Smart Living Weekly June 13, 2018 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • June 13, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

See 5 Lovely Homes During Summer House & Garden Walk

See Page 16

Kid-Friendly Cooking All About Flavorful Grilling Better Mattresses in the Space Age Credit Unions Teach Good Money Habits

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to Alpine Pool See Pg. 28 Details

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

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Issue 1

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 House & Garden Tour Your Home .................................................. ...... 11 Meet the New Mattress

JOSH HOYER YER & Soul Colossal

Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Kid-Friendly Main Dishes

Outdoor Living ...................................................19 Flavorful Grillin Your Technology ............................................. ..21 Don’t Overpay for Tech Services

SUNDAY, June 17th at 6PM

$10 Admission | Klehm Members $5 | 12 years and under are free Grab your cooler and chairs and meet us in the gardens for a night of blues! Gates open at 4pm Rain or Shine. Beer and wine available from Prairie Street Brewing

Klehm Arboretum & Garden Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Botanic Garden PRESENTED BY 2715 S. Main | Rockford, IL 2715 S. Main St. | St. 815-965-8146 | klehm.org

Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 You are Righteous

Presented by

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In Partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

Your Fun ................................................... .......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... .26 Baci’s Kitchen; Hearthrock Cafe Dining Locally .......................................... ........ .26 Your Money .............................................. ......... .29 Develop Good Financial Habits

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2018 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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We the People M

y son Blake had never seen “Hamilton,” so daughter Becca and I gladly tagged along to see it in Chicago on Saturday. I was fortunate to have seen it on Broadway back in January 2016, before it became a smash hit. The Chicago version is every bit as stunning. It reminded me that we’re all Americans before we’re political party devotees – or at least that’s how the founders wanted us to think. And being American is about shared ideals, not shared ancestry. It pains me greatly to see how partisans today wish one another ill. “Hamilton” also reminds us that, like us, our founding fathers were real, flawed people capable of good and bad behavior. At times fickle, prideful and selfish, they were also brilliant and brave innovators, well-read and well aware of humanity’s darkest impulses. They sought to contain the havoc future tyrants might wreak by dividing power among independent branches. Together they built what no one of them could have achieved alone. To be sure, King George was brutal. But so were our colonies at times; nearly all had mandated some form of state-sponsored religion. The founders’ reaction was to protect individual liberties and to encourage people to live as their own consciences dictated. When Alexander Hamilton proposed a king-like leader for the new republic, he lost that fight, thankfully. Instead, George Washington voluntarily showed the world what a peaceful and voluntary transition of power looks like. As King George sings in “Hamilton,” “They say George Washington’s yielding his power and stepping away. Is that true? I wasn’t aware that was something a person could do.” Alexander Hamilton put us on solid financial footing and got people behind the Constitution by writing most of the Federalist Papers. This helped us to form government around the Rule of Law. That precious concept is defined as “the restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws.” It is of key importance to our way of life. Countless Americans have sacrificed everything to build and protect our free society. May we never allow the norms which make it work to be eroded or forgotten. ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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June 13

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Y H  G

Is Your Mattress a Space Age Wonder? By Janine Pumilia

ou probably know that freeze-dried foods and portable computers got their start in NASA laboratories. But did you know that your memory foam mattress is a Space Age wonder, too? Memory foam was developed to cushion test pilots and soon found its way into your bed. “It amazes me how much new technology impacts mattresses today,” says Mitchell Johnson, store manager at Gustafsons’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., Rockford. “And as with other new-technology products, like flat-screen TVs, the prices level off in time. We’re starting to see that.” A mattress that cost $1,499 five years ago might be $1,350 today, he says. “For about 80 years, not much changed with mattresses. They all had metal springs covered with some wool and Dacron,” says Johnson. “Then, about 16 years ago, Tempur-Pedic introduced

memory foam mattresses. We were the first store in Rockford to sell them.” Johnson jokes that, in the early years, he sold three kinds – “Firm, firmer and firmest. But they were still better than anything else.” They soon evolved to become very comfortable, but some folks complained the foam retained too much body heat. “So about five years ago, Serta introduced gel-infused memory foam and a channel system that wicks away body heat and maintains an even temperature,” says Mitchell. “That was huge.” Also huge was the independent pocket coil spring system first introduced by Beauty Rest. Each coil is encased in its own pouch and moves independently from others, resulting in a suspension system more responsive to your particular shape. It also minimizes the motion transfer that can disturb your partner.

