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n iving g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • April 20, 2016
™
Right in Our Region
‘Ragtime’ Comes to Coronado May 4
By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor n a multi-city tour, JAM Theatricals returns to the road with a revamped Broadway production of “Ragtime the Musical,” and Rockford’s Coronado Theater is one of the main stops. Set in turn-of-the-century New York,
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“Ragtime” follows the intertwining stories of three families as they navigate life during The Progressive Era. Historical figures such as Henry Ford, Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington and J.P. Morgan help drive the plot. Continued on p. 22
Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! Beet, Avocado & Shrimp Tartine • RACVB Honored Nationally • Auto Tune-Ups: What to Know Beware the Emerald Ash Borer • Lighting Your Home • About Personal Trainers
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region .........................Cover & p. 22 ‘Ragtime’ Comes to Coronado Your Auto .............................................. ..............33 How to Keep Your Car in Top Condition Your Home .................................................. ......11 Light Up Your Home Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 No Need to Hide Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Trendy Tartines Your Health ............................................. .......... .25 Do You Need a Personal Trainer? Outdoor Living .............................................. .....26 Beware the Emerald Ash Borer Your Fun ................................................... ..........27 Dining Guide .............................................. ........28 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Your Community ...............................................33 Local Visitors Bureau Earns National Honor
Smart L iving Weekly ™
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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Loving Mother Earth
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lost my mom last year on Earth Day, April 22. The date seemed strangely appropriate. She found great joy in the natural world, throughout every chapter of her life, and inspired many others to do the same. From her, we learned to cherish the rich, black soil of our region and to marvel at the ingenious design of our pristine aquifers. The first robins, lilacs and snowfalls seemed even sweeter in the presence of her giddy delight. Mom was among the millions of everyday people who supported the Earth Day movement of the late 1960s. Ordinary people pushed for landmark legislation including the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act (1972), the Endangered Species Act (1973) and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor and enforce them. I was in grade school then. I’m grateful that, in my youth, adults took action to reverse the practices that were quite literally poisoning our air, water and wildlife. As a child I seldom saw eagles or other great birds and the Rock River was, well, filthy. Today my grown children take for granted the mostly clean river they boat in as eagles and other raptors soar overhead. It’s both gratifying and worrisome that our young have no memory of life before we cleaned up our act. In Northwest Quarterly Magazine, we’ve written about many locally born Earth champions, like George Fell, a founder of both The Nature Conservancy (America’s largest conservation organization) and The Natural Land Institute. He also helped to develop the Illinois Forest Preserve system, which became a model for 14 other states. It was Wisconsin-born U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson who sparked the grassroots Earth Day movement in which ordinary people prevailed over interests of corporate polluters. May we never forget how far we’ve come. Learn how you can help to protect the Earth for future generations at earthday.org. After all, Earth is mother to us all. ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly
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Information Matters in Good Car Care By Peggy Werner
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t’s been said that the least-read book is anyone’s car manual. Take a look at that manual and you’ll not only learn how to operate some of the features of the car, but you’ll also get tips on how to most safely drive it and care for it. You’ll also find recommendations for service and maintenance. Ken Tomlinson, owner of AutoEnhancers, 515 18th Ave., says the biggest problem he sees in his shop is that people don’t take the time to do regular maintenance on their vehicles. “More often than not, people don’t pay attention to normal, routine maintenance that needs to be done on a car,” he says. “And even worse, if something goes wrong, they sometimes ignore the signs that can lead to other problems, if not taken care of.”
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Tomlinson says it’s best to find an auto mechanic you like and trust and go in at least quarterly to have the car looked over to check the brakes, belts, fluids, hoses, tires and suspension, and to look for any leaks. Waiting until something is not working right is never a good idea. “I’ve had people come in saying something is not right and their oil looks like mud. Oil is the lifeblood of the car and, if you don’t change it regularly, it can cause your car to overheat, clog up and wear down more quickly,” he says. Tomlinson believes in changing oil every 3,000 miles, even though some manufacturers recommend less often. It’s debatable whether synthetic oils are really better for cars, he says.
