Sm mart a r L iving ma Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • March 27, 2019
™
Right in Our Region
Home & Garden Showcase Welcomes Springtime
See Page 16
Money Smart Week! Organize Your Home A Sweet Spot for Kids Why You Should Test for Radon Time to Update Your Kitchen or Bath?
FREE WIN!
2 tickets to Thomas the Tank Engine at the Discovery Center Museum See Pg. 28 Details
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Smart Living Weekly
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In This Issue
THERE’S SPRING CLEANING...AND THEN THERE’S PROFESSIONAL SPRING CLEANING.
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Springtime Home & Garden Showcase Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 Making a Remodel Easier; Organize Your Home Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Only One Face Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Savory Fish & Potatoes
FOR A CLEANER & HEALTHIER HOME™
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Your Health ............................................. ....21, 23 Local Nurses Nationally Recognized Your Outing ............................................. .........24 A Sweet Spot for Kids Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Capital House Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money ........................................ ............... 29 Money Smart Week Events
Smart L iving Weekly ™
Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Must present promo code at time of service. Valid at participating locations only. Residential only. Cannot be used for water emergency services. Combined living areas, L-shaped rooms and rooms over 300 sq. ft. are considered 2 areas. Baths, halls, large walk-in closets and area rugs are priced separately. Offer does not include protector and deodorizer. Sectional sofas may not be separated. Sofas over 7 ft. and certain fabrics may incur additional charges. Offer not applicable to leather furniture. As applicable, discount applies to the smallest furniture item of equal or lesser size. As applicable, discount applies to the smallest furniture item of equal or lesser size. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Anthony Franklin Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2019 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Our Happy Places O
ur dog Brody suggested we take a spring walk at Rock Cut State Park last Saturday, so we did. Because it was muddy, we headed for the paved trail near the dam. Plenty of other dogs were out walking their humans, too, and everyone seemed intoxicated by the warmer temps, after a long, exhausting winter. On the way to our trailhead, we found the main road partly closed and had to reverse course to circle the lake the other direction. All along the open road, extensive brush and sizeable cut trees were piled high. Being a Nosy Nellie, I placed a call to the park office Monday morning to ask about the cut trees and was told the state is rebuilding the road around the lake and adding a biking/hiking trail. This was news to me and very good news! If you’ve ever hiked or biked that road, you know how much traffic moves through the park on a busy day. The three-phase upgrade should be completed by November, a park employee said, and while they’re clearing brush and trees from the roadside, they’re also removing plant life that “shouldn’t be there” – invasive species, diseased trees and the like. Like so many of you, I cherish that park and all the memories I’ve made in it for five decades now. I have photos of family picnics there before I was even born. From breakfast cookouts with grandparents to school field trips, Scouting outings, paddleboat excursions, long walks with girlfriends (and boyfriends) and countless visits with my children, it’s my second-best happy place, after my own backyard. My grown kids and I still occasionally return to a special place in the park where we once made little “boats” out of leaves and sticks and raced them down a stream. I’ve spent countless hours hiking those trails alone, finding solace in the most turbulent moments of my life. There’s never been a time I didn’t leave the park feeling more peaceful than when I entered it. Our public parks and forest preserves promote what we desperately need more of in this sly and frantic world – sanity! They belong to YOU so get out and enjoy them! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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At Gustafson’s, You Can Try It Before You Buy It!
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Yes, You Do Have Time to Remodel By Janine Pumilia
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oday’s homeowners are busy people who want their homes to look nice but don’t have a lot of time for big projects like bathroom or kitchen updates. For them, it’s ideal to work with a reputable company that offers everything from design services to full product lines and will coordinate with subcontractors from start to finish. C & H Design Center is such a place. “It’s really a big advantage to work with one person and sometimes it even saves you money,” says Tod Chapman, owner. His 6,000-foot showroom, at 6506 Logan Ave., in Belvidere, Ill., showcases all the elements needed for any size job, including several lines of cabinets and counters, tile, hardware, fixtures, shower systems and flooring. It serves customers within a 65-mile radius, including Rockford, Freeport, southern Wisconsin and Chicago suburbs.
