Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Sept. 6, 2017
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Right in Our Region
Hot Diggity Dog Time at Klehm
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How to Plant Hardy Mums Eye Floaters Explained Newest Living Room Trends Bubblefest at Discovery Center
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Experience Downtown Rockford
In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Hot Diggity Dog at Klehm Arboretum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 New Living Room Trends Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Joy of Honesty Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Upgraded Burgers Outdoor Living .................................................18 Grow Hardy Mums Your Outing ............................................. ......... 19 Bubblefest at Discovery Center Museum Your Technology ..................................... ......... 21 Reduce Your Tech Bills Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 All About Eye Floaters Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Prairie Street Brewhouse Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Education ........................................ ......... 29 Consider a Criminal Justice Career
Smart L iving Weekly ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia
Imagine the possibilities The right mortgage, at a great interest rate, with a payment you can afford! Great rates, better banking... Plus, now through Sept. 30, 2017 enjoy a special discount of up to $250 off your closing costs!*
Your savings insured to $250,000 per account. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured. Eligibility based on credit history, ability to make payments, and collateral value. Interest rates and closing costs may vary based on product and terms. $250 credit applied to total closing costs at time of closing; applicable on conventional adjustable-rate mortgages and up to 20 year fixed-rate mortgages held in the credit union’s portfolio. $100 credit applied to total closing costs at time of closing; applicable on conventional 21-30 year fixed-rate mortgages. Discount available on applications taken from 5/1/17-9/30/17 and must close by 11/30/17. Some restrictions may apply.
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Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan 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, Steven Wysong Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Four-Legged Love
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ur country is divided over many issues, but there’s one thing most of us agree on: we love our pets. They make us laugh, keep us company, protect us, warm our feet and lower our blood pressure. They offer unconditional affection and loyalty without judgment, no matter how bad we look or feel. I was glad to see that many Hurricane Harvey victims were allowed to take their pets with them, during rescue operations, in contrast to Hurricane Katrina procedures. Hurricane losses are traumatic enough without the added heartbreak of losing furry friends. If you’re like me, you can’t stand to think of pets suffering abuse, hunger or any other form of distress. You turn the channel when ASPCA ads appear on TV and cover your ears when friends tell sad pet stories. You find comfort in supporting animalfriendly organizations that do the hard work we softies could never face. Thank God for good, strong souls who work or volunteer at local shelters, caring for animals and doing their best to place them in good homes. Many of those folks will be on hand at the Hot Diggity Dog event at Klehm Arboretum on Sept. 17, which looks to be a hoot. I’m thinking of taking our two vizsla dogs, Brody and Quincy, to see the other pups in costume and to explore the beautiful acres of this serene place. Leashed dogs are always welcome at Klehm. Learn more about it in our cover story. As I write, Hurricane Irma is barreling toward Florida at 180 m.p.h. and we don’t know how things will play out. Odds are good that this storm won’t be kind to people or pets either in Fla. or nearby island nations. Those of us safe and secure in our Midwest homes can play a big role in bringing relief to our coastal neighbors. Find a list of reputable disaster agencies at nvoad.org. Stay dry, stay thankful, and have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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Help a Child to Discover the Joy of Reading By Peggy Werner s the new school year gets underway, United Way and The Literacy Council want to help young children get off to a good start by discovering the endless joy that reading makes possible. That effort begins by recruiting volunteers to spend as little as 30 minutes a week with a student in kindergarten through third grades, through the I READ Program. “Our goal is to build a positive relationship with an adult through reading, while enhancing reading skills,” says Courtney Jonsson, I READ Program Manager at the The Literacy Council. “Our need is always greater than the number of volunteers we have, but our best advertisers are those who help students and talk about how much they love the program. It’s rewarding on both sides and many of our volunteers will work with their students all three years and into
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fourth grade, if they still need help.” One of the ways volunteers can help children learn to love reading is by getting to know them and picking out books on subjectsthey enjoy or want to know more about. “If you enjoy what you’re reading, you will read more,” she says. In its seventh year, I READ is in 19 schools in four local school districts. Volunteers can help more than one child if they desire. Teachers select students according to need. Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session to get acquainted with the school and safety rules, and to learn about encouraging students, reading techniques, and how to pick age-appropriate books. By the end of the year, United Way and The Literacy Council will have provided each student with 12 new books for their home libraries.
