Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • April 26, 2017
™
Right in Our Region
A New Season at Starlight Theatre
See Page 20
How Dirty are Your Ducts? Hit the Links at Beaver Creek May: Mental Health Awareness Month The Do’s and Don’ts of Lawn Watering Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Starlight Theatre Your Home ................................................... 9, 11 Window World of Rockford Opens New Showroom; How Dirty are Your Ducts? Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Freedom to Love Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Chicken Tacos with Beet Salsa Your Outing .......................................................17 Hit the Links at Beaver Creek Outdoor Living ..................................................19 Learn to Water Your Lawn Properly Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Get Outside, Get Healthy! Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 Bravo Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29
Your Technology ...............................................33 Don’t Pay Too Much for Tech Services
Smart L iving Weekly ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Plant a Tree L
ast week we cut down a dead elm tree at the Loves Park home my parents built in 1940. It was a troublemaker tree, starting with the ruckus it caused on the day it was planted, in the early 1970s. My parents had peacefully planted two other saplings in the yard before an argument broke out about the placement of this tree. Mom wanted it near her picture window. Dad said it would be too close to the house. Mom prevailed but Dad was proven right a few decades later, when tree limbs skimmed our roof and roots butted up to the basement foundation. The two peacefully-placed saplings died early on, while this troublemaker flourished for many decades. Go figure. I recall that we had received all three of those saplings during an Arbor Day event in Loves Park. Happily, this civic holiday is still celebrated each year, most often on the fourth Friday of April, this year on April 28. The City of Rockford recognized Arbor Day with a tree-planting ceremony at Riverdahl Elementary School this week. Journalist J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska started Arbor Day in 1872, when he organized an effort to plant more than a million trees. By the 1920s, all U.S. states were participating. (His son, Joy Morton, would found both the Morton Salt Company and Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill.) Dozens of other countries also conduct tree-planting festivals, some dating back to the 1500s. Rockford lost some 50,000 trees after Dutch elm disease ravaged it in the 1950s. Today, Illinois is losing tens of thousands of ash trees to the unstoppable emerald ash borer beetle. The more diverse our tree population is, in the Forest City, the better. We never know what species will fall victim next. The Arbor Day Foundation provides a wealth of information about selecting and growing trees in our region. For a $10 membership, they’ll even send you 10 trees to plant. Learn more at arborday.org and have a great week! ❚
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Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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Window World Opens New Showroom By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
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welve years ago, after working in the window replacement business for 10 years, Scott Williamson decided to open his own franchise. He wanted to offer customers high-quality windows at a reasonable price and to deal with a manufacturer he respected. “I was familiar with Window World and admired the integrity with which it did business and the quality of its products,” says Williamson. “It already had a two-decade track record and I felt it offered consumers the best warranties available. So, my wife Jen and I opened our own Window World franchise in Rockford, in 2005.” Now, 75,000 window installations later, Window World of Rockford employs 21 people and will celebrate the grand opening of a brand new showroom at 6010 Forest Hills Road in Loves Park. Along with standard windows, the company sells and installs insulated siding, gutter items, patio and entry doors, specialty windows like bays and bows and more. It serves Illinois residents in Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, LaSalle, McHenry and Stephenson counties. Among the American-made products Williamson uses are windows made by Associated Materials Inc., a manufacturer based in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. “Our most requested product by far is our award-winning, custom-made, vinyl double hung window,” says Williamson. For seven years in a row, Window World products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. The company adheres to EPA ENERGY STAR standards and offers energy-efficient products such as SolarZone insulating glass packages, which save consumers money and benefit the environment. Williamson says he’s as particular about the experienced installers he hires as he is about the products he offers. “This franchise is held to the highest standards by our corporate office, which has very stringent guidelines for all aspects of our business, from sales, installation and warranty to customer service,” says Williamson. “Window World of Rockford’s products carry an all-inclusive, lifetime transferrable warranty that includes labor, materials, and even glass breakage.” Williamson says he believes it’s important to give back to the communities that have made his franchise so successful. “My wife, Jen, and our sons Kyle, Seth and Nathan, our daughter Brittney, and I, along with our 21 employees, are proud to be part of the Window World family and the Rockford community,” says Williamson. “We’re deeply committed to community service.” Among philanthropic projects Window World of Rockford has supported are Extreme Home Makeovers in Lena and Philo, Ill.; the Gulf War Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Freeport; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and tornado victims of Fairdale, Ill.
