Smart Living Weekly - March 9, 2016 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

8 @ s w ge pa No rie e gs st Se in u av d t S In Ge rg

n iving g Sm mart a L ivi ivin ng ma Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • March 9, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

RVC Studio Theatre Celebrates Shakespeare By Toni Rocha

here’s much ado surrounding the ﬁnal studio production at Rock Valley College’s (RVC) winter season. To honor the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s passing on April 23, the much loved romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” will take center stage from March 23 through April 2. It won’t be the ﬁrst time RVC Theater and Arts Park Director Mike Webb has produced this Shakespearean masterpiece. In the 50 years that RVC has offered theater, Webb has presented every single one of Shakespeare’s plays, both comedies and tragedies. Continued on p. 20

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! How’s Your Hearing? • Seafood Recipes for Lent • Tips for Buying a Mattress Think Spring: Lawn Care • Awnings for Shade

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 24

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Studio Theatre Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Choosing a Mattress Outdoor Living .............................................9, 28 Lawn Care; Custom-Made Awnings Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Kindness Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Seafood Dinners for Lent New You for 2016 ..............................................17 Choosing a Hearing Aid Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treatment for Varicose Veins Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

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.

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

The Bard Lives On

he signs of spring are all around us, and I’m not just talking about robins. For example, Mike Webb has announced audition times for the upcoming season of Starlight Theater, and has planned a terrific lineup of musical theater this summer. Read about it in our cover article. That article also spotlights the last show of this Studio Theatre season at Rock Valley College, “Much Ado About Nothing.” Remarkably, Webb has already staged every one of Shakespeare’s plays during his career at RVC. When it comes to the Bard, this is an especially significant year, since his death occurred 400 years ago this April 23. He was just 52 when he died. It’s hard to think of anyone who’s left a deeper mark on English literature, theater or, for that matter, the English language itself. Just think! He wrote four hundred-plus years ago, and we still value his insights about human nature. All sorts of interesting Shakespearerelated events are happening in our region this month and next, from lectures to performances, and you can read about many of them in the new Cabin Fever edition of Northwest Quarterly Magazine, which is hot off the press. Also in that issue we look at efforts, through the decades, to restore the water quality of the Rock River. We also meet young professionals who are making Rockford their home. And we wrap up our raptors series by looking at our region’s falcons, eagles and ospreys. (Did you know falcons can dive at a speed of 200 miles per hour, making them the fastest birds on the planet?) You’ll also find an article that helps you to make the most of winter’s remaining weeks, and one that will get you primed to do some gardening. Pick up an issue of Northwest Quarterly as soon as you can, because they tend to go quickly. Find a list of locations at northwestquarterly.com, by clicking on the NWQ with an eagle on the cover. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

How to Choose a Mattress

Y H  G

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

ave you ever wandered through a sea of mattresses and felt overwhelmed by all the choices? As store manager of the new 6651 E. State St. location of Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, Mitchell Johnson knows it happens. Over the decades, he has matched thousands of customers to thousands of mattresses. “Every mattress is a white rectangle, so how do you tell them apart?” he says. “I advise people to buy the best you can afford and to buy for comfort, not durability.” There’s simply no such thing as a mattress that will last 20 years, at any price point, says Johnson, so don’t believe a sales pitch that says otherwise. “Think of a mattress as you would a car tire. Buy it, use it, replace it when it wears out. Eight to 10 years is the best you can expect from any mattress.”

Today’s mattresses use memory foam, gel and other technologies to provide superb body support. There’s no one mattress that’s right for everyone. “You really have to lay on a mattress to figure out what feels good to you,” says Johnson. He recently helped to design a new tool developed by the Dr. Scholls company that will help customers nationwide to better understand their mattress preferences. Customers will spend seven minutes lying on a specially equipped mattress. As various adjustments are made, they’ll rate their comfort levels. When done, they receive a recommendation for one of five categories of mattresses that best suits their tastes. “It’s a state-of-the-art tool that will eliminate a lot of the guesswork,” says Johnson. Gustafson’s is one of only 10 stores nationwide that will receive the new tool this spring.