“About seven years ago, Serta combined these ideas into its hybrid iComfort series – very good pocket coils and very good foam and gel-foam technologies, all Mitchell Johnson covered in Space Age fabrics,” Johnson says. “And they just keep improving it.” Most mattresses sold at Gustafson’s can be used with adjustable bases, which are sold separately. “Older people have always liked them but now young people want them, too, so they can sit up to watch TV or use their devices in bed more easily,” says Mitchell. “It’s a luxury that’s become affordable and very popular.” ❚

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I  W

You Are Righteous

ne of the biggest challenges we face each day as Christians is to view ourselves as God views us: as His righteous children. Most of us are very aware of all the bad decisions we’ve made. We forget that we’re righteous not because we’re good, but because Jesus Christ is good. By dwelling on our failures rather than our righteousness, we become ineffective in doing God’s work. God wants us to fully claim our righteousness and walk boldly in the power of the holy spirit so that we can be His hands and feet on earth. The more we love God, the less we want to sin. The more we love God, the more we want to love people. By the same token, if we think too highly of ourselves, rather than relying on God’s wisdom, strength and direction, we’re also ineffective. That’s because, even on our very best days, we’re still blundering idiots compared to God. None of us has designed a toad lately, much less created an entire universe. The apostle Paul said it this way: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” – I Cor. 1:26-31 (NIV) YOU are made righteous by God. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Kid-Friendly Easy, Healthy Meals W

ho says kids won’t eat vegetables? Check out kid-friendly recipes at produceforkids.com.

Easy One-Dish Chicken & Veggie Bake Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 50 minutes Servings: 4

1 lb. chicken breast, cut in fourths 12 small red potatoes, quartered 12 oz. green beans 1 TB olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced 1 TB herbs de Provence 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper

Heat oven to 350 F. Place chicken, potatoes and green beans in rows in 13-by-9-inch baking dish with chicken in middle. Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic, herbs de Provence, salt & pepper. Bake 50 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadilla Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

1 large sweet potato 1 can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 TB low-sodium taco seasoning 8 whole-wheat tortillas 1 cup low-fat shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Use fork to prick sweet potato. Microwave 5 minutes on high. Let cool slightly. Cut potato in half lengthwise and scoop ﬂesh into large bowl. Mash until smooth. Combine beans, cilantro and seasoning with sweet potato; mix well. Heat skillet over medium heat. Spread sweet potato mixture evenly on one side of tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and place second tortilla on top. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more. Repeat with remaining tortillas and mixture. Cut each into quarters. ❚

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R  O R

Visit 5 Lovely Local Homes on June 23 By Peggy Werner

f you need some inspiration for your home and garden, or if you just want to support a good cause, consider visiting ﬁve of Rockford’s most beautifully designed and architecturally stunning homes this month. The Summer House and Garden Walk on Saturday June 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is a fundraiser for and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Rockford Woman’s Club building at 323 Park Ave. Homeowners will be at each location to answer questions. Nancy Whitlock, president of the Rockford’s Woman’s Club since 1996 and a member for more than 30 years, says her own historic home was part of the first home and garden walk to observe the 100th anniversary of the woman’s club in 1996. It seemed appropriate

