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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 30, 2016
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Right in Our Region
The Great War at Midway Village Museum
M
idway Village Museum will present “The Great War: World War I” on April 9 and 10, the largest event of its kind on our continent. “With more than 250 re-enactors and growing visitor attendance numbers each year, our Great War event is the largest World War I public event
in North America,” says Kristen Hoeker, special events coordinator at the museum. The re-enactors at this living history event will portray soldiers from the U.S., France, Great Britain, Belgium, Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary and many more countries. Continued on p. 22
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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 The Great War: World War I Your Home .................................................. ...... 11 Awnings: A Cool Idea Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 The Stink of Conceit Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Recycle that Easter Candy! New You for 2016 ...............................................17 Solutions for Varicose Veins Your Health ............................................. .......... .25 Fitness: An Attainable Goal at Any Age
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*.25% Special Interest Rate Discount valid on new loan proceeds to be held in MACU portfolio and for applications submitted during the promotional period of March 21 – May 31, 2016 only; disbursement must occur by June 30, 2016, to qualify. The Special Interest Rate Discount is applied on the Note Rate. The Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loan has an adjustable rate feature and is subject to a $10 annual fee. For HELOCs, the Special Interest Rate Discount is applied to the initial interest rate for the first year and does not apply to later adjustments. The initial rate will be in effect for one year. If the index were used for the initial rate, the rate would be 3.375% APR. The interest rate is adjusted annually based on the Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. Consult your tax advisor regarding tax deductibility. Subject to credit approval. Rates may vary.
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.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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No April Foolin’
O
ur cover story fills you in on “The Great War: World War I” at Midway Village Museum (MVM) April 9 & 10, the largest event of its type in North America. MVM already enjoys a stellar reputation for its World War II Days event staged each September, now in its 20th year. I’m always shocked when local folks tell me they’ve never been to Midway Village. It’s like being a New Yorker who’s never visited the Statue of Liberty. If you’re one of those misguided souls, a glance at the museum’s jam-packed 2016 event brochure shows you what dates to mark on your calendar this year. (Find the downloadable calendar at MidwayVillage.com under “events.”) Few cities are privileged to have a repository for local history that’s as exciting or interactive as MVM. Programs are developed by creative professional historians and volunteers who really know what they’re doing. Along with the museum itself, the 148-acre campus is home to a “village” of 26 fully furnished structures representing Victorian Rockford between 1890 and1910. There’s a hotel, print shop, general store, fire station, town hall, school, bank, hospital, blacksmith shop etc. The village portion of MVM is open May through August, when costumed interpreters lead tours. Dear to my heart are 10 heritage gardens in the village, some with poetically named Victorian plants like “Love Lies Bleeding” amaranth. All ages find something to fascinate them in the year-round main museum, from the aviation Flight Gallery to a mock 7th Street. This weekend at MVM you’ll find the 23rd Annual Egg Artistry Sale and Show. On April 23 the museum hosts Rockford’s Cultural Heritage Celebration; and on several dates in April visitors can experience an hour-long theatrical presentation called “Finding Home: The Immigrant Experience 1920s.” So don’t be an April Fool! Have fun exploring this gem of our region. After all, the joy is in the journey! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor
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Something Cool: Custom-Made Awnings W hen hot weather sets in, a little shade can make all the difference to your comfort level. A high-quality awning can dress up a home or business and make it feel more welcoming. Whether placed on your windows or rolled out over your patio, awnings offer relief from the blazing sun. The Rockford region is fortunate to have a company that’s been specializing in custom awnings since Paul R. Berg founded Illinois Automatic Awning in the 1920s, inside the old post office building on South Main Street. Berg invented the very first roller awning and set into motion Berg Industries Inc., a business that still prospers today. Michael Holsker, vice president of sales, has been working in all aspects of Berg Industries’ awning division since the early 1980s. “We offer hundreds of styles and options, from standard awnings to porch curtains and retractable awnings,” says
Holsker. “The endless array of colors, whether bold or subdued, striped or solid, makes it easy to complement any style of architecture.” Awnings help to conserve energy by reducing interior temperatures; they also extend your outdoor living space. Ordering is easy because Berg staff members bring fabric samples to your home or business and custom measure the spaces to be shaded. “Fabric quality makes or breaks the performance and beauty of an awning,” says Holsker. Berg Industries partners with Tri Vantage, a top-line fabric distributor. The awnings and canopies are custom-made on-site at Berg Industries, 3455 S. Mulford Road, Rockford. Come fall, Berg will remove and store your awnings or deck canopy to prolong their life, and reinstall them in spring. “This is especially important for canopies over a deck that can sag and stretch
