Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • September 13, 2017
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Right in Our Region
World War II Days at Midway Village
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Rockford Rain Art Returns Tasty Tailgating Recipes Grow Hardy Mums Help Children to Read
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Smart Living Weekly
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 World War II Days Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 About Hardy Mums
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Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Don’t Worry, Be Happy Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty Tailgating Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Glaucoma Treatments Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 The Bakery at GreenFire Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26
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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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Amazing Event T
housands of people turned out for the Main Street Market event at Midway Village Museum on Saturday, lugging home vintage items and other treasures. This week those same 148 acres are transforming to a 1940s Europe-type stage for World War II Days, which opens to the public next Friday, Sept 22. Of all the special things that put Rockford on the national map, this event amazes me most of all. I’ve written about it for years and watched it grow exponentially over the past two decades. It attracts some 1,300 re-enactors from across the U.S. (and other nations) and some 11,000 onlookers. I’m impressed with the balance struck between entertainment and educational value; the re-enactors take their hobby very seriously and devote considerable time and money to it. Everything they bring is authentic to the period, from costumes and weaponry to vehicles, hairstyles and the ethnic foods they cook in their camps. Most of all, they’re super knowledgeable about the war and love answering questions. World War II set so many, many things into motion that still impact us today – the division of North and South Korea, for example. Midway Village Museum is a non-profit with a small staff. That it pulls off such a complex event each year, in collaboration with a very capable re-enactor unit, is really something. Just think about the logistics involved with hosting live horse cavalries, booming pyro-technic “battles” and a crammed event schedule, along with providing safety, food, drink, parking, vendor areas and bathrooms for 11,000 guests. The consistent expertise on display has made this the largest event of its kind in the Midwest. Did you know there’s an Education Day opportunity for students, held one day before the event opens to the general public? Surely there’s no better way for a teacher to awaken student interest in this important chapter of world history. Our prayers are with hurricane victims even as we cherish these perfect days of early autumn in the Midwest. Enjoy! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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Rockford Rain Art is Back and Even Bigger R
ockford Rain Art aims to bring a bit of joy to what might be a gloomy, rainy day. The art is visible only when the sidewalk is wet. This fun and interactive public art installation is part of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (RACVB) Forest City Beautiful initiative. The art is on display at 22 locations throughout the downtown River District, Midtown District, SwedishAmerican Hospital campus and the Miracle Mile. “We’re excited to have this fun-filled and interactive art project back again for the second year,” says Josh Albrecht, RACVB director of marketing & public affairs. “We’re happy to announce that, thanks to the help of Rockford Community Partners, the art has been expanded to 22 locations this year to give more people the opportunity to interact with the temporary art designs.” The art is installed on the sidewalks and is only visible when wet. The paint is environmentally friendly and will last for
two to four months. Collaborating with Rockford Community Partners, the River District Association, Midtown District, Miracle Mile, and SwedishAmerican, RACVB is working with Rockford-based OC Creative for the project installation and execution. OC Creative launched a similar initiative called Project Liquid Sunshine in spring 2016. Share your Rain Art photos with #rockfordrainart #gorockford and #rockfordexplorer. Locations include: Downtown Rockford • Riverfront Museum Park - 711 N. Main St. • Coronado Arts Center - 314 N Main St. • Rockford Library - 215 North Wyman St. • RACVB - 102 N. Main St. • BMO Harris Bank Center - 300 Elm St. • Esplanade - West riverbank off West State • State Street Bridge - North sidewalk • Rockford City Market - 124 N. Water St. • UW Sports Factory - 305 S. Madison St. • Eddie Greene Park - State and First streets • Rockford City Hall - 425 E. State St.
Midtown District • Morning Glory Restaurant - 211 7th St. • Katie’s Cup - 502 7th St. • Rockford School District Office - 501 7th St. • SwedishAmerican Hospital main entrance - 1401 E. State St. • SwedishAmerican Hospital Camelot Tower - 1415 E. State St. • SwedishAmerican Ryan Jury Development Learning Center - 122 Williams Park • SwedishAmerican Hospital Charles Street entrance Miracle Mile • Fairview Shopping Center - 3600 E. State St. • Johnny Pamcakes - 3700 E. State St. • Alpine Inn - 4404 E. State St. • Mary’s Market - 4431 E. State St. ❚
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Bigger, Better Mums Add to Autumn Beauty By Peggy Werner
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ust as summer colors are starting to fade and the season draws to a close, chrysanthemums are a No. 1 choice to brighten up the landscape and extend the beauty of nature. The late-blooming flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors and research is always underway to offer an even wider selection each year. S & H Nursery, 5956 McCurry Road in Roscoe, specializes in locally grown hardy mums, which have proven to be a good choice for those wanting to plant the flowers into the ground for more years of blooms. The mums are known for their dense foliage and fullness, prolific large blooms, and plant size up to three feet in width. “It’s crazy how big they get. They are the nicest, fullest mums I have ever seen,” says owner Jamie Swanson.