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“Manufacturer recommendations are only guidelines. What you need is a mechanic that knows you, your driving habits, and knows your car. Not everyone drives the same or takes care of their car in the same way, and all this information is important to keep your vehicle running well,” he says. ❚
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Lighting GalleryHome OffersDecreases ‘Jewelry forYour the Home’ An Organized Stress BByy LJi anndisneey PGuamp iel ina , m a n a g i n g e d i t o r “Crystal is making comeback,” roper plays anbegan important role henlighting Joe Weller installing “Many people aarebig using fewer or McGinty says. “It’s not your grandmothin the aesthetics of a home. In fact, closet systems more than 30 years no dressers in their bedrooms and are er’s crystalinstead chandelier anymore – we’re lighting department manager ago, options were pretty limited.Michael choosing to maximize their closet lot of contemporary pieces that McGinty from BensoninStone Co., 1100in seeing “When I started this business space,”a Weller explains. 1985, most shelf and pole I’ll call While some peopleIt’sgonotsoa heavy far as ‘lightly dressed.’ Eleventh St.,everything Rockford,was refers to lighting construction closet design wasn’t crystal to convert luxuripiece,spare but itbedrooms has a littleinto accent of as “jewelry forand the home.” talked about hasofchanged,” ous walk-in crystal on it.” closets, others double or “You canmuch. spendThat a lot money says the flooring, owner ofcabinets Shelving Bath triple efficiency their reach-in Andthe there are otherof trends. on paint, and&furniUnlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, closets by having them “On the opposite side professionally of the specture, but if your home is poorly lit, it Cherry Valley, Ill. designed. Either way, it’s the design trum, people are choosing the reclaimed will never look its best,” McGinty says. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited urban-warehouse style,” says store owner “Proper lighting is essential for a beauticustomers opt for custom laminate that makes it possible to meet organizaBenson. “You’ll see a lot of these ful and functional home.” closet systems that look like finished Andy tion goals. a more industrial Staff members at Benson Stone wood cabinets. Along with more thanCo. 50 Edison-style “It’s allbulbs aboutforgood design,” says look.” can assist you in picking out the proper melamine colors and textures, there are Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Benson closet Stone inCo.’s showroom is lighting for your home. The expansive also options for granite surfaces, glass Mahal-type the world, but if it’s organized around the style and finish of new lighting department the lighting fourth shelves, motion-activ atedon LED not functioning well it can become one – evenshowcases LED lightschandeliers, inside the drawers more mess Lights to dealofwith. Goodand organizafixture. all sizes price floor pendantif the you like – built-in mirrors, tion saves you time and prevents frustraranges are available. lights, wall sconces, floor jewelry lamps, trays, outremovable laundry bags, a lighting fold out irontion.” “Customers have a lot of options door fixtures, landscape and ing board, adjustable cubbies made for Weller alsosays. designs storage here,” Benson “I think thissolutions showmore. There’s a lighting style for everyshoes, boots and handbags and much for the pantry, garage, laundry room helps to emphasize, more thanroom, ever one, from traditional to contemporary. more. home office and basement.
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“Good organizational design plays before, thatinwe are a one-stop shop.funcYou a big role making a home more can discover a full breadth of products tional and enjoyable,” he says. here. Along It’s convenient to be able laminate to find with adjustable-shelf storage, the right Shelving lighting Unlimited to go withoffers your wirenew shelving sofa systems by Rubbermaid, the kitchen, or dining room table all No. 1here brand in the industry. right in one store.” ❚ ❚
Get GetSLW SLWHome Home&&Garden Gardenarti articles cles every everyweek. week.Visit VisitNWQSmartLiving. NWQSmartLiving. com comand andstart startyour youre-Editi e-Edition ontoday. today.
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No Need to Hide
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od loves us and wants to be loved back. “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered,” Jesus Christ tells us about God’s love for us. (Luke 12:7) Yet many of us believe that if God really knew us, He couldn’t possibly love us. Our shame may cause us to “hide” from God. This is exactly the opposite of “come boldly to the throne of grace,” (Hebrews 4:16) which is what God wants us to feel comfortable doing. Adam and Eve tried hiding in the garden, after sinning. It didn’t work. They only managed to distance themselves from God, to their great detriment. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he [Adam] said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’” (Gen. 3:8-10) No one can hide from God. And not one of His children needs to. “Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:24) God knows what we’re made of and loves us anyway. His grace is not dependent upon our goodness but upon God’s goodness. To ignore this is to ignore what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Through Christ, the bridge between people and God was rebuilt. God doesn’t want us to be distant from Him; He loves us and yearns for us to love Him back. But we can’t love someone we don’t know. Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7 NIV) No hiding! ❚ – Janine Pumilia
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Customize Your Own Trendy, Tasty Tartine T artines are trending in restaurants nationwide, but technically you’ve probably been eating them for years. Originating in France, a tartine is simply a slice of buttered bread, topped with jam or preserves. Tartine toppings have become more imaginative these days, running the gamut from melted Gruyere cheese and prosciutto to ricotta and fresh fruit, even a sunny-side-up egg with a sprinkle of Parmesan and chives. That’s the fun of these trendy, tasty sandwiches, which can also double as appetizers: you can customize them however you like, using your favorite ingredients. The unlimited options also allow you to choose the tastiest ingredients that also benefit your health. Beets are a great source for immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Shrimp bring a healthy dose of vitamin D and low-calorie protein, while avocado packs hearthealthy monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, fiber and antioxidants in good flavor and rich texture. To get started, try this easy Beet, Shrimp and Avocado Tartine recipe. It is a perfect lunch for one with no cooking involved, except for the toaster. Creamy garlic-avocado mash is spread on rustic whole grain toasts then topped with sweet, tangy beets and cooked shrimp. Voila. It’s on the table in about 10 minutes. Individual serving cups of Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets are ready to use and one cup provides just the right amount of beets for the recipe. No peeling, chopping or measuring required. These sandwiches are colorful and appetizing on the plate and satisfying to eat. For additional recipes and serving ideas for single-serve beets and other jarred vegetables, visit AuntNellies.com.
