Smart Living Weekly - November 15, 2017

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Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • November 15, 2017

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Right in Our Region

‘The Nutcracker’ Charms All Ages on Nov. 25 & 26

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Why Good Gutters Matter The Origins of Thanksgiving Easing Back Pain Without Drugs Cooking with Cinnamon

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 “The Nutcracker” in Rockford Your Home .......................................................11 Better Gutters Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Origin of Thanksgiving Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Holiday with Cinnamon Your Wellness ............................................. ......19 Easing Back Pain Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Cataract Treatment Your Outing ..................................................... . 21 Midtown Concerts Your Technology ............................................ . 29 Don’t Pay Too Much Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Dining Locally ................................................. .26

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Steven Wysong, Kendra Green 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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Being There T

he holidays are now stalking us at close range and you know what that means: the number of made-for-TV Christmas movies playing on TV cable channels is multiplying faster than you can say “Pretty environmentalist named Noelle reforms greedy developer named Chris in a charming town named Holiday.”

I confess that these warm-and-fuzzy wonders fill me with childish pleasure. I enjoy brief escapes to places where it always snows on Christmas Eve and everyone’s home has been visited by Martha Stewart. No, the made-forTV flicks will never be mistaken for artistic achievements, but so what?

One favorite Christmas motion picture that really is an artistic achievement is Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946). Each year I’m struck by its timeless relevance as George Baily grouchily chooses between his own big dreams and his sense of duty to others. Jimmy Stewart balances humor and poignance so perfectly in his portrayal of endearing George.

There are copycats galore of Capra’s film, such as “The Family Man” (2000) and a madefor-TV version called “Comfort & Joy” (2003).

The moral of these stories is to be grateful for the lives we have, no matter what.

Another of my perennial TV favorites is “A Season for Miracles” (1999) about a woman who goes on the lam to keep her jailbird sister’s children out of foster care. They end up in a small town named Bethlehem where a kind (and hunky) single cop lives .... and magic ensues.

An angel, played by the late Patti Duke, is involved. (I just learned that Duke was the mother of Sean Astin – you know, “Samwise” in “Lord of the Rings.” Who knew. Not me.)

Maybe the best part about these movies is the sense of community they convey. The leading characters never struggle with problems alone at Christmastime. There’s always a friendly aunt or neighbor or church congregation or a group of townspeople to rally behind them (or bail them out of debt, in George Bailey’s case.)

And isn’t being there for one another a main lesson taught by the Christ child? Have a great week! ❚

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Janine Pumilia Editor Emeritus

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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Y H  G

Better Gutters Prevent Rain & Ice Damage

By Jermaine Pigee

A

build-up of debris, leaves and water can damage the structure of your roof and home, forcing you to have to invest in costly repairs. Cleaning them yourself is not only messy, but you risk serious injury climbing ladders. You can always pay someone to clean them for you on a regular basis, but there’s a more permanent solution.

Toby Lask, vice president of Lask Roofing & Siding, 1101 22nd St., Rockford, recommends installing Gutter Helmet, a cover that keeps your gutters clean.

“The Gutter Helmet protects your gutter from leaves and debris, and still allows water to flow freely,” Lask says. “It moves a lot of rain and can take about 10 times the heaviest rainfall ever recorded.”

Gutter Helmet is installed with heavy gauge reinforced support brackets.

Panels are individually prepared and cus-

tom-fitted over your full-sized gutters by trained installers, who clean, seal, check and adjust the alignment of your existing gutter system as needed. The panels are then securely installed under or over shingles as needed. In most cases, installation can be completed in just one day.

Gutter Helmet also protects your gutters and roof from damage in the winter.

“Snow slides down your roof and gets stuck in the gutters,” says Lask. “The snow melts and refreezes into ice, creating an ice dam that blocks drainage and keeps the water on your roof, which can damage it. Icicles hanging from your eaves is an indication of this condition.

Gutter Helmet will just shoot all the snow away, so that it can’t clog your gutters.”