“Our pricing is comparable to home centers, but we carry a bigger selection of better quality products at all price points,” he says. “When you do a kitchen remodel with us, you’ll get a schedule of who is going to be there, on which day, doing what.” C & H takes on any size project. Larger jobs may involve changing the whole footprint of a room, removing walls or building additions. Smaller jobs may involve updating a bathroom or adding a kitchen tile backsplash before a home goes on the market. “Some homeowners think ahead and make changes that will allow them to stay at home longer when they age, such as installing zero-barrier showers,” Chapman says. “Others just want to freshen things up. Replacing a bathroom vanity, countertop, lighting, mirror and paint, for what little it costs, is well worth it, in terms of helping a home to sell faster.”
Today’s customers are choosing cabinetry with clean lines – “maybe a Shaker style with a little detail” – often in stained or painted woods with little graining. In the bathroom, many clients are removing large tubs and installing larger showers that have more features. Quartz, a man-made composite, is the rising star for countertops. “Quartz is very safe for food prep, stain-resistant and maintenance-free,” Chapman says. Learn more at chbuildersinc.com or call (815) 547-8453. ❚
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I W
One Face Matters
T
hroughout scripture, God asks us to do something difficult. He asks us to answer to Him and not to the powers of this world. He asks us to focus on His invisible face rather than man’s definition of “success.” Much of the time we fail at this, but don’t feel bad. The apostles made the same mistake, even after witnessing the miracle of resurrection in person. As resurrected Jesus is attempting to instruct them on how to receive the greatest gift ever given, their minds wander to the politics of their day. Acts 1:4-6: On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Notice how he refocuses their attention to what matters to Him – the invitation for all of the world, not merely Israel, to enter his family. It is revolutionary. Acts 1:7-9: He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Physcially, Jesus has been hidden from our sight ever since. But his words endure through scripture and he expects us to know them so that we can live them. In that way, Jesus is seen in us. If we label ourselves “Christian” but never study his words, we can’t know him, much less model his behavior. The more we study Jesus’ words, the clearer he becomes to us and the better able we are to fix our gaze upon the one face that matters. The old hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangley dim in the light of his glory and grace.” To think spiritually takes effort. But the rewards are unsurpassed. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I – Janine Pumilia unto you.” (John 14:27) ❚ 12
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March 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Tasty Fish & Tater Supper T
ry this delicious baked fish with lemon pepper seasoning and onions. Find more tasty recipes at USDA.gov.
Baked Fish
Servings: 4 Nonstick cooking spray 1 lb. fish fillets (whitefish, trout or tilapia) 1 onion, sliced 2 tsp. vegetable oil 1/4 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning Salt & pepper to taste Heat oven to 350 F. Place 12-inch piece of foil on counter and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Place fillets in middle of foil skin-side down. Spread sliced onions, salt, pepper and oil on top of fillets. Add lemon pepper seasoning, if desired. Fold foil over fish. Place foil pouch on baking sheet and bake fish 15-20 minutes until it reaches 145 F on a food thermometer and is flaky when tested with fork.
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Fingerling Potato Salad
Servings: 6 1.5 lbs. fingerling potatoes 2 large lemons, divided 2 C water 3 TB white balsamic vinegar 3 TB extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds 3/4 tsp. whole coriander seed 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1/3 C chopped fresh dill 2 C baby arugula In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly. Slice one lemon into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In small saucepan, combine sliced lemon, water and kosher salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lemon slices are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain lemons then coarsely chop. Cut remaining lemon in half and squeeze out 2 TB juice. In small bowl, mix
chopped lemons, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar and oil. Coarsely crush cumin and coriander seeds using mortar and pestle. Mix seeds into lemon dressing. Season, to taste, with pepper. Cut lukewarm potatoes in half lengthwise. Place in large, shallow bowl. Mix in green onions and dill. Pour lemon dressing over and toss to coat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss gently. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
You Deserve Brent’s Unsurpassed Service Brent Hammack, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Brent’s Customers Have to Say:
I would highly recommend using Brent!!!! He’s very helpful with everything and doesn’t stop looking for you until you’re happy. I will be using him again when I buy another home!!!
