Sm mart a r t L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • February 19, 2020
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Right in Our Region
Prehistoric Adventure at Paleofest 2020!
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Blood Donations Urgently Needed! Rockford Home Show Comes to Town A Better Alternative to Fast Food How to Build Your Nest Egg
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Adventures Await at PaleoFest 2020! Your Home ................................................. 11, 21 Kitchen Remodeling Tips; Time to Organize Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who was Rahab? Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 19 Salmon & Asparagus; A Fast Food Alternative Your Outing ...................................................9, 24 Rockford Home Show; Outdoor Fun Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Blood Donations Urgently Needed Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Fresh Fare at Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money ................................................ ....... 29 You CAN Build a Nest Egg
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling 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, Sherri Saleh Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn 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 2020 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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Poor Dorothy T
his issue date – Feb. 19 – happens to be the birthday of my late mom Naomi (b. 1921) and also her mom, Eva (b. 1895). Eva was a granddaughter of 1850s pioneers who settled farms in the Winnebago, Ill., area. Wholly by chance, as a result of a “Tracing Your Roots” article I wrote for Northwest Quarterly Magazine a few years ago, I discovered that Eva was a direct descendant of William Bradford, a Mayflower leader, Plymouth Colony governor and organizer of what we now call the first Thanksgiving. In the genealogy world, this was like hitting the jackpot the first time I played Lotto! But it stunned me to realize that no one from my own lineage had passed this knowledge down to us. Sadly, Mom died without ever knowing about her esteemed ancestor. It’s not that being Mayflower descendants makes us “more American” or rare in any way. Some 35 million offspring have descended from the 130 Mayflower passengers. What makes this so exciting to me is that Bradford wrote a book about his first 30 years in Plymouth Colony. It’s rare indeed to hear an ancestor’s life story told in his/her own words. Bradford was born in 1590 England and orphaned by age 7. A sickly child, he passed time by reading, an uncommon skill in his rural community. He delved into the Bible and discovered its teachings differed significantly from those mandated by the Church of England. Persecuted by King James I for worshipping as his conscience dictated, he fled to Holland, with other Separatists, at age 18. By age 30, he sold all his possessions and voyaged to the New World in 1620, with his wife, Dorothy May. They left a young son behind. Having survived the horrific 66-day ocean journey, Dorothy fell overboard and drowned while the Mayflower was docked in Cape Cod, as the men were out exploring. So tragic! Bradford later married his second English wife, Alice Southworth. It’s from their union that my Grandma Eva’s line descended. Had poor Dorothy not drowned, I wouldn’t exist. How bittersweet are life’s twists and turns! Please do your descandants a favor by writing down your life stories and passing them on! And have a great week. ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Rockford’s 40th Home Show is this Weekend I
f you’re looking for information on upcoming home projects, or are simply looking for weekend family fun, you may want to check out the 40th Annual Rockford Home Show at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Feb. 21-23. Along with all sorts of home and garden product vendors, you’ll find entertainment that includes live raptor shows, kids’ gardening projects, balloon twisting lessons, face painting, a jumpy house, cooking and product demonstrations, an “antique road show” and more – all for $6 adult admission, free to children under age 12. Parking is free and discount admission coupons are available from area McDonald’s. Dozens of vendors with knowledge about home and garden products and services will be available to answer questions, spark some ideas and schedule home esti-
mates. “The Home Show is the ideal place to shop for new products, services, ideas, concepts and expertise on interior and exterior design,” says Andrea Nichols-Costello, of Showtime Productions in Milwaukee, the show’s producer. “Also take in a touch of spring with the landscaping and water feature displays.” Creative backyard design exhibits include an exciting “fire and water” exhibit filled with spring flowers, by Tyler’s Landscaping, and the “Backyard Retreat” exhibit from Hernandez Brothers Professional Landscape. Both will have us count-
ing the days until spring. On Sunday afternoon, all flowers will be sold at bargain prices starting at 2 p.m. Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center will present “Raptors, Up Close and Personal” plus “Scales & Tales,” featuring live animals. “Get excited about Mother Earth, learn what you can do to help preserve it and see snakes, hawks, turkey vultures, turtles and more,” says Nicols-Costello. Learn more about Hoo Haven at HooHaven.org. The “antique road show” is back by popular demand. This is your chance to get items appraised by professionals from Hack’s Auction and Antiques on Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring items such as antiques, collectibles, coins, toys. This is free with admission. Find the full schedule of Rockford Home Show events at showtimeproduction.net. ❚
KIDS & PARKING FREE!
