loaded tool that applies gentle pressure to the spine when an adjustment is needed, she explains. It’s often used on patients with brittle bones or those who prefer an adjustment with less force. Dr. McMullen grew up in Rockford, graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida for her chiropractic training and has worked six years as a chiropractor. She’s still amazed at how effective

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chiropractic techniques can be for helping people to get pain relief and more. “Just about every day I’m shocked at what chiropractic can do. People come in for one thing and ﬁnd that something else they’ve been suffering from has improved,” she says. She has seen people’s allergies improve and headaches disappear. Dr. McMullen’s ofﬁce hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. ❚

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Nov. 1

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Make a Difference: Teach an Adult to Read By Peggy Werner

f you truly want to make a difference, consider helping an adult to discover the joy of reading. Most people take for granted being able to read street signs, grocery store ads, instructions on a medicine bottle, the latest news or being able to fill out a job application. But for those who have limited reading skills, all they see are roadblocks to better living. Some English-speaking adults have limited reading skills because they had interruptions at a time when they should have been learning to read, whether caused by illness, relocation, problems at home or just not being able to learn in the style that was taught, says Debbie Lindley, program director for The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. And other people are in the process of learning English as a second language. “By the time some people are adults, they’ve gone through a lot in life and

suffered greatly. Because they lack reading skills from having missed out on so much, the result may be low self esteem and low self confidence,” she says. Volunteers who are willing to help one or more of the 50 individuals waiting to be paired with a tutor can attend one of several workshops scheduled in Rockford, Belvidere and Loves Park to learn how to work with adults who are learning to read. The Literacy Council asks volunteers to commit a minimum of two hours a week for a year per student. Volunteers don’t have to have teaching experience, but need to be at least 18 years old, have a GED or a high school diploma and complete training that meets twice weekly for three weeks. There are numerous Tutor Training

Workshops for volunteers at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St. in Belvidere; North Suburban Library District (NSLD), 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park; and at The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. The workshop schedule and a registration form can be downloaded at theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323 for more information. ❚

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A New Cataract Treatment By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance. Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

“I discovered that by putting a singlefocus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the nondominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)

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Nov. 1

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Cast of ‘The Nutcracker’ Prepares to Delight By Peggy Werner

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

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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. ❚

Holiday Spectacular

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Real. Original. SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully

Show

spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic

All

Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

Area’s ll Hand A argest w L C r aMuseum restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront fted Campus o Sh Indoor will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be

gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully

November 11 & 12

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Sat. 9am-5pm Sun. 10am-4pm

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

102 N. Main St.

Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. Rockford, IL 61111 P Adults Only $4 Evreizreys Free g

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Hour

www.rockfordcraftshow.com

$1 OFF COUPON Bring in this ad for $1 OFF 1 adult admission.

Found in Translation Through Nov. 4, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 noon-5 p.m. Featuring fourgorockford.com Iowa women artists, this exhibit features abstract works suggestive of the natural environment. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Ole Time Christmas Craft Show Nov. 2-3, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring a large variety of handmade items for gift giving and home décor. Gift basket raffle. Proceeds benefit FHN’s 2017 United Way campaign. FHN Memorial Hospital, Lower Level, 1045 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, (877) 600-0346, fhn.org. Model Train Show Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Model train enthusiasts showcase train sets and talk about collecting, preserving and assembling. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112. Veterans 5K Run/Walk Nov. 4, 8:15 a.m. kids 10 and under; 9 a.m. adults race. A 5K run/walk to benefit the Veterans Drop-in Center in Rockford. The run is on a flat, beautiful course along the Rock River. Mercyhealth Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, rockfordroadrunners.org. 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 and surprises. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. 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. One Christmas Eve, 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. Tell them you saw it in ...

Model train lovers will enjoy a show and talk about this hobby at Midway Village Museum on Nov. 4.

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. 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. The Wingra Wind Quintet Nov. 12, 2 p.m. Carrying on their tradition of artistic excellence, ensemble members perform on horn, oboe, flute, bassoon and clarinet. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.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. 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. The Invented Worlds of Della Wells To Nov. 19. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wells is a true storyteller, blending her personal experiences with explorations of culture through colorful collages, drawings, dolls and quilts. Wright Museum of Art, North Gallery, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, (608) 363-2702, beloit. edu/wright. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 11

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Mary’s Market Expands Catering Services

By Peggy Werner

ith the holidays quickly approaching, it’s not too early to think about parties with co-workers, family and friends – next month or next year. Mary’s Market is offering a 20 percent discount through the end of this year for all bookings, whenever and wherever the event is held. “Mary’s Market has always done catering, more or less, but we have really stepped it up to include all kinds of foods from high-end menus to soup and sandwiches for large or small parties,” says Director of Operations Lisa Beardsworth. She’s especially proud of the newly remodeled private meeting room at 4431 E. State St. that can be rented for gatherings, seating up to 75 people. The banquet room was designed and created when Mary’s Market, once located in that space, moved over to the adjacent Mary’s

Restaurant, which was remodeled and updated in 2016. The room has a full bar, giant screen TV for presentations, its own entrance, restrooms and ample parking. Beardsworth specializes in catering food and was hired at Mary’s Market 13 months ago. Her past work experience includes 10 years at Forest Hills Country Club and 18 years at Cliffbreakers. She’s making a huge impact, growing the part of the business that provides food for private parties, wedding receptions, funeral luncheons, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties and more. The largest party she recalls catering hosted 1,400 guests, she says. The kitchen is at the East State Street location and is a 24-hour operation that not only cooks up special foods for special occasions, but also prepares breads, soups, bagels and bakery items for all

three locations. The other locations are at 1650 N. Alpine Road at Edgebrook Center and 2636 McFarland Road. Dave and Judy Koch, who own several Culver’s locations in Rockford, purchased Mary’s Market in 2014. They also bought the former Bagel Place, 2522 E. State St., and moved its equipment to the East State Mary’s Market location, where New York style bagels are made daily. To book a party, contact Beardsworth at catering@marysmarket.com or call (815) 316-9926. ❚

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Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E 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. $-$$. T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, loBaci’s Kitchen E Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. ComGiordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, plete menu at Baciskitchen.com. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Big Papa’s Barbecue E 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 E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sea10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; Bravo Pizza E 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. $$$. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Ciao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-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 E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante E 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 E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Taco Betty’s E 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 E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. AuthenDrive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 1

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza

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. 1

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1