under the weight of snow,” Holsker explains. Berg also offers cleaning services to maintain your awnings. Along with residential and commercial awnings, Berg Industries makes custom boat covers and is the area’s largest tent rental company. Berg rents tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, table coverings and much more. Learn more at bergtents.com. ❚
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The Stink of Conceit
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any things are murky to us in scripture, but some are crystal clear. One of the latter is God’s view of arrogance. In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him: “Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor. Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart,” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my
eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”
Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will
be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued
over which of them was greatest, Jesus told them: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do
nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” How should we view conceit? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia
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Reuse and Enjoy Your Favorite Easter Candy T he best parts of holiday celebrations are the special traditions that form lasting memories – and many of these can extend past the holiday itself. Make Easter the most egg-cellent holiday by inspiring new, creative crafts and recipes for your family to enjoy even after the big day. An Easter basket isn’t the only way you and your family can enjoy these holiday sweets. With a long shelf life, most Easter candy can be reused and incorporated into other recipes for weeks after the holiday. Plus, with Easter-themed candies going on sale the Monday after, you and your family can save while creating new holiday traditions. Get creative in the kitchen and find new ways to enjoy your favorite candies, such as this recipe that combines ice cream, cookies and Cadbury Creme Egg Candy for a one-of-a-kind dessert.
Candy Egg Ice Cream Sandwiches
Pour ice cream mixture into rectangular or square 2-quart dish and spread into even layer, making sure candy is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap and place dish in freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until ice cream has set again. In food processor, pulse mini egg candies until finely chopped. Remove ice cream from freezer. Place chopped mini candies in shallow bowl wide enough to fit a cookie. Place 4 cookies bottom up on plate. Top each cookie with scoop of ice cream then top ice cream with another cookie (bottom facing ice cream). Press down on sandwich until ice cream reaches cookie edge. Immediately roll ice cream edges of
sandwich in chopped mini candies, turning sandwich until all edges are coated. Place sandwich on a dish and return to freezer. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to serve. ❚ Source: Family Features
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream • 3 Cadbury Creme Egg Candy candies • 8 large sugar cookies • 1/4 cup Cadbury Mini Eggs Candy
Directions: Set ice cream on counter for 15-20 minutes, or until it begins to thaw and is easy to scoop. Unwrap and chop egg candy into small pieces. Pour candy pieces (including gooey center off knife and cutting board) into medium mixing bowl. Scoop ice cream into bowl with chopped candy. Using plastic spatula, stir candy and ice cream until well combined.
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Advancements in Vein Treatment Offer Relief B y To n i R o c h a
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n America, varicose veins affect 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Yet varicose veins have been taken for granted as part of the aging process. The truth is, anyone at any age can develop varicose veins, as a result of valve failure that can occur because of leakage, calcification or other causes. For Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, a fascination with computerized, minimally invasive medical procedures, coupled with a family history of varicose veins, resulted in the founding of the Northern Illinois Vein Clinic, in the Renaissance Pavillion at 1340 Charles St., Ste. 404, Rockford.
Northern Illinois Vein Clinic offers free vein disease screenings. Schedule your screening appointment online at niveinclinic.com, or call (815) 315-9529.
Here, patients of all ages find state-ofthe-art help. Gilvydis became interested in specialized treatments for varicose veins during his interventional radiology fellowship at Chicago’s Rush-PresbyterianSt. Luke’s Medical Center, now called Rush University Medical Center. His fellowship class was the first to be introduced to a new minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. “At that time, the treatment included only radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins,” he says. “Since I had a significant amount of varicose veins myself, I instantly became very interested in learning this new treatment.” Today, he performs endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) surgery, the very latest minimally invasive treatment available. Gilvydis began performing radiofrequency ablation treatments in SwedishAmerican Hospital’s cath lab.
Encouraged by the excellent outcomes and a growing patient referral base, he opened a dedicated outpatient vein clinic where he could concentrate on varicose vein treatment. “I visited numerous other vein clinics that were run by very well-known physicians in the field,” he says. “I then took the positives from each of these clinics and developed what has turned out to be a very comprehensive and progressive vein clinic. Initially, the clinic was open just one day a week. That quickly expanded to five days a week, because of our successful outcomes.” ❚
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Gustafson’s West Serving Our Hometown Since 1928
88 th Anniversary Sale! 808 W. Riverside Boulevard 815-636-8608
G
Fl
Starting at $1699 Design it your way! Choose your arms, cushions, base, fabric and accent pillows! Over 750 custom fabrics to choose from!
