Smart Living Weekly - September 28, 2016

Sm mart a r L iving mar Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • September 28, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Autumn at the Arboretum

See Page 20

It’s Time to Winterize Your Home Celebrating 35th Year of Discovery Center Are You Paying Too Much for Tech Services?

What to Know About Food Expiration Dates Cozy Up to a Warm Fireplace this Winter

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Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 22 Autumn at the Klehm Arboretum Your Home .................................................. ... 11 Bring Warmth to Your House Inspiration & Worship ....................................12 Sweet Sleep Your Kitchen ...................................................15 Love Your Leftovers Your Outings .............................................17, 26 Lorikeets at Nicholas; Party at Discovery Center Your Health ............................................. ........ 25 Family Fitness Your Outdoor Living ................................ .........9 Winterize Your Home Your Technology ...................................... .......30 Are You Paying Too Much?

Dining Locally .......................................... ...... 28 GreenďŹ re

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes 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 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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All Grown Up W

hen’s the last time you strolled the grounds of Klehm Arboretum and allowed the peacefulness of its sprawling, lush spaces to wash over you?

If not recently, you’re missing out.

I was working for a local newspaper when we first learned about the Klehm family’s generous donation of this land to our forest preserve district. As a lover of trees and local history, I was thrilled to follow the progress of arborists, who inventoried Klehm’s trees in 1991. Just think. That was 80 years after many of those trees were collected, planted and nurtured by William Lincoln Taylor, who established a nursery on the site in 1910.

To picture 1910, think Downton Abbey Season One. The Titanic hadn’t yet sunk and electricity in homes was still a new “thing.”

In Rockford, business was booming; visitors were awed by Robert Tinker’s formal gardens and the floral clock at Sinnissippi Gardens – proud additions from the recent Victorian era.

That era had seen an explosion of world travel among the elite. Many a gentleman farmer collected plants during those travels and brought them home to local gardens and home conservatories. By 1910, the fascination with botany had filtered to the middle class.

Each time I stroll the Klehm grounds, I think of Taylor fussing over tender slips and slender saplings; he could never know how they would look at full maturity, but we can and do. We can stroll beneath those tree canopies, effortlessly, and relish the fruit of his labor. Many of these trees are unique. Some shouldn’t even be thriving in our climate, but do so inexplicably.

Klehm’s mission statement is “To maintain a living museum for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all people.” It fully lives up to this.

We can’t be inspired by what we don’t see. If you haven’t been to Klehm lately, the Autumn at the Arboretum event is a wonderful excuse to go. Learn more about it inside this issue.

Enjoy! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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O L

Winterize Your Home in the Fall F

all is the perfect time to take care of little things that can make a big difference to you and your home. Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services, Rockford, offers the following list of fall indoor tasks. Most are within the average person’s ability. If you choose to hire a professional, you’ll get the job done right, avoid injury and possibly save money.

• Furnace/Heat A furnace in good working order is vital during winter, so fall is a great time for maintenance. Change the filter, clean all debris and dust from the filter and motor areas, and test that it’s working properly. It’s best to hire a professional for this, so the unit can be inspected for cracks and carbon monoxide leaks. If you have radiated heat, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, bleed radiators and check for water leaks. Also check fireplaces and wood burning stoves each

season prior to use. Hire a professional to inspect, clean and properly maintain your chimney and stovepipe, to help to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. This is also a good time to check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace battieries.

• Attic Insulation Clear soffits and roof vents of any insulation, to ensure proper airflow in the attic. Insulation settles over the years and loses its effectiveness. As a general rule, add more if the insulation is even with or below the ceiling joists.

Walk on the ceiling joists to avoid drywall damage or falling through the ceiling. If you’re in doubt about the amount or quality of your insulation, contact a professional.

• Windows/Doors Gaps in caulk and weather stripping mean high heating bills. Shut or install storm windows and check for problems. Close a door or window on a

strip of paper, and if it slides out easily, replace your weather stripping. Carefully move a lighted candle around the frame to check for drafts. Fill any gaps with caulk or new weather stripping.

