Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Feb. 17, 2016
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Right in Our Region
Hall of Fame Time for Cheap Trick ! By Paul Anthony Arco
R
ick Nielsen can’t dodge his duties at home, even on the day he learns that his band, Cheap Trick, is named to the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “I still had to take out garbage,” says the Rockford resident, laughing. Yes, the long wait for Rockford’s favorite
sons is over. Eligible since 2002, and nominated this year for the first time, Cheap Trick will be inducted into the hall of fame. Joining Cheap Trick in the class of 2016 are Chicago, Deep Purple, N.W.A and Steve Miller. This year’s class will be inducted April 8 in a ceremony in Brooklyn. Continued on p. 22
Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! Weight Loss: You CAN Do It • How to Love Your Heart • What’s a Dog to Eat? Mexican Stuffed Breakfast Portobellos • Is Your Fireplace Efficient? • Tons of Fun Events
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Cheap Trick Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Gas Fireplace Efficiency Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Kindness Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Mexican Breakfast Portobellos New You for 2016 ..............................................17 Success with a Personal Trainer Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 How to Love Your Heart Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27
Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 28 Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Wedding Guide ................................................. 29 Ironworks Hotel School Guide .............................................. ......33 Allegro Academy
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Leaplings & Kindness
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id you know this is Random Acts of Kindness Day? I read it on the Internet, so it must be true. Let’s hope those presidential candidates out on the campaign trail hear about it. A little kindness would be so refreshing. Heck, I’d settle for a day without political profanity. February is full of special holidays, and boy do we need them. It can be a pretty cold and dreary month. Groundhogs, valentines and presidential birthdays aside, February is also American Heart Month (see Your Health, p. 25) and Black History Month. Of much lesser importance are these February facts: This is Canned Food Month, Creative Romance Month and National Grapefruit Month. And did you know that the third week of the month is International Flirting Week? It also so happens that Feb. 20 is Love Your Pet Day and Feb. 22 is Walking the Dog Day, so you’ll want to read our article about feeding Fido, written with the advice of Dave’s Doggie Den in Rockford. The month winds up with Oscar Night on Feb. 28, as the Academy Awards are presented (and possibly boycotted) for the 88th consecutive year. I’m trying to watch all the Best Picture nominees, but it’s not easy with all these February holidays and political debates distracting me. And as if all this February Fun isn’t enough, there’s one final day of note: Leap Day. Now here’s a special day with a logical origin. Without Leap Year every four years, our calendar would get pretty screwed up, since it actually takes the earth about 365 days PLUS a quarter of a day to orbit the sun. We smash those four quarters together into one day and tack it onto every fourth year. Why Feb. 29? I’m not sure, but in my research I learned that Leap Day babies are called Leaplings. Is that cute or what? Have a great week and do something (randomly or not) kind today! Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly
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Women in Paleontology MARCH Satheve 11th - 13th ! e t a D 2016
Mary Anning was an early 19th centu century fossil hunter and paleontologist who became famous for finding important fossils that shaped our knowledge of earth history. She discovered the first Plesiosaurus, the first ichthyosaur specimens, and the first British pterosaur. Mary was a pioneer in the field of paleontology. paleontolog
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Just How Efficient is Your Gas Fireplace? By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
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ith natural gas costing just a fraction of what it did a few years ago, it’s not surprising that Brad Vander Heyden, owner of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., Rockford, sees many customers who want to convert their woodburning fireplaces to gas or upgrade their existing gas fireplaces. “Natural gas is extremely affordable by historical standards,” he says. “The most popular items we sell right now are higher efficiency gas logs and fireplace inserts.” Because of the amount of furnaceheated air a regular fireplace can suck out of a home – some 300 to 400 cubic feet per minute – many people are installing direct-vent inserts that separate air into two parts. The first pulls fresh air into the insert for combustion (rather than taking it from your room); the other acts like an
