Smart Living Weekly - October 18, 2017 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • October 18, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Apple Season at Ten Eyck Orchard

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Halloween on the Prairie Organize Your Home Recipe: Apple Butter Cake Help a Child to Read Concerts in Midtown

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$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

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Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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Sept. 13

BLACK & WHITE CONCERT, DANCE, & MASQUERADE BALL At Klehm Arboretum Saturday 10/28 7pm to 11pm

2715 S Main St, Rockford, IL

Costumes optional.

Which celebrity will you be?

The songs of Roy Orbison and many other musical greats by the Trinadora Rocks Band: Ron “Roy” Holm, Jannie “Patsy” Nelson, Tim Austin, John Bishoff www.trinadora.com 815-979-1949

Tickets $15 online at www.klehm.org or phone 815-979-1949. $20 at the door. **Light snacks and cash bar. 50% of net proceeds will be donated to Klehm** Upcoming Trinadora highlights: 11/10 6:00pm Gene’s Place (Rockford) 10/13 7:00pm JustGoods (Rockford) 11/17 6:00pm Lyran Hall (Rockford) 10/20 7:00pm Moose Lodge (Belvidere) 11/18 5:00pm Kegel’s Harley (Rk’fd) 10/21 6:30pm Eagles Club (Rockford) 11/19 4:00pm Franchesco’s – Special 10/27 6:00pm Starline (Harvard, IL) Four Icons Matinee (Rk’fd) 11/03 6:00pm Baci’s (Rockford) 12/01 8:30pm Big Al’s at Giovanni's 11/04 8:30pm Vito’s (Roscoe) – Special *Many more at www.trinadora.com* CD Release Party *Or phone 815-979-1979 for details* 4

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Oct. 18

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Ten Eyck Orchard Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Organize Your Home Your Outings ................................................9, 21 Halloween on the Prairie; Midtown Concerts Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 No Room for Hate Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Apple Butter Cake Your Pet ............................................. ............... 29 The Lovable, Mysterious Cat Your Community ............................................. .19 Help a Child Learn to Read Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 NEW Treatment for Cataracts Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

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 Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Steven Wysong 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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Oct. 18

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An Apple a Day H

ave you been eating your daily apple? Even though our generation enjoys year-round access to apples in supermarkets, those we buy at local orchards this time of year just taste SO MUCH BETTER. They’re also likely to contain lower levels of chemical sprays, since smaller local growers like Ten Eyck, featured on our cover, are sensitive to the public’s demand for purer fruit. I wrote an article about apples for our current issue of Northwest Quarterly because this fascinating fruit has played such an interesting role in human history, since ancient times. One thing I didn’t have room to list were their impressive health benefits. Here are just a few, compiled by the U.S. Apple Association. Apples lower cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) when eaten on a daily basis, says the Arthritis Foundation. An Ohio State study found that eating an apple a day for four weeks lowered blood levels of oxidized LDL, the bad cholesterol, by 40 percent. Apples also improve digestive health by increasing the numbers of good gut bacteria, reports the University of Denmark. Apples help our respiratory systems, too. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study reports that foods rich in fiber and flavonoids, like apples, may reduce chronic productive cough and other symptoms. The fruit also is credited with improving bone and brain health, strengthening muscles (due to the ursolic acid in apple skin), reducing asthma symptoms and lowering the risk of several cancers. The latter is because apples are rich in antioxidants, especially quercetin, which inhibits cancer onset and cancer cell proliferation. Apples also seem to aid weight loss. Harvard researchers found that a higher intake of foods rich in flavonols, flavan3-ols, anthocyanins and flavonoids, all found in apples, was associated with less weight gain among adults. How about them apples? Have a great week and eat your apples! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Oct. 18

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Y O

Holiday Events at Byron Forest Preserve T

wo fun events are coming up at the Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 North River Road in Byron, Ill., home of the award-winning Jarrett Prairie Center Museum.

birds of prey show and tours of the new observation deck at the Jarrett Prairie Center Museum. Learn more by calling (234) 8535 ext. 200.

