Smart Living Weekly - August 30, 2017

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Aug. 30, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Pride of Oregon Paddles the Rock

See Page 16

Dreamy Bedroom Updates Help a Child Learn to Read Interested in Criminal Justice ?

Freeport & Beloit Festival Fun

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4 Tickets to Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Pride of Oregon at Maxson’s Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Dreamy Bedroom Updates Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Helping Others Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Make-Your-Own Vanilla Ice Cream Your Community ................................................9 Help Children Learn to Love Reading Your Education .................................................29 Continue Your Education at Upper Iowa U. Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New LASIK Treatments Your Health ............................................. .......... 19 Got Bad Habits? Try Hypnosis Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Monday Nights Live at Prairie Street Brewhouse Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Steven Wysong Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Lifting Spirits

W

atching the Texas hurricane coverage is a heartbreaking experience. But during natural disasters, Americans have each others’ backs. The best ways most of us can help are with prayer and donations to trustworthy relief organizations. We should be wary of the scammers who inevitably capitalize on the misery of others. They’re easily avoided if we donate to experienced, reputable groups such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Once you’ve done what you can to help, your spirits may need some lifting. May we suggest you pick up a copy of our latest Northwest Quarterly Magazine (NWQ) that just rolled off the press. It’s an especially beautiful issue in more ways than one.

First, we present gorgeous photography and an interesting read about the Driftless Area of our region, especially in southwestern Wisconsin. This unique region inspired Frank Lloyd Wright and many other luminaries, but many of us don’t even realize it’s part of our own backyard and waiting to be explored.

There’s also a beautiful story unfolding at Burpee Museum of Natural History, which is rebounding from serious financial challenges, thanks to the good hearts of talented leaders who understand the importance of this gem to our community. We’ll introduce you to the new leadership team.

Did you know a railroad once ran through what is now Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park? Or that posh “country gentleman farms” like Indian Hill Manor once played an important role in advancing U.S. farm practices? I always learn so much in the process of helping to produce these local magazines.

In another article, we ask why perfectly sane people jump out of perfectly good airplanes. Recently, our publisher Bill Hughes and his son, Brian, did just that. It’s not how I would spend a weekend afternoon, but I can’t help admiring those who have the nerve.

Find your complimentary copy of NWQ at hundreds of stores and businesses who advertise with us, or stop by our office at 222 7th St. in Rockford’s Midtown District. Find a list of our advertisers at northwestquarterly.com. Enjoy your week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Help a Child to Discover the Joy of Reading

By Peggy Werner s the new school year gets underway, United Way and The Literacy Council want to help young children get off to a good start by discovering the endless joy that reading makes possible.

That effort begins by recruiting volunteers to spend as little as 30 minutes a week with a student in kindergarten through third grades, through the I READ Program.

“Our goal is to build a positive relationship with an adult through reading, while enhancing reading skills,” says Courtney Jonsson, I READ Program Manager at the The Literacy Council. “Our need is always greater than the number of volunteers we have, but our best advertisers are those who help students and talk about how much they love the program. It’s rewarding on both sides and many of our volunteers will work with their students all three years and into

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fourth grade, if they still need help.”

One of the ways volunteers can help children learn to love reading is by getting to know them and picking out books on subjectsthey enjoy or want to know more about.

“If you enjoy what you’re reading, you will read more,” she says.

In its seventh year, I READ is in 19 schools in four local school districts. Volunteers can help more than one child if they desire. Teachers select students according to need. Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session to get acquainted with the school and safety rules, and to learn about encouraging students, reading techniques, and how to pick age-appropriate books.

By the end of the year, United Way and The Literacy Council will have provided each student with 12 new books for their home libraries.

“Parents are encouraged to read with their children at home and take every opportunity to help their child practice reading,” says Jonsson. “Even reading signs seen while riding in the car or walking around stores is helpful to a child’s growth, academically. Parents who read to their children or encourage them to read on their own are giving them a great head start in life.”

