Smart Living Weekly - May 31, 2017

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • May 31, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

German Valley Days ...

Big Fun in a Small Town

See Page 16

Your Beautiful Landscape Is LASIK Eye Surgery Right for You? Baby’s First Foods How Dirty are Your Ducts?

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4 Tickets to the Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36 See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 German Valley Days Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 How Dirty are Your Ducts?

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 What is Pentacost Sunday?

SATURDAY 9 - 5 | SUNDAY 9 - 4 100 VENDORS LIVE MUSIC! LOTSA FOOD! BEER TENT FREE PARKING SHUTTLE SERVICE

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Grilling Life Outdoor Living .............................................19, 21 Landscaping Tips; What to Plant Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treatment for Varicose Veins Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Is LASIK Right for You? Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

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Your Money .............................................. .........29 How to Buy a Car

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 Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky 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 2017 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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Great Sacrifices D

id you have fun over the long weekend?

It was good to pause amid the grilling and swilling to remember the purpose of Memorial Day: to honor those who have lost their lives in service to our country. It’s not to be confused with Veterans Day, a November holiday for honoring living U.S. veterans.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, after the Civil War, when the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated with flowers – hence the late May date, when flowers bloom all over the nation.

Decoration Day morphed into Memorial Day and expanded in purpose to honor the war dead from all U.S. wars. It didn’t become a federal holiday until 1971 – when some 156,000 U.S. troops, 25 percent of them drafted, were fighting in Vietnam and war protestors filled the streets here at home.

Over the weekend, I asked friends what Memorial Day means to them. Some view it as a day of remembrance for all loved ones who’ve passed from our lives, military or not. Others view it as a time to honor all people killed by war, including civilians. Others are vehement that the day belongs to our military war dead alone and I tend to agree.

As we talked, some folks expressed regret that Americans have, at times, wrongly blamed soldiers for decisions made by policymakers, as during Vietnam. Since World War II, wars have increasingly lacked the kind of clarity of purpose that solidified public support in the 1940s. Few of us can explain the objectives of the Korean War, Vietnam War or Middle East wars, however.

This is in no way the fault of the soldiers who came of age during those wars. If there is any blame to be laid, it falls at the feet of policymakers and those of us who elected them.

We’ve been at war for most of the past 26 years and for all of the past 14 years. We are war weary. Even so, a precious few have carried a heavy burden for us all. The very least we can do is honor their extraordinary sacrifice. ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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How Dirty are Your Ducts?

Y H  G

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

M

ost people would be surprised to see how much dirt builds up inside the air ducts of their homes, but not James Wells. As owner of Air Quality Management, which specializes solely in duct cleaning, he knows the dirt on ducts.

“The main reason people have their ducts cleaned is to reduce allergens and dust in the home,” says Wells. “The furnace or air conditioner sucks air in through its lines, heats or cools it and distributes it back into the rooms. It’s the return ducts that are dirtiest. The pet dander and other debris build up and some of it gets redistributed throughout the home.”

Air Quality Management uses a 20-horsepower vacuum to pull debris outside the home as it cleans.

“It’s powerful enough to pick up a 16-pound bowling ball,” says Wells.

“That’s important because it means the

dirt is not going back into the home as we disturb it.”

Wells recommends cleaning ducts every five to seven years, depending on your allergy sensitivity and how many pets and people live in the home making dander and dirt.

“Sometimes owners of a newly constructed home will hire us to clean the drywall dust and other debris from a home before they move in, too,” he adds.

The cost of cleaning ducts in a typical ranch home is about $350 and requires 2 or 3 hours. A larger two-story home is $450 to $550 and takes 3 or 4 hours.

Air Quality Management also professionally cleans dryer vents.

“This is important because a plugged dryer vent is a fire hazard,” says Wells.

“Also, when a dryer hose is plugged, clothing takes a lot longer to dry and en-

ergy costs increase.”

Air Quality Management cleans ducts in residential, commercial and industrial structures.

To get an estimate on cleaning your ducts, call Wells at (815) 962-9007. ❚

JASON SNORECK 630-239-8545

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I  W

Why Pentecost Matters So Much

S

ometimes we lose sight of the most important things we have. But much like finding old treasure in an attic, the rediscovery can be magical. So it is with the gift of holy spirit, first given to followers of Christ on a Jewish holiday more than 2,000 years ago.

