Sm mart a r L iving mar Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • August 8, 2018
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Right in Our Region
It’s Fair Time in Winnebago County!
See Page 16
Beach Fun at Shop the Blocks ‘The Jimmys’ at Klehm Woodsong Simply Amish Returns to Rockford Start Early to Find Financial Aid The Best Way to Water Your Lawn
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4 Mega Passes to Winnebago County Fair See Pg. 28 Details
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Winnebago County Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Simply Amish is Back! Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Something Stinky Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Reducing Food Waste Outdoor Living .................................................19 How to Water Your Lawn Your Outings .................................... .......... 21, 29 Klehm Woodsong; Shop the Blocks Beach Fun Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 All About Eye Floaters Your Money ............................................. ......... . 24 Start Early to Find Financial Aid Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26
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, Kendra Green 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 2018 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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Lessons That Stick
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n this, our 200th birthday, we Illinoisans are learning some local history. Here are a few lessons that have stuck with me as I’ve worked on historical pieces for Northwest Quarterly Magazine the past 15 years. • Individual actions matter. Had Nathaniel Pope not insisted that Illinois borders be pushed north, the Rock River Valley and Chicago would be in Wisconsin now. This probably made a difference in whether Lincoln was elected president. Without him, the Civil War outcome may have been very different. Amazing. • Likewise, Illinois was a major source of troops, food and other supplies for Union soldiers. What would have happened if Illinois had sided with the South? It could have happened if northern Illinoisans had been successful in seceding and joining Wisconsin in the 1840s. • Illinois settled south to north and Chicago wasn’t important until late in the game – 1837. • If we charted our history on a timeline, Native Americans would occupy thousands of years – all but the tiny last smidgen of time, when settlers arrived. Yet we inherited a pristine landscape. • In just 200 years, we reduced prairies from 60% of the state to less than 1% and came close to killing our rivers. Bears, buffalo, elk, mountain lions, colorful native parakeets, clams and countless other native species are gone. A lack of self-restraint by profit-seekers and an absence of regulations led to deforestation that ended our furniture-making reign. Likewise, clam extinction ended our button industry. • Illinois reserved not one acre for the natives who stewarded this landscape for thousands of years; every state bordering it has reservations. • The Northwest Ordinance was a brilliant mechanism by which people organized selfgoverning states rather than colonies to be ruled. Challenges faced by our ancestors repeat themselves. We’ll always have to balance profit against ecological destruction; diversity against nativism; federal power against states’ rights; greater good against greed. Learning how decisions by ancestors shaped our future can make us wiser. I would like to have seen those native parakeets. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Literacy Can Make All the Difference It Starts With You!
STUDENT.
Become a It’s Easy and It’s Free!
TUTOR.
Be a Empower Someone. Volunteer Today!
Visit: www.theliteracycouncil.org E-mail: Read@theliteracycouncil.org Call: 815-963-7323 8
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Simply Amish Returns to City at Benson Stone 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
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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Something Stinky
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hen we think about it, it’s truly remarkable that God allows us to choose whether or not to follow Him. If anyone has a right to coerce us, surely it’s the Creator. But God doesn’t want allegiance that isn’t freely given. Jesus told his followers to “go tell the good news,” not to “go force people into joining my group.” Tragically, both governments and religions have been less respectful of individual rights throughout history, leading to tragic abuses of power, even here in America. From the early 1600s to mid 1700s, religious persecution and state-mandated, tax-supported religions were the norm here. Louisiana required residents to practice Catholocism; Virginia mandated Anglicanism; Puritan Massachusetts barely tolerated Protestant dissenters and certainly not the beliefs of Native Americans, Africans, Jews or Quakers. This led Quaker Roger Williams to declare “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils,” when he established Rhode Island on the “new” principle of religious freedom. It was against this backdrop that Virgina Gov. Thomas Jefferson declared that no man is truly free as long as his religious beliefs are manipulated by his government. In the 1786 Viriginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, Jefferson wrote: “... Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion...”
