Smart Living Weekly - May 17, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • May 17, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Young at Heart in Loves Park

See Page 20

Tips for Spring Planting New Chef at Hearthrock Café Save Money on Tech Bills What’s New in Kitchens Treating Macular Degeneration

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to the Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36 See Pg. 32 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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Young at Heart Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 What’s New in Kitchens?

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Gekko Was Wrong Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Encouraging Healthy Habits Your Outdoor Living .........................................19 Finally Time to Plant!

Your Technology .................................... .......... 23 Don’t Pay Too Much for Tech Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 New Treatment for Macular Degeneration Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 New Chef at Hearthrock Cafe Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Your Community ..................................... ......... 33 Credit Union Presents Scholarships

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

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!* 815.226.2260 . membersalliance.org

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Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky 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.

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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Managing Editor Janine Pumilia

May 17

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Simple Math T

oday, May 17, is the date that the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v.

Board of Education of Topeka was handed down, making racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Grade school student Linda Brown had been denied admission to her local school due to skin color. Thurgood Marshall, who later became a revered Supreme Court Justice, led Brown’s legal team. He, too, had been denied access to his hometown school – the U. of Maryland School of Law – due to skin color.

I thought about the Brown decision after watching “Hidden Figures,” the inspiring 2016 Best Picture contender. While the Supreme Court was hashing out a little girl’s fate, a group of black, female math experts were helping to make America great. They could do this because, in 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt had banned employment discrimination of U.S. defense workers based on “race, creed, color or national origin,” in an effort to bulk up the federal workforce for World War II. By the 1950s, the space race was on, roomsized IBMs weren’t yet reliable and NASA was hiring women to perform the complex mathematical equations upon which its engineers depended. College-educated, black female “computers” were underpaid and treated badly, but nonetheless proved themselves invaluable to the success of missions piloted by John Glenn, Neil Armstrong and Alan Shepard.

I knew that it “took a village” to put mankind on the moon, but I didn’t know how diverse it was until author Margot Lee Shetterly wrote the aptly named book behind this factbased, entertaining film that follows three brilliant “computers.”

There’s a truth proven over and over again in U.S. history: All of us benefit when all of us have the opportunity to develop and contribute our talents.

The bigger the sky, the more stars we find in it. I’m no computer, but even I understand that math.

Here’s to a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y H  G

Easy-Care Beauty in Demand for Kitchens

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

S

o what’s new in kitchen updates?

Cleaner lines and low-maintenance, high quality materials, says Kayla Hauch, kitchen and bath designer at Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford.

“The more detail, the more there is to dust and clean,” she says. “That’s why people are choosing relatively simple door styles, like Shaker or transitional.”

A rise in the popularity of quartz countertops is compatible with this trend.

“They’re super durable, easy to clean and won’t stain like marble can, but they’re also beautiful,” says Hauch.

Shades of gray remain popular for painted and stained cabinets.

“Color trends usually last about 10 years and the grays began about five years ago,” says Hauch. Today’s grays are softer, more fawn-colored shades.

White-painted cabinets remain timeless.

When choosing cabinets, buy the

best quality you can afford, she says.

“You really do get what you pay for.

Most cabinets look nice when they’re brand new, but there’s a big difference in the way they wear. A lot depends on the materials they’re made from, the construction process used and especially the way the finish is applied.”

Benson Stone Co. carries several lines and price points of cabinetry.

“Even our lowest price point is far superior in quality to what you would find at a big-box store,” says Hauch.

There’s another trend that’s likely here to stay: More convenient storage styles, like deep drawers, blind-corner cabinets with swing-out drawers and rollout pantry shelves.

Popular kitchen flooring materials include hardwood and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that looks like wood or tile.

Benson Stone customers enjoy one-

This lovely kitchen features Dura Supreme cabinetry, sold at Benson Stone Co.

stop shopping, since the store offers cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash materials and a full-service lighting center, all under one roof, along with professional designers who can make your remodeling journey easier.

“People are so happy when they finally have a kitchen that works the way they always wanted it to,” says Hauch.

“We’re here to help them figure out all the pieces that go into that final, beautiful result.” ❚

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I  W

Gekko Was Wrong

I

n the 1987 movie “Wall Street,” character Gordon Gekko claims that “Greed – for the lack of a better word – is good!”

There have always been Gekkos and they have always been wrong, according to the Judeo-Christian values from which Western Civilization formed.