Smart Living Weekly

to stage a similar event to recognize the building’s anniversary, she says. All proceeds will go toward restoration of 323 Park Ave. The application process is underway to get the structure on the National Register of Historic Places. “We want to guarantee the preservation of this building because history will show it is quite unique to have a structure designed, owned, maintained and financed all by women,” Whitlock says. Having the building on the National Register will help it qualify for grants the women can put toward maintenance and preservation. The Club members hope to raise more than $50,000 during the summer home and garden walk and a similar fall event. Five other homes will be open in September. Rockford homes featured in the

June 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

summer walk on June 23 include 2307 Oxford St., 2912 Spring Creek Road and 3914 Eaton Dr. Two Belvidere locations include a home at 1922 Riverside Road and a barn at 1764 Squaw Prairie Road. The Oxford Street home is Tudorstyle with a lovely garden and impressive collection of statues. The home is furnished with unique items. The home at 2912 Spring Creek Road is situated on five acres of mature oak and hickory trees. Designed by Jesse Barloga, this English Tudor home was built in 1926 and is filled with antiques from the pre-Civil War era, many passed down through generations of family. The spacious home at 3914 Eaton Drive has an open floor plan and large windows that offer views to the beautifully landscaped lawn and water features. Points of distinction include a large stone

R  O R

This tranquil garden spot is at 3914 Eaton Dr. in Rockford

fireplace, wine bar area, circular sunroom and large multi-purpose laundry room. Homeowner and Rockford Woman’s Club member Deb Balluff says she and husband Gary have lived in the 3,500-quare-foot exposed ranch home on two city

lots for seven years. They’ve remodeled or updated every room. She hopes people will enjoy seeing the updates, including a large laundry room with painted cupboards, a long countertop, refrigerator, half bath and large closet. “I hope people appreciate the uniqueness of this home that has great views, wide open spaces for entertaining and yet has warmth and is livable,” she says. In Belvidere, the home at 1922 Riverside Road is a 19th century Greek Revival farmhouse on six acres of gently rolling farmland. It was once featured in an issue of Architectural Digest magazine. The home underwent an extensive restructuring by the prestigious Tigerman McCurry Architects in Chicago. The original farmhouse was enlarged with a 2,000-square-foot addition and a connecting space, which created a smooth transition from the old and new structures. Also on the tour is a 100-year-old barn that is an ever-changing work of art. The owners have been working on the

barn for the past five years and continue to renovate both the interior and the exterior, incorporating reclaimed lumber and antique architectural artifacts as well as custom-made pieces of woodwork in quilt patterns, mainly the Log Cabin quilt pattern. The barn is also the studio of wellknown local artist Ingrid Dohm, whose colorful floral and landscape paintings are a large part of the interior décor. The building is adorned with lights and decorations during the Christmas season and for the Fourth of July. Tickets for the summer tour cost $40 per person; tickets for both the summer and fall tours are $70. Tickets may be purchased at rockfordwomansclub.com or at several locations including Crimson Ridge, 735 N. Perryville Road; Pepper Creek, 7295 Harrison Ave.; Poska, 2213 E. State St.; Possessions, 1642 N. Alpine Road at Highcrest Centre; Shear Renewal Salon, 2209 E. State St.; and at both locations of Village Green Nursery, 6101 E. Riverside Blvd. and 2640 N. Main St. ❚

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O L

Flavorful Grilling is Easier Than You Think By Peggy Werner

rills are as versatile as the people who use them and vary in size, color, shape, and functionality. Most people own a grill or a smoker and many own two grills and use them year round. Although people love the charbroiled flavor, gas grills are more popular for their convenience. Pellet grills, which come in all sizes, prices, and varying features, combine flavor and convenience and are gaining in popularity, says Brad Vander Heyden, president of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr. Pellet grills give the flavor of a charcoal grill or smoker with the convenience

Learn more about grilling and taste samples during demonstrations most Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m., at Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., Rockford.

