Smart Living Weekly - October 5, 2016 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • October 5, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

‘Trail of Terror’ Winds Through Our Region

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Dealing with Back Pain Fall ArtScene This Weekend Dining at GreenFire Home Improvements: What to Know Farmers Markets Wind Down Loctoberfest at Lockwood Park

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Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 The Trail of Terror Your Outings ............................................9, 26, 30 Fall ArtScene, Locktoberfest, Farmers Markets Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Find the Right Contractor Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Eyes of God Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Fall Flavors We Love Outdoor Living .................................................17 Winterizing Your Home Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Dealing with Back and Neck Injuries Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Dining Locally .......................................... ....... 28 GreenďŹ re

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

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 Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones 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 2016 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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The Great Pumpkin

o, is the pumpkin a vegetable or a fruit? I’m told it’s a fruit, since it’s a seedbearing structure of a plant. Why do we associate it with Halloween and Thanksgiving? Historians suggest that the Irish started a tradition of carving vegetables into Jacko-lanterns, using potatoes or turnips. When some of them migrated to the U.S. and discovered pumpkins, presto – a new ritual began. I concede that I don’t miss carving pumpkins, now that my children are grown. I always found sharp knives, toddlers and super-slippery pumpkin guts to be an illadvised combination. And it turns out parents are not magically endowed with pumpkincarving skills. Nonetheless, I took on the task each fall, believing my son and daughter should have their chance to enjoy the ritual. We declared victory if, in the end, all of our fingers were intact, no blood was shed and Jack’s face didn’t cave in before Oct. 31. A better fruit to carve is the less-slimy watermelon. We tried that one fall, after a self-planted melon randomly emerged in our backyard. It made a great Jack-o-lantern. The melon is the pumpkin’s cousin, after all, both being in the gourd family. As a nation, we love pumpkins and the whole “pumpkin spice” concept. Savvy marketers have cashed in on this by dreaming up hundreds of seasonal products, some of which should be banned – Pumpkin Spice Peeps come to mind. In true American fashion, we’ve found 101 ways to turn a super-food into junk food. In natural form, pumpkins are low in calories, fat and sodium but high in fiber and vitamins A and B, potassium, protein and iron. Pumpkin seeds, or “pepitas,” are rich in trace minerals and antioxidants. Admittedly, few of us find raw pumpkin to be tasty, but there are many ways to prepare delicious pumpkin dishes without decimating the nutrition. Pumpkins are a cheerful and dependable harbinger of autumn. Picking one out each year is a simple joy of life. Make the most of it and enjoy your week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Fall ArtScene This Weekend T housands of art lovers will visit galleries, studios, restaurants and other venues, this weekend, during FallArtscene 2016, presented by Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC), for the 29th year. Fall ArtScene is Friday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. It includes 42 locations, both west and east of the Rock River. Each year, organizers encourage visitors to not only enjoy looking at the art, but also to purchase pieces, thereby supporting local artists. No purchase is required, however, and the event is free. Find a map of the 42 locations and a list of the hundreds of participating artists at artsforeveryone.com. The night before, on Thursday, Oct. 6, RAAC will present a fundraiser called Scene Peek at Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., in Rockford. There will

be performances by Artists’ Ensemble Theater, the ArtsPlace Dance Team, food, a cash bar and “mystery box” raffle. Tickets are $30 for RAAC members and $40 for non-members. They can be purchased at artsforeveryone.com or at the RAAC office, 713 E. State St., Rockford. During Fall ArtScene 2016, more than 350 local artists will showcase works in a wide variety of media, including ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry and much more. RAAC is the lead organization for leveraging arts and culture as catalysts for community, economic and educational development. Its mission is to support artists by regranting, provide outreach programs to more than 120,000 people of all economic backgrounds and bring the arts to underserved populations. It promotes the arts through events including ArtScene, which promotes more than 350

local artists, and the State of the Arts and Mayor’s Art Awards, which recognize achievements in the arts over the past year. RAAC also develops programs like ArtsPlace, which gives youths a positive experience, learning job skills through the arts. Since its first summer in 1995 more than 1,000 artist apprentices have completed the program. ❚

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Pricing Selling The Most Powerful Tool For Buying Your Next Home The Gambino Realtors Mobile App! Access to the most comprehensive and accurate real estate listings is now at your fingertips. Download it today from the App Store! Type in Gambino Realtors and download.