On Sunday, June 4, Christians around the world will celebrate Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter and closes the Easter season. It marks the day God chose to equip His children with the spiritual power and courage needed to carry Christ’s message to the world.

In Acts 1:4-5, just before he ascends to Heaven, the resurrected Christ tells his apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift his Father has promised them.

“For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy spirit.”

By Acts 2:1, when the day of Pentecost had come, miracles commenced. After receiving holy spirit and witnessing the miracles, Peter boldly quotes the prophesy of Joel, about the coming of this day, then bravely preaches Christ. Shortly before this, he had been denying Christ and cowering in fear of authorities. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41).

It’s significant that God chose the Jewish holiday of Pentecost to bestow the gift of holy spirit on mankind. Also known as the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost (“penta” means five) commemorates the day Moses received the law (Torah) on Mt. Sinai, 50 days after death “passed over” (hence Passover) the firstborn Jews in Egypt who painted their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb to escape the 10th plague wrought by God through Moses.

So, the Age of Law began at Sinai 50 days after Passover; the Age of Love began in Jerusalem 50 days after Easter, when holy spirit was given to those who believe in Jesus Christ, “our Passover lamb” (I Cor. 5:7b), who spilled his blood, causing eternal death to “pass over” those who believe, even to this day.

Enjoy your treasure hunting in Acts chapters 1 and 2. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Tips for Your Baby’s First Foods T

here are endless exciting firsts in your baby’s life, from the first smile and laugh, to the first time he or she sits up or speaks. It can be beautiful and exhilarating, but also uncertain and messy.

Introducing solid foods is no different, but you also know that your walls, floors and clothes may never look the same. These suggestions from pediatric health expert Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP can help you decide what foods to introduce to your little one.

Avocados Avocados are high in potassium, fiber and healthy monounsaturated fat, which is good for growing brains and hearts of all ages.

Yogurt Dairy products are healthy for children and packed with a powerful punch of nine essential nutrients: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin and niacin. Although babies under a year old

should not drink regular cow’s milk, yogurt and cheese can and should be introduced around six months.

Nut Butters Nut butters are healthy and convenient options. Nutrient-wise, they offer vegetarian protein, vitamin E and healthy monounsaturated fats.

Berries Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are high in fiber and contain vitamin C, antioxidants and other minerals your child’s body needs to function normally, stay healthy and protect against disease later in life.

Vegetables People who eat more veggies are linked to lower disease rates and a healthier weight. Green vegetables in particular contain almost every vitamin and mineral. Orange veggies are also packed with nutrition, and babies can quickly take to their sweet taste and bright color.

The next step is removing those

stains that resulted from another first in your baby’s life – a solo food fight. First, scrape away the excess stain and rinse with cool water. Next, apply a stain solution such as Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster to the stain and rub in. After 10 minutes, wash in hot water using detergent and more stain remover.

Visit Clorox.com to learn how to keep cherished baby clothes looking new – perhaps for future hand-me-downs. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Experience ‘Buckets of Fun’ in German Valley G

By Jermaine Pigee erman Valley only has about 500 people, but the community is ready to put on an annual event that typically draws four times its population.

The 44th annual German Valley Days will take place June 9-11 at Ben Miller Memorial Park in German Valley, 30 minutes west of Rockford and about 15 minutes southeast of Freeport.

Event organizers expect to welcome about 2,000 people.

“It’s a very clean, family oriented festival and we hope to draw people from other communities to join us,” says Donna Smith, chairperson of the festival planning committee. “I’m pretty proud that, as small as we are, we’re able to offer the things we do.”

The community-wide event is supported and celebrated by most of the residents in this Stephenson County

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hamlet. Nearly everyone pitches in, mainly through the local Lions Club, the Village of German Valley, its businesses, organizations and churches.

While events occur in various locations throughout the village, most of the action takes place in Ben Miller Park, next to the German Valley Historical Museum on Church Street.

Events on June 9 will begin at 5 p.m., with concessions, vendors, pony rides, inflatable rides and carnival games.

Other activities include a dunk tank and a Celebration Supper hosted by the Silver Creek Church youth group.

There will also be a Little Miss & Mister German Valley Pageant and German Valley Area’s Most Valuable Person Award Presentation.