For help with these and other home repair and improvement projects, contact Raymond at (815) 979-9016 or visit online at apshomepros.com. ❚

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Cozy Up to a Warm Fireplace this Winter

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

D

uring cold winter months, nothing says “cozy” like a fire crackling in the fireplace. Not everyone who has a fireplace takes advantage of its benefits, however.

“I have people come into the store all the time and tell me they haven’t used their fireplace in years because burning wood is just too much trouble,” says Kevin Obee, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “You don’t want your fireplace to be a big, empty box. You want it to be a source of energy, light and good feelings.”

You also want it to help heat your house – or at the very least, not cool it. A wood-burning fireplace sucks heated air up and out of your chimney by as much as 300 cubic feet per minute, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Many homeowners are converting their woodburning fireplaces to natural gas, not only for ease of use but for energy

savings. “A direct-vent gas fireplace unit can’t be beaten for efficiency,” says Benson Stone Co. owner Andy Benson.

There are three main kinds of natural gas fireplaces: vented gas logs, vent-free gas logs and direct-vent fireplaces. Each has unique benefits. “It’s about finding the best fit with your particular space and circumstances,” says Obee.

Gas fires turn on and off with a switch or remote. Depending on the model, options like flame intensity, heat output and even electric ambiance lighting can be adjusted. And with direct vent, you don’t even need a chimney.

While gas fireplaces have many advantages, they’re not for everyone. “We still see people who love wood fires best,” says Obee. “They love the beauty of the flames and the scent of burning wood.”

And if your fireplace works just fine but looks out-of-date, refacing it may not be as difficult as you imagine. Ben-

son Stone Co. sells several varieties of thin stone and brick, made from stone and brick but in smaller versions. Stones are cut to just an inch or two thick, and bricks are formed to a smaller size. “No one will realize that it’s not full-sized,” Benson says. “You can just stick it right to the wall.”

See more full-sized fireplace displays, such as the one pictured, when you visit the showroom at Benson Stone Co. ❚

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

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Sweet Sleep

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. – Proverbs 3:24

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early 9 million American adults use prescription sleeping pills to get their rest; millions more self-medicate.

Insomnia is caused by many things, from medical conditions to plain old stress.

When anxiety is the culprit, we Christians should remember that God wants us to sleep well, no matter what’s going on in our lives. Jesus even slept soundly in a storm-tossed boat, until his panicky friends woke him up. (Read Mark 4:35-41) Jesus never promised that following him would bring us easy lives; quite the opposite. But he did promise that choosing his ways over the world’s would bring us a kind of peace that only he could give. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” (John 16:33.) Claiming that

peace and resisting anxiety is up to us.

Kittens and puppies illustrate this beautifully. When well cared for, they play and romp, living life to the fullest, then drop into deep, restful naps. They lose no energy to guilt or worry. And they don’t spend time wondering if their bowls will be filled the next day.

People are far more complicated critters. But we’re also the well-caredfor objects of God’s affection. He wants us to hand our cares over to Him. He doesn’t want us to flail around in a sea of worries, relying only upon our own strength and wits for survival. “... don’t worry about your life, what you’ll eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear,” said Jesus.

“Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they don’t sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:24-27) We can “reboot” our tired minds by truly accepting this invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28). ❚ Janine Pumilia 12

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Love Your Leftovers: Waste Less Food A

mericans waste an estimated 40 percent of the food they buy. In fact, the average person wastes an estimated 25 pounds of food every month, and dairy products are thrown out more than other foods, even produce. Learning kitchen tricks and strategies to store dairy products properly can help reduce food waste.

• To toss could be a loss. Research conducted by the Midwest Dairy Association found more than half of consumers don’t understand the meaning of “Sell-By” or “Use-By” dates on dairy products. These dates actually indicate peak quality, not safety. Dairy products can be safely consumed beyond the “Sell-By,” “Best-By” or Use-By” dates up to one week for milk, up to 10 days for yogurt and weeks or months for most soft and hard cheeses.

• Know when to throw it. Discard dairy products if they have an off flavor, odor or appearance. Soft cheese or yogurt with mold should be discarded. Mold on hard cheese should be removed by cutting off a 1-inch square around the affected area and throwing it away; the rest is safe to eat.