Halloween on the Prairie

26th Annual Holiday Gift Sale

This event, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m., will offer lots of free fun, including family-friendly hayrides, tours of Weiskopf Observatory, a bounce house, a face-painting station, kids’ crafts, games, a free customer appreciation lunch, Native American hands-on activities, a live

This event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features about 30 vendors offering a variety of hand-crafted items, including Christmas ornaments and decorations, candles, wreaths, quilts, dolls, wood carvings, wooden furniture, baskets, birdhouses and much more. In addition to these 30 vendors, owners of home-based businesses will be selling items from Avon, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One and more. An affordable concession stand will sell hot dogs, barbecues and chili, along with hot apple cider, all day long. Parents can shop while youngsters

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learn about their heritage in the newly remodeled Jarrett Prairie Center Museum. Visitors can check out the museum’s newly constructed 2,600-square-foot observation deck. Admission is free and reservations are not required to attend the event. The Jarrett Prairie Center is accessible to the physically challenged. To reserve a vendor booth or to learn more about the gift sale, call (815) 2348535 ext. 224. ❚

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Oct. 18

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

Y H  G

An Organized Home Decreases Your Stress By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 30 years ago, options were pretty limited. “When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets. Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motionactivated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold-out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains. While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed. Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals. “It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.” Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room, home office and basement.

“Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable,” he says. Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers wireshelving systems by Rubbermaid, the No. 1 brand in the industry. ❚

Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. com and start your e-Edition today.

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Oct. 18

I  W

No Room for Hate

an’t we all just get along? If we choose to view one another as God does, the answer is “yes.” There’s no hatred based on race, gender, age, health, wealth, etc., when we view one another through God’s eyes. Each of us is precious. The Book of Acts reveals how difficult it was for the early church to wrap its head around this concept of equality. In the Old Testament, God favored certain people. It wasn’t the ideal way to operate, however. God wanted to undo the damage done by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:19) and make peace with all who choose to believe. That universal reconciliation was made possible through Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18) The New Testament teaches that favoritism on our part is a sin. We’re to love all people and treat them well. (James 2:1-3, 9) Scripture also teaches that our views should never be shaped by cultural norms that are at odds with Christ’s. Kings, presidents, preachers and other opinion leaders come and go and are fallible. Only Christ’s kingdom endures forever. In it, there’s no place for hatred. (Eph.4:31). We’re to imitate Christ. (Eph. 5:1 & 2). Each of us is made in God’s image, which is spirit. Spirit has no gender or race. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). God cares about whether we accept the Gospel and live it (Romans 10: 9 & 10), not about our superficial differences. He sees our hearts. (I Sam. 16:7). Being reconciled to God through Christ binds us together as one family, but we must guard that precious unity. Jude warns of those who “slip in” and divide us for personal gain, in verses 17-19: “These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage … These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” Can’t we all just get along? We can if we decide to. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

An Easy Potluck Dish: Apple Butter Cake A

s the saying goes, sharing is caring, and nothing spreads a little love like a potluck gathering among family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or at a watch party for your favorite team, bring a simple make-andtake recipe for a tasty good time. One sure bet for a crowd pleaser is the rich ﬂavor of Musselman’s Apple Butter, a classic Pennsylvania Dutch spread made with apples and cinnamon that can add a special touch to your favorite sweet or savory recipes. Find more recipes just right for sharing at musselmans.com.

Apple Butter Gooey Butter Cake Cake Ingredients: 1 cup ﬂour 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 TB milk 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Filling Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1 egg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus additional for serving 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg whipped cream Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 8-by-8-inch square pan. To make cake: In large mixing bowl, whisk together ﬂour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk in egg, melted butter, milk and vanilla until moistened. Spread

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evenly in pan. To make ﬁlling: In large bowl with electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and apple butter until smooth. Beat in egg then beat in melted butter and vanilla. Scrape bowl then beat in powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread ﬁlling over cake; bake 4550 minutes, or until center is set. Do not overbake as center should be slightly gooey. Cool completely before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon to serve. ❚ Source: Family Features

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

R  O R

50 Kinds of Apples at Ten Eyck Orchard By Janine Pumilia alk about deep roots. The Ten Eyck family began planting orchards in 1839, nearly a decade before Wisconsin became a state. Today their descendants produce a whopping 50 kinds of apples on the 178-yearold family farm located between Brodhead and Monroe, on Highway 11. Chances are good that you’ve driven past their big, round red barn during a scenic drive through Green County, Wis. “Our customers include three generations of regulars who love coming here as part of their family traditions and memories,” says Drew Ten Eyck, a sixthgeneration grower. “That’s very special.” Drew earned a biology degree at UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse and spent a few years working in Wyoming and Alaska, before returning home to run the family business with his father, Rob.

