Smart Living Weekly - April 1, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Lots Going On at Rare & Beautiful Klehm Arboretum

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

W

here can you find a natural area unlike any other in the U.S.? At remarkable Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, where all sorts of unusual trees were planted more than a century ago, by landscape architect William Lincoln Taylor.

“It’s rare, not only because of the variety of trees that were planted as an experiment in hardiness, but also because of the maturity of those trees which were never harvested,” says Dan Riggs, Klehm’s executive director.

Taylor never had the chance to stroll beneath a 100-year-old European Larch, Greek Fir or Umbrella Magnolia on his property – but we do.

Continued on p. 20

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Inside: Advice for Cooking Your Easter Lamb • Master Golf Tips • Hop to These Easter Happenings Save Money with Home Energy Services • Restaurant of the Week: Olympic Tavern

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Klehm Arboretum Offers More than Scenery Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Spring Spruce-Ups for Your Home’s Exterior Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Why Easter Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Advice for Preparing Your Easter Lamb Your Outings ...................................................17 Hopping Good Easter Events Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 What is Physical Therapy?

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Olympic Tavern Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 7 Golf Tips from a Master Golfer Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Save Money with Home Energy Services

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

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Not Even a Peep

D

o you feel like Easter is really early this year, on April 5? I do.

But next year will be even earlier, on March 27. The kiddies will need their snow shovels to hunt eggs in 2016.

I’ve been trying to figure out how the date of Easter is determined each year, and what eggs and bunnies have to do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Warning: don’t try this at home unless you’re fully rested. We humans have a way of making everything complicated.)

As far as I can tell, a mish-mash of politics, pagan influences, commerce and an affinity for the Gregorian calendar in the Western world (as opposed to the Julian one used by the Eastern church) leads us to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox (an equinox is the day in spring and fall when daylight hours and night time hours are about equal).

You may be shocked to learn that “Easter” scriptures say nothing about eggs, bunnies or flowery bonnets – not even a peep about Peeps.

But scripture does clearly indicate that the crucifixion happened during the Passover season, in spring, 50 days before Pentacost.

How perfect that we celebrate in early spring, right when our world is waking up with new life (in the northern hemisphere, at least).

I enjoy a good ham dinner as much as the next gal. But as with that other major holiday – the one in December – the reason for the season is Jesus Christ! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior for Spring B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

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hen people talk about spring cleaning, they’re usually thinking about the interior of their homes. After a long winter of closed windows, recirculated air and sloppy snow, they’re ready to scrub and freshen up the inside.

People should also do a thorough spring cleaning outside, says Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services in Rockford.

“Areas that need attention include vinyl siding, decks, and seals on exterior doors,” he says. “Spring is also a good time to do any exterior painting.”

People often neglect their vinyl siding because of its low maintenance qualities, but it still requires upkeep. “Vinyl siding should be washed every two to three years,” Raymond says. “We pressure wash houses, and people are often surprised at the results.

Some trouble spots may need yearly cleaning. Many homeowners get mildew on areas that are in the shade, for example.”

A coat of paint can really spruce up the look of a house, not to mention protect materials from heat and moisture. “This can range from doing the entire house, or just focusing on window casings and trim,” Raymond says. “March and April

are good months to do exterior painting. It’s harder in hot months because the paint sets up too quickly.”

Decks, too, need some spring maintenance, including a pressure wash and often, new stain. “Cold weather increases peeling on decks, which is revealed once the snow melts,” Raymond says. “We start with a pressure wash and deck wash, and then we sand all flat surfaces.

We then apply a coat of stain, let it dry and come back to finish with another light wash. It’s a two or three day process.”

Optimal weather for deck staining usually begins in May. “If it’s too cool, it won’t dry properly, and when it’s too hot, the stain bubbles,” explains Raymond.

Exterior doors are another spring chore. “Winter reveals wornout seals, which we can replace,” Raymond says. “With some older doors, the seals can’t be replaced, so the only alternative is to get a new door.”

For help with these and other home repair and improvement projects, contact Raymond at (815) 979-9016, or visit apshomepros.com. ❚

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I  W

Why Easter Matters

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aster is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was executed by civic and religious leaders in Jerusalem. It’s the moment in human history when death is overcome and eternal life is made possible for all who believe in Christ. It also marks the fulfillment of prophecies made many centuries earlier.

