Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • December 11, 2019
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Right in Our Region
YOU Can Be a Citizen Scientist!
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Local Christmas Events Holiday Peppermint Pie Winter Skin Care Options Understanding Gas Fireplaces
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 You Can Be A Citizen Scientist! Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 Understand Gas Fireplace Options Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Christmas: The Dawn of Grace Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 18 Enjoyment Peppermint Pie Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Midway Village Holiday Events Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Options for Skin Care Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Salamone’s North Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Technology .................................... .......... 29 A ‘Smart’ Gift
Smart L iving ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers 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 Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn 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 2019 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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Being Better Shoppers
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f you’re anything like me, you’ve got two wrapped presents under your Christmas tree and you’re trying to stave off full-blown panic. We’re not alone. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that only 11.3 percent of us have all of our gifts purchased by Dec. 13. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we’re more thoughtful shoppers than we used to be. We’re buying items that are higher in quality, and we’re trying harder to purchase more of our gifts from locally owned stores. Why? Because we’re suffering from Big Box Burnout. Local stores carry awesome items and it’s sinking in that buying local really does strengthen our local economy. Many of us are also making a special effort to find American-made products. The NRF says that, on average, each of us spends $700 on holiday shopping. If all of that money was spent on U.S.-made products, we’d create 4.6 million jobs here at home. Buying local and buying American aren’t that hard to do. A case of locally made beer or wine, a few U.S.-made tools, a locally sourced toy or book from a local musum gift shop, a locally grown Christmas tree, a box of Wisconsin cheese, some hand-made products by local potters, chefs, artists ... and before you know it, your money is adding up to a new job for someone. Not sure where to start? The pages of this issue are full of ads from local retailers selling high quality items. Check out the shops at Edgebrook, Highcrest Center and, of course, our beautiful downtowns in Rockford, Beloit, Freeport and more. The same holds true if you’re dining out this holiday season. If you’d like to see more of your money stay close to home rather than speed off to a franchise headquarters, choose a locally owned restaurant. The food is better anyway. Happy shopping from all of us at Smart Living Weekly! ❚
Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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SMARTLIVING
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Understanding Natural Gas Fireplace Options N
othing says “cozy” like a fireplace, and many homeowners are opting for natural gas. The three main kinds are vented gas logs, vent-free gas logs and direct-vent fireplaces. Each has unique benefits. “It’s about finding the best fit with your space and circumstances,” says Kevin Obee, Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. Vent-Free Gas Logs/Stoves • No chimney needed • Almost 100-percent efficient • Smaller, less realistic flames: yellow in newer models, blue in older models “The fire throws off a large amount of moist heat, so this is a good option for warming up difficult-to-heat spaces, such as a chilly basement or a large room with vaulted ceilings,” says Obee. These fireplaces must be placed in well-ventilated rooms, to avoid condensation. Any combustion byproducts are released into the room’s atmosphere, since there is no vent. “This bothers only a few people who are very sensitive to chemical smells,” Obee says. Vented Gas Logs • Attractive, heat-producing flames • Can go into an existing fireplace • Requires professional installation of gas line “The big disadvantage is that they draw warm air from other parts of the house and send it outside,” explains Obee. “Your furnace may run nonstop, and other rooms may become pretty chilly.”
This natural gas fireplace is one of many on display at Benson Stone Co., in Rockford.
Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces • On/off switch • Attractive, efficient fire • Glass doors protect room’s air quality • Double-chambered chimney keeps warm air inside • Free-standing or built-in; can be installed almost anywhere “One chamber draws combustion air into the fireplace and the other vents flue gas to the outside,” explains Obee. “And heated air from your house is not being sent outside.” ❚
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Christmas
The Dawn of Grace
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hile many details related to Jesus’ birth are murky, scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments couldn’t be clearer about his purpose for coming. He came to offer eternal reconciliation to God for people who choose to accept it. And he came to offer hope and healing to the oppressed, the sick, the suffering – in short, light to a dark world. We read in Luke 4:16-21, shortly after Jesus began his ministry, that he went to his hometown synagogue in Nazareth, opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah (who lived some 700 years before Jesus was born) and read: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the minister and sat down. Everyone stared at him, and he told them, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” While many religions recognize Jesus as a prophet, only Christianity celebrates him as the son of God and the messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. It is entirely unique in its message of grace. “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” writes the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:8. John 1:17 tells us, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ ended classism by extending the option of salvation to all people, Jew and non-Jew, male and female, slave and free (Galatians 3:28). Shortly before his death, Jesus prayed not only for people who already believed on him, but for “all those who shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20) – and that’s you and me. Why not take time this season to read for yourself the scriptures that describe Christ’s birth? You’ll find them in the first chapters of Luke and Matthew, in – Janine Pumilia the New Testament. ❚ 12
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Easy Holiday Peppermint Pie W
hether you’re huddled around the fireplace, gathered at the table or strolling through a winter wonderland, the holidays are all about enjoying pure and memorable moments with family and friends. This year, you can give your traditional holiday bake a refreshing twist with Enjoymint Peppermint Pie topped with Homemade Whipped Cream. For more recipes for the holidays and every day, visit DairyPure.com.