Ryan Welu 815-509-5101 • bhammack@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/bhammack
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R O R
Home and Garden Showcase is April 6 & 7 By Peggy Werner ith the promise of spring now clearly in view, it’s time to gather ideas to refresh and renovate your home, yard and gardens. The 16th annual Home and Garden Showcase can help with that. This year’s free event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at Forest Hills Lodge, Highway 173 and Forest Hills Road. The show will feature more than 100 vendors with goods and services for the home and yard. “Our show is the first sign of spring and people look forward to getting out of the house and getting in the mood for projects they have to do inside and outside, while being able to talk with experts and get discounted prices,” says Andrea Nichols-Costello of Showtime Productions, sponsor of the event. Vendors this year include those
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selling solar panels and installation, gutters, windows, siding, bath and kitchen updates, blinds, power washing, landscaping, seed packaging, plants, patios, saunas and more. Kerrie Rosenthal, co-owner of The Seedkeeper, will return this year with more than 60 gardening helps, tools, and gift items. Among her most popular items is the Seedkeeper Deluxe, a seed storage system that safely holds 100 seed packets and comes with a set of tools and divider cards. Teague Dickey is CEO of Iconic Energy and will be at the showcase to talk with people about the benefits of solar energy. He will have solar panels and installation materials on hand for people to see as well as a video showing “before and after” images. “Solar panels are a state-of-the-art
March 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300
upgrade to an existing or new home and they can really impact a home’s value, positively affect the environment, and help people save money. With the federal and state incentives and rebates currently available, the cost to install solar panels is almost totally paid for,” he says. And the reduced electricity costs are immediate, he adds, with most homeowners saving $800 to $1700 on their yearly energy bills for an average-sized home. Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension will be available all weekend to host workshops and answer questions, says Samantha Burbach, program coordinator for University of Illinois Extension in Winnebago County. Saturday workshops include “Give Your Garden the Blues,” by Beth Edwards at 10:30 a.m.; “Growing Veggies 101” by Michelle Cox at 11:45 a.m.; “The
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Health Benefits of Gardening and Proper Body Mechanics,” by Connie Austin at 1 p.m.; “How to Kill Your Tree,” by Bob Arevalo at 2:15 p.m.; and “Beekeeping as a Hobby,” by Bob Arevalo at 3:30 p.m. Sunday’s workshops are “Raised Bed Gardening” by Michelle Cox at 10:45 a.m.; “Attracting Butterflies,” by Michelle Cox at 11:45 a.m.; “Gardening Photography,” by Cindy Vondran at 1 p.m.; and “Seed Starting,” by Brian Rudny at 2:30 p.m. Master Gardeners undergo extensive training through county extension offices
to learn about soil, botany, insects, gardening, plants, landscaping, trees and more, and then volunteer at the County Extension offices, schools, and community gardens to answer people’s questions, identify problems with soil and vegetation, and help teach every aspect of growing from starting seeds to harvesting, Burbach says. For information on becoming a Master Gardener, contact Samantha at (815) 986-4357 or go online at web.extension. Illinois.edu/jsw. The showcase will once again feature Planter’s Row, a live plant sale with hundreds of plants at wholesale prices from The Landscape Connection (TLC), 4472 S. Mulford Road. TLC Owner Michelle Cox says she brings in more than 1,000 plants, including cool season annuals, succulents, starter houseplants, pansies, violas, Martha
Washington Geraniums, accent plants, Cool Wave Pansies, begonias, perennials and more. Members of TLC’s “Floral and Hardy” Garden Club will be at the Home and Garden Showcase to talk with customers and answer questions. The monthly garden club meets from noon to 2 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month at TLC. The business also hosts spring and fall classes, workshops and has a meeting room that can be rented. For a list of upcoming classes, visit thelandscapeconnection. net. TLC also is one of several drop-off sites for homegrown produce from July through October for the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Cox is a regular presenter and workshop leader at the showcase. She also travels the Rockford area to teach classes for businesses and other organizations. “More and more people are growing their own food, wanting to know how to do it, and what to do with the food when they have it,” she says. ❚
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Start the New Year with Organization By Janine Pumilia
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hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 30 years ago, options were pretty limited. “When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets. Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motionactivated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold-out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.