Both locations of Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress offer mattresses by Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Mattress 1st, Aireloom and more.

Along with good support, many people want a bed they can adjust. “Millennials like to sit up in bed and work on laptops, etc., and older people have always valued adjustable beds,” Johnson explains. The original store is located at 808 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

I  W

Kindness Matters

hristians find plenty to argue about, but most of what Christ taught us is pretty straightforward. Scripture teaches us to be loving, honest, faithful and selfless individuals. It also teaches us to be kind. In fact, aside from loving God, there’s no greater directive than to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” according to Jesus Christ, as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke. “Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40, KJV) The concept of treating others as we wish to be treated – commonly known as The Golden Rule – is not only a basic tenet of Christianity, but of other major world religions. Why, then, is it so easily dismissed? And why don’t we equate “sin” with “unkindness,” as we should? Many things about our culture encourage us to put ourselves first, to win at all costs and to devote more energy to the pursuit of material wealth or physical perfection than to our spiritual development. And kindness is sometimes confused with weakness, although nothing could be further from the truth. Still, Jesus doesn’t let us off the hook. We’re to live according to the laws of God, not man, regardless of the times or cultures we live in. In fact, we’re encouraged to treat the lowliest of people as we would treat Christ himself. “… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”(Matthew 25:40) Basic kindness – or the lack of it – makes all the difference in the quality of our lives at home, school, work and play. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32.) It’s hard to argue with that. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Y K

Seafood Swaps for Fish Fridays During Lent S witching to seafood on Fridays during Lent? You can still make casual Friday favorites by swapping meat for seafood in easy meals like burgers and quesadillas. “Seafood is perfect for a quick Friday night dinner, because fish filets and shrimp don’t take much time to cook,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “However, it’s easy to run out of ideas during the long Lent season. Try this salmon burger recipe - the patties take just 10 minutes to cook in a skillet and are full of flavor from Cajun seasoning.” From Cajun Salmon Burgers to Island Shrimp Quesadillas, McCormick is serving up flavorful seafood inspiration for the Fish Fridays of Lent.

Cajun Salmon Burger Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Chili Powder • 1 teaspoon McCormick Cumin, Ground • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Oregano Leaves • 8 ﬂour tortillas (8-inch) • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 8 ounces frozen cooked small shrimp, thawed and well drained • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and coarsely chopped

Directions: Mix cheese, green onions and seasonings in medium bowl. Set aside. Lightly brush one side of 4 ﬂour tortillas with oil. Place oiled-side down on baking sheet. Top tortillas with 1/2 of the cheese mixture, then with shrimp and mango. Sprinkle remaining cheese even-

ly over shrimp and mango. Top with remaining tortillas. Brush top with oil. Grill over medium heat about 4 minutes per side until cheese is melted and tortilla is browned. Cut into wedges to serve. ❚ Source: Family Features

• 3 pouches (5 ounces each) boneless skinless salmon, drained • 1 egg, beaten • 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs • 1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise • 1/4 cup ﬁnely chopped green onion • 1/4 cup ﬁnely chopped red bell pepper • 2 teaspoons McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning • 1 tablespoon oil • 4 hamburger rolls

Directions: Mix salmon, egg, panko, mayonnaise, green onions, bell pepper and seasoning in large bowl until well blended. Shape into 4 patties. Heat oil in large nonstick stick skillet on medium heat. Add salmon patties; cook 5 minutes per side or until lightly browned and cooked through. Serve salmon burgers on rolls with sauce and desired toppings.