Enjoymint Peppermint Pie 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 2 1/2 cups DairyPure Heavy Whipping Cream, divided 8 oz. soft peppermint candy 1 chocolate cookie crust crushed peppermint candies, for garnish
Soften gelatin in water; set aside. In small saucepan over low heat, cook 1/2 cup whipping cream with candy until candy melts. Add gelatin; mix well. Whip remaining whipping cream. Let gelatin mixture cool and fold in whipped cream, reserving 1/2 cup for garnish. Pour into crust. Chill. Before serving, top with reserved whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies. Homemade Whipped Cream 2 TB granulated or confectioners’ sugar 2 cups DairyPure Heavy Whipping Cream 1 tsp. vanilla extract or liqueur
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In chilled glass bowl, add sugar to whipping cream. Using whisk or hand mixer, incorporate sugar into heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken, leaving visible trails. Continue to whip until soft peaks start to form. Fold in vanilla extract or liqueur. Serve immediately or refrigerate and remix 1-2 minutes before serving. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
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Want to Become a Citizen Scientist? You Can!
By Peggy Werner oth average citizens and those with scientific expertise can help to make sure the planet is habitable for all living things. Many important observations and record-keeping efforts are accomplished through the international Citizen Science program, which is locally operated by Severson Dells Nature Center in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. The concept unites the efforts and expertise of educators, scientists, data managers and the general public for the benefit of animal and plant species. Andrea Wallace Noble, naturalist/ educator at Severson Dells, is in charge of recruiting and training volunteers for Citizen Science in Winnebago County. “Throughout the nation, Citizen Science is an idea we use to generate
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valuable information for ecology and land management, while empowering the public,” she says. “The information is valuable for citizens because they learn a lot, feel ownership of the planet and develop a connection to the land that’s hard to see otherwise. They start to look at nature in a different way.” In Winnebago County, Citizen Science volunteer groups focus on reporting data about bluebirds, bats, bumblebees, frogs, toads and other species. They report observations about them and the environmental conditions that support them. People interested in volunteering can watch the Severson Dells and Forest Preserves of Winnebago County websites for upcoming trainings next spring. They’ll learn about Citizen Science projects, how they can make a difference and how to get started. Although data is collected
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year-round, most species are the most active in spring and summer. Currently there are about 35 volunteers, but Wallace Noble expects that number to grow because of many recent developments that make it easier to participate in the Citizen Science program. Data sharing is one of the main features of iNaturalist, introduced just last year. The app and website are free to users and allow them to post pictures and observations easily. The information is helpful to those researching a particular species, who want to share something they’ve seen, are looking to identify what they’ve seen, or want to focus on habitat in a particular community. Citizen Science works in a wide variety of ways with the help of people of all ages and levels of expertise. Wherever people are located, information can be
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collected through local communities, national parks, backyards, and in educational and research institutions. “Some projects are as simple as taking a picture of a tree or another living thing. Others are more complex, involving specific protocols and data management,” Wallace Noble says. Just as there are many ways to collect information, there are also many ways to use the facts. Locally, most of the data goes to the forest preserves. The number of species, or lack of species, in an area is tracked to see what plants and
animals are thriving and what needs to be done to attract more of them. For example, the Rusty Patched Bumblebee is an endangered species and was first spotted in our area in 2009. It appears the population may be growing due to grant money used to clear areas to make a savanna and plant vegetation the bees enjoy. “We’re aware of many more bumblebees because we have more volunteers collecting data and more habitat for them,” Wallace Noble explains. Indiana and Gray bats are also on the rare and endangered species list, but have been seen in parts of the state. Citizen Science efforts have also documented some species of dragonflies that had not been recorded in Winnebago County before. “This information helps us keep our finger on the pulse of what habitat restoration is needed,” Wallace Noble says. Butch Whittaker has volunteered with the forest preserves and Citizen
Science for about five years. He estimates he spends about 10 hours a week in natural areas, helping to restore habitats or recording what he sees. “It’s a great way to get out into nature,” says Whittaker. “I grew up in the country, but I live in the city and having access to nature is a beautiful thing.” The knowledge gained serves everyone. “It’s a great amount of information collected for the state, the country and the world,” says Whittaker. “You don’t know how rare something is until you document it and share it with others. Having a picture of what you see is a first step. Once something is documented, someone else will want to see it, too. “In Winnebago County, we’ve discovered that because information is documented, it helps us get grant money for establishing needed habitat,” he says. “We can adjust plantings and feedings to bring species back into an area and help them to get off the endangered list.” ❚
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Experience Downtown Rockford
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Holiday Events at Midway Village Museum By Peggy Werner