February 21-22-23 FRI. 3-8, SAT. 10-7, SUN. 11-5
INDOOR SPORTS CENTER AT MERCYHEALTH SPORTSCORE TWO, 8800 E. RIVERSIDE BLVD.
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FREE ANTIQUE APPRAISALS SUN. 1:30-3:30 VISITORS BRING IN ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, COINS, TOYS OR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!
Auction &
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Realty Servic
239-1436
MORE INFO: 815-871-7469 WWW.SHOWTIMEPRODUCTION.NET
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Remodeling Tips for Kitchens Small & Large By Rhonda Mix
W
hether your kitchen is small or large, a number of things can freshen its appearance, or give it an entirely new look. For a smaller kitchen footprint, designer Erin Knabe, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford, suggests using a frameless cabinet for easier access, and installing units that climb to the ceiling. Remove dated soffits, she advises, since they tend to bring the eye downward. This also opens up more storage space. “Kitchens look bigger when cabinet lines reach toward the ceiling,” she says. “When you have a small kitchen, you want it to look as big as possible. Also, if you increase the upper cabinets, you can fit larger items in.” If you want an island but have limited space, opening up a wall may be a solution, if budget and design can accommodate it. The addition of space-saving appliances, such as a microwave/oven combination, may be a good idea. When it comes
to sinks, Knabe says it’s best to splurge. “You need a good-sized sink, even in a smaller kitchen,” she says. “Make sure it’s two feet across or larger. It’s the No. 1 thing we use in kitchens.” With so many layout options in larger kitchens, it’s easy for homeowners to get lost during planning, but focusing on basics can keep you on track. “People with larger kitchens can entertain more guests; therefore, items like islands and wet bars can help to divide space into zones, creating a more entertainment-friendly environment.” For a larger kitchen footprint, Knabe suggests triple bowls for sinks. Appliances like double ovens, bar
refrigerators, wine coolers and warming drawers are enjoyable luxuries, too. Additional advice: “Materials such as granite and quartz look nice in kitchens, and composite granite is especially durable for sinks,” says Knabe. “Be cautious using cast iron materials, as they chip easily.” ❚
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Who Was Rahab? Scriptures: Joshua chapter 2
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hile the harlot Rahab may not come to mind as a Biblical heroine, she is among the “great cloud of witnesses” listed in Hebrews 11 and is remarkable for many reasons. Who was she? After Moses led the 12 tribes of Israel (Israel was also called Jacob) out of Egyptian slavery and into the Promised Land (Canaan), he named Joshua as the new leader. During the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, many other groups took up residence in Canaan, including some who built the walled city of Jericho. Joshua sent two spies to scout Jericho; they hid from Jericho’s soldiers in the house of Rahab, a prostitute living just inside the city wall. Probably because she knew many travelers, Rahab heard about the miracles God did for the Israelites and developed her own faith in God, even to the point of risking her life, by hiding the two spies on her rooftop beneath sheaves of grain. She then lowered them down through a window, to a safe location outside the city walls. First, however, brave and clever Rahab made the spies promise that, when Israel returned to destroy Jericho, she and her family members would be spared. They agreed, and instructed her to hang a scarlet cord from her window. In time, Israel destroyed Jericho but spared Rahab and her family, as promised. Rahab married Salmon, one of the two spies she had hidden. They parented Boaz, who also married a foreign woman with faith in God, named Ruth. They are all listed as ancestors of King David and Jesus Christ. In Rahab’s time, Israelites alone were called “God’s chosen people,” but clearly there were exceptions. First by her faith, and later by marriage, Rahab became one of God’s chosen people. God’s willingness to judge Rahab by her heart, rather than by her sin or her bloodline, foreshadows the amazing Age of Grace in which we live. In fact, in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus Christ, only the foreign women in Christ’s ancestry are named, perhaps to emphasize that Jesus came to rescue ALL of us from our sins. ❚
– Janine Pumilia
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Salmon With Asparagus D