Birds, rodents and insects often take up residence in neglected gutters, but

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with the Gutter Helmet system, a precise 3/8-inch slit in the top allows water to filter through while preventing these pesky creatures from getting too close to your home.

Moving the water from your roof is only part of the battle. If it pools on the ground near your house, it can damage the foundation as well as your landscaping. Gutter Helmet’s gutter shield directs rain water directly away from the home, preventing on buildup near your home.

For more information or to schedule an estimate, contact Lask Roofing. ❚

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I  W

The Time is NOW

The Origins of Thanksgiving “… Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– Ephesians 5: 19b

B

eing thankful is a healthy habit, whether or not you’re religious, and whether or not you have big problems.

The concept of “thanksgiving for the harvest” dates back to ancient times, in both Judeo-Christian and pagan cultures.

The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian. Setting aside days for fasting and thanksgiving was common among 1600s New England Puritans.

In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a three-day celebration after the colony’s first successful corn harvest, inviting Native American allies to join in the merrymaking. The colonists celebrated survival itself.

Much later, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving per year. In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, asking Americans to thank God for their new country and to ask His blessings upon it. John Adams and James Madison followed suit, but there was no official date.

Perhaps the greatest champion of a national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday was author Sarah Josepha Hale (composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”) For nearly four decades, she urged politicians to set aside an official day each year for Americans to give thanks for their country.

Hale’s cause was finally answered

by Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War. Lincoln chose the final Thursday in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Critics referred to his action as “Franksgiving,” and in 1941 he reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

Today, for many Americans, the holiday is all about food and football, but it began with prayers for our nation and gratitude for survival itself. ❚ 12

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Nov. 15

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Y K

Spice Up Your Holidays with Cinnamon W hen the house is filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon, it’s a sure sign the holidays have arrived. This signature flavor of the season can add warmth and nostalgia to everything from traditional baked goods to vegetable sides and cocktails.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes

• 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts), divided • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 TB. McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 8 cups thinly sliced and peeled Honey Crisp apples (about 8 apples) • 1 cup caramel topping, divided

Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring crusts to room temperature according to package directions. Unroll pie crusts. Line

bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass baking dish with two pie crusts. Press seams of overlapping crusts in middle of baking dish together to seal. Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl.

Add apples; toss to coat well. Spoon into pie crust. Drizzle with 3/4 cup caramel topping. Top with remaining two crusts.

Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping to serve.

Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Carrots Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours

• 2 pounds baby carrots • 2 TB. butter, melted • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp. McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 1/2 tsp. McCormick Ground Ginger • 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions: Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Add carrots and melted butter; toss to coat. Cover. Cook on high three to four hours or until tender.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and salt in small bowl until well blended. Toss cooked carrots with brown sugar mixture in slow cooker just before serving. Tip: Keep cooked carrots in slow cooker when transporting to a party. Bring brown sugar mixture in small resealable plastic bag. For best results, toss carrots with brown sugar mixture just before Source: Family Features serving. ❚

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R  O R

Cast of ‘The Nutcracker’ Prepares to Delight F

By Peggy Werner or many people, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without seeing “The Nutcracker” ballet, which brings to life all the magic, excitement, color, music and life-sized dreams hearts can hold at Christmastime.

The Rockford Dance Company will perform the traditional ballet at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25th and at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 26, at Rockford University’s Maddox Theater in the Clark Arts Center, 5050 East State St. Emily Cooke Ayala, executive director and artistic coordinator of the Rockford Dance Company, says “The Nutcracker” is special because it has something for everyone to enjoy and all people can relate to the story in some way. “’The Nutcracker’ has all the dynamics people are able to grasp, such as families together for the holidays having

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fun, and children getting the gifts of their dreams. The story connects with everyone, and is so quick-paced and visually appealing, with all the lights and costumes. The different dances provide a lot of action, great music and scene changes,” she says.