Island Shrimp Quesadillas Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, such as Mexican blend or cheddar and Monterey Jack • 2 green onions, thinly sliced Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

A N Y  

Advancements in Vein Treatment Offer Relief B y To n i R o c h a

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.” ❚

Don’t let painful varicose veins interrupt your life. End your leg pain with our state-of-the-art varicose vein treatments. As one of the Midwest’s premier vein care centers, it’s our responsibility to inform you that varicose veins are a serious, progressive medical condition. To keep you and your family healthy, establish an effective vein treatment program with the board-certified professionals at Northern Illinois Vein Clinic. With our specialized training and advanced treatment capabilities, we can give you greater relief from achy legs than many other vein doctors, and with far fewer procedures.

End your leg pain and get back to doing what you love by calling (815) 315-9529 for a FREE vein screening, or visit us on the web at NIVeinClinic.com. Covered by most insurance plans. No doctor referral required!

Call (815) 315-9529

The Renaissance Pavillion 1340 Charles Street, Suite 404 Rockford, IL 61104 NIVC_Ad.NQ.HalfPage.Jan2016.indd 1

Rimas Gilvydis, MD

Diplomate: American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine Board-Certified: Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology, Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship: Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March1/5/16 9

10:3017 AM

Gustafson’s West Serving Our Hometown Since 1928

88 th Anniversary Sale! 808 W. Riverside Boulevard 815-636-8608

Here is a Peek Inside the Front Doors of Gustafson’s East 18

Shop Both of Our Locations Today!

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Open 24/7 on the Web! • gustafsonfurniture.com

W NE

Now Open!

Gustafson’s East

6651 East State Street • 815-636-8608 o. $60/M

/Mo. $100

Great Escape Power Reclining Sofa WAS $3899 NOW $3619

$42

/Mo.

Ivy 3 Piece Sectional WAS $6449 NOW $5989

Sale!

o. $38/M

East State Street Exclusive

Fleet Street Power Reclining Sofa WAS $2759 NOW $2569

Walden Power Reclining Sofa WAS $2009 NOW $1859

o. $45/M

o. $44/M

Hermosa Power Reclining Sofa WAS $2949 NOW $2739

Brooks Power Reclining Sofa WAS $2299 NOW $2139

o. $51/M

Suffolk Sofa WAS $3279 NOW $3049

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.

March 9

NEW HOURS: Mon - Thurs 10am-7pm | Fri 10am-8pm | Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 12-5pm

LUCKY

DEALS

E L A

919

Lucky March

DEAL$ SALE PRICES GOOD THROUGH 3/16/16

NO $

299

KY IS LUC W HO

Raylene Table with 4 Chairs WAS $1159 Displayed At East State Location.

? THAT

Cassidy Recliner WAS $535 ONLY 27 AVAILABLE

NO $

Displayed At Both Locations.

? THAT

Double Reclining Sofa WAS $1139

Displayed At Both Locations.

Cassidy Lift Chair. WAS $829 ONLY 35 AVAILABLE

NO $

*Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

? THAT

Collegedale Sofa WAS $1159

599

Displayed At Both Locations.

919

KY IS LUC W O H

Displayed At Both Locations.

979

KY IS LUC HOW

? THAT

POWER BEDS LIFT CHAIR

588

$ 20

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

TWINS

STARTING AT

899

808 W. Riverside Blvd. & 6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com

Open 24 Hours on the Web | Find Us on Facebook

Harmony Queen Bedroom Set includes Queen Headboard, Footboard, Rails, Dresser, Mirror, and Nightstand WAS $1129

NO $

639

KY IS LUC W HO

? THAT

Loren Accent Chair WAS $809

Displayed At Both Locations.

LUCKY

9 $ 89

DEALS

9 4 3 1

HOW

Displayed At Both Locations.

KY IS LUC

? THAT

Power Gliding Recliner WAS $1619

Displayed At East State Location.

Anniversary Special Edition Queen Super Pillow Top Set

699

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.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

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.