iscovering a better version of yourself is all about striking balance. A sustainable, long-term healthy eating approach emphasizes variety and balance. Start planning a low-carb menu filled with high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats with these tips from Colette Heimowitz, vice president of nutrition for Atkins. Fill up with fiber-rich foods. Foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, low-glycemic fruit (like berries) and whole unrefined grains are considered carbohydrates, but they don’t raise your blood sugar the way processed carbs do. Fiber slows the entry of glucose into your bloodstream so you don’t experience insulin spikes that encourage your body to produce and store body fat. Try to eat between 25-35 grams of fiber a day. Reduce inflammation. A lowcarb approach eliminates refined and processed foods and sugars that can cause inflammation. Focus on foods that decrease inflammation, such as colorful
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low-glycemic vegetables, low-sugar fruits, protein and healthy fats such as olive oil. Find more recipes like these for Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan at Atkins.com. Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan
1 bunch thin spear asparagus 1 TB, plus 1/4 tsp, virgin olive oil 1/8 tsp. salt, divided 2 salmon fillets (4 oz. each), no more than 3/4-inch thick 1 pinch black pepper 3 TB olive oil-based mayonnaise 1 TB lemon juice 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp. minced or pressed garlic 1 TB grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oven to 425 F. Wash asparagus and remove woody ends. Place on rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 TB olive oil and pinch of salt. Arrange in single layer, leaving space for salmon. Place salmon skin-side down on sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil and
season with remaining salt and pepper. Place in oven and bake 12 minutes. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic. Remove pan from oven, sprinkle asparagus spears with cheese and cook 3 minutes, or until fish reaches 145 F and asparagus spears are tender and beginning to brown on tips. Plate one fillet and half the asparagus, drizzle each plate with about 2 TB mayonnaise sauce and serve. (Source: Family Features)
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Prehistoric Adventures at 2020 PaleoFest! By Sara Myers, multimedia editor
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he 21st annual PaleoFest at Burpee Museum of Natural History March 6-8 promises prehistoric adventure for adults and children alike. “It’s a celebration of all things prehistoric,” says Anne Weerda, executive director of the Burpee Museum at 737 N. Main St., Rockford. “We bring in speakers from around the world to talk about their research. These speakers are internationally known scientists currently active in the field of paleontology. “We have speakers who will talk about dinosaurs, and also some who will talk about reptiles of the sea. It’s not just dinosaurs.”
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For example, one speaker will talk about amber, or fossilized resin from ancient forests, says Weerda. “We’ll have a station where you can see some of the speaker’s research and learn about why things get trapped in amber, how they get fossilized, and how research is done on amber,” Weerda explains. The entire museum becomes transformed during the weekend of PaleoFest. Stations are set up throughout the museum for both
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children and adults, making the event family friendly. Each of the
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stations reflect different types of research currently occurring in paleontology. The event also offers family friendly lectures and workshops where scientists discuss their research in a more consumable way for children, Weerda says. Last year, one speaker spoke on Triceratops, and how researchers can tell how old the Triceratops is just from inspecting its bones. Another interesting and relatively new workshop revolves around paleo art. “It’s kind of a crazy, cool field because they’re looking at recreating a world we’ve never seen,” Weerda explains. “They’re using clones and fossils and information we have about what plants were like, and trying to recreate these
scenes of what the prehistoric world might have looked like.” One session available involves learning how a paleo artist creates such art. Visitors get a chance to try their hand at some of the techniques to create a “Jurassic World.” The paleo art was new last year, and a huge success.