Williamson knows that most homeowners consider windows and siding to be major investments. “Families have to live within their budgets and the budget will guide the decision-making process, when it comes to upgrading or repairing their homes,” says Williamson. “Both insulated siding and new windows can be terrific investments. Siding protects your home from moisture, wind and sun damage. And energy-efficient windows can save you money year after year by reducing heating and cooling costs.” Customers are sometimes surprised to learn about financing options, including home improvement loans and special grants from local governments. “Any reputable insured professional installer should be able to help you navigate local programs and special financing options,” explains Williamson. Be careful when choosing a window or siding installer, Williamson advises. “Always ask for samples of work and customer referrals. Be sure to check references and local regulations. Some communities have laws about hiring people to do work such as siding installation. In the end, you may find it’s wiser to hire a wellknown, qualified, professional company to do the job properly and quickly. “You don’t have to break the bank to get the best siding you can afford, but be sure to get what you expect and have paid for.” ❚
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How Dirty are Your Ducts?
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By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
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ost people would be surprised to see how much dirt builds up inside the air ducts of their homes, but not James Wells. As owner of Air Quality Management, which specializes solely in duct cleaning, he knows the dirt on ducts. “The main reason people have their ducts cleaned is to reduce allergens and dust in the home,” says Wells. “The furnace or air conditioner sucks air in through its lines, heats or cools it and distributes it back into the rooms. It’s the return ducts that are dirtiest. The pet dander and other debris build up and some of it gets redistributed throughout the home.” Air Quality Management uses a 20-horsepower vacuum to pull debris outside the home as it cleans. “It’s powerful enough to pick up a 16-pound bowling ball,” says Wells. “That’s important because it means the
dirt is not going back into the home as we disturb it.” Wells recommends cleaning ducts every five to seven years, depending on your allergy sensitivity and how many pets and people live in the home making dander and dirt. “Sometimes owners of a newly constructed home will hire us to clean the drywall dust and other debris from a home before they move in, too,” he adds. The cost of cleaning ducts in a typical ranch home is about $350 and requires 2 or 3 hours. A larger two-story home is $450 to $550 and takes 3 or 4 hours. Air Quality Management also professionally cleans dryer vents. “This is important because a plugged dryer vent is a fire hazard,” says Wells. “Also, when a dryer hose is plugged, clothing takes a lot longer to dry and en-
ergy costs increase.” Air Quality Management cleans ducts in residential, commercial and industrial structures. To get an estimate on cleaning your ducts, call Wells at (815) 962-9007. ❚
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I W
Free to Love
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ooted deep within our souls is a love for freedom; freedom from oppression of all kinds and freedom to build our lives as we choose. The desire for freedom is one of the prevailing themes in human history. Likewise, the desire of oppressors to control the lives of others – whether for wealth, nationalism, religion or sheer love of power – also is deeply ingrained in human behavior. Ironically, the example set for us by the Creator of the universe couldn’t be more different. God, the one being Who has the right to impose power over us, instead grants to each of us the freedom to serve Him or not. God could have created us as automatons who always please Him, but He didn’t. In the Garden of Eden, He told man to obey Him for man’s own good; Adam and Eve disobeyed, resulting in the end of paradise and the beginning of human misery. God next devised a plan for his son Jesus to salvage the God-human relationship through Jesus’ perfect, loving and freely given obedience. “For as through the one man’s disobedience [Adam] the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one [Jesus] shall the many be made righteous.” – Romans 5:19 (KJV) God not only wants our obedience, but also our love, freely given, much as human parents yearn for the same from their children. We see this in Matthew 22:36 when Jesus is asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus, who knows the heart of God better than anyone, replies: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Love worth having is freely given. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
Smart Living Weekly
April 26
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Y K
Add Some Tex-Mex to Your Menu
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tortilla plus a tasty filling makes a household favorite – a taco. This simple, casual, versatile, fun food knows no boundaries. Tacos can be right for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks and dessert, depending on the filling. For tacos with a unique twist on tradition, try these Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa that are ready in 30 minutes. The antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets lend color, as well as a refreshing sweet-tangy flavor that’s complementary to the lime juice, cilantro and red onion in the salsa. This sassy salsa is a perfect partner for rotisserie, roasted or grilled chicken, arugula and a dollop of jalapeno mustard-sour cream sauce nestled inside a soft flour tortilla. For your taco fiesta, just set out the tortillas, salsa and other toppings and let everyone help themselves to a fun and delicious dinner. For other versatile recipes, visit AuntNellies.com.
Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa
Salsa: 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets 2 TB chopped red onion 2 TB coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 TB fresh lime juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper Tacos: 1/3 cup sour cream 1 TB jalapeno mustard 4 soft flour tortillas (6-inch diameter) 2 cups fresh arugula 2 cups chopped cooked rotisserie chicken (hot or cold) 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco Preparation: To make salsa: drain beets and chop. In
medium bowl, combine beets, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. To make tacos: In small bowl, stir together sour cream and mustard; set aside. On one half of each tortilla, place equal amounts of salsa, arugula, chicken and cheese. Top with dollops of mustard-sour cream. Fold over. Substitution: Sliced pickled beets or three single-serve cups of Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets may be substituted for baby whole pickled beets. ❚
Source: Family Features
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Y O
Hit the Links at Beaver Creek By Randy Rueff
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ike a child becoming an adult, Beaver Creek Golf Course, nestled in rural Boone County, is showing more and more signs of maturity. “Twenty-one years ago it was a cornfield,” says owner Brian Camp. “Now the little trees from the past are more than 50 feet tall. If you haven’t been out here in awhile, you’d be surprised at how much it has grown up.” The par-35, 9-hole course, located at 19619 Leroy Center Road in Capron, has been called a “hidden gem” by many who’ve played it. It has four sets of tees ranging from 2,300 to 3,033 yards. On seven of the nine holes, the winding Beaver Creek comes into play. And this year, the course joined the Chicago District Golf Association. The golf course opened in 1997 and was run by the Ed Randall family, until they sold it to the Kelly Camp family four years ago. The Camps have contin-
ued develoing the course, and it shows. “The conditions have improved with Mother Nature’s help,” Camp says. “We haven’t had any droughts, so our greens are always in good shape and our grass conditions are improving every year.” One of the course’s biggest draws is its layout. “It plays to all abilities,” Camp says. “Your avid golfer will still find challenges, but it’s also playable for the beginning golfer.” The other advantage at Beaver Creek is its availability. “You can come out on a weekday morning and it’s not packed,” Camp says. “If you’re looking for a nice quiet morning to watch the sunrise and play a round, this is the course.” And Beaver Creek offers more than golf. It’s a popular place for fundraisers, thanks to a banquet room in the clubhouse basement that can accommodate
up to 60 people. “We also do a lot of baby showers, birthday parties, class reunions and other events that are not golf- related,” Camp says. “You can have the girls holding a shower while the guys play a round or two.” One of Beaver Creek’s popular staples is its Friday Night Fish Boil. For $24, a person can get a round of golf and an all-you-can-eat cod dinner. For more information, including tee times, costs and reservations, call (815) 569-2427 or go to beavercreekgolfil. com. ❚
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O L
How to Water Your Lawn B y To n i R o c h a
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oses out, spigots up. It’s time to begin pampering that lawn. For Robert Ewald, owner of Ewald Services Inc., this means following a few sound rules for helping grass start fresh and stay consistently green from now until late fall. “When it comes to watering lawns, the best rule of thumb is to follow Mother Nature’s example,” Ewald says. “A good soaking like a natural rain but without leaving puddles of standing water is preferable to frequent light watering. Then let the ground dry out for several days.” With many differing opinions on when to water, Ewald adds, the best plan is to water between 3 and 9 a.m. “If the lawn is watered in the heat of the afternoon, most of the moisture will evaporate without nourishing the grass,” he explains. “If water is applied late at
night, it will stay too wet which can cause grass seed to rot before it sprouts and can make established grass more susceptible to diseases.” For newly seeded areas, Ewald recommends keeping the ground moist in the right measure. “Seeded areas need a different watering regimen,” he adds. “For the seeds to properly root and sprout, the ground needs to be consistently moist, not too dry or too wet. Too dry and the seed won’t germinate, and too much water can wash the seed away or cause it to rot.” With an established watering program, grass should be able to weather almost all of the Midwest’s summer swings. But, Ewald says, for those few weeks in late July or August when semidrought conditions develop, lawns need a moisture boost.