To volunteer, contact Jonsson at Courtney@theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323, ext. 14. ❚

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Build a Dreamy Bedroom

By Jermaine Pigee, deputy editor tional feel, navy pairs well with comfortable, pretty bedroom is one nearly every color scheme, without of life’s wondrous simple pleasures, making a space feel small. especially after a busy day of working Gray remains a popular neutral or taking care of the kids. And a dream color and is trending to the warmer bedroom is well within reach, with some side – think fawn gray instead of a careful planning. Maybe that dream besteel gray. One way that furniture gins when you see a lovely bedroom on makers are warming up grays is HGTV or Pinterest. by mixing gray-stained wood with “People are seeing these wondermore traditional brown stains in the ful looks and they see how they can put same piece. things together and it makes them want “Maybe you do a gray bedroom to make their space new and different and with blue pillows and blue accents,” trendy,” says Mitchell Johnson of GusJohnson says. Hybrid mattresses are tafson Furniture & Mattress, with locapopular among buyers of all ages. Dress tions on East State Street and West Rivthem up with luxurious upholstered headerside Boulevard in Rockford. “We can boards, a curvy metal farmhouse canopy help them to create that room.” or sleigh-shaped wooden head and foot Johnson observes a trend toward boards; find deep drawers under the bed simpler, more practical bedding. to maximize your storage space.

“We’re definitely seeing a lot of blue “Hybrid mattresses have springs, in textiles, such as aqua or navy,” Johnbut they also have gel and memory foam son says. As a modern twist on a tradi-

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on top,” Johnson says. “They give you the best of both worlds.”

As for furniture, nearly everyone wants night stands as a practical matter.

But dressers are not always needed.

“A lot of the newer homes have walk-in closets, so people may just do a bed and two nightstands,” Johnson says. “Older homes typically don’t have enough storage and closet space, so dressers and chests are still needed.” ❚

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I  W

Helping Others T he concepts that matter most to God are pretty clear in scripture. At the top is loving God above all else; next is loving people. In Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV) we read: Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “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.”

If we do only these two things, we’re obeying God. But God wants more than obedience; He wants us to really love Him and to really love other people. He also wants us to do His work in partnership with Him. We can’t love Who we don’t know.

Jesus Christ studied scripture from the time he was young. Years later, when Satan tempted him, he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV).

Satan also knew scripture and slyly quoted it back to Jesus in verse 5. Because Jesus was confident in what he knew, he couldn’t be tricked or talked out of it. We also need to know God through scripture.

When it comes to loving people, we may feel pretty overwhelmed. Where do we begin? There’s so much need.

God wouldn’t tell us to love and help others if it weren’t possible. He knows we’re weak. He asks for our willingness to go where He leads and tells us to rely upon His strength. When we pray for guidance in how to help others, we should expect that He will answer.

God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Paul’s response: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Make-Your-Own Ice Cream L ocally sourced foods are becoming increasingly important to families across the country – and more moms are taking note of where their family’s food comes from. More than three-quarters of moms are actively looking for locally sourced food options when grocery shopping, according to a new survey from the National Milk Life Campaign.

From Farm to Glass Nearly two-thirds of moms think milk takes anywhere from more than two days to more than a week to travel from the farm to grocery stores throughout the country, when it typically arrives on shelves in just 48 hours, on average, after leaving the farm.

Part of a Balanced Diet Milk is a wholesome way to help your family get natural protein and balanced nutrition. Whether it’s reduced fat, fat free or organic, dairy milk is remarkably simple, containing just three ingredients: milk, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Y K

For a traditional favorite that kids are sure to enjoy, try Giorgio’s homemade ice cream recipe. The whole family will love this treat, and you can feel good about the wholesome and delicious ingredients like milk.

For more information and delicious recipes, visit milklife.com.

Giorgio’s Homemade Ice Cream Ingredients 1 1/2 cups whole milk 2 1/2 cups heavy cream 8 egg yolks 1 cup cane sugar 1/4 tsp. sea salt 1 Tb. vanilla extract

Directions In a medium saucepan, bring the milk and the heavy cream to a simmer, over medium heat.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks until they lighten in

color. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding in small amounts and then return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Add the vanilla, adjust the seasoning and cook the ice cream base for 3-4 hours.

Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s directions. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

See Fall Colors from Maxson’s Riverboat

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

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some wildlife from the boat.”