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Find a Contractor with a Strong Work Ethic By Peggy Werner

ave you ever called a contractor, carpenter, painter or other tradesperson – only to be told “I’ll get back to you,” but you never hear from them again? “We hear that complaint from customers much more than you would think and I’m not sure why that is,” says Jim Flynn, manager of Bonte Construction, 6628 N. Deer Path Road, Oregon, Ill. Flynn and owner Greg Bonte have worked together in the building trades for more than 15 years and a large part of their success is because they have the same work ethic, says Flynn. Bonte branched off on his own to start Bonte Construction in 2011. Bonte Construction is one of the area’s leading contractors, specializing in construction, remodeling, additions,

kitchens, bathroom, decks, siding, windows, doors and more. It services customers living in Byron, Oregon, Rockford and the surrounding area. Some companies just don’t have a strong work ethic. “Obviously, they don’t need the work or the income,” Flynn says of people who don’t follow through. They may be poor communicators, disorganized or just undependable. Some customers believe they get the brush-off from professionals because the

job is too small or too difﬁcult. Again, that’s not a good business practice. “We don’t ignore any job,” says Flynn. “A little job can always mean more business from that customer in the future, in the form of more work or referrals. And if we can’t do the job, we’ll be honest about it,” he says. Flynn recommends always asking friends and family for names and phone numbers of people they know have done good work and are reliable. “Personally, I can’t understand why anyone would ignore someone,” says Flynn. “We pride ourselves in quality workmanship, do what we say we are going to do, and get the job done in a timely fashion. It’s just who we are.” For more information or to set up an appointment for a free estimate, call Bonte Construction at (815) 345-1586. ❚

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I  W

The Eyes of God

ne of the remarkable things about the New Testament is the lack of judgment its writers make about people, despite the wide mix of cultures around them. To Paul, who penned many of the letters written to the early church, there were two main kinds of people: Those who’d heard the good news of Jesus Christ and those who hadn’t. He knew it was his job to increase the former and reduce the latter, regardless of anyone’s race, religion, gender or social class. Jesus made fellow Jews the focus of his brief ministry, but spent time with a few folks outside the fold, something the Gospel writers carefully noted. Jesus showed great kindness to people who were shunned, mistrusted or overlooked by society, including children, lepers, disabled people, widows, the mentally deranged, the poverty stricken and �lagrant sinners. He even invited a tax collector to be a disciple. Just before his execution, Jesus told his disciples to take his message to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” Salvation was now open to all. Christ himself was every believer’s new identity, superceding all earthly identiﬁers. Paul tells Christians in Galatia: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29 NIV) It’s man, not God, who magni�ies our differences. Both Jesus and Paul were students of scripture. They understood and believed what God told Samuel many centuries earlier: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:17 NIV.) ❚ 12

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Feel-Good Foods for Crisp Autumn Days C

risp mornings, cozy sweaters and a craving for comfort foods are all sure signs that autumn is in the air. No fall menu is complete without hearty, homestyle dishes that evoke feelings of well-being and warmth, and there’s no better way to capture the ﬂavors of fall than with the season’s signature ingredient – apples. Serving up fall’s best feel-good foods doesn’t have to be hard. One clever solution: apple butter. Made with Americangrown apples in the classic Pennsylvania Dutch style, Musselman’s Apple Butter lends a unique taste to main dishes and desserts alike. Find more feel-good recipes for fall at musselmans.com. Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Vegetables 2 pounds pork loin salt pepper 1 large red onion 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes 1 pound baby carrots 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 1/3 cup soy sauce 1 cup beef broth

vegetables. Taste gravy, and season with salt and pepper, as needed, then pour gravy over pork and serve. Spice Cake Whoopie Pies 1 box spice cake mix, dry 1 1/2 cups Musselman’s Apple Butter 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 TB unsalted butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 2 TB milk 1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat liner. In large bowl, mix together dry cake mix, apple butter, oil and eggs until smooth. Let stand 3-4 minutes. Spoon batter onto prepared baking sheet, one heaping, rounded tablespoon at a time. Space about 2 inches apart. Bake about 14 min-

utes and let cool completely. To make cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add milk and vanilla, and beat another 1-2 minutes. Frost flat side of each “pie” half with frosting and place halves together. Store in sealed container in refrigerator. Note: Marshmallow creme can be substituted for cream cheese frosting. ❚ Source: Family Features