“This is a two-fold fix,” he adds. “First, water to saturate the ground to a deeper level. Then increase the watering cycle to three times weekly until the drought period ends.” And finally, Ewald suggests that lawns need consistent watering through the beginning of October or as late as Oct. 15 in case of a drier season, not only to keep them green and healthy but also to help root development so that grass can winter over safely. For more information, contact Ewald Yard Services at (815) 877-3500 or visit online at www.ewaldservices.com. ❚
The Yard Care Experts
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R O R
Starlight Opens with ‘Beauty & the Beast’ By Peggy Werner
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hen Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre opens its 2017 season, it will present a mix of something old and something new, in more ways than one. Actor Christopher Brady, with more than 80 productions to his credit, is the new director of Starlight Theatre, following in the big footsteps of Mike Webb, who retired last summer after more than 30 seasons there. The 2017 season opens with “Beauty & the Beast,” a beautiful love story and a favorite of all age groups, staged June 7-10 and July 5-9. “Peter and the Star-Catcher,” a funny Peter Pan saga, will run June 14-17 and July 12-16. It has never before been presented at Starlight. “Sister Act” is an endearing, Cover and inside photos of Christopher Brady by Samantha Ryan
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comical tale of a woman who rocks her church with her soulful music and brings to light the power of friendship. It will be performed June 21-24 and July 19-23 and also is a first-time musical at Starlight. “Godspell” is a powerful tale about building community in today’s world through the parables and teachings of Jesus Christ. It will run from June 28-July 1 and July 26-30. The traditional ComEd Independence Day Spectacular with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra will be at 8 p.m. July 2. Tickets are $30 for adults and $29 for students/seniors for that production. Brady says he thought carefully before accepting the Starlight director position, knowing how demanding the hours would be. After discussing with wife Erin what the position would mean to the theater, the community and his family, he accepted.
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Erin is a hairdresser, actress and stay-at-home mom. Their children, Ophelia and Imogen, are both named after characters from Shakespearean plays. “My strength is creating a positive environment for people to create and grow and make the best possible experience for all involved,” says Brady. “With no Studio Theatre at Rock Valley [due to the state budget crisis], that allowed
Starlight Theatre Director Christopher Brady
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me more time to spend on Starlight and I thought of all the improvements that could be made, mostly by working more with students and doing more with community outreach. “Superficially, the audiences won’t notice many differences, but I’m hoping to expand the depth and flavor of the productions,” says Brady. The purpose of Starlight Theatre has always been to provide a creative outlet for talented students and community members alike, where they can create an affordable and accessible cultural
experience for local audiences. Adding to the magic is the architectural wonder of Starlight Theatre itself, with its beautiful outdoor setting and one-of-a-kind operable roof. “The teamwork component is big with me because theater, for me, is the art of collaboration, especially musical theater,” Brady says. His name is a familiar one to local theatergoers, since he has performed for Starlight and Studio Theatre, Artist’s Ensemble, Timberlake Playhouse, regional shows and in New York City. At Starlight, he has served as a stage manager, associate professor of theater, music arranger and choreographer. Brady studied musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatics Academy in New York City and taught social studies and theater at the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program at West Middle School. He’s one of the founders
of (usual) Suspects Theatre Group, which debuted in fall 2015. The upcoming Starlight season was decided before Brady was named director, but he’s looking forward to directing the productions, which he believes will resonate with audiences. Season tickets cost $80 for adults; $70 for students, seniors, military members and teachers; and $40 for children under 12. Find group rate discount information and details about The Friends of Starlight program on the website. The latter includes a season ticket package, preferred seating, program recognition and an exclusive “Friends” reception. Tickets can be ordered online at rockvalleycollege.edu/community/theatre; by phone at (815) 921-2160; by fax at (815) 921-2169 or by mail at Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, Ill., 61114. New box office hours are now effective, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. ❚