Turkey Tetrazzini with Cheddar and Parmesan Nonstick cooking spray 1 package (12 ounces) whole-wheat penne pasta 2 TB butter 1/4 cup flour 3 cups low-fat milk 1 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional chicken broth) 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 cups sliced white button mushrooms 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups diced cooked turkey breast 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Preparation Heat oven to 350 F. Spray shallow 2to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Cook pasta according

to package directions. In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Stirring constantly, cook about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, chicken broth, wine and pepper; bring mixture to a boil.

Stir in mushrooms, reduce heat and cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, or until mixture thickens and mushrooms are softened. Stir Parmesan cheese, pasta, turkey and peas into milk mixture; spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and cover loosely with foil. Bake about 45 minutes, or until bubbling at edges and heated through. ❚ Source: Family Features

• Portion and freeze future meals. Soups, stews and casseroles all freeze well, including those that contain dairy products. Milk is best when used within three months of freezing and yogurt when used within two months. For best quality, soft cheeses should be used within two to three months of freezing and hard cheese within six months.

• Put nutrition first. Many experts agree eating too many calories is a form of food waste; it can impact health and lead to chronic disease, including obesity. Maximize food choices with healthy, nutrientrich options. For example, milk, cheese and yogurt provide a unique package of nine essential nutrients, and three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products have been shown to improve overall diet quality.

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SAVE $10 AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT WHEN YOU BRING A FRIEND FOR A

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LU C E T T E S A LO N . C O M

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Y O

W

hat’s colorful, playful, seldom seen in our part of the world and good at making people of all ages laugh?

Lorikeets, of course. They’ve made a return visit to Rockford’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens and will be delighting visitors there through Nov. 13.

This colorful species of parakeet hails from down under, on the eastern seaboard of Australia, where there’s plenty of flower nectar to sip. Lorikeets are known for their fun-loving personalities, bright colors and ability to mimic words and sounds like their parrot cousins do.

There are special rules for visiting the lorikeet house. No food or drink is allowed because it just might get stolen.

Likewise, it’s best not to wear sparkly jewelry that might fascinate the birds a little too much. They’ve been known to pluck shiny objects from owners.

Naturally it would be bad manners to chase the birds or otherwise make them

feel threatened. You can, however, hold out a fist or hand (not a finger) for the birds to walk onto. Be sure to wash and sanitize your hands first, for the health of the birds.

The conservatory warns that “poop happens” and provides paper towels at the exit.

A limited number of conservatory members will be able to feed nectar to the lorikeets by reservation.

There are many lorikeet-related Make-It, Take-It activities scheduled at the conservatory. A complete schedule is posted on the website.

Lorikeets or not, the conservatory and its surrounding gardens along the Rock River, as well as the lovingly tended Sinnissippi Rose Garden, with its rare Victorian-era floral clock, are wonderful places for all ages to explore and enjoy.

The lorikeet exhibit is included with regular admission to the conservatory.

Wings

(Jesse Fox photo)

Lorikeets Delight Conservatory Visitors

The cost is $6 for resident adults, $8 for non-residents and $4/$6 for seniors (age 65-plus) and for children ages 5-17. Admission for children ages 3 and 4 is $1 for residents, $2 for non-residents and free to children age 2 and younger.

Learn more about them at nicholasconservatory.com. ❚

Wonder Sep 3– Nov 13, 2016

Meet the Lorikeets Come stroll through a beautiful aviary surrounded by friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand!

Conservatory Hours Tuesday–Friday • 9 am–5 pm Saturday–Sunday • 10 am–3 pm For more information, including fees and activities, visit nicholasconservatory.com/lorikeets AC AF ILI

MEETINGS

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

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NOW BOOKING FOR »

TY

1354 N 2nd St | Rockford, IL | 815-987-8858 | nicholasconservatory.com We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. Call for info.

WEDDINGS

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R  O R

Klehm’s Autumn at the Arboretum Sunday

By Peggy Werner

I

t’s that time of year when temperatures drop, leaves change color, birds fly south, plants disperse seeds, crops are ready for harvest, and animals gather food for the winter.

All the signs of fall will be celebrated at Autumn @ the Arboretum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. in Rockford.