He and other founders later made this concept a cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence. As big groups with political clout attempt to bully smaller religious groups in the U.S., let’s appreciate and safeguard our hard-won freedom to worship, or not worship, as we wish. State-sponsored religion never ends well for states or religions. Most of all, let’s be thankful for the right God gives us to follow Him by free – Janine Pumilia choice. ❚ 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. Tell them you saw it in ...Smart Living Weekly
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97th Winnebago County Fair Fun Aug. 15-19 By Peggy Werner
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he Winnebago County Fair is closing in on a century of celebrating agricultural living and all that it offers to people everywhere. The 97th Winnebago County Fair will be Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 15-19, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. New attractions this year include Los Moralitos Circus performing acrobatic acts and Bob Bohm leading interactive family games daily. There will be many interactive events for kids such as Absolute Science, on Thursday through Saturday. Mending Hearts Animal Rescue will show dogs available for adoption, in Moss Hall, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. The Queen and Little Miss Pageant will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday; the Junior Miss Pageant will be at 6 p.m. Thursday; Magic Mike will be strolling the grounds
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Wednesday and Thursday; and National Pedal Pullers will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with registration an hour before the event. A petting zoo is available Wednesday through Sunday and antique tractors will be displayed Wednesday through Sunday, with a parade at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The entertainment tent will feature Blue Steel, a local country music band, at 7 p.m. Aug. 15; Love and Thunder, a country band from Oregon, Ill., at 8 p.m. Thursday; Brushville, an upbeat rock and country band from Bloomington, Ill. at 10 p.m. Friday; Soul 2 Soul, a ’70s rock band, from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday; and Pablo and the Rhythmix, a high-energy show band, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Grandstand events will include High Stakes Rodeo Company Bull Riding and
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Local Barrel Racing at 7 p.m. Wednesday; Truck Races at 7 p.m. Thursday; Badger State Hot Rod Tractor Pulls at 6:30 p.m. Friday; Illini State Pullers Truck Pull at 7 p.m. Saturday; and Demo Derby at 2 p.m. Sunday. All grandstand events are $7 each and free to children under age 8. A Mega Pass ticket for carnival rides is $25 and includes general admission. The passes are good for rides all day and night for one day and can be purchased prior to the opening of the fair at Kelly Williamson Mobil/Kelley’s Market stations. Kyah Bean, Office Manager, is involved in year-round planning for the fair. She assumed her current position five years ago, after attending every fair since she was 2 months old. As a teen, she tagged along to help her Dad, Richard,
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who has served on the board since 1986 and is currently board president. “As I got older, I realized what an impact the fair has on people,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to watch the kids get ready to show their animals. They’ve worked so hard and are so dedicated and excited when it comes time to actually enter the contests.” A junior division for those ages 8 through 18 show beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep and swine in a variety of categories, depending on the animal’s breed
and age. An open division allows people of any age to show an animal. Youths in 4-H clubs also show rabbits and chickens. “You can really see the bond between these people and their animals when they’re in the show ring,” she says. Jim Anderson, honorary director, served on the board for 40 years, until 2004, and was president one year. His father, Floyd, served from 1957 until his death in 1984 and was president three years. Jim’s oldest son, Brian, has served on the board since the mid 1980s, and his other son, Ryan, has given time to the fair for about 10 years. Jim’s daughters, Denise and Brenda, and wife Marilyn, have all worked in the office. “People get involved in the fair either by volunteering or showing animals or making other entries. It seems once a person becomes involved, it becomes a family affair. It’s a matter of
community pride. People decide to pitch in and help, and when they realize what it takes to make the fair happen and keep the grounds clean, they just want to help in any way they can,” he says. Anderson estimates that out of the 27 board members, more than half of them have children or parents involved in doing something for the fair. General admission to the fair, which includes everything but Grandstand events, food and rides, is $5 Wednesday through Sunday and $7 Friday and Saturday. Season passes are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 60 and older and children 9-12; children under 8 are free. Bring two non-perishable, non-expired food items to benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission and receive one free admission pass on Wednesday. Find a complete list of activities and events at winnebagocountyfair.com or email fairinfo@winnebagocountyfair. com. ❚
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How to Water Your Lawn B y To n i R o c h a
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oses out, spigots up. It’s time to begin pampering that lawn as rainy months give way to drier ones. For Robert Ewald, owner of Ewald Services Inc., this means following a few sound rules for helping grass stay consistently green from now until late fall. “When it comes to watering lawns, the best rule of thumb is to follow Mother Nature’s example,” Ewald says. “A good soaking like a natural rain but without leaving puddles of standing water is preferable to frequent light watering. Then let the ground dry out for several days.” With many differing opinions on when to water, Ewald adds, the best plan is to water between 3 and 9 a.m. “If the lawn is watered in the heat of the afternoon, most of the moisture will evaporate without nourishing the grass,” he explains. “If water is applied late at
night, it will stay too wet which can cause grass seed to rot before it sprouts and can make established grass more susceptible to diseases.” For newly seeded areas, Ewald recommends keeping the ground moist in the right measure. “Seeded areas need a different watering regimen,” he adds. “For the seeds to properly root and sprout, the ground needs to be consistently moist, not too dry or too wet. Too dry and the seed won’t germinate, and too much water can wash the seed away or cause it to rot.” With an established watering program, grass should be able to weather almost all of the Midwest’s summer swings. But, Ewald says, for those few weeks in August and September, when semi-drought conditions develop, lawns need a moisture boost.
