Smart Living Weekly - June 3, 2015

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • June 3, 2015

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Right in Our Region

German Valley Days June 12-14

By Peggy Werner

F

or a few days every year, the small town of German Valley becomes a big draw when it hosts German Valley Days.

In its 42nd year, and with the theme “America the Beautiful,” the festival will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, June 12 and run through Sunday, June 14, at Ben Miller Park on Church Street.

“America has gone through many difficult times, in its history, and yet it’s the best place in the world to live,” says Donna Smith, chairperson of the festival’s planning committee.

“We just want to pay tribute to that, at a time when there is so much strife going on around the world.”

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Learn to Relax! • Asian-Style BBQ Ribs • Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal Help to Plant Klehm’s New Garden • Water Safety Tips • Expert Advice on Plant Care

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 German Valley Days Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Keep Your Plants Looking Great Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Lessons from Job Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Asian-Style Grilled BBQ Ribs Your Outings .....................................................17 Help Plant a New Garden at Klehm Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Relaxation Techniques that Work Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Water Safety Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Preventing Garbage Disposal Repairs

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner, Rhonda Mix General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.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 2015 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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So Much Fun! I

t’s that time of year when there are more fun things to do than time to do them. I know this because compiling this week’s Your Fun calendar was no fun at all – too many fun events got left out!

There’s a fun county fair or small town festival, like the one featured on our cover, most every weekend. And Rockford Airfest is this weekend, with the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other exciting acts.

One of my favorite events, the annual Klehm Garden Fair, is this weekend, and I’ll probably drag my husband to it, as I do every year. He’s always a good sport about it, possibly because there’s a kettle corn tent that takes his mind off all the plants I’m buying.

To show my gratitude, I just may take him to the “Years of Napoleon” Macktown Living History event in Rockton on June 13.

While I’m perusing plants, art lovers will be enjoying the Edge of the Rock Plein Air Event in Beloit and perhaps taking in the Saturday farmers market there.

Speaking of lovely outdoor experiences, our Starlight Theatre will kick off its season with “Mary Poppins” this week. I remember my dad reading that book to me when I was little, although he didn’t hold Mary in high regard, thinking her “a bit snooty.” No one in the world could have played that film role as well as Julie Andrews did in 1964. It’ll be fun to see what Mike Webb and his talented Thespians do with the magical nanny.

The Wildflower Walkabouts, presented each week in June at various natural areas, sound like a lot of fun to me.

And there are so many ongoing great events, like Tuesday evening concerts at Anderson Japanese Gardens, Thursday night lounging at Dinner on the Docks outside Prairie Street Brewhouse, concerts at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell and Nicholas Conservatory, City Market on Friday nights, splashy fun at Magic Waters ...

There’s no excuse for boredom, so get out there and enjoy it! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P R E I M E R P E H T

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Keep Your New Plants Looking Their Best

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

C

hoosing plants at the greenhouse is a lot of fun, but be sure to keep in mind the location where you intend to put them. A geranium won’t thrive in full shade and an impatien will scorch in full sun. Reading the labels in or near the plant pots will make this an easy task.

Once you get your plants home, there are steps you can take to keep them looking their best all season long. Better greenhouses, like K & W Greenery in Janesville and Gensler Gardens in Loves Park and Davis Junction, add slow-release fertilizer to their potting spoils, unlike many big box retailers that sell plants.

Even so, most heavily blooming annuals need additional fertilizer throughout the summer and fall to keep them well nourished.

“We set up our plants up to offer a more forgiving situation if people are erratic about fertilizing, but high-performing plants do need additional nutrition,” says Chris Williams of K & W Greenery. “Buy a good brand of fertilizer and follow the package directions. We add fertilizer nearly every time we water. When we mix our own potting soil, we also add materials that help it to retain water for as long as possible.”