Smart Living Weekly

Drew is in tune with the changing expectations people have for local orchards like Ten Eyck. “There’s no doubt that the ‘grow local’ food movement has helped to increase interest in local orchards,” says Drew. “Younger families are more interested in locally grown food produced with minimal chemicals. They buy less, but they want higher quality. They feel that produce sold in grocery stores is, in many ways, no longer wholesome.” Rob taught Drew to “pay attention to quality above everything else.” Growing the best apples, not the most apples, is the cardinal rule. Still, the Ten Eycks don’t slack on quantity, either. And tracking 50 kinds of apples, each with specific needs and harvest times, isn’t easy. Along with market demands, orchard management techniques have changed

Oct. 18

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since earlier Ten Eycks ran the orchard. Rob and Drew have shifted to a trellisform strategy that exposes trees to more light and better air circulation. Think of grape arbors, but taller. Limbs are tethered to support structures in order to widen and flatten the tree’s shape. “This minimizes the amount of inside dark space on a tree,” Drew explains. “Dark space is less productive. We plant dwarf trees with rootstock grafted on top. They grow about 12 feet high. The trellis form makes the tree more efficient. Better light and air circulation discourage pests and fungus.” Fewer pests and fungus mean less spraying of apple trees. “We know people don’t want chemicals on their apples but we also know some chemicals are just necessary,” says Drew. “We spray very minimally and

R  O R taper off the spray as harvest time nears. The quality of our apples sets us apart – we pick everything right before it’s ripe. Everything is fresh and delicious.” Drew enjoys teaching customers about the differences among apple varieties. Some are heirlooms, like Grimes Golden or Arlette, a favorite variety in Swiss cooking. Others are well-known favorites like Honeycrisp or Macintosh.

When it comes to cooking, Drew recommends Portland and Jonathan apples. For eating, Honeycrisp, Suncrisp and Holiday apples are three of his favorite varieties. “Those are the best to bite into,” Drew says. “The Honeycrisp is sweet and crunchy, while the Suncrisp is a little more citrusy. The Holiday is very crisp and tart.” He also likes the McCoun. “It’s a parent to the Honeycrisp and a cross between the Macintosh and Jersey Black apple,” he says. “It’s sweet and crispy and makes an outstanding baking apple.” In addition to apples, the farm sells pumpkins,

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gourds, pears, plums and many apple-infused treats. The Ten Eycks make cider, donuts and pies with their apples – all from scratch. “We have everything from handdipped caramel apples to weird, worty squashes,” Drew says. “It’s a great variety of products and everything is fresh.” Opal John, the orchard manager, has been working with the Ten Eyck family since she was a teenager. Now, she manages the orchard’s beehives and makes treats with raw, unfiltered honey. Products from her Opalicious Honey line are sold in the apple barn. The orchard also offers a 5-acre corn maze for visitors to enjoy. But it’s the variety and quality of apples, combined with the friendliness of the staff, that brings people back to Ten Eyck Orchard year after year, says Drew. “We’ve served generations of customers and it’s important to us that we continue sustainable practices while adapting to customer needs.” ❚

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Oct. 18

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Oct. 18

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Y C

Help a Child to Discover the Joy of Reading By Peggy Werner s the new school year gets underway, United Way and The Literacy Council want to help young children get off to a good start by discovering the endless joy that reading makes possible. That effort begins by recruiting volunteers to spend as little as 30 minutes a week with a student in kindergarten through third grades, through the I READ Program. “Our goal is to build a positive relationship with an adult through reading, while enhancing reading skills,” says Courtney Jonsson, I READ Program Manager at the The Literacy Council. “Our need is always greater than the number of volunteers we have, but our best advertisers are those who help students and talk about how much they love the program. It’s rewarding on both sides and many of our volunteers will work with their students all three years and into

fourth grade, if they still need help.” One of the ways volunteers can help children learn to love reading is by getting to know them and picking out books on subjectsthey enjoy or want to know more about. “If you enjoy what you’re reading, you will read more,” she says. In its seventh year, I READ is in 19 schools in four local school districts. Volunteers can help more than one child if they desire. Teachers select students according to need. Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session to get acquainted with the school and safety rules, and to learn about encouraging students, reading techniques, and how to pick age-appropriate books. By the end of the year, United Way and The Literacy Council will have provided each student with 12 new books for their home libraries.