Nancy can’t make any promises, but oftentimes she can point out eagles flying or nesting along the river. She can for certain point out an eagle nest on any given trip, as well as Lorado Taft’s famous 48-foot Eternal Indian, otherwise known as Black Hawk Statue, which stands right across the river from the restaurant. She’s also seen deer and wild turkeys on the riverbanks.

“I love to see people get excited when they see wildlife from the boat,” Nancy says. “And when the trees change colors and you see the reds and the golds – oh my gosh – it’s gorgeous.”

The river views make the food taste even better, Nancy adds. Her daughter and son-in-law are the chefs at the restaurant, and their passion for food is evident in Maxson’s ever-changing menu. Lunch

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The boat accommodates 149 people, with space for 115 in the dining room.

Nancy often receives requests to host special occasions on the boat, such as anniversaries, birthday parties, baby and bridal showers and weddings.

“If somebody wants a special party, we’ll do it,” she says.

Fall is one of Nancy’s favorite times to take a lunch or dinner cruise on the Maxson’s riverboat. The crisp autumn air is a welcome change from the summer heat, and the changing colors of the trees are a beautiful sight to witness.

No matter where you sit on the boat, there’s a window to watch the scenery go by.

“It’s a very relaxing trip,” Nancy says. “ It’s seven miles up the river north, and then we turn around and come back.

There are so many days when you can see

Main St.

n exciting new life chapter began for Frank and Nancy Semmerling when they bought Maxson’s Riverboat and Riverside Restaurant in Oregon, Ill. Before owning the restaurant, the couple had made many happy memories gazing out at the Rock River while enjoying a delicious meal there.

The couple was also fond of dining on Maxson’s riverboat, the Pride of Oregon, which docks just outside the restaurant.

“The riverboat is really what makes Maxson’s unique,” Nancy says. “It’s something different – you don’t usually get to dine right on the water. We came for a lunch cruise with my sister one day and just really enjoyed ourselves, and we kept coming back. When we found out Maxson’s was for sale, we said ‘yes, we would love to buy it.’ back in 2014.”

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and dinner cruises offer a choice between two entrees, which changes on a daily basis. Popular past options include Chicken Cordon Bleu and Steak Oscar – a dish with crab meat on top of a sirloin steak.

And of course, Maxson’s signature orange rolls are available both on the boat and in the restaurant.

“Originally, the restaurant was a mansion until a man named Johnny

Maxson came along in 1952 and bought it,” Nancy explains. “He turned the mansion into a restaurant called Maxson’s Manor, and everyone who ate there was crazy about the orange rolls. When we bought the restaurant, we wanted to continue making the orange rolls that everybody loves.”

In Johnny Maxson’s day, the orange rolls were simply dough with an orange sauce on top. Since Nancy and Frank took over, the treat has been updated so that an orange zest is baked right inside the dough.

“Everybody is really happy with them,” Nancy says. “You can buy just one or as many as you’d like. I highly recommend trying them.”

A wide selection of beverages is also available, including wine, beer and most mixed drinks, plus Pepsi products, iced tea, hot tea, lemonade and coffee. Every Sunday, Maxson’s offers brunch inside the restaurant and a special champagne brunch on the boat.

“Brunch is something different every time,” Nancy says. “There’s scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, but there’s also a lunch option, such as fried chicken, pork loin roast, or whatever it might be for that week.”

Nancy encourages people to make visiting Oregon, and Maxson’s, a weekend trip. With a hotel right next door to the restaurant, it’s easy to escape to the quiet riverside and enjoy a relaxing weekend.

“I find that people from the suburbs often come out here to get away,” Nancy says. “It’s a really great place to just relax and have a good time.”

Maxson’s restaurant hours are Tues.Sat. from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Times for riverboat cruises vary and registration is required by calling (800) 468-4222. Each cruise lasts two hours and includes lunch or dinner.

Cruises will run into the month of November, depending upon weather. ❚

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Y H

Hypnosis is ‘Meditation with a Purpose’

By Peggy Werner

P

eople often turn to hypnosis as a last-ditch effort to tackle a difficult problem or addiction. But it should be the first place to begin thinking about solving a problem, says Diana Barrar, owner of Barrar Hypnosis Center, 706 Bohm Ct. In Rockford since 1971, Barrar also has an office in Schaumburg, and says hypnosis has been misunderstood and misinterpreted as something mysterious and devilish, when it is really nothing more than meditation with a purpose.

