Smart Living Weekly - September 21, 2016 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • September 21, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Ten Eyck Orchard Welcomes Fall See Page 20

WW II Days This Weekend! Downtown Sculptures Stay Put for Now Choosing the Right Apple for Your Recipe Tips for Buying Furniture When New Windows Make Sense

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

Issue 1

Smart Living Weekly

Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Apple Time at Ten Eyck Orchard Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 How to Choose High-Quality Furniture Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The First Family Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an Apple for That! Your Outings .................................... 9,17, 18 & 30 World War II Days; Dowtown Sculpture Stroll; Farmers Market Roundup; Lorikeets at Nicholas. Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 You CAN Improve Your Health Your Fun ................................................... ......... .27 Dining Locally .............................................. ..... 28 Merrill & Houston Steak Joint

Outdoor Living .............................................. .....33 Add Value with New Windows

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Autumn Action F

all officially arrives this week (Sept. 22), but that doesn’t mean warm weather fun is ending. The GoRockford.com website is brimming with possibilities for fall fun through the next several weeks. Next weekend, on Sept. 23 & 24, is Oktoberfest at Loves Park City Hall, with live music, German food and beer, wiener-dog races, and the “Bier Barrel Race.” This is also the 20th year of World War II Days on Sept. 24 & 25 at Midway Village Museum. See our inside story for details. This event draws re-enactors from 35 states! Oct. 1 & 2 brings the Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair at Edgebrook. Vendors will sell art, jewelry, clothing, décor items and more. Remember: Christmas is just 12 weeks away … Fall ArtScene is Oct. 7 & 8 and will draw thousands of art lovers to galleries and studios all over Rockford to enjoy new exhibits of original works. Original art makes an excellent gift! Nellie’s Barn Sale in Roscoe is Oct. 7 & 8. More than 55 vendors will hawk a variety of hip and cool vintage goods from a 2-acre field. The Scarecrow Harvest Festival is Oct. 8 at Midway Village Museum, with horsedrawn wagon rides, a square dance and lots more. And the museum’s All Hallow’s Eve trick or treat event is Oct. 22. The Head of the Rock Regatta is Oct. 9 and always fun to watch. There are 1,700 participants; the race on the Rock River begins at Martin Park and finishes at the YMCA downtown. Also mark your calendar for the Hot Diggity Dog Festival Oct. 16 at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Fido will thank you, especially if you think up a cool costume for him. There’s just no reason to be bored in this region! So look ahead, mark your calendars, wag your tail and enjoy the splendors of fall! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Sept 21

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20th Year for World War II Days in Rockford T

he largest World War II re-enactment in North America will take place right here in Rockford, this weekend, at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guildford Road. This is the 20th year of the event, which attracts more than 1,200 re-enactors from 35 states and about 10,000 spectators. “The re-enactors welcome questions from visitors and love to interact with them, making this a wonderful educational opportunity for people of all ages,” says Dave Fornell, an event organizer and re-enactor. “They bring their own uniforms, weapons and/or vehicles and are experts in their own right about their particular collections.” This year’s event will feature more than 80 authentic and replica military vehicles, including a Sherman tank, T-34 Soviet armored vehicle, German tanks and half-tracks, plus a horse section. Large battles will be staged both days, using pyrotechnics. Smaller battles and skirmishes will take place in the

woods and on the museum’s vintage village main street, which is made to look like 1940s occupied France. There also will be 1940s-style musical performances by an Andrews Sisters tribute group and Rockford’s own 2nd City Chorus; a tour of Gen. George Patton’s mobile command center; and a wide selection of WW II-themed items sold by vendors from throughout the Midwest. One reason Rockford’s re-enactment is so successful is the museum’s 148-acre site, which includes the village main street, wooded areas for military campsites and skirmishes, and wide-open fields for large battles. As always, there will be many displays and demonstrations, such as one about parachute-jumping and one about WW II-style model airplane flying. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14/adults, $7/children and free to members. Purchase tickets online, in the museum’s gift shop or at the event.