Although mums are not guaranteed to bounce back every year, there are some steps you can take to help them thrive year after year. The earlier you get the mums into the ground, the better, says Swanson. Don’t dig a hole too deep. Leave about a half inch of the plant soil above the ground to give roots a chance to breathe and adjust to new surroundings. Water and fertilize mums as you would other flowing plants, and deadhead (pinch off) tired blooms. As long as they are wellmaintained and weather permits, mums will keep blooming, she says. “I’ve seen mums still blooming outside at Christmas,” she says. S & H will continue to get mums through the month of October. It currently has a special running for eight-
inch pots offered at $7.50 each or three for $20. The mums are also available in 12-inch pots by themselves or mixed with fall grasses. Few things say “autumn beauty” as eloquently as beautiful mums. “They’re absolutely gorgeous,” says Swanson. ❚
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Don’t Worry! T
here’s so much to worry about right now. Hurricanes. A huge Mexican earthquake. North Korean nukes. Elected leaders causing chaos. Jobs. Health. Kids. Money. The future. Mortality. In truth, there’s always been a lot to worry about and there always will be, from famine, disease and war to all the small stuff we fret about each day. And while awareness and preparedness are useful and necessary – for example, evacuating before a hurricane comes – worry never is. “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Jesus asks in Matthew 6:27. He goes on to say: “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:28-34) It’s easier said than done to practice more calm and less worry. Jesus knows that. But he also gives us an action to take. He tells us to make God’s priorities our own priorities – to look for ways to serve God and imitate His goodness. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Helping other people is a great way to get our minds off of our own troubles and all that worries us. Don’t worry. Be happy. Put your cares in God’s hands through prayer and be glad for the day at hand. ❚ 12
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Throw the Ultimate Tailgate Party F
ootball season is back, and that means it’s time to stock up on all the tailgating essentials. There’s one thing that all football fans can agree on: wings are the MVPs of game day. They’re easy to make and a surefire way to deliver that classic Buffalo flavor. In order to make sure you’ve got the win locked in, have more than one play in your back pocket. Turn to another triedand-true, one-pot classic: chili. Brown some ground beef, add some onion and tomatoes, beans, hot sauce and seasoning. All you need is 15 minutes to build flavor and you’re good to go. For more tailgate tips and great-tasting game day recipes, visit franksredhot. com/recipes. Buffalo Chicken Wings 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
1/3 cup butter, melted Blue cheese dressing Celery sticks Heat oven to 450 degrees. In foil-lined pan, bake wings for 30 minutes, turning once. In bowl, combine sauce and butter. Toss wings in sauce to coat completely. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Chili 2 pounds ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree 1 can (15-19 ounces) kidney beans, undrained 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce 2 packages (1 1/4 ounces) chili seasoning mix Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Scallions (optional) Sour cream (optional) In large, pot, cook beef until browned. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Drain. Stir in tomatoes, beans, sauce and seasoning mix. Heat to boiling. Stir often. Let simmer for 15 minutes, or until flavors are blended. Stir often. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, scallions and sour cream. ❚ Source: Family Features
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R O R
Discover Education Day at World War II Days By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
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course to get a feel for what U.S. Army Basic Training was like, complete with a drill sergeant barking orders. They can witness themed skirmishes and battles in the German-occupied French village. In the schoolhouse, they learn about code breaking and try their own hand at it. In the print shop, students make the French identity papers they need to carry at all
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event has spread. Lesser known is the Education Day opportunity that teachers, students and homeschoolers have had since 2003 to enjoy the experience exclusively on the day before World War II Days opens to the public. This year, Education Day is Sept. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rather than being lost in a crowd of 4,000, the 800 or so students – mostly middle and high school ages – receive the full attention of re-enactors and, remarkably, a World War II veteran guest speaker. “Our re-enactors are great about interacting with people of all ages and interest levels, whether you’re a total military buff or a total novice,” says Kristen Hoeker, special events coordinator. “What we like about this day is that the kids are the focus.” There are many hands-on activities. Students can run an obstacle
Main St.