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“Parents are encouraged to read with their children at home and take every opportunity to help their child practice reading,” says Jonsson. “Even reading signs seen while riding in the car or walking around stores is helpful to a child’s growth, academically. Parents who read to their children or encourage them to read on their own are giving them a great head start in life.” To volunteer, contact Jonsson at Courtney@theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323, ext. 14. ❚
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Easy-Going Comfort is Living Room Bliss By Jermaine Pigee
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our living room is the place where you relax, read a book, maybe watch some TV. It’s also a place to gather with friends and family. There was a time when homes had “comfortable furniture” that was relegated to the family room and more formal furniture in other living spaces. Not anymore. “There really isn’t a living room and family room anymore,” says Jessica Hughes, interior designer at Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “The fancy, formal feel is out, for the most part. People want something that’s tidy and structured, with a casual feel. Fabricwise, they want color again and blue has been popular lately. There’s also a push for slight patterns and textures.” Gray remains a favorite tone throughout the home and goes well with nearly every other color.
Hughes says homeowners are looking for eclectic styles in which separate pieces come together in unique ways. They don’t think twice about pairing a casual leather sofa with an elegant TV console table, for example. “People love sectionals and they love separate pieces,” Hughes says. “People are buying sofas and two chairs, where in the past, it’s been a sofa and loveseat. They want one, two things at the most, and not an over-cluttered look.” It’s important to know your options when furniture shopping. “You say you want something, but why do you want it and how will you use it and who will use it?” Hughes says. “Is it the right fit for everyone in the home?
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These are some of the things to take into consideration.” When it comes to fabrics and decorations, people are most comfortable playing it safe with plain looks. But Hughes encourages updates that are easy to enjoy and change out over time. “Sometimes just a pop of color here or there can make a big difference.” ❚
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The Joy of Honesty
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onest people do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But cheaters rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to cheat on taxes; to forge school papers or exams; to shortchange customers; to lie to the boss ... While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 commandments, it’s at the core of most. Stealing, bearing false witness and committing adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. Habitual liars rob themselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) More importantly, they grieve the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. How must God feel when we act like petty thieves rather than grateful children? God wants us to treat one another the way we want to be treated. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (NIV) Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again, says scripture. Today, we have better options. We can accept God’s grace, change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God. We grow closer to Him and feel joy. And with each good choice, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world. The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything. “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15) The world exalts cheaters, liars, the proud and self-serving. Don’t let it get you down. Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (John 16:33). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
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Reach New Heights with a Reinvented Burger T ext your friends, dust off your apron and fire up the grill. These quick and affordable tips can up your grill game and impress guests. •Take burgers to the next level with your favorite ground meats such as turkey, chicken or beef. •Top your burger with a blue cheese mousse by blending blue cheese crumbles and cream cheese, then season it with your favorite spices. •Combine mayonnaise with orange juice and orange zest to make a citrus aioli or whip up a special sauce by mixing peanut butter with oil and hot water. •Forgo traditional burger buns and bookend your masterpiece with brioche buns or pretzel rolls. Six-Mile High Burger Recipe courtesy of ALDI Test Kitchen • 1 tsp. Carlini Vegetable Oil • 10 Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
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8 pieces center cut bacon 8 Season’s Choice onion rings • 4 All-natural 80 percent lean ground beef patties • 8 slices Happy Farms pepperjack cheese • 1 cup Burman’s mayonnaise • 1/4 cup Burman’s hot sauce • 1/2 cup Burman’s mustard • 1/4 tsp. Stonemill salt • 1/4 tsp. Stonemill black pepper • 4 L’oven fresh hamburger buns • 1 tomato, sliced • 2 romaine lettuce leaves In saute pan, heat vegetable oil and saute mushrooms 2-3 minutes. Set aside. Fry bacon to desired doneness, about 5 minutes on each side. Set aside. Bake onion rings according to packaging instructions. Set aside. Grill burgers 5-7 minutes on each
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side until they reach desired doneness. Place two slices cheese on each burger and continue to grill until melted. Remove from heat. Mix together mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, salt and pepper, and spread on both sides of buns, to taste. Layer bottom bun with patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce, mushrooms, two onion rings, two pieces of bacon and top half of bun. ❚ Source: Family Features
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Hot Diggity Dog at Klehm Arboretum By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
Central Ave..