Gensler Gardens does the same, even though doing so drives up the business’s overhead costs. Gensler explains that lower-quality plant sellers may use poor soil and overload a plant with fertilizer to force profuse blooming during the high sales

season in late May/early June. “Then,

by July 4, the plant is already looking worn out,” he says.

“It’s much better for us to sell you a plant that has good potting soil and slow-release fertilizer so it will stay beautiful until frost and you’ll be happy. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to supplement the fertilizer we provide in the soil, though. For best results, you just have to do that.”

Having said this, some plants, like New Guinea impatiens, don’t like too much fertilizer, says Williams. “Just follow the plant label directions and you’ll be fine.”

And don’t forget to water. Gensler recommends soaking hanging baskets and containers daily, even twice daily in very hot weather. Plants in the ground retain water longer. ❚

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

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I  W

God’s God & We’re Not

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he Book of Job, in the Old Testament, is easy to avoid. Who wants to read about a good man who suffers terrible things in some cosmic wager between Satan and God? We should, because there’s much to learn about God, Satan and us. Before God restores Job’s life, Job demands an explanation from seemingly absent God, and boy does he get it – well, sort of.

God tells Job that no part of the creation should put the Creator on trial. God’s tirade unfolds in four beautiful chapters in which He describes His own handiwork.

If you’ve never read Job chapters 38 to 41, deny yourself the pleasure no longer.

They quickly re-set one’s perspective.

Job 38: 1-13; (NIV):

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man; I shall question you, and you shall answer me.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell Me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!

Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?

“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by its edges and shake the wicked [night] out of it? ...

Job 40: 1-2; 8-(NIV):

The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer Him! ... Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like His? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.

Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low ...”

Editor’s note: A highly thought-provoking study of Job is found in The Bible Jesus Read, by author Philip Yancey.

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–Janine Pumilia

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Pitmaster Grilling Tips for Great Ribs G

ive your grill some sizzle by combining your favorite cuts of meat and unique combinations of dry rub ingredients. The key to success on the grill is top-notch ingredients, and it all begins with quality meat. With mouthwatering flavor and no artificial ingredients, Smithfield Fresh Pork offers a wide variety of cuts perfect for grilling.

Ribs in particular are always a crowd pleaser, and one of the secrets to a winning.St. Louis-Style Ribs are trimmed to have the “tips” removed, which makes them more attractive and helps them cook more evenly on the grill. To really pack your pork with flavor, make a dry rub of your favorite herbs and spices.

When you’re ready to hit the grill, keep these tips in mind: 1. Season your ribs at least 30 minutes before grilling to make sure all of the flavors are absorbed.

2. Trust your thermometer; cook ribs to an internal temperature of about 200°F for fall off the bone tenderness.

3. Forget forks; use tongs or a spatula instead to keep from releasing precious juices.

4. Slow and steady is the way to go; slow cook ribs over indirect heat and add a handful of soaked hickory, apple or cherry wood chips for extra smoky flavor.

5. Patience is a virtue; don’t open the grill lid unless you are checking for doneness or turning the food.

For more flavorful grilling recipes and tips, visit smithfield.com.

ingredients in small bowl; mix well.

Generously coat both sides of ribs with rub. Set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Heat charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at 275°F. Add drained wood chips, if using.

Place the ribs, meaty side up, over a drip pan and cook for 2 hours. Add about 12 coals to a charcoal grill every 45 minutes or so to maintain the heat.

Remove ribs from grill. Double-wrap each rack in heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Return wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for 2 hours more over indirect heat, until very tender. Add more coals as needed to maintain temperature for a charcoal grill.

Remove ribs from grill and unwrap.

Place ribs over direct heat on grill and brush with hoisin barbecue sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce is set.

Turn ribs and repeat with more sauce.

Serve ribs with remaining hoisin barbecue sauce. ❚ Source: Family Features

Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

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Fine Oils, Vinegars, & Now Spices!