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his holiday season, Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, will offer several opportunities for visitors to learn how the holidays were celebrated at the turn of the century. Alyssa McGhghy, special events coordinator, and other staff members are busy getting the village ready for several annual events and the new Lamplight Evening Tours. “We want every building to look and feel like the holidays as they were observed during the Victorian era,” she says. Lamplight tours will begin at 6 p.m., weather permitting, on Wednesdays Dec. 11 and 18. History interpreters in period clothing will guide the walking tours with a focus on life as it was during Victorian times in a rural Northern Illinois community. The Civil War is the theme for this year’s Victorian Holiday Celebration
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Visitors will be immersed in Civil War holiday traditions inspired by Louise May Alcott’s popular 1860s novel Little Women, which emphasizes the love of family, a theme that will be carried through the event as people visit the general store to see how loved ones shopped and cared for one another. Re-enactors will host activity stations, dressed in civilian clothing and military uniforms, to talk with visitors and add to the authenticity of the event. Also on Dec. 14, “Christmas in the Trenches” will re-enact the 1914 World War I truce in which soldiers called an unofficial ceasefire during the week of Christmas. Enemies came together to decorate, exchange gifts, sing carols and play football. During the event, re-enactors will decorate the 150-yard-long trench on the museum grounds and read excerpts from
letters written by World War I soldiers experiencing Christmas in the trenches. In addition to a trench tour, visitors can see a narrated re-enactment of a battle and the cease fire, sing carols with the soldiers, receive a gift, sip hot chocolate, see real WWI artifacts and play football. Learn more at midwayvillage.com or call (815) 397-9112. ❚
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Skin Care is Important to Well-Being, Too By Peggy Werner
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ircle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St., which began in 2008 as a center for medical massage and chiropractic treatments, is expanding services and offers a focus on skin care. Esthetician Lori Howard oversees the recently opened Med Spa there, which concerns itself with skin care services and products. “In Illinois, people feel the dryness of their skin with rapid weather changes like we’ve had recently,” says Howard. “Every skin type has its own characteristics and it takes a trained specialist to analyze skin and make recommendations.” The spa offers facials, chemical peels and dermaplaning, a deep exfoliating process that removes dead skin cells and fine hair to resurface the skin to reduce scarring, discoloration and sun damage. The spa specializes in Dermalogica
and PCA skin care products that include face washes, exfoliators, masks, toners, and serums to build collagen and add hydration and Vitamin C. There are also starter kits and products to address discoloration. Which brand and products would benefit someone depends on their age, ethnicity and skin problems. Anyone needing help should start with a facial for deep cleaning, exfoliating and skin analysis, she says. Howard is a 2015 graduate of the Cosmetic & Spa Academy in Crystal Lake, Ill., is an Illinois licensed esthetician and owned her own business in Harvard, Ill., for three years. She’s also working on completing an advanced degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. “What I love doing is taking care of people’s skin, but I hope someday to offer counseling services at Circle of Wellness,
too,” she says. Circle of Wellness Owner Leila MacQueen says hiring Howard fits in with her dream of building a business that offers a variety of services for wellness and wellbeing in one location. Schedule a first-time Dermalogica facial for $40 by calling (779) 423-1700. Learn more at circleofwellnessrockford.com. ❚
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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
Holiday Fun
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
Attractions & Events
'Every Brilliant Thing' Thru Dec. 15, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State, (815) 394-5004, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com artistsensemble.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Musical Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Your favorite characters from the TV classic show you that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac. org. Trinadora Holiday Frolic Dec. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Special seasonal selections by this versatile 12-instrument duo. Katie's Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford, Katiescup. com, (815) 986-0628. Winter Wonderland Dec. 13 & 15, Fri. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This traditional family concert warms your heart with music of the holiday season. KSO, Boutell Concert Hall, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org. Jim Brickman – A Christmas Celebration Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. This family-friendly concert joins pianist Brickman and his special guests, who together perform holiday favorites. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Christmas Lights Trolley Tour Dec. 13-23, 6-8 p.m. Hop aboard an enclosed trolley to enjoy light displays in the LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby and Utica area. Bring a blanket for extra warmth. Res. req. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, (800) 8687625, starvedrocklodge.com. Holiday Open House Dec. 14, 1-4 p.m. Admire vintage holiday decor throughout the museum, make a sugary craft or submit a homemade gingerbread house for the annual contest. Hoard Historical Museum, 401 Whitewater Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wis., (920) 563-7769, hoardmuseum.org. Holiday Harmonies Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. Seasonal classics and holiday tunes with an Americana twist, played by The Mascot Theory, Kerosene Kites and Lost Lakes. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
When you do business with locally owned stores and restaurants, far more money stays in our local economy than when you spend money on nationally owned brands.