“The thing about paleontology is it’s a hook,” explains Weerda. Though a child may not become a paleontologist when they grow up, they may become an engineer or a doctor. The museum’s goal is to get them excited about science while also getting them excited about the fact that there are many unanswered questions out there. “We’re working hard as a community to come up with answers,” says Weerda. “This is a great way to get kids involved in the process of scientific thinking.” A student symposium takes place Friday, March 6. A members-only reception is at 6 p.m. A keynote presentation will follow at 7 p.m. March 7 and 8 are the official festival days. For more information, visit burpee.org. ❚
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An Alternative to Fast Food for Busy Folks By Peggy Werner
E
veryone is short on time. There are game practices, music lessons, part-time jobs, social life and charity functions, and other activities pushing the calendar into overdrive. Parents have work schedules, clubs, meetings and volunteer duties. It’s a wonder families have time to eat at all, but they don’t have to fall into the unhealthy fast food trap. Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, specializes in ready-toeat and ready-to-cook entrees and entire meals, whether for a quick lunch, dinner or special occasion. “We make it easy for people to stop by and get what they want for a homecooked meal,” says owner Jarrod Bush. “Or if someone wants something special for dinner, we can make it for you as long as we have the product.” Just walk into the store and you’ll be
surrounded by options. If you can’t make a decision, talk with Bush, who has more than 20 years’ experience and wants only the best for his customers. In his locally owned and operated store, Bush has a clean, organized and attractive 20-foot-long meat case filled with top quality freshly cut Midwestern beef, pork and poultry. The store offers a weekly advertised special every Wednesday and other inhouse specials. There are cases full of
“oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie, chicken Kiev and 25 varieties of bratwurst. There are cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, seasonings, dressings and marinade. There’s chicken, egg, tuna and crab salad, as well as cole slaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad and creamed or pickled herring. Gourmet items include four kinds of stuffed chicken breast with ingredients like Prosciutto, fennel, cheese and Italian seasoning; twice-baked and cheesy potatoes; stuffing made with ham and Swiss cheese, apples and cranberries, or traditional bread stuffing; garlic cheese bread and crab cakes. Large Portabella mushrooms filled with crab meat and Swiss cheese or Cheddar cheese and bacon are a favorite. ❚
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Why Not Organize Your Home this Month? By Janine Pumilia
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his is a great time of year to focus on organizing the indoor spaces of our homes. Better organization reduces stress, saves time and just makes us feel good. Why not check out the latest tools that make home organization easier? “When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much,” says Joe Weller, owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. “That has all changed.” 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 – builtin 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.” ❚
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Blood Donations Still Urgently Needed By Peggy Werner
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t’s time for us to have a change of heart about donating blood. Any one of us might suddenly need to receive it, yet only a fraction of us are donating it. Rock River Valley Blood Center CEO Lisa Entrikin says donations are up a bit since the center made an urgent request in early February to respond to the blood shortage, but it hasn’t made up for the deficit that exists. “We’re asking people to step up, especially if they’ve never given or haven’t given for a while,” she says. The blood center needs to see 700 donors per week to provide the needed blood products and services to 10 regional hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. “The area we serve has a population of 500,000 people, but only 16,000 people donated blood in 2019. If everyone who was eligible gave just two times a
year, we would never have a shortage,” she says. It takes only 10 minutes to give blood. The rest of the hour-long appointment is spent getting registered, filling out a health questionnaire, having your temperature and blood pressure taken, and enjoying refreshments. If you think you’re not eligible to give blood, call the center to make sure. Some people wrongly assume they can’t give because of medications they’re on, she says. “If someone can’t give blood for a particular reason, it’s most likely a temporary situation and will not disqualify them permanently,” she says. Winter weather and a bad flu season have kept people from donating. “Last week (Feb. 2-9) our cancellations were up 40 percent because of the
flu and our walk-ins were down by 20 percent,” she says. Donations have been down for about a month in our region, and the problem is nationwide. RRVBC has four donor locations: 419 N. 6th St. and 3065 N. Perryville in Rockford; 1740 S. State St. in Belvidere; and 461 E. South St. in Freeport. Check the website at rrvbc.org to see where the mobile blood center is located daily. Make appointments online or call (815) 965-8751. ❚
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It’s Time to Discover Winter Outdoor Fun! By Peggy Werner
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ou know who owns our public forest preserves and parks? We the people do! So let’s get out and enjoy them, no matter what season it is. Winter is a great time for outdoor discovery, says Jamie Johannsen, Forest Preserves of Winnebago County marketing and community relations manager. The forest preserves, Severson Dells and Rocktown Adventures have teamed up to encourage outdoor fun. “Winter offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife observation,” says Johannsen. Upcoming events include a Honeysuckle Hiking Stick workshop from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Severson Dells. Honeysuckle grows uncontrollably in the forest, but the invasive plant takes on a new and useful life when transformed into walking sticks. Nature Educator Ellen Rathbone will provide
tools and training. The cost is $15 for non-members and registration is required by Feb. 17 by calling (815) 335-2915 or going to seversondells.com. Severson Dells Naturalist/Educator Andrea Wallace Noble says many animals are especially active during mild winters, like the one we’ve had so far. “Every species has a different way of handling winter, but most stay active unless they have to protect themselves from the harshest weather conditions,” she
Visit the new temporary exhibit Discovery Town
January 18 to May 10
Kids can explore the vet clinic, fire station, pizza shop, post office and more!