“This is a two-fold fix,” he adds. “First, water to saturate the ground to a deeper level. Then increase the watering cycle to three times weekly until the drought period ends.” And finally, Ewald suggests that lawns need consistent watering through the beginning of October or as late as Oct. 15 in case of a drier season, not only to keep them green and healthy but also to help root development so that grass can winter over safely. For more information, contact Ewald Yard Services at (815) 877-3500 or visit online at ewaldservices.com. ❚
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The Jimmys to Play Klehm Woodsong Aug. 19 By Peggy Werner
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he popular outdoor Woodsong concert series at Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., will conclude on Aug. 19 with a performance by The Jimmys, a powerful 8-members band heavily influenced by Chicago blues and the sounds of New Orleans. With touring experience throughout the U.S. and Europe, The Jimmys, which formed in Monticello, Wis., have amassed international acclaim. Members have repeatedly garnered Wisconsin’s top honors in Madison Area Music Association Awards, including keyboardist of the year 2015-2018. People are encouraged to come early to tour the arboretum and bring their own chairs, blankets, food and drink to set up a picnic-style evening, says Jim Wojtowicz, special events planner. Klehm will be closed to the general public at 3 p.m. that day, but will reopen
at 4 p.m. for concertgoers to enjoy the grounds. Children can play in the Fountain Garden, now back in operation. Wellbehaved leashed dogs are welcome. Prairie Street Brewhouse will be selling wine and beer. “We’re hoping that people will have a relaxing evening under the open sky and come away with a greater appreciation for the outdoors, and in particular Klehm Arboretum, and will want to return often,” Wojtowicz says. The Woodsong Concerts are a longtime tradition at Klehm, designed to attract people interested in gardening, music and the great outdoors. A variety of artists and musical styles are featured at the concerts that are always held the third Sunday of each summer month. A booth will be set up for people to renew or sign up for an arboretum membership.
Admission is $5 for members or $10 for non-members, online or at the entrance. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Garden Pavilion. Learn more and purchase tickets at Klehm.org. ❚
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Treating the ‘Little Insects’ in Your Eyes By Lindsey Gapen
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loaters aren’t usually a serious problem, but they can be annoying, says Dr. Edward Yavitz, ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye Center, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. “They look like little insects flying around in front of you,” Yavitz says. “It bothers people – they think there’s something in front of them when there’s not. It’s actually a problem inside the eye.” People often complain of floaters after they get cataract surgery, Yavitz adds. Floaters are also more common in people who are nearsighted or who have had inflammation in their eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that float inside the
of you, and are easier to notice when looking at something plain, like a blank wall or blue sky. Though floaters tend to fade away over time, ophthalmologists can remove severe occurrences by surgery. Yavitz removes floaters at his office, saving patients up to $500 in comparison to going to a surgery center. “I use a laser to remove them,” Yavitz says. “I can see them by shining a light into the eye under a lens. They look like little white specks floating around, and I use the laser to disintegrate them.” ❚ (Paid Advertorial)
vitreous of your eye. These tiny clumps look like small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. They deceivingly appear to be floating in front
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Plan Ahead to Obtain Financial Aid By Peggy Werner
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inancial aid for the college-bound and trade school entrants is available for people of all ages, but you have to plan ahead, start early, and do your homework. “There’s only so much money available, so the earlier you start, the better, and the more time you’ll have to fill in the gaps by getting aid from a variety of sources,” says Matt Lynch, marketing director for MembersAllliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “Most importantly, you need to be aware of deadlines and when the application process begins.” Regardless of what type of aid you get and how much, the first order of business is to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form online to determine eligibility, he says. This Federal fund application for the 2019-2020 school year will become available midOctober 2018.