he largest World War II re-enactment in the Midwest will erupt Sept. 2324 on the 148-acre campus of Midway Village Museum in Rockford, Ill. It will involve more than 1,300 re-enactors from 40 states and a few other countries. Now in its 21st year, the event is expected to draw some 11,000 visitors to see pyrotechnically enhanced battles and skirmishes, 60-plus military vehicles and a host of events staged by authentically costumed and outfitted re-enactors who set up about 100 campsites on Thursday night. Many events have specific themes, such as Russian Front, or Invasion of France 1940. Thirteen buildings will be filled with displays of World War II artifacts and the normally 1900-era Midway Village is transformed into a 1940s German-occupied French village. Based on the crowds it draws, it’s clear that word about this one-of-a-kind
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R O R Richard Lockhart, who served from 1943-1945, was in the Battle of the Bulge and was a prisoner of war. “It’s one thing to look up something about the war on your iPad,” says Hoeker. “It’s quite a different experience to hear a firsthand account from someone who lived through battles and survived a prison
times, lest they be stopped by a German patrol. Students also tour the permanent trenches built on the museum grounds for World War I Days. “It’s hard for students to visualize the difference between the two world wars,” says Hoeker. “Trenches are distinct to World War I, so we teach them about those and some of the other differences.” This is Hoeker’s third year of coordinating World War II Days. She’s impressed by the respect students have shown both to re-enactors and the World War II veteran guest speaker on Education Day. This year that speaker will be
camp.” “It’s a kick to see students hanging out eating lunch with a group of ‘soldiers’ sitting around their encampment in the woods,” says Hoeker. “It’s pretty great for everyone involved.” When doors open to the public on Sept. 23, World War II Days will offer a jam-packed event schedule. Last year, many new items were added in celebration of the event’s 20th anniversary; nearly all will make a comeback. They include musical performances by an Andrew Sisters-type group and a mens’ group singing period music, as well as
an exhibit on loan from the Illinois Holocaust Museum titled “Remembering the Holocaust.” Also returning is a display of WW II radio-controlled model airplanes, a V-mail writing project to say thank you to Veterans in our community, and a victory garden display. Also back by popular demand is a special Friday night event titled “Behind the Lines with General Patton” from 5-8 p.m. Ticket for the Behind the Lines event are $35 for non-members. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 13. To register your student group for World War II Days Education Day, go to midwayvillage.com/midway-handson-history.html or call Kristen Hoeker, special events coordinator at (815) 3979112, ext. 104 with any questions. The registration deadline for Education Day is Sept. 18. Admission to Education Day is $1 for adults and $7 for students. Find a complete schedule of World War II Day events at midwayvillage.com or call (815) 397-9112. ❚
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Mostly Cats Celebrates 25th with Open House By Peggy Werner
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ostly Cats Veterinary Clinic, 4901 N. Perryville Road, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an open house showcasing how it meets the needs of pets, while raising money for another need. All money raised during the open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23rd, will be donated to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Pets are welcome and can get nail trims for $15 and a microchip for $25. Money for the cause will also be raised through the sale of raffle tickets and silent auction items. Prizes will include a 72-inch cat tree; a 30-minute session for Dog Paddle Beach, a swim club for dogs in Loves Park; a knitted pet bed with toys; a metal planter shaped like a cat; an Ice Hogs goodie bag and more. Kona Ice will provide refreshments.
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Dr. Sharon Schamberger, founder and owner of Mostly Cats, got the idea for her business after observing the unique needs of cats from a friend who raised them. As a veterinarian since 1983, she also cares for dogs and other pets at her clinic. “When people are happy because I have helped their pets have a better life, even if it means easing suffering at the end of life, I realize why I am here; to help people and do what I love to do,” she says. The open house will also feature building tours, demonstrations and children’s activities, including face painting, balloon animals, stuffed animal “surger-
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ies,” and a petting zoo. Demonstrations will be provided by B & B Canine Company of Caledonia and Mostly Cats will show proper grooming techniques and discuss pet dental care. People will learn how to use Mostly Cat’s newest feature, Petly, an online health chart for pets, where owners can communicate with staff, request prescription refills, view test results and manage appointments. Want to adopt a cat? PAWS Humane Society will be available to help you find the perfect pet. ❚
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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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Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely By Peggy Werner
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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
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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New Treatment for Glaucoma Available By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor
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n May 2, Dr. Edward Yavitz became the first stateline surgeon to perform a new procedure to treat glaucoma. Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, conducted the painless 10-minute procedure called “canaloplasty” at Yavitz Eye Center, 4105 N. Perryville Road. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is an eye disease that usually results from fluid building up in the front part of your eye. The extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this damage can lead to blindness. In fact, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over age 60. By performing canaloplasty, Yavitz restores the eye’s natural drainage system by threading a tiny tube through blocked channels and clearing them.