Pickled Beets • 1/2 medium avocado • 1 small clove garlic, minced • 2 oval slices whole wheat or whole grain bread (approximately 1/2-by-4inch slice), toasted • 4-6 cooked small to medium shrimp • shredded basil
Directions: Drain beet cup. Coarsely mash avocado with garlic. Spread onto one side of each toast slice. Top each with equal amounts of diced beets, shrimp and shredded basil, as desired. Variations: • For vegetarian tartine, omit shrimp. • Top with crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, feta, queso fresco or other favorites.
• Top with toasted walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts. • Sprinkle with other herbs or seasoning, such as parsley, chives, smoked paprika, cilantro or minced red onion. ❚ Source: Family Features
Beet, Shrimp and Avocado Tartine Servings: 1 Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
• 1 single-serve cup Aunt Nellie’s Diced Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly
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Getting a Leg Up on Good Vein Health
B y To n i R o c h a t’s not unusual for people of all ages to experience aches and pains in their legs after being on their feet all day. But at some point, the intense continued discomfort that can include heaviness, fatigue, swelling, itching, muscle cramping, restlessness, and pigmentation in the legs and ankles, with or without varicose veins, signals that there may be an underlying cause. Nearly 25 percent of Americans suffer some form of vein disease. It affects men and women and the disease runs in families and is called “chronic venous insufficiency” or “CVI.” Dr. Tracy Brito MD, Registered Vascular Technologist and specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders, provides services to such patients at the InnovaMed Vein Clinic in the Vascular Center at Rockford Health Physicians-Perryville, 3401 N. Perryville Road. “In the past 10 to 20 years, the public
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has become more informed and educated about vein disease,” Brito says. “Overall, people are becoming more aware that the discomfort and unexplained swelling in their legs may be because of underlying vein disease, whether or not they have visible veins.” Brito and her team provide specialty evaluation of each patient, utilizing ultrasound to determine whether an underlying medical problem is the cause of their symptoms. “The first line of care for the patient, when CVI is identified as the cause of symptoms, is for the patient to be placed in correctly fitted compression hose with the appropriate strength as ordered by the physician,” Brito explains. If this fails to control symptoms, or if the disease is advanced, “fortunately there are advanced, minimally invasive methodologies developed over the past 15 years that have proven effective in treating patients without invasive open surgical stripping procedures,” she says.
The patients are, in most cases, able to return to work right away and experience minimal pain. “Thanks to growing public awareness of the dangers of undiagnosed vein disease, as well as the minimally invasive options for treatment, more people are enjoying an improved quality of life and are able to do all the things they love,” says Brito. Patients often are pleasantly surprised to learn that they can find relief from their symptoms and prevent the progression of a treatable condition. ❚
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NE W !