R  O R

Studio Theatre Continued from Cover

“We had our ﬁrst read-through, which went well,” Webb says. “And we’ll have new faces taking on the familiar roles.” RVC won’t be the only Rockfordbased performing arts organization to recognize this Shakespearean milestone. “We’re working with Mendelssohn in a production titled the ‘Legacy of the Bard’ involving scenes from many of his plays,” says Webb. “Our involvement is a scene from ‘King Lear.’” For those unfamiliar with “Much Ado About Nothing,” here’s a brief synopsis: Don Pedro and his men return victorious from battle, and intend to rest at the home of their wealthy friend, Leonato. Although the military campaign is over, it’s clear that an old war is still waging between Benedick, one of Don Pedro’s men, and Leonato’s sharp-tongued

Smart Living Weekly

niece, Beatrice. Another younger set of lovers, Claudio and Hero, conspire with Don Pedro to set a lover’s trap for Benedick and Beatrice. But Don Pedro’s bastard brother, Don Jon, has other designs. In the end, will relationships be ruined, or will everything turn out to be much ado about nothing? Looking ahead to RVC’s Starlight TheNelson Gutierrez (as Benedick), Eric Wilson (Prince) and Timothy atre offerings, Webb James Hill (Claudio) are among cast members of “Much Ado About has chosen some of the Nothing.” Pictured on the cover are Gutierrez and Katie Krause as Beatrice. Photos by Mike Webb. community’s favorites from the past 50 years. with ‘Children of Eden.’” “We will open with ‘Chitty Chitty The annual Independence Day celBang Bang,’ followed by ‘Jesus Christ ebration, performed in conjunction with Superstar’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, will with Samantha Owen returning to play once again thrill and inspire Starlight authe lead role. We’ll wrap up the season diences.

March 9

R  O R “We also are working on a T-shirt quilt,” Webb says. “It’s supposed to be ﬁnished around April 1 and will be on display during our productions. I’m not sure what we will do with it ultimately, but we will probably give it away in some fashion.” Since 1967, RVC has built a growing, highly enthusiastic following from across the region. Webb says he will continue striving to offer only the best in drama, comedy and musical performances, a challenge that raises an already high bar. In doing so, RVC’s theater facility has evolved from very basic to one of the most impressive outdoor venues nationwide. Apart from the cozy, adaptive indoor winter theater, the Starlight outdoor amphitheater, with its unique retracting ceiling and imaginative constellation lighting, is both unique and beloved. “Much Ado About Nothing” will be presented at 8 p.m. nightly and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from March 23 through April 2. For ticket informa-

tion, contact the RVC box office at (815) 921-2160. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Auditions for this summer’s Starlight productions run through March 13. To schedule one, call the RVC box office. “Shakespearience Day” presented by Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center and friends is April 23 and there are many related events throughout March and April. For a complete listing, go to mendelssohnpac.org. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Y H

Lifestyle Matters When Choosing a Hearing Aid By Peggy Werner

earing Helpers, 1638 N. Bell School Road, is owned and operated by Shaunna Colombo of Rockford, who went into business to give her customers an opportunity to be heard. Colombo, a hearing instrument specialist, has a refreshing and professional approach to meeting the needs of her customers. In a comfortable homelike setting with state-of-the-art testing equipment, her goal is to get to know her customers well – their goals, needs, lifestyle and budget, before making hearing aid recommendations. With more than 20 years of experience in her ﬁeld, she saw a market for giving people individualized service. While other clinics are limited to one or two brands of hearing aids, Hearing Helpers has access to all major manufacturers and helps people to make decisions

on their individual needs and budget. “When it comes to hearing aids, there’s not a one-size-ﬁts-all,” says Colombo. “You get what you pay for and price is based on how well the hearing aids perform. It’s your lifestyle that dictates the options and features needed in a hearing aid.” A 90-year-old man with a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t have the same wants and needs as a 55-year-old woman who is raising children, working full time, and has a very active social life, Colombo explains. She describes her straight-forward approach as one that deals with people honestly, while giving them the information they need to make an educated decision. “My business is patient-centered and it’s why I come to work every day. I want to help people and change their lives. For me, this is not just about hear-

ing aids, but taking care of the whole person,” she says. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Hearing Helpers at ( 815)398-4327 or send an email to FrontDesk@HearingHelpers.com. Visit the website at HearingHelpers.com. ❚

