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@ n 10 w ge No ee pa e gs r Se in G av r t S ve Ge re Fo

n iving g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Feb. 24, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Sock Monkey Madness Festival Bigger Than Ever By Toni Rocha

hen Midway Village Museum hosts an event, it doesn’t monkey around. And that goes double for the annual Sock Monkey Madness Festival set to open the museum’s spring, summer and fall season on March 5 and 6. This year, Kristen Hoeker, special events coordinator, says festival visitors will have more to see and do than ever. “We have expanded the festival to celebrate this simple toy that has captured the imagination of so many,” Hoeker says. “The Make-A-Monkey activity is a true family attraction. Some have made a sock monkey every year that we’ve held the festival. It’s not just a way to bond families. Continued on p. 20

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! Slow-Cooked Pork • Is Your Fireplace Efﬁcient? • A New You! Grooming Your Dog • A Visit to Allegro Academy • Big Papa’s Barbecue

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Feb. 24

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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Sock Monkey Madness 2016 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Fireplace EfďŹ ciency Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Got Fruit? Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Slow-cooker Pork and Sweet Potatoes New You for 2016 ..............................................17 Injectable Facial Treatments Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treatment for Varicose Veins Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Your Pet ................................................. ...........29 Dog Grooming Basics

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 School Guide .............................................. ......33 Allegro Academy

Smart L iving Weekly â„˘

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.

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 24

Value Local History

ere we are on the cusp of March and all the fun it brings, including Sock Monkey Madness at Midway Village Museum March 5 & 6. There’s more to this event than may meet the eye. It not only spells fun for the younger set, but a chance for all to learn about where we came from as a city. It’s important to know, for example, that Rockford was one of the most prosperous cities in the U.S. a century ago. Sock monkeys exist because our city led the nation in hosiery production in about 1910. Five factories employed thousands of people who made various socks, including the Red Heel variety of monkey fame. Socks were a great product, since most everyone in the country needed them. Rockford became a sock headquarters largely because of an immigrant who came here in 1852 from Sweden and drew from his heritage. John Nelson (and William Burson) invented an automatic machine that knit seamless socks. Knitting was a specialty that dated back centuries in his home culture; Vikings on cold ship voyages needed to stay warm. Talented folks like Nelson came to Rockford because it offered what they needed to act upon their dreams. There was water-powered electricity and a good rail transportion system for moving goods. Also, many people in the city understood machine fabrication; a skilled workforce was and still is a major asset for a city to be able to offer. Our city’s industrial base remained strong until the 1970s, when many local owners closed their factories or sold them to remote buyers due to changing market forces in a more globalized economy. Even so, manufacturing still accounts for about 20 percent of our economic base and companies still value the quality of our skilled workforce, including our engineering strength. It’s a major reason Woodward recently invested $250,000 million in a new facility here when other cities tried to lure it away. Let’s be proud of our history, Rockford! Let’s know it and teach it. Midway Village is a remarkable resource to that end, so let’s use it. ❚ Janine Pumilia

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JACKPOTS UP TO $25,000!

REEL RANDOM JACKPOT WINS THIS SPRING: They could happen at any time, any seat, any dollar amount and any reel combination. Just play slots March 1–June 30 during our 25th Anniversary celebration and you’ve got a random shot at more than 100 daily prizes of $25, $250, $2,500—or a progressive jackpot up to $25,000!

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Feb. 24

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Feb. 24

Y H  G

Just How Efficient is Your Gas Fireplace? By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

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 a 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 ﬁreplace doors and accessories, smokers and grills. It also conducts in-home service and chimney repairs. ❚

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

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I  W

Got Fruit? P

eople sometimes try to manipulate Christians. They may say all the right things, but something about them feels “off.” This is nothing new, and Jesus addressed it in Matthew 7: 15.

“Watch out for false prophets,” he told his disciples. “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

How do we recognize them?

“By their fruit you will recognize them,” Jesus said. “Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or ﬁgs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

Those who incite hatred, or anything that contradicts scripture, aren’t bearing good fruit. What is good fruit? Paul the apostle answers this in Galatians 5:13-26. He names “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol” among things we reap when we’re led by the Spirit and not the ﬂesh.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But don’t use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They’re in conflict with each other, so you aren’t to do whatever you want. But if you’re led by the Spirit, you’re not under the law. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” ❚ -- Janine Pumilia, reprinted from July, 2013 Smart Living Weekly

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Feb. 24

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Feb. 24

Y K

Warm Up with a Simple Slow-Cooker Meal D uring the cold winter months, a hearty, home-cooked meal is just the thing you need to warm up. With a slow cooker, a few minutes of morning prep time are all you need for a rich, satisfying dinner that’s ready to serve the moment you walk through the door. With the right ingredients, you can prepare a ﬂavorful home-cooked meal that the whole family will love in less than 30 minutes. For a sweet and spicy twist on a traditional slow-cooker meal, try SlowCooked Pork with Soy and Smashed Sweet Potatoes.