As centuries unfolded in early Jewish history, the birth, death and resurrection of a savior were foreshadowed by various prophets. Governed by Mosaic law, after their ecape from Egyptian bondage, the children of Israel were led by flawed prophets, kings and judges. The people, and sometimes their leaders, repeatedly disobeyed God and got themselves into trouble; God repeatedly bailed them out.

Isaiah is among the Old Testament prophets who forecast that God would someday send a messiah to save people from their own folly and the power of Satan once and for all. About 1,000 years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah says that a savior will be born in Bethlehem, to a virgin woman and a descendant of King David, from Nazareth. This messiah will begin his ministry in Galilee after someone else paves the way (John the Baptist); he will heal the brokenhearted; he will be both exalted and beaten; will largely be rejected; will take the blame for the sins of mankind; will be silent before his accusers; will be executed with criminals; will die with no bones broken, his body pierced; and will rise from the dead after three days and three nights in a rich man’s tomb.

Other prophecies say the messiah will be offered vinegar in his thirst; that his clothing will be divided among his oppressors, who will cast lots for them; and that he will be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver. All of these prophecies, and more, are fulfilled.

What the Old Testament prophets could not predict is the magnitude of impact this messiah would have on the world. They didn’t understand that, by his death and resurrection, all people of the earth who believe in him – not only the Israelites – would receive holy spirit and eternal life.

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This remained a mystery until after Christ’s resurrection and ascension to Heaven. Why? Because God didn’t wish to reveal his trump card and have his plan foiled, explains the Apostle Paul to early Christians living in Corinth.

“No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: [in Isaiah 64:4] ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ – but God has revealed it to us by his spirit. The spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:7-10 NIV) In the Gospels, we learn that Jesus has ushered in a new spiritual era, one in which love, not religious law, is the single most important element. Four eyewitnesses (Matthew, Mark Luke and John) tell us about Jesus’ birth, ministry, execution and resurrection and quote Jesus extensively. They don’t always agree on details, but they corroborate one another on major points, such as Christ’s purpose, priorities and expectations for us. The law was complicated and harsh; Jesus replaces it with a law of love that is simple, profound and powerful. Asked what the greatest commandments are, Christ answers: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV)

them of his resurrection. Specifically mentioned are Jesus’ mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, Salome and Joanna. Matthew and John both say that Jesus appeared to the women after they spoke to the angel(s).

What were Jesus’ final instructions?

He said many things, over the course of 40 days spent on earth in his resurrected body. In his final appearance before ascending to Heaven, he tells his apostles to wait in Jerusalem to receive holy spirit (on Pentacost) and then “…be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”

What is “Good Friday”?

The Friday before Easter Sunday (in the Western church) when we remember the day Jesus was crucified.

Here are some questions that commonly arise at Easter time.

What is Easter’s connection to Passover?

Passover is an ancient Jewish holiday that commemorates the miraculous escape from Egyptian slavery. Egypt was visited by 10 plagues before its Pharaoh released God’s people to the leadership of Moses.

The 10th plague was the death of the firstborn child in each household. Israelites who marked their doorposts with the blood of a spring lamb were spared this plague, or “passed over” by the plague.

Many centuries later, the execution and resurrection of Jesus played out during the Passover season, as prophesied by Isaiah, who referred to Jesus as our innocent Passover lamb. ❚

Who first learned that Jesus Christ had been resurrected?

In all four gospels, women were the first to discover the empty tomb of Jesus.

Angels in gleaming white clothes told

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–Janine Pumilia

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Roast Lamb – An Ancient Easter Tradition

By Peggy Werner

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efore Easter was ever observed, lamb was served as part of the Jewish holiday of Passover, to celebrate the Israelites’ release from slavery in Egypt.

It took 10 plagues to convince Pharoah to let them go, however, the last of which was the death of the firstborn in all families living in Egypt. The plague “passed over” Jewish homes, marked with blood of the sacrificial lamb; thus, roasted lamb was served with unleavened bread and bitter herbs as part of the ritual Passover feast, or seder.

As Christianity grew and the resurrection of Jesus as the “the Lamb of God” was celebrated, Christians embraced roasted lamb as part of their Easter tradition. Today, in our region, lamb is the second most popular choice of Easter meat after ham, says Peter Lentz, owner of 640 Meats, 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. He describes its characteristic flavor as mild and slightly sweet – sweeter than

pork or beef. “Lamb has a unique flavor, and you have to like it,” he says.

Lamb meat comes from a sheep killed in its first year; age and diet determine flavor and tenderness. The meat of the three-month-old spring lamb is light colored and very tender. Corn-fed American lamb is bigger than the grain-fed New Zealand lamb, but has a milder taste, he explains.

