Smart Living Weekly - January 7, 2015 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Jan. 7, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Dinosaurs of the Deep at Burpee By Karla Nagy, associate editor

hen behemoths like T-rex, Triceratops and Velociraptors roamed the land, the seas were inhabited by huge carnivorous marine reptiles, giant flesh-eating fish big enough to swallow a human whole, predatory flying reptiles and the biggest sea turtles to have ever lived.

And beginning on Jan. 17, visitors to Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main St., Rockford, will experience these frightening creatures up-close and personal, when the traveling exhibit, “Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep,” opens. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Start Your Holiday Fund for Next Year Now • Carpet Buying 101 • FHN’s State-of-the-Art ACL Surgery Mark Calendars for Upcoming Fundraisers • Fresh Fare at Alchemy • Dealing with Chronic Pain

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Swim with Dinosaurs at Burpee Museum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Carpet Shopping 101 Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 All Things New Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Sensational Squash Your Outings ..................................................... 17 Have Fun at Local Fundraisers Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 State-of-the-Art ACL Repair at FHN Your Health ............................................. .......... 26 Don’t Let Chronic Pain Rule Your Life Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Alchemy Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Why You Shouldn’t Feed Your Pet People Food Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Start Saving Now for Next Holiday Season

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. 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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A Fresh Start H

ere we are in January 2015! Cheery holiday songs have been replaced by cheery ads for weight loss and home storage systems and each of us is eyeing the future with fresh hope. Here at the magazine office, we often take time to scrutinize an issue after it comes out. What mistakes are we making and how can we improve? Along those lines, this is a great time for each of us to do a little post-holiday scrutiny. What went well and what didn’t? What parts of the season were most meaningful? Which parts were most and least enjoyable? What would have made it better? Is there a way to simplify things next year? Was that complicated 8-layer horseradish-pomegranate dip worth all the work? Was there a stand-out recipe you do want to repeat next year? Since my memory is roughly the size of a gnat, I make a “notes to self: Christmas 2015” file on my computer to remind me of ideas to try and pitfalls to avoid, next season. It’s also a good time to take an honest look at spending habits. Did holiday spending spin out of control? Did you support your hometown economy by doing at least some of your shopping with locally owned businesses? As you’ll read in this week’s Your Money article, this is a perfect time to set up a Christmas Club account that could help to make next year’s holiday less stressful. I once had a boss who reminded us, each January, to make a photo copy of the fronts and backs of all cards in our wallets, in case the wallet is lost or stolen during the year. It was great advice. Along those lines, it’s a good time to update online passwords; make sure your password list is stored in a secure place (not your wallet). And, when those credit card bills arrive, make sure there are no suspicious charges, however tiny. May you be well-prepared for the year ahead by living smartly. And, may you be surprised many times over by the good things 2015 holds! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Carpet Shopping 101: Know the Basics By Jim Killam

hopping for carpet can be very confusing, when so much of it looks the same to the untrained eye. A good salesperson will first ask about your lifestyle as related to flooring. What’s the setting for which you’ll be using this carpet? How many children do you have? What types of pets? Do you entertain? “Everyone has specific needs,” says Kevin Rose, President of Carpetland USA, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “It’s nice to try to tailor the correct product for a customer’s needs – not pick something a salesperson thinks is going to fit into everyone’s needs.” Next, think about fiber. The most expensive, softest and most durable carpets tend to be name-brand nylons, Rose says. Then, the next level would be polyesters, made from recycled plastic bottles. They’re extremely stain-resistant and durable, with softness that has improved vastly as plastics technology has changed in recent years. Three important factors help to measure carpet quality: Density: That’s the number of stitches per inch. More means the fibers will support each other better and resist crushing.