Yet our culture is obsessed with money and those who possess it, no matter whether they earned it, inherited it or oppressed others to get it. As Christians, we shouldn’t fall prey to this age-old trap.

Scripture affirms honest work, careful stewardship, wise investment and generosity – not greed. It tells us that God measures human success not in coin, but in love. When asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus answers: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30 & 31) In itself, money is neither good nor bad. Like sunlight, it’s just a fact of life.

But to be consumed by a thirst for it is a form of idolatry no better than sun worship. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” states the first commandment delivered by Moses (Exodus 20:3).

Paul goes so far as to tell us that the love of money – greed – is “the root of all evil.” (I Timothy 6:10). Take that, Gekko!

Christ teaches us to love people and use money; the world teaches the opposite – to love money and use people. As Christians, we must recognize the difference.

Many, many scriptures deal with money attitudes. Here are just a few: From Jesus Christ: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) and “No one can serve two masters … You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) From King Solomon, once the richest and wisest man on earth: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) From Proverbs: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” – Janine Pumilia (Proverbs 14:31) ❚ 12

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Kids 6

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Memorial Day Weekend 2017

Loves Park City Hall Festival Grounds • 100 Heart Boulevard Buttons are good for all 4 days. All shows are included with admission. Sold at Loves Park City Hall, most Kelley Williamson Mobil stations, Schnucks, and other select locations.

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Y K

Simple Ways to Encourage Healthy Habits I

f getting your kids to embrace healthy eating habits feels like a constant uphill battle, take heart in knowing you’re not alone. Modeling smart choices in the kitchen and at the grocery store may be just the nudge your kids need.

One of the biggest hurdles many families face, when it comes to healthier eating, is getting started. These tips show how subtle changes can make it simple to introduce healthier choices the whole family can enjoy.

• Skip the packaged breakfast foods that are loaded with sodium and calories. Instead, make and freeze your own healthy breakfast foods ahead of time.

• Set a good example for kids to follow by preparing healthy dinners at home. This one-pot turkey skillet is ready in less than 25 minutes to make dinner and cleanup a breeze.

• When kids are empowered to choose what they eat, they’re more likely to enjoy it. One easy way for kids to identify

59¢12oz

Bar-S Franks

smart choices in the produce department is by looking for foods with the Produce for Kids logo. Not only are these items an important part of a balanced meal, shoppers who support the products are giving back to local organizations that help children and families.

To find additional tips to encourage your family’s healthy eating, visit produceforkids.com.

One-Pot Healthy Turkey Skillet

rinsed and drained 2 tsp. cumin 2 Tb. chili powder 1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tb. extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound ground turkey 1 medium green bell pepper 1 medium sweet onion 3 Roma tomatoes 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans,

In nonstick skillet, over mediumhigh heat, heat oil. Add turkey and cook 10 minutes, or until no longer pink.

In food processor, pulse bell pepper, onion and tomatoes until chunky (or dice them by hand).

Add vegetable mixture, noodles, beans, cumin, chili powder and salt to skillet and let simmer 15 minutes.

Enjoy! ❚ Source: Family Features

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

2/$6.50$3.49ea Mikey’s Frozen Chicken Breasts 2.5lb Bags

2/$6 $3.19ea

Chippewa Water 35ct 500ml Bottles

$4.992.5lb 89¢24oz 89¢12oz $1.2912oz Sheboygan Brats

Del Monte Ketchup

Koops’ Premium Mustard

Dutch Farms American Singles

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The Yard Care Experts

MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING MOSQUITO CONTROL Call Today for a Free Estimate

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— — — — — — — — — — — —

Discover the health benefits of connecting with nature at this FREE community event

Bringing together wellness leaders and outdoor fun Saturday, May 20, 2017 12:00 - 3:00 pm Hononegah Forest Preserve #80 Hononegah Road, Rockton, IL 61072 At the Get Outside, Get Healthy! kick-off event you’ll learn about the physical and mental health benefits of various outdoor activities.

Enjoy exhibits, information and demonstrations on Hiking, Paddling, Golf, Nature Study, Yoga, Tai Chi, Bird Watching, Fishing and more!

Pick up your FREE Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport to dozens of FREE activities in the forest preserves. Get your passport stamped and qualify for the grand prize!

Learn more at winnebagoforest.org

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O L

It’s Finally Time for Springtime Planting !

By Peggy Werner

S

pring is in the air and it’s finally time to start planting.