For Easter dinner, leg of lamb is a popular choice among Americans, as To ensure tender, moist lamb, don’t overcook it, is standing rack of lamb ribs. Ribs are advises Peter Lentz of 640 Meats in Loves Park. leaner but less meaty than the leg, says Lentz recommends generously rubbing Lentz, but both cuts have similar flavor and tenderness. Other cuts, such as shoul- the lamb with a rosemary herb mix before der and breast, are tougher and require roasting, and serving it with mint jelly.

Leftovers can be pulled apart and longer cooking times.

“The biggest mistake people make is mixed with barbeque sauce for a tasty overcooking lamb, which makes it tough sandwich filling. Thinly sliced lamb may and dry,” says Lentz. “It’s best to cook lamb be used in gyros – warm pita breads filled to a medium to medium-rare temperature. It with meat, tomato, onion and tzatziki, a should have some pink inside.” tangy yogurt and cucumber sauce. ❚

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Hop On Over to These Fun Easter Events I f you’re looking for some Easter-y fun this week, here’s a sampling of some of the events taking place right here in our region.

Bring your basket and fill it with eggs and goodies; meet the Easter Bunny.

Trail begins at the carousel. (815) 235-6114.

Spring Arts & Crafts/Farmers Market Through May 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Easter and Mother’s Day locally made gifts from Stephenson County – bird houses, jams, soaps, jewelry, garden art, children’s clothing, more. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 U.S. Hwy. 20 East, Freeport, (815) 233-1357.

Egg Hunt Egg-Stravaganza April 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Discovery Center Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Live animals for petting, 10,000 hidden eggs and fossilized eggs to see and touch. Learn more online at discoverycentermuseum. org. Admission: Members of either museum: children $2, adults no charge/Public: children $11, adults $8 (includes admission to both museums). (815) 963-6769 / (815) 965-3433.

Living Last Supper April 2-3, Cedarville Emmanuel Church, 175 N. Cedar St., Cedarville. 7 to 8:30 p.m. (815) 5634315.

Easter Bunny at the Mall April 3 & 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lincoln Mall, 1255 W. Galena Ave., Freeport. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., (815) 233-2174.

Bunny Trail April 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport.

Flapjacks on the Farm April 4, 10 a.m.3 p.m. Cottontail Trail, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pre-registration required for Flapjacks, with hourly seatings. Enjoy free activities, including an all-day Easter egg hunt (ages 2-7), Storyland, performances by

Jean B. (11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m.) Mascot Parade 2 p.m., visits to Animal Barn. Paid activities: crafts, games, food. Flapjacks on the Farm costs $5 per resident, $7 nonresident, register by April 2. Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford, (815) 987-8809, rockfordparkdistrict.org. ❚

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R  O R

Klehm Arboretum Continued from Cover

Walking the serene grounds at Klehm is one of the great simple pleasures of living in Greater Rockford. And if you need a special event to motivate your visit, there are plenty. Over the next few months, Klehm will host gardening workshops, a plant sale, a twilight fun run through its 155 acres and more.

First, though, it will kick off the gardening season with Botanica, an annual spring luncheon, on Wednesday, April 15, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Nationally renowned Midwest gardening expert Melinda Myers will speak. Along with writing for Birds & Blooms and Gardening How-To magazines, she produces nationally syndicated radio and TV segments called “Melinda’s Garden Moment,” and has published 20 books, including 2014’s Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. Learn more about the 10 a.m. workshop and noon luncheon at Klehm.org.

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On April 18, renowned horticulturist Dave Wanninger will present “What Trees to Plant after Emerald Ash Borers Strike,” at 10 a.m. at the Klehm Visitor Center. Wanninger is the Horticulturist in Charge at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, Wis. and previously worked at Beaver Creek Nursery and Song Sparrow Farm.

“The ash borers are working their way through our area right now and people can choose to treat their trees or remove and replace them,” says Riggs. “But it’s best to be proactive, because the infested trees become very unstable very quickly and can pose a huge hazard to people and their property.” The presentation is part of the Pauline J. and John A. Cook Horticulture Series at Klehm.

On Friday, April 24, Klehm will host its second annual Arbor Dash 5K run at 6:30 p.m. This non-competitive fun run is part road race, part trail run and is open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels.

“It’s a nice way for younger ages to enjoy the grounds here,”

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Riggs says of the family-friendly run.