Preparation Place large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. (If using regular skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil.) Season pork loin with salt and pepper, and place in skillet. Sear pork loin on all sides to seal in juices, about 8-10 minutes. Peel onion and cut into large chunks. Cover bottom of large, 6-quart slow cooker with half the chopped onion, potatoes and carrots. Lay seared pork loin over top and surround with remaining vegetables.In small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, apple butter, mustard, soy sauce and broth. Pour mixture over pork and vegetables. Cover slow cooker and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-6 hours. Once potatoes are tender, cut tenderloin into thin slices and place on platter, surrounded by Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Winterize Your Home This Autumn F

all is the perfect time to take care of little things that can make a big difference to you and your home. Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services, Rockford, offers the following list of fall indoor tasks. Most are within the average person’s ability, but if you choose to hire a professional, you’ll save money, get the job done right – and avoid possible injury. • Furnace/Heat A furnace in good working order is vital during winter, so fall is a great time for maintenance. Change the filter, clean all debris and dust from the filter and motor areas, and test that it’s working properly. It’s best to hire a professional for this, so the unit can be inspected for cracks and carbon monoxide leaks. If you have radiated heat, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, bleed radiators and check for water leaks. Also check fireplaces and wood burning stoves each season prior to use. Hire a professional to inspect, clean and properly maintain your chimney and stovepipe, to help to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. This is also a good time to check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace battieries. • Attic Insulation Clear soffits and roof vents of any insulation, to ensure proper airflow in the attic. Insulation settles over the years and loses its effectiveness. As a general rule, add more if the insulation

is even with or below the ceiling joists. Walk on the ceiling joists to avoid drywall damage or falling through the ceiling. If you’re in doubt about the amount or quality of your insulation, contact a professional. • Windows/Doors Gaps in caulk and weather stripping mean high heating bills. Shut or install storm windows and check for problems. Close a door or window on a strip of paper, and if it slides out easily, replace your weather stripping. Carefully move a lighted candle around the frame to check for drafts. Fill any gaps with caulk or new weather stripping.

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

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Trail of Terror Winds Through Region By Jermaine Pigee, deputy editor

he Trail of Terror may sound like something out of a scary movie, but it’s actually full of fun, autumn activities for the whole family. Now in its 19th year, the Trail of Terror is a self-guided tour that exposes visitors to the best fall festivals, haunted houses, cemetery tours, haunted hayrides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and other favorite seasonal activities in our region. “Trail of Terror covers everything fall- and Halloween-related in the area,” says Diane Bausman, executive director of Blackhawk Waterways CVB. “There are a lot of different events and festivals going on.” It opened the first of September and will run through Halloween. There are attractions and events throughout nine northern Illinois counties: Carroll, DeKalb, Henry, Jo Daviess, Lee,

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McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson and Whiteside. A full listing of all the events and activities are listed at illinoistrailofterror. com. The Trail of Terror includes some not-so-scary stops for children, stops for the 21-and-up crowd, and activities for older children and adults who like to be scared out of their minds. Some of the scarier stops include the Haunted Haven in Rock Falls, one of the top-ranked haunts in Illinois, based on visitor voting. “If someone really wants to be scared out of their wits, they can do the Slaughterhouse 15 Midwest Tour at Haunted Haven,” Bausman says. The tour is based on “Slaughterhouse,” an independent horror film about a romantic getaway that turns into

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murderous mayhem. Guests can enjoy an outdoor showing of “Slaughterhouse,” then take a trip through Haunted Haven with characters from the movie. People wanting a scary thrill can also visit the popular Torment at Twelve Hundred in Orion. It’s a haunted theater attraction set on 30 acres. Each year, a new chapter is unveiled in a continuing horror-filled saga that takes place both indoors and outdoors. There’s also Terror in the Timber, in

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Pumpkin Derby fun in Mount Carroll, Ill.