“Our goal is to welcome autumn with all the sounds, sights, colors and tastes of the season, and that’s why it’s our most popular event,” says Jim Wojtowicz, landscape architect and events consultant at Klehm. “We hope a lot of people, especially those who haven’t experienced Klehm, will come discover the beauty and serenity offered here. We live in an age when people don’t spend enough time outdoors, and children,

especially, may not connect with nature on a daily basis.”

New at this year’s Autumn @ the Arboretum will be Native American encampment reenactments, a petting zoo, live fairy princesses and superheroes, and live music. Guests can build a scarecrow, decorate a pumpkin and make giant bubbles. There will be Girl Scout crafts, balloon art by Dilly the Clown and horsedrawn wagon rides provided by D & L Ranch of Winnebago. Food vendors will offer fall favorites like apple cider, donuts, hot sandwiches and more.

Lucy Adrignola of Macktown Living History, located within Macktown Forest Preserve in Rockton, Ill., will host a display to show what life was like in our area in the early 1800s. Individuals dressed in Native American clothing will talk to visitors about life in the 19th century, and show examples of furs, utensils and foods

used by the natives.

“I want to educate the public about the early history in the stateline area, especially what life was like for the Native Americans living here for thousands of years,” she says.

More than 100 Girl Scouts have signed up to take part in this year’s event.

Scouts will participate in various activities to earn a prize pin.

The annual event is open to the public and free, thanks to the Dean Allen Olson Foundation. Olson and his wife, Nancy, were among the original supporters of Klehm. The Children’s Garden is named for Nancy and funded by the Foundation in her honor.

Wojtowicz started out as a volunteer five years ago and worked his way into a consulting position at Klehm as a landscape architect. Today he assists with event planning.

The Biggest Halloween Event in the Midwest er 22, 6-11 Pm Saturday, Octob Elgin Downtown

The city of Elgin invites you to the “Safe Zone,” the only place where the Zombie Defense Initiative (ZDI) team can protect you from the zombie outbreak.

4 Stages of Entertainment | Bands | Graffiti Artists | Costume Contests | Freak Show Hookah Lounge | Vendors | Food | Drinks | TV Horror Host Svengoolie

Visit NightmareOnChicagoStreet.com for tickets, information, photos and much more.

Find us on 20

www.Facebook.com/NightmareOnChicagoStreet

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This will be the first public event in which people will be able to see the “Glassinator,” a 10-foot sculpture made of stainless steel and hand-blown glass, donated by the Rockford Garden Club in recognition of its 100th anniversary and dedicated this summer in the arboretum’s Sensory Garden.

Klehm features many specialty gardens and more than 500 labeled species and cultivars of trees, shrubs, and vines.

Many of the annual and perennial flowers

are also labeled, including a collection of 75 hostas, 90 types of daylilies and 72 kinds of peonies.

The not-for-profit arboretum is owned by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County.

“We’re more than just a beautiful park, we’re an educational institution that offers classes, workshops, lectures and events that teach people about horticulture, nature, environmental issues and gardening,” Wojtowicz says.

He encourages visitors to stroll the 2 miles of paved paths and 3 miles of wood chip paths in the 155-acre arboretum. Those who do will discover mature foliage, with some fall colors peeking through, as well as late-blooming perennials, fall displays of mums and kale, tall ornamental grasses waving in the breeze

and berries, pods and seed heads on trees and shrubs. Hay bales, pumpkins and corn stalks will decorate the grounds.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and people can work as much or as little as they like in whatever area they are most interested in,” Wojtowicz says.

Most volunteers work in the spring and summer months to plant, weed, water, feed and maintain plants.

Klehm recently broken ground for the Garden Pavilion and Terrace, a semipermanent structure that will be in place from May to October each year for weddings and other special events, seating up to 400 people. The elegant white wedding tent-like structure will be finished this fall and will be available to rent starting next spring. The open framed building will be in a beautifully landscaped setting of trees and flower gardens, and is just steps away from the Fountain Garden, a popular site for wedding ceremonies.

For more information, visit klehm. org or call (815) 965-8146. ❚

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Family Members Can Get Fit Together T

oday we know that when family members are active together, children grow up to have better health and fitness habits as adults. For this reason, local healthcare providers are working to help family members find ways to be active together.

To that end, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is launching a new program called Fit Families that will offer new ideas for healthy lifestyle choices while having fun together.