Asian Style BBQ Ribs 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/3 cup light brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1.5 tsp. ground anise or fennel seed 1 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 2 racks Smithfield Extra Tender St. Louis-Style Pork Spareribs, membrane removed 1 handful hickory or apple wood chips for smoking, soaked in water and drained (optional) 2 cups hoisin barbecue sauce About 30 minutes before grilling, make the dry rub. Combine the first six

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Help to Plant New Garden at Klehm June 13 A

giant planting effort will take place at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 100 volunteers are needed that day and a light lunch will be served.

Klehm received a grant of $23,500 to establish a 13,000-square-foot perennial floral display for visitors to enjoy. Grant recipients were chosen on the basis of criteria developed by America in Bloom. Criteria included planned positive outcomes in the community, community engagement and long term sustainability of plants.

The Contemporary Perennial Garden will be established on the hill directly behind the Klehm Visitor’s Center and in perfect view of the Gallery, a large banquet room for weddings and meetings. Renowned plantsman and designer Roy Diblik has planned the “Know Maintenance” site with 4,000 perennials, strategically placed for minimal weed invasion and optimal beauty.

Diblik will be present Saturday to lead the planting effort.

Diblik has spent more than 30 years studying, growing, and enjoying plants.

His passion for native plants and other perennials began with his work at the Natural Garden Nursery in St. Charles, Ill., and has been cultivated through his establishment of Northwind Perennial Farm, a nursery in Burlington, Wis. He believes in choosing and combining plants in a way that allows them to happily co-exist with very little maintenance. He’s the author of The Know-Maintenance Perennial Garden.

Diblik’s recent work includes a planting of the new Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and a garden for the modern wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. He’s best known as the plantsman behind Piet Oudolf’s midwestern garden designs, including the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park in Chicago. He’s a sought-after speaker.

The grant was awarded by the CN

EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program in the U.S. For more details, contact Sarah Lambert, volunteer coordinator, at (815) 965-8146. Register at http://vols.pt/D6Cgdj ■ Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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R  O R

German Valley Days Continued from Cover

The community-wide event is supported and celebrated by most of the nearly 500 residents in this Stephenson County hamlet. The whole town pitches in, mainly through the efforts of the Lions Club, the Village of German Valley, its businesses, organizations, churches, and residents. While events occur in various locations throughout the village, most action takes place in Ben Miller Park, located next to the German Valley Historical Museum on Church Street.

That’s a fitting location because the festival was first conceived to help develop the park, which today has two shelter houses, a ball diamond, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, wooded area and concession stand.

Some changes this year include a bigger parade and moving many of the Sunday events to a Saturday time slot.

The “Run the Valley” 5k and fun run will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday at Silver Creek

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Church, 326 Bunker Hill Road. Also new this year is an all-day antique tractor show on Saturday, which is being sponsored

by German Valley Golden Eagles 4-H Club. A Kiddie Tractor Pull will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. at the ball diamond. For the first time, entertainment by contemporary Christian musical groups will take the stage at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

A scheduled pig scramble was not possible last year because of a disease running through the pig population. This year, the children’s event will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday behind the Historical Museum.

“The pigs are fenced in and the children, in various age categories, have the fun of chasing them and trying to catch

June 3

one. It’s fun for the kids and it’s fun to watch,” Smith says.

Back by popular demand is storyteller Rick Meeks of Rockford on stage at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, followed by Comedy Hypnosis by Cheryl at 8 p.m. With last year’s rain, these two events were moved to one of the shelters.

Saturday highlights will include the “America The Beautiful” parade at 1:30 p.m. on Church Street and is being sponsored by German Valley Firefighters and the German Valley Ambulance Association in cooperation with Smith.

“The parade has expanded a little this year with clowns, airplanes, a circus wagon and a bubble car,” Smith says.