Cambridge, which is a bone-chilling experience that conjures a trip back in time to the Witter Hills Asylum, where patients experienced sadistic torment, while housed at the facility. There are also haunted corn mazes along the trail. Jonamac Orchard in Malta has a 12-acre corn maze that people can wind through quite innocently by day. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, however, it turns into a haunted corn maze. “It has a nice Halloween following of people who are not too scared,” says

Jenna Spychal, coowner and manager of the orchard. “It’s like a giant haunted house.” The Trail of Terror includes many activities that are family friendly, which gives guests a chance to take in the fall weather, while enjoying some tasty treats. The trail winds through Royal Oak Farm in Harvard, Country Corner Farm Market and Pumpkin Patch in Alpha, and Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park. Some of the orchards along the trail also have plenty of children’s activities, such as petting zoos, hayrides, campfires and pumpkin picking. For the 21-and-older-crowd, there are wine and brewery tours, including the Massbach Ridge Winery in Elizabeth, the Famous Fossil Vineyard and Winery in Freeport, Lena Brewing Company in

Lena and Cademon Brewing in Genoa. There’s also Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., in DeKalb. Whiskey lovers can sip and savor corn whiskey, apple flavored whiskey, rye bourbon and vodka from the only estate distillery in Illinois. Small-town festivals are abundant throughout the various counties and include the Cortland Fall Festival and Parade, Rochelle’s Hay Day, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival in Sycamore and the Mt. Carroll Pumpkin Fest in Mt. Carroll. If you plan to make the Trail of Terror a weekend getaway, there are a variety of lodging accommodations in each county. Some sites on the Trail of Terror have admittance fees, ranging from $2 to $12. Some of the activities on the Haunted Happenings are scarier than others and it’s recommended that parents call first before taking young children. Visit illinoistrailofterror.com for more information. The website designates which attractions are for adults. ❚

The Biggest Halloween Event in the Midwest er 22, 6-11 Pm Saturday, Octob Elgin Downtown

Visit NightmareOnChicagoStreet.com for tickets, information, photos and much more. Find us on

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Dealing with Back Pain and Injury By Peggy Werner

he most common cause of back surgery is a herniated or “slipped” disc. This injury usually comes from performing activities of daily living in less than optimal biomechanics or posture. Dr. Jacob G. Caraotta, orthopedic chiropractor, says people can avoid chronic back pain and the possible need for surgery by following some simple rules. “Never lift an object while twisting at the waist,” he says. “Always keep the object you are lifting close to your body and centered. Make sure you never bend at the waist while lifting the object. Instead, use a three-point stance by kneeling on one knee when lifting; and finally, never sleep on your stomach.” At Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics, 4921 E. State St., Rockford, Caraotta works with patients to not only rehabilitate herniated discs without surgery

but also to correct everyday injuries that cumulatively can lead to surgery. “From a conservative rehabilitation standpoint, if a person has a slipped disc, there are several things we can do to avoid surgery. The first priority is to decrease the inflammation or swelling in and around the disc and nerve root utilizing physical therapy modalities such as cold laser therapy, ultrasound and diathermy,” Caraotta explains. “Anti-inflammatory medications may also be utilized. It is paramount to immediately relieve nerve pressure via various forms of chiropractic and orthopedic techniques.”

As the pressure is relieved and pain is reduced to a tolerable level, Caraotta introduces range of motion and core strengthening exercises to bring stability. “This is crucial,” he says. “Patients may also benefit from a steroid or cortisone injection to give a massive antiinflammatory relief. However, with my additional training in nonsurgical orthopedics, this should not be the starting point. It should come after conservative rehabilitation has been implemented.” Most disc syndrome patients have favorable outcomes, providing patients follow recommendations for exercise, relative rest and activity avoidance, Caraotta says. “In our chiropractic-orthopedic practice, we can avoid surgery for 96 percent of patients with disc syndromes,” Caraotta says. “The only reason for surgery is intractable pain, loss of bladder or bowel function, or progressive leg weakness.” ❚