“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains. While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed. Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals. “It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.” Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room, home office and basement.
“Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable,” he says. Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers wireshelving systems by Rubbermaid, the No. 1 brand in the industry. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit SmartLivingWeekly.com and start your e-Edition today.
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Have You Tested Your Home for Radon? By Janine Pumilia
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adon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, yet most of us don’t think about having our homes tested for it. Lora Gilbert, a licensed radon professional and owner of 815Radon, wants to change that. “I just want to be sure people are safe in their homes,” says Gilbert, who lost her mother, a non-smoker, to lung cancer several years ago. “She spent a lot of time in her basement sewing room and we never even gave radon a thought back then.” Decaying uranium deposits inside rock, soil and water produce radon gas. It seeps into the areas of our homes closest to the ground and accumulates. Because radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only way to know if your home is putting your health at risk. “There’s no predicting the presence of radon,” says Gilbert. “I’ve tested
homes next door to one another that have very different radon levels. It doesn’t matter if the home is older or newer, either. In fact, newer, better-insulated homes may trap more of the gas.” Two of five homes tested in Winnebago County have high levels of radon. According to the Illinois Radon program, of the 118,447 homes tested across the state, more than 41 percent had radon levels above the recommended action point. Nearly 1,200 Illinois citizens die
from radon-related lung cancer each year. Inhaling radon can lead to cancer because radioactive particles damage cells in the linings of our lungs. “People spend more and more time indoors, kids play video games by the hour in basements, and a lot of people work from home offices,” says Gilbert. “All workplaces should be tested, too.” Gilbert charges $175 for a home radon test. What can be done if you discover you do have a radon problem? “An affordable mitigation system can be installed that ventilates the soil beneath your foundation and funnels the radon outside the foundation so it can’t accumulate indoors,” says Gilbert. She doesn’t sell or install mitigation systems but can help you to locate companies that do. Learn more at 815radon.com or call Lora Gilbert at (815) 494-8286. ❚
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Local Nursing Team Nationally Recognized M
ercyhealth’s Adult Critical Care nursing team has earned a SilverLevel Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of CriticalCare Nurses (AACN). The Beacon Award recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidencebased care optimizes patient outcomes. Units receiving this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care. “Mercyhealth has a lot to celebrate because of not only the many accomplishments of all our nurses system-wide, but also the exemplary accomplishments of these nurses in our Adult Critical Care Unit,” says Javon R. Bea, President/CEO of Mercyhealth, who presided over a special recognition ceremony at Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside on March 19. This was also Certified Nurses Day in the
United States. “Even more impressive, this is the second consecutive time our Mercyhealth Adult Critical Care Unit has been recognized with the Beacon Award.” Mercyhealth’s Adult Critical Care Unit was found to set the standard for excellence in patient care in several categories including: • Leadership structures and systems • Appropriate staffing and staff engagement • Effective communication, knowledge management and learning development • Evidence-based practice and processes • And exemplary outcome measures “Mercyhealth offers a supportive environment for our nurses striving to gain national board certification by offering opportunities to take certification preparation classes,” says Chief Nursing Officer Doreen Timm. “There are many
nursing certification specialties such as Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Pain Management, Cardiac Vascular, Oncology, Hospice, Case Management, Emergency Nursing, Critical Care and many others.” Mercyhealth is the only health system in northern Illinois currently honored with this award. Mercyhealth employs 800 physician partners, runs seven hospitals and 85 primary and specialty care locations serving 55 northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin communities. ❚