815.963.6769 DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org 711 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103 #discoverycentermuseum 24
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says. “I appreciate this time of year because you can see so much. Dress right and you can enjoy nature at any time.” Kevin Versino, general manager of Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., organizes guided snowshoe hikes throughout the winter that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. “If you can put one foot in front of the other, you can snowshoe and you don’t even need a lot of snow. Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport,” he says. Check out the event schedule at rocktownadventures.com. Johannsen says walk-in use is welcomed at all forest preserve locations. Some hard paths are kept cleared of snow. Visit winnebagoforest.org to see a list of areas accessible by vehicles and hard paths for pedestrian use during the winter. ❚
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
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Winter Fun Attractions & Events
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.
RAM: Sonic Disruptions: Buisch & Hogin Thru May 25, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu. to 7 p.m. Chair of Painting and Sculpture at the U Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 of I, Laurie Hogin creates gorockford.com beautiful yet bizarre landscapes. Derrick Buisch, a professor at the U of WI, Madison, creates evocative imagery with moments of uneasy hilarity. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., (815) 9682787, rockfordartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Love, Sex and the IRS Thru March 1, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. To save money, two out of work musicians rooming together in NYC file taxes as though they are married. When the IRS announces an audit, the situation gets complicated. Pec Playhouse, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org. Chicago Auto Show Bus Trip Feb. 20, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. McCormick Place is filled with over a million square feet of exhibits showcasing the latest vehicles, plus experimental and concept cars. Reg. online. Freeport Park District, Freeport, (815) 235-6114, freeportparksfoundation.org. Life & Legend of Sojourner Truth Feb. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. A documentary film about former slave Sojourner Truth’s work for abolition and women’s rights in the 1870s, her interest in fashion and singing. She spoke in Rockford on Sept. 11, 1859. Nordlof Center, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Mardi Gras Weekend Feb. 21-22, see website. The celebration begins with a pub crawl Friday evening, a throwing of beads ceremony and a Mardi Gras masquerade ball on Saturday evening. Galena Main St., Galena Brewing Co., 227 N. Main St., Galena, Ill., visitgalena.org. Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 21-Mar.1. See website for schedule and ticket information. Scores of shorts, documentaries and feature films are presented in unique venues throughout the Beloit area. Info: (608) 312-4256, beloitfilmfest.org. Rockford Home Show Feb. 21-23, Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See what’s new in products, services and ideas for interior and exterior design, remodeling and building ideas; cooking and product demonstrations; enter-
Learn about the endangered rusty patch bumble bee Feb. 23 at Byron Forest Preserve.