“Just remember we can still get those late frosts, so if you plant any of your vegetables or annuals, remember to cover them if they forecast frost that evening,” says Owner Jamie Swanson of S&H Nursery and Landscaping, 5956 McCurry Road in Roscoe.

There are many variables when planting a garden, depending on what you’re planting and where, yet some general rules apply.

“The object of watering any new shrub, tree or perennial is to find that ‘happy medium,’ neither too wet, nor too dry. Be aware that both too little water and too much water can be detrimental,” says Swanson.

Mulching around trees and plants helps to hold in moisture, reduces weeds

and gives a finished look.

It’s a good idea to rake through mulch once in awhile to aerate it and prevent mold growth. Don’t heap mulch too close to the base of trees and other plants; leave room for air to circulate.

S&H specializes in natural hardwood mulch.

The nursery and landscaping is a locally owned family operation that opened in 1981 as a lawn care business and grew into a full-service nursery by 2012.

Swanson took over the nursery business from her father, Ron, in 2007, and offers something new every year.

S & H offers a variety of services, such as mulch, hardscape and fire pit in-

stallation, and has an experienced landscape designer on hand to help with planning.

Do-it-yourselfers will find a wide range of materials including mulch, stone, pavers, topsoil, retaining wall blocks, trees and other plants. ❚

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R  O R

Young at Heart Launches Summertime Fun B y To n i R o c h a or the 46th year, the City of Loves Park will be the place for Memorial Day weekend fun, with its hugely popular Young at Heart (YAH) Festival, sponsored by the Parks Chamber of Commerce. Along with being the first major festival of the summer, YAH also is among the best-attended because of its high-quality music and family-friendly atmosphere.

“We estimate that YAH draws about 25,000, but it’s difficult to judge because

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people come in multiple days and there’s no admission charge for younger children,” says Diana Johnson, executive director of the Parks Chamber of Commerce and YAH chair. “Average button sales are around 15,000.”

YAH buttons are $12 at the gate, good for all four days, or $8 in advance.

Children ages 6 and younger are free with adult admission.

YAH actually starts more than a week ahead of the opening ceremonies with a YAH pageant on Saturday, May 13, and a fishing derby on Saturday, May 20, Johnson says.

May 17

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The popular four-day celebration of summer’s arrival begins at 5 p.m. Friday, May 26, when gates open for official ceremonies.

From 6 to 10 p.m., $20 ride wristbands give festivalgoers the joy of endless rides on the midway.

The music for which YAH is known brings thousands onto the festival grounds at 100 Heart Blvd. adjacent to the municipal center.

New this year, guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs to watch the performances, as picnic tables will no longer be provided.

Friday night’s entertainment starts at 7 p.m. with Redline 7000, rocking the 1960s through 1990s. At 9:30 p.m., The Devonshires take the stage with their own

R  O R sound of America’s golden hits from the Beatles, Steppenwolf, the Buckinghams, the Doors, the Zombies and more.

Saturday, May 27, starts early with the YAH parade. This 2.5-hour attraction begins at 9 a.m. and marches from Woodward north on North Second Street through the heart of the city. The day’s

entertainment includes YAH Idol from 3 to 4 p.m.; country music band Smokin’ Gunz from 5 to 7:30 p.m.; and Back Country Roads from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Before Jerrod Niemann takes the stage at 10 p.m., families can kick back and gaze skyward at YAH’s spectacular fireworks display.

“Our fireworks rival Rockford’s Fourth of July display,” Johnson says.

Sunday, May 28, is YAH’s traditional children’s day with all the fun and excitement of a true summer festival. Along with $20 unlimited ride wristbands valid from 1 to 5 p.m., kids will enjoy Jim Gill, magician Brian Holt, Mr. Steve and Billy the Balloon Guy. They’ll also meet fairytale princesses and boy comic heroes.

Sunday’s performance lineup includes Big Daddy Woo Woo from 5 to 7 p.m., Three Good Men from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Infinity from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Wrapping up YAH, Monday, May

29, gives families not only unlimited carnival rides for $20 but also the music of Carl Cole from 12:30 to 2 p.m. followed

by Clutch Cargo from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Gates close at 6 p.m.

“Young at Heart does a lot for the Loves Park community,” Johnson notes.

“It’s an economic boost and also draws visitors from a wide sector of the region.

It has a huge impact on the area.”