Food vendors include Hermes Kettlecorn, Machine Shed, Papa John’s Pizza, St. Stanislaus Polish Café and Winnebago Lion’s Club. Parking is free. Visitors may dress in 1940s-era civilian costumes, but only card-carrying reenactors are allowed to attend in vintage military uniform. Golf cart shuttles are available for guests with special needs. Learn more about this and related themed events at Midwayvillage.com. Related events include Dinner with General Patton on Thursday night; a Behind the Lines tour on Friday; and a Saturday night USO Dance. ❚

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

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Sept 21

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Questions to Ask When Buying Furniture By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

ou get what you pay for when it comes to furniture and there’s a growing demand nationwide for better quality furniture, says Mitchell Johnson, store manager of the new 6651 E. State St. Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress store. “Both across the U.S. and here in our region, people are tired of cheap furniture that falls apart,” says Johnson. Leather furniture remains popular, but Johnson cautions, “Be sure to ask questions about leather quality, since there are many imitations on the market. We also sell a lot of fabric sofas,” says Johnson. “There’s a trend toward more texture, with tweeds and corduroys and weaves. Today’s upholstery options are really wonderful – very durable but beautiful and comfortable. Most of today’s upholstery fabrics are made from PET, a highly durable polyester thread.”

Reclining furniture is very big, in every age group, across all demographics, says Johnson. “Don’t be afraid of electric mechanisms in recliners,” he says. “People worry too much about the motors breaking, but that seldom happens. You’re more likely to break a recliner that has to be manually raised and lowered. And electric motors give you a full range of motion rather than stopping at certain positions.” When buying upholstered furniture, the important question is not how the surface looks but what lies beneath. “Ask good questions when shopping,” advises Johnson. “Is the frame made from strong laminated wood or just plywood? Is there a reasonably good spring system that will distribute weight? Is the padding made of high-density foam or cheap ﬂuff? Is the leather exterior real

leather?” Reputable stores often have a cutaway model so you can see the materials below the surface. Do business with people who are in it for the long haul, not ﬂy-by-night chain stores with high turnover, suggests Johnson. “They have a real stake in making you happy and will deal with you more honestly.” Gustafson's original location is at 808 Riverside Blvd. ❚

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Sept 21

I  W

The First Family Scripture Study: Genesis chapters 2, 3 & 4

fter God created the world, He formed the first man from dust “and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” God gave the man, Adam, a garden to tend and just one rule: he could eat from any tree except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam and took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh. From the rib he made a woman.” So the first three figures in the Bible are God, Adam and Eve. The fourth is Satan, who enters in Gen. 3:1 as “the serpent.” The serpent seduces the couple into disobeying God by saying: “God knows that when you eat from it your eyes shall be opened and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” After eating the bad fruit, Adam and Eve feel shame and try to hide from God. They have allowed their own sin to separate them from God. God punishes Adam and Eve but also curses Satan, vowing, “From now on you and the woman will be enemies, as will your offspring and hers. You will strike his heel, but he will crush your head.” Evicted from the garden, Adam and Eve bear many children; their eldest son Cain kills his brother, Abel. God is furious, but also expresses His desire to rekindle a close relationship with mankind. His plan for this reconciliation is central to the rest of the Bible. Some things to notice: Direct conversation between God and man; man’s freedom of will; and Satan’s success in tempting man (the created) to place himself on par with God (the Creator). Christianity holds that Adam came into the world sinless, like just one other person: Jesus Christ. “For just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Jesus] the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19 NIV). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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1100 Eleventh Street (just south of Charles) • Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000

Y K

There’s an Apple for That I

f you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle and wondered what apple to select among the many varieties available, you’re not alone. Apple varieties can differ greatly when it comes to taste, texture, cooking and storage properties, making it important to make the right choice to get the best results for your recipe or pairing. At appleforthat.com, visitors can type in what they plan to cook – from broad categories such as salads, smoothies and snacks, down to speciﬁc recipes, such as pink applesauce, fritters, candy-coated snacks and more. The website provides information on the perfect apple to use plus suggests recipes and further information – like tips, health beneﬁts and insights on storage and cooking – helping make the decision easy, no matter what you’re making.