The annual “Run the Valley” 5K and one-mile Fun Run begins June 10

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at 8 a.m. at German Valley Grade School, followed by the start of the Antique Tractor Show and the German Valley Lions Car Show.

A flyover by the Albertus Airport Pilots (weather permitting) will lead the way for the start of the German Valley Days “Buckets of Fun” parade June 10 at 1:30 p.m. The day’s activities also include a fireworks display in the Lake

R  O R

Balaton Area.

June 11 will start with “Festival of Praise,” a community worship service at Ben Miller Park at 10 a.m. followed by a dodge ball tournament at 1 p.m.

There will also live music throughout the weekend. Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos of Crystal Lake, Ill., will bring their creative, high-energy and interactive show to the stage June 10 at 7 p.m.

Earlier in the day, singer/songwriter and Geneva, Ill. native Adam Linder takes the stage at 2:30 p.m.

There will also be plenty of activities for kids, including a coloring contest, petting zoo, a pig scramble, pie eating contest and a kiddie tractor pull.

This year’s theme is “Buckets of Fun” and, because of that, many of the activities have something to do with buckets.

For example, in one of the newest competitions, “Buckets of Junk,” which will be judged on June 9, teams are given a bucket with identical items and told to build an object.

“We picked out some odd stuff and you have to build some recognizable object out of it and it will be judged,” Smith says. “The contestants already have their buckets and are working on their entries.”

Participants will also try to shoot a bucket during a basketball-shooting contest on June 10 at 11 a.m.

There’s also the popular “Trivia Wars Game Show” competition, which will take place June 9 at 7:30 p.m. The

team with the biggest bucket of knowledge wins.

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the festival, and Smith is hoping Mother Nature behaves herself.

“We try to make this event attractive to people, but a lot of it depends on the weather,” she says. “The parade, car show and tractor show, for example, depend on the weather.”

While German Valley Days gives residents a chance to celebrate the history of their community, it also allows guests to experience its charm.

“We are small and a lot of people probably think we can’t do anything big, but we can,” Smith says. “It always warms my heart to have people come here and see the events that we offer. For one weekend, this puts us on the map.”

Admission is free. Learn more about German Valley Days at Stephensoncounty-il.org or call Smith at (815) 3623671 before the event and at (815) 5410853 during the event. ❚

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O L

Landscape Success: It Pays Off to Do Things Right

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

K

eep it simple but do it right.

With 25 years of landscape design and maintenance under his belt, that’s the advice Joe Taylor most often gives to customers. As the owner of Changing Seasons Landscaping & Maintenance in Belvidere, Ill., he’s seen the cost of taking shortcuts.

“Whether your project is big or small, the important thing is to develop a good plan, use high-quality materials and work with good people to implement it and maintain it,” says Taylor. “Over the years, I’ve often been called in to fix problems caused by people who didn’t know what they were doing.”

Knowledge of design principles, hardscape materials and quality plants is not optional.

“It’s not enough to go to the big-box store, buy some plants, stick them in the ground and hope for the best,” says Tay-

lor. “You have to choose quality plants and the right plants for the location, plant them correctly and follow through with fertilizing and pruning when needed. It’s sad when homeowners neglect plants and then wonder why they die.”

Enhancing a landscape doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either.

“Curb appeal is very important and often very affordable to achieve,” says Taylor. “I tell customers to give me a budget and I’ll help them to make the most of it. I spend time listening to people; what can they realistically handle in terms of budget and maintenance time?”

Taylor’s business serves homes and businesses in the northern Illinois area with lawn care, landscape design/maintenance and retaining wall/hardscape construction. It specializes in curb appeal packages that may include edging, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, mulching,

driveway sealing, power washing and planting.

“People should be careful about who they allow to work on their properties,” cautions Taylor. “An inexperienced landscaper may do more harm than good.

There’s a skill to cultivating living things.

“I find it very gratifying to help a property look its best and to see the owners enjoy it.”

Learn more at Changingseasonslandscaping.com or call (847) 276-8833 to set up an appointment. ❚

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O L

Container Gardening: Ready, Set, Plant!

