Smart Living Weekly - March 1, 2017

iving ny Smart L ivi Weekl Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 1, 2017

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Right in Our Region

19 th PaleoFest At Burpee Museum

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Light Your Home Properly Enjoy Life at Any Age How to Avoid Foot Pain Be Smarter than Your Smart Phones Save Money: Pay Yourself First

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Discover Dinosaur Mysteries at PaleoFest 2017 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Lighting Gallery Offers ‘Jewelry for the Home’ Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Thankful ... No Matter What Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tart Cherry Granola Smoothie Bowls Your Technology ...............................................19 Don’t Let Your Smartphone Intimidate You Your Senior Living .................................. .......... 23 Life Can Be Good at Any Age Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Avoid Foot Pain by Wearing the Right Shoes Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Peak’s Thrive Cafe Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Financial Tips for the Sandwich Generation

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 Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer 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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A Gift Lives On

T

he 19th annual PaleoFest is coming up this weekend and I find myself feeling irrationally proud of our Burpee Museum of Natural History. I say “irrationally” because I’ve personally done absolutely nothing to make it what it is today. Still, our publications have been cheering it on for so long that I feel like we’re part of it. I hope a lot of folks in our region feel that kind of pride because this gem wouldn’t exist without the public support it has enjoyed for 75 years now.

Like many of us, I first encountered Burpee during an elementary school field trip in about 1970, back when all of the displays were in the lovely Barnes Mansion, 813 N. Main St., now used as museum offices. I recall climbing the beautiful, creaky wooden staircase and finding glass-covered displays of beetles, arrowheads, bats and various mounted wild animals.

It marked the first time I gave much thought to who and what lived in our region besides us, and it fueled my imagination.

Many decades later, as I worked on a story for Northwest Quarterly, I learned about Harry and Della Burpee, who generously purchased the William Nelson home at 737 N. Main St. and donated it to what was then the Rockford Art Association, in 1935. They also set up a trust fund that allowed the art museum to open to the public in 1942, 75 years ago. In time, the art folks found new digs and the natural history folks moved into the space, with their collection begun by the American Nature Study Society in 1910.

I recall reading that the Burpees were deeply touched by the sight of a father explaining something to his child in a museum, during a trip to Europe. Childless themselves, the couple wanted to do something for their hometown that would allow parents and children to learn together and appreciate the wider world. They died a long time ago, but the legacy they set into motion lives on today. There’s a lesson in this. We are mortal, but our acts of kindness are not. ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y H  G

Lighting Gallery Offers ‘Jewelry for the Home’

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

P

roper lighting plays an important role in the aesthetics of a home. In fact, lighting department manager Michael McGinty from Benson Stone Co., 1100 Eleventh St., Rockford, refers to lighting as “jewelry for the home.”

“You can spend a lot of money on paint, flooring, cabinets and furniture, but if your home is poorly lit, it will never look its best,” McGinty says.

“Proper lighting is essential for a beautiful and functional home.”

Staff members at Benson Stone Co. can assist you in picking out the proper lighting for your home. The expansive new lighting department on the fourth floor showcases chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, outdoor fixtures, landscape lighting and more. There’s a lighting style for everyone, from traditional to contemporary.

“Crystal is making a big comeback,” McGinty says. “It’s not your grandmother’s crystal chandelier anymore – we’re seeing a lot of contemporary pieces that I’ll call ‘lightly dressed.’ It’s not a heavy crystal piece, but it has a little accent of crystal on it.”

And there are other trends.

“On the opposite side of the spectrum, people are choosing the reclaimed urban-warehouse style,” says store owner Andy Benson. “You’ll see a lot of these Edison-style bulbs for a more industrial look.”

Benson Stone Co.’s showroom is organized around the style and finish of the fixture. Lights of all sizes and price ranges are available.

“Customers have a lot of options here,” Benson says. “I think this showroom helps to emphasize, more than ever

before, that we are a one-stop shop. You can discover a full breadth of products here. It’s convenient to be able to find the right lighting to go with your new kitchen, sofa or dining room table all right here in one store.” ❚

Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. com and start your e-Edition today.

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I  W

Thankful ....

No Matter What

F

ew habits can raise one’s level of personal happiness more than the habit of seeing what’s good and being thankful for it. This holds true for all people, and for Christians it’s central to following the example set by Jesus Christ.

Many credible studies have documented that people who focus on what’s good in their lives report higher overall satisfaction with life than those who focus on their lack. In large part, happiness is connected less with our condition than with how we choose to view our lives.