Twist: This is the number of yarn twists per inch, and perhaps the key consideration, Rose says. The tighter a carpet’s twist, the springier and more resilient it will be. Face weight: This refers to how many ounces of fiber are used per square yard of carpet. Backings, also, can help to indicate a carpet’s quality, and especially its moisture resistance. If you have pets, Rose says, consider carpet with moisture-proof backing. Also, realize the importance of good padding. Some carpet pads are even topped with a moisture-proof membrane. This is of special interest to pet owners. “Pad is the best dollar spent in carpet,” Rose says. “It’s another vital element to the durability of the carpet. It takes the shock absorption, so it helps in resiliency of the fiber. If you’re going to save a buck or two, don’t do it in your pad.” ❚

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All Things New

ur world is one of cycles; morning to evening, season to season, year to year, youth to old age. This constant state of change is a reminder to us that we start fresh with God every day. God doesn’t want our past sins to hold us back from a future with Him. When we accept a new life in Christ, our old sinful ways are forgotten to God. He gives each of us the opportunity to break free from the negatives that have imprisoned us. We become “a new creature in Christ.” Furthermore, God asks us to view each other with the same kind of passionate grace he shows to us. “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. -- Corinthians 5: 16-21 God views us as new creatures. We view each other as new creatures. And we must view ourselves as new creatures, too. If we don’t, the shame of past sins has the power to render us ineffective. Apostle Paul talks about this in Philippians 3:13-16 (NIV). “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Every new dawn, and every new year, is a reminder that, with God, we are become new. We are loved and we are forgiven. Period. ❚ 12

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Enjoy Flavorful, Sensational Squash S

quash is one of the oldest known crops. Its name comes from the Narragansett Indian word askutasquash, meaning “eaten raw or uncooked.” Every part of the squash plant can be eaten, including the flowers, leaves and tender shoots. Squash varieties come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and each has its own distinctive flavor, flesh color and texture. Qualities to look for when choosing a winter squash include: • Firm skin. Skin that’s easily nicked or scraped with a fingernail means the squash didn’t reach maturity. • Deep color • Heavy for its size • Firm, round, dry stem. No stem means no protection from bacteria entering.

If kept in a cool, dry place, between 55 and 60 degrees, winter squash will keep for up to three months. Cooked, pureed squash can be frozen and used later for soups, sauces, or stews. ❚

Pumpkin Cloverleaf Rolls Ingredients 6 Tb. butter, melted and divided 2 tsp. active dry yeast ⅓ cup warm milk 1 Tb. honey or sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt ⅓ cup pumpkin or squash, mashed* 2 eggs 1 Tb. water

Directions Stir together yeast, warm milk and honey in large bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Mix in flour, pumpkin, 1 egg, 5 Tb. butter with a wooden spoon or mixer until soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead. Add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking. Place dough in large oiled bowl, turn dough to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, 1½-2 hours. Punch dough down, divide in half. Divide each half into 6 equal pieces. Divide each piece into thirds to make cloverleaf. Place cloverleafs in muffin tins grease with remaining butter and allow dough to rise to about 1 inch above rims, 1-1½ hours. Preheat oven to 375. Whisk remaining egg and 1 Tb. water together. Brush tops of rolls. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from pans, place on wire rack to cool. Yield: 12 rolls. * Most winter squash (acorn, butternut) and pumpkins will work with this recipe. From the Kitchen of: FHN

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Have Fun, Do Good at Area Fundraisers

cross the Old Northwest Territory, our nonprofit organizations and charities do amazing work, making our communities better places to live. Here are just a few upcoming fundraisers

for some of these groups. Chances are, you’ll find a favorite cause to support, or just a favorite fun thing to do, while doing good. Save the date!

Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfast Jan. 17, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Enjoy a flapjack breakfast as a fundraiser for Friends of the Pecatonica River. $5. Applebee’s, 1802 S. West Ave., Freeport. (815) 232-5340.

auction, raffle of original Tom Linden oil painting, live music. In advance: $30/$25 museum members; at the door: $25/$20. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.

Lights & Tights Dance Marathon Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m. A 1940s-themed fundraiser for Rockford Dance Co. Marathon 6 p.m., Dance 8:30 p.m. Kresge Hall, Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341 rockforddancecompany.com.

Fur Ball Rockford Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m. cocktails; 6:30 p.m. dinner. Dance to live music at 9 p.m. Silent auction, raffle. Fundraiser for PAWS Humane Society. Giovanni’s, Rockford, (815) 299-7297.

61st Annual Saint Anthony Pink Ball Jan. 31, 6-9 p.m. Black tie. Sponsored by OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Foundation to benefit various hospital programs. Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, osfsaintanthony.org.