Using the right apple can make or break your recipe. For example, some of the best baking apples are Granny Smith and Pink Lady because these apples hold up particularly well under high heat, retaining a firmer texture. Using a good baking apple is what brings that delicious, subtle crunch to pie and other pastry delights, versus a mushy filling. The special Pinata apple by Stemilt Growers is particularly well suited for baking, as it holds up to heat and boasts classic apple flavor with a tropical twist.

with antioxidants, vitamin C and ﬁber, such as this easy, two-minute version of a traditional apple tart, which uses Pink Lady apples, visit appleforthat.com. Two-Minute Apple Tart Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8 1 refrigerated, ready-to-use pie crust 1 pound apples, cored and sliced 2 TB cold butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon Preparation Heat oven to 425 F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Unroll crust and place it on large baking sheet. Arrange sliced apples

on crust, leaving about two inches of space around edge. Chop cold butter into small bits and scatter over apples. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples. Fold two-inch section of open pie crust over apples – this will not cover apples, but contain them inside crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are just soft. ❚ Source: Family Features

For everyday fruit platters, snacks and appetizers featuring fresh, sliced or chopped apples, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option because of its incredible fracturing crunch and a refreshing sweetness similar to fresh apple cider. For whipping up a classic chicken salad, try Fuji or Golden Delicious apples, which are among the sweetest around – the extra sweetness contrasts with the savory ingredients for a more complex ﬂavor. These apples are also ideal for applesauce due to their soft textures. For more heart-healthy recipes loaded Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Public Embraces Downtown Sculptures

he Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that eight of the original nine sculptures that are part of the Forest City Beautiful Sculpture Stroll featuring Boaz Vaadia and Hans Van de Bovenkamp will remain in Rockford through May 2017. “The sculptures are a perfect fit with the downtown landscape,” says John

Groh, president/CEO of the RACVB. “We’re excited and thankful that the artists wanted to continue their agreement with us and extend the stay of these beautiful sculptures in our community.” Originally schedule to be on display from June 2015 to May 2016, the RACVB worked with the artists to extend the stay because of the overwhelming response from the community. “The community has really taken to these sculptures and embraced them as part of our downtown,” says Groh. “We see them featured on social media by both residents and visitors as they interact with the art. We know how spectacular these sculptures are and our hope is to keep one or more of the sculptures in Rockford permanently.” RACVB hopes to raise funds through

its RACVB Foundation, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, to be able to purchase one or more of the pieces for permanent display. For more information on the sculptures or to download the FCB Sculpture Stroll flyer, go online to gorockford.com/ public art. Learn more at gorockford.com. ❚

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Buy it Fresh at Local Farmers Markets ere’s a glance at the ongoing farmers markets in our region. All feature fresh produce and other treats.

Pecatonica Farmers Market Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 29, Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

Saturdays

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Beloit Farmers Market Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., downtown. Now in its fourth decade, this is one of the oldest markets in our region, with more than 85 vendors. VisitBeloit.com North End City Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., southeast corner of Main and Auburn streets, Rockford, through Oct. 29. Live music, fresh-cooked food and socializing. Rockfordcitymarket.com/northend Freeport Farmers Market Saturdays, 7-11 a.m., CVS parking lot, 721 W. South St., Freeport, through Oct. 1. Stephenson-county-il.org Belvidere Farmers Market & Crafts Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 22, parking lot of Dodge Lanes, 1940 State St., belviderefarmersmarket.com

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Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26 and Thurs. 3-6:30 p.m., with a different set of vendors than Wednesday, through Sept. 15. The Wednesday market is now in its 25th year. Live music on Thursdays. Edgebrookshops.com Highland Farmers Market Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 5, Parkling Lot C of Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport Pecatonica Farmers Market Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. through Oct. 26, at Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com GPS Faith Community Farmers Market Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 22, 10714

Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

N. Second St., Machesney Park, Ill. (north and west of Route 173.) Live music 5-7 p.m., gorockford.com

Fridays

Rockford City Market Fridays, 3:30-8:30 p.m. on Water Street near State Street through Sept. 30. (Closing time changes to 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day.) Live music, fresh-cooked food and locally brewed beer. Rockfordcitymarket.com. Winnebago Farmers Market Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m., through Oct. 28, Main and Benton streets. GoRockford.com ❚

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It’s Apple Season Again

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

he Ten Eyck family has been nurturing apple trees all year long. Now, the fruits of their labor are ready for the public to enjoy. “We pick everything right before it’s ripe,” says owner Drew Ten Eyck. “The quality of our apples sets us apart – everything is fresh and delicious.” The woodlands, prairies and changing leaves make for a gorgeous ride out to the family farm, located on Highway 11 and 81, just three miles west of Brodhead, Wis., and 10 miles east of Monroe, Wis. Every year, visitors come from near and far to browse more than 50 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples, which are picked at the peak of flavor and texture. When it comes to cooking, Drew recommends Cortlands and Jonathan

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apples. For eating, Honeycrisp, Suncrisp and Holiday apples are among his favorite varieties. “Those are the best to bite into,” Drew says. “The Honeycrisp is sweet and crunchy, while the Suncrisp is a little more citrusy. The Holiday is very crisp and tart. All of them are delicious.” In addition to apples, the farm also offers pumpkins, gourds, pears, plums and a plethora of apple-infused treats. The Ten Eycks make cider, donuts and pies with their apples – and everything is made from scratch. “We have everything from hand-dipped caramel apples to weird, worty squashes,” Drew says. “It’s a great variety of products and everything is fresh.”

Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Opal John, the orchard manager, has been working with the Ten Eyck family since she was a teenager. Now, she manages the orchard’s beehives and makes treats with raw, unfiltered honey. Products from her Opalicious Honey line are also available in the selling shed. New this year, the orchard has a 5-acre corn maze for visitors to enjoy. “There’s a giant apple right in the middle,” Drew says. “It’s a pretty traditional corn maze – it’s just a lot of fun for

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people of all ages.” Drew Ten Eyck is the sixth generation to own and operate Ten Eyck Orchard. Last year, he returned to the family farm with experience in ecological monitoring and prairie management. This year, he’s filling his father’s shoes and bringing the orchard into the 21st century. “We have a new website and a larger social media presence this year,” Drew says. “We want to make it easier for

people to reach out to us.” Drew has learned a lot from his father, Rob Ten Eyck, and doesn’t plan to forget it. “My dad has stressed that quality is the most important,” Drew says. “We don’t have the largest quantity, but we do have a better tasting apple than anybody else. This is the time of year when we work the hardest.” Drew also learned from his father to always give back to the community. “The community is so supportive of us,” Drew says. “It’s important that we recognize that and be good to them.” Drew is proud that Ten Eyck Orchard is known for having a knowledgeable

and friendly staff. Most of the salespeople have been with Ten Eyck for two decades, and apple pickers have had years of experience gently handling the fruit. To Drew, it’s the variety and quality of apples, combined with the friendliness of the staff, that keeps people coming back to Ten Eyck Orchard. “We try to grow stuff that people haven’t seen since their childhood, but also stay on top of what’s new and popular,” Drew says. “Our friendly customer service is what sets us apart.” Drew is also proud of the family’s history. The 177-year-old farm has grown from simply sustaining the Ten Eyck family to serving the community. “I have great memories of growing up here,” Drew says. “It’s a beautiful landscape – a classic Green County farm setting – with multiple decades of history. We’ve served generations of customers and it’s important to us that we continue sustainable practices while adapting to customer needs.” ❚

