Smart Living Weekly January 9, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Jan. 16, 2019

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Right in Our Region

New App Expands the Reach of Burpee’s Wonders

See Page 16

Choosing an Orthodontist A Visit to Habitat ReStore Should You Consolidate Debt?

Simply Amish Returns to Rockford

Anne Weerda, executive director of Burpee Museum of Natural History

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 New Burpee App Brings Museum to You Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Simply Amish Returns to Rockford Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 About Prayer Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Delicious Chocolate Milk Your Technology ..................................... ......... 19 Save Money on Tech Your Community ...............................................21 A Visit to ReStore Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Choosing an Orthodontist Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Capital House Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Should You Consolidate Debt?

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia 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, Anthony Franklin 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 2019 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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Nothing New “W

hat has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”

When I was a youth viewing the world through fresh eyes, I doubted these words of King Solomon. Surely the world was changing and getting better all the time.

But as we age, we hear different people fighting the same battles throughout our city, country and world, decade after decade. Maybe the king was right. Civilizations evolve, but human nature is colored by the same old box of Crayolas through all time. There are no new colors, only the changing light of history by which to view them.

On this date, Jan. 16, of 1945, Adolph Hitler permanently retreated to his Berlin bunker with key advisers, including Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels and his family.

Germany had been badly mistreated 21 years earlier, after WW I. Hitler ascended to power by exploiting the anger, fear and frustration Germans felt. He promised to make Germany strong again and he kept that promise .... But at the terrible cost of Germany’s soul. That the nation of Martin Luther and the Gutenberg Press – where the Bible was placed into the hands of ordinary people for the very first time in history – could be tricked into supporting the worst kind of darkness should be an enduring lesson in humility for us all.

Human nature has not changed and truth is always the first casualty.

Using disinformation and propaganda, Goebbels helped Hitler to assume a god-like status in peoples’ hearts. Everything hinged on the personality of one terrible man cloaked in nationalism. The Nazi salute was “Heil Hitler!” not “Heil Germany!” ... Back to the bunker. Hitler once viewed the world from his Eagle’s Nest high on a Bavarian Alp. Now he hid in the dark underground before taking his own life, as did the Goebbels family, in April 1945. “How the mighty have fallen” and will again and again.

Evil men and their movements will always seek to supplant our best nature. Smart living requires us to demand truth from whatever and whomever we follow.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Benson Stone Offers Simply Amish Furniture

By Janine Pumilia

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any of us fondly remember a standalone Simply Amish store that sold heirloom-quality furniture in Rockford. After it closed, we had to travel for hours to find a Simply Amish showroom. Now the popular brand has returned to Rockford inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St. “We’re very proud to be the exclusive dealer in northern Illinois for Simply Amish,” says Andy Benson, third-generation owner. “Their nearest showroom outside of ours is north of Madison.”

Superior workmanship and a willingness to customize has made Simply Amish a rock star in its field, says John Otto, Benson Stone’s furniture manager.

“These solid wood, hand-finished pieces are some of the best in the entire furniture industry,” says Otto. “All Amish furniture is not the same. Even among the Amish, the Simply Amish brand is considered top quality.”

Headquartered in Arcola, Ill., Simply

Amish was founded in 1979 when two businessmen linked a modern distribution system with a network of Amish craftsmen living on 50 Midwestern farms.

Arts & crafts style is often associated with the Amish, but they also apply their skills to traditional, modern farmhouse, transitional and contemporary furniture styles, explains Otto.

“They can fully customize any piece, not only the style, wood species and stain options, but even the measurements,” says Otto. “Do you want a nightstand that’s 6 inches taller or shorter than standard?

That’s no problem for them.”

Turn-around time averages four weeks; some pre-made “quick ship” items are available, too.

Benson Stone’s 80,000-square-foot store offers one-stop shopping and design services for furniture and mattresses; flooring; kitchen and bath cabinetry; granite and quartz countertops; fireplaces; grills; landscaping materials and gifts. It

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also houses the region’s largest lighting gallery and Hearthrock Café.

Benson Stone Co. opened in 1930 as a stone fabrication shop. In 1999, it purchased and renovated the former Rockford Standard Furniture building.

“We bought this building for $250,000 and enjoy a low overhead,” says Benson.