For more information and advance button purchases, call the Parks Chamber at (815) 633-3999 or visit online at parkschamber.com/yah-home. ❚

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Y T

Reduce the Cost of Monthly Tech Bills

By Peggy Werner

W

hile thinking about all the money you have to spend this holiday season, why not also think about ways to save money on your monthly tech bills?

EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, can help with that.

“People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.

People get excited when they see promotions because they’re just looking at the price, which will jump up dramatically after the special offer ends. Plus, they don’t always know exactly what they’re getting – and what you don’t know can hurt you.”

When you purchase TV and internet service through EZ Satellite & Wireless, you’ll get a $100 gift card when you share the news with someone else.

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer and also is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint.

The company also offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for $19.95 per month.

EZ Satellite specializes in helping people make the right choices based on what they need and where they live, so they can save money.

The family-owned business opened in 2011, in Roscoe, and moved to a larger, more visible location in Loves Park last May, adding a new bill-paying center for customer convenience. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. About 80 percent of his business is working with residential customers in Southern

Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The company also works with businesses.

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,” he says.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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Y H

AMD: Treating an ‘Incurable’ Eye Disease

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

L

ook up “age-related macular degeneration” (AMD) and you’ll read how there’s no cure for this eye disease that affects more than 10 million Americans.

But that’s no longer true. Rockford ophthalmologist Dr. Edward Yavitz is developing a treatment for the dry form of AMD, which is what 8 out of 10 AMD patients have. With three patents secured and three more pending, Yavitz expects the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the treatment within the next couple of years.

“We have tested the treatment in Istanbul and Yugoslavia and we hope to begin trials in Canada next,” Yavitz says.

“This is a really big deal. The doctor who’s going to be treating the first cases told me this may be the biggest advancement in ophthalmology in his lifetime.”

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AMD is the leading

cause of vision loss in people age 50 and older. It damages your macula, a small area in your retina that you use to see the fine details of objects. With a damaged macula, printed words can look blurry, and there may even be a distorted, dark or empty space in the center of your vision.

To help patients with AMD, Yavitz discovered that light entering the eye can be moved away from the macula to other areas of the retina that still work. There’s no need to do surgery on the retina, which is scarred from the disease. Instead, the answer to treating AMD is to perform a corneal procedure.

“If you change the shape of the cornea, you can change where light lands on the back of the eye,” Yavitz says. “So instead of going to an area that’s scarred, the light goes to areas where you can see again.”

All the wavy lines, blurry words and

dark areas in your central vision are no longer an issue.

“It sounds simple, but it’s not easy to do,” Yavitz says with a laugh. “Soon after we present our results from foreign countries to the FDA, I will be offering the first treatment in the USA right here in Rockford.”

From regular eye exams to complicated procedures, Yavitz treats patients at Yavitz Eye Center, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. ❚

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May 17

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

AE: “Whistling in the Dark – A Sherlock Holmes Adventure” Through May 28, Th. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 4 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Dr. Watson relates the Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com tale of Holmes’ most baffling case in this world premiere comedy/mystery about the world’s greatest consulting detective. Artists’ Ensemble Theater, Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Broadway at the Coronado: “Rent” May 18, 7:30 p.m. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning original rock musical forever changed the landscape of American theater. The plot follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Spotlight Youth Theater: “Bye Bye Birdie” May 19-21, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 & 6 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. It’s the late 1950s and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for the handsome rock star Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, his manager, Albert Peterson, is going into debt and has staked his financial future on Conrad’s success. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military. Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, Ill., (847) 516-2298, spotlight.org.

Rockford City Market May 19-Sept. 1, Fri. 3:30-8:30 p.m. Rockford City Market is an open-air public market featuring locally grown and made items including vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, flowers, herbs, baked goods, artisans, prepared food, local beer and wine. Water Street at East State Street, Rockford, (815) 988-2825, rockfordcitymarket.com.

Concerts on the Creek: Truman’s Ridge Bluegrass Band May 20, 7 p.m. Concerts on the Creek is a family-friendly concert series featuring various genres of music. Refreshments and Mama Mia’s cuisine are available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

"Kansas" May 20, 8 p.m. With a legendary career spanning more than four decades, Kansas has

Rockford City Market returns May 19-Sept. 1 on Friday evenings in downtown Rockford.

firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. “Carry On Wayward Son” continues to be one of the top five mostplayed songs on classic rock radio. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Main Street Market by Urban Farmgirl May 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Main Street Market is an open-air market hosted by Urban Farmgirl.