Go Red For Women Luncheon Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m.-noon, pre-lunch activities/ auction; noon-1 p.m. luncheon. Benefit for the American Heart Association and to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Tickets/Info: (925) 705-5287. Event: Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

FAM Annual Wine & Cheese Tasting Feb. 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sample a variety of fine wines and gourmet cheeses. Silent

Chocoholic Frolic Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m. social hour, 6:30 p.m. event. More than 50 bite-sized servings of

amazing chocolate creations. Art auction, 50/50 raffle. Benefit for The Arc Of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. $25. Forest Hill Lodge, 1601 W. Lane Rd., Loves Park. (815) 9653455, chocfroc.com. Tony Dungy: MELD Sports Celebrity Event Feb. 26, 5:30-9 p.m. The former NFL coach, current football TV commentator and author supports a number of charitable causes. $75/$700 table of 10. Giovanni’s, Rockford, (815) 633-6353, rockfordmeld.org. ❚

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Dinosaurs of the Deep Continued from Cover

“The exhibit explores life forms of the Cretaceous time period, creatures that would have roamed an ancient seaway known as the Western Interior Seaway, that spanned from western Iowa to central Utah, 66-67 million years ago,” says MacKenna Atteberry, marketing and development manager at Burpee. “It features skeletons, interactive activities and even specimens that you can touch. It will complement many of Burpee’s permanent collections and exhibits that are from the Cretaceous time period.” The exhibition includes the 45-foot-long Tylosaurus – the ocean’s equivalent of the T-Rex – a serpentine reptile with two rows of sharp teeth; the 50-foot-long, 50-ton Megalodon; the Xiphactinus, shown on the cover, a bony fish 15-20 feet long, with rows of long, spike-like teeth, which swallowed prey whole, head first. Most of the species in the exhibition disappeared from the earth at the end of the Cretaceous period, along with the dinosaurs. Among other underwater denizens were prehistoric sharks, like the Cretoxyrhina and Squalicorax, some as long as 30 feet. Some species of fish had double-hinged jaws and teeth in the middle of their palates. Hulking

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ancient ancestors of the sea turtle include the Toxochelys, the Archelon and the Protostega. The shores were no safer than the seas. Reptiles like the Kronosaurus (right), a prehistoric, crocodile-like creature, was 43 feet long and dined on Protostega and 30-foot Plesiosaurs. From above, flying reptiles called Pterosaurs, with three-foot skulls, swooped down on unsuspecting prey such as fish, reptiles and small mammals. “The exhibit features skeletons of some of these creatures, interactive kiosks, graphic panels and touch stations,” says Atteberry. “For film fans, the exhibit will showcase a sea monster that’s featured in the upcoming Jurassic World movie, a giant Mosasaur, that measures nearly 50 feet long.” Skeletons of some fish suspended from the ceilings give the illusion of looking up at the creatures from the ocean floor. The exhibit originates from Woodland Park, Colo., and was designed by Triebold Paleontology and Embedded Exhibitions. Mike Triebold, the paleontologist who created “Savage Ancient Seas,” 30 years ago began collecting fossils and mounting them for various museums around the world. He always makes copies of his best finds, and eventually, he decided to take his collection of these great marine creatures on the road. The exhibit is designed with children in mind. Little ones can play paleontologist and dig for fossils in a pit that’s filled with a sand-looking material called crumb rubber. They can

R  O R have their photos taken inside the jaws of a Megalodon or next to the largest sea turtle ever found. There are interactive kiosks with touchscreens, and touch stations with things like fossilized skeletons, teeth and even shark poop. The traveling exhibition offers more than 20 large-scale skeletons and replicas of ancient marine reptiles, from the tiny Ichthyornis toothed bird to the largest Tylosaur, even the Coelacanth, a species of fish long thought to be extinct but rediscovered in the 1930s, and the Paleospheniscus, an early form of the penguin. Burpee won’t receive the entire exhibit. “We’ll receive certain elements, which we’ll choose, says Atteberry. “We’ll make our choices based on their relevance to Burpee’s permanent collections. We’re working with the exhibit company to choose the most spectacular ‘sea monsters’ for our exhibit.” The exhibit will be put together as a kind of narrative. “Each component will be telling a story, which will help to connect people to the species featured,” Atteberry says. “Interactive elements can be found in a number of different forms throughout the exhibit. Burpee will also have docents in the exhibit at certain times that will have additional activities and learning opportunities.” “Savage Ancient Seas” requires specific conditions from its host facilities, which not all museums can meet. In 2010,

