Sm mart a r t L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 11, 2020
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Right in Our Region
St. Joseph’s Altar: A Feast of Thanks See Page 16
Choosing a Credible Contractor Detecting Mental Health Issues in Youths Tips for Extending the Life of Your Furnace ‘The Music Man’ Opens at The Studio Rockford
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 A Feast of Thanks at St. Bridget Your Outing ........................................................9 The Studio Rockford Presents ‘The Music Man’ Your Home ..................................................11, 19 Choosing a Contractor; Extending Furnace Life Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Servant Leadership Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 20 Fruity Cupcakes; A Real Butcher Knows Best Your Community ........................................ ....... 21 Unique Shopping at Shine Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Detecting Mental Illness in Pediatric Patients Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Hearthrock Cafe Your Life Hacks ...................................... .......... 26 How to Hire a House Cleaner Your Money ...................................... ................ 29 Is Your Insurance Coverage Adequate?
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers 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, Sherri Saleh 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 2020 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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Sun, Not Moon “B
eware the Ides of March.” That famous line from William Shakespeare’s play, “Julius Caesar,” was written in 1599, more than 1,640 years after the murder of Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C. So what’s an “Ides?” The first Roman calendar was a lunar one, with a 10-month, 355-day year that began in March, not January. Dates were set in relation to one of three moon phases, the Ides being the full moon that fell mid-month between March 13th and 15th. To celebrate the first full moon of the year, Romans partied along the banks of the Tiber River, presenting sacrifices to Anna Perenna, their goddess of long life and health. Then science, and a leader willing to believe science, changed things. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar boldly added 10 days to the Roman calendar after consulting with astronomers from Alexandria, Egypt, then the hub of world scholarship. As a result, each year since 45 B.C. has begun on Jan. 1, with a leap year every four years, all based on movement of the sun, not the moon. Caesar took many bold actions, some very unpopular with Roman senators who feared he was transforming their republic into a monarchy. (Declaring himself “Dictator for Life” didn’t help.) So, a group of them stabbed him to death on March 15, the Ides of March, forever linking a celebration of long life with his premature death. This marked a turning point from Roman Republic to Roman Empire. Future Roman leaders adopted Julias Caesar’s surname as a title, hence the long line of “Caesars.” Historians argue about the virtues and flaws of mighty Julius Caesar, but no one disputes his impact on world history and the calendar we still use today. Along with its dramatic weather, March brings a reminder that the clash of life and death is always in play. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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The Studio Rockford Presents ‘The Music Man’ By Janine Pumilia
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ome musicals hold up really well over time and “The Music Man” is one of them. If you haven’t seen it in awhile and could use the kind of energy boost only youths can offer, here’s your chance. Adam and Courtney Walsh, owners of The Studio Rockford, are grooming 140 local students ages 8 to 19 to present the lively musical later this month. “It’s a very upbeat, fun and colorful show,” says Adam. “We’ve both taken part in performing it several times and it just never gets old.” Eight performances will be offered during the weekends of March 13 and March 20 at Maddox Theater, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. “The Music Man” tells the story of charming-but-wily con man Harold Hill, who poses as a band leader to convince Midwestern townsfolk to purchase uniforms and instruments. Although he
promises to coordinate a big show, he secretly plans to take the money and run until librarian Marian Paroo awakens his better nature. “It’s all very, very light-hearted,” says Adam. Among favorite songs are “SeventySix Trombones,” “Trouble,” “Lida Rose” and “Goodnight, My Someone.” Except for lead roles, the show is double cast to allow more participation. “We’re very blessed to have kids in place who can carry off these roles so well,” says Adam. “Some of them need very little direction – they just have this wonderful natural talent.” Nurturing kids’ talent and confidence through creative arts, both performing and visual, was the reason the Walshes launched The Studio Rockford in 2014. They teach private music and dance lessons and direct four productions each
Ellie Schneider and Ben Johnson as Marian Paroo and Harold Hill.