exhaust system, sending carbon dioxide outside. Because glass separates the system from the room, warm air from your rooms can’t be sucked out the chimney; likewise, the exhaust fumes and moisture released from buring gas won’t stay in your house. Fireplace inserts, either wood- or gas-fueled, can transform an older, warmth-stealing fireplace into an efficient heating option, Vander Heyden says. While having and using a fireplace remains high priority for most homeowners, they also value convenience, says Vander Heyden. This only adds to the popularity of gas fireplaces. “It’s pretty nice to turn a fireplace on and off by remote control, with no cleanup hassles,” he says. Advanced Chimney Systems is cel-
ebrating its 32nd year in business. Along with selling and servicing fireplaces, it sells freestanding stoves and other alternative heating methods, glass fireplac doors and accessories, smokers and grills. It also conducts in-home service and chimney repairs. ❚
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Kindness Matters
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hristians find plenty to argue about, but most of what Christ taught us is pretty straightforward. Scripture teaches us to be loving, honest, faithful and selfless individuals. It also teaches us to be kind. In fact, aside from loving God, there’s no greater directive than to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” according to Jesus Christ, as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke. “Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40, KJV) The concept of treating others as we wish to be treated – commonly known as The Golden Rule – is not only a basic tenet of Christianity, but of every other major world religion. Why, then, is it so easily dismissed? And why don’t we equate “sin” with “unkindness,” as we should? Many things about our culture encourage us to put ourselves first, to win at all costs and to devote more energy to the pursuit of material wealth or physical perfection than to our spiritual development. And kindness is sometimes confused with weakness, although nothing could be further from the truth. Still, Jesus doesn’t let us off the hook. We’re to live according to the laws of God, not man, regardless of the times or cultures we live in. In fact, we’re encouraged to treat the lowliest of people as we would treat Christ himself. “… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”(Matthew 25:40) Basic kindness – or the lack of it – makes all the difference in the quality of our lives at home, school, work and play. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32.) It’s hard to argue with that. ❚ 12
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Find Low-Carb Options for a Healthy Twist I
f you are like most Americans, you might have lapsed a little on your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier. Getting back on track is easy and guilt-free, and can be done with just a few steps. Celebrity chef and registered dietitian Diane Henderiks has transformed some of her favorite meals into low-carb deliciousness because you can still enjoy your favorite dishes’ great flavors with a few twists that make them healthier. Just try these Mexican Stuffed Breakfast Portobello Mushrooms.
Mexican Stuffed Breakfast Portobello Mushrooms Ingredients:
• 2 large Portobello mushroom caps • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 10 ounces (about 3 links) sweet Italian turkey sausage, removed from casing • 1 cup chopped baby spinach • 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 eggs • 1/2 avocado, peeled and sliced thinly • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Place mushrooms, smooth side up, on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and place on platter lined with paper towels to drain some of the water. In medium frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Brown sausage and break into small pieces while cooking. Stir in spinach and salsa. Transfer mixture to mixing bowl to cool slightly. Separate egg yolks then place whites in one bowl and yolks in 2 separate small bowls. Beat egg whites with fork. On baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place mushrooms with half of avocado slices underneath each.
Add egg whites and cheddar cheese to sausage mixture and combine well. Divide mixture in half and stuff into Portobello caps on top of avocado. For each mushroom, make well in center of sausage mixture. Bake 10 minutes and carefully pour yolk into each well. Bake until yolks are set, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving. ❚
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Source: Family Features
Feb. 17
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What Should There Be in Fido’s Dinner? By Peggy Werner
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hat to feed a dog is one of a pet owner’s biggest concerns, says Dave Schnidt, owner of Dave’s Doggie Den, 107 St. Louis Ave., Rockford, where dogs can be groomed, trained, and go to daycare. That’s because good nutrition means good health and the most conscientious pet owners will spare no cost or effort to get the best food for their dogs. Grain-free is the key word, he says. Dogs can’t digest grain easily and over time foods made from grain can lead to allergies, ear infections, a compromised immune system and a variety of other health problems, he says. “What you want to see is meat or fish as the main ingredient on the label, not corn or wheat. Fruit and vegetables should be no more than five percent and all ingredients should be stuff you know,” he says. And it doesn’t matter what age your