Shop more than 100 vendors from across the Midwest, including handmade artisans and purveyors of vintage goods, while enjoying amazing food and local music. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 985-9918, urbanfarmgirl.com.

Rhubarb Fest May 22, 6 p.m. All things rhubarb are on the menu during this fundraising event for Rocktown Township Historical Society. Carriage House Museum, 529 Green St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 6248200, rocktontownshiphistoricalsociety.com.

Ski Broncs Water Ski Shows May 26-Sept. 1, Wed. & Fri. 7 p.m. The Rockford Ski Broncs’ dazzling water ski show is back.

Powered by 2,000 horsepower, it’s like Cirque du Soleil on the Rock River. Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park, Ill., skibroncs.com.

Young at Heart Festival May 26-29, Fri. 6 p.m.-midnight, Sat. & Sun. noon-midnight, Mon. noon-6 p.m. Bring the whole family to this annual festival featuring live music, carnival rides, kids’ activities, food and fireworks. Loves Park City Hall Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 633-3999, parkschamber.com. ❚

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WDL

By Peggy Werner

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café is keeping all that’s good and introducing new and more home-style menu items, more bakery choices, a new web site and new people.

Leading the way is Head Chef Todd Cooper, hired in September, who has an energetic determination to raise the bar even higher on what it means to entice and satisfy customers.

“I feel I’ve taken the café to the next level of quality. I want to continue to develop the menu. I don’t want it to sit still. I want to grow and have the restaurant grow with me,” he says.

Cooper is following the farm-totable trend so popular in restaurants today, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible. He plans to introduce new foods as specials before making them a part of the menu.

One of his most popular creations so far is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, made with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and fresh portabella mushrooms.

Other new dishes introduced by Cooper include a Mutated Reuben sandwich, made with a homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage; a roast beef sandwich smothered in muenster cheese and a homemade mushroom sauce; and a Cordon Bleu sandwich made with his version of a honey Dijon sauce, piled high with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.

A new computerized menu board above the café counter, where people place their orders, will help customers to keep pace with what changes Cooper

9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., FreeRockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30 am-3 pm.; Sat. 8 port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. am-3 pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 17

Todd Cooper

is introducing, such as daily and weekly features, which won’t be repeated for weeks at a time.

The many signature dishes the café already is known for will remain, including the BBQ pulled pork, which is smoked in-house, and the tender, savory pot roast sandwich.

Eventually, there will be a wide variety of quesadillas, flatbreads, more soups, and a larger variety of seasonal salads and wraps. The soups will be made with homemade stock and lots of fresh vegetables and meat. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

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Samantha Ryan’s photos

Hearthrock Café Menu Evolves Under New Chef

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tavern on Clark

T

his restauarant, at 755 Clark St., Rockford, offers top-quality food in a great atmosphere. Owned and operated by brothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai, it’s the kind of place where business partners, couples, families or friends can gather for all occasions.

A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include the Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib.

A private dining room, with a flatscreen TV and fireplace, seats 50 and is available for private events.

Tavern on Clark is open daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen serves food until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 p.m. on weekends.

The bar is open later. ❚

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May 17

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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May 17

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Y C

Credit Union Awards Student Scholarships C

ornerstone Credit Union proudly announces the recipients of its 2017 Founders’ Scholarships: Emily Diffenderfer, Orangeville High School; Heather Musser, Stockton High School; and Priscila Castillo, Sterling High School.

Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship in graduated payments over four years to encourage degree completion.

“A solid education enables a solid future for our children, which is why Cornerstone Credit Union is happy to offer these scholarship awards annually,” says Gail Clore, Cornerstone Credit Union President/CEO. “We take joy in recognizing these outstanding local students − Emily, Heather and Priscila − who have demonstrated leadership and dedication throughout their high school years and were chosen for their commitment to furthering their educations and community involvement.”

Emily will attend Highland Com-

Priscila Castillo

Emily Diffenderfer

munity College, and then transferring to a 4-year college to pursue a degree in Engineering. Heather will attend Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., where she will major in Communications. Priscila will attend Sauk Valley Community College before transferring to Illinois State University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.

Established in 1939, Cornerstone Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-

Heather Musser

profit financial cooperative with $106 million in assets, serving over 14,000 members. Cornerstone offers service centers in Freeport, South Beloit and Sterling. Membership is open to anyone living or working in the Illinois counties of Boone, Bureau, Carroll, JoDaviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago; and Rock and Green counties in Wisconsin. Visit cornerstonecu.org to learn more. ❚

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