FEATURES
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Living the Good Life: Why We Love Our Region

We all live here for a reason, and some of us are downright passionate about life in our region. Meet 24 residents who represent many walks of life in our communities, and see why they call this place home.

FEATURES
Olson chose to visit the wild bears in August, when they would be feasting on the fresh salmon which come here to spawn and die.  Brown bears and grizzly bears are the same species. Brown bears are somewhat larger, because they live on coastal areas where protein-rich fish is plentiful. Their snouts have developed, over time, to be slightly more elongated than the grizzlies’. The bear’s sense of smell is so keen, it can detect a scent from 10 miles away.
The Bears of Legends

Rockford photographer David C. Olson is no stranger to danger, when it comes to photographing wildlife. Follow him on his latest adventure, capturing wild bears in Alaska, and see his breathtaking shots.

FEATURES
The Lincoln-Tallman House.
The Lincoln-Tallman House: Janesville’s Gem

Built more than 150 years ago, the Lincoln-Tallman House in Janesville is a landmark of historic architecture. It’s also the only surviving residence in Wisconsin where Abraham Lincoln actually slept.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, part of Rockford’s Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, was named Chamber Orchestra of the Year for 2011 by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
There’s No Performance Like Live Performance

In today’s world of high-tech entertainment, sometimes it’s nice to sit back and experience a live performance. Meet a group of patrons who return year after year to hear our region’s fine music performances.

REGIONAL DINING
Salamone’s Italian Restaurant and Bar is a family affair. Benny and wife Rosalie (left), are the owners; Benny’s twin brother, Phil, is the manager.
Salamone’s Italian Restaurant and Bar: Italian Cuisine With Passion

Restaurant Profile: Meet a couple whose family restaurants led them to their own establishment in downtown Cherry Valley.

HOME & GARDEN
Herbs thrive in a sunny window. Make sure they have well-drained soil and keep them clipped so they don’t go to seed. Dry them, freeze them or eat them fresh.
Who Says We Can’t Garden During Wintertime?

Break the winter blands with a little greenery indoors. Learn about the most popular options for indoor gardening, and discover some special arts that combine creativity and gardening.

HEALTH & FITNESS
Jane Weldon, vice president of mission integration and clinic operations, and Mark Thompson, MD, chief medical officer, look out from the second floor of the new hospital toward the current facility.
Monroe Clinic Builds Hospitality into Hospitalization

This health system in northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin is aggressively expanding, and as it opens a brand-new, state-of-the-art hospital, the future’s looking bright.

NORTHWEST WOMAN
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Winter Fashion: Fun, Fierce & Fabulous

Go fierce, fashionable and fantastic this winter, as you stay warm against the cold Midwestern winter. Learn what’s popular this winter, and step inside our fashion shoot inside Edgebrook, in Rockford.

MIND & SPIRIT
Zach Valenta (left), Russell Woolsey and Jerry Williams prepare food inside the kitchen at Restoration Cafe. (Rebecca O'Malley photo)
Finding Wholeness Through Addiction Recovery

It may look like just a coffee house, but Restoration Cafe is helping its workers to regain their lives and discover a renewed confidence as they recover from destructive lifestyles inside the Rockford Rescue Mission.

RECREATION & DESTINATIONS
Majestic eagles stick around the Starved Rock area all winter long. (Jack Pienta photo)
NWQ Getaway Guide: Winter Edition

Our region is filled with exciting destinations, available practically in our backyards! Learn more about these popular getaways.

PERSONAL & FINANCE
Seven Strategies for Saving
Seven Strategies for Saving

Are you financially prepared for the future? Failing to save enough money could impact the quality of your retirement or your ability to recover from disaster. David Zierke, State Farm agent, offers some helpful ideas for stashing cash.

NW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
The Nicholson family has been selling hardware in Rockford since the late 1800s.
Buying Local: Why it Matters to You

In an age when so much about our economy feels out of control, it’s good to know that it’s within our power to impact our local economy. Learn why ‘Buy Local’ is not just a slogan for good business, but a strategy for economic recovery.