“Parents are encouraged to read with their children at home and take every opportunity to help their child practice reading,” says Jonsson. “Even reading signs seen while riding in the car or walking around stores is helpful to a child’s growth, academically. Parents who read to their children or encourage them to read on their own are giving them a great head start in life.” To volunteer, contact Jonsson at Courtney@theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323, ext. 14. ❚

VOLUNTEER AS AN

READING MENTOR As little as 20 minutes per week can drastically change and improve a child’s life. Visit: wevolunteer.org/IREAD Email: IREAD@unitedwayrrv.org Call: 815-963-7323

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Oct. 18

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A Live Music Renaissance in Midtown A

ll kinds of high quality live music events are taking place in Rockford’s Midtown District these days. Appreciative listeners and performance spaces with excellent acoustics have attracted nationally recognized talent and regional standouts. At the epicenter is the Listening Room at JustGoods Fair Trade Marketplace, 201 7th St., which hosts the Friday Listening Room series, and Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., which hosts the Second Thursday concert series and a less-formal but equally enjoyable music series Saturdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Another Midtown participant that’s helping to enrich the cultural scene is Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave. During the ArtScene celebration coming up this Oct. 6 and 7, and April 13 and 14 of 2018, the entire MidTown District bustles with music and visual exhibits. Concerts at the above venues typically occur without a cover charge; audiences

are encouraged to donate generously to the performers. If you’re interested in learning more about these concerts, contact the respective venues or call (815) 979-1949 or email vincentrecordsinc@gmail.com for one-stop information about all the venues.

JustGoods - Fridays

Door open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 - Cheryl and the Down Home Boys Oct. 21 - Concert Choraleers (special 3pm Sat. concert) Oct. 27 - Earth To Clark Nov. 3 - Mark Stuart Nov. 19 - Michael Johnathon Nov. 17 - The Matchsellers Nov. 24 - Ernie Hendrickson (special 8pm start) Dec. 1 - Anna Stange Dec. 8 - Greg Herriges - World Winter Holiday Music Dec. 15 - Dave Rudolf’s Cracked Christmas Dec. 22 - Christmas Benefit Program

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Katie’s Cup – Second Thursdays

Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 - Georgia Rae Fiddle Champion - A Girl and her Loop Dec. 14 - Trinadora’s Holiday Frolic Jan. 11 - Acoustic Neil Diamond Legacy by Denny Diamond Feb. 1 - Mike and Sue Blair - Special Concert Feb. 8 - Daniel Watkins and the Ninestring Singer March 8 - Emily Hurd April 12 - Truman’s Ridge Bluegrass May 10 - Chip Messiner

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Nov 4 - CAS-MHA Combined Chorus Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 - Denny Diamond, Spenser Svehla, and Trinadora Acoustic Holiday at 3 p.m. Jan. 6 - Community Sing-along led by Mark Dvorak and Ron Holm at 7 p.m. April 22 - Earth Day hootenanny-concert-fundraiser at 3 p.m. ❚

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Oct. 18

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Oct. 18

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A New Cataract Treatment By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance. Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your

Y H

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

“I discovered that by putting a singlefocus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the nondominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚

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Oct. 18

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Oct. 18

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

Found in Translation Through Nov. 4, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Featuring four Iowa women artists, this exhibit features abstract works suggestive of Rockford, IL 61101 environment. 1.800.521.0849 Freeport gorockford.com the natural Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Tranquility Walk Oct. 19, 9 a.m. Discover the restorative and healing powers of nature in this guided walking meditation using the less-traveled trails. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. An Evening with the Owls Oct. 20-21 & 27, 7-11 p.m. Experience the magic of a nighttime nature hike, listening for calling owls and other nocturnal creatures. Bring long pants, long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes or boots, mosquito repellant and flashlight or headlamp. Res. req. Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, Colored Sands Forest Preserve, 10602 Haas Road, Shirland, Ill., (815) 494-7865, sandbluff.org. Train of Terror Through Oct. 21, Sat. hourly 6-9 p.m. Ride the rails into a surreal realm haunted by ghosts, ghouls, vampires and zombies. Silver Creek Museum & Depot, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport, (815) 235-2198. Tech Expo 2017 Oct. 24, 6 p.m. Discover internships, network with top local tech firms and learn about courses that teach the technical skills needed in today’s workforce. Rock Valley College, Student Atrium, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 9217821, rockvalleycollege.edu. Farmers Markets The Edgebrook market is open through Wed., Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events. North End City Market runs through Sat., Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Intersection of North Main and Auburn streets, Rockford, (815) 977-5124, rockfordcitymarket.com. 'Dirty Dancing' Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Great music and sensational dancing surround the story of Baby and Johnny, teens who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Coronado Performing Arts Center,

Enjoy an Evening with the Owls at Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, Colored Sands Forest Preserve in Shirland, Ill., on Oct. 20-21 and 27.