Dramatic illustrations of this concept are plentiful. One is the story of Nick Vujicic, an Australian man born without arms or legs who nearly succumbed to deep depression in his youth.

As a teen, he began to view his disability as a way help others and committed his life to God. Today he runs Life Without Limbs, a successful nonprofit organization, and travels the world as a motivational speaker. He recently married and had a child. He has a worldwide following and a meaningful, enjoyable life.

“It’s not about the outside. It’s about being complete on the inside,” he recently told a crowd. “I’ve seen so many people complete on the outside who don’t know the truth. It’s the truth that sets you free, and who the son sets free is free indeed.”

Jesus Christ consistently set an example of thankfulness, even during his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, although he knew he would soon be tortured and killed. The Apostle Paul followed suit despite much hardship.

Psalm 100:4-5, likely penned by King David, advises: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

All of us face pain in our lives at some point. But even in the darkest moments, we can look up and be thankful to draw breath. Each of us has the capacity to face life with joy and thanksgiving.

We’re free to adopt or reject an attitude – Janine Pumilia of gratitude. ❚

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Y K

Go Tart for Your Heart with Smoothie Bowls E

ating with heart health on your mind has never tasted so good. While many aspects of life can impact heart health, opting for nutritious foods plays an especially important role.

Start the day off by blending frozen tart cherries into a Tart Cherry Granola Smoothie Bowl or incorporating dried tart cherries into your favorite trail mix when it’s time for a snack. This hearthealthy, ruby-red fruit has a distinct sweet-tart taste that makes an easy addition to a variety of dishes and is available year-round in dried, frozen, juice and concentrate forms.

To learn more about the health benefits of Montmorency tart cherries and find more delicious recipes, visit ChooseCherries.com.

Tart Cherry Granola Smoothie Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Sonja Overhiser of A Couple Cooks, on behalf of the Cherry Marketing Institute

Ingredients: Granola: 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 3/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup dried Montmorency tart cherries 1/2 cup pepitas

Smoothie Bowl: 2 1/2 cups frozen Montmorency tart cherries 2 TB. fresh lemon juice (1 lemon) 1 1/2 TB. maple syrup 1 ripe banana 1 cup almond milk, plus additional (optional) Preparation: Heat oven to 325 F. In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup and vanilla. In separate bowl, stir together oats, salt, cinnamon and almonds. Pour in mixture. Bake about 45 minutes until golden brown, stirring

every 15 minutes and watching carefully near end of baking, stirring more, if necessary.

Roughly chop dried cherries. When granola is baked cool slightly, then stir in cherries and pepitas.

Note: Granola can be stored in airtight container up to 1 month.

To make smoothie bowl: Blend together tart cherries, lemon juice, maple syrup, banana and almond milk. If necessary, add additional milk for a smoother consistency. Serve smoothie in bowl with 1/4 cup tart cherry granola. ❚

Source: Family Features

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Y T

Don’t Let Your Smartphone Intimidate You

By Peggy Werner

A

nthony Jenkins, owner of Apple Shack Repair Shop, 11706 N. Main St., Roscoe, repairs phones and attitudes.

The Apple Shack specializes in the repair and replacement of all Apple and Samsung products, including smartphones, tablets and computers.

Sometimes, customers need as much help as the devices in their hands. To help people feel more at ease with technology, Jenkins offers 60-minute one-on-one and group classes for $60.

“I mostly deal with baby boomers.

It’s not that they aren’t capable; many are just still intimidated by their smartphones,” he says. “They’re not using their devices to their full potential, and I tell them their lives can change, if they just know how to use apps.”

Most people who struggle don’t know they can back up photos and data.

Others need to know how to clean up

their device with malware and antivirus protection.

The important thing to remember, when you have a problem, is not to panic. If you have a blank screen, check to see if the phone is turned on or the computer is plugged in. If you have a question, turn to Google or YouTube, Jenkins recommends.

He knows a thing or two about perseverance.

Jenkins grew up in a rough neighborhood on the East Coast, had a fondness for computers and a grandfather who encouraged him. He also had a knack for fixing electronics and friends who were able to teach him.

He later served in the U.S. Marine Corps before going to college to study political science, public administration and criminal justice. When he started his business three-and-a-half years ago, he had very

little money and not much to work with except his own determination, a passion for his work, and a willingness to tough it out on the path to success.