year. Auditions are open to all local children 8 to 19; no experience is required. See “The Music Man” on March 13 at 7 p.m.; March 14 at 2 or 6 p.m.; March 15 at 2 p.m.; March 20 at 7 p.m.; March 21 at 2 or 6 p.m.; or March 22 at 2 p.m. Admission: $13/advance, $15/door; kdis 0-12 $11/advance, $13/door; and seniors 55-plus $11/advance, $13/door. Learn more at thestudiorockford.com. ❚
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Prevent Trouble: Choose a Contractor Wisely By Peggy Werner
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eople who need work done on their home exteriors can prevent headaches and heartbreak by checking out contractors carefully before hiring one. Justin Martin, president of Martin Exteriors, 11704 Main St., Roscoe, says there are several ways to be certain you’re making a good choice. Martin Exteriors specializes in roofing and siding in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. “If you do your homework before hiring a contractor, you may see potential issues and avoid becoming a victim,” he says. When using Google to find a contractor, look for the Google Guaranteed badge. a green circle with a white check mark, which means a business has passed a screening and qualification process. Next, read the company’s reviews. “Google is a great place to read reviews about your potential contractor,”
says Martin. “You can see what previous customers have to say about them, good or bad.” Also check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure a contractor is accredited and has a good rating. In part this means they’ve made a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. It’s important to verify that a contractor is licensed and insured. In Illinois, check with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Verify a contractor’s certificates of insurance to ensure that a company has liability and workers’ compensation insurance and that it’s current. “Make sure your contractor is credentialed by the manufacturer of the products they install. In roofing, most shingles now come with a lifetime warranty, but without the backing of a manufacturer’s credential, that doesn’t mean much.”
He adds, “Martin Exteriors holds the highest-level credentials with Certainteed as a Select ShingleMaster Roofing Contractor and 5-Star Siding Contractor. We’re also a Mastic Elite Siding Contractor.” Last but not least, make sure you get a written contract that spells out what work is going to be done and what’s expected from each party. A contract is required in Illinois for all projects over $1,000, says Martin. “If you take these steps to protect yourself, it will give you peace of mind to make the right choice.” ❚
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Servant Leadership
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e know from scripture that God despises arrogance and exhalts the humble. For the most part, our culture does just the opposite ... exhalts self-promoters and ignores the humble. World leaders tend to measure themselves by the money and power they wield, not the wellbeing they foster among their people. This is nothing new and came as no surprise to Jesus Christ in his day, either. When a few of his disciples began quibbling over their pecking order, Jesus quickly set them straight. Mark 10:42-45 (ESV): “And Jesus called them [the 12 disciples] to him and said, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” In Luke 14:11 (ESV) Jesus said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” In Philippians 2:3 Paul instructs, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” If anyone had the right to promote himself in large fashion, it was Jesus Christ. He chose instead to model the behavior he wishes us to ha We’re in the world but not of it (John 17:14). We follow the will of God. Our humility lies in knowing that everything we are and all that we have and every breath we take belongs to God. Our only greatness is the presence of God working through us. John 14:21-24: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our – Janine Pumilia home with him." ❚ 12
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Fun, Fruity, Refrigerated Treats
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ave time on family desserts with make-ahead recipes like these Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes. By using kid-friendly treats that add nutrition to appealing flavor, you can solve busy evenings just by reaching into the fridge This and other family-friendly recipes are part of Dole’s healthy-living alliance with Disney’s Frozen 2. For details, visit dole.com/Disney.
Directions
Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes
Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 cupcake): 78 calories; 3 calories from fat; 0 g fat; 0 g trans fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat; 0 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 164 mg potassium; 18 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 1 g protein; vitamin A 0%; vitamin C 25%; calcium 2%; iron 2%; vitamin E 2%; thiamin 2%; vitamin B6 8%; phosphorus 2%; magnesium 4%; manganese 10%.
Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 12
Ingredients 3 ripe DOLE® Bananas 1 container (8 oz.) fat-free whipped topping, thawed 7 low-fat honey graham crackers, coarsely crushed 1 pound Dole Strawberries, hulled and quartered
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Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In large bowl, mash bananas; fold in whipped topping. Fill muffin cups halfway with graham cracker pieces, banana mixture and strawberries; repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate cupcakes 4 hours; serve in cupcake liners.