“That allows us to offer very competitive pricing. We sell good, better and best brands to accommodate all budgets. The only thing we don’t sell is cheaply made stuff that nobody should be buying.”

Benson Stone Co. is open Mon. 9 a.m.8 p.m. and Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more at Bensonstone.com. ❚

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I  W

About Prayer T

hroughout the gospels, there are reports of Jesus praying alone, praying with other people and praying for other people, always with sincere effort.

His prayer is not stiff or remote, but intimate. When his prayer is not answered, he doesn’t give up on prayer.

We can learn a lot about our own prayer life by studying Jesus’ prayer life.

Perhaps no prayer is more poignant than the one he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, when he asked God to rescue him from the horrible ordeal he was about to endure. Three times he asked for an easier path, but nonetheless accepted God’s decision: “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39 - NIV) Luke 11:1 reads, “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’” Jesus set forth a beautiful example for prayer that we have since turned into a memorized ritual called “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Reading these words together is a comforting exercise for Christians, but ritual shouldn’t replace the freewheeling prayer that comes from our hearts, as demonstrated so often by Jesus.

Sometimes Jesus prayed with other people. Luke 9:2: “[Jesus] took Peter, John and James with Him and went up onto a mountain to pray.”

Jesus undoubtedly knew Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” He regularly sought out peaceful places and quiet moments for prayer. It wasn’t a Sunday-only event. In Luke 5:16 we read: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Prayer was a regular habit for Jesus, integrated into all parts of his life.

The prayers of Jesus were never stiff, rote or memorized; they showed real love for God and knowledge of Him gleaned through study of scripture.

Clearly, God yearns for us to talk with him, just as Jesus did. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

4 Nutritious Reasons to Drink Chocolate Milk Fuel Up Smoothie C

hocolate milk is more than just a sweet treat. The drink you enjoyed as a kid actually has many nutritious benefits, in addition to its delicious, chocolatey taste.

Nutrition experts recommend adults consume three servings of milk products a day, as milk is one of the top sources for essential nutrients – calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein and more. Meeting these daily needs by consuming foods rich in calcium, such as low-fat chocolate milk, can help to build strong, healthy bones and, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

It’s a great workout recovery drink, too. Studies have shown that low-fat chocolate milk’s unique blend of carbohydrate and protein is ideal for replenishing tired muscles. Its high water content also replaces fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise, making it a perfect delicious pick-me-up.

Serves: 1

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups TruMoo Calcium Plus lowfat chocolate milk • 1/2 cup baby kale • 1 cup ice cubes • 1 tablespoon almond butter

Directions: In blender, combine chocolate milk, baby kale, ice cubes and almond butter. Blend until smooth and frothy.

Serve.

Chocolate Berry Blast Smoothie Serves: 1

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup TruMoo Calcium Plus low-fat chocolate milk • 1 cup frozen mixed berries • 1 tablespoon golden flaxseed meal

Directions: In blender, combine chocolate milk, frozen mixed berries and flaxseed meal.

Blend until smooth and frothy. Serve. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

New App Helps Burpee to Share Wonders

By Sara Graves nne Weerda wants you to love the natural world.

“You can’t ask someone to love something, or to save something, if they haven’t developed a relationship with it,” says Weerda, who is the executive director of Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford.

The museum has always invited people through its doors to explore, but now it also has a way of taking its wonders to the community ouside its doors, through a new augmented reality app, the only application of its kind.

Developed by Trekk, a local techdriven creative service agency that donated 100 percent of the time it spent creating the app, this technology currently has three major components used inside and outside of the museum building.

An in-house feature includes

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informative videos that play when certain items in the museum are scanned. Another allows for a massive 3-D animated image – such as a dinosaur – to pop up in the room.

“It’s like the ultimate pop-up book,” says Weerda.

An augmented reality feature can be used anywhere. Place a North American Beaver skull on the floor of a classroom – through the app, of course – then enlarge it and allow students to virtually walk inside the skull to look at it from all angles.

There are currently nine objects that can be viewed in this way, including several dinosaur bones and some items from the museum’s Native American collection.

Weerda plans to continue bolstering what’s available in Burpee’s app, using more items from the museum’s collection that teachers can showcase in their

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classrooms. Currently, this emergent technology is only available on Apple’s iOS operating system, but Weerda hopes a majority of the features will be available for Android users by spring.