of a kitchen oven. By using direct or indirect heat, the pellet can quickly sear and grill, smoke, or roast meat for hours at a time. A digital controller uses a chip, sensor, circuits and an algorithm to regulate and maintain temperature. Hardwood pellets provide heat and smoke flavor. Pellets come in a variety of flavors, including hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, oak, maple, mesquite, and peach. Combining or layering flavors gives a unique result. “It’s like cooking on a campfire, but it’s totally automated. You can cook a pizza in minutes or ribs for hours,” he says. Vander Heyden has a passion for grilling year round and says one of his family’s favorites is cedar plank salmon, which can be cooked in about 15 minutes. He also has experimented with cooking vegetables and says kabobs with peppers, onions, tomatoes, pineapple and chunks

of meat can get done all at the same time by using indirect heat. Some vegetables he wraps in foil; others he places directly on the grill to absorb the most smoke flavor. It’s all about knowing what the grill can do and being creative, he says. “A lot of people are just not aware of all the options in grilling,” he says. To learn more about grilling and to taste samples, attend the grill demonstrations he presents at 11 a.m. most Fridays and Saturdays at Advanced Chimney Systems. ❚

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Y T

It’s ‘Not that Hard’ to Pay Less for Tech By Peggy Werner

customer walks into EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, and within a few minutes leaves happier than when he came in, after finding out how to pay less for internet, phone and television services. During the customer’s visit, EZ Satellite and Wireless Owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano asks him questions about the number of televisions in his home, his favorite channels, whether he enjoys streaming and recording, how many phones he has and if he needs high-speed internet. Zambrano’s goal is to help every customer save money. “Most customers are paying too much, up to $250 for phone, television and internet. I can save them $50 to $100 per month. With every customer, I can offer them the best each company has to offer,” he says. “A lot of people are not happy with

their tech services, but they’re afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research to find a better deal. It’s not that hard to get a better deal and start saving money,” he says. Zambrano’s business has doubled since he moved it to the Loves Park location from Roscoe two years ago. Although he plans to open a second store in the future, a more immediate goal is to start selling, installing and servicing security cameras and surveillance systems within the next few months. What sets his business apart from others, he says, is personal attention, good customer service and honesty. “I make sure the customers know exactly what they are getting and that they are not paying for services they don’t want or need,” he says.

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Protect America. Learn more by calling EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or by visiting the office. ❚

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BYRONFEST $5.00 for admittance for the entire weekend!

LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG! for more information visit byronfest.org or the byronfest page on facebook! 24

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June 13

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

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Through Aug. 28, Tue. 5 p.m. gates open, 5:45 p.m. performance. Ernie Hendrickson of Chicago on June 19 with Brett Newski opening. Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Rhyme & Rhythm Through June 23, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Members of the Momentum Art Guild show new works of art inspired by a favorite piece of music or poetry. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. Music on the Mall Through Sept. 14, most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Local live music hosted by Mary’s Market. Bring your own chair. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com. 'Hair' Through June 30, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. The radical musical of the ’60s tackles issues still relevant today, with hits like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine” and “Easy to be Hard.” [Usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org. RAM: Midwestern Biennial Show Through Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 75th presentation of Rockford Art Museum’s biennial juried exhibition showcasing multimedia work by contemporary artists across the Midwest. 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Music in the Park Through Aug. 2, Tue.-Thu., 7 p.m. See the Rhythm Rockets on June 14. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Music on the Rock: Bun E. Carlos June 13, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. performance. Entertainment by Rockford native Carlos, the original drummer for Cheap Trick, and the Monday Night Band. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. 'Jane Eyre' June 13-16 & July 18-22, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s story of the orphaned young girl.

Enjoy Music in the Park at 7 p.m. on June 14 when the Rhythm Rockets perform at Sinnissippi Park.

Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 9212160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Museum Mystery Dinner June 15, 6-9:30 p.m. Join your friends at the Jarrett Prairie Center Museum for an evening of fun, with dinner and a show; cash bar. Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 2348535, byronforestpreserve.com. Klehm Woodsong Concert: Josh Hoyer June 17, 6 p.m. Featured on “The Voice,” John Hoyer & Soul Colossal combine soul, funk and R&B. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 9658146, klehm.org. Dan Hagemann June 17, 7 p.m. Illinois-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Hagemann plays Americana and acoustic rock. Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com. Freeport Concert Band June 17-July 22, Sun. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy music under the stars at the Koenig Amphitheater. Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 990-1739, freeportparkdistrict.org. Rhythm & Blooms June 19, July 17 & Aug. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Outdoor concert series in the lovely Gazebo Garden of the Rotary Botanical Gardens. Bring chairs or blanket. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org. Summer Solstice Showcase June 20, 6-9 p.m. Local artists reveal new artwork inspired by art from the Tallman collection. Live auction, cocktails and appetizers by local chefs. Rock County Historical Society, 426 N. Jackson St., (608) 756-4509, ext. 300, Janesville, rchs.org. ❚

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WDL

Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

ears before he opened it, owner Nikko Castrogiovanni mulled over the concept for Baci’s Kitchen in his mind. He envisioned a fast-casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner that would become a neighborhood favorite because of its good food, reasonable prices and fast service all day long. Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. Much of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service, but full table service is available as well. “The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many healthconscious and vegetarian options,” says Castrogiovanni. For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spin-

ach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price. There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey. “The breakfast pizzas are great to pick up and take into morning office gatherings,” says Castrogiovanni. The lunch/dinner menu begins at 11 a.m. daily and includes sandwiches, paninis, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet or lasagna. Especially popular are Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls such as the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamame and shredded carrots, for $14. Other protein bowls star chicken, seared tuna, steak, shrimp or vegetables with quinoa.

Entrees like stacked salmon feature a pan-seared salmon filet topped with sautéed radishes, carrots, tomatoes, orange slices, for $20. Enjoy live music most Friday and Saturday nights; check the website to learn the lineup. Baci’s opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m. Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚ ❚

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.

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

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

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Capital House  Fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. BLD M-Th 8am4pm, Fri. 8 am-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm. Closed Sunday. $-$$$.

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. $-$$.

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. $$

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authentic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Rock Cut Concessions  Casual American. BkLD. Now serving breakfast. Sandwiches, burgers, fries, ice cream. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry. Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. Thrive Café  Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚

June 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible. One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms. There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage. Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon. Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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June 13

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June 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Credit Union: Learn Good Money Habits

By Peggy Werner

redit Unions and banks are similar in that they offer ﬁnancial products such as savings and checking accounts, loans and mortgages, online and mobile banking convenience and other services. They’re both held to many of the same regulations and they both insure accounts. But there are also some notable differences. Unlike banks, credit unions are notfor-profit and owned by an entire group of account holders called members. Credit unions tend to offer financial products at more favorable repayment terms, lower loan rates, reduced fees, and other discounts, says Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “Credit unions are about people, not profit,” he says. “We know our customers and have a history with them, which fig-

ures into what we can do to help them.” MembersAlliance also is focused on community involvement, partnering with and supporting other organizations to promote financial literacy and sponsor local events. The credit union, which services Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties, recently wrapped up events for Money Smart Week. It partnered with other community organizations to offer a variety of seminars and classes on Medicare, retirement planning, budgeting for both English- and Spanish-speaking adults and youths and tips for avoiding identity theft. At any time of year, high school teachers can offer free online financial education classes for students through MembersAlliance. “We want students and adults alike to develop good money habits and use credit

responsibly,” says Lynch. “We want people to learn about money, how to budget, how to manage money, and to understand what credit is and how you can repair it.” Learn more at membersalliance.org or visit one of the Rockford locations at 2550 S. Alpine Road, 6951 Olde Creek Road and inside the Wal-Mart supercenters at 7219 Walton Road, 3849 Northridge Dr., and at 4781 E. Rockton Road in Roscoe, Ill. ❚

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June 13

Smart Living Weekly

June 13 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1