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dog is or his or her level of activity. A good dog food is good for all dogs; the only difference is that you will feed a puppy or less-active dog less food, he says. Most young dogs will eat two or three times a day and once they are grown, will only need to eat a full meal once a day. Leaving food out all day for a dog can
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contribute to the pet being a picky or finicky eater, he says. “Nutrition for dogs comes from very few sources. I prefer dry food for dogs because it’s good for their teeth. Raw is the best, but it’s not cheap. “People don’t realize that out of the hundreds of brands of dog food, all of it is made at only three or four places.” ❚
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‘I Feel So Much Better Today’ By Peggy Werner
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im Knoll faced the sad facts about being out of shape and decided it was time to make some changes. That was two years ago and today, at 58, he doesn’t smoke, feels great, has gained muscle weight and is stronger than ever, having at least doubled the amount of weight he can lift doing the dead lift and squats. “There’s no price tag you can put on being healthier, but there is a price to pay. You have to work at it and do what you have to do to meet your goals,” he says. A bad bout with the flu made Knoll realize what bad shape he was in at the time. While sick, he was so weak that he couldn’t get outside to smoke; he figured maybe he could really quit – this time – and he did. Two weeks later, he was rolling a set of tires from a shed to his car and became so out of breath, he felt alarmed. Knoll did some research on how to
improve his health and decided to hire a personal trainer. At Peak Sports Club, he signed up for the free Fitness Consultation and was paired with Personal Trainer Phil Toldo. “I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t want to hurt myself and I wanted to be accountable to someone. I knew if someone was waiting for me to show up, I’d be more motivated to get to the gym,” he says. “My progress has been steady, and even though I don’t look like I’m having a lot of fun, I am. Getting started was probably harder for Phil than for me, because he had to watch me gasp for air. But he’s been really good for me, helping me to see things I wouldn’t be aware of otherwise. I never thought I would be able to lift the amount of weight I’m lifting, but I remember what it felt like when I couldn’t,” he says. He works with his trainer two days a week and on his own another three days.
Making fitness a part of his daily routine was tough at first, he says, but working hard and meeting goals is satisfying. He says a good trainer is encouraging, motivating, demonstrates correct form and helps you to set up a schedule. Knowing someone is there to spot you and make suggestions allows you the freedom to challenge yourself even more. “I feel so much better today. My posture has improved and the strength I’ve acquired carries over into being able to do more at home and work. I have more energy, confidence, strength, and a better attention span,” he says. This year, he picked up the tires and carried them. “It makes a big difference.” ❚
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Cheap Trick Continued from Cover
“It’s pretty darn cool,” says Nielsen. “We didn’t lobby for it and we didn’t expect it, which made it neater. I know a lot of fans were hoping for it. We had fans from Rockford drive 10,000 signatures to the hall of fame in Cleveland. But we had no control over if and when it was going to happen.” For more than 40 years, Cheap Trick has been a mainstay in the music industry thanks to its ability to reinvent itself. Original band members include guitarist Nielsen, singer Robin Zander, bass guitarist Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos on drums. “When a band influences bands that are already in the hall of fame, there is no question they should be in there as well,” says Jim Stone, morning host and program director for WXRX-FM. “Cheap Trick is an all-American rock band that wrote fun songs that you
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could sing along with. They were four totally different guys. They didn’t make sense as a group, but somehow it worked perfectly. It was pure rebellion.” For the past six years, Nielsen’s son, Daxx, has been the band’s drummer, replacing Carlos. “He wasn’t hired because he’s my son, he was hired because he’s good,” says Nielsen. “He fits the bill. Besides, he’s brought the average age of the band below 100.” Carlos is invited to take part in the hall of fame ceremony. “He should be,” Nielsen adds. “He’s part of Cheap Trick history.” The band has sold more than 20 million records, appeared on 29 movie soundtracks and received a host of awards and industry honors. Among hit songs are “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me,” “Dream Police” and “The Flame.” Not bad for a group of guys that started playing in a Rockford garage. “When we started, it wasn’t about reaching the hall of fame,” says Nielsen.