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Kids Spot Offers Classes, Summer Camps By Peggy Werner ids Spot, 9461 N. 2nd St., in Roscoe, Ill., has been growing by leaps and bounds. The center serves kids ages 18 months to 18 years, by offering classes in gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline, cheerleading, dance and home school gymnastics, plus cartwheel clinics. Kids Spot started out as a small storefront 15 years ago and today is turning out award-winning athletes in the areas of dance, gymnastics and cheerleading, says Ben Childers, office manager and marketing director. Kids Spot’s Turning Point Dance Company, under the direction of Kim Dailey since 2005, was recently the highest-scoring group at Imagine Dance Challenge in Prairie Du Sac, Wis. For that reason and more, this year is Kids Spot’s highest enrollment season ever, Childers says, with 1,300 kids walk-
K
HOURS: IDAY MONDAY-FR 0PM 7:30AM-5:3 9 UST JUNE 3-AUG N!) OF FU (9 WEEKS 24
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ing through the doors each week. “Being active is important and we take it to a whole new level,” says Childers. “These kids are not just playing sports, they’re building life skills that will serve them well the rest of their lives, like problem solving, sportsmanship, being a team player and developing communication and social skills.” In summer, Camp Kids Spot runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3 through Aug. 9. Kids ages 4 to 14 must sign up soon to be guaranteed a place, Childers says. The camp is accepting 65 kids this year, adding that those wanting to come in only on certain days or when available also must register, by calling (815) 6235437 going to KidsSpotinc.com. Each camp week offers a different theme and includes a field trip on Thursday, to places like Henry Villas Zoo, San-
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March 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300
ta’s Village, Shedd Aquarium, Madison Children’s Museum and more. Childers says Kids Spot is successful because of the co-owners, Susan Johnson and Teresa Maloney, who create programs as they see needs arise. They want everyone, including the staff, to be lifelong learners. In addition to activities for kids, Jazzercise classes for adults take place each morning and SeniorSpot is at 11 a.m. every Monday for those who want to participate in dance classes and games. ❚
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: ‘I am American’ Now thru April 15, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Immigrants and Native Americans explore the meaning of being Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com American. Freeport Art Museum, (815) 1259755, freeportartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Red Hot Chilli Pipers March 29, 8 p.m. This nine-piece ensemble, consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboardists and drummers, entertains with a fusion of rock anthems and tunes from Scotland. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org. Improv Comedy Troupe March 29, 8 p.m. Local improvisors pick audience suggestions and create a spontaneous comedy show. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 7580297, janesvillepac.org. Orlando Peña March 29, 7 p.m. Singer-songwriter Peña entertains with traditional folk and country music using modern instrumentation and rhythms. Listening Room, Rockford, (815) 9658903, rockfordlisteningroom.com. Randy Sabien March 30, 7-9 p.m. Entertainment by jazz violinist, composer and music educator Sabien. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. One Night of Queen March 30, 8 p.m. Gary Mullen and The Works re-create the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of the iconic rock band. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Art Battle April 5, 6:30-9 p.m. A dozen local artists compete to win a solo show at the museum. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. ‘The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane’ April 5-13, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; April 13, 2 p.m. Rynn Jacobs, a 13-year-old English girl, lives down a lonely lane with a father whom no one ever sees. What is her secret? Everyone who knows is dead. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org. ‘Cinderella’ April 6, 2 & 7 p.m. Children of all ages enjoy
Award-winning Christian musicians Casting Crowns will perform at the Coronado on April 9.