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808 W. Riverside Blvd. & 6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com
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Ragtime Continued from Cover
This must-see Tony Award-winning musical for Best Book and Best Musical Score is in town Wednesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards, the production is a timeless celebration of life – what it could and should be. E. L. Doctorow, one of the most accomplished American novelists of the second half of the 20th Century, authored the 1975 novel “Ragtime.” Set before World War I, the story features historical figures of that time such as Sigmund Freud, Charles Whitman and U.S. President William Howard Taft, plus various fictional characters. It won the National Book Critics Circle award and sold 4.5 million copies. It became a film in 1981 and a Broadway musical in 1998. The idea for “Ragtime” started when Doctorow was living in a house in New Rochelle, New York, that had been built
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in 1908. Tormented by writer’s block, he forced himself to write about the walls of his house, then started thinking about his neighborhood and what it had looked like in 1908, and the trolley tracks that connected New Rochelle to New York. “I was imagining what things were like in that time, with awnings on the windows and trolley cars going down
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the hill to the [Long Island] Sound and people in straw boaters and women with parasols,” he told Lisa W. Foderaro of the New York Times, when he sold the house in 1999. “One image led to another, and I was off the wall and into the book.” The book-turned-musical captures the lifestyle of The Progressive Era, an extremely important time for America’s
R O R women. During this time, women gained greater access to education and began to assert their equality in the home. At the end of the 19th Century, women were seen as the “moral guardians” and protectors of the home. Many activists used this ideology as a justification for women to take a more active role in the political arena. During the Progressive Era, women became more civically engaged than ever before and played a major role in the labor movement and the temperance movement. Settlement houses founded by women became important community centers in urban areas; they provided education, health services, arts activities and helped immigrants adapt to American culture. In addition, America saw tremendous industrial growth during the late 19th century and early 20th century, resulting in corporations of unprecedented size like Standard Oil and U.S. Steel Corp. Big business leaders, often called “robber barons,” enjoyed unprecedented power by taking advantage of minimal
government regulation and exploitative labor practices. Worker strikes were common and often violent affairs. Activist journalists called “muckrakers” published numerous exposés of big business; Upton Sinclair wrote The Jungle, about unsanitary and unfair practices in the Chicago meat packing industry. Jacob Riis wrote How the Other Half Lives, exposing the conditions of tenement slums. President Teddy Roosevelt broke with many of his Republican colleagues when he supported stronger government regulation of business and took the side of labor in the settlement of the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902. As a result of these efforts, the Progressive Era saw significant reforms in the regulation of working conditions and also saw numerous antitrust suits. Ragtime music was an important element of the Progressive Era soundtrack. The African-American piano style originated in the Midwest and South sometime in the late 1880s or early 1890s. One of its defining characteristics is heavily syncopated, or “ragged” rhythms. The
style grew out of the Cakewalk, a popular African-American dance competition of the time named for the prize commonly given to the winner. Composer Scott Joplin popularized Ragtime in 1899 with the release of his classic “Maple Leaf Rag.” In addition, Vaudeville was a popular theatrical genre of variety entertainment in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s to the early 1930s. Acts were diverse and unrelated; they included everything from classical and popular musicians to one-act plays, trained animals, magicians and acrobats. By the late 1890s, Vaudeville had large circuits, with houses (small and large) in almost every sizable location, standardized booking, broad pools of skilled acts, and a loyal national following. “Ragtime the Musical” projects these fascinating historical themes in accompaniment of a rich soundtrack and engaging story. To purchase tickets for “Ragtime the Musical,” visit coronadopac.org, (815) 968-0595. ❚
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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. ❚
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Beware the Pesky Emerald Ash Borer By Peggy Werner
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he Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is still the No. 1 pest to watch for this spring, warns Robert Ewald, CEO and president of Ewald Services, Inc., 1119 Turret Drive in Machesney Park, Ill. “In our area, the problem is still getting worse. We have lost a lot of ash trees in the area and there are still a lot of untreated trees. People need to treat ash trees before the disease hits. Once you see damage, it’s usually too late,” he says. Treatment is not cheap, about $8 to $10 per square inch, but it’s still less expensive than tree removal. One treatment is good for two seasons and Ewald is recommending customers stick to a treatment plan for six to 10 years if they want a tree to remain healthy. Ewald Services uses the Arborjet System developed by the University of Michigan that has proven to be a most effective product on the market and is
widely used by municipalities as well as homeowners. Damage is evident when you can see S-shaped tracks and D-shaped exit holes on the tree bark. As the tracks increase, the damage cuts off the flow of nutrients to the tree. Other symptoms include branches that have lost their leaves and peeling bark after birds peck away to reach the larva. The pest made its debut in the United States about 15 years ago, with a core
population in Michigan. The EAB is native to East Asia, where it is not considered a significant pest. Outside its native range, the beetle is highly devastating to ash trees native to northern Europe and in North America. Left untreated, trees attacked by the EAB will die. As an adult, the Emerald Ash Borer doesn’t do much damage. Problems occur when the bug burrows under the bark to lay eggs. Adults are a bright metallic green color with a bright red abdomen. ❚
The Yard Care Experts
MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING Call Today for a Free Estimate
815.877.3500 EwaldServices.com