The Yard Care Experts

MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING Call Today for a Free Estimate

815.877.3500 EwaldServices.com Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

O L

A Better Way to Deliver Lawn Services I By Peggy Werner

n business for 15 years, Ewald Services, 1119 Turret Drive in Machesney Park, is a small full-service lawn care company with a big ambition: to make customer service a top priority. Potential customers can go to Ewaldservices.com to get a hassle-free estimate by typing in the square footage of their yard and seeing what various services cost. They can also request a no-obligation personal visit to the property for a more accurate quote. “The way we see it, clients want to know instantly what a service will cost them, which depends upon the size of their yard and what services they want done,” says Robert Ewald, CEO and president of Ewald Services, Inc. “We’re not the biggest lawn care company, but we’re growing and stand behind our work, producing a quality not common in our industry.”

Smart Living Weekly

Among services offered: mowing, seeding, fertilizing, regular and organic weed control, core aeration, spring and fall clean-up and pest control. Not so routine is the way Ewald delivers those services, using a customer-friendly website, trained personnel, top quality products and good communication. The company also sets itself apart from the competition by offering hydroseeding, a fast and economical alternative to sod for new lawns. The seed mixed with mulch increases moisture retention and decreases erosion. Although the lawncare company deals in down-to-earth matters, it uses the latest technology to service customers. “If we see a problem on a job, we take a picture, send it to the ofﬁce and communicate to customers what we have found. We also provide a solution right away,” Ewald says. Ewald Services puts all employees through training.

March 9

“We view our clients as family members,” says Ewald. “We teach our crews to do things right and to look for the small details that make a big difference, such as bringing empty garbage cans from the curb to the house. It makes the yard look better and it’s one less thing the homeowner has to do at the end of a workday. “It’s things like this that set us apart from our competition, which are marketing companies that do lawn care; we are a customer service company that does lawn care.” ❚

Y F

ArtTalks Lecture: Betsy Youngquist March 9, noon. Enjoy lunch and a lecture from Betsy Youngquist, a Rockford native and nationally acclaimed artist. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Flying Squirrels Presentation March 9, 6:30-8 p.m. Join Severson Dells biologist/educator Greg Keilback to learn about ﬂying squirrels. The event starts with an indoor presentation about the life of our ﬂying friends, followed by a hike to look for them. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org. PaleoFest 2016 March 11-13. The 18th annual PaleoFest symposium attracts dino enthusiasts to listen and interact with some of the world’s most famous paleontologists. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9653433, burpee.org/event/paleofest-2016.

Meet a dinosaur at PaleoFest March 11-13 at Burpee Museum of Natural History.

Bumble Bees and Other Native Pollinators March 12, 9 a.m.-noon. Barbara Williams, experienced Illinois bee spotter and ex-manager of Burpee Museum’s biology department, shares her photographic overview of native pollinators. Forest Preserve of Winnebago County Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford, (815) 877-6100, winnebagoforest.org.

Shen Yun March 11, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. Through music and dance, Shen Yun takes you on a journey through 5,000 years of authentic Chinese culture. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2722, coronadopac.org.

RCCA: Celtic Woman March 13, 3 p.m. Multi-platinum Irish music sensation Celtic Woman returns to North America with a new show celebrating the release of their new album and DVD. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 847-6314, rccaconcerts.org.

Artists’ Ensemble: “Outside Mullingar” March 11-26, Thu.-Sun., times vary. Cupid has his work cut out for him with shy Anthony and stubborn Rosemary, who live on neighboring farms outside Mullingar, Ireland. Rockford University, Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Vermilion River Mussel Projects March 15, 7 p.m. Jeremy Tiemann, a ﬁeld biologist/aquatic zoologist specializing in stream ecology, outlines Vermillion River Mussel Projects from reintroductions to dam removal. Severson Dells Nature Center, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org.