Also available on the app is BurpeeCast Kids, a podcast in which kids ask questions by recording them via voice memo on any smartphone and emailing them to the museum. A scientist at Burpee might answer them on the next episode.

R  O R

The podcast has covered topics like entomology and dinosaur fossils, creating a dialogue between children and scientists. Hosted by Weerda, upcoming episodes will cover Native American history and geology, all aimed at listeners age 5-15.

Weerda notes that listeners of all ages find the podcast entertaining, and parents who listen with their children

have enjoyed it as well.

Long-term, Weerda envisions virtual dig sites popping up in school gymnasiums across the globe.

“Kids can walk around and interact with the different specimens,” Weerda says. “They can tap on a virtual paleontologist’s shoulder and ask them a question… and they can experience it at their own pace.”

Bringing the Burpee lab into a school, Weerda imagines the app might inspire a whole new way of teaching.

“It kind of blows the doors off of this concept that the museum has four walls,” Weerda says. “I think that we need to think about the museum as a much larger entity. We can work with kids not just on

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the one day they come on a field trip, but on every day that they’re learning about anything related to natural history.”

Weerda has been working hard to make Burpee Museum that resource.

She personally collects monarch larvae and gives them to families who are interested in raising the caterpillars, allowing people the opportunity to experience the metamorphosis into butterfly firsthand.

“This is how you teach kids to love their world,” she says, “by having these super-cool experiences at home.”

Whether it’s at home, on a dig site, in the classroom, or at the museum, the team at Burpee is committed to making learning fun. Getting youngsters involved and excited about the world around us encourages these little learners to grow and evolve.

“At Burpee, we are trying to blow the doors open with creativity,” says Weerda.

“There is so much that can be done here, and we’re just scratching the surface.” ❚

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Y T

It’s ‘Not that Hard’ to Pay Less for Tech

By Peggy Werner

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customer walks into EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, and within a few minutes leaves happier than when he came in, after finding out how to pay less for internet, phone and television services.

During the customer’s visit, EZ Satellite and Wireless Owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano asks him questions about the number of televisions in his home, his favorite channels, whether he enjoys streaming and recording, how many phones he has and if he needs high-speed internet.

Zambrano’s goal is to help every customer save money.

“Most customers are paying too much, up to $250 for phone, television and internet. I can save them $50 to $100 per month. With every customer, I can offer them the best each company has to offer,” he says.

“A lot of people are not happy with

their tech services, but they’re afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research to find a better deal. It’s not that hard to get a better deal and start saving money,” he says.

Zambrano’s business has doubled since he moved it to the Loves Park location from Roscoe two years ago. Although he plans to open a second store in the future, a more immediate goal is to start selling, installing and servicing security cameras and surveillance systems within the next few months.

What sets his business apart from others, he says, is personal attention, good customer service and honesty.

“I make sure the customers know exactly what they are getting and that they are not paying for services they don’t want or need,” he says.

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EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Protect America.

Learn more by calling EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or by visiting the office. ❚

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Y C

Habitat ReStore in New Location

By Peggy Werner

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abitat ReStore is settled into its new digs at 7141 Harrison Ave. (the former MC Sports building) and now has three times more space.

The store accepts new and used building materials, fixtures, working appliances and more from individuals, retailers, businesses and contractors. These are sold to the general public at 50 to 90 percent off the retail price, with all proceeds going to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat is in its 30th year in Rockford and builds about five new homes per year and repairs just as many.

Donations can be picked up, depending on the location, and are tax deductible. Purchases cannot be delivered. New items come to the store every day.

The move was a major undertaking for an organization mostly staffed by volunteers, but the generosity of local residents made it possible.

“Rockford is nothing short of incredible,” says Keri Nelson, executive director of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. “This city is an unusually generous community. There are far more thoughtful, compassionate and kind people than most people give it credit for, and for that reason I fell in love with this city. The number of people who really care about this city is amazing.”

Volunteers do cashier work, research and price items, stock shelves, pick up donations, receive and unload items, and provide customer service.

In addition to kicking off the new ReStore location, Nelson and crew are focused on building and maintaining more local Habitat for Humanity homes and

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working with other organizations to provide affordable housing to those in need.