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“We just liked to play. Then we made a record. Then we toured nonstop. We never stopped to smell the roses.” Cheap Trick started as Fuse, a late ’60s Rockford band formed by Nielsen and Petersson. They recorded an album, which was released on Epic in 1969. After the record failed to get any attention, the band moved to Philadelphia and changed its name to Sick Man of Europe. The group toured Europe in 1972, returning to Illinois a year later. Upon returning to Rockford, Nielsen and Petersson renamed the band “Cheap Trick” after adding drummer Carlos and vocalist Randy Hogan. Hogan left the following year and Zander joined the group. Throughout its career, Cheap Trick has enjoyed a huge international draw. It was the band’s live performances on the album “At Budokan” (1979) that best captured its energetic live show on a recording, resulting in a commercial breakthrough in the United States. “We set our sights extremely high,”
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Daxx Nielsen on drums
Nielsen says. “If you make it in Rockford you can make it anywhere. It’s difficult to do what we do but it never stopped us. Was it easy? No. But it’s what we love to do.” Local fans are especially excited about the hall of fame induction. Whether he’s in the grocery store or at a local res-
taurant, Nielsen hears from dozens of fans, young and old. “In a way this honor means so much to a lot of people,” he says. “It’s a recognition that other people can understand. This is a landmark.” Cheap Trick isn’t resting on its laurels, however. Far from it. The band is busier than ever. In addition to regular tour dates, Cheap Trick plays for private parties, corporate events and radio conventions. Last year, it played on a riverboat in Nashville with country star Brad Paisley. Cheap Trick members flew to Boston to play a birthday party for Aerosmith guitar player Joe Perry. Recently, they spent another week in Nashville conducting business meetings and taking part in a photo and video shoot. There’s always something going on with Cheap Trick.
“That’s the exciting part,” says Nielsen. “But there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that isn’t so exciting, like going through customs after a 17-hour flight to Europe. I’m closing in on 3 million travel miles on American Airlines. That’s the stuff that beats you up.” Despite the hectic travel schedule, Cheap Trick is still on the road, with stops all the across the country and Canada this year. Its new album, ‘Bang Zoom Crazy ... Hello,” is scheduled for release April 1, a date that is recognized as “Cheap Trick Day” annually in Illinois. A week later, the band will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. As for retiring, Nielsen won’t hear of it. “I would rather be working,” he says. “It’s what I love to do. Could I retire? Sure. But no one is giving me a gold watch. I always wanted to be in a band, from the time I was in junior high school. I still do to this day. I have the best of both worlds.” ❚
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6 Ways to Love Your Heart By Nathan Hamman and Eva Powers
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ebruary is American Heart Month, so let’s take time to review how to incorporate heart healthy foods into your diet. Here are some no-nonsense heart healthy eating tips to make your heart happy: • Forget the fat: Limit your saturated fat intake. Saturated fats come from animals and tropical oils and are solid at room temperature. Choose fats from plant sources that are liquid at room temperature such as olive oil. • Slow down on salt: Too much sodium can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention, which can stress out your heart. The American Heart Association suggests consuming no more than 2400mg of sodium a day. Shocker: Just 1 teaspoon of salt contains 2,325mg. YIKES!! • Extra veggies please: Fill at least half of your plate with vegetables.
We’re bringing remarkable care home to you... Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University/ McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 2014
Vegetables are filling, fiber rich, loaded with vitamins and low in calories. Just be careful not to add too much extra fat or salt to those veggies in the form of butter, dips and dressings. Enjoy veggie powerhouses on their own, if you can, such as spinach, kale and broccoli. • Think before the drink: Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. News flash: one can of regular soda is about 140 calories! Those calories add up quickly, leading to extra pounds your heart does not appreciate. • Ban the booze: A quick reminder of what drinking alcohol in moderation actually means: one drink a day for women and one to two drinks a day for men. Hear that guys? • Move: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per
week. That’s only about 20 minutes per day. Find a physical activity you enjoy and do it to your heart’s content! OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center’s outpatient nutrition programs provide many options to help improve your nutrition as it relates to heart health. It also offers weight management programs, grocery shopping tips, recipe modification and more. For more information, call (815) 227-2274. ❚ Nathan Hamman is a Registered Dietician at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and Eva Powers is a Dietetic Intern there.
Welcome
Jamie Frantz, MD Sports Medicine/ Orthopaedic Surgery Dr. Frantz joins the Beloit Health System from Birmingham, AL. Dr. Frantz will be treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions and injuries, with a special emphasis in the evaluation, prevention and treatment of sports and exerciserelated injuries. Dr. Frantz is currently accepting new patients.