Burpee and the adjacent Discover Center Museum completed a $10 million expansion, which joined the two facilities and created a Smithsonian-approved exhibit hall, which attracts environmentally-sensitive traveling exhibits which the museums couldn’t host previously. The natural history museum opened in 1942, on the second and third floors of the 1893 Barnes Mansion, with the mission to inspire all people to engage in a lifetime of discovery and learning about the natural world, through preservation and interpretation. It has grown into a world-class facility, with classrooms, ongoing programs and special events, in addition to its permanent collections and visiting exhibitions. The museum hit the national spotlight in 2001, when a Burpee-led archeological expedition in Montana unearthed “Jane,” the most complete and well-preserved juvenile T-rex in the world. In 2005, another Burpee expedition to the same area yielded “Homer,” the most complete “teenaged” Triceratops ever found. Both are on display at the museum, along with exhibits that chronicle the archeological digs. The Savage Ancient Seas exhibit opens Jan. 17. For more information about the museum, its programs and events, call (815) 965-3433 or visit online at burpee.org. ❚ The Only Full Time ABA Certified Group of Interventional Pain Management Physicians in the Rockford area

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities. Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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State-of-the-Art ACL Repair at FHN Y

our ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. Injury to this ligament, which is usually the result of hyperextension or a twist, is one of the most common types of injuries in dedicated athletes. FHN orthopedic surgeon John Gluscic, MD, employs the surgical procedure used on the world’s top athletes to repair ACL injuries, including Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Gluscic believes that all competitive athletes with ACL injuries, no matter their level of play, get back on the court faster and with amazing levels of functionality when they undergo this procedure. ACL reconstruction has three major elements: the surgery itself; the graft used to reconstruct the ligament; and the rehab process after the surgery. According to Gluscic, each component needs to be executed expertly to ensure the type of results he wants for his patients. “I use the patient’s own tissue for the graft, usually from the front of the knee that’s injured and I utilize a bonetendon-bone method of reconstruction,” he says. “Other surgeons often use tissues from the patient’s hamstring, Dr. John Gluscic or even cadaver tissue, and reconnect

the ligaments in a different way. These options may work as a last resort, but failure rates are much higher, and recovery takes a lot longer.” Gluscic’s patients generally can bear full weight on their injured knee immediately following surgery and experience at least a 94 percent chance of recovery to their pre-injury levels of strength and flexibility within four to five months. Patients begin physical therapy three days or less after surgery, and Gluscic is personally involved in overseeing this crucial element in the recovery process. “I can’t say enough about the rehab team at FHN,” he says. “We all work together with the patient to get him or her back on the court or field as quickly as possible, feeling as good as new.” Source: FHN

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Don’t Let Chronic Pain Rule Your Life By Craig Schmidt

hronic pain – pain that lasts at least three months and resists conventional medical treatments – can devastate lives by forcing people from jobs and destroying relationships with family and friends. While medication goes a long way in pain treatment, it often isn’t enough to control all of the symptoms. When chronic pain is poorly controlled, living with it is a challenge. Other therapies, like physical therapy, can help. Still, many people pursue healthy, productive lives in spite of continuing pain. This is because they have found ways to cope. • Accept Your Condition Recognize pain as a problem. Learn about your condition and talk through treatment options with your doctor. • Exercise Regularly Use it so you don’t lose it. Muscles become weak from inactivity, and weak muscles are more vulnerable to pain. A safe exercise program keeps muscles active and joints flexible, which alleviates the symptoms of chronic pain. • Learn to Relax Stress makes muscles tense, which increases pain. Relaxation as a pain management tool can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments. Yoga, guided imagery, deep

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breathing, or sitting in a quiet room and listening to peaceful music decrease stress and muscle tension. • Don’t Go it Alone One in 10 Americans has chronic pain at some point. A support group, or even a supportive friend, can offer advice and tips on what techniques have worked for them. • Set Realistic Goals Managing pain in small steps provides a sense of accomplishment and enables you to achieve larger goals more effectively. Pain that won’t let up can be discouraging at best and unbearable at worst. Remember that there are treatment options that can lessen your pain and improve your quality of life. ❚ Source: Medical Pain Management Services, Ltd. Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Winter Beer Tasting Jan. 7, 6-8:30 p.m. Sample mostly Winter and Christmas beers, including those from the vintage holiday table. $10. Reserve your space early; limited to 80. Artalé Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-9463, artalewineco.com.