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Filling out the form gives you access to types of aid you may not have to pay back and loans you won’t have to pay back until after you graduate. In addition, credit unions, banks and other lenders have private student loans, which, like any other loan, are based on the borrower and co-borrower’s ability to repay, and usually have favorable interest rates. If you know what school you’ll be attending, you can also apply directly to the school for grants, scholarships and work programs. Most of these require a level of
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academic excellence, number of completed credit hours, and require maintaining a certain grade point average. There may be additional options for financial aid depending on your career path, which could also come into play when paying back student loans, whether or not you would be eligible to be placed on an income-based repayment plan. Web site and mobile apps can provide information on scholarships and grants. It’s important to note that student aid is not limited to high school seniors. It’s also available to people of any age who want to change careers, get promoted or attend certain trade schools. “It’s a good idea to apply for as many scholarships and grants as you possibly can, and do so every year,” says Lynch. “If you don’t try, you’ll never know what money is available. Most people will qualify for some type of loan. It takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it.” ❚
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
ILLINOIS, USA
Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all 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
Music on the Mall – Edgebrook Most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair. 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.
Rockford, IL 61101
1.800.521.0849
gorockford.com
Music in the Park Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell and other locations. Check website for full schedule. (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Rockford City Market Friday nights to Sept. 28, featuring music by Christi Letsinger on Aug. 10. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Aug. 14 with Cordovas of Madison, Tenn. and hometown band Swingbilly RFD opening. Gates open at 5 p.m., 5:45 performance. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. Winnebago County Fair Aug. 15-19, at the county fairgrounds in Pecatonica. See our story, p. 16. AJG: On the Wings of Bats Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Barbara Williams, naturalist, photographer and lecturer, speaks about bats in Japanese art and design, as well as bats found in other countries and northern Illinois. Reg. requested. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. RAM Midwestern Biennial Show Now to Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Tunes on the Terrace: Paper Airplane Aug. 15, 6-8 p.m. The acoustic guitar and vocal duo of Noel and Amy Nickel perform songs from the ’60s to today. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg. 'The Realistic Joneses' Aug. 16-Sept. 8, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. Meet the Joneses, two suburban couples with identical homes and shared last names. As their relationships begin to intertwine, they must decide between their idyllic fantasies and their imperfect realities. [usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center. rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Winnebago County Fair is Aug. 15-19.
Polish Fest Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. The 37th annual event includes a traditional Polish dinner, games, exhibits, music, dancing and more. On the grounds of St. Stanislaus Parish, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford. Free admission. Learn more at St-Stanislaus.org. Klehm Woodsong Concert: The Jimmys Aug. 19, 6 p.m. Grounds open at 4 p.m. Bring a blanket & picnic, and enjoy the music of this eight-piece band, influenced by Chicago blues and New Orleans funk. (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. Tunes on the Terrace: Kelly Steward Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m. The Rockford singer/ songwriter entertains with haunting indieflavored country meditations. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg. ‘Private Eyes’ Aug. 24-Sept. 9, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A comedy of suspicion in which nothing is ever quite what it seems. Pec Playhouse Theatre, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org. Guitarzapalooza Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The lineup for this year’s Crossroads Blues Festival includes Toronzo Cannon and The Monster Mike Welch/Mike Ledbetter bands. Lyran Park, 4791 South Bend Road, Rockford, (779) 537-4006, crossroadsbluesfestival.com. Tunes on the Terrace: Kevin Earlywine Aug. 29, 6-8 p.m. Local singer/songwriter Earlywine incorporates familiar classics from the ’50s and ’60s. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg. ❚
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Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen
By Janine Pumilia
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ears before he opened it, owner Nikko Castrogiovanni mulled over the concept for Baci’s Kitchen in his mind. He envisioned a fast-casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner that would become a neighborhood favorite because of its good food, reasonable prices and fast service all day long. Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. Much of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service, but full table service is available as well. “The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many healthconscious and vegetarian options,” says Castrogiovanni. For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spin-
ach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price. There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey. “The breakfast pizzas are great to pick up and take into morning office gatherings,” says Castrogiovanni. The lunch/dinner menu begins at 11 a.m. daily and includes sandwiches, paninis, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet or lasagna. Especially popular are Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls such as the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamame and shredded carrots, for $14. Other protein bowls star chicken, seared tuna, steak, shrimp or vegetables with quinoa.