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, American Sports Medicine Institute/Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, AL, 2015
Frantz Welcome Northwest Quarterly.indd 1
Beloit Clinic 1905 E. Huebbe Pkwy., Beloit, WI
ph (608) 364-2200
5605 E. Rockton Rd., Roscoe, IL
ph (815) 525-4500
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Art and Orchid Exhibit Thru Feb. 28. Rockford Art Guild in collaboration with Nicholas Conservatory offers a new exhibit with more than 30 pieces of art, in addition to a display of rare and unusal orchids. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, RockfordArtGuild.com. "Pretty in Pink" Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., doors 7 p.m. Enjoy food and craft beer while watching the 1986 classic romantic comedy. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, facebook.com/ events/1635851653336378/. "Digital Autistry" Feb. 18, 4 p.m. Rockford University Forum Series presents Dr. Melanie Yergeau. Her talk will explore some of autism's many representations in digital and mediated spaces. Rockford University, Fisher Memorial Chapel, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockfordedu/artslectures/forum. Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 19-28. Meet more than 100 filmmakers and view hundreds of features, documentaries and shorts. Info/Tickets: Beloit International Film Festival, 444 E. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Beloit, (608) 312-4256, beloitfilmfest.org. Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show Feb. 19-21, Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Experienced anglers and guides host seminars on baits, lures and fishing techniques. Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 997-1744, landroproductions.com. Severson Dells: Family Winter Walk Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-noon. Join biologist/educator Greg Keilback for a moderately difficult hike over the hills of Severson Dells. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org. Antiques Show Feb. 20-21, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.4 p.m. Professional antiques dealers from throughout the Midwest will be offering quality antiques and collectibles, such as 19th and early 20th century furniture, textiles, pottery, silver, folk art, toys, garden dornments and decorative elements. Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 W. Lane Road, Loves Park, Ill., NIADAAntiques.com.
View documentaries, features and shorts Feb. 19-28 at the 11th annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF).
Dutch Carnival Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Families work together to create their own miniture float, while celebrating the Dutch community in Rockford. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Discover Engineering Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dozens of professional engineers from local firms set up shop to give kids and adults hands-on experiences. Engage your brain, meet high school robotics teams, erect your own edifice, make and take crafts, enjoy science demonstrations and more. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discovercentermuseum.org. Ken Cameron, Author of "Vanilla Orchids" Feb. 20, 1 p.m. Ken Cameron, author of "Vanilla Orchids: Natural History and Cultivation," will present on the history of the world's most popular flavor and fragrance. Smell a variety of vanillas, and taste the difference between vanillas in ice cream. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com. Sensory Ball Feb. 20. Leading author on autism, John Elder Robison, speaks about his book: “Look Me in the Eye; My Life with Asperser’s.” Additionally, enjoy dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 964-9275, b-olsoncenterofhope.org. Owl Prowl and Pellet Dissection Feb. 24, 5:30 p.m. Investigate owl pellets, hike through Big Hill Park and observe owls with calls. Big Hill Center, 1201 Big Hill Court, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org. ❚
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Restaurant of the Week
Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine
By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer
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annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant – a pizzeria in the back of the grocery store they ran at 607 E. Winneshiek St., in Freeport. After son Frank returned from World War II, he took over and moved Cannova’s to its current location in 1964. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many of Frank’s original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian filet marinated in olive oil and red wine, Italian-style baked cod, and seafood Alfredo. Desserts include Linda’s made-fromscratch tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. “Cannova’s is a wonderful place,” Pat Beckman says. “It gives people a great place to go. It’s not overly expensive, and we have great food and great music.” Then there are the pizzas: the Classic, with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach and sweet basil; the New York, with olive oil on the crust, fresh garlic, mozzarella and diced tomatoes with a house cheese; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the a Sicilian, with sliced Italian sausage and pepperoncinis,
Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo's Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Fresh Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm; Tue-Th 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $. Big Papa’s BBQ E Casual. Exceptional dishes made with proprietary BBQ sauces. 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park; (815) 877-7422. LD Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun. 8am-8pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm, Sun 4-7:30pm. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $.
