Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • June 19, 2019
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Right in Our Region
Magical Summer Fun at Midway Village
See Page 16
Easy Container Gardening New Space-Age Mattresses All About Home Technology Tasty, Filling Summer Salads Should You Consolidate Debt?
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4 Tickets to Public Skate See Pg. 28 Details
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NANCY OLSON CHILDREN’S GARDEN
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In This Issue
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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Magical Fun at Midway Village Museum
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Your Home ............................................ ........... 11 There’s Space-Age Technology in Your Mattress
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Your Technology ............................................. ..21 What’s New in Home Automation Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Not Your Father’s Braces Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
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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 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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She Got the Vote in 1919
I
recently came across this photo of my mom’s mom, Eva (Sheldon) Evans, at age 17, near the Rock River in 1912. Behind her is Rockford Brewing Co., home of Nikolob beer. Eva’s grandparents, Isaiah and Orenda Sheldon, settled here in the 1850s. Eva’s brother graduated U of I and was a top engineer for Carrier Co. He retired rich and lived to age 94. Higher education wasn’t an option for Eva, although she was a good student. She married my Grandpa, Cal Evans, and they worked a farm on Route 173 during the Great Depression. It was a hard life and she died at age 62, years before I was born. I showed this pic to my daughter Rebecca, who spends many hours at the Prairie Street Brewhouse for meetings and social events. I joke the Brewhouse is her “second office.” What I don’t joke about is the fact that, when Eva gave birth to my mom, Naomi, in 1921, she’d just won the right to vote. Rebecca knows she’s fortunate to have been born in 1991, not 1891. She doesn’t take for granted her vote, her higher education or the financial independence it allows her. This month marks the 100th anniversary of Illinois becoming one of the first states to ratify the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, granting universal suffrage for women. Our rights were hard won by our ancestral mothers. Ladies, let’s celebrate by making sure our daughters – and our sons – know their stories. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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6.19.19 SmartLiving 1pg Gustafsons .indd 1
St. •June Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com 19 6/13/19 8:26 AM
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Space-Age Mattress Technology for Comfort
By Janine Pumilia
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ou probably know that freeze-dried foods and portable computers got their start in NASA laboratories. But did you know that your memory foam mattress is a Space Age wonder, too? Memory foam was developed to cushion test pilots and soon found its way into your bed. “It amazes me how much new technology impacts mattresses today,” says Mitchell Johnson, store manager at Gustafsons’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., Rockford. “And as with other new-technology products, like flat-screen TVs, the prices level off in time. We’re starting to see that.” A mattress that cost $1,499 five years ago might be $1,350 today, he says. “For about 80 years, not much changed with mattresses. They all had metal springs covered with some wool and Dacron,” says Johnson. “Then, about 17 years ago, Tempur-Pedic introduced
memory foam mattresses. We were the first store in Rockford to sell them.” Johnson jokes that, in the early years, he sold three kinds – “Firm, firmer and firmest. But they were still better than anything else.” They soon evolved to become very comfortable, but some folks complained the foam retained too much body heat. “So about six years ago, Serta introduced gel-infused memory foam and a channel system that wicks away body heat and maintains an even temperature,” says Mitchell. “That was huge.” Also huge was the independent pocket coil spring system first introduced by Beauty Rest. Each coil is encased in its own pouch and moves independently from others, resulting in a suspension system more responsive to your particular shape. It also minimizes the motion transfer that can disturb your partner.