“When I joined the Marines, I wasn’t athletic. I just jumped in and decided to do it. Some people learn slower than others, but we can all learn,” he says. ❚

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R  O R

Dinosaur Mysteries Unfurled at PaleoFest Y

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor dinosaur bone has growth rings much like ou’ve heard about gateway drugs, a tree trunk’s? right? Well, science has gateways, Williams says, “By using histology too. And PaleoFest is an event that just to study the microscopic makeup of these might lead you or your child to an excitrings, we find answers to questions like ing journey of discoveries. ‘how old was this animal when it died?

“We like to say that paleontology is How fast did it move? How much CO2 a ‘gateway science’ to other sciences,” was in its environment? Was it a juvenile says Scott Williams, science and exhibor an adult when it died?’” its manager at Burpee Museum of NatuThe 19th annual PaleoFest runs ral History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford.

March 4 & 5, featuring keynote “Some people may envision dusty dinospeaker Dr. Matthew C. Lamanna, saur bones when they think of paleontolfrom the Carnegie Museum of Natogy, but it’s so much more than that. Paleural History in Pittsburgh. With his ontology tells the story of Earth’s history colleagues, Lamanna discovered the from many perspectives – from the clilong-necked, plant-eating dinosaur mate, from the animals, from the environtitanosaurian sauropod and led the ment surrounding the animals … not only study of a bizarre, bird-like dinoby studying fossils, but by using chemissaur called anzu, better known as the try, geo-chemistry, medical sciences and “Chicken from Hell.” He’s appeared so much more.” on TV programs for PBS (NOVA), For example, did you know that a

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the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, A&E, the Science Channel and more.

He’s led field expeditions to Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, China, Egypt and Greenland.

While PaleoFest is an event for serious dinosaur scholars, it’s also a fun family experience with four all-new family

R  O R

workshops with special activities. While you’re there, explore the ever-changing museum, which this year introduces two new exhibits in honor of Burpee’s 75th anniversary. “Rediscover Burpee” highlights seldom-seen gems from Burpee collections; the new “Fossil Lake” exhibit contains fossils that are 52 million years old. They were unearthed from part of the Green River Formation in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah and include a turtle, horse, four-foot palm frond and

more.

Wait. A palm frond in Wyoming?

You heard right. Studying the ways and rate at which Earth’s climates have changed over millions of years is all part of paleontology.

Williams began volunteering at Burpee when he was 19. Now 42, he’s coordinated 14 of the 19 PaleoFests and handpicks the speaker lineup each year.

“Our presenters come from all stages of their paleontology careers and are scientists making significant contributions,” he says. “They talk about what they’re working on right now. We get a sneak peek at the most current research.”

About 2,000 people attended PaleoFest last year. The event has continually grown and serves as a model for similar science events nationwide.

“Emulation is a great compliment, and we love to see the ‘science meets the streets’ concept growing,” says Williams.

The museum gained worldwide recognition in 2001 when members of an

expedition it led discovered “Jane,” the world’s best-preserved juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex, in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana. Four years after Jane became the museum’s centerpiece, a Burpee team again struck dino-gold when it found, in the same location, the world’s most complete sub-adult Triceratops fossil. “Homer” was put on display here in 2013.

“Area children who first saw Jane when they were in grade school are now in college,” Williams muses. “We’re introducing her all over again to a whole new generation.”

PaleoFest begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and runs through 5 p.m. on Sunday, with a Saturday night dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the keynote speaker appearing at 7:30 p.m.

General admission is $25 or $15 for Burpee members. Adults attending with children may enter for $10. Children must be accompanied by adults.

Find the complete schedule at burpee.org or call (815) 965-3433. ❚

Let’s have some FUN! REGISTER NOW!

Visit rockfordlutheran.org/summer-camps-programs or call 815.877.9551 for more information!

www.RockfordLutheran.org Rockford Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin.

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Y S L

Life Can Be Good at Any Age

By Peggy Werner

G

etting older doesn’t have to mean letting go of what makes life good.

Helping people get the most out of life is a focus at Crimson Pointe Senior Living, 7130 Crimson Ridge Dr., Rockford. The new Lifestyle 360 Program there is a holistic approach to living that gives residents what they need in the areas of intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual satisfaction.

“Studies have shown that if people are kept engaged in these areas, they live longer, healthier lives,” says Matt Hopkins, executive director.

And it’s not just about bingo, puzzles, and reading material.

Lifestyle 360 offers residents options such as Yoga for Seniors, Tai Chi, and other exercise programs; pet therapy, volunteer opportunities, themed dinners, wine tastings, art classes, cooking class-

es, book clubs, Reiki, and other ways to stir the spirit through nature and getting outdoors.