“There’s a significant number of people who own homes but can’t afford to repair them,” she explains. “We also want to get into the area of neighborhood revitalization, so we aren’t just building homes, but are also building communities, so people can get to know their neighbors and watch out for each other.”

Volunteer training sessions are conducted regularly to acquaint people with the work of Habitat for Humanity and what needs to be done at ReStore.

If you’re interested in volunteering or donating items, call ReStore at (815) 713-3184. Habitat for Humanity also accepts vehicle donations. Learn more at rockfordhabitat.org. ❚

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Y H

Finding the Right Orthodontist for You B y To n i R o c h a

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hether it’s a personal choice or a referral, finding the right fit in an orthodontic specialist is vital.

Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, and owner of Orthodontic Experts in Rockford, says the most important aim is to find an actual “specialist.”

“Illinois is one of only three states requiring advanced training to be licensed in both general dentistry and orthodontics,” he explains. “The Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulations mandates this.”

Yarmolyuk says that many dentists also do orthodontic work in other states.

It’s essential that patients look for a professional who has received the advanced education.

“I did a three-year specialist residency in orthodontics,” he says. “I also did extracurricular work on weekends

while in training and have the experience to provide the best possible care. Technology has gotten easier, but still most general dentists fall short of what a specialist can offer.”

Orthodontic Experts also provides patients with flexible payment plans for its services, which are covered under most major health insurance policies, in-

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cluding ObamaCare.

“We can arrange payments in our clinic at 5051 E. State St., Rockford, or any one of our other clinics in the Chicago area,” Yarmolyuk says. “This is important because realignment and other treatments can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the length of time needed to complete the process.”

He explains that minor treatments can take as little as six months while complex ones may take up to 2.5 years.

“The other advantage we offer is our call center, which is available seven days a week. Our emergency call service is accessible 24 hours every day,” Yarmolyuk says. “With nine orthodontic specialists and 90 support employees, we have the ability to help anyone at any time.”

For more information, call (815) 918-4427 or visit orthodonticexpertscom. ❚

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Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

‘Dwellings’ Through Jan. 27, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Paintings, photography, sculptures and more by five artists, using houses and Rockford, IL 61101 architectural 1.800.521.0849 forms that gorockford.com challenge our notions. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Stewardship Wednesdays Ongoing, Wed. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Work on nature restoration tasks all or part of the day. Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 9646666, naturalland.org.

Take a moonlight hike at Nygren Wetland Jan. 21.

Mindfulness and Music Workshop Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. This retreat offers the opportunity to recharge, relax and renew with meditation, chant and song. William Reif Gallery, Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.

Elvis Tribute Jan. 18, 8 p.m. A concert celebrating the music of Elvis, era by era. Coronado PAC, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Transforming Grief to Hope Jan. 22, 29 & Feb. 5 & 19, 6-7:30 p.m. In a safe and confidential atmosphere, receive insights to tap your natural resiliency, courage and compassion after experiencing loss. (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.

Beloit Winterfest Jan. 19-21, see website for times and locations.

Sleigh rides, movies, ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe instruction, bingo, volleyball and euchre tournaments, log-rolling demonstration, scavenger hunt and birding activities. Welty Environmental Center, 1201 Big Hill Court, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, beloitrecreation.com/winterfest.

Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 16-19, sunrise-10:30 p.m. Teams compete to represent Illinois in the 2020 U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, ilsnowsculpting.com.

Bill Blagg LIVE! Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. Magician Blagg makes objects float in mid-air and vanish in the blink of an eye. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre. org.

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Jan. 17-18, Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m. Jerry Lee Lewis and rockabilly king Carl Perkins are recording together when Elvis and Johnny Cash stop in. The four musicians make history as they record together for the first and only time in 1956 Memphis. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

RSO: Classics: Bach & Haydn Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5,” Haydn’s “Symphony No. 103 in E flat major” (“Drumroll”), Purcell’s “March for the Funeral of Queen Mary” and Lully’s “Marche pour la Cérémonie des Turcs”. RSO, Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony. com.