“Anyone with a brain can be hypnotized. In fact, we are in and out of hypnotic states all day long and don’t even know it,” she says.

She has successfully used hypnosis to help people of all ages lose weight, stop smoking, get control of alcohol and drug addictions, overcome fears and phobias, reduce stress and anxiety, control

anger, and improve memory, study and speaking skills.

It’s all about the power of suggestion. In a controlled setting, it’s even more powerful, she says.

People are in a hypnotic state when they respond to someone else’s yawn by yawning; when the mention of a lemon causes salivary glands to respond; when you don’t think about being thirsty, but accept a glass of water when offered one; and when your mind is caught in a trap of thinking negative thoughts over and over again, she says.

Therapeutic hypnosis or hypnotherapy occurs when one or more people are in a setting where the goal is to relax, clear the mind, and respond to ideas at just the right time, she explains.

“Being in a hypnotic state is one thing, using that condition for change is another. Hypnosis is just another self help tool that, if used correctly, works well,”

she says.

Barrar is a certified hypnotherapist and has traveled the country giving lectures, workshops, and seminars for organizations, corporations, schools, businesses and private groups. Her lectures focus on the benefits of hypnosis for selfimprovement and meeting specific goals.

She educates people about various forms of hypnosis, which include clinical hypnosis, stage hypnosis and group hypnosis.

For more information, go to barrarhypnosis.com or call (815) 967-0034 or a 24-hour number, (815) 399-4900. ❚

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Y O

Freeport, Beloit Host Outdoor Festivals N

ow in its 10th year, Art in the Park will be Sunday, Sept. 3 at beautiful Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport.

There will be fine art displays, performing arts, demonstrations of various art media and children’s hands-on activities. Artists’ media will include painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramic Raku pottery, printmaking, drawing and glasswork. Admission is free.

Freeport Park District and Freeport Art Museum co-sponsor this event.

Live music will be performed by Greg Herriges at 11:30 a.m.; Grass Attack at 1 p.m.; Kevin Earlywine at 2:30 p.m.; and Mr. Ed at 4 p.m.

Krape Park offers an authentic working carousel, fenced-in duck farm, waterfall, children’s play areas, canoes and paddle boats, a band shell and more.

Many delicious foods will be offered, such as Greek pasties and baklava sundaes sold by Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church; steak and pork chop sandwiches, brats and hot dogs sold by Vietnow;

kettle corn sold by Golden Kiwanis; burgers, fries, nachos, hot dogs and snow cones sold by Kristi and Sons Kitchen; and teriyaki chicken, sesame chicken, funnel cakes, crab rangoon, eggrolls, garlic shrimp, cheesecake and cinnamon donuts from Happy Stix.

The following weekend, head to Beloit, Wis., for Festival on the Rock, a weekend filled with live music and other fun, on Sept. 8-10 at Preservation Park, 3444 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Wis. Admission, parking and all concerts are free.

Musical acts on Friday night include Junkmale at 6 p.m. and Zac Matthews Band at 9 p.m. On Saturday, Switchtrack Alley performs at 3 p.m.; Dirt Road Rebelz takes the stage at 5 p.m.; Soul 2 Soul is at 7 p.m.; and Done Deal appears at 9 p.m. On Sunday, New Image plays at noon and Outlaws and Angels will wind things up at 3 p.m.

Other fun includes a carnival, food vendors and beer tent throughout the

festival; knockerball; a corrugated cardboard boat race at noon on Saturday (call Jackie Barber ahead of event at (608) 365-2576 to pick up your cardboard); a Saturday night fireworks display; bags tournaments on Friday and Saturday; a Sunday Kubb Tournament; and a coed grass volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Visit Beloit is the major sponsor of this festival, which is open 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday; 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Learn more, including cardboard boat race rules, at festivalontherock.com. ❚

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Y H

Positive Feedback for LASIK Surgery

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

W

hen it comes to advertising, wordof-mouth recommendations have a high credibility. The free opinion of a trusted friend or family member carries more weight than any paid-for commercial.

Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, Dr. Edward Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, attracts patients from across the Midwest for LASIK eye surgery – a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea in order to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.