(Source: Family Features) ❚
Watch this video for tips on making your recipe easy! To view this video, simply: 1) Download the Wikitude app 2) Open the app and search “SLM” 3) Scan the Center of this Page
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Feast Your Eyes on St. Joseph’s Altar By Lindsey Gapen Lukas, managing editor
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veryone has the opportunity to indulge in cookies, cakes, pastries and more at St. Bridget Catholic Church on Sunday, March 15. For the third year in a row, the parish is celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph at 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park. “St. Joseph is really a forgotten saint,” says Jill Kapala, co-chair of the event. “So, we organize a St. Joseph Altar to remember him and celebrate him.” Picture a bounty of food, including breads, fruits, veggies, seafood, pastas and desserts, all arranged around an altar. It’s an extraordinary feast that’s completely prepared by volunteers. “All of the food is donated by people in the community – we have been blessed by local restaurants and businesses. Our main benefactor is Frank Graceffa. He purchased our beautiful statue and has
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sponsored us since we started,” says Laura Padron, the event’s other co-chair. “So much time, talent and love go into making this happen.” The tradition of the St. Joseph Altar dates back centuries. Legend has it that the St. Joseph Altar originated in Sicily during a desperate time of famine and drought. During these hard times, people prayed to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession. When rain finally came, the people rejoiced by selecting their finest foods and wines to share with each other in thanksgiving to St. Joseph. To this day, the custom and devotion continues. “Our wonderful mentor is Rosie (Scalise) Sheridan. We could not do the Altar without her. She has guided us every step of the way,” says Padron. “The St. Joseph Altar is important to
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a lot of people,” Kapala explains. “People pray to St. Joseph to heal their medical challenges, or help them through a desperate time. People even have St. Joseph Altars in their own homes, a rich Italian tradition that dates back years in south Rockford. A lot of people donate food to us because they’re so grateful toward St. Joseph.” Every item on the altar has significance, Padron adds. The altar itself has three tiers, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. On the highest level, in a special place of honor, sits a statue of St. Joseph that’s surrounded by white lilies, which symbolize his purity. The main dish served at every altar is the same: Pasta con Sarde, or Pasta Milanese. Every element of the dish is symbolic, including the bread crumbs sprinkled on top, which represent the sawdust
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in St. Joseph’s workshop. “The feast is entirely meatless, and there’s not even any cheese,” Padron adds. This is also a tradition, perhaps because there was a scarcity of meat.
Breads and pastries take on symbolic shapes, and every altar has a bowl of uncooked fava beans to symbolize abundance. Each person is invited to take one fava bean, which brings the owner luck, according to legend. It’s also tradition to donate leftovers to the needy. This year, leftovers are going to Mrs. Carly’s Place, in Rockford, which provides meals, clothing and hygiene items to those in need. “That’s also what I love about this – being able to feed the poor – those in most need,” Padron says. St. Bridget is just one of many local churches organizing a St. Joseph Altar.
St. Anthony’s started the tradition many years ago, and St. Bernadette’s had an Altar last year. Kapala and Padron are now assisting St. Mary’s, in Sycamore, with starting their first Altar, and they hope to help St. Edward’s, in Rockford, start their own Altar in the future. Those who wish to view the Altar at St. Bridget can attend a viewing on Saturday, March 14, between 4 and 6:30 p.m. “I really encourage people to come and look at the Altar – it’s just amazing to see,” Kapala says. The feast on Sunday is free and open to all from 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Donations are appreciated, which go to various charities. After feasting, everyone goes home with a bag of cookies and a card with information about St. Joseph. “I love seeing everyone come together,” Kapala says. “It’s also so rewarding to teach people about St. Joseph and the culture and traditions of the Altar. It’s a joyous event, we’re all Italian that day.” ❚
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Maintenance is the Key to HVAC Success A By Janine Pumilia fter working as a manager in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry for years, and earning his HVAC college degree plus certification in duct design and air balancing, Keith Anderson opened Comfort Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning in 2011. Today his business offers 24/7 emergency service to customers in Boone, Winnebago and McHenry counties and employs eight people, including two of his three daughters. “We’re family-owned and operated,” says Keith. “What matters to us is building long-term relationships with customers.” In addition to repairing all brands of equipment and installing Bryant furnaces, air conditioners and accessories like whole-house air purifiers and humidifiers, Comfort Solutions works with contractors to equip custom homes. It also offers electrical services such as ceiling fan installa-
tion and rewiring kitchens and baths during remodels. After 28 years in the HVAC business, Keith has seen it all. He offers these tips for extending the life of your furnace and air conditioner: “Get in the habit of maintenance twice a year,” he says. “It’s like a vehicle. If you don’t get it serviced regularly, you’re asking for expensive problems. “Also, never use the more expensive, pleated, one-inch thick furnace filters. Use the lightweight type and replace once a month. The thick ones clog up and make your equipment work too hard.” Bryant’s whole-home air purifiers are growing in popularity. They remove mold, mildew, pet dander, pollen, viruses, bacteria and other allergens from the home’s air, says Keith. “We’re also seeing a rise in demand for smart home technologies such as WiFi
thermostats that allow remote access.” Keith works with Bryant because it’s locally distributed and parts are easy to obtain. Also, “Bryant stands behind its products. People get what they paid for.” Comfort Solutions offers a Priority Maintenance program with twice-yearly service, a 10 percent discount on parts and equipment, a 5-year parts guarantee and no extra charge for after-hour service. “Motivating customers to keep up with maintenance helps them to avoid expensive repairs,” says Keith. Learn more at comfortsolution.biz. ❚
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Why a Real Butcher Still Knows Best By Peggy Werner
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emember the days when you could walk up to a meat counter in a grocery store and talk to a butcher who knew about cuts of meat, how to prepare them, and how to fill a custom order? Well, that kind of customer service is – and always has been – a top priority at Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford. Owner Jarrod Bush, with more than 20 years in the business, takes pride in giving people what they can’t get anywhere else. “A lot of supermarkets don’t need butchers any longer because all meats come prepackaged from the wholesalers to the retailers and you don’t always know where the meat comes from,” he explains. “My job doesn’t really exist anymore, so that’s why people love coming in to talk to me – they don’t always know what they want or how to prepare it.”