The story is about a German family on Christmas Eve. The Stahlbaums are hosting a party and welcoming family and friends, while children Clara and Fritz are at play. Their Godfather Drosselmeyer is a skilled clock and toy maker. He walks into the house with life-sized dolls he has made for the children. Clara gets a beautiful Nutcracker that demands everyone’s attention, and as a result makes her brother angry and jealous. He grabs the doll and breaks it. Clara is heartbroken. The drama heightens as Clara falls asleep, with her arms around the doll her grandfather attempted to repair, and dreams of a Nutcracker Prince who takes her on a

Nov. 15

To advertise call 815-316-2300

journey to the Enchanted Forest and the Land of Sweets.

In years past, the Rockford production took on a different look and feel because of variations in artistic vision for the ballet company and its productions, Cooke Ayala says. Based on her own artistic style and audience feedback, a return to a more definitive version of “The Nutcracker” was the goal.

“People want a classic Nutcracker.

Some productions have a more contemporary look and feel, but when it comes to ‘The Nutcracker,’ you don’t want to touch that tradition,” she says.

Monica Isla of the Milwaukee Ballet will choreograph the production again this year. With an expertise in classical ballet technique, she started from scratch last year to bring a more classic Nutcracker to the Rockford stage. From Cuba, she moved to Miami before getting a position on the faculty of Milwaukee Ballet

R  O R nine years ago. She’s thrilled to return to Rockford to see how she can improve on last year’s choreography, while engaging with dancers who have matured another year and work as a team.

“It was a beautiful experience and I’m grateful to have the same opportunity this year,” says Isla. “‘The Nutcracker’ is such a wonderful tradition of family, friends, love and happiness. I want the audience and dancers to live out those feelings as the performance takes place on stage,” she says.

Isla says she was an adult when she first saw a production of “The Nutcracker” and later had the opportunity to dance several roles in the ballet.

“It was beautiful. I felt reborn, like I was able to experience a second childhood,” she says.

Cooke Ayala says the dance company is excited about taking the performance to the next level.

“Beginning from scratch last year was a huge undertaking. This year, we’ll have more time to take it all in and refine

the dance even more than we did last year. We’ll look at everything from props to dance movements and make it even more exciting and magical than last year,” she says.

For 14 weeks, about 90 performers, ages 5 to 20, rehearse their parts, while about 60 volunteers work behind the scenes on lights, sets, costumes, ticket sales, concessions and all that’s needed to get ready for the big weekend.

Jennifer Parada has volunteered with the Rockford Dance Company for eight years. As stage manager, she orchestrates when props and dancers have to be on and off stage. Her daughters, Lauren, 11, and Maggie, 14, have danced a variety of roles in the ballet. “‘The Nutcracker’ has really become a part of our holiday tradition. We not only participate in the production, we also try to see Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet perform ‘The Nutcracker’ each year.

It wouldn’t be fall if we weren’t hearing

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Nutcracker music in our sleep,” she says.

Unlike other ballets, “The Nutcracker” has a more general appeal for audiences of all ages, Parada says.

“The music is so recognizable, the dancers are fun to watch, and the lively, colorful story is easy for kids to understand and follow,” she says.

Annia Hidalgo and Randy Crespo, principal dancers with the Milwaukee Ballet, play the parts of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome partner, Cavalier.

For tickets, go to rockforddancecompany.com or call the office at (815) 9633341.❚

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Y W

There are Many Options for Pain Relief A

By Peggy Werner

t a time when the opioid epidemic is a top news story because of its strangulating hold on society, with more and more people falling victim to addictive prescription or illegal painkillers, people need to know there are better options for treating pain, says Chris Scott of Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202 in Loves Park.

In business for more than 25 years, he opened his own clinic in 2014, specializing in pain management with Medical Massage Therapy and Myofascial Release. He has two physicians and three therapists on staff.

“You can have success treating pain without drugs,” he says.

More than 80 percent of the aches and pains people experience are musculoskeletal in nature, usually involving muscular imbalance and tightness, especially around joints, he says. People who

suffer from chronic pain often have anxiety and depression as a result of their suffering, which can also be addressed and improved with pain management therapy, he says.