Saturday’s events begin with a Pancake

R  O R Breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the Germany Valley Fire Station and is being sponsored by the Silver Creek Church Women’s Ministries. Health screenings, inflatable rides, carnival rides, a Euchre tournament, coloring contest, petting zoo, archery demonstration, shopping cart race to benefit the German Valley Food Pantry, pie eating contest, and more will culminate with a 9:45 p.m. fireworks display in the Lake Baalton area, sponsored by the German Valley Lions Boosters, Village of German Valley and Smith. Bring chairs and blankets; parking will be available on the Leonard Hitz property.

Friday’s traditional game night will feature four local families as “Family Feud” contestants at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage. Other Friday events include carnival rides, inflatable rides, and pony rides and concessions at 5 p.m., followed by Panning for Gold by the Midwest Medics, and a celebration supper in the shelter, hosted

by SWIFT, the youth group of Silver Creek Church. People can register for the Saturday “Run the Valley” 5K and fun run from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the park.

The Little Miss and Mister German Valley pageant and an awards presentation will be at 6:30 p.m. The NIYB midseason all-star baseball games will be at 6 and 8 p.m.

Sunday’s only event will be the “Festival of Praise” community worship service at 10 a.m. in the park.

German Valley was first settled by German immigrants in the 1850s and was originally called Baalton. In 1857, the town consisted of a general store and two houses.

When the Chicago Great Western Railroad made its way to the small town, a depot was established and the village was platted and given a new name.

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

experience its charm.

“It’s good for our town and it feels good to see people coming from all over to have a good time in German Valley on these special days. It warms my heart,” Smith says.

Admission is free.

Learn more about German Valley Days at Stephenson-county-il.org or call Smith at (815) 362-3671 before the event and at (815) 541-0853 during the event. ❚

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Easy Relaxation Techniques That Really Work D

eep breathing is one of the easiest stress management techniques to learn. The best thing about it is it can be done anywhere! When we become stressed, one of our body’s automatic reactions is shallow, rapid breathing which can increase our stress response.

Taking deep, slow breaths is an antidote to stress and is one way we can “turn off” our stress reaction and “turn on” the relaxation response. Deep breathing is the foundation of many other relaxation exercises.

Steps: • Get into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.

• Put one hand on your stomach, just below your rib cage.

• Slowly breathe in through your nose. Your stomach should feel like it’s rising and expanding outward.

• Exhale slowly through your mouth, emptying your lungs completely, letting your stomach fall.

• Repeat several times until you feel relaxed.

• Practice several times a day.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Our muscles often respond to stress and thoughts of perceived threats with tension. Too much tension can cause stiffness and

may result in headaches, stiff necks and backaches.

One way to relieve this tension is through Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). It involves systematically tensing, then relaxing the body’s muscles from head to toe.

Steps: • Wear lose, comfortable clothing.

• Assume a comfortable position and slow your breathing • Begin with your facial muscles. Contract the facial muscles for 5-10 seconds then release the muscles and relax.

• Repeat this sequence with each muscle group, moving from head to toes.

• Suggested muscle groups include, but are not limited to: neck and shoulders, upper back, abdomen and lower back, upper extremities, and lower extremities.

Source: NorthPointe Wellness

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Starlight Theatre: Mary Poppins June 3-6, July 8-12, 8 p.m., and June 6, 2 p.m. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film.

Using a combination of magic and common sense, unusual nanny Mary Poppins teaches the family members to value each other again. Fun for all ages.

Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 921-2160 or online, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Edge of the Rock Plein Air Event June 3-12. Join regional artists to paint architectural treasures en plein air; capture the natural beauty of the riverfront, historic downtown and Beloit College campus in sunshine or night glow. Workshops, paint-out day, artists’ receptions. Beloit, Wis. Details at friendsofriverfront.com.

Rockford Airfest June 6 & 7. More than 100 ground attractions as well as performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels with Fat Albert; the F-22 Raptor Demo Team; the U.S. Marine Corp Silent Drill Platoon; Rockford’s own Jeff Kaney flying his Mig-17; the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and much more. Details at rockfordairfest.com.