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Forest Preserves: Get Outside, Get Healthy! T he free Winnebago County Forest Preserves program ‘Get Outside, Get Healthy!’ kicks off with a free event at Hononegah Forest Preserve on Saturday, May 20 from noon to 3 p.m. This afternoon of games, exhibits, crafts and demonstrations will whet visitors’ appetites for all the nature adventures offered through the Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport booklet. Pick up a passport at the kick-off celebration and get all the information you need to take full advantage of the many opportunities and activities happening through July 30 in forest preserves this summer. Get Outside, Get Healthy! is a free program that encourages people of all ages to discover the health benefits of spending time in nature. Participants can connect with nature through a full schedule of diverse outdoor opportunities such as guided hikes, nature study, camping,
golf, bird watching, river study, paddling trips, fun runs, archaeology and more. Bring your Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport with you to all the self-guided and guided activities and have it validated so you can earn points to qualify for the grand prize. This year’s grand prize is a fabulous gift basket overflowing with valuable gifts to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors, including: • one-year Severson Dells Nature Center family membership • one-year Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden family membership • certificate for a guided paddle trip with Rocktown Adventures, outdoor retailer and adventure club • gift certificate for Macktown, Atwood Homestead or The Ledges Golf Course • birding cap from Sand Bluff Observatory • award-winning nature guide books • FPWC backpacks
• many more items to enhance you nature explorations! Passports can also be picked up at any of these participating locations: FPWC Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford; Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford; Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; and Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, 5209 Haas Road, Shirland. Get Outside, Get Healthy! is a free community program presented by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. ❚
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Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at
Real. Original. SM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all
ILLINOIS, USA
glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1
102 N. Main St.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism
Attractions & Events
Elevate Palate Trip Series: Japan April 26, 7 p.m. Fine Japanese food and craft beer come together in this fun journey of flavor and discovery. Chef JBgorockford.com Griffin and Brewer Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 Steve Lenox guide you through this delightfully entertaining five-course dinner with beer pairings. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.com. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
A Flea in Her Ear April 27-30, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Paranoia, infidelity and lechery take center stage in this raucous bedroom farce. Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, rockford.edu./academics/departments/performingarts. Mario Rizzotti's Italian Pop-Up at Josef's April 27, 6-9 p.m. Food Network's Iron Chef America judge Mario Rizzotti brings his "4 the Love of Italian Food Tour" to Rockford, preparing a four-course Italian menu and wine pairings with each course. Josef Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, 6860 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 282-3400, josefs.us. Original Women's Conference April 27-29. Original Women's Conference is a gathering of women of all ages from the state line area and beyond. Experience empowering messages from powerful speakers and music by Grammy-nominated artist Natalie Grant. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 877-8000, originalconference.com. Arbor Dash 5K April 28, 6:30-9 p.m. Lace up your sneakers for the fourth running of the Arbor Dash, a 5K family fun run through nature. Stick around after to enjoy beverages and snacks from Prairie Street Brewing Company. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org. Good Food Advocate Celebration April 28, 7-10 p.m. The annual Good Food Advocate event celebrates Rockford area individuals and organizations committed to Angelic Organics Learning Center’s mission to build sustainable food and farm systems. Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rockford, (815) 389-8455. Celtic Woman ‘Voices of Angels’ Tour April 28, 7:30 p.m. The unique musical ensemble
Klehm Arboretum hosts the 4th annual Arbor Dash 5K on April 28.