“Everyone here was 20 and 30 years old at one time and did amazing things,” says Hopkins. “This program is our way of acknowledging each person’s worth, even though life has changed. This is just another chapter in the book of life, and it’s not the end chapter. It’s a time to let go of stress, chaos and fear – and just do the things that bring pleasure,” he says.

Crimson Pointe also honors residents with a “Wall of Honor,” recognizing those residents, their spouses, and staff members who have served their country through the U.S. military.

Plans are also underway, within the next two years, to give the 19-year-old building a facelift. Certain areas will be enlarged and updated, without affecting

the basic design and floor plan, Hopkins says.

Crimson Pointe Senior Living is among the 270 Five Star Senior Living communities in 30 states. It offers seniors help with the activities of daily living such as personal care, transportation and medical reminders. Rehabilitative and respite care are also available. For more information, contact Crimson Pointe at lifeatcrimsonpointe.com or call (815) 398-7792. ❚

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Y H

Avoid Foot Pain by Wearing the Right Shoes P

By Peggy Werner

eople usually walk into Akerman’s Shoes at Edgebrook Center, 1613 N. Alpine Road, after friends and foot doctors recommend they go there to get relief for their aching feet.

The store is known for its quality, supportive shoes and great customer service. In business for 57 years, Akerman’s has always catered to seniors looking for comfort and supportive shoes, but younger people are feeling the need, too.

“They know we have always taken care of Mom and Grandma, and they come to us when they need help, too,” says Diane Cooling, buyer at Akerman’s.

“Teens, especially, are now coming in for Birkenstock sandals and they don’t look much different than they did when their parents bought them,” she says.

Birkenstock is headquartered in Germany and its clogs and sandals have been

available in the U.S for 50 years. The company is known for crafting premium quality shoes that promote health and well-being.

Aetrex and Alegria are two of the newest brands of shoes, boots and sandals at Akerman’s. Oofos is a sandal made with foam for comfort and support

and is engineered to help painful feet recover quickly from a workout or long day at work. The shoe is designed to be 37 percent more shock absorbent than regular footwear, while cradling the arch and flexing with the foot when walking.

“People put on these shoes and feel instant relief from pain,” she says.

Many manufacturers of shoes today are responding to the foot problems caused by wearing inexpensive shoes that don’t offer proper support.

Expect to pay a little more for better shoes that fit right. “People always say it’s worth it,” Cooling says.

Learn more at akermanshoes.com or call (815) 397-9706. ❚

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March 1

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

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Kristin Chenoweth and the RSO March 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Emmy and Tony Awardwinning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth joins the RSO for an unforgettable evening Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com under the stars. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine March 2, 7:30 p.m. Formed by the Council of Ministers of Ukraine in November 1918, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is considered to be one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe. Presented by the Rockford Coronado Concert Association.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

The Freeport Art Museum celebrates the artistic talent of K-12 students on March 3.

Williams, Chico Bean and T-Dot. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

First Fridays in Downtown Rockford March 3, 5 p.m. Every First Friday brings Rockford a monthly evening of art, music and shopping. Downtown Rockford, (779) 537-5319, facebook.com/FirstFridaysRockford.

Sock Monkey Madness Festival March 4-5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Make a sock monkey at this Candyland-themed event. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Aspiring Artists Exhibition March 3, 5-7 p.m. The Freeport Art Museum celebrates the artistic talent of K-12 students from surrounding communities. Hundreds of works are on display. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

WWE Live: Road to WrestleMania March 5, 5 p.m., doors 4 p.m. See your favorite WWE superstars. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

PaleoFest 2017 March 3-5, Fri. 10 a.m.-Sun. 5 p.m. Enjoy captivating speakers, creative workshops and family-friendly activities – all related to dinosaurs.

Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Sweeney Todd, the Musical March 3-5, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 & 7 p.m. One of the darkest musicals ever written, “Sweeny Todd: A Musical Thriller” is the unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns home to London to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 871-6422, rockford.edu.

Rockford Laugh-A-Thon March 4, 7 p.m. Headliner DeRay Davis has won awards, appeared in films and performed in many comedy clubs throughout his career.