One of the easiest ways people can lower their pain and anxiety levels is by using deep breathing exercises.

One example is called “box breathing,” and is done by slowly inhaling air through the nose to get the deepest breath, then holding it a couple seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth, while thinking positive thoughts or visualizing beautiful nature scenes, he says.

“Science teaches us the brain controls the body, but what controls the brain? It’s your breath,” he says.

Scott says he has helped hundreds of

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people either get off pain medication or greatly reduce their need for it.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic at (815) 9773747. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. ❚

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

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Y O

A Live Music Renaissance in Midtown A

ll kinds of high quality live music events are taking place in Rockford’s Midtown District these days. Appreciative listeners and performance spaces with excellent acoustics have attracted nationally recognized talent and regional standouts.

At the epicenter is the Listening Room at JustGoods Fair Trade Marketplace, 201 7th St., which hosts the Friday Listening Room series, and Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., which hosts the Second Thursday concert series and a less-formal but equally enjoyable music series Saturdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Another Midtown participant that’s helping to enrich the cultural scene is Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave. Concerts at the above venues typically occur without a cover charge; audiences are encouraged to donate generously to the performers.

If you’re interested in learning more about these concerts, contact the respec-

tive venues or call (815) 979-1949 or email vincentrecordsinc@gmail.com for one-stop information about all the venues.

JustGoods - Fridays

Door open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 - Michael Johnathon Nov. 17 - The Matchsellers Nov. 24 - Ernie Hendrickson (special 8pm start) Dec. 1 - Anna Stange Dec. 8 - Greg Herriges - World Winter Holiday Music Dec. 15 - Dave Rudolf’s Cracked Christmas Dec. 22 - Christmas Benefit Program

Katie’s Cup – Second Thursdays

Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 - Georgia Rae Fiddle Champion - A Girl and her Loop Dec. 14 - Trinadora’s Holiday Frolic Jan. 11 - Acoustic Neil Diamond Legacy by Denny Diamond Feb. 1 - Mike and Sue Blair - Special Concert Feb. 8 - Daniel Watkins and the Ninestring Singer March 8 - Emily Hurd

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Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm, of Trinadora, are among the local talents slated to perform in Midtown this season. Catch their Holiday Frolic on Dec. 14.

April 12 - Truman’s Ridge Bluegrass May 10 - Chip Messiner

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Dec. 3 - Denny Diamond, Spenser Svehla, and Trinadora Acoustic Holiday at 3 p.m.

Jan. 6 - Community Sing-along led by Mark Dvorak and Ron Holm at 7 p.m.

April 22 - Earth Day hootenanny-concert-fundraiser at 3 p.m. ❚

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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

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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)

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

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Nov. 15

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Rockton, IL

Christmas Sale Black Friday (11/24) Christmas Eve (12/24)

www.gemshop.jewelry Holiday Hours: 11/24-12/24 Monday - Saturday 10a-5:30p Sunday 12p-4p

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,

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

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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.

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AJG November Lecture Nov. 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Join Anderson Japanese Gardens Head of Horticulture and Garden Curator Tim Gruner as he discusses the many factors that influenced the Garden over the past year. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

See downtown Rockford transformed into a winter wonderland during Stroll on State on Saturday, Nov. 25.

Edgebrook Tree Lighting Nov. 17, 5 p.m. 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

nonperishable healthy food donation or $5 for Freeport Area Church Cooperative is requested.

YMCA, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, (815) 235-9622, freeportymca.org.

14th Annual Juried Exhibition Nov. 17-Feb. 19, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Featuring work by contemporary artists from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Christkindlmarkt – Old World Market Nov. 24-25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A German tradition dating back to the 14th century, the Christkindlmarkt features unique items for holiday gift giving. Turner Hall of Monroe, 1217 17th Ave., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-3461, turnerhallofmonroe.org.

Pinkalicious the Musical Nov. 17-19, Fri. 6:30 p.m.; Sat. noon, 1 & 4 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Based on the beloved children’s book, Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents.