McNulty Irish Dancers March 12, 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the MucNulty Irish dancers, who captivate with powerful dances of Ireland including lively jigs, reels and other favorites. Rockford Public Library Main Branch, auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

“Flashdance the Musical” March 16, 7:30 p.m. With electrifying dance at its core, this is the inspiring story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Party March 12, parade 3 p.m., party 4:30-8 p.m. Join The Irish Marching Society for a parade and after-party with Irish music, dancers and food. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 218-8449, irishmarchingsociety. com. Tell them you saw it in ...

Spring Fling Cosmic Bowl Fundraiser March 19, 7 p.m., check in 6:45. Help send Veterans to visit Washington D.C. Enjoy food, music, bowling and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds go towards our local Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois. Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 3990314, Veteransnetworkcommittee.com. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

March 9

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Rockford Brewing Co. By Peggy Werner

he Rockford Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer, and a view of the Rock River. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating lineup of 16 craft beers on tap, all brewed on-site. The restaurant and brewery are located inside the 85,000-square-foot Prairie Street Brewhouse, a multi-use venue that was home to the original Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939. The brewery is a backdrop to the bar, which is made of reclaimed materials from the 1849 building. Decor includes exposed original brick and ductwork. “It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president of Rockford Brewing Co., and coowner of the business with Reed Sjostrom

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. $.

Smart Living Weekly

and Dustin Koch. The menu features daily specials, and appetizers such as shrimp & avocado ceviche, truffle fries, a hummus plate and Poutine, made with Yukon gold fries, Reed Sjostrom, Chris Manuel and Dustin Koch. screw city light braised pork belly, cheese curds and herbed bacon gravy. curried cauliflower and peas and cucumber “Handhelds” are sandwiches like pulled mint yogurt. For dessert, there’s a root beer pork, screw city light corned beef, turkey float, pie in a pint, cheesecake of the day or club, and a BLT, which can be served with crème brûlée. a half-pound beef patty, cherrywood bacon, Come summer, Dinner on the Dock will and/or duck bacon. Too, there are build- be offered each Thursday from 5-10 p.m., your-own pizzas, soups and salads, and with a special sandwich menu and live sides like house-made chips with sea salt. music from 6-9 p.m. Entrées include fish and chips, MediRockford Brewing Co. is open Sun.terranean beer chicken, ribeye steak, black- Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. to midnight; ened bone-in pork chop, and Grilled Jail and Fri.-Sat. to 2 a.m. For reservations, call Island Salmon, served with coconut rice, (815) 227-9427. ❚

In the Spotlight 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 9

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant 1921. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian ﬁlet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

O L

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, make 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, Inc. 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. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

They change our lives. We help you change theirs Enjoy the best Invisible FenceÂŽ

100 OFF!

Offer valid on professionally installed, premium outdoor containment packages. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not combinable with other discounts or valid on previous purchases. Participating dealers only. Expires 04/30/16.

Act now to schedule a FREE, no obligation, in-home consultation! Invisible Fence of Northwest Illinois 4410 SR 176 | Crystal Lake, IL 60012 815-477-1092 | 800-578-3647 NorthwestIL.invisiblefence.com ÂŠ2015 Invisible Fence, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

R E C

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.

1.815.282.2222

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

2.820%

3.620%

3.375%

$971.79

$649.47

$641.01

3.198%

4.155%

4.421%

Please Call

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 7, 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.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway! Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

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

This Week’s Giveaway

Winner To Be Announced March 16 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $50 Gift Card Arch

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest Contest Giveaway may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

March 9

JACKPOTS UP TO $25,000!

REEL RANDOM JACKPOT WINS THIS SPRING: They could happen at any time, any seat, any dollar amount and any reel combination. Just play slots March 1–June 30 during our 25th Anniversary celebration and you’ve got a random shot at more than 100 daily prizes of $25, $250, $2,500—or a progressive jackpot up to $25,000!

Smart Living Weekly

March 9

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1