(Brad Miller photo)

Rusted Root Jan. 7, 7 p.m. This group plays a unique fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music. $25. Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford, ticketfly. com.

The Manchurian Candidate Jan. 7, 1 & 7 p.m. A former Korean War POW is brainwashed by Communists into becoming a political assassin. But another See The Bottle Rockets play at Severson Dells Nature former prisoner may know how to save Center in Rockford on Jan. 10. him. Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey and Janet Leigh. First of four films in “The Cold War Film Series.” $5 each/$20 series of 4 movies plus Jazz At Emerson: The Groove Hotel bonus musical. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Jan. 11, 3 p.m. Live jazz, complimentary brews Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413, classiccinemas. and snacks, meet the artists. $10/$6 students. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) com. 964-2238, mendelssohnpac.org. Winter Bird Walk Jan. 10, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Local bird expert Dan Sled Dog Demos Williams leads a family-friendly walk to identify Jan. 11, Feb. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free Spirit Siberian the many birds who make their home in the Rescue will give sled dog demos just southeast arboretum. Dress for the weather. Included with of the Starved Rock Visitor Center and will admission. Members free. Klehm Arboretum present a seminar inside. Starved Rock Lodge, & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, Starved Rock State Park, routes 178 & 71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com. (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! Jan. 10, 11-11:45 a.m. Professional juggler/ entertainer Jason Kollum presents an interactive program in which everybody participates and learns cool balancing and juggling skills. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9657606, option 2, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. RSO: The Genius of John Williams Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. Steven Larsen, conductor. Music from the film composer’s 60-year career, including: Jaws; Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, more. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. The Bottle Rockets Jan. 10, 7 p.m. This group defies labels, with its punk-rock pedigree, arena-rock energy and tougher-than-Springsteen storytelling. $25, Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rkfd., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org.

Annual Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 14-18, daily to 11 p.m. Teams from around the state shape 5-ton blocks of snow into works of art, for a chance to compete in the 2016 U.S. National contest. Sinnissippi Park, 1300 N. 2nd St., Rockford, ilsnowsculpting.com. Dinner and a Movie: Frozen Jan. 16, 5:15-8 p.m. Pizza, popcorn and a special meet-and-greet with Elsa and Anna. Doors open at 5:15, dinner 5:30, movie 6:30. Registration required. Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 9657606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Gospel Night With Harlan Jefferson Jan. 17, 7 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water, popcorn available. All funding is by free-will donations. Except for a modest percentage to cover church expenses and overhead, all free-will donations go to the musicians. Spring Creek UCC, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, springcreekucc.org. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Alchemy at Giovanni’s By Peggy Werner

resh ideas, fresh air, fresh food and a fresh start describe Alchemy, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford’s first “convertible” restaurant. It was founded by Chef Al Castrogiovanni, a graduate of the the Illinois Institute of Chicago’s Culinary Arts Program, who was greatly inspired while working at fine Chicago restaurants with chefs Shawn McClain and Stephanie Izard. The word “alchemy” means turning something ordinary into something extraordinary, and the trendy restaurant lives up to its name. It was part of a total renovation that took place three years ago, to transform Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center into a banquet facility, with a new food and wine menu at Big Al’s Bar, an upscale sports bar, and Alchemy, which offers customers a more big-city atmosphere. “Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” Castrogiovanni says. “I always had a vision

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and customize everything.” In warm weather, four large garage doors open along the screened-in south side, to allow for al fresco dining, and music is featured on the patio on Wednesdays in the summer. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. A wood-fire oven cooks pizzas made from handcrafted dough, inspired by consultants hired to turn out the best pizza crust around, Castrogiovanni says. Creative pizzas include Chicago Dog, Thai Pie, Eggplant Parmesan, a bunny rabbit pizza for kids and a createyour-own section. The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  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. $$.