Slow-Cooked Pork with Soy and Smashed Sweet Potatoes Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4 hours Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sugar or honey • 2Tb. regular soy sauce

• 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper ﬂakes (optional) • 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 cup coarsely chopped onion • 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained • 1 Smithﬁeld Original Marinated Fresh Pork Loin Filet • black pepper • 2 TB. butter

Directions: In small bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce and pepper ﬂakes, cover and set aside. Coat 5-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In slow cooker, combine potatoes and onion. Pour pineapple and its juice over top. Place pork loin ﬁlet on top and sprinkle with black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours (low: 8 hours). Remove pork and place on cutting board for 10 minutes.

In slow cooker, add butter to potato mixture. Using potato masher or fork, mash until well blended. Slice or coarsely shred pork. Spoon potatoes onto serving platter then top with shredded pork. Stir soy sauce mixture and spoon over pork and potatoes. ❚

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Source: Family Features

Jan. 20

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Feb. 24

A N Y  

Non-Invasive Treatments Improve Appearance By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

f you’re face could use some improvement, but you’re not comfortable with the idea of plastic surgery, a non-invasive, injectable dermal filler procedure may be a good solution for you. “The purpose of all dermal fillers is to diminish facial lines and replenish volume and fullness to the face,” explains Susie Artale-Fritz, APN-BC, MSN, RN. Fritz works with Dr. Landon Pryor at Transformations Plastic Surgery, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 400. “Various dermal fillers differ in chemical makeup and longevity and have varying degrees of softness,” Artale-Fritz explains. “Softer fillers are used in the lips, for example, while sturdier fillers might be desired to enhance cheekbones. During your consultation, the best type and volume of filler will be determined for you, depending on the area of concern.” Dermal fillers are very predictable and have minimal risks and side effects.

We’re bringing remarkable care home to you... Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University/ McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 2014

They can last anywhere from six months to seven years. “Depending on the desired end result, one visit may be sufficient,” ArtaleFritz explains. Any patient over the age of 18 can benefit from fillers, either to replace volume lost from aging or to enhance certain features. Another kind of injectable treatment utilizes neurotoxins, which block muscular nerve signals, which then weaken a muscle so it can’t contract. The end result is to diminish unwanted facial wrinkles. “Any patient over the age of 18 can benefit from a neurotoxin either to proactively prevent fine lines and wrinkles or to soften lines and wrinkles already pres-

ent,” Artale-Fritz explains. On average, neurotoxin treatments are repeated every three to four months and take just a few minutes per treatment to administer. To learn more, go to drpryor.com. ❚

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

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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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R  O R

Sock Monkey Continued from Cover

Making their own monkey teaches children some simple sewing and fabric arts, and then rewards them with a keepsake. We have visitors who bring sock

Smart Living Weekly

monkeys to the event that are 30 to 40 years old.” The museum offers a sock monkey repair service for monkeys in need of sprucing up, she adds. “And we have a high school sewing class that is making sock monkeys to donate to charities which help traumatized children,” Hoeker adds. The legend of the Rockford sock monkey is an integral part of the community’s history. The Nelson Knitting Company of Rockford manufactured and sold Rockford Red Heel work socks from 1932 to 1992. During the Great Depression, the socks were used to create a folk art sock monkey stuffed toy. In the 1950s, Nelson Knitting acquired the patent for the sock monkey doll and placed the pattern in each pack of Rockford Red Heel Socks. “Because it seems such a simple toy, it’s easy to dismiss,” Hoeker says. “But it’s such fun to see people bringing in their sock monkeys in imaginative

Feb. 24

costumes and with clever accessories. The sock monkeys seem to take on a life of their own in such a fantastic way.” During the sock monkey-making workshops, visitors can make their very own in pink, red, blue, green, yellow, or the traditional brown knit socks. The fee for the workshop is $20 per kit, which includes all supplies to create a sock monkey with assistance from experienced staff. Accessory kits will also be available to turn monkeys into explorers, lions or tribal princesses. There also will be free patches and photo opportunities. Hoeker says people should allow two hours to make a monkey; basic sewing skills are needed. Additionally, Midway Village Museum invites visitors to go on a Safari Adventure, to discover sock monkeys in their “natural” habitat. “Part of the Safari involves an obstacle course to challenge all ages,” Hoeker says. “Visitors can make a pith helmet to take home as well as make explorer

R  O R torches to carry as they venture on the different activities.” And, visitors are invited to go on a treasure hunt and to walk the Yarn Jungle Trail. Vendors will offer all things sock monkey including games, clothing and accessories, toys, collectibles and more. Food will also be available.