JPAC’s One Act Festival Jan. 17-19, 7:30 p.m. Showcasing a variety of short plays produced by local playwrights, directors and actors. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Tito Cevallos Trio Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. An evening of Latin American sounds in this Charlotte’s Web concert. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

NLI Wander at the Wetland Jan. 21, 4:30-8 p.m. Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike, a free, family-friendly event. Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 964-6666, NaturalLand.org.

The Color Purple Jan. 22, 7-9 p.m. Discussion of “The Color Purple”

by Alice Walker. Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. ❚

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WDL

Capital House: High Quality & High Value

By Peggy Werner

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apital House, 308 W. State St., is known for quality food at affordable prices and a cozy urban atmosphere.

“We’ve listened to the community and made adjustments based on what they wanted to see,” says corporate chef Ted Brothers, a partner in the business with owner Robin Young.

The restaurant no longer serves lunch but is focused on an expanded dinner menu.

“Most of our clientele see us as a dinner spot, so that’s where we’re going to put our emphasis,” says Brothers. “About 90 percent of the people come to Capital House for dinner because they love the menu and the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.”

The menu changes daily but always offers freshly flown-in seafood and high quality meats.

A recent menu included a variety of

salads and homemade soups plus entrees featuring Atlantic diver scallops with lobster cream sauce, heirloom tomatoes, herbed butter and seasonal accompaniments for $28; a 16-oz. prime New York strip with hand whipped potatoes, demi glaze and seasonal accompaniments for $34; seared Ahi tuna steak with peppercorn, Asian slaw, risotto and fresh lemon for $34; and filet mignon, shrimp scampi, Alaskan wild salmon, pan-seared pacific halibut, salt-crusted Chilean sea bass and New Zealand rack of lamb.

Young says the menu is dictated by getting the best quality food at the best prices, so she can avoid shocking customers with steep increases because of changing market values.

“I love to try new things,” says Young. “A dish served one weekend may not be on the menu the next weekend. For our regulars, this means there’s always

Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto

something new and fresh to try.”

She describes the atmosphere as upscale but comfortable, with “a low key vibe that awakens the senses.”

Capital House is located in a renovated space formerly occupied by Kryptonite bar.

Capital House is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tues. through Thurs. and 5 p.m. to midnight Fri. and Sat. ❚

In the Spotlight

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. $.

Capital House  Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

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 $-$$.

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

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. $-$$.

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. $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)

Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

D

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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Y M

When Debt Consolidation Makes Sense

By Cornerstone Credit Union

U

sing a personal loan to refinance your existing debt can make your debt more manageable. To help determine if this is the right choice for you, consider these questions.

1. Have I fixed the debt problem?

Think about why you’re in debt. If a medical bill, job loss or some other temporary hardship describes your situation, the fact that you have a job or have paid the medical bill means you’ve solved the problem that caused the debt in the first place.

If, on the other hand, you accumulated debt by overspending on credit cards, a debt consolidation loan may not be the answer just yet. First make a budget you can stick to, learn how to save and gain responsibility in your use of credit.

2. Can I commit to a repayment plan?

If you’re struggling to make minimum monthly payments on bills, a debt consolidation loan can only do so much. It’s

possible that the lower interest rate will make repayment easier, but bundling the debt could result in a higher monthly payment. Figure out how much you can afford to put toward getting out of debt.

Your loan officer can work backward from there to figure out terms, interest rate and total amount borrowed.

3. Is my interest rate the problem?

For some people, the biggest chunk of their debt is a student loan. These loans receive fairly generous terms, since a college degree should generally result in a higher-paying job. Debt consolidation for student loans, especially subsidized PLUS loans, may not make a great deal of sense. You’re better off negotiating the

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repayment structure with your lender if the monthly payments are unrealistic.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with credit card debt, interest rate is definitely part of the problem. Credit card debt interest regularly runs in the 20 percent range, more than twice the average rate of personal loans.

4. Will a personal loan cover my debts?

The average American household has nearly $15,000 in credit card debt.

If you have more than $50,000 in credit card debt, it’s going to be difficult to put together a personal loan that can finance the entire amount. It’s worth prioritizing the highest interest cards and consolidating those instead of trying to divide your refinancing evenly between accounts. Get the biggest problems out of the way, so you can focus your efforts on picking up the pieces.

Debt consolidation doesn’t work for everyone, but it can do wonders for many people. Learn more at cornerstonecu.org. ❚

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