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voted “best traditional pizza” by Pizza Today in 2001. Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany pizza earned a silver medal at the 2005 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. The friendly rapPat and Linda Beckman port among staff and customers is another reason for the restaurant’s success. Many employees have worked there for 10 to 25 years. “This business is interesting because of all the people that you meet. Being in a smaller town like Freeport, you know everyone,” Beckman says. “We have people who grew up working here and are still here. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of people. It’s like a family.” Cannova’s is home to jazz quartets, folk musicians and musical theater groups throughout the year. For two weeks in December, it hosts a popular holiday dinner theater. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚
In the Spotlight JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Main Street Bistro E Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. ❚
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Ciao Bella
his authentic Italian restaurant, at 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, has been family-run since it opened in 2008. “We serve home-cooked Italian food with deep red sauces, hearty soups and homemade pastas, and it all starts in the kitchen,” says owner Talia Castrogiovanni. Heading up the kitchen is brother Nikko, who joined the business about two years ago. The bar features drink and appetizer specials Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. Menu specialties include pizza, pasta, salads and seafood. For lunch, Ciao Bella offers an express lunch of sandwich and endless soup, for $7. “Business people can get their meal within 10 minutes and still make it back to work within the hour,” says Castrogiovanni. Dinner prices are $12 to $25. Ciao Bella is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sat. 5-9 p.m. ❚
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Scenic Views, Ambiance at Ironworks Hotel By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor
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asey Taillie didn’t expect to meet his future bride during his first week of college. But Katie Dempsey caught his eye within days of starting classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The two became fast friends after consistently seeing each other at church. In August 2014, just three months after their graduation, Casey arranged an elaborate proposal. “We went to dinner at the same restaurant where we had our first date,” Katie says. The couple explored many venues for their reception, but it was Ironworks Hotel in Beloit that captured their hearts. Just up the road from Katie’s hometown of Roscoe, Ill., the recently renovated hotel is embellished with accents that pay tribute to the Industrial Age. The entrance canopy is constructed from steel I-beams that hold equipment from an ear-
ly Beloit factory. Light pours across the hardwood floors in the banquet hall from windows that reveal scenic river views. The ballroom can hold up to 200 people or be divided into four meeting spaces. “Having all four rooms gives you plenty of space, a great view of the river, your own private entrance and many more options for possible layouts,” Casey says. The couple booked Ironworks just eight months before they were married on May 30, 2015. Celebrating with friends and family, they enjoyed a delicious feast catered by Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, the hotel’s in-house restaurant and a favorite dining spot for Katie’s family. Around 10 p.m., as the celebration continued, hotel staff delivered a mashed potato bar. “It was a huge hit with our guests,” says Casey. “We highly recommend springing for late-night snacks.”
Guests also enjoyed Ironwork’s full bar, dance floor and open patio on the river, Casey says. Because his family is from Connecticut, many out-of-town wedding guests stayed upstairs in Ironworks’ 18 traditional rooms and 36 suites. The couple appreciates how helpful and professional the Ironworks team was during the planning process, an experience they say was ‘incredible.’ “Ironworks did a great job,” Casey says. “We received many compliments on how wonderful the whole hotel was.” ❚
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Experience Downtown Rockford
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Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Feb. 15, 2016) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.
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A Visit To Allegro Academy and Learning Center
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his non-denominational Christian school and childcare center at 6413 Forest Hills Road has been providing educational service to the Rockford area for more than 30 years. Allegro Academy offers a PreK through 8th grade curriculum that’s recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, while Allegro Learning Center, a DCFS-licensed daycare facility, offers daycare to children ages 6 months to 6 years, including before- and after-school programs, summer programs and care on school holidays. “Our summer program is awesome,” says Jean Marie McCormack, principal. “We help children to keep up their reading and writing skills throughout summer, but also take two field trips per week, one of them to a swimming pool.” The Allegro environment is just the right size to make sure every child gets ample attention. “Allegro is locally owned and has
more of a family feel than a big corporate feel,” says McCormack. “We know all of the children here. If there’s an issue, there’s someone on the property who really knows and cares about that child.” In fact, many of the teachers choose to enroll their own children here. “That’s how confident they are of the quality of care and education children receive.” In its school curriculum, Allegro Academy offers a strong core along with an emphasis on the arts. “What sets us apart is the way we’ve integrated fine arts instruction for all students,” says McCormack. “Movement and music, art, and Bible curriculum is taught throughout the week, starting in preschool. We tailor the educational experience to the child, to accommodate individual learning styles.” Allegro offers a unique combination of progressive and advanced academics and fine arts. Programs include visual arts, music, accelerated/gifted programs,
athletics, after-school programs, clubs and extracurricular activities. Facilities include a science lab, gymnasium, dance studio and music room. “We’re passionate about children progressing according to their abilities and not merely age,” says McCormack. “Each child is assessed and allowed to run on his or her strengths in language arts and mathematics.” A Christian perspective is part of the academic program, including daily prayer, Friday chapel and Bible curriculum taught four days of the week. ❚
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Issue 1