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Leombruni’s Italian Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Italian. Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$. 11pm, Sun 10pm. $. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Main Street Bistro  Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Butterfly Club E Upscale-Casual/Fine Dining. 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, Wis., (608) 362-8577. LD T-Th 5-9:30pm, F 4:3010pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatSun 8am-5pm. $.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD Sun-Th11am10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  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. $$. Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. 7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

special twist. Most items are served on small plates, while big plate entrées include an 8-ounce filet roasted with fresh herb truffle butter; a 12-ounce New York Strip Steak; and a 10-ounce bone-in pork chop with bourbon sugar brine, smoked and roasted in a hot peach marmalade. Daily specials are also featured. Alchemy’s kitchen is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 4-11 p.m. FridaySaturday. The bar is open 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, and 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. ❚

In the Spotlight Tavern on Clark

his restauarant, at 755 Clark St., Rockford, offers top-quality food in a great atmosphere. Owned and operated by brothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai, it’s the kind of place where business partners, couples, families or friends can gather for all occasions. A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include the Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib. A private dining room, with a flatscreen TV and fireplace, seats 50 and is available for private events. Tavern on Clark is open daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen serves food until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 p.m. on weekends. The bar is open later. ❚

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Jan. 7

T  I

No People Food for Pets B y D r. P a t r i c k J . H e i t z m a n , D V M

e’re tempted to treat our pets with morsels from our plates, but it’s much better to give them pet-specific treats. Why? Here are four good reasons. 1. Creates a moocher Once your dog or cat gets a few choice morsels from your plate, it will never stop begging – whether it’s giving you the sad eyes, whining, jumping up or worse. 2. Provides poor nutrition The more people food your pets eat, the less likely they are to eat their own, which hopefully is a good quality food with all of the needed vitamins and minerals. People food can also cause digestive disorders ranging from gas to bad breath and much more unpleasant problems. 3. Leads to weight problems We trim fat from our own meat because isn’t good for us, so how can it be good for our four-legged friends? Overweight pets have a higher risk of health problems. As a rule, treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your pet’s food intake. 4. Encourages negative behavior Pets who want people food may to turn into finicky eaters, to get you to give them your food so they don’t “go hungry.” And they may become food thieves, who knock over the trash or get on the counters for food. Treats made specifically for pets not only offer more animal-friendly nutrition but may also fill specific needs, like teeth-cleaning or the urge or need to chew. And your pet will enjoy them just as much, especially if given with an excited voice and a belly rub afterward. ❚ Dr. Patrick J. Heitzman, DVM, owns and operates Tender Loving Care Animal Hospital, 1633 S. Galena Ave., Freeport. Source: Friends Forever Human Society, Freeport

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’Tis the Season to Save for Next Holiday Season By Peggy Werner

hristmas is a time of year when people think more about spending money than saving it. With the buying binge over and the gift-giving done, they put away decorations and await the daunting credit card bills that will soon arrive. Now is the time to take steps to prepare for the next Christmas season. Lorna Cote, director of marketing at MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, recommends opening a holiday club account as early as possible. That way, the money is available when needed, and people have one less stressor to deal with next Christmas. The concept is simple. The account is set up with a release date of funds of Nov. 1. Deposits can be made regularly, either on your own or with payroll deductions or automatic fund transfers. MembersAlliance pays competitive interest rates on club accounts, something not offered on similar accounts in other financial institututions. “It’s good to have money set aside in a separate account, that’s protected until the holiday arrives,” Cote says. By keeping it separate and for a specific purpose, they’re not so tempted to dig into the account. We have a lot of people who do it every year.” And it’s a great relief when the money is available Nov. 1. Other people use different techniques, like creating a sub account within a main account. That can work if you’re disciplined

enough to not draw from it during the year. “It’s really about whatever works for you,” Cote says. “Just have a plan, and always remember to pay yourself first. I always recommend direct deposit or automatic transfers, so you don’t have to think about it.” Credit unions were created for working people, to provide more affordable consumer banking products to members with better loan rates, lower fees and other added benefits. As a credit union member, you are an owner. The credit union is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which holds an annual meeting open to all voting members. With branches on Alpine Road, at 6951 Olde Creek Road, and within Wal-Mart stores on West Riverside, Rockton Road and Walton Street, MembersAlliance is open to anyone living or working in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties. All it takes is $25 to open a savings account. To become a member, visit any of the five locations and ask to meet with a member service representative. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 7

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1