3 Piece Sectional WAS $3569 NOW $2799 21 Custom fabrics to choose from!
Queen Bed WAS $919 NOW $739 Includes Headboard, Footboard, & Rails!
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Riverton Sofa and Love Seat Set WAS $3099 NOW $1899 21 Custom fabrics to choose from!
Shop Both of Our Locations Today!
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Open 24/7 on the Web! • gustafsonfurniture.com
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Now Open!
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Fleet Street Power Reclining Sofa WAS $2759 NOW $2569
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Trina & Dale Welcome You to Shop Gustafson’s 206,000+ sq. ft. of Home Furnishings & Save!
Up to 60 Months 0% Interest* at Both Locations Smart Living Weekly
*To Qualified Buyers on financed balance over $2,000 with 10% Down. Tax & delivery not financeable.
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Mon - Thurs 10am-7pm | Fri 10am-8pm | Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 12-5pm
y One Week Onl
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Prices good through April 6th
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Sectional WAS $1219 Available in 3 colors!
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POWER BEDS LIFT CHAIR
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TWINS
STARTING AT
899
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808 W. Riverside Blvd. & 6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com
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Accent Chairs WERE $339
Plush Rocker Recliner WAS $599 ONLY 11 AVAILABLE
Displayed At State Street Location.
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Now
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Cassidy Recliner WAS $535 ONLY 27 AVAILABLE
Cassidy Lift Chair. WAS $829 ONLY 35 AVAILABLE
Displayed At Both Locations.
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* Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.
Anniversary Special Edition Queen Super Pillow Top Set
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LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER
The Best Buy Seal and other licensed materials are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. For award information, visit ConsumersDigest.com. Photo shown for illustration only. Actual product may vary.
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We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Interest free financing available on purchases over $2000 to qualified buyers. See store for details. 30 Day Lay-A-Way.
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World War I Continued from Cover
World War I was fought between 1914 and 1918; American involvement was in 1917 and 1918. “Among the many featured activities are a large scale World War I model airplane display and demonstration,” says Hoeker. “Movies from the 1910s will be shown on original equipment and live musical performances, with songs from that era, are among highlights this year.” Named as a partnering event to The United States World War One Centennial
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Commission, “The Great War: World War I” is expanding to include the debut of a Trench Train replica and an FT-17 French Tank replica. The Commission, created by Congress in 2013, works to plan, develop and execute projects that commemorate the Centennial of World War I. Members of the 12-member commission were appointed by the President and leaders from the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Mo. All four living former
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U.S. Presidents serve the commission as honorary chairmen. Visitors of the Midway Village Museum event may walk through encampments and tour a reproduction three-bunker trench, talk to the re-enactors about life as a soldier, and learn about the various military equipment and combat techniques of this war. Live horses from Cavalry units will be featured. The reproduction trench, a 150yard section of a front line trench typical from World War I, includes three bunkers. During the Great War, the bunkers
R O R acted as living quarters for the troops and also created a shelter from regular artillery barrages. Each of the three bunkers will be filled with personal effects and different sections of the trench will be occupied by troops from the German, French and Imperial Russian armies and
highlight various aspects of the war. Guided trench tours are available for $3 and are scheduled throughout both days. Indoors, displays will focus on World War I weapons and artifacts, cavalry and medical units. Narrated battles and skirmishes in the village and on the battlefield involving pyrotechnics are also part of the re-enactment. Visitors also may shop an expanded vendor area for souvenirs or purchase food and beverages at the event. Guest speakers will discuss “The Lusitania,” “Tanks Invade The Great War” and “Secret Weapons of the War.” Complete details about the speakers may be found at midwayvillage.com. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. Visitors may purchase tickets online
through Wednesday, April 6, at the Museum Store, or at the gate each day of the event. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students (ages 3 to 17). Museum Members enjoy free entry. Midway Village Museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. For complete schedules of activities and to purchase tickets online through Wednesday, April 8, visit midwayvillage. com. ❚
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Need Fitness? A Consultation May Help By Peggy Werner
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eight loss and other health-related goals top most people’s to-do list. Unfortunately, we all know how quickly the best intentions can lose steam. Your inspiration can turn into a reality, however, if you just have a plan, work your plan and be patient with yourself. Nick Dal Pra, Peak Fitness and Sports Club Training Director, says a free Fitness Consultation is a great place to start for new Peak members and for others who have been exercising, but need to refresh a tired workout. The one-hour meeting includes a body fat measurement, nutrition information, healthy goal setting, reviewing health history, start-up recommendations and eight exercises to assess one’s physical fitness in the areas of range of motion, mobility and basic strength. It’s also an opportunity to talk about working with a personal trainer and how that can help you meet your fitness goals.