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor ontainer gardening is popular these “It’s important not to crowd too days because it’s manageable and many plants in a container,” says Gensler rewarding, says Scott Gensler of Gensler “In a 10-inch pot, three premium plants Gardens, 102 Orth Road in Loves Park is plenty. A 14-inch pot could take maybe th and 8631 11 St., Davis Junction. You five to six.” can buy a ready-to-go pot or plant your Before you buy, do think hard about own containers at home. where the container will be placed. SunWhether you prefer palettes of very hungry plants won’t thrive in shade and bright colors, soft pastels, monochromatshade plants may wilt in full sun. Also ic or contrasting hues, try to mix up the consider your sightlines. textures, recommends Gensler. “There “For example, if your location is are no firm rules except to buy plants that very high, you’d be better off buying you like to look at and have fun,” he says. plants that trail over the edge so you can One foolproof suggestion is the actually see them,” says Gensler. thriller-spiller-filler concept. Choose a Make sure your container provides bold, tall statement plant as a focal point adequate drainage and water often. (the thriller); a plant or two with a trailing “Probably the No. 1 mistake people habit to spill over the side of the containmake is inadequately watering hanging er (spillers); and some filler plants that baskets and containers, which dry out complement the colors and textures of faster than plants in the ground,” says the other plants. And remember that not Gensler. “I tell people to water until you all plants need flowers to be interesting. see it coming out the bottom.”

C

Paper pulp-based hanging baskets are better for plants than plastic because pulp expands and contracts with the moisture level and allows for more even watering.

Fertilize plants regularly and enjoy! ❚

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Y H

Positive Feedback for LASIK Surgery

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

W

hen it comes to advertising, wordof-mouth recommendations have a high credibility. The free opinion of a trusted friend or family member carries more weight than any paid-for commercial.

Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, Dr. Edward Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, attracts patients from across the Midwest for LASIK eye surgery – a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea in order to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.

“I have 10,000 happy LASIK patients, which creates quite a sales force,” Yavitz says. “All you have to do is go to the Internet and see the comments.”

With such positive word-of-mouth feedback, Yavitz spends less on advertising and keeps fees for LASIK up to 50 percent less than other offices.

“People like to go to someone who has a lot of experience,” Yavitz says, “And I’m operating on second and even third generations of family members now since I began. That’s real experience.”

Yavitz completes three steps during a LASIK procedure. First, he precisely creates a flap and folds back a thin layer of the cornea. Second, using an excimer laser, he removes an exact amount of corneal tissue in seconds. Finally, he folds the corneal tissue back into place, allowing it to adhere without the need for stitches.

Yavitz performs more than 100 LASIK eye surgeries per month and has taught LASIK around the world. He even has several patents for devices used to

make LASIK a safer, more predictable surgery.

To schedule a free consultation regarding LASIK, call (815) 395-8338 or visit Yavitz Eye Center at 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. ❚

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

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May 31

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

FAM: Wish You Were Here Exhibition Through Aug. 11, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. In today’s world of ever-changing technology and social media, the art of postcard Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com and letter writing has largely gone by the wayside. This artistic exhibition acknowledges these changes with a salute to postcards as throwbacks to the days when communicating with loved ones was just as much a part of the adventure as the actual act of traveling. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Ski Broncs Waterski Shows Through Sept. 1, Wed. & Fri. 7 p.m. The Rockford Ski Broncs’ perform a dazzling water ski show. It’s like Cirque du Soleil on the Rock River. Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park, Ill., skibroncs.com.

Edgebrook Farmers Market Through Oct. 1, Wed. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Local farmers display vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants as well as fresh organic goods, baked breads & sweet treats, artisan cheeses, maple syrup, honey, locally raised free-range meats, farm-fresh eggs, jams and jellies. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.

Rockford Town Fair June 1-4, Th-Fri.. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Experience a family-friendly event complete with rides, games and "fair" food and drinks. Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, (855) 821-9211, rockfordtownfair.com.

First Fridays Downtown Rockford June 2, 5 p.m. Downtown art galleries, shops and music venues work together to stay open late and provide new art, music and goods. Downtown Rockford, facebook.com/FirstFridaysRockford.