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of pet-related gift baskets. Artist Michelle Dorr, who specializes in painting pet portraits, will be present as well. “It’s fun to watch people enjoying the dog costume contest,” says Wojtowicz with a laugh. “Last year, one couple brought a large dog dressed in elaborate Willy Wonka attire, complete with purple coat, gold bow tie and top hat,” he says. “And their infant was dressed as an Oompa Loompa.” He recalls another dog dressed as a pastry chef who pulled a wagon outfitted to look like a kitchen stove. When the oven door opened, there was another dog hiding inside, dressed as a cupcake. “There was also a dog ‘driving’ a replica World War II tank and shooting water from his guns,” adds Wojtowicz. “People really go all out for this contest.” This year’s contest will be emceed
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adopts a dog that day will receive a free annual membership to Klehm Arboretum – a perfect dog-walking location. Friendly dogs on leashes are always welcome at Klehm, as long as their owners clean up after them. The Illinois German Short-Hair Pointer Rescue organization also will provide information about dogs in need of homes. And the Kibble Corner Pet Food Pantry will spread the word on how we can help people in need to feed their pets. Other activities at the Hot Diggity Dog Festival include dog training and agility demonstrations; police K-9 unit demonstrations; interaction with SwedishAmerican Hospital’s Caring Canines pet therapy dogs; children’s activities such as face-painting and entertainment by Billy the Balloon Guy; and an auction
Main St.
or the fifth year in a row, dog lovers will gather at Klehm Arboretum to celebrate all things canine. The Hot Diggity Dog Festival is Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is guaranteed to produce lots of laughter among twolegged types. “People really enjoy coming out to see all the dogs, especially the ones dressed up for the Most Original Dog Costume Contest,” says Jim Wojtowicz, special events coordinator at Klehm. “Last year we had more than 50 dogs in some really creative and extravagant costumes.” Attendees needn’t own a pooch to participate, but if they happen to be looking for a one, animal adoption agencies will be there to provide information, such as Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Mending Hearts Rescue. Anyone who
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by Channel 23 weatherman Mark Henderson. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Papa’s Dog House and includes standard fair food items like hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, soda pop and other snacks and treats. Prairie Street Brewhouse will host a beer tent for those who thirst for an adult beverage. Dog lovers can chat with people from canine-related businesses, such as
Forest City Dog Training Club, Dogwood Pet Resort, Cherry Valley Feed & Supplies, pet insurance agencies and Dog Paddle Beach, a place where dogs can do therapeutic swimming. Last year, more than 600 people attended Hot Diggity Dog, bringing 200plus dogs, more than 50 of them in costume. Many took time to stroll the beautiful and serene Klehm trails with their four-legged friends.
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Event sponsors include Beef-a-Roo and Rock Valley Culligan. Admission to Hot Diggity Dog is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, kids 12 and under, and Klehm members. All proceeds go to the arboretum. Learn more about the event at Klehm.org. “It’s just a very fun family day,” says Wojtowicz. “Kids love all the dogs, but so do their grandparents and everyone else in the family.” ❚
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Bigger, Better Mums Add to Autumn Beauty By Peggy Werner
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ust as summer colors are starting to fade and the season draws to a close, chrysanthemums are a No. 1 choice to brighten up the landscape and extend the beauty of nature. The late-blooming flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors and research is always underway to offer an even wider selection each year. S & H Nursery, 5956 McCurry Road in Roscoe, specializes in locally grown hardy mums, which have proven to be a good choice for those wanting to plant the flowers into the ground for more years of blooms. The mums are known for their dense foliage and fullness, prolific large blooms, and plant size up to three feet in width. “It’s crazy how big they get. They are the nicest, fullest mums I have ever seen,” says owner Jamie Swanson.