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Countryside is a full-service meat market that specializes in Midwestern beef, poultry and pork for individuals and large parties. Its fully stocked, very organized, spotless 20-foot-long display case of fresh meats is a thing to behold. ”I want this meat case to be the best one anyone has seen anywhere,” Bush says. One of the most popular cuts on the West Coast recently debuted at Countryside. It’s the exceptionally tender and versatile Tri-Tip Steak, which is a bottom sirloin.
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“It has great marbling, fantastic flavor and can be used for a lot of things such as fajitas, stroganoff and steak sandwiches,” he says. The store offers weekly advertised specials, in-house specials, and has “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie and chicken Kiev. There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as coleslaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring, Boar’s Head luncheon meats and 25 varieties of bratwurst. Gourmet items include stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, twice-baked potatoes and garlic cheese bread. All food is prepared onsite. ❚
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Shine Offers Unique, Calming Products By Peggy Werner hen people first visit Shine, a home/garden décor and gift boutique at 6730 Broadcast Parkway in Loves Park, their initial reaction is often pleasant surprise at the wide variety of colorful, high quality products neatly displayed and selected to inspire. “Customers tell us all the time how carefree and refreshing it is to be in our store,” says Minda Woith, co-owner with business partner Elizabeth Burkholder. Shine features colorful, beautifully patterned Polish pottery in a wide assortment of sizes and prices. These are safe to use in the oven, freezer, microwave and dishwasher. Other items include jewelry, kitchen accessories, soy candles, greeting cards and unique home and garden décor. Natural crystals and stones, incense, singing bowls, chimes, organic and eco-friendly
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soaps, bath bombs and salts aid in cleansing on a deeper level, providing customers with an opportunity to replace the mounting frustrations of daily living with a calm state of being. Among new items on display are Japanese Miyuki Tila bracelets that are handcrafted from glass tiles from Japan. No two are alike. “We shop all over and it’s a long, drawn-out process as we look, find, evaluate and consider what to buy, always with our customers in mind,” says Woith.
“We truly aim to have items for sale that are fun, functional, lovely and interesting, and that ultimately make people’s lives more enjoyable.” Woith enjoys the challenges, rewards and opportunities that come with being a small business owner in the stateline area. She appreciates those who support small businesses in our region and endeavors to do the same. The co-owners are focused on buying natural and American-made products as often as possible and they carry items made by local and regional artists. “We really do strive to provide a positive and inspiring shopping experience by bringing in items our customers will love for themselves, as well as their family and friends,” she says. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. ❚
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Detecting Mental Illness in Pediatric Patients By Lindsey Gapen Lukas
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routine doctor’s visit isn’t just about a patient’s physical health. “Mental health illnesses are pretty common – we probably spend 10 to 15 percent of our days seeing kids or teens who have some sort of mental health diagnosis,” says Dr. Leah Farley, a pediatrician at Beloit Health System. “We see ADHD more often in the younger kids, and with teenagers we tend to see more anxiety and depression.” Farley asks all of her teenage patients if they have concerns about their mental health. Sometimes this leads to a standardized questionnaire screening. “I generally try to do counseling with both the parents and the patient in the room about warning signs of anxiety and depression,” Farley says. “These illnesses in teenagers may not always present as the child seeming particularly anxious or sad.”