“And the Rockford Dance Company has choreographed a ‘Dance of the Sock Monkeys’ plus a one-of-a-kind sock monkey dance move to teach visitors,” Hoeker adds. “Think Super Bowl shuffle.” Designed to appeal to families and visitors of all ages, Sock Monkey Madness centers on the little critter’s simple, heart-warming charm. Hoeker says it’s amazing to see how sock monkeys have spread joy far beyond the Rockford community. Sock Monkey Madness is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6 at the museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. The Make-a-Monkey workshops will stay open until 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $8 for adults, and $5 for children ages 3 to 17. Museum members have free access to the festival. There’s plenty of free parking and all of the museum’s other historical exhibits and collections will be open to the public. “What fascinates me about the Sock

Monkey Madness Festival is that it all started right here in Rockford,” says Hoeker, who joined the museum staff just before the 2015 festival. “I love to see all the old and new sock monkeys, and I can’t wait to see what the dance company has in store for us. They tell me it will be a signature dance move expected to catch on and spread as far and wide as the sock monkey itself has.” For more information about the Sock Monkey Madness Festival, call (815) 397-9112 or visit midwayvillage.com. ❚

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Feb. 24

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Feb. 24

Y H

Getting a Leg Up on Good Vein Health

B y To n i R o c h a t’s not unusual for people of all ages to experience aches and pains in their legs after being on their feet all day. But at some point, the intense continued discomfort that can include heaviness, fatigue, swelling, itching, muscle cramping, restlessness, and pigmentation in the legs and ankles, with or without varicose veins, signals that there may be an underlying cause. Nearly 25 percent of Americans suffer some form of vein disease. It affects men and women and the disease runs in families and is called “chronic venous insufficiency” or “CVI.” Dr. Tracy Brito MD, Registered Vascular Technologist and specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders, provides services to such patients at the InnovaMed Vein Clinic in the Vascular Center at Rockford Health Physicians-Perryville, 3401 N. Perryville Road. “In the past 10 to 20 years, the public

has become more informed and educated about vein disease,” Brito says. “Overall, people are becoming more aware that the discomfort and unexplained swelling in their legs may be because of underlying vein disease, whether or not they have visible veins.” Brito and her team provide specialty evaluation of each patient, utilizing ultrasound to determine whether an underlying medical problem is the cause of their symptoms. “The first line of care for the patient, when CVI is identified as the cause of symptoms, is for the patient to be placed in correctly fitted compression hose with the appropriate strength as ordered by the physician,” Brito explains. If this fails to control symptoms, or if the disease is advanced, “fortunately there are advanced, minimally invasive methodologies developed over the past 15 years that have proven effective in treating patients without invasive open surgical stripping procedures,” she says.

The patients are, in most cases, able to return to work right away and experience minimal pain. “Thanks to growing public awareness of the dangers of undiagnosed vein disease, as well as the minimally invasive options for treatment, more people are enjoying an improved quality of life and are able to do all the things they love,” says Brito. Patients often are pleasantly surprised to learn that they can find relief from their symptoms and prevent the progression of a treatable condition. ❚

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Feb. 24

Y F

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. 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. 2nd St., Rockford, RockfordArtGuild.com. 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. Disney on Ice Presents: Treasure Trove Feb. 25-28, various times. A magical medley of Disney tales are jam-packed into one show on ice that commemorates the legacy of Disney’s beloved animated films. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. Rockford Home Show Feb. 26-28, times vary. The Home Show is the place to see what’s new in the home and garden market while shopping for new products, services, ideas, concepts and expertise on interior and exterior design. $6 adults/children under 12 free. Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 871-7469, showtimeproduction.net. The Ugly Duckling Feb. 27, 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Rockford Dance Company transports you to a warm, tropical rainforest where many fantastic, powerful creatures reside. Follow the story of Seraphina, a little duck who is trying to live up to the big standards of her family. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com. Plants of Concern Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn about Winnebago County’s top 15 invasive plant species and learn management practices. Forest Preserve of Winnebago County Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford, (815) 877-6100, winnebagoforest.org.

View documentaries, features and shorts Feb. 19-28 at the 11th annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF).