Mitchell Johnson, Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress
“About seven years ago, Serta combined these ideas into its hybrid iComfort series – very good pocket coils and very good foam and gel-foam technologies, all covered in Space Age fabrics,” Johnson says. “And they just keep improving it.” Most mattresses sold at Gustafson’s can be used with adjustable bases. “Older people have always liked them but now young people want them, too, so they can sit up to watch TV or use their devices in bed more easily,” says Mitchell. “It’s a luxury that’s become affordable and very popular.” ❚
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Book of Hope T
he Bible promises there is more to this world than meets the eye and that love will triumph over evil in the end. Most of all, it promises that following Jesus Christ leads to eternal life with God. That’s why the Gospels are called “The Good News!” Even death itself is overcome! “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (I Cor. 15:55 KJV) But the Bible’s message of hope is not restricted to eternity alone. God gives us hope in this life, too. In the midst of sickness, oppression, war, prison, famine, pain, grief, poverty, lonliness, shame, addiction or any chain that binds us (self-made or otherwise) God promises to love us and lead us. He holds up a light and invites us into its warmth. We are intimately known by God. The Creator sees us. Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12: 6 & 7 NIV). The Bible doesn’t promise us easy lives, but it does promise that we don’t have to navigate this world alone or solely by our own strength. As we try our best to follow God’s will, “the Comforter” – the Holy Spirit – gives us courage, stamina, insight, wisdom, patience and even the right words to speak. It’s our constant helper. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) The Bible gives us hope that we can transform our minds to think like Jesus Christ. Our past behaviors don’t have to dictate our futures. We can change. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) The Bible is our Book of Hope because it reveals to us our God of Hope. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
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Sensational Salads for Good Health A
dding more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to make at-home meals healthier for you and your family. Focusing your plate on more of the good stuff – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins and fish – can help you cut back on the not-so-good stuff, including refined carbohydrates, added sugars, processed meats, sodium and saturated and trans fats, according to the American Heart Association. Tangy Kale Slaw with Cilantro and Honey Recipe courtesy of Aramark Servings: 6 2 TB red wine vinegar 1 TB light mayonnaise 1 TB honey 1 1/2 tsp cilantro leaves, washed and chopped 1 tsp lime juice 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper 2 cups kale leaves, shredded 1/2 cup red cabbage shredded 1/2 cup carrot, shredded 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced In bowl, combine vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add kale, red cabbage, carrot and onion. Toss to coat. Cover and keep chilled prior to serving. Black-Eyed Pea, Corn and Rice Salad Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association 2 cans (15 1/2 oz. each) no-saltadded or low-sodium blackeyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 1/4 oz.) low-sodium or no-salt-added whole-kernel corn 1 package (8 1/2 oz.) brown rice, microwaved according to package directions and broken into small pieces 2 medium ribs celery, chopped
1 1/4 1 1 1/8
medium bell pepper, chopped cup chopped fresh parsley TB extra-virgin olive oil TB water tsp black pepper
In large bowl, stir peas, corn, rice, celery, pepper, parsley, olive oil, water and black pepper until combined. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
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Fun Summer Events at Midway Village By Peggy Werner
T
he 1970s, particularly the bicentennial of the United States of America, is the theme of this year’s fourth annual ‘The Rockford Plate’ event, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road. The event will focus on remembering the 1976 observance of the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Sunday, July 4, 1976, says Lonna Converso, director of marketing and social media. “When we remember the bicentennial, we’re remembering the origin of the United States and what it means to be a citizen,” she says. “We want people to learn about the 1970s at the event and to come away excited about supporting history education. We want them to see the importance of history by visiting the village and seeing what we do.”
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The event is the museum’s largest fundraiser for history education. Highlights will include exploring the Victorian Village grounds, sampling foods from different parts of the world, having your picture taken in a restored 1970s Volkswagen bus and listening to music performed by “That Gurl,” a local 1970s cover band. Guests can also make a tie-dyed T-shirt, adopt a pet rock to take home, bid on culinary and cultural items during a silent auction and participate in a 50/50 raffle. A welcome program will be hosted by WTVO channel 17 TV news anchor Mimi Murphy at 6 p.m. in the village’s 1905 Red Barn. Dr. Karl Jacobs and his wife, Carol, will be the honorary “mayors” of Midway Village that evening. Carol will wear the pantsuit she purchased and wore for her husband’s inauguration at Rock Valley
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College, when he was sworn in as president in October, 1969. Karl will borrow the ’70s-style polyester jacket and pants he donated to the college’s Starlight Theater, a program that began under his leadership as president. Jacobs was president of Rock Valley College from 1969-1997 and is currently a museum board member and long-time supporter of the museum’s mission of history preservation and education. A progressive-style meal will take visitors from one historic building to another to sample cuisines from various cultures. The Coalition of Latino Leaders, Swedish Historical Society, Prairie Street Brewing Company and Midway Village Museum will provide food along with Nothing Bundt Cakes of Rockford. Tickets for Rockford Plate are $55 per person and can be purchased at
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Retired Rock Valley College President Dr. Karl Jacobs and wife Carol pose in suits they wore in the 1970s.
midwayvillage.com, at the museum gift store, or by calling (815) 397-9112 by the reservation deadline, Thursday, June 20.