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Although mums are not guaranteed to bounce back every year, there are some steps you can take to help them thrive year after year. The earlier you get the mums into the ground, the better, says Swanson. Don’t dig a hole too deep. Leave about a half inch of the plant soil above the ground to give roots a chance to breathe and adjust to new surroundings. Water and fertilize mums as you would other flowing plants, and deadhead (pinch off) tired blooms. As long as they are wellmaintained and weather permits, mums will keep blooming, she says. “I’ve seen mums still blooming outside at Christmas,” she says. S & H will continue to get mums through the month of October. It currently has a special running for eight-
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inch pots offered at $7.50 each or three for $20. The mums are also available in 12-inch pots by themselves or mixed with fall grasses. Few things say “autumn beauty” as eloquently as beautiful mums. “They’re absolutely gorgeous,” says Swanson. ❚
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One-Day Bubble Festival Features Guest G eoff Akins-Hannah considers himself both a magician and a bubbleologist. He’ll demonstrate his skills as both during six live “Bubble Wonders” performances at Discovery Center’s 2017 Bubble Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9. Akins-Hannah does amazing things with ordinary soap and water. Following each live performance, audiences will be invited to test their own bubble skills with bubble art and activities in the Bubble-Palooza Playground for some sudsyscience fun. The event is sponsored by Alpine Bank, with additional support by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Geoff creates huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones, bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round and even the impossi-bubble SQUARE bubble. The theme of the Bubble Won-
ders show is Anything is Possible. Positive messages about the power of persistence and following your dream are woven throughout the shows. “His shows usually sell out, so I suggest people purchase tickets online in advance,” says Discovery Center Marketing Director Ann Marie Walker. Geoff Akins-Hannah performs about 300 shows a year and has entertained more than one million people during his career. He has appeared on “CBS Sunday Morning” with Charles Osgood, Nation-
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al Geographic Channel, and WGN. His corporate clients include Google, Toyota, Macy’s, IBM, Whole Foods and many more. He’s been entertaining and educating children for more than 30 years. Shows are at 9 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; noon; 1:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. Tickets sold in advance are $5 public/$4 members through noon on Sept. 8. At the door, they cost $6 public/$5 members. Museum admission is extra for the general public: $8 adults; $8 children; age 1 and younger free. Reserve tickets online at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org or call (815) 963-6769. Discovery Center Museum is a nonprofit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages. It’s located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Learn more at discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚
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Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely By Peggy Werner
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etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy. “Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.” Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says. “You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”
With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems. He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month. The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.” EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also
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offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint. Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them. And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office ❚
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Treating the ‘Little Insects’ in Your Eyes By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor
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loaters aren’t usually a serious problem, but they can be annoying. “They look like little insects flying around in front of you,” Yavitz says. “It bothers people – they think there’s something in front of them when there’s not. It’s actually a problem inside the eye.” People often complain of floaters after they get cataract surgery, Yavitz adds. Floaters are also more common in people who are nearsighted or who have had inflammation in their eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that float inside the vitreous of your eye. These tiny clumps
looking at something plain, like a blank wall or blue sky. Though floaters tend to fade away over time, ophthalmologists can remove severe occurrences by surgery. Yavitz removes floaters at his office, saving patients up to $500 in comparison to going to a surgery center. “I use a laser to remove them,” Yavitz says. “I can see them by shining a light into the eye under a lens. They look like little white specks floating around, and I use the laser to disintegrate them.” ❚ (Paid Advertorial) look like small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. They deceivingly appear to be floating in front of you, and are easier to notice when
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Want a second opinion? We give you one at every visit! The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community. We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.
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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
Tunes on the Terrace: Reed & Waddy Sept. 6, 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music along the banks of the Rock River. Food and beverages available beginning at Rockford, 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 5 p.m.IL Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
AE: “Steel Magnolias” Sept. 7-24, Th.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The story of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor whose interactions reveal deep strength of character. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. Festival on the Rock Sept. 8-10, events daily. Festivities include carnival rides, food vendors, bags tournament, beer tent, live music. Saturday features a cardboard boat regatta during the day and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Dr., Beloit, festivalontherock.com. Greek Fest 2017 Sept. 8-10, Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. to 9 p.m. Enjoy dancing (both modern and traditional Greek), food, Greek and domestic beers and wines, baked goods, vendors and a raffle drawing. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. 5th St., Rockford, (815) 963-8625, rockfordgreekfest.com. Music on the Mall: Swingbilly Rockford Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music. Food and drinks from Mary’s Market available. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765, edgebrookshops.com. Forest City Queen Brunch Cruise Sept. 9, 9 a.m. Enjoy morning hours on the Rock River, when wildlife is waking up and the sun is rising. Disembark at Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 874-7576, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Main Street Market Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 100 vendors sell vintage and handmade goods. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Bubble Festival Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. Join bubble celebrity Geoffrey
Talented artists will showcase their work at the Grand Detour Arts Festival on Sept. 10.