BJSO: Holiday Pops Dec. 15, 2 p.m. An evening of your favorite seasonal music. Beloit Janesville Symphony (BJSO), JPAC, Janesville, (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org. 'A Christmas Carol – the Musical' Dec. 20, 7 p.m. All ages enjoy this classic tale. Children’s Theater Project, Nordlof Center, Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org. AE: 'It’s a Wonderful Life' Radio Play Dec. 20-22, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. It’s Christmas Eve 1945 and only a handful of WVL Radio’s employees have braved the blizzard to perform the live broadcast and keep the station afloat. Artists’ Ensemble, Rockford University, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. RSO: Holiday Pops Dec. 21-22, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A family concert featuring holiday carols and seasonal arrangements performed by the symphony and chorale. RSO, Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. Holiday Hoopla Dec. 26-30, 11 am.-3 p.m. Grab a hammer and see what you can construct using recycled materials. Take what you make, from bird feeders to toys and musical instruments. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. Countdown to Fun at Discovery Center Dec. 31, noon-4 p.m. Make a party hat and ring in the New Year with science, technology, engineering, art and math. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚
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Salamone’s North: Italian Cuisine with a Twist
By Mika Doyle
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ockford residents don’t have to drive to Cherry Valley to get their Salamone’s fix anymore. The family-run establishment has opened a second location called Salamone’s North, tucked inside the shopping plaza on the corner of Mulford and Spring Creek Roads in Rockford. The new location is owned and operated by Phil Salamone (twin brother to Benny, the owner of Salamone’s Downtown Cherry Valley) and Phil’s wife, Brieanna. Phil helped to manage the Cherry Valley location for 11 years and decided it was time branch out and run his own restaurant. He’d been looking for a good location for about a year when this spot became available. Many residents will remember it as the former Angelo’s Restaurant and, later, Joey C’s. “I wanted to create a family experience where people could come and have great food with a great atmosphere and
just have a nice night out,” says Phil. The menu is mostly the same as Salamone’s Downtown Cherry Valley but there are some items you won’t find on the Cherry Valley menu, including a prime rib special on Saturdays and Sicilian baked chicken. The North location also uses a sweeter sauce in the chicken marsala and a sesame seed bread for the bruschetta. The most popular pizza on the Salamone’s North menu has been the Mediterranean pizza, which features pesto, mushroom, spinach, onion and black olives. “We want everyone to feel the love we put into the restaurant,” says Brieanna. “Our whole family runs it. We
always come out and interact with our guests. We meet such great people.” Salamone’s North is open at 11 a.m. seven days a week. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m., but the bar is open late. It’s best to make reservations on weekends if you want to make sure to get a table. If you don’t want to dine in, Salamone’s North also delivers. ❚ ❚
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. Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. 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. $$ Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 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. 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. $-$$. 26
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Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Salamone’s North Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis. 2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
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In the Spotlight
Hearthrock Cafe
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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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A ‘Smart’ Gift that Makes Life Easier By Peggy Werner
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here are gifts, and then there are gifts that truly amaze. This holiday season, high-tech gifts are providing more than a few surprises – and plenty of conveniences, too. Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite and Technologies, has expanded his business as part of his mission to help people save money, time and energy. He’s now working with Nest to bring the conveniences of home automation into the lives of his customers, and he’s selling many of these high-tech “smart” devices for people who want to leave a big surprise under the Christmas tree. “Everyone has a smartphone, but not everyone is using it to the fullest capacity,” he says. The number of “smart” devices is growing, and so are options for connecting those devices to local area networks. Products like the Google Nest Hub, Google Assistant and Amazon’s
Alexa are just a few of the most popular options for people who want to monitor and access their homes and businesses remotely or with voice commands. Many of these devices connect to cameras showing you what’s going on inside and outside your home, and you can talk to people at your door when you’re away. You can also switch lights on and off, change or lock in thermostat settings, and lock or unlock doors remotely. Nest offers all services on one application, which is a one-time purchase for installation, with no additional charge for monitoring. “We’re just keeping pace with what’s available to customers and helping people to manage their lives better by getting them to use technology that’s available to them,” says Zambrano. EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish Network retailer licensed to offer services from any provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast,
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HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, Protect America, ATT and Nest Products. Smart devices often plug into these systems for additional functionality. EZ Satellite & Wireless maintains storefronts in Loves Park and Elgin, but its team also offers in-home consultations and full installation services. Contact EZ Satellite & Technologies at (815) 957-4335. ❚
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