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Peak Fitness: You CAN Improve Your Health By Peggy Werner

n our society we get bombarded with “quick fix” messages from every direction on how to get that perfectly fit and low-fat body – sooner than later. The only problem is that it doesn’t work that way. Nick Dal Pra, Peak Fitness and Sports Club Training Director, says that transforming one’s body takes time, commitment, and a plan of action. Peak offers a free fitness consultation to all new members and to those who want to freshen up a tired workout. The one-hour meeting includes a body fat measurement, nutrition information, a review of health history, goal setting for health, start-up recommendations and eight exercises to assess one’s physical fitness in the areas of range of motion, mobility and basic strength. It’s also an opportunity to talk about work-

ing with a personal trainer and to learn how that can help you reach your ﬁtness goals. “The session helps new people to get acquainted with Peak and reduces their anxiety about working out,” Dal Pra explains. “Peak is a big place and it can be intimidating, but once you have a purpose and a plan, it’s the best place to be,” he says. A good workout includes aerobics for the heart and lungs, strength training for muscles and bones, and stretching and ﬂexibility to help with balance and core strength. Fitness is also about eating properly and giving the body the rest it needs, he says. Those new to the gym need to start out with an easy plan and challenge themselves as their abilities increase. A work-

out is made more difﬁcult by increasing time, intensity, and frequency – but not all at once. People with health problems or injuries don’t have to avoid the gym. Workouts can be designed to protect areas of weakness while promoting healing and building overall strength, he says. For more information on Peak Fitness and Sports Club or to schedule a fitness consultation, call (815) 877-4401. ❚

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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

AE: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Through Sept. 25. Adult siblings bicker over their costumes for an upcoming party while their (possibly psychic) housekeeper prophesies Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com doom in this hilarious Tony winner for best play. Presented by Artists’ Ensemble. Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Dinner with General Patton Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m. Hear a ﬁrst-person presentation by “General Patton” while enjoying dinner. Hear about his experiences, see photos and artifacts and receive a special tour of the General Patton Mobile Command Center. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Oktoberfest 2016 Sept. 23-24, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat. noonmidnight. The German Society of Rockford hosts the 52nd annual Oktoberfest celebration, featuring fun activities and entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy polka music, German food and Bier, dance lessons, German language lessons, face painting, Bier Barrel racing and much more. Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-4156, germansocietyrockford.org. World War II – Behind the Lines Tour Sept. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Speak with re-enactors, get a close look at vehicles and experience WWII displays. Also included is a tour of the 150 yard, 3-bunker trench system and copy of the 20th anniversary book. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. World War II Days Sept. 24-25, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience WWII as more than 40 authentic vehicles and 1,200 re-enactors battle with pyrotechnics, skirmishes, demonstrations and displays. New this year: hear the Andrew Sister’s live musical performance and tour General Patton’s Mobile Command Center. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Fall Foliage Canoe Tour Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Take a scenic two-hour guided tour of the Rock River from just below the dam in Oregon to Castle Rock State Park. View the area’s many unique St. Peter sandstone

Experience history at World War II Days Sept. 24 & 25 at Midway Village Museum.

rock formations and miles of hardwood forest along the most scenic stretches of the Rock River. Must have at least one adult per canoe. Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com. Dodge a Ball for a Kid Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Gather seven players minimum for the "I Dodged a Ball for a Kid" tournament beneﬁting Children's Safe Harbor. UW Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 316-7772, childrenssafeharbor.com. Rockford Walk to Defeat ALS Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter is hosting the Walk to Defeat ALS. Pre- and post-walk activities are available for all registered walkers. Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (312) 932-0000, alsa.org. The Other Guys Concert Fundraiser Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Enjoy a sweet evening of a capella music featuring The Other Guys, as well as a dessert buffet and cash bar. The Other Guys are the University of Illinois’ premiere men’s a cappella group, known for their impeccable musicality and unique brand of humor. Mendelssohn Hall, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org. USO Dance – World War II Sept. 24, 7-11 p.m. Listen to the featured swinging sounds of the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra. Guests are encouraged to attend the USO style dance in 1940s attire. Concessions are available for purchase. MercyRockford Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. ❚

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Sept. 21

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Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.” Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past. The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel. As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch. Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available. All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak. Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.” Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $. Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $. Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262. LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-9888. LD Daily 11am.