Also appearing are Don “DC” Curry, Damon

Get the Led Out March 5, 7 p.m. Dubbed by the media as “The American Led Zeppelin,” Get The Led Out offers a strong focus on Zeppelin’s early years.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Avalon String Quartet March 5, 3 p.m. The Avalon String Quartet returns to the Mendelssohn stage for its sixth season, with music composed by Matthew Quayle in addition to Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” Beethoven and more. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Irish Marching Society Parade March 11, parade starts 3 p.m. The Irish Marching Society presents its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade with food, drinks and entertainment to follow. Parade begins on 5th Avenue, south of the BMO Harris parking lot. Festivities follow at Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, irishmarchingsociety.com. ❚

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WDL

High Nutrition Served at Peak’s Thrive Café

By Peggy Werner

P

eak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill., is offering yet another way to achieve good health.

Thrive Café opened seven months ago and is open to the public as well as to Peak members. The menu consists primarily of freshly made salads, wraps, Panini sandwiches, cold-pressed juices and smoothies. All homemade items are prepared with fresh ingredients purchased locally.

Jason Rager, owner and operator of Thrive Café, is a personal trainer who emphasizes the nutritional side of fitness.

He says good carbohydrates fuel a workout, and protein and other nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables help the body recover and repair after strenuous activity.

Rager describes the freshly made cold-pressed juices and smoothies as a

“meal-in-a-cup” because of the quantity of fruits and vegetables used in each 16-ounce serving. Making the drinks on the spot allows for optimum nutrition you can’t find in processed foods.

Juicing extracts the liquid from fruits and vegetables, leaving the fiber behind. Without the fiber, it’s easier to consume lots of fruits and vegetables and quickly get essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes into the blood stream for an energy burst.

“Juicing changes the body at a cellular level. With new cells being generated all of the time and getting the nutrients they need, the body just functions better,” he says.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/AmeriArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 can. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm; (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11a.m.-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$.

T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sealoit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakCosta’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 4979. L D Sun-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat to 10:30 p.m. $-$$.

Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Som- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. melier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, local- Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, RosGiordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, coe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon.-Sat. 4 p.m.-close. $-$$.. ❚ 28

Smart Living Weekly

March 1 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Smoothies are made with the whole fruit, giving the consumer the benefit of fiber, which is more filling. It allows for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream and is good roughage. Because smoothies are blended, you can add other ingredients like nuts and seeds that can’t go through a juicer.

Either way, people get daily servings of fruits and vegetables they otherwise might not consume, which helps to protect the human body from disease.

Thrive Café is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is closed Sunday. ❚

In the Spotlight Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

L

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and and seafood selections.

Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history.

Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historical photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel.

Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

Dickey’s Dish of the Week Name of Plate: Rib Plate Restaurant: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 845 S. Perryville Road, Rockford Description: This dish comes with five hickory-smoked rib bones – just one bone short of a half rack. The plate also comes with two homestyle side dishes. Choose from mac and cheese, baked potato casserole, green beans with bacon and onions, waffle fries, coleslaw, potato salad and other options.

Why does this dish stand out?

“The ribs are smoked fresh every day with real hickory wood,” says Ryan McPeek, owner. “That gives them a really nice flavor. There’s also a lot of food on the rib plate. A lot of people end up taking home leftovers.”

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers dine-in, carry-out and catering services. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. ❚

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Y M

‘Pay Yourself First’ is Key to Saving Money

By Peggy Werner

N

o matter how much money you have to spend, getting into the habit of saving money is not only a good idea, it’s also good planning.

Everyone should have an emergency savings account, with money set aside for those unexpected costs that are inevitable, like replacing a worn-out appliance, fixing a leaky roof, repairing a car or paying medical expenses, says Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, headquartered at 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“We teach the mantra ‘Pay yourself first.’ If you’re not in the habit of saving, set aside a small amount of money on a regular basis until you get used to the idea and enjoy the results,” Lynch suggests.

“You have to work up to it, but the earlier you start, the more you will benefit from getting into the habit of saving.

People find out they can enjoy saving money as much as they enjoy spending it. When an emergency occurs, you won’t have to wonder where the money is coming from, you’ll have it,” he says.

Of course, a lot depends on how old you

are, what debt you have, your family size, and personal situation.

Technology makes it easy to transfer money to a savings account before making other payments. “The only thing you have to be diligent about is increasing the amount over time. People think they will miss the money, but they won’t, especially if they increase the amount they set aside gradually, maybe eat out less, or make other minor adjustments to the way they live.”

MembersAlliance also has branch locations at 6951 Olde Creek Road in Rockford, and inside the Walmart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and Rockton Road in Rockton. ❚

Get SLW Money articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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