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Fall Fun October Weekends at Lockwood Park L ockwood Park, home of the Children’s Farm and Trailside Equestrian Centre, is a fun place to visit any time, but October is loaded with extra-special activities, all part of Locktoberfest. Ride a pony or horse, take a hike, pick a $5 pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze, make your own s’mores, enjoy scavenger hunts and much more at this Rockford Park District property at 5201 Safford Road. Lockwood Park is home to animals including pigs, llama, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks, donkeys and, of course, horses and ponies. The park’s 146 acres include gently rolling hills, meadows, woods, natural areas, a stream, a 15-mile trail system (hiking, biking, or horseback riding), playground, picnic areas, and much more. Locktoberfest themed weekends: Oct. 1 & 2: Candy Craze Collect candy along Gum Drop Trail,

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with paid activities at select locations on Saturday, Oct. 1 only. The first 95 people to stop by the 95.3 The BULL table will receive a free ice cream. Register to win Keith Urban tickets while you’re there. Sunday, Oct. 2: Live music by Southern Charm Band from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 8-10 Pumpkin Patch Fest Saturday: Enjoy seasonal foods and stop

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by the 95.3 The BULL table. Oct. 10, Columbus Day: Enjoy watching a magician, view a Native American Indian display, see Mr. Steve perform and take part in a bike giveaway. Oct. 15 & 16: Scarecrow Days Build your own scarecrow. Saturday, Oct. 15 only: Pumpkincarving demonstration by Fred Gardner from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 22 & 23: Huckleberry’s Apple Days Enjoy apple crafts and snacks from Curran’s Apple Orchard. Take a selfie with Lockwood’s favorite pony, Huckleberry. Oct. 29 & 30: Costume Party A princess appears from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Storyland. Win a bracelet from Zavius Jewelers, and a wireless helicopter from Radio Shack. The drawing is at 4 p.m. on Oct. 30; you don’t need to be present to win. ❚

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

“Picnic” Oct. 6-9, Thu-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A play about how you always want what you can’t have. Every character longs for something beyond Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com reach – beauty, marriage, respect, economic security, true love, emotional peace, and each character displays the relatable, desperate longing for a place in this world. Maddox Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2264000, Rockford.edu. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

The Art of Recovery Oct. 7-11, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m., Tues. 6:30 p.m. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is sponsoring an art show featuring artists who are receiving mental health services. The goal is to continue to break the stigma on mental illness and show how art improves mental health and impacts recovery. Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., 706 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9632470, naminorthernillinois.org. Claude Bourbon Concert Oct. 7, 7 p.m. Prepare for a unique performance that blends blues, Spanish, Middle Eastern and Russian stylings. Just Goods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, claudebourbon.org. The Herdeman Kelly Duo, Violin & Viola Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Emily Herdeman Kelly enjoys a diverse career as a violinist and teacher. Violist Joshua Kelly is in demand as an orchestral and chamber musician. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Fall ArtScene Oct. 7-8, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. The Rockford Area Arts Council presents the 29th Annual Fall ArtScene showcasing original works of art at 40 locations across Rockford. Enjoy works in varied media of watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, furniture, jewelry, photography and multi-media. Scarecrow Harvest Festival Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Families of all ages can visit for fall harvest fun. Take a ride in a horsedrawn wagon, create your own scarecrow, compete in a relay race and scavenger hunt, square dance in this historic barn, and enjoy cooking demonstrations. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

The talented dancers of Ailey II take the stage at Coronado Performing Arts Center on Oct. 14.

Movies on Main: "The Good Dinosaur” Oct. 9, 6 p.m. In a world where dinosaurs and humans live side-by-side, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. The Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. The Little Big Band Oct. 9, 3 p.m. Celebrate the wealth of talented music professionals in our area with an intimate concert and light refreshments. Emerson House, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org. Head of the Rock Regatta Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This decades-old race draws more than 2,000 rowers from across the country and more than 5,000 spectators to the banks of the Rock River. Watch along the river from Martin Park to the YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford, rockriverymca.org. Ailey II Dance Company Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, rccaconcerts.org. Rockford City Dance Festival Oct. 14 & 15, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Rockford University students perform under the direction of Assistant Professor of Dance Amy Wright. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 226-4100, Rockford.edu. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