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RVC Concert Band April 21, 7 p.m. Rock Valley College Concert Band performs with Conductor Erik Oberg. Rock Valley College Performing Arts Room in the Educational Resource Center (ERC) on RVC’s main campus, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-7821, rockvalleycollege.edu. Newsboys: We Believe… God’s Not Dead Tour April 22, 7 p.m. Renowned for their high-energy live performances, the Newsboys once again showcase a string of iconic hits. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. Unforgettable Art: An Affair for Alzheimer’s April 23, doors 6 p.m. The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, hosts this annual event where guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks as they watch talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art. University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, (815) 977-9125, unforgettableart.org. Shakespearience: Legacy of the Bard April 23, 7 p.m. Celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death with a celebration of his influence on the arts. Music, theater, dance and visual arts converge on one stage in an exciting performance. Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Five Vocalists From the Ryan Center April 23, 7:30 p.m. The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago is recognized as one of the premier professional artist-development programs. This exciting recital provides a unique opportunity to hear five exceptional artists as they prepare to launch international careers. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 847-6314, rccaconcerts.org. RVC Jazz Ensembles April 24, 7 p.m. Rock Valley College presents Jazz Ensembles with Director Kenneth Stein. Rock Valley College ERC, Rockford, (815) 9217821, rockvalleycollege.edu. YMCA Heritage Run April 24, 1 p.m. YMCA Heritage Run presented by OSF HealthCare includes 10k (6.2 miles) and 2-mille races starting downtown and going through historic Rockford neighborhoods. The
The Newsboys showcase a string of iconic hits April 22 at BMO Harris Bank Center.
32nd Heritage Run includes a free half-mile kids race and Healthy Kids activities. Starting point: West State & Wyman Streets, Rockford. Info: (779) 774-4428, rockriverymca.org/heritagerun. RVC Orchestra April 25, 7 p.m. Rock Valley College presents RVC Orchestra with Director Michael C. Beert. Performing Arts Room, ERC, Rock Valley College, Rockford, (815) 921-7821, rockvalleycollege.edu. “Bye Bye Birdie” April 27, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. Cinema classic starring Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret and Bobby Rydell. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0025. Lotusland’s Sustainable Horticulture April 21, 7 p.m. Hear a presentation covering applied ecology and entomology, organic fertilizers, compost, mulches and other sustainable concepts that are easily applied for home gardening. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 3163306, andersongardens.org. Japanese Tea Ceremony April 23-24, Sat. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. Enjoy a traditional Japanese Flower Viewing Tea Ceremony which provides a hands-on lesson focused on tea serving procedures and guest etiquette. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 316-3306, andersongardens.org. Rockford’s Cultural Heritage Celebration April 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Cultural Heritage Celebration celebrates community ethnic groups with educational displays, artifacts and clothing, as well as dancing, live music, crafts and exhibits. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. ❚
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WDL
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. ❚
In the Spotlight
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. $. 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. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. 28
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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. $-$$. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. Thrive Café E Healthful, fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park. 6 am-8 pm Mon-Fri.; 8 am-2 pm Sat.; Closed Sundays. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. ❚
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Dos Reales
os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998. Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy. “We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚
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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 April 18, 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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he Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) has earned top honors, at both national and state levels, for excellence in the travel and tourism industry. The National Association of Sports Commissions named the RACVB “Sports Tourism Organization of the Year,” for populations over 250,000, at its annual conference. The award is given to an active member who has made the most outstanding impact on its local community through marketing and sales efforts, the growth of sporting events and community events; economic impact and results generation are taken into consideration as well. “The diversity of events hosted impressed us, along with the fact they hosted 200 events for 79,000 room nights,” stated the national judging panel. “To be recognized by our peers and selected as ‘the best’ in the industry for larger markets across the nation is a true honor and significant recognition of the
quality of our staff team, marketing and sales efforts, results and partnerships,” says John Groh, RACVB president. The RACVB also recently took home two awards at the 2016 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism held in Springfield, Ill. Recognition was given for “Best Social Media Marketing” during Stroll on State, which attracted more than 60,000 attendees, and for “Best Visitor Guide Publication.” The Best Social Media Marketing award honors the top tourism experience best promoted through online videos, viral promotions, blogs, e-mail marketing or creative use of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Snapchat. The Best Visitor Guide Publication award honors the best visitor’s guide used to promote a tourism destination, incorporating editorial story content with high quality photos. “Our staff works hard to effectively market local sites, attractions and experi-
(Samantha Ryan photo)
Local Visitors Bureau Earns National Honor
John Groh at Stroll on State
ences like Stroll on State through various social media platforms and by means of a creative and informative visitor’s guide,” says Josh Albrecht, RACVB director of marketing & public affairs. RACVB exists to drive quality of life and economic growth for the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at gorockford.com. ❚
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Issue 1