Historic Auto Attractions Now open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 75 historic autos, including John Dillinger’s getaway car, Elvis Presley’s personal car, Indy cars and more.

Admission $13 adults, $8 students and $25 for season pass. 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe, (815) 389-7917.

Blue Monday, Dave Potter & The Alley Kings Weekly on Mondays, 6-10 p.m. Live blues with special guest weekly. Boundaries Bar and GrillBirch Room, 3807 S. Riverside Drive. (Hwy 51), Beloit, visitbeloit.com.

22nd Annual Klehm Garden Fair June 5-7, Fri. noon-6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 50 vendors showcase flowers, yard art, gardening tools, vintage furniture, more. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 965-8146. Advanced tickets $5, $8 at the door. Members free. Get tickets at Klehm Visitor Center, klehm.org and garden centers.

Rockford Art Guild, 60 Years of Creating Now through June 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Rockford Art Guild (RAG) celebrates its 60th anniversary with exhibits and activities around Rockford. As part of the festivities, a free exhibit, “The HeART of Rockford: Rockford Art Guild, 60 Years of Creating,” is on view through June 7 at the Rockford Art Museum Art Annex.

Two dozen works created by 16 members of Rockford Art Guild (RAG) feature views of the Rockford region through artists’ eyes. 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

See the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Rockford Airfest on June 6 & 7.

Animal Adventures June 10, 1-4 p.m. Learn about Burpee’s collection of live animals and help feed and care for them. Ages 9 and up. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Riverwalk Chalk Fest June 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free. Chalk provided. Presented by Rockford Art Museum and Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Rockfordartmuseum.org.

Wildflower Walkabouts Now through June 23, 6 p.m. The Natural Land Institute (NLI) and Severson Dells Nature Center (SDNC) lead weekly 90-minute guided hikes throughout the north central Illinois area. Free. For a full schedule, contact NLI at (815) 964-6666, info@naturalland.org, naturalland.org or contact SDNC at (815) 335-2915, don@seversondells.org or seversondells.com.

Janesville Walking Tours June through October on select Saturdays, 9 a.m. Starting points vary by tour. Rock County Historical Society and Janesville Historic Commission. Learn more at rchs.us or call Nathan Fuller, (608) 756-4509, ext. 304.

Savage Ancient Seas!

Now through Sept. 7. Explore the late Cretaceous period of 70 million years ago, filled with huge carnivorous marine reptiles, huge sea turtles, flying reptiles and humongous flesh-eating fish. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Antony and the Tramps June 9, 5:45 p.m., $5 non-members, food and beverages for sale, picnics OK but no carryin beverages. Anderson Japanese Gardens Tuesday Evening in the Gardens series, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Ballyhoo Festival BMO June 27, noon-9 p.m. Family-friendly event featuring kids’ activities, live music, food vendors, beer garden and a car show. South lawn Davis Park, BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, (815) 968-5222. ■

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Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

B

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 Bearnaise, 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.

(815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

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

Main Street Bistro  Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

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

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Sun-Th 9am-11pm, F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

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 Pearl Bistro

O

ne of Rockford's first specialists in wood-fired pizzas, this trendy restaurant at 6876 Spring Creek Road is thriving under new ownership.

Pearl Bistro's staff remains the same, as they dream up new twists for favorite dishes like tilapia or New York strip sandwiches, and avocado tacos. This spring, diners enjoyed a bacon-wrapped pork loin with pear chutney, as well as ruby red rainbow trout.

Pearl was started by Josef and Cherri Schwaiger about six years ago. Many of the couple's original dishes, such as freshmade wood-fired pizzas, panini sandwiches and angus beef burgers, remain on the menu.

Delectable desserts include creme brulee and an artisan cheese board with fruit and honey. New cocktails include smoke-infused martinis.

Pearl Bistro is open for lunch and dinner daily at 11 a.m. ❚

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T  I

Water Safety!

D

rowning is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. On average, 3,533 people die as a result of drowning each year, and most of those deaths are children under the age of four who drown in backyard swimming pools.