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. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South 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. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$
3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.
Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$
Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.
Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.
Rock Cut Concessions Casual American. BkLD. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry.
Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$
Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.
Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.
Union Dairy Ice cream treats, grill food. Locally sourced. 126 E. Douglas, Freeport. LD Daily 11am-10 pm. Grill closed Sundays and after 8 pm. $$.
GreenFire Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-
Thrive Café Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚
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Entrees like stacked salmon feature a pan-seared salmon filet topped with sautéed radishes, carrots, tomatoes, orange slices, for $20. Enjoy live music most Friday and Saturday nights; check the website to learn the lineup. Baci’s opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m. Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚
August 8 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Union Alchemy Dairy
T
he trendy his Union restaurant Dairy, 26 E. inside Douglas GiovanSt., ni’s, Freeport, 610 N.sells Bell old-fashioned School Road, Rocktreats like ford, offers cones,ansundaes, out-of-the-ordinary banana splits experiand handmade ence in a big-city sodas,atmosphere. malts and root beer floats, “Alchemy made with has51itsflavors own vibe of iceand cream. feel,” says Al It also Castrogiovanni, has a grill that chefserves and founder. 19 kinds “I of always hamburgers, had a vision plusandhot knew dogs, what brats I wantand sandwiches, ed to do. Weand do a Freeport-made lot of out-of-the-box Mrs. Mike’s thinkingpotato and customize chips. It fries everything.” up onion rings, cheese The curds, full service dill pickles, bar features sweet36potato craft waffle beers fries on tap. andEverything more. on the menu is madeThe from burger scratch meat with is ground fresh ingredients. fresh daily at family-owned Pizzas made from Harbach handcrafted Meats, indough, Freeport with names since 1929. like Chicago The cheese Dog and is made Thai Pie, at Springrook are baked inCheese a wood-fi Factory re oven. in Classic nearby fare Davis, includes Ill. Union pastas, Dairy soups, also salads, sells burgers customized and ice cream cakes, cookie ice cream sandwiches, all with a special twist,sandand wiches and hand-packed ice cream quarts. daily specials. Hours: Daily 11 lunch a.m.-1011p.m. untilp.m. LaAlchemy serves a.m.-2 bor Day; then a.m.-9 The Mon.-Fri.; andTues.-Sun. dinner 11 4-10 p.m.p.m. Mon.grill Thurs. closes and at4-11 8 p.m. p.m. daily Fri.-Sat. and isThe closed baron is Sundays. open later. ❚ ❚
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August 8 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Y O
Beach Fun at Aug. 11 ‘Shop the Blocks’ T
his year marks the fourth Shop the Blocks season in downtown Rockford. The 2018 River District Association Board of Directors has ushered in a new era for the popular retail event by partnering with other local organizations and giving each event a theme. The final Shop the Block event of the season will be School House Rock the Blocks on Saturday, Aug. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. and will provide one last summer hurrah before everyone settles back into the school year routine. “We really wanted to diversify the entertainment downtown this year,” says Missy Minnaert, River District Association Executive Director. “People want to do more than just shop when they come downtown. It’s about the whole experience – eating, walking around, listening to music, etc.” The August Shop the Blocks is a fam-
ily friendly event that will emphasize back-to-school specials for kids. School House Rock the Blocks is partnering with organizations such as Midway Village, Rocktown Adventures and the YMCA. Local shops will feature specials on items like shoes and clothing. And what’s a last hurrah without one last trip to the beach? The River District is bringing the beach to downtown. Several large sandboxes will be set up along Water Street next to the water fountain. Bring your beach gear and spend the afternoon building sand castles along the river. Downtown retailers participating in Shop the Blocks have specially made shopping bags from Rockford Art Deli to promote their specials. Those bags will be
given to customers who come and shop during School House Rock the Blocks, and consumers are encouraged to bring the bags they received at either of the past two Shop the Blocks events. They’re made possible by a donation from Illinois Bank & Trust. Learn more about volunteering for Shop the Blocks or participating as a themed vendor by emailing marketing@ riverdistrict.com. ❚
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August 8 To advertise call 815-316-2300
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