“I have 10,000 happy LASIK patients, which creates quite a sales force,” Yavitz says. “All you have to do is go to the Internet and see the comments.”

With such positive word-of-mouth feedback, Yavitz spends less on advertising and keeps fees for LASIK up to 50 percent less than other offices.

“People like to go to someone who has a lot of experience,” Yavitz says, “And I’m operating on second and even third generations of family members now since I began. That’s real experience.”

Yavitz completes three steps during a LASIK procedure. First, he precisely creates a flap and folds back a thin layer of the cornea. Second, using an excimer laser, he removes an exact amount of corneal tissue in seconds. Finally, he folds the corneal tissue back into place, allowing it to adhere without the need for stitches.

Yavitz performs more than 100 LASIK eye surgeries per month and has taught LASIK around the world. He even has several patents for devices used to

make LASIK a safer, more predictable surgery.

To schedule a free consultation regarding LASIK, call (815) 395-8338 or visit Yavitz Eye Center at 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)

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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

Tunes on the Terrace: After 5 Jazz Aug. 30, 5-8 p.m. Relax and listen to local musicians. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasRockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com conservatory.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

First Friday's in Downtown Rockford Sept. 1, 5 p.m. Local art galleries, music venues and shops stay open late to provide new art, music and goods. Downtown Rockford, (779) 537-5319, Facebook.com/FirstFridaysRockford.

RAMP River Run Sept. 2, 6:30 a.m. registration, 7:30 a.m. half marathon, 7:45 a.m. 5K, 8:45 a.m. 3K Walk/Wheela-Thon, 8:30 a.m. Kids Fun Run. Proceeds benefit RAMP. City Market Pavilion, 202 Market St., Rockford, (815) 968-7467, rampcil.org.

Concerts on the Creek: Sparky and Rhonda Rucker Sept. 2, 7 p.m. Enjoy a free, family-friendly concert in a beautiful auditorium. Singing and telling stories from the American folk tradition.

Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Forest City Queen (FCQ) BBQ Cruise Sept. 2 & 28, 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 16, 6 p.m. Climb aboard the Forest City’s riverboat for good food and music. Disembarks from Riverview Park, 325 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 874-7576, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Art in the Park Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This exciting event features activities throughout Krape Park: fine art displays, performing arts, demonstrations of various art media and children’s hands-on activities. Experience outdoor cuisine at various food vendors on site. Krape Park, 1799 South Park Blvd., Freeport, artintheparkfreeport.com.

Sayonara Means Farewell Sept. 3, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Invent your own mascot, dress up in the kawaii shop or practice katakana writing one more time before “Hello From Japan!” says goodbye. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Tunes on the Terrace: Reed & Waddy Sept. 6, 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy light rock, classic pop and blues

Art in the Park features fine art displays, performing arts and hands-on activities on Sept.

3 at Krape Park, in Freeport.

along the banks of the Rock River. Food and beverages available beginning at 5 p.m. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 9878858, nicholasconservatory.com.

AE: “Steel Magnolias” Sept. 7-24, Th.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The story of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor whose interactions reveal deep strength of character. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Festival on the Rock Sept. 8-10, events daily. Festivities include carnival rides, food vendors, bags tournament, beer tent, live music. Saturday features a cardboard boat regatta during the day and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Dr., Beloit, festivalontherock.com.

Greek Fest 2017 Sept. 8-10, Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. to 9 p.m. Enjoy dancing (both modern and traditional Greek), food, Greek and domestic beers and wines, baked goods, vendors and a raffle drawing. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. 5th St., Rockford, (815) 963-8625, rockfordgreekfest.com.

Bubble Festival Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. Join bubble celebrity Geoffrey Akins for a live performance and sudsy science fun. Try your hand at bubble art in the BubblePalooza Playground after the show. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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25

WDL

Dockside Live Mondays Run Through September

By Peggy Werner

P

rairie St. Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer and an unbeatable view of the Rock River. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating lineup of 16 craft beers on tap.

The restaurant and brewery are located inside the 85,000-square-foot Prairie Street Brewhouse, a multi-use venue that was home to the Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939.

Restaurant decor features exposed original brick and ductwork.

“It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president of Prairie St. Brewing Co., and co-owner with Reed Sjostrom and Dustin Koch.