known as Celtic Woman is back by popular demand, combining traditional Irish music with spectacular production and staging. The uplifting music has transcended national and cultural borders to touch the hearts of a devoted fan base that spans the globe. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. RSO: Strauss’ Last & Mahler’s First Classical Concert April 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Nationally acclaimed soprano Kathy Pyeatt, known for her intelligent singing and “impeccable voice,” performs Strauss’ four last songs. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. Traditional Japanese Flower Viewing Tea Ceremony & Lunch April 29-30, Sat. 10:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Both days feature a traditional Flower Viewing Tea Ceremony (Hanami Chakai) and provide a hands-on lesson focused on proper tea serving procedures and guest etiquette. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-3306, andersongardens.org. An Afternoon with Eleanor May 3, 11:30 a.m. social hour, noon lunch. Enjoy a Living History Presentation with our most acclaimed First Lady. Award-winning actress and scholar Leslie Goddard portrays Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most fascinating and influential public figures of the 20th century. Octane Interlounge caters lunch. Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford, (815) 965-4233, rockfordtheater.com. ❚
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Smart Living Weekly
April 26
27
WDL
Restaurant of the Week
Authentic Italian Dining at Bravo Pizza W
ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic Italian dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining classic Italian fare with all the comfort and flavors of a home-cooked meal. “We work in quality, price and service – those are our three main ingredients,” says Ocello. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, so we know how to maintain a consistency for our customers. There’s no price that pays for that.” Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant has two locations – one in Poplar Grove, the other in South Beloit – and each provides a genuine escape for patrons. You’ll find large wooden tables, warm golden lighting
and murals of Italian scenery, inspired by Ocello’s Sicilian heritage. Diners can choose from a vast array of Italian classics, from pizza and calzones to pasta and sandwiches. There are American classics, too, such as the Bravo Burger. Most items are made from scratch in the Bravo kitchen, ensuring a home- Managers Richard Owens and Heather Intravaia with Joe Ocello. made meal with fresh ingredients. The Ital- they’re huge, too,” says Ocello. “'Bravo' in ian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat Italian means good, and I think we are very sauce, was named Best in the Stateline good. We have a menu we’ve been perfectby MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers ing for forever, so we know how to do it include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettuc- well.” cine Alfredo and fish specials. Both locations offer a full-service bar, “We make it all ourselves. Each meat- catering, carry-out and delivery services. ball is about a quarter pound apiece, so Bravo Pizza is open daily at 11 a.m. ❚
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., FreeRockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30 am-3 pm.; Sat. 8 port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. am-3 pm. $-$$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚ 28
Smart Living Weekly
April 26
To advertise call 815-316-2300
Olympic Tavern
T
his family-owned restaurant, at 2327 N. Main St., has been a Rockford icon for 70 years, changing with the times, yet always giving the public what they want. “Our business is about hospitality and making people feel welcomed,” says Zak Rotello, the third generation of his family to work in the restaurant. The full service bar, which was remodeled, updated and expanded about three years ago, features a beer menu of 28 craft brews on tap, which changes daily. The Olympic is also about great food and friendly service. Daily specials, $14$19, are seasonal items not normally on the menu. Monday is burger night, with a half-pound burger and fries for $5, and Friday night is the $12 fish fry. Olympic hosts private events and offers patio dining seasonally. The kitchen is open Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-midnight. The bar is open later. ❚
(Blake Nunes photo)
By Sarah Soenke
Dos Reales Dish of the Week Name of Plate: Enchiladas Mexicanas Restaurant: Dos Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford Description: This typical Mexican dish comes with three enchiladas of the customer choice – ground beef, shredded chicken or shredded beef – with gluten-free tortillas that are fried in vegetable oil. The plate also comes with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. “It’s a wonderful plate,” says Jose Gonzalez, manager. “Of the entire menu, this is one of the most requested dishes.” Why does this dish stand out? “Enchiladas are one of the most known dishes from Mexican cuisine,” Gonzalez says. “In Mexico, they make enchiladas spicy, but we take the spice out because we know most of our customers want something milder in taste. A Mexican customer might add hot sauce to it. The dish also has a good portion size. There’s enough to fill you up.”
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April 26
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April 26 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Y T
Reduce the Cost of Monthly Tech Bills By Peggy Werner
W
hile thinking about all the money you have to spend this holiday season, why not also think about ways to save money on your monthly tech bills? EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, can help with that. “People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money. People get excited when they see promotions because they’re just looking at the price, which will jump up dramatically after the special offer ends. Plus, they don’t always know exactly what they’re getting – and what you don’t know can hurt you.” When you purchase TV and internet service through EZ Satellite & Wireless, you’ll get a $100 gift card when you share the news with someone else.
EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer and also is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint. The company also offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for $19.95 per month. EZ Satellite specializes in helping people make the right choices based on what they need and where they live, so they can save money. The family-owned business opened in 2011, in Roscoe, and moved to a larger, more visible location in Loves Park last May, adding a new bill-paying center for customer convenience. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. About 80 percent of his business is working with residential customers in Southern
Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The company also works with businesses. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save,” he says. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚
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