Teens may display decreased motivation, poor concentration or increased irritability. If a parent calls with concerns, Farley jumps into triage mode. “If there’s any concern that the child has any sort of suicidal ideation, then we send them directly to the emergency department where they’ll be evaluated by a social worker or a psychologist to make sure the child is safe at home,” she says. A diagnosis of depression or anxiety is based on criteria in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Treatment is case by case and depends on the severity of the illness. “It also depends on the child’s family and social structure,” Farley adds. “I always try and work with families to first do lifestyle modifications to help with mood.”
A common lifestyle modification is making sure the child is getting an appropriate amount of sleep, at least 8 to 10 hours a night, without phones or TVs on. “The other thing we commonly see is kids who aren’t active enough,” Farley adds. “The more physical activity you get, the better it helps with mood. So, really try to make sure your child is getting out, getting active, moving around, not spending all day on the phone or sitting around at school.” ❚
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What to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner H
By Janine Pumilia
iring someone to clean your house can be a real pleasure. Who doesn’t love coming home to a clean home? And who couldn’t use the time it frees up, especially now that two-income households are the norm? For the cost of one family dinner out, this pleasure could be yours. Before you hand your house key to a stranger, however, be sure to ask good questions, suggests Paul Wheelock, owner of Merry Maids franchises in five local counties. • What’s your security protocol? Wheelock personally runs federal background checks on every person he hires. “State background checks alone are not enough,” he says. “My guideline is that I won’t hire anyone I wouldn’t give my own house key to.” • Can you provide proof of insurance? “If a company isn’t insured and bonded, you could be responsible for any
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injuries that occur on your property,” says Wheelock. All Merry Maids employees are insured, bonded and covered by Worker’s Compensation. • How well are your employees treated? High turnover is never good. Companies that respect employees will attract better people who take more pride in their work. “We offer a career experience to our employees,” says Wheelock. “We provide benefits like paid time off and a retirement plan. This helps us to find the best people and keep them onboard.”
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• Is the work guaranteed? Expectations on both sides should be well communicated to avoid conflicts. “We’ll come back and make right anything that a customer feels was not properly done,” says Wheelock. • How do pricing and payment options work? “We do a walk-through before a final price is set,” says Wheelock. “Be wary of companies that skip this step and offer a ‘free cleaning,’ sight unseen, as a gimmick.” You get what you pay for. As for payment methods, “We offer options for encrypted, secure online payment so you don’t have to bother with checks or cash.” Online software allows you to get a rough idea of how your cleaning job will be priced or you can get an estimate over the phone. Merry Maids specializes in residential work. A typical cleaning schedule is 1.5 to 3 hours every two weeks. Learn more at Merrymaids.com. ❚
Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at
Real. Original. SM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all
ILLINOIS, USA
glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1
102 N. Main St.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Local Fun Attractions & Events
RAM: Sonic Disruptions: Buisch & Hogin Thru May 25, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu. to 7 p.m. Beautiful yet bizarre landscapes and evocative imagery with moments of uneasy Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com hilarity. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Guided Winter Hikes Weekends thru March 29, 11 a.m. Discover winter beauty at Starved Rock State Park. Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, (815) 220-7386, starvedrocklodge.com. ‘Cry It Out’ Thru March 20, Thu.-Sat. 7:30, Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. After a glamorous life as a corporate lawyer, Jessie finds herself hanging out with other sleep-deprived new parents. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. Dancing with the Stars March 13, 7:30 p.m. Dancers perform fanfavorite routines as well as new numbers, from the tango to the foxtrot, the cha-cha to the waltz. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org. ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ Thru March 14, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 & 7:30 p.m. A suspenseful Agatha Christie thriller in which Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a rich widow. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 2327023, winneshiekplayers.org. Book Sale March 14, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friends of Rockford Public Library host a 25-cent book sale at Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St. Learn more by calling (815) 966-2721. Celtic Frolic March 14, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a lively St. Patrick’s Day with the music of Trinadora. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org. Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood March 14, 8 p.m. An interactive improv show. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. BSJO: Obras Maestras Latinas March 14-15, 2 p.m. Enjoy a performance of
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and vote in primary elections on March 17. Enjoy the music of Trinadora on March 14 in honor of St. Pat.