“The procedure is similar to angioplasty – where you treat a heart that’s blocked,” Yavitz says. “Basically, all the fluid in the eye drains out through a circular channel.” With this procedure, patients are often able to stop taking one or more of their expensive glaucoma eye drops – the usual method for controlling glaucoma. Canaloplasty adds to the broad repertoire of glaucoma procedures Yavitz offers, including iStents, ECP laser, trabeculectomy and shunts. Yavitz urges people to not take their eye health for granted. Glaucoma is an especially stealthy disease, as there’s no way to notice that your eye pressure is above normal. “Your brain fills in the holes in your vision,” Yavitz says. “You may have vision like Swiss cheese, but your brain fills
in the blank spots so it appears that your visual field is full, even though it isn’t.” The only way to be sure that you don’t have glaucoma is to have a routine annual checkup with an eye care professional, Yavitz says. Blindness can be prevented with early treatment. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)
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Sept. 13
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
AE: “Steel Magnolias” Through Sept. 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 Rockford, 61101 1.800.521.0849 parlorIL whose interactions gorockford.com reveal deep strength of character. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Lifescape Senior Expo Sept. 13, 9 a.m. More than 100 vendors promote subjects such as health care, financial planning, retirement and home improvement. The event also features health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations and presentations. Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., lifescapeservices.org. Tunes on the Terrace: Kevin Earlywine Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music by Rockford singer-songwriter Kevin Earlywine. Food and beverages are available beginning at 5 p.m. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com. Paint the Port Sept. 15, 3-8 p.m. Kids and adults can create their own masterpieces, transforming city sidewalks into more than 800 canvases using washable tempera paints. Proceeds support downtown facade improvement. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. Music on the Mall: Ken E. Curtis Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music and food and drinks from Mary’s Market. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765, edgebrookshops.com. Forest Quest Scavenger Hunt Sept. 15-16, Fri. 3:30 p.m. Get a team together for this competitive, 24-hour event that goes off the beaten path to discover the wild secrets of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. Registration req. Severson Dells Forest Preserve, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com/scavenger-hunt. Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 16, 8 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. ceremony, 10 a.m. 2-mile walk. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds
The Greenwich Village Art Fair features original artwork from juried artists from Sept. 16-17.
for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 977-9125, act.alz.org. Midway Village: Spectacular Saturday Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m. Travel to Portugal this month for a look at its culture, language, art and dance. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. In the Outdoors: 100 Years in the Trenches Sept. 16, 1-3 p.m. Learn tips and tricks about how to pack a hiking backpack and what to do if you find yourself lost. Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford, (815) 8747576, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Concerts on the Creek: Dennis Warner Sept. 16, 7 p.m. Minnesota folk Americana singer-songwriter Dennis Warner blends ballads, uptempo songs, audience participation and humor into his performance. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. RSO: “Star Wars” & More Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with Rockford Symphony Orchestra, featuring selections from “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter,” and more. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 16-17, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. Held rain or shine, this annual two-day outdoor event features original artwork, live music, regional vendors, children’s art activities, plus food, drinks and more. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. ❚
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WDL
Dreamy Desserts at GreenFire Bakery
By Peggy Werner
P
astry Chef Nancy Bedows of GreenFire Restaurant, Bakery and Bar, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., is the master mind behind creations that are as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. The display case is filled with cakes, cupcakes, pies, cheesecakes, muffins, cookies and more that reveal her creativity, artistry and dedication to her work. She credits two people for who she is today; her mom, Delores, and her former boss, the late Philippe Forcioli, who owned Café Patou and later opened GreenFire. “My mom could just pull things out of the cupboard and make something out of nothing. I just can’t say enough about her. Philippe taught me to never give up and to experiment with flavors,” she says. Today, she’s always thinking about what to bake next with the freshest of ingredients and seasonal items.
“I start out with one flavor, like a raspberry, and then I start thinking about what other flavors will go with it,” she says. The results are amazing. To name just a few, Cookies and Cream Cake is a chocolate layer cake with mascarpone cookie filling; Blackberry Lemon Cake is vanilla cake made with fresh blackberries, lemon custard and blackberry Italian meringue butter cream; Silky Bliss is a chocolate chip cookie cup filled with a Belgium chocolate mousse; and Peanut Butter Bomb is a chocolate cake with a salted caramel center topped with peanut butter mousse and nuts. Then, there’s Prickly Pear Wonder Cake, made with a vanilla cake soaked in prickly pear liqueur and layered with
fresh mixed berries. This recipe took three years to perfect, she says, and was inspired by her sister, who has a gluten allergy and is vegetarian. GreenFire Owner Shendet Ismajlaj says the prickly pear cake is popular with everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. “When she makes it, it’s gone. Nancy is a hard worker and I’m lucky to have her on my staff. Our desserts are about flavor and texture and are not made with a lot of sugar,” he says. ❚
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants
Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee 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 Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant 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. $$$. Big Papa’s Barbecue BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-
Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine 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 Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse 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 Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s 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 Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café 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. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26
Smart Living Weekly
Sept. 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Arturo’s
A
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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Sept. 13 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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Issue 1