In addition to a t-shirt, free passes to the garden and a reusable grocery bag, every participant goes home with a seedling to help keep the “forest” in the Forest City.

“Gardening with Ornamental Grasses” will be the subject of a presentation by U of I Extension Master Gardener Michelle Cox on April 25 at 10 a.m.

She’ll provide guidance for selection, care and ideal pairings for the many ornamental grasses available to gardeners.

R  O R Klehm celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. It’s named for the Klehm family, which bought the property in 1968 and donated it to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District in 1985. When the site was professionally inventoried in 1991, arborists noted the many unique species from throughout the world that normally don’t thrive in this region, and “the most vigorous evergreen collection in the Midwest.”

One special project that marks the anniversary is a renovation of the Sensory Garden, designed to appeal to senses beyond sight. Another is a new 12,000-square-foot hillside perennial garden outside the south doors of the Klehm Visitor Center, designed by Roy Diblik, a renowned planting specialist who has designed gardens for the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium and other high-profile clients. Diblik also chose the plants used in Lurie Garden at Millennium Park.

“Roy Diblik will be here on June 13, when we plant more than 4,000 individual Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden photos

perennial plants that will change in color and texture throughout the whole growing season,” says Riggs.

Klehm’s faithful volunteers, who donated more than 2,000 hours of their time last year, will help to plant the new garden. The project is funded by a Canadian National Railroad grant administered by the America in Bloom organization.

But it’s not just improvements to the Klehm property that excite Riggs, who has headed Klehm for three years now. “We’re excited about the South Main Street projects that are improving our whole south entrance to the city,” he says. “A lot of it won’t be completed for another year, but there’s already a big positive impact.”

Other upcoming Klehm events include the 2015 Plant Sale May 8-10 and Garden Fair 2015 June 5-7.

To learn about more Klehm events – including lectures, art classes and summer concerts – go to Klehm.org. You can also register for Botanica and the Arbor Dash online, and learn how to become a Klehm member.

If you’re curious about volunteer opportunities at Klehm, just pick up the phone and call.

“Volunteering here can be a very therapeutic thing to do, and we try hard to match projects to volunteers according to their interests and time constraints,” says Riggs.

It’s a well-known fact that gardeners are some of the nicest people on earth.

You’ll find plenty of them at Rockford’s own rare and beautiful Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. ❚

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FHN Rehab Services: What is a Physical Therapist?

M

We’re h ere , for you.

any people think of physical therapy in regard to rehabilitation following a stroke or heart attack, a car or workplace accident or surgery.

However, a physical therapist (PT) also acts independently of a traumatic situation, offering effective nonsurgical, drug-free options for conditions ranging from back pain and muscle tears, to degenerative bone conditions like osteoarthritis, and diseases such cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.

“We work to understand what’s important to the patient, not just to ensure that they can manage their regular everyday activities, but also to help them get back to the things they enjoy,” says Karen Christen, PT and director of FHN Rehabilitation Services, Occupational Health, Pain Clinic and Orthopedic Service Line.

“It’s our job to find out what’s important to them, and then do everything we can to get them there.”

One of the most important aspects of physical therapy is defining your challenges and goals. Your PT will examine you and talk to you about your symptoms and your daily activities. Then, you’ll work together to determine if you need help with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination and/or balance.

If you’re experiencing pain or swelling, getting those issues under control will be the first order of business. This may require manual therapy (massage or manipulation), educating you about how your body works, or techniques such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and aquatherapy (exercising in water).

Physical therapy almost always includes exercise, which might be stretching, weightlifting, or movements like walking or swimming that are specific to your injury, illness, condition, or that can help to prevent future health problems. Your PT will probably teach you how to exercise on your own, so that you can continue to improve once your course of therapy is complete.

Some PTs are board certified in areas such as orthopedics, sports and neurology, or may offer more specialized care such as cardiac rehabilitation or treatment focused on children, the elderly or women’s issues. Some physical therapists also use devices such as prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics (braces and supports) or other equipment.

For more information or to arrange treatment, visit fhn.org or call (877)-600-0345, ext. 940. ❚ Source: FHN

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Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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April 1

Aspiring Artists 2015 Exhibition Through April 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sat. Annual student exhibition featuring art work from young artists in grades K-12 from regional schools. Suggested Donation: $3/$2 age 12-under. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Spring Arts & Crafts/Farmers Market Expo Through May 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Shop for Spring, Easter and Mother’s Day gifts and choose locally made gifts from Stephenson County – bird houses, jams and jellies, soaps, jewelry, garden art, children’s clothing and more. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 U.S. Hwy. 20 East, Freeport, (815) 233-1357.