Other Summer Events
Other summer museum events are also designed to inform and inspire.
The fourth annual Magical Gardens event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4. Alyssa McGhghy, special events coordinator, describes that event as a chance for visitors to learn what’s growing in the many museum gardens. It will also give children an opportunity to experience nature and “magic” through several craft and game stations throughout the village. “We have volunteers working in these gardens year ’round and we want to celebrate all the beauty the gardens offer,” McGhghy says. Eight specialty gardens include the picturesque Moonlight Garden behind the village’s historic church, which is often used for weddings, and the flowerfilled Heritage Garden Park by the Breckenridge House that includes a sundial and places for people to sit down and relax. Cost is free to museum members; $8 for adults; $6 for those 3-17; and free to age 2 and under. All activities are included in the admission price.
Later in the month, visitors can experience life in a “dry” town during the 1920s-era Tipsy History Prohibition event from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. During Tipsy History, visit hidden speakeasies scattered throughout the village, where local breweries and distilleries will be serving samples of alcoholic beverages to those 21 and over. Attend a temperance meeting to learn about the movement that led to Prohibition. Interact with 1920s civilians, bootleggers, gangsters, police and the Feds. Witness a raid on bootleggers and moonshiners, visit displays and more. Participating breweries include Prairie Street Brewing Company, Pig Minds Brewing of Machesney Park, GrantView Distillery of Rockford, Generations Brewing Company of Freeport, Whiskey Acres Distillery Company in DeKalb and others. Tickets are $12 for adults ($10 members); $6 for children 3-17($5 members) and free for those age 2 and under. ❚
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You Deserve Jean’s Unsurpassed Service Jean Campbell, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Jean’s Customers Have to Say: “Jean went above and beyond and several times to bat for us in selling our house. She is professional knowledgeable and on it. I would definitely recommend and use her again in the future.”
Brad Devlieger 815-505-8336 • jcampbell@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/jcampbell
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Container Gardening: Easy & Rewarding By Janine Pumilia
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ou have little space or interest in gardening but your yard cries out for some color. Why not fill up a window box, hanging basket, pot or anything else that holds dirt (and has drainage holes) with easy-care plants? Container gardening is manageable and rewarding, says Scott Gensler of Gensler Gardens, 102 Orth Road in Loves Park and 8631 11th St., Davis Junction, Ill. Choose palettes of very bright colors, soft pastels, monochromatic tones or contrasting hues. “There are no firm rules,” says Gensler. “But the most pleasing result usually comes from thinking through the structure a bit and mixing up textures.” One foolproof container “recipe” is the thriller-spiller-filler concept. Choose a bold, tall statement plant as a focal point (the thriller); a plant or two with a trailing
This container features hot pink Superbells calibrachoa, Dolce Appletini heuchera (coral bells) and Bright Lights yellow osteospermum, all from Proven Winners.