She must find a way out of the predicament of turning pink from head to toe. The Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville, (608) 741-7400, janesvillearmory.com.

Holiday Light Show Nov. 24-25 (preview show), Dec. 8-10, 14-23, 26-27, 4-8 p.m. The wintery garden paths are brought to life with a dazzling display lights and decorated trees. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.

'Little Women' Nov. 17-Dec. 3, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m.

The four young March sisters and their mother struggle to keep their family going while their father is away in the Civil War. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, (815) 2391210, pecplayhouse.org.

Midway Village Saturday Series Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Learn about Thailand’s language, music, food and culture. Create floating flower baskets used to celebrate on the night of the full moon. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Pi Run Nov. 23, 8 a.m. This family-friendly run/walk is for all ages. No reg. req. Unofficially timed. A Tell them you saw it in ...

Candlelight Walk Nov. 25, 3-8 p.m. Enjoy a small-town Christmas evening with horse-drawn wagon rides, a visit from Santa, candy cane lane, reindeer, and a winter carnival. Coliseum, Nash Rec Center and Downtown Oregon, Ill., candlelightwalk.org.

Stroll on State Nov. 25, 3-9 p.m. See downtown Rockford transform into a magical winter wonderland. See blocks of ice transform into works of art, enjoy holiday concerts, lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, ice skating, dining and shopping. (815) 9638111, strollonstate.com.

Sport Management Symposium Nov. 30, 6 p.m. Speakers answer questions pertaining to careers in sport management and share tips. Regents Hall, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.❚ Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 11

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WDL

Mary’s Market Expands Catering Services

By Peggy Werner

W

ith the holidays quickly approaching, it’s not too early to think about parties with co-workers, family and friends – next month or next year.

Mary’s Market is offering a 20 percent discount through the end of this year for all bookings, whenever and wherever the event is held.

“Mary’s Market has always done catering, more or less, but we have really stepped it up to include all kinds of foods from high-end menus to soup and sandwiches for large or small parties,” says Director of Operations Lisa Beardsworth.

She’s especially proud of the newly remodeled private meeting room at 4431 E. State St. that can be rented for gatherings, seating up to 75 people. The banquet room was designed and created when Mary’s Market, once located in that space, moved over to the adjacent Mary’s

Restaurant, which was remodeled and updated in 2016. The room has a full bar, giant screen TV for presentations, its own entrance, restrooms and ample parking.

Beardsworth specializes in catering food and was hired at Mary’s Market 13 months ago. Her past work experience includes 10 years at Forest Hills Country Club and 18 years at Cliffbreakers.

She’s making a huge impact, growing the part of the business that provides food for private parties, wedding receptions, funeral luncheons, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties and more. The largest party she recalls catering hosted 1,400 guests, she says.

The kitchen is at the East State Street location and is a 24-hour operation that not only cooks up special foods for special occasions, but also prepares breads, soups, bagels and bakery items for all

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

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

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, loBaci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. ComGiordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, plete menu at Baciskitchen.com. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Big Papa’s Barbecue  BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 amGreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sea10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- 3pm. $-$$.

9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$

Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. AuthenDrive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ 26

Smart Living Weekly

three locations. The other locations are at 1650 N. Alpine Road at Edgebrook Center and 2636 McFarland Road.

Dave and Judy Koch, who own several Culver’s locations in Rockford, purchased Mary’s Market in 2014. They also bought the former Bagel Place, 2522 E. State St., and moved its equipment to the East State Mary’s Market location, where New York style bagels are made daily.

To book a party, contact Beardsworth at catering@marysmarket.com or call (815) 316-9926. ❚

Nov. 15

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Higher Grounds

F

or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches.

Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes.

Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 15

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Nov. 15

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely

By Peggy Werner

G

etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy.

“Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.”

Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says.

“You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”

With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems.

He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month.

The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

“I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.”

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also

Tell them you saw it in ...

offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint.

Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them.

And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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