314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Caminata: Journey Through Latin America Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Music, dance and poetry come together in an artistic journey through Latin America as a diverse group of regional performers draws on the rhythms and melodies of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Brazil and Argentina. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. The Hollywood Class of ’67: “The Graduate” Oct. 25, noon & 7 p.m. The classic film about Ben (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate, who has an affair with the wife of his father’s business partner (Anne Bancroft) and falls in love with her daughter (Katharine Ross). Lindo Theatre, Freeport, (815) 233-0413, classiccinemas.com. “Dirty Dancing” Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Great music, romance and sensational dancing surround the story of Baby and Johnny, teens from different worlds. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Black & White Night Concert Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Re-create Roy Orbison’s legendary Coconut Grove Concert, as the Trinadora Rocks Band sings Roy’s songs and channels Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly, Paul McCartney and a host of other stars. Costumes encouraged; cash bar and dance floor provided. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 11

WDL

Real Italian Gelato Right Here in Rockford

By Peggy Werner

f you feel like you’ve just walked into an Italian café when you enter Cucina di Rosa, 1620 Bell School Road, it’s because you have. The ﬁrst things you’ll see are pans heaped full of creamy swirled gelato, in a variety of ﬂavors and colors. Owner Rose Mary Provenzano was born and raised in Sicily and learned the art of making gelato in Italy. She still buys her ingredients for the delectable dessert in Italy. “Italy is where it all started,” she says. “You can’t walk two feet without seeing gelato being sold. “A lot of people who have been to Italy walk into my restaurant and are drawn right to it because they know how good it is. “I learned about the basic calculations and formulations for making gelato. It’s a lot like chemistry, having to know what to do and when. Once you know the

basic process, you can make any flavor, but it’s very time consuming,” she says. Up early every morning, she heads to the restaurant to whip up one batch at a time, before the ovens heat up for breakfast and lunch entrees. Among the most popular gelato flavors are hazelnut, pistachio and salted caramel. Some of the more unusual favorites are basil and strawberry balsamic. Gelato is milk-based but has less air and fat than ice cream, Provenzano says. Gelato is about 4 percent fat, and because it’s denser, it’s more flavorful, creamier and better tasting than ice cream, she adds. In addition to the gelato, other desserts served at the Italian café include homemade sorbet, Italian cookies, eclairs, cream puffs, cannolis, cannoli cake, biscotti, and fresh croissants served with fruit preserves, custard, or Nutella. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee  Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Big Papa’s Barbecue  BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

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In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining its classic Italian fare. Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a home-made meal with fresh ingredients. The Italian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat sauce, was named Best in the Stateline by MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettucine Alfredo and fish specials. “We make it all ourselves. Each meatball is about a quarter pound apiece, so they’re huge,” says Ocello. Bravo has locations in South Beloit and Poplar Grove. Both offer a full-service bar, catering, carry-out and delivery services. Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

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Y P

Cats: Affectionate but Mysterious Friends By Peggy Werner

et cats can be affectionate and loving, while also being very independent, self-reliant and easy to care for. Yet so much about them remains a mystery, says Dr. Sharon Schamberger, founder and owner of Mostly Cats, 4901 N. Perryville Road. “I love working with cats because there are so many unknowns. In veterinarian medicine, we’re still learning so much about diseases, metabolism and medications. We’re constantly being updated,” she says. Therefore, when trying to diagnose cat illnesses and injuries, she often has to rely on what owners observe about their pets. Only in the comfort of their own homes do cats reveal their true selves, Schamberger says. “Cats are so easy to have in our overbusy lives because they’re not demanding, as long as they don’t miss a meal

and have a clean litter box. But getting a cat to walk across an exam room is difﬁcult. You can’t get what you want out of a cat. It has to be the cat’s idea,” she says. Dogs are generally open and good communicators, while cats tend to withhold information, even when they need help. “Cats hide their illnesses until they’re very sick and then it seems they get sick all of a sudden, making it difﬁcult for owners to identify early warning signs indicating something is wrong,” says Schamberger. She got the idea for her business after observing the unique needs of cats from a friend who raised them. As a veterinarian

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since 1983, she also cares for dogs and other pets at her clinic. “When people are happy because I have helped their pets to have a better life, even if it means easing suffering at the end of life, I realize why I am here; to help people and to do what I love to do,” she says. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 18

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1