“The free consultation is a good way to take a snapshot look at where you are and see what it will take to get where you want to be. “It also gives new members a chance to get acquainted with the facility, reduce anxiety, and not feel so intimidated. For others, we can get them out of their comfort zone and try new things,” he says. “The average person doesn’t have a solid plan in terms of what they want to accomplish and in what time frame. To experience success at the gym, people need to think about what days they can come in to workout, how long they are willing to stay and what they like to do. Establishing a routine and doing things you like to do will help you succeed,” he says.
For more information about Peak Fitness and Sports Club or to set up an appointment for a fitness consultation, contact Peak at (815) 877-4401. ❚
Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.
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"Much Ado About Nothing" Now through April 2, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Celebrate the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s passing with this performance of his classic tale. Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu/ community/theatre. First Fridays in Downtown Rockford April 1, 5 p.m.-midnight. Each month, downtown art galleries, shops, music and theater venues work together to stay open late and provide new art, music and goods. Downtown Rockford, (779) 537-5319, facebook.com/ FirstFridaysRockford. Americana Variety Concert April 1, 7 p.m. Enjoy excellent acoustics and light refreshments at this celebration of Americana music. JustGoods Listening Room, 201 Seventh St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, justgoods.info/. Performance & Social April 2, 9:30 a.m. coffee and conversation, 10 a.m. musical program. The Land of Lincoln Theater Organ Society (LOLTOS) presents a social and entertainment. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 239-9088, coronadopac.org/about/residentcompanies. Bluebird Monitoring Training April 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Experienced bluebird monitors Neil LcLaughlin and Mary Kisamore instruct participants on a monitoring program designed to track the status and trends in the reproductive biology of bluebirds. Forest Preserve of Winnebago County Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford, (815) 877-6100, winnebagoforest.org.
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RSO Pre-concert Storybook Ball April 2, 6 p.m. Treat your children or grandchildren to an enchanted experience in a beautifully decorated ballroom with characters like the Snow Sisters performing songs and telling stories. After the ball, enjoy RSO’s “The Magical Music of Walt Disney” concert. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. Concerts by the Creek: Randy Sabien April 2, 7-9 p.m. Randy Sabien returns for an evening of bluesy, rockin’, swingin’, funky jazz violin-playing that promises to raise the roof. Spring Creek UCC, 4500 Spring Creek Tell them you saw it in ...
Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College presents "Much Ado About Nothing."
Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576 ext. 103, springcreekucc.org/#!concerts-on-the-creek/cecg. RSO: “The Magical Music of Disney” April 2, 7:30 p.m. Go on a Disney musical journey from early classics to recent releases. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony. com. Home & Garden Showcase April 2-3, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See trends in landscaping, decks, backyard ponds and waterfalls, remodeling, more. Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 W. Lane Road, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 871-7469, showtimeprodution.net. Thrifty Teen Fashion Show April 3, 2 p.m. doors, 2:30 p.m. social hour, 3 p.m. show time. Supports Keeping Families and Communities Together (KFACT). Young ladies from KFACT’s Lady All Stars Program model thrifty threads from area thrift stores. Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 5191072, eventbrite.com/d/il--rockford/kfactthrifty-teen-fashion-show/?mode=search. Introduction to Bobbin Lace Workshop April 3, 1-4 p.m. Try your hand at bobbin lace making Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 9642424, tinkercottage.com/workshops.html. North Park University Gospel Choir April 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The North Park University Gospel Choir performs contemporary sacred music from the spiritual and gospel genres. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 282-1500, westminsterchurch.cc. American Girl Fashion Show April 16, 2 p.m. Junior League of Rockford fundraiser at Tebala Shrine Center, 7910 Newburg Road. $40. Learn more at jlrockford.org. ❚
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Restaurant of the Week
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles By Paul Anthony Arco
B
eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.” Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past. The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel. As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and
seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch. Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available. All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak. Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.
Jayme Braasch
“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.” Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚ ❚
Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Fresh Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm; Tue-Th 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $. Big Papa’s BBQ E Casual. Exceptional dishes made with proprietary BBQ sauces. 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park; (815) 877-7422. LD Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun. 8am-8pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm, Sun 4-7:30pm. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $.