Using local and fresh ingredients as much as possible, the menu features appetizers such as Korean street tacos, short rib nachos, beer-battered cheese

curds and a rotating Poutine of the Day, with flavors like cubano or pastrami.

“Handhelds” are sandwiches or tacos filled with pulled pork, shrimp, turkey club ingredients or burgers, including black bean or country-fried portobello vegetarian options. There are soups and salads, flatbreads and sides, including smashed beets, onion rings, sweet potato fries and the “beer and cheese fondue chips,” using chips made by Ole Salty’s.

Entrées include roasted chicken with a sweet corn and tomato succotash; grilled Faroe Island salmon with cucumber, buttermilk, potato and dill; and a cured salmon poke bowl, with nori-rubbed and house-cured salmon, edamame, avocado, sesame seeds, fried shallots and house sriracha, served on a bed of sushi rice.

For dessert, there are root beer floats made with Prairie St.’s homemade root beer; tres leches; Johnnie’s cheesecakes; and a “beer ice cream sandwich,” made with rotating flavors of Dairyhaus ice cream.

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Big Papa’s Barbecue E BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $.

Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

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

Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Aug. 30

Head to Prairie Street for Dockside Live on Mondays through September.

Dinner on the Dock is on Thursdays from 5-10 p.m., through the end of this month, with a special sandwich menu and live music from 6-9 p.m.

The Prairie St. Brewing Co. Brewpub (located upstairs) is open Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. 11 a.m.- midnight; and Fri.-Sat. until 2 a.m. The Dockside Taproom (located downstairs) is open Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight and Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. For reservations, call (815) 227-9427. ❚

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Vito’s Ristorante

V

ito Olszewski is a trained chef and third-generation master of all things delicious. His grandparents, Ferdinand and Frances D’Agostin, once ran D’Agostino’s, The Grotto, Auto Inn and The Stadium, so he grew up in the kitchen.

At his own fine dining restaurant at 4866 Bluestem Road in Roscoe, Vito cooks up traditional Italian and American dishes as well as fresh soups and sauces.

His signature Conchiglie alla Sarda is a shell pasta with ground sausage, tomato cream sauce and fresh peas. Other favorites include lobster ravioli, Saliccia con Pepperoni and Salmon with Seashell Pasta. From the grill, there’s Chicken Marsala, Red Snapper, a 20-oz. bone-in Cowboy Ribeye and much more.

Vito’s is open Mon.-Sat. starting at 4 p.m. Reserve a table via opentable.com or vitoristorante.net. ❚

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

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

F  E

Learning About Criminal Justice Careers

By Chris Linden, executive editor

J

ust because you’re pursuing a career in criminal justice doesn’t mean you have to be a police officer.

Michael Smith, a criminal justice professor at Upper Iowa University’s Rockford center, encourages his adult students to explore many of the career paths within his field, including the courts and legal system, the correctional system, and law enforcement, including local police, sheriff’s office and federal bureaus.

Smith is a deputy court administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Illinois.

He regularly leads student tours through local courts and jails, and introduces students to his coworkers, all in an effort to guide them toward a successful career path.

“A lot of students are interested in criminal justice,” says Smith, who’s been in the field for 20 years. “But they’re not

sure what position they want. So, we try to tackle each and every part of the criminal justice system so that they have an idea of what it entails and what would qualify them for that position.”

Upper Iowa’s curriculum is designed with the working adult in mind.

Built around eight-week accelerated courses, the curriculum engages students either online or on-site. Smith tries to make the most of his classes, interacting with students, engaging them in projects and challenging their skills. He’s twice been named teacher of the year.

“When I go to work, I see different things every day, and I bring that to class,” he says. “Students always want to know: What did I do at work today? What happened? What’s interesting? And not only do we focus on what’s happening in the courthouse, but we focus on world

views within our field.”

Also available as a minor, Upper Iowa’s criminal justice program can be beneficial to students engaged in other fields, including human services, says Smith.

And, because Upper Iowa prioritizes each student’s career goals and family needs, the course load is highly flexible.

If you’re interested in learning more about an education in criminal justice, contact Smith or the team at Upper Iowa’s Rockford center. Visit uiu.edu to begin exploring today. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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