First Friday Book Sale June 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stock up on fiction, nonfiction, paperback and hardcover books for adults and children. Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 965-6731, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Garden Fair Weekend June 3-4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. Prepare for more than 100 vendors, a variety of snack op-

Garden Fair Weekend Arboretum on June 3-4.

returns

to

Klehm

tions and live entertainment. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Summer Victorian Tea June 4, 2-4 p.m. The menu includes three courses of savories, scones and sweets, plus endless pots of summer teas. Discover the history of 19th century cosmetics and hairdressing with a special presentation and your own project. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Starlight Presents “Beauty and the Beast” June 7-10, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; July 5-9, Wed-Sun. 8 p.m. This classic story follows Belle, a young woman in a provincial French town who becomes a captive of the Beast, who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsymphony.com.

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens: Jakubi June 6, Join friends and family for an evening of live music and comradery in a beautiful outdoor setting. Guests are allowed to set up picnic areas starting at 5 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase from local vendors. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome - carry-in beverages are prohibited. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Wildflower Walkabout: Kieselburg Forest Preserve June 7, 6 p.m. Discover the natural beauties of native prairie remnants and restorations of North Central Illinois. Kiseslburg Forest Preserve, 5801 Swanson Road, Roscoe, naturallandinstitute.tumblr.com. ❚

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

Smart Living Weekly

May 31

25

WDL

By Peggy Werner

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café is keeping all that’s good and introducing new and more home-style menu items, more bakery choices, a new web site and new people.

Leading the way is Head Chef Todd Cooper, hired in September, who has an energetic determination to raise the bar even higher on what it means to entice and satisfy customers.

“I feel I’ve taken the café to the next level of quality. I want to continue to develop the menu. I don’t want it to sit still. I want to grow and have the restaurant grow with me,” he says.

Cooper is following the farm-totable trend so popular in restaurants today, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible. He plans to introduce new foods as specials before making them a part of the menu.

One of his most popular creations so far is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, made with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and fresh portabella mushrooms.

Other new dishes introduced by Cooper include a Mutated Reuben sandwich, made with a homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage; a roast beef sandwich smothered in muenster cheese and a homemade mushroom sauce; and a Cordon Bleu sandwich made with his version of a honey Dijon sauce, piled high with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.

A new computerized menu board above the café counter, where people place their orders, will help customers to keep pace with what changes Cooper

9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., FreeRockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30 am-3 pm.; Sat. 8 port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. am-3 pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 31

Todd Cooper

is introducing, such as daily and weekly features, which won’t be repeated for weeks at a time.

The many signature dishes the café already is known for will remain, including the BBQ pulled pork, which is smoked in-house, and the tender, savory pot roast sandwich.

Eventually, there will be a wide variety of quesadillas, flatbreads, more soups, and a larger variety of seasonal salads and wraps. The soups will be made with homemade stock and lots of fresh vegetables and meat. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

26

Samantha Ryan’s photos

Hearthrock Café Menu Evolves Under New Chef

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

L

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and and seafood selections.

Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history.

Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historical photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel.

Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

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May 31

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May 31

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Be Prepared When Seeking New Wheels T

he average cost of a new vehicle today is around $30,000. Whether you desire a shiny, brand new car or are content with a reliable used ride, you want to get the most for your money.

The actual process of researching, financing and buying a car doesn’t need to be scary or intimidating. Careful research and planning will help you get the right vehicle at the best financial deal for you.

Getting pre-approved for the loan gives you purchasing power.

“This way you know how much you can spend, plus what your monthly payment and interest rate will be,” says Lorna Cote, marketing director at Cornerstone Credit Union. “Armed with cash and confidence, you can start your search.”

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a vehicle. Here are a few: • Quality, Reliability – check consumer-

reports.org • New, used or certified “preowned” – affordability, depreciation (Edmunds.com) • Highway vs. city driving – fuel economy, hybrid (iihs. org) • Size and safety requirements – family, travel plans • How long you plan to keep it - lease or buy?

• Your budget – operating, maintaining, insuring, repairing • Trade-in Value and Selling Price – (NADA.com) Refinancing a current vehicle loan can also offer money-saving rewards.

You might reduce your debt and increase your cash flow at the same time.

“If rates are lower now than when you borrowed for your car, refinancing can make sense as long as you are not too

YEAH BOY! This is thE Life!

far into the loan term,” says Cote.

Factors that can affect your ability to refinance include age and condition of the car, your credit score, other debt and employment status.

Your local financial institution is a great place to start whether you’re buying or looking to refinance. It will help steer you in the right direction to save money. ❚ Source: Credit Union National Association Inc.

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

May 31

29

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