Golden Ball Save the Date Feb. 27. Enjoy an elegant evening featuring a seated dinner with exceptional cusine, dancing under the “stars” and an auction filled with oneof-a-kind items. Proceeds benefit the Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s Performances and Education Programs. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. “Celebrating Russian Composers” Feb. 28, 3 p.m. Described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites you – ears, mind and spirit – into its music,” the Avalon String Quartet has established itself as one of the country’s leading chamber music ensembles. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Rockford Wind Ensemble Concert Feb. 28, 3 p.m. Now in its 15th season, Rockford Wind Ensemble’s performances include a remarkable range of musical styles. Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, Rockford, (815) 227-8550, rockfordwindensemble.org. Old School Pajama Jammy Jam Feb. 27, 10:30 p.m. Jam to late-'80s/early '90s music in your pajamas and win prizes. The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758, facebook.com/ theolympictavern. Classic Film Series: 1916’s Greatest Actors March 2, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. This series features films with actors who were born in 1916. Watch “3:10 to Yuma” (1957) starring Glenn Ford. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0025, stephenson-county-il.org. ❚

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February 24

WDL

Big Papa’s BBQ: A Destination Dining Experience

hen it comes to authentic southern barbecue, Big Papa’s BBQ, 8660 N. 2nd St., has earned a reputation above the rest. Located just outside of the Machesney Town Center, it has been serving up the good stuff since June of 2012. Great barbecue starts with a great sauce. Owner Kimberly Anderson prides herself on delivering a line of sauces that you don’t have to “doctor up.” Prior to opening the restaurant, her family developed award-winning JK Marley’s sauces and distrubuted them nationally for more than 10 years. The restaurant opened later, by popular demand. “We were doing fairs and festivals and people were always freaking out, saying, ‘I can’t believe you don’t have a restaurant,’” says Anderson. “This food is amazing.” The restaurant has a full-service bar and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week; breakfast is served from

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. $.

Smart Living Weekly

8 a.m. to noon on Sundays. Big Papa’s BBQ has become a “destination restaurant” that draws diners from all around the region and beyond. Most items on the menu are made from scratch, and are served in a family friendly environment with southern hospitality. “We bring families back to dinner,” says Anderson. “No loud TVs, gaming machines, toys … just great food, family atmosphere, and you can play checkers Kimberly Anderson, co-owner of Big Papa’s BBQ, 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park. while waiting for your food.” Popular menu items include but obviously our fall-off-the-bone ribs a wide variety of specialty sandwiches, are the star of the show.” Red Neck Hatten and Hand Cut Fries that Big Papa’s BBQ runs a bustling are “actually crisp.” Another fan favorcatering business and recently added a ite is the Parkinsas Special – a chicken pick-up window for carryout orders. It’s breast topped with pulled pork, coleslaw also available to host your next big event. and sauce. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 8 “Everything we make is engineered a.m.–8 p.m. ❚ to work together,” says Anderson. “There isn’t anything on the menu I don’t like,

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. $. ❚

Feb. 24

Dos Reales

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998. Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich ﬁlled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy. “We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

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Fido Needs Grooming Just Like We Do By Peggy Werner

ood grooming is a habit that should develop early in life and never be compromised, so you can look and feel your best – and that goes for your pets, too. “If you don’t brush or comb your dog more often than every 12 weeks, you will have a problem. If you can’t get a comb or brush through the dog’s fur because it is so badly matted, the groomer will have no other option than to shave the coat,” says Dave Schnidt, owner of Dave’s Doggie Den, 107 St. Louis Ave., Rockford, where dogs can be groomed, trained and attend daycare. Like all other good habits, it’s not only important to know what your dog’s grooming needs are, but also to get the pet on a schedule and stick to it. If you start grooming your dog right from the start, it will know what to expect and may even learn to enjoy it, Schnidt says. Grooming basics include bathing, nail trimming, ear care and hair trimming.

“People don’t realize how much maintenance there is in the upkeep of some breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Shih Tzu. If you want your Bichon to look like one, but go to the groomer only once every six months, it’s not going to happen,” he says. Most dogs will enjoy getting their hair brushed. It feels good, helps them to bond with you, keeps the coat tangle-free, shiny and healthy, and reduces shedding, he says. Long hair needs daily brushing, while shorter hair can sometimes go for weeks. Bathing, too, can be done as often as once a week or as seldom as once a

month in a tub or sink, where warm water is available. Some pet stores have a self-service tub for a fee and groomers also have bathing facilities. It’s important to brush out any tangles before washing with a dog shampoo and to use a bath mat to avoid accidents. ❚

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Feb. 24

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Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

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30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

2.710%

3.540%

3.375%

$964.33

$643.07

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3.087%

4.071%

4.421%

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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. 22, 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

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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Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 24

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1