habit to spill over the side of the container; and some filler plants that complement the others. Not all plants need flowers to be interesting. Coleus, sweet potato vine, sedum, papyrus, caladium, ornamental cabbage and grasses are among nonflowering plants with high appeal. “It’s important not to crowd too
many plants in a container,” says Gensler “In a 10-inch pot, three plants is plenty. A 14-inch pot could take five or six.” Before you buy plants, think hard about where you’ll place them. Sunhungry plants won’t thrive in shade and shade plants may wilt in full sun. Also consider your sightlines. “For example, if your location is very high, you’d be better off buying a basket with plants that trail over the edge.” Make sure your container provides adequate drainage. “Probably the No. 1 mistake people make is inadequately watering hanging baskets and containers, which dry out faster than plants in the ground,” says Gensler. “I tell people to water until you see it coming out the bottom.” Fertilize plants regularly and enjoy the way they lift both your curb appeal and your spirits. ❚
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Why a Real Butcher Still Knows Best By Peggy Werner
R
emember the days when you could walk up to a meat counter in a grocery store and talk to a butcher who knew about cuts of meat, how to prepare them, and how to fill a custom order? Well, that kind of customer service is – and always has been – a top priority at Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, because owner Jarrod Bush, with more than 20 years in the business, takes pride in giving people what they can’t get anywhere else. “A lot of supermarkets don’t need butchers any longer because all meats come prepackaged from the wholesalers to the retailers and you don’t always know where the meat comes from,” he explains. “My job doesn’t really exist anymore, so that’s why people love coming in to talk to me – they don’t always know what they want or how to prepare it.”
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Countryside is a full-service meat market that specializes in Midwestern beef, poultry and pork for individuals and large parties. Its fully stocked, very organized, spotless 20-foot-long display case of fresh meats is a thing to behold. ”I want this meat case to be the best one anyone has seen anywhere,” Bush says. One of the most popular cuts on the West Coast recently debuted at Countryside. It’s the exceptionally tender and versatile Tri-Tip Steak, which is a bottom sirloin.
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“It has great marbling, fantastic flavor and can be used for a lot of things such as fajitas, stroganoff and steak sandwiches,” he says. The store offers weekly advertised specials, in-house specials, and has “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie and chicken Kiev. There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as coleslaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring, Boar’s Head luncheon meats and 25 varieties of bratwurst. Gourmet items include stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, twice-baked potatoes and garlic cheese bread. All food is prepared onsite. ❚
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Home Tech Can Make Your Life Easier By Peggy Werner
D
o you often wish you could be in two places at once? This may be your answer. Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, has expanded his business as part of his mission to help people save money, time and energy. He’s now working with Nest to bring the conveniences of home automation into the lives of his customers. He says it’s not a difficult change to make. “I’m finding out that a lot of people are afraid of technology, but if they try it and find out how much easier life can be, they enjoy the benefits. Everyone has a smart phone, but not everyone is using it to the fullest capacity,” he says. The number of “smart” devices is growing, and so are options for connecting those devices to local area networks. This allows people to monitor and access their homes and businesses remotely.
For example, cameras can allow you to see what’s going on inside and outside your home, and you can talk to people at your door, when you’re away. You can also switch lights on and off, change or lock in thermostat settings and lock or unlock doors remotely. “In this age of e-commerce, your phone can let you know when someone is at your door, when a package is delivered, and other notifications about what’s going on at home,” Zambrano says. Nest offers all services on one application, which is a one-time purchase for installation, with no additional charge for monitoring. “We’re just keeping pace with what’s available to customers and helping people to manage their lives better by getting them to use technology that’s available to them,” says Zambrano. EZ Satellite &Wireless also is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any provider using dish, cable, internet and home secu-
rity, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint. The EZ Solar Energy branch provides savings to homeowners who switch to solar power. There’s no down payment and fixed-rate financing, discounts and rebates are available. EZ Solar helps with permits, applications and obtaining a fixed-interest loan, for those who qualify. Contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or EZ Solar at (815) 200-9057 or stop by the office. Learn more at EZsatellitenow.com and EZsolarenergynow.com. ❚
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Clear Aligners Offer Alternative to Braces B y To n i R o c h a ntil relatively recently, just the word “braces” was enough to make people frown. Now clear aligners are an innovative way to realign teeth gently and flexibly while keeping smiles on patient faces. In its clinic at 5051 E. State St. in Rockford, Orthodontic Experts is one of the leading Midwest providers of Invisalign and similar products. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, owner of the Rockford location and nearly a dozen locations in the Chicago area and Colorado, says the clear aligner advantage is, well, clear. “They are more esthetic and comfortable than metal braces,” Yarmolyuk says. “Patients used to need adjustments every six to eight weeks, but now they change trays every week, slowly easing teeth into proper position. Patients are given 12 to
U