From Minks to Sinks April 3-4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-noon Sat. Fundraiser for Midway Village Museum. Gigantic sale of new and gently used furniture, small appliances, holiday decorations, knickknacks, collectibles, gardening supplies, kitchenware, tools, toys, books, more. Free admission. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Flipside Cinema: Begin Again April 3, 7 p.m. Kick-off of new series of independent and mainstream films with a twist. This romantic comedy stars Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. Food/beverages for sale. $5. Riverfront Museum Park, old Storefront Cinema, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, TheElementFilmSeries@gmail.com.

Arny Johnson Classic 10 Mile & 5K April 4, 7:30 a.m. The 10-mile course follows the Willow Creek Path into Rock Cut State Park, around the park road and returns to the high school. The 5-kilometer course a fast, flat out-and-back on the Willow Creek Path. Benefits Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. Start: Harlem High School, 9229 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, (815) 636-4573, rockfordhabitat.org.

Symphony Saturday April 5, 11 a.m.-noon. Family-friendly concert with RSO musicians, followed by a Musical Instrument Playground, where audience members can try to play the instruments. Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9722800, riverfrontmuseumpark.org.

(317 Studio & Gallery photo)

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View and shop original art from local artists, during Rockford’s Spring ArtScene, April 10-11.

Relay for Life Fashion Show April 8, 6:30 p.m. Featuring Shoe Sensation, The Clothes Bin & Gift Shop, Twice As Nice, and Vogue, to benefit Relay for Life Stephenson County. Prize drawings. $5. Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 238-3525.

Quintet Attacca April 10, 7:30 p.m. This chamber music ensemble performs pieces with influences of the romantic and classical eras to jazz and Latin.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

13th Annual Spring Artscene April 10-11, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. See new exhibits and original works of art for sale in watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, furniture, jewelry, photography, multi-media; meet the artists. Free admission. Sponsored by Rockford Area Arts Council. Various locations, Rockford, (815) 963-6765, springartscene.com.

19th Annual Stephenson County Fiber Art Fair April 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Workshops, demonstrations, vendors with fibers for spinning, finished yarn, dyes, books, gifts, handmade soap, equipment/supplies. $2/Free age 12-under. Jane Addams Community Center, 430 W. Washington St., Cedarville, Ill., (815) 541-0897.

Beauty & the Beast April 28, 7:30 p.m. The tale as old as time comes to elegant Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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April 1

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Restaurant of the Week

Olympic Tavern Keeps Customers Happy

By Peggy Werner

T

he Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., has been a familyowned Rockford icon for 70 years, always changing with the times and giving customers what they want.

The business has come a long way from the days when Anthony Rotello opened a little place where factory workers could get a burger and beer on the corner of Main and Fulton. When Anthony’s son, Tom, took over the business, in the 1990s, he fulfilled his vision of a full-service restaurant, three times larger, with a fireplace and lots of atmosphere.

Zak, the third generation of Rotellos to work in the restaurant, is beer director and an authority on craft beers.The beer menu changes daily, and lists 28 draft beers in order from lightest to darkest, with a description of the style, alcohol content and price.

Daily specials are seasonal items not on the menu, ranging in price from $14 to $19. Monday night is always burger night, with a half-pound burger and fries for $5 (no carry outs). The $12 Friday night fish fry includes cod with all the trimmings. The patio, which seats 80 and is open seasonally,

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

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

just got all new furniture from Village Green.

The Olympic remodeled, updated and expanded its bar about three years ago.

Although the business climate has changed, neighborhood and other local people still support The Olympic.

“The public makes us who we are. We are the livZak Rotello ing room of the neighborhood – a place where people can stop between work and home – and we’ll do the dishes for you,” he says.

Zak has a good role model in his father, who still works every day. “He taught me not to settle for second best and to always strive to be the best I can be,” he says. “Our business is about hospitality and making people feel welcomed, whether it’s greeting customers with a smile or doing something special for them on birthdays and anniversaries. We’re just one of a very few places that has called Rockford home for this long.” ❚

(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. $$.

In the Spotlight

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

Dos Reales

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

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

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

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

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

D

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998.

Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy.

“We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager.

Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

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Avoid Bad Golf Advice I

ain Roberts, master instructor at Mission Hills Golf Academies in China, has one message for golfers: “Don’t listen to your buddies.” These commonly offered tips, what Roberts calls the “Magnificent Seven,” can actually be harmful to your game, and he explains why.