The Fit Families program consists of four sessions, two hours each, designed to: • Offer short classes on healthy snacking, portion sizes, family habits and meal planning • Increase healthy levels of activity in families • Include fun exercise games and

activities • Improve self-esteem in kids as they reach goals and feel heathier “Fit Families is designed for any family looking for ways to not only improve their lifestyles, but for ways to do it together,” says Janelle Sester, Exercise Physiologist/ Personal Trainer for OSF. “Many families lead busy lives. Many times it’s difficult to find time to exercise, eat properly and enjoy time together. The goal of Fit Families is to bring families together in fun, healthy ways.”

The four sessions will be held on Saturdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. Fit Families is intended for families with children ages 6-12 years old.

The cost is $50 per family of four and $5 for each additional child.

The Fit Families sessions will be at the OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. To register, call (815) 395-4591. ❚

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Discovery Celebrates 35th with Two Events F

or 35 years, Discovery Center Museum has been helping children to discover the joy of learning. The museum will celebrate this milestone with two events – one private and one public.

At the private event, called “35 Years of Discovery,” past and present board members are invited to celebrate the work they’ve done to elevate Discovery Center from a few simple exhibits to more than 300 exhibits relating to science, math and art.

This event will be Sept. 28 from 5 to7 p.m. and will recognize the role Discovery Center has played as an educational resource, economic development tool and source of pride in our region. The museum has even garnered national attention.

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Thanks, in part, to many dedicated volunteers, the museum has grown from serving 6,000 visitors onsite in its first year to serving more than 246,000 in 2015, both onsite and through outreach and afterschool programs.

Sept 28 To advertise call 815-316-2300

The second event is a 35th birthday party to which children and their families from the public are invited. “Happy Birthday, Discovery Center” is Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1 to 3:50 p.m. Discovery Center will be slicing cake, scooping ice cream and revving up for fun. Come forward with stories and photos, and plot your family on the inter-generational graph of glee. Fashion a birthday hat, construct a noisemaker and watch as science is used to extinguish 35 candles instantaneously. On that day, Discovery Center will offer half-price admission. ❚

Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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

Young Choreographer’s Concert Sept. 30 & Oct 1. The dancers with Rockford Dance Company perform works they choreographed themselves. Kresge Hall, Riverfront Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. No. 7, Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Fall Craft & Vendor Show Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Salvation Army Rockford Temple is hosting a fall craft and vendor show with more than 25 crafters and vendors, along with food and a silent auction. All proceeds go toward The Salvation Army World Services. The Salvation Army Rockford Temple, 500 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford, (815) 209-8715.

I Love Gospel Music Convention Oct. 1, doors 6 p.m., pre-show 6:30 p.m., award show 7 p.m. The Gospel Music Convention features Vickie Winans, Dorinada Clark Cole, Tasha Page Lockhard and Joshua Rogers. Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, (815) 320-9005.

Beethoven Classical Concert Oct. 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m. This all-Beethoven program features Pianist Awadagin Pratt with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra performing Piano Concerto No. 3. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair Oct. 1-2, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cider n’ Cinnamon has been a Rockford art and craft tradition for more than 40 years. Vendors display a variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage décor and much more. Enjoy delicious food and live music both days. Edgebrook, 1601 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Geek’d Con 2016 Oct. 1-2, Sat. 10 a.m-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Geek’d Con exists to celebrate the local geek community, featuring TV and film guests, comic book creators, local and regional artists, as well as vendors from across the country. Merch Indoor Sports Center, 8800 Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 399-2233, geekdcon.com.

Autumn at the Arboretum Oct. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Grab the kids, put on your jacket and come on down for a memory-filled

Awadagin Pratt joins the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for a performance at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on Oct. 1.

day of free outdoor activities. The crisp fall air and beautiful autumn foliage is sure to put you in the mood for horse-drawn wagon rides, scarecrow building and other fun activities for kids of all ages. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org.

“Picnic” Oct. 6-9, Thu-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A play about how you always want what you can’t have.

Every character longs for something beyond reach – beauty, marriage, respect, economic security, true love, emotional peace, and each character displays the relatable, desperate longing for a place in this world. Maddox Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2264000, Rockford.edu.