16 trays so the number of appointments are reduced.” Patients can remove clear aligners to eat, floss and brush their teeth, which helps to keep their mouths hygienically cleaner. And the more gradual correction causes less discomfort than traditional metallic braces. Yarmolyuk says it takes six months to a year or more for the process to be completed, depending on how much alignment is necessary. “Plus there are no dietary restrictions,” he adds. “They can eat anything they want because their braces are removed for meals.” Other benefits of this new alignment system include compatibility for patients with less than perfect oral hygiene or a higher risk of dental decay. Appointments are shorter and less frequent, giving pa-
tients more scheduling flexibility. Also, Yarmolyuk says patients involved in active sports can remove their aligners during practice and games. For more information about clear aligners or other orthodontic needs, call Orthodontic Experts at (815) 918-4427 or visit orhodonticexperts.com. ❚
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June 19
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
'The Addams Family' June 19-22 & July 24-28, see website for times. The kooky and quirky family has its share of usual problems. Starlight Theatre, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com RVC, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Music in the Park - Rosie & the Rivets June 20, 7 p.m. Music of the 1950s and '60s along with current hits with a retro twist. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rain site: Guilford High School. 'Laughter on the 23rd Floor' June 21-22 & 28-29, 7:30 p.m.; June 29, 2 p.m. A Neil Simon comic drama. Winneshiek Players Theatre, Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org. Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble June 22, 7 p.m. The acoustic instrumental group from Madison plays American swing, jazz, latin, Parisian waltz and European folk. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. RAM: 4th Annual Art in Bloom June 25-27. An imaginative display of live florals and other organic material based on the Rockford Art Museum's feature exhibition 'Chance Encounter: Julie Heffernan + Shelly Mosman.' RAM, 711 N. Main St., rockfordartmusuem.org. Baltic Mill Stage - Rockford Wind Ensemble June 23, 6:30 p.m. Traditioanal concert band music presented by Rockford Wind Ensemble. BYO lawn chair or blanket. Free. 920 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere, Ill. Boone County Arts Council, boonecountyarts.com, (815) 544-6242. Canoe Convoy June 24, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening paddling down the Kishwaukee River or other location depending on water conditions. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com. Music in the Park - Serenade for Summer June 25, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band along with vocalist Leslie Eiler Thomson. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rain site: Guilford High School. Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens June 25, 5:45 p.m. Miles Nielsen & the Rusted
The 4th Annual 'Art in Bloom' will take place June 25-27 at Rockford Art Museum.
Hearts, with an opening by Ernie Hendrickson of Chicago. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink). Free/members, or garden entry fees apply. AndersonGardens.org. 'Joseph & Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' June 26-29 & July 31-Aug. 4, see website for times. The timeless biblical story of Joseph, who is blessed with dreams that foretell the future. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. The Rockford Plate - Midway Village Museum June 27, 5:30-9 p.m., with ticket order deadline of June 20. A progressive-style sampling of cuisine and drinks from various cultures. Cost: $55. Order tickets at midwayvillage. com, or in the museum gift store, or by calling (815) 397-9112. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guildford Road. 'The Mousetrap' June 27-30 & July 5-7, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Agatha Christie’s famous play involves a group of strangers who are stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com. Murder & Mayhem Bar Crawl June 28 & July 26, 6:30-9 p.m. Tour downtown Janesville’s saloons while hearing gruesome and scandalous stories from Rock County’s past. Tickets online. Courthouse Park, 51 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 756-4509, rchs.us. International Mud Day June 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Put on some old clothes and connect with nature through the earth. Muddy activities, games and more. Bring a change of clothes for the ride home. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford. ❚
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Capital House: ‘Upscale but Comfortable’
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. In recent months, the restaurant has focused on expanding its dinner menu, says corporate chef Ted Brothers, a partner in the business with owner Robin Young. “Most of our clientele see us as a dinner spot, so that’s where we 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 something new and fresh to try.”
Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto
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.
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. $-$$.
Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS.
Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.
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. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 26
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Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. 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. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. 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.-2 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
June 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300
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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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When Debt Consolidation Makes Sense By Cornerstone Credit Union
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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
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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