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

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

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

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

Smart Living Weekly

Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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. ❚

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

Sept 21

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hat’s colorful, playful, seldom seen in our part of the world and good at making people of all ages laugh? Lorikeets, of course. They’ve made a return visit to Rockford’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens and will be delighting visitors there through Nov. 13. This colorful species of parakeet hails from down under, on the eastern seaboard of Australia, where there’s plenty of ﬂower nectar to sip. Lorikeets are known for their fun-loving personalities, bright colors and ability to mimic words and sounds like their parrot cousins do. There are special rules for visiting the lorikeet house. No food or drink is allowed because it just might get stolen. Likewise, it’s best not to wear sparkly jewelry that might fascinate the birds a little too much. They’ve been known to pluck shiny objects from owners. Naturally it would be bad manners to chase the birds or otherwise make them

Wings

feel threatened. You can, however, hold out a fist or hand (not a finger) for the birds to walk onto. Be sure to wash and sanitize your hands first, for the health of the birds. The conservatory warns that “poop happens” and provides paper towels at the exit. A limited number of conservatory members will be able to feed nectar to the lorikeets by reservation. There are many lorikeet-related Make-It, Take-It activities scheduled at the conservatory. A complete schedule is posted on the website. Lorikeets or not, the conservatory and its surrounding gardens along the Rock River, as well as the lovingly tended Sinnissippi Rose Garden, with its rare Victorian-era floral clock, are wonderful places for all ages to explore and enjoy. The lorikeet exhibit is included with regular admission to the conservatory.

Wonder Sep 3– Nov 13, 2016

Meet the Lorikeets Come stroll through a beautiful aviary surrounded by friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand! Conservatory Hours Tuesday–Friday • 9 am–5 pm Saturday–Sunday • 10 am–3 pm For more information, including fees and activities, visit nicholasconservatory.com/lorikeets AC AF ILI

MEETINGS

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SPECIAL OCCASIONS

NOW BOOKING FOR »

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

WEDDINGS

Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

(Jesse Fox photo)

Lorikeets Delight Conservatory Visitors

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

Y O

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Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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New Windows Add Value and Efficiency By Peggy Werner

f your windows to the world are foggy, drafty and rotting away, it’s time for a change. Some common problems are bad seals, deteriorating wood, glass discoloration and bad installation. Just within the past five years, window options for homeowners have expanded with new colors, stronger materials and more styles to choose from, says Greg Green, president of Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding, 929 S. Alpine Road, Suite 201, in Rockford. “Of all the improvements you can make in your home, windows are one of the best ways to get a good return on your money because they improve energy efficiency, curb appeal and resale value,” he says. Green is the third generation in a family-run business that’s operated for more than 25 years and specializes in the repair and replacement of residential and

commercial seamless gutters, windows and siding. His dad, Todd, introduced him to the business and is now the vice president of Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding. Todd’s late father, Bud Green, was also in the siding and window business. He started a local company in 1975, which he operated for more than 20 years. Green says that using top-quality, made-in-the-USA materials is important to his company’s success, as is operating with Christian values, providing top customer service, living by a strong work ethic and using good communication skills. The Greens enjoy an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. “We want to build relationships with customers that last a lifetime,” says Green. “We don’t want to sell something to someone that isn’t needed. We’ve built our reputation on being dependable, working hard and treating every home as

if it were our own, paying attention to the smallest details.” With all the avenues of information today, consumers are making more intelligent choices, says Green. Still, home repair and improvement remain one of the top service areas in which people are scammed. Green urges homeowners to beware of out-of-town door-to-door solicitors who show up after a storm and want money upfront. For a free consultation, call (815) 708-8113. ❚

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

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