Standard water safety precautions recommended to parents include keeping children under constant supervision, enrolling children in swimming lessons, knowing CPR, and having pool fences and barriers installed. USSSA offers the following tips as well: – Create a verbal cue for your toddler or child that must be given by you before he or she can enter the pool.

– Never allow your baby/toddler in the pool without a swim diaper.

– Create a process the child must go through before entering a pool such as putting on a swim diaper, a swimsuit and applying sunscreen.

– Never use floatation devices or water wings when swimming or when teaching kids to swim.

– Children should learn to swim without goggles. Teach your children to open their eyes under water; if they fall in they can find the side of the pool or a step and get out safely.

– For very young children practice having them put their entire face under water in the bathtub and blow bubbles to build their comfort with water.

– Create a water safety plan for your family and have water emergency drills with your kids covering how to recognize the signs of someone struggling in water and what to do in this type of emergency.

– Make sure your guests and kids friends know your pool rules before they go outside and get in the pool.

– Start swim lessons at 6 months of age and continue them year-round at a US Swim School member location.

– Always make sure your children wear life jackets on boats, personal watercraft and in open bodies of water.

Learn more at usswimschools.org. ■

Get SLW Tips & Information articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Y M

How to Stay Friends With Your Garbage Disposal

By Peggy Werner

A

garbage disposal is a great household helper, but you have to treat it well to avoid expensive repairs.

Garbage disposals are for leftover food scraps; they’re not meant to be used as garbage cans.

“The biggest mistake we see people making is putting too much food down the disposal at one time,” says Don Howe, licensed plumber and certified technician with Pearson, 2415 20th St., Rockford.

“The food is ground up, but it gets clogged in the trap and causes a blockage.”

If you have a disposal, use it regularly to prevent rust build-up and corrosion, but use it correctly, he says. “Always run cold water while grinding up food. This will cause grease and oil to solidify and be cut up before leaving the trap. After running the disposal, leave water running for about a minute to wash away any remaining particles,” Howe says.

It’s OK to grind up egg shells, small fruit pits and small chicken and fish

bones; in fact this actually helps to clean the sides of the disposal. Once or twice a month, grind up some ice to help keep the blades sharp.

Regularly putting citrus peels through a disposal will help it to smell fresh. For stubborn odors, put baking soda into the drain and let it sit for several hours before running water and the disposal.

Much of the time, when a garbage disposal doesn’t work, it just needs to be reset. Most disposals have a red or black reset button. If pushing that button doesn’t fix the disposal, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Most disposals also have a hand crank that may be used to free up a stuck mechanism.

Howe says there are some major menaces to avoid. Don’t pour oil and grease down a disposal. It will congeal into solid fat matter, clogging your pipes and wreaking havoc on your plumbing.

Instead, pour hot fat into a coffee can, let it sit overnight and throw it away.

Extremely fibrous food scraps like banana peels, celery and other stringy vegetables can tangle and jam the garbage disposal, possibly burning out the motor, says Howe. And, starch from potato peels, pasta and rice can turn into a thick paste and jam the disposal.

Coffee grounds can cause the buildup of a sediment-like material.

Large fruit pits and bones create too much stress for the average garbage disposal system. ■ Pearson has served the Northern Illinois area for 60 years, and offers Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Pest Control, Remodeling services and more. Call (815) 398-8312, or visit PearsonGuy.com or Facebook.

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

RHSInQuicker.org

GO TO:

You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home.  Arrive at your projected treatment time.

ROCKFORD HEALTH PHYSICIANS CONVENIENT CARE Rockford – 3401 N. Perryville Road M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat-Sun: Noon to 8 p.m.

Rockford – 2300 N. Rockton Avenue M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat: 8 a.m. to noon

Belvidere – 1747 Henry Luckow Lane M-F: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roscoe – 5000 Prairie Rose Drive M-Th: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

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Issue 1