Scarecrow Harvest Festival Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Families of all ages can visit for fall harvest fun. Take a ride in a horsedrawn wagon, create your own scarecrow, make a harvest craft project to take home, play games, compete in a relay race and a scavenger hunt, square dance in this historic barn, and enjoy cooking demonstrations. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 3979112, midwayvillage.com.

Head of the Rock Regatta Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This decades-old race draws more than 2,000 rowers from across the country and more than 5,000 spectators to the banks of the Rock River. Watch along the river from Martin Park to the YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford, rockriverymca.org. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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Sept. 28

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

‘Something Different’ At GreenFire Restaurant

I

f you’re looking for a unique dining experience, look no further than GreenFire Restaurant, Bar and Bakery, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd.

Shendet Ismajlaj, owner for the past year, has a long history of working in Rockford area restaurants and is now carrying on the dream of late owner and founder Philippe Forcioli, who owned Café Patou and then opened GreenFire.

“I worked with Philippe for several years and never met anyone who could cook like him,” says Ismajlaj.

GreenFire is an American-contemporary farm restaurant, bar and bakery that uses only natural, fresh and seasonal ingredients, with everything cooked in stateof-the-art wood stone ovens.

“We offer something for everyone,

but we cater to the individual who wants to try something different,” says Ismajlaj. “People tell us there is nothing like it anywhere. We are known for our customer service, quality of food and unique flavor combinations.”

For breakfast, unique choices include tequila French toast, caramel apple pecan French toast, avocado eggs Benedict, wild berries crepes, and apple cider pancakes.

Appetizers include treats such as gorgonzola stuffed dates wrapped in applewood smoked duck bacon, with blackberry gastrique.

For lunch and dinner, there’s a wide selection of salads, meat entrees, seafood dishes, burgers, pasta, wood fire pizza and those delicious crepes made famous by Café Patou.

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Peggy Werner

Shendet Ismajlaj, owner of GreenFire

On any given week, at least a dozen kinds of dessert are featured, the most popular one being a flourless, dense chocolate torte.There are regular and featured daily specials, as well as dinner pizzas for $10 after 10 p.m. every day. Learn more by calling GreenFire at (815) 316-3473. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican.

107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $.

Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $.

Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262.

LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-9888. LD Daily 11am.

GreenFire � Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

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Sept 28 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Arturo’s

A

rturo’s at 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., is run by Arturo Torres, who learned to cook authentic Mexican food in Guadalajara, Mexico. He uses only fresh, from-scratch ingredients.

Fan favorites include tacos, fajitas, 10 Finger Burritos and enchilada dinners.

American dishes include steaks, burgers, chicken wings and seafood plates. There’s also an expanding selection of domestic and imported beers, and, of course, the house margarita.

Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 a.m., with 12 to 15 authentic Mexican options like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, juevos tirados and huevos con chorizos, along with American fare. Arturo’s expects to open a rooftop beer garden by the end of 2017.

Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ...Smart Living Weekly

Sept 28

29

Y T

Are You Paying Too Much for Tech?

By Peggy Werner

I

t’s easy to complain about prices, especially when paying for what you don’t need or want. EZ Satellite & Wireless, a family-owned business at 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, is aiming to change that for local customers.

The business is an authorized dish network retailer and is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint.

“People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company. I can help people save money by finding out what they need and paying only for those services, having the best from each company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless.

Zambrano opened his business in 2011, in Roscoe, and in May moved to

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a larger, more visible location in Loves Park, with a new bill-paying center as an added service. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people acquire cable services. About 80 percent of Zambrano’s business is working with residential customers, and the remainder is commercial. He services homes and businesses in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, he decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

“It get’s very confusing. People end up unhappy because they’re driven by price and don’t really know what they’re getting,” he says.

EZ Satellite and Wireless offers custom-tailored packages for each customer.

The person who lives in a rural area

Sept 28 To advertise call 815-316-2300

and is limited by what services are available has a whole different situation than the couple with five kids, with everyone on the internet and their own cell phones, and a television in every room.

“I find out what people need before they sign up for anything. Instead of shopping around, I can show you all the options. We’re in the business of providing solutions,” he says.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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Sept 28 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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