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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 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Main Street Bistro E Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. ❚
March 30
In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza
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ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining its classic Italian fare. Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a home-made meal with fresh ingredients. The Italian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat sauce, was named Best in the Stateline by MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettucine Alfredo and fish specials. “We make it all ourselves. Each meatball is about a quarter pound apiece, so they’re huge,” says Ocello. Bravo has locations in South Beloit and Poplar Grove. Both offer a full-service bar, catering, carry-out and delivery services. Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚
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Warm Weather is Near: Ready, Set, Mow! By Peggy Werner
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ith the promise of spring in the air, it’s time to think about lawn care and how to keep that yard looking healthy, green and well maintained. “The No. 1 thing – and the easiest thing – people can do for the health of their lawns is to always mow the grass at the right height,” says Robert Ewald, CEO and president of Ewald Services, Inc., 1119 Turret Drive in Machesney Park. Ewald Services is a full-service lawn care company that offers mowing, seeding, fertilizer, regular and organic weed control, core aeration, pest control, spring and fall cleanup, drought management, tree pruning and removal, seal-coating for driveways and parking lots, and snow removal in the Rockford area, including Beloit and Janesville. The company sets itself apart from the competition by offering hydroseeding, a fast and economical
alternative to sod on new lawns. Grass seed mixed with mulch retains moisture better and decreases erosion. “Not only do you have to cut the grass at the right height, it has to be a clean cut with a sharp lawnmower blade, which not only gives your lawn a wellmanicured look, but also reduces mowing time and helps to prevent disease,” says Ewald. A lawnmower blade should be sharpened at least once a year or more often if needed. You can tell if a lawnmower blade needs sharpening by looking at it or by examining newly cut grass, which should not look torn and messy. Grass that doesn’t have a clean cut is weaker and more susceptible to fungus and other grass diseases. How long or short you cut the grass will be determined by the temperature and time of year. At the beginning and end of the mowing season, when temperatures are cooler, cut grass shorter to
help prevent disease, he says. Especially in the late fall, when the yard is mowed for the last time, shorter grass helps to prevent snow mold, a common fungus and turf disease in this area. Snow mold occurs when patches of long grass get matted down with snow and ice, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold, especially when melting begins. Snow mold can damage or kill grass and appears in small or large circular areas of pink or grey fuzzy mold and is most easily seen early in the day. Once the sun comes out and warms up the ground, the condition cannot be detected as easily. ❚
The Yard Care Experts
MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING Call Today for a Free Estimate
815.877.3500 EwaldServices.com
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Northwest Quarterly
WeBuyLocal 2013
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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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2.840%
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$973.15
$651.88
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3.218%
4.189%
4.421%
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Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of March 28, 2016) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.
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Crate Training Your Dog By Peggy Werner
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ou wouldn’t want to be closed up in a cage, so why would your dog? “That’s what a lot of people think, but it’s just not true,” says Dave Schnidt, owner of Dave’s Doggie Den, 107 St. Louis Ave., Rockford. “Some people avoid crate training their dogs because they think it’s mean. However, it’s really the best thing you can do for your dog because it helps with separation anxiety, potty training and feeling safe and secure.” Crate training appeals to a dog’s animal instincts. “In the wild, dogs don’t sleep in the middle of a field, they seek out a den where they can sleep, be protected from danger and weather, and raise a family,” says Schnidt. “Animals actually like the feeling of being enclosed for periods of time.” In the home, the crate is a safe place to snooze or seek refuge. The crate
should be roomy enough for your pet to stand up and turn around and change position. Dogs need plenty of time outside the crate, too, for exercise, play time, potty breaks, meals and interaction with people. A crate should never be used for punishment. A dog should be in a crate while people are gone from the house during the day and while sleeping at night, until he or she is two years old. It’s very important to crate a dog while you are present to prevent separation anxiety. An example of crating while present includes crating a dog while you are making dinner, taking a shower, getting work done, etc. “This not only helps you, it helps your pet become self-dependent,” Schnidt explains. “Think of your dog as a baby. You wouldn’t leave a baby alone if you’re not right there to watch what is going on. The baby would be in a play pen
or a crib, so think of your pet in the same way,” he says. Always associate the crate with something pleasant and introduce the dog to the crate with the door open, so the dog can go inside and explore the new location without feeling threatened. When your dog feels comfortable in the crate, let him there for short periods of time, gradually extending the length of time. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time and put a blanket or towel in it for comfort. Once a dog is two years old, he or she can stay out at night and sleep on a pillow in whatever room you want the dog to be in. ❚
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Issue 1