tainment for kids and adults. Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, Loves Park, (815) 987-8890, showtimeproduction.net. Flannel Fest Craft Beer Experience Feb. 22, noon-4:30 p.m. Craft beer sampling, a home-brewing competition and games such as giant jenga, corn hole, sack races and giant pong. Downtown Janesville, Inc., River and Dodge Sts., Janesville. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Feb. 23, 2 p.m. Isaac Stewart of Black Hawk College speaks about the first U.S. bee species to be added to the Endangered Species list. Its decline of 96% in the last 20 years has important implications for food security and the health functioning of our ecosystems. Jarrett Prairie Center, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com. Avalon String Quartet Feb. 23, pre-concert lecture 2 p.m., performance 3 p.m. Back for the ninth season, the quartet celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org. Rockford Wind Ensemble Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Family-friendly concert of historically significant works, outstanding soloists, world premieres, popular favorites and concert band standards. Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Book Discussion: The Invention of Wings Feb. 27, 6:30-8 p.m. Nordlof Center, Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org. ❚
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Dos Reales: Freshness is the Key to Flavor
By Peggy Werner
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hen you walk into Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant, 5855 E. State St., right away you get an idea of what you’re about to experience. A Guacamole bar filled with bowls of fresh cilantro, avocado, lime, garlic, tomato and onion is one of the busiest spots in the restaurant and the orders just keep streaming in. Manager Jose Gonzalez says, “We sell about 1,000 servings of guacamole a month. It’s our top item.” The staff arrives early each morning to begin chopping and mixing fresh ingredients for that day’s meals. In business for 21 years, Gonzalez says his recipe for success involves knowing his customers and catering to their likes and needs. Among the most popular items is the supersized Cheese Steak Burrito, filled with grilled slices of steak, onions and mushrooms, topped with a homemade
cheese sauce and served with rice and beans. “People love our cheese sauce. We make it fresh daily and they are just crazy about it,” he says. Another top seller is the Enchiladas Mexicana, three enchiladas filled with ground beef, shredded chicken, shredded beef or cheese, covered with cheese, salsa, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and tomatoes, served with rice and beans. Quesadilla Fajita is a 10-inch flour tortilla filled with cheese and your choice of grilled chicken, steak or shrimp cooked with onions, peppers and tomatoes and covered in the signature cheese sauce, then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. The non-stop menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads, quesadillas, chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, combination plates, fajitas, seafood, traditional plates, house specialties and
a lunch menu. Vegetarian and glutenfree choices are available too, and prices are affordable at $10 to $13 for most entrees. There’s a full-service bar and daily, weekly and weekend specials for food and drink. Dos Reales is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carryout and catering options are available. Online orders can be placed on the business’s Facebook page. ❚ ❚
Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com. Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Gene’s Irish Pub Casual/Irish Pub. American and Irish fare. Over 21 only. 1025 5th Ave., Rockford, (815) 977-4365. LD T-Th 11am-10:30pm, F-Sat to midnight. $$. Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 26
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Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Salamone’s North Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis. 2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ ❚
Feb. 19
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In the Spotlight
Hearthrock Cafe
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enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible. One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms. There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage. Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon. Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚
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Yes, You Can Build an Emergency Fund By Peggy Werner
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ast year’s government shutdown – the lengthiest in U.S. history – left many Americans wondering how to meet basic expenses. Since 1980, there have been 22 government funding gaps, 10 of which led to employees being furloughed from their jobs. People at all income levels can encounter unexpected income loss for reasons such as health crises, natural disasters and company shut-downs or lay-offs. All people should think about budgeting, planning ahead and having an emergency fund to draw from in a crisis, says Matt Lynch, marketing director for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “The sooner a person starts setting aside money for savings, the sooner he or she will have a positive relationship with money,” says Lynch. None of us should take for granted
that the next paycheck will always arrive. Budgeting and setting aside money to build an emergency fund is a skill worth learning. To get started, Lynch recommends writing down all of your expenses in one month, without making lifestyle changes. Once you know where the money is going, start identifying how to cut costs. “You’re more likely to be successful if you start small and gradually increase the amount you put aside for savings,” says Lynch. “As you find more ways to
cut expenses, you’ll learn to enjoy saving.” Rent or mortgage, food, utilities and entertainment are expenses we must account for when setting a budget. Think of setting aside money for future emergencies in the same way. Viewing your nest egg as a bill that must be paid can help you form the habit of building one. “Don’t touch your savings unless you have a true emergency,” he says. “Unexpected expenses will come up. Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and appliances break down. Cars need repairs. Health and dental costs arise.” Having a savings plan in place will soften the blow and greatly reduce your stress in these situations. Software programs and mobile apps can assist with organizing and tracking expenses. Learn more by visiting MembersAlliance at one of its five locations or go to membersalliance.org. ❚
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