1. Keep your head down. What this means is, keep your eyes on the ball. Looking down too long is as bad as looking up too soon. Rotate your head/face toward the target as you finish your swing.

2. Don’t use your hands. Your arms and hands move faster than any other body part during the swing, so keep your hands active to gain maximum speed.

3. Use the big muscles to get power. Clubhead speed comes from proper use of hands and arms. Big muscles are needed, but body rotation, weight transfer and posture are also key. Maximum clubhead speed at impact comes from following the correct sequence during the downswing.

4. You need to make a big turn. The ideal backswing is 90 degrees for the upper body and 45 degrees for the lower, but physical limitations and ability to control your swing are more important.

5. Slow down – you’re swinging too fast.

What this means is, start your swing in control and follow the correct sequence.

Your swing will be smoother and look slower, but clubhead speed will increase.

6. Relax and don’t hold the club so tight.

Relaxing your body too much is just as bad. A firm hold on the club activates certain body muscles and ensures the clubface doesn’t open or close or simply come out of your hands at impact.

7. Keep your left arm straight. What this means is, comfortably straight, in the backswing, while the right arm folds.

Through impact, the right arm is straight and has extension, so your left arm should fold and rotate on the way through the ball for better strikes and more consistency.

There you have it, seven steps to golfing heaven – if you can steer clear of bad advice. ❚ Source: Family Features Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Energy Assessment Saves Money B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

A

cold room or draft, cold spots on the floor and an overly warm upstairs all indicate air leakage in your home.

“With problems like these, people naturally assume they need new windows,” says Austin Carr, owner of Greenlink Energy Solutions of Rockford. “In terms of making your home more energy efficient, however, the ROI on new windows is very low.” Instead, he recommends an energy assessment, to correctly identify problems and ensure that the correct solutions are applied.

The standard process, which takes two or three hours, begins with a client interview. “I want to talk with the homeowners about issues they’re having, any recent home improvements – get a thorough background on the home and the family’s lifestyle,” says Carr.

Next is a visual inspection of the home, inside and out. “When I inspect the exterior of a home, I look at overhangs, doors and windows,” Carr says. “Inside, I check the exterior walls and openings like electrical outlets, thermostats, windows and doors. In the attic and basement, I look for dampness or water stains, move insulation to get to entry points in the house, penetration from water pipes, vents, electrical wires – any causes for air leakage.”

The standard assessment includes a thermal imaging audit of the home, which visually reveals heat loss, and visual inspections of water heaters, furnaces and all major appliances. Homeowners then receive a full report of the audit and recommended solutions.

A more complete audit includes a blower door test, which creates a negative pressure inside the home to identify air leaks. “Homes have a natural pressure boundary, or envelope,” Carr explains.

“Low or negative pressure creates suction, pulling in cold air. High or positive pressure pushes out the warm air. It’s a cycle. Air that you’re paying to condition is escaping, all day, every day.”

One solution is air sealing, which fills in the gaps that allow air to enter and escape the home. “It’s like putting your finger on top of straw, and the liquid stays in,” Carr explains. “Sealing can be done with pressure packed insulation, foam and foam board, and in some cases, drywall, to avoid sealing in moisture.”

In addition to lower utility bills and improved indoor air quality, homeowners employing home energy solutions like air sealing may qualify for tax credits or even cash rebates.

For more information or to schedule a home energy assessment, call Greenlink Energy Solutions at (815) 985-5181, or visit the website at usgreenlinks.com. ❚

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@ 6 ng ge eli pa od o e m Se Re bin le ab m rd a fo G Af

iving n g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • April 1, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Lots Going On at Rare & Beautiful Klehm Arboretum

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

W

here can you find a natural area unlike any other in the U.S.? At remarkable Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, where all sorts of unusual trees were planted more than a century ago, by landscape architect William Lincoln Taylor.

“It’s rare, not only because of the variety of trees that were planted as an experiment in hardiness, but also because of the maturity of those trees which were never harvested,” says Dan Riggs, Klehm’s executive director.

Taylor never had the chance to stroll beneath a 100-year-old European Larch, Greek Fir or Umbrella Magnolia on his property – but we do.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Inside: Advice for Cooking Your Easter Lamb • Master Golf Tips • Hop to These Easter Happenings Save Money with Home Energy Services • Restaurant of the Week: Olympic Tavern

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