‘Something Different’ At GreenFire Restaurant

f you’re looking for a unique dining experience, look no further than GreenFire Restaurant, Bar and Bakery, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd. Shendet Ismajlaj, owner for the past year, has a long history of working in Rockford area restaurants and is now carrying on the dream of late owner and founder Philippe Forcioli, who owned Café Patou and then opened GreenFire. “I worked with Philippe for several years and never met anyone who could cook like him,” says Ismajlaj. GreenFire is an American-contemporary farm restaurant, bar and bakery that uses only natural, fresh and seasonal ingredients, with everything cooked in stateof-the-art wood stone ovens. “We offer something for everyone,

but we cater to the individual who wants to try something different,” says Ismajlaj. “People tell us there is nothing like it anywhere. We are known for our customer service, quality of food and unique ﬂavor combinations.” For breakfast, unique choices include tequila French toast, caramel apple pecan French toast, avocado eggs Benedict, wild berries crepes, and apple cider pancakes. Appetizers include treats such as gorgonzola stuffed dates wrapped in applewood smoked duck bacon, with blackberry gastrique. For lunch and dinner, there’s a wide selection of salads, meat entrees, seafood dishes, burgers, pasta, wood ﬁre pizza and those delicious crepes made famous by Café Patou.

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Peggy Werner

Shendet Ismajlaj, owner of GreenFire

On any given week, at least a dozen kinds of dessert are featured, the most popular one being a ﬂourless, dense chocolate torte.There are regular and featured daily specials, as well as dinner pizzas for $10 after 10 p.m. every day. Learn more by calling GreenFire at (815) 316-3473. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $. Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $. Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262. LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-9888. LD Daily 11am.

GreenFire � Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct 5 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Arturo’s

rturo’s at 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., is run by Arturo Torres, who learned to cook authentic Mexican food in Guadalajara, Mexico. He uses only fresh, from-scratch ingredients. Fan favorites include tacos, fajitas, 10 Finger Burritos and enchilada dinners. American dishes include steaks, burgers, chicken wings and seafood plates. There’s also an expanding selection of domestic and imported beers, and, of course, the house margarita. Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 a.m., with 12 to 15 authentic Mexican options like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, juevos tirados and huevos con chorizos, along with American fare. Arturo’s expects to open a rooftop beer garden by the end of 2017. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. ❚

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October Dates for Local Farmers Markets S

ome local markets are winding down and Rockford City Market is done for the season. But several farmers markets still run through October, and fresh produce is still being picked. Here’s the lineup.

Saturdays

Beloit Farmers Market Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., downtown. Now in its fourth decade, this is one of the oldest markets in our region, with more than 85 vendors. This market runs through October. VisitBeloit.com

North End City Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., southeast corner of Main and Auburn streets, Rockford, through Oct. 29. Live music, fresh-cooked food and socializing. Rockfordcitymarket. com/northend Belvidere Farmers Market & Crafts Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 22, parking lot of Dodge Lanes, 1940 State St., belviderefarmersmarket.com

for the season. The Wednesday market is now in its 25th year. Edgebrookshops. com.

Pecatonica Farmers Market Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 29, Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

Pecatonica Farmers Market Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., through Oct. 26, at Main and Fourth streets. Gorockford. com

Wednesdays

Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26. The Thursday Edgebrook Farmers Market is done

CO-SPONSOR

LOCKWOOD PARK • 5201 SAFFORD RD – ROCKFORD, IL Saturdays and Sundays in October • Plus Columbus Day (Monday, October 10) Open 10:00 am–4:00 pm • Low-fee event, with some FREE activities

r Pick you r o f n i pumpk

2016 WEEKEND THEMES OCT 1–2 • Candy Craze OCT 8–10 • Pumpkin Patch Fest OCT 15–16 • Scarecrow Days OCT 22–23 • Huckleberry’s Apple Days OCT 29–30 • Costume Party

All events and programs weather permitting, and subject to change

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT

CONNECT WITH US!

rockfordparkdistrict.org | 815-987-8800

We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. For assistance and more information on accessibility, please call our Customer Service number listed above.

Smart Living Weekly

Oct 5 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Fridays

Winnebago Farmers Market

Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m., through Oct. 28, Main and Benton streets. GoRockford. com ❚

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Issue 1