Latin masterpieces with guitar soloist Thomas Aquino. Beloit Janesville Symphony (BSJO). Sat. at Beloit College Eaton Chapel, Beloit, (608) 363-2755, beloit.edu. Sun. at JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. Explore Smell Mar. 14, 1-2:30 p.m. What do you smell and who can smell you? Get up close to reptiles and amphibians to examine how they smell. Ages 6 and up. Reg. online. Burpee Museum of Natural History, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. Abominable Snow Race March 14-15. Follow a 4-6 mile course that includes 20 or more obstacles at the Mountain Top ski hill. Kids 4-11 can take on the “lil-yeti” course with scaled-down obstacles. After the race, head into the lodge for food and music. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, (800) 558-3417, abominablesnowrace.com. Darci Lynne Farmer March 15, 3 p.m. Singer-ventriloquist Farmer, who won “America’s Got Talent” at 12-years old, entertains with her musical friends, a diva-like rabbit and a shy mouse. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ‘Waitress’ March 16, 7:30 p.m. Jenny, a waitress and expert pie-maker, finds a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Paul Bronson & Curt Lewis March 20, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. An evening of music by Bronson, a neo-classical guitarist and singer-songwriter Lewis. Rockford Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 964-7111, rockfordlisteningroom.com. ❚
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March 11
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WDL
Restaurant of the Week
Tasty, Fresh Dishes at Hearthrock Cafe By Peggy Werner
A hummus platter is served with homemade red pepper hummus, naan bread and fresh vegetables. Cold weather puts more focus on hot soups, so three per day are offered, such as Shrimp Chowder, Poblano Chicken, Italian Wedding and Fire-Roasted Vegetable. “Fresh” is the buzzword at the café and Cooper insists on working with seasonal and locally grown ingredients as much as possible. “We’re going more ‘clean label’ all the time, which means using organic ingredients with no preservatives. We’ve done that across the board,” he says. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St., Rockford. Cafe hours are Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ❚
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enson Stone Company’s head chef of Hearthrock Café, Todd Cooper, is always thinking up something new. “My life is a blur,” says Cooper. “Whenever I’m eating or cooking, I’m thinking about what I can do to make something different or better.” Owner Andy Benson recently walked up to the café counter to sample one of Cooper’s latest creations, a barbeque rib quesadilla, and gave it a thumbs up. Benson staff members are usually the first people to sample Cooper’s creations. This item got rave reviews. “Everyone just freaked out,” says Cooper. “They didn’t think of putting ribs into a quesadilla.” The barbequed pulled pork is smoked in-house and is one of the café’s
signature items. Three homemade sauces – House Sauce, Brickyard and Pepper Pot (the spiciest) – can accompany the pork. Another favorite item is a Serrano Chicken Taco made with marinated freerange chicken, Cheddar cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream, homemade pico de gallo and shredded lettuce. ❚
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. $. 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 $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Gene’s Irish Pub Casual/Irish Pub. American and Irish fare. Over 21 only. 1025 5th Ave., Rockford, (815) 977-4365. LD T-Th 11am-10:30pm, F-Sat to midnight. $$. Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 26
Smart Living Weekly
Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $. 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. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. 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 Stockholm Inn Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis. 2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ ❚
March 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300
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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March 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300
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Is Your Insurance Coverage Adequate? By Peggy Werner
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hen Insurance Agent Danna Krischke isn’t teaching fitness classes at Peak Sports Club, she’s across the street helping people to get financially fit. Having started in the insurance business 15 years ago, she recently began working for State Farm and opened her own office at 6735 Broadcast Parkway. “I like getting to know people and helping them have the protection they’re looking for to feel secure,” she says. “To me, it’s not just about selling policies, it’s about customizing a program that works for each person.” Careful thought should be given to coverage selection before a problem arises, she says. “One of the big mistakes people make is not having enough coverage and thinking, when an accident happens, that
nothing can be done to them. But people will fight back and lawyers will garnish wages, tap into your home equity, come after anything you have,” she says. After working for other insurance companies, she says the move to State Farm is a good one for her clients. “State Farm is the No. 1 provider of home and auto insurance policies and they handle claims quickly and fairly,” she says. People are often surprised to learn that State Farm also offers banking products, including checking and savings accounts, and other types of insurance for health, short- and long-term disability, small businesses, worker’s compensation, floods and pets. Insurance is a complicated business and people aren’t always aware of what they need and what’s available, she says. Everyone has a different comfort level
with the amount of coverage they want and the deductible they can handle. “My job is to educate people, so when they walk out the door, they not only know what they’ve bought, they know why they bought a policy and what it means to them. I don’t make decisions for people; they decide what they want.” Krischke is licensed to work both in Illinois and Wisconsin. ❚
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March 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300
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