the timeless story. Rockford Dance Academy, Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com. RSO: Brahms & Mendelssohn April 6, 7:30 p.m. The evening’s pieces include Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 in A major. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com. Casting Crowns-Only Jesus Tour April 9, 7 p.m. Grammy-winning group Casting Crowns performs Christian music. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones April 10-11, see website for times. The group returns to the stage to entertain with classic retro rock of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s; relive the sounds of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones and many others. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 9463817, whitepinesinn.com. Music in the Museum: Tundras April 11, 6-8 p.m. Local psychedelic rock band Tundras entertains. Cash bar. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Tom Mac April 12, 7 p.m. Mac’s range includes classical, Latin, jazz, rock, blues and folk. Listening Room, Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com. David Kalhouse April 12, 7:30 p.m. Known for his elegant musicianship, pianist Kalhouse has a repertoire spanning three centuries, with the music of Scarlatti and Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, and Legeti and Feldman. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. ❚
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March 27
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WDL
Capital House: High Quality & High Value
By Peggy Werner
C
apital House, 308 W. State St., is known for quality food at affordable prices and a cozy urban atmosphere. “We’ve listened to the community and made adjustments based on what they wanted to see,” says corporate chef Ted Brothers, a partner in the business with owner Robin Young. The restaurant no longer serves lunch but is focused on an expanded dinner menu. “Most of our clientele see us as a dinner spot, so that’s where we’re going to put our emphasis,” says Brothers. “About 90 percent of the people come to Capital House for dinner because they love the menu and the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.” The menu changes daily but always offers freshly flown-in seafood and high quality meats. A recent menu included a variety of
salads and homemade soups plus entrees featuring Atlantic diver scallops with lobster cream sauce, heirloom tomatoes, herbed butter and seasonal accompaniments for $28; a 16-oz. prime New York strip with hand whipped potatoes, demi glaze and seasonal accompaniments for $34; seared Ahi tuna steak with peppercorn, Asian slaw, risotto and fresh lemon for $34; and filet mignon, shrimp scampi, Alaskan wild salmon, pan-seared pacific halibut, salt-crusted Chilean sea bass and New Zealand rack of lamb. Young says the menu is dictated by getting the best quality food at the best prices, so she can avoid shocking customers with steep increases because of changing market values. “I love to try new things,” says Young. “A dish served one weekend may not be on the menu the next weekend. For our regulars, this means there’s always
Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto
something new and fresh to try.” She describes the atmosphere as upscale but comfortable, with “a low key vibe that awakens the senses.” Capital House is located in a renovated space formerly occupied by Kryptonite bar. Capital House is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tues. through Thurs. and 5 p.m. to midnight Fri. and Sat. ❚
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com. Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.
398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. GreenFire Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.
Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$
Salamone’s North Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200
Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)
Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
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Dos Reales
os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998. Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy. “We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚
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Locals Celebrate Money Smart Week F
ew things are more practical than learning the fundamentals of money management, which is why communities across the nation are taking part in the Money Smart Week campaign March 30 to April 6, including in our region. Rockton Township will offer a Smart Money Week Open House on Thursday, April 4, at its office, 1315 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Speakers will include Bonnie Jefferson of the Illinois Treasurer’s office on “Finding Lost Money,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Homestart, “Is a New Home in Your Future,” 1 to 2 p.m.; Attorney James Meason, “Estate Planning,” 2 to 3 p.m.; and Brett Hulsebus of Hulsebus Commercial Lending, “Refinancing – Preparing for Your Real Estate Investment,” from 3 to 4 p.m. Rockton Township Clerk Sharon Hecox will present “Making Your Way
in a Difficult World,” including information about food stamps, medical assistance, Social Security, energy assistance, Illinois benefits access and food pantries. Learn more by calling (815) 624-7788. Cornerstone Credit Union will celebrate with a financial literacy program at its 550 West Meadow Dr., Freeport location on Saturday, March 30. Topics include “The 411 on Retirement Readiness: Everything you need to know about Medicare & Social Security,” from 10 to 11 a.m.; “Saving Money: Eating in vs. Eating Out,” from 11 a.m. to noon; and “Coupon Clipping,” from noon to 1 p.m. On Saturday, April 6, the topics will be “Finding Unclaimed Property Through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office iCash Program,” from 9 a.m. to noon. Cornerstone also invites local children to attend MONEY SMART KIDS READ at the South Beloit Public Library, 620 Blackhawk Blvd., on Satur-
day, March 30, from 10 to 11 a.m., when South Beloit Mayor Ted Rehl will read “Count on Pablo,” by Barbara deRubertis. Each child will receive a free copy of the book. Children age 5 to 10 are invited along with a responsible adult. In Rockford, children ages 5 to 7 and their families are invited to Rockford Public Library’s Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St., on Saturday, March 30, at 11 a.m., for a fun experience about money management. Each family will take home a free copy of “Count on Pablo” along with a free discussion guide. Learn more at moneysmartweek.org. ❚
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