Akins for a live performance and sudsy science fun. Try your hand at bubble art in the BubblePalooza Playground after the show. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. Concerts on the Creek: Illusionist/Mentalist Sept. 9, 7-9 p.m. Master illusionist-mentalist Arch Smith and Ukelele artist John Lindhort entertain. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. Grand Detour Arts Festival Sept. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Village of Grand Detour hosts one of the oldest art festivals in Illinois. The artwork is enhanced by the beautiful grounds, picturesque gardens and music throughout the day. John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour, Ill., (815) 652-4551, thenextpictureshow.com. AJG Strings on Sunday Sept. 10, 2-3:30 p.m. Featuring The Miyumi Project. Enjoy chamber-style music with a contemporary twist. Performances include a mix of popular show tunes, pop, bluegrass and classical selections. Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG), 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 2299390, andersongardens.org. Lifescape Senior Expo Sept. 13, 9 a.m. More than 100 vendors promote subjects such as health care, financial planning, retirement and home improvement. The event also features health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations and presentations. Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., lifescapeservices.org. ❚
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Dockside Live Mondays Run Through September
By Peggy Werner
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rairie St. Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer and an unbeatable view of the Rock River. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating lineup of 16 craft beers on tap. The restaurant and brewery are located inside the 85,000-square-foot Prairie Street Brewhouse, a multi-use venue that was home to the Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939. Restaurant decor features exposed original brick and ductwork. “It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president of Prairie St. Brewing Co., and co-owner with Reed Sjostrom and Dustin Koch. Using local and fresh ingredients as much as possible, the menu features appetizers such as Korean street tacos, short rib nachos, beer-battered cheese
curds and a rotating Poutine of the Day, with flavors like cubano or pastrami. “Handhelds” are sandwiches or tacos filled with pulled pork, shrimp, turkey club ingredients or burgers, including black bean or country-fried portobello vegetarian options. There are soups and salads, flatbreads and sides, including smashed beets, onion rings, sweet potato fries and the “beer and cheese fondue chips,” using chips made by Ole Salty’s. Entrées include roasted chicken with a sweet corn and tomato succotash; grilled Faroe Island salmon with cucumber, buttermilk, potato and dill; and a cured salmon poke bowl, with nori-rubbed and house-cured salmon, edamame, avocado, sesame seeds, fried shallots and house sriracha, served on a bed of sushi rice. For dessert, there are root beer floats made with Prairie St.’s homemade root beer; tres leches; Johnnie’s cheesecakes; and a “beer ice cream sandwich,” made with rotating flavors of Dairyhaus ice cream.
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants
Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Big Papa’s Barbecue BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-
Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.
Costa’s Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26
Smart Living Weekly
Sept. 6
Head to Prairie Street for Dockside Live on Mondays through September. Dinner on the Dock is on Thursdays from 5-10 p.m., through the end of this month, with a special sandwich menu and live music from 6-9 p.m. The Prairie St. Brewing Co. Brewpub (located upstairs) is open Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. 11 a.m.- midnight; and Fri.-Sat. until 2 a.m. The Dockside Taproom (located downstairs) is open Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight and Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. For reservations, call (815) 227-9427. ❚
To advertise call 815-316-2300
Higher Grounds
F
or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients. Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches. Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes. Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚
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Smart Living Weekly
Sept. 6
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To advertise call 815-316-2300
F E
Learning About Criminal Justice Careers By Chris Linden, executive editor
J
ust because you’re pursuing a career in criminal justice doesn’t mean you have to be a police officer. Michael Smith, a criminal justice professor at Upper Iowa University’s Rockford center, encourages his adult students to explore many of the career paths within his field, including the courts and legal system, the correctional system, and law enforcement, including local police, sheriff’s office and federal bureaus. Smith is a deputy court administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. He regularly leads student tours through local courts and jails, and introduces students to his coworkers, all in an effort to guide them toward a successful career path. “A lot of students are interested in criminal justice,” says Smith, who’s been in the field for 20 years. “But they’re not
sure what position they want. So, we try to tackle each and every part of the criminal justice system so that they have an idea of what it entails and what would qualify them for that position.” Upper Iowa’s curriculum is designed with the working adult in mind. Built around eight-week accelerated courses, the curriculum engages students either online or on-site. Smith tries to make the most of his classes, interacting with students, engaging them in projects and challenging their skills. He’s twice been named teacher of the year. “When I go to work, I see different things every day, and I bring that to class,” he says. “Students always want to know: What did I do at work today? What happened? What’s interesting? And not only do we focus on what’s happening in the courthouse, but we focus on world
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views within our field.” Also available as a minor, Upper Iowa’s criminal justice program can be beneficial to students engaged in other fields, including human services, says Smith. And, because Upper Iowa prioritizes each student’s career goals and family needs, the course load is highly flexible. If you’re interested in learning more about an education in criminal justice, contact Smith or the team at Upper Iowa’s Rockford center. Visit uiu.edu to begin exploring today. ❚
Smart Living Weekly
Sept. 6
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