Smart Living Weekly September 25, 2019

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • September 25, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

It’s Autumn at the Arboretum!

See Page 16

Banish Home Allergens!

How to Be Good to Your Toilet Better Breakfasts for Better Learning Embrace New Tech That Makes Life Better

FREE WIN!

2 Rounds of Golf at Aldeen Golf Club See Pg. 28 Details

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

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Autumn at the Arboretum!

Your Home .............................................. ..... 9, 11 What’s New in Flooring; How to Love Your Toilet Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Why Humility Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Better Breakfasts Your Community ...............................................21 One Man’s Jerky Journey Your Outing ............................................. .......... 19 Fall ArtScene Showcases Local Talent Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Banish Allergens from Your Home Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Your Technology ........................................ .......29 Embracing New Tech

Smart L iving Weekly ™

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 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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Cheering for Farmers

F

armers always face risks most of us can’t fathom, but this year is a “perfect storm.”

Heavy spring rains delayed/prevented planting and August was unusually cool.

The second year of a U.S. trade war with China, which bought $9 billion in farm exports last year compared to $24 billion in 2014 (American Farm Bureau), is painful.

And, a new EPA edict reduces ethanol production (corn) in favor of fossil fuels.

Let’s hope the trade war ends soon and results in fairer pricing for U.S. farm exports.

Some farmers fear some markets may be lost for good, since China is developing its own modern farms and buying vertically integrated (farm-to-store) processing plants worldwide. I was surprised to learn China owns one in every four U.S. hogs, ever since its 2013 purchase of Va.-based Smithfield Foods, which came with 146,000 acres of U.S. farmland.

Foreign ownership of our farms more than doubled from 2005 to 2015. With many farmers nearing retirement, 92 million acres will be sold in the next five years (National Young Farmers Coalition). Especially as Midwest family farm bankruptcies grow, foreign countries, Big Ag and investors are snapping up farms. After being burned by other real estate investments related to the 2008 Wall Street crash, many investors turned to farmland. This has driven up land prices exponentially and quashed access for many younger, would-be U.S. farmers.

Politicians of both stripes are alarmed by the trend in foreign ownership of our farms.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) favors a federal ban on farm sales to foreigners and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) has argued U.S. farm ownership should be a national security priority.

Six states have banned the sale of farmland to non-Americans: Iowa, Hawaii, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota and Oklahoma.

Tracking farm ownership is tricky due to shell companies, and disclosure violations are seldom punished by the busy USDA. Now that agency faces an exodus of experienced, objective crop scientists and professionals who track markets, due to a relocation to Kansas City.

As a granddaughter of family farmers and as one who likes to eat, my gratitude and prayers are with our farmers! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Flooring: Learn the Latest Before You Buy

By Janine Pumilia

G

iven all the new products rolling out from the flooring industry, it’s a good idea to learn what you can from retailers who keep up with trends, says Andy Benson, owner of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. You may even save money by asking questions.

For example, when people come to the store looking for authentic stone floors, Benson is likely to point them to the luxury vinyl tile display instead.

“Speaking as someone who has been a stone guy most of my life, I can tell you there’s not much reason to install a natural stone floor anymore,” says Benson.

“Because of the great things that have happened in the evolution of flooring technology, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that looks like natural stone or wood is just as good – better in many respects – than natural stone flooring. And it’s a lot less expensive.”

LVT (or LVP if shaped like a wood plank) marries the benefits of a manmade product with the high-end look of natural materials. And although manmade products haven’t always been great at mimicking nature, today’s LVT is a very different story.

“Most people are hard-pressed to tell the difference between real wood or stone and LVT that looks like wood or stone,” says Benson. “Not only is the digital printing of the surface very realistic, but now the texture is, too. You not only see a knothole, you can feel that knothole. There’s nothing shiny or plastic-looking about it. The coloring and embossing is amazing.”

Benson was as surprised as anyone to find he prefers LVT to real wood.

“I swear by wood floors but now it’s LVT all the way – I love it,” he says.

“People immediately touch it when they

see it, to try to figure out if it’s real wood or stone. It’s that convincing.”

LVT is the fastest-growing segment of the flooring industry.

Unlike laminate flooring, which is made with fiberboard that falls apart in moisture, LVT is made with layers of (mostly) PVC vinyl, making it far more stable and waterproof.

“We install it in homes of every price point,” says Benson. ❚

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You Deserve Matt’s Unsurpassed Service Matt Koch, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Matt’s Customers Have to Say:

Our Experience with Gambino Realtors was excellent. We were going through a difficult situation selling a family members home due to illness.

Matt Koch went out of his way to help us through this difficult time. He helped us prepare and stage the home for sale. He also helped us coordinate all the required paperwork needed to complete the sale. We can not thank him enough for his understanding, assistance and support. He is truly a professional Realtor.

Jim & Gail Eichenberger 815-543-7945 • mkoch@gogambino.com.

See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/mkoch

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Y H  G

Be Good to Your Toilet and Save Money

By Peggy Werner

W

hen a person has toilet trouble, it’s most likely because something went into the toilet that doesn’t belong there, says Don Howe, a licensed plumber and certified technician with Pearson, 2415 20th St., Rockford. “Using too much toilet paper is one of the main reasons people get clogged toilets,” Howe says.

He recommends using one-ply paper, which dissolves right away in water. If you have a septic system, it’s all you should use.

Those who prefer to use softer, double-ply tissue should understand that it absorbs water like a paper towel; in large amounts, it becomes too heavy to go through the trap, says Howe.

If people have problems flushing even after they’ve consciously reduced paper usage, they might want to install a power-assisted toilet, which uses water and air pressure, rather than gravity alone, to flush.

Hard water is also an enemy for all plumbing fixtures in the home.

“With hard water, a good flushing toilet will lose flushing capacity in just a couple years because lime builds up quickly and can lead to clogs,” Howe explains.

Surprisingly, one of the most common reasons for calling a plumber these days is because a cell phone has been dropped down a toilet, says Howe. Resolving the problem can cost hundreds of dollars.

“Just paying more attention to what you’re doing can prevent toilets from clogging,” he says.

Small, everyday items can damage not just your own plumbing, but your neighborhood’s entire sewer system.

Why? Because many items don’t dissolve or disintegrate easily.

You can prevent problems like these by following one simple rule – only use

your toilet to flush toilet paper or organic waste material. Everything else, including old medications and grease, should go into the wastebasket. ❚ For more than 60 years, Pearson has served the Northern Illinois area.

Pearson offers Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Pest Control and Remodeling services, among others.

Call Pearson at (815) 398-8312, or visit PearsonGuy.com or Facebook.

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I  W

God Loves Humility

S

ome things in scripture are crystal clear.

One is that God despises arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor.

Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my

eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over

which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How are we to behave? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Improve School Success with a Balanced Breakfast A s kids adjust to the new school year, moms know one thing that can’t be missed is a good breakfast. Research shows eating breakfast helps kids concentrate at school.

Start the day off strong and pair your little one’s breakfast with a glass of milk.

An 8-ounce glass gives kids 8 grams of protein plus other essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. These Eggs in a Nest are simple and fun to make. Served with an 8-ounce glass of milk, they make for a delicious breakfast to start the school day off right.

Eggs in a Nest

Servings: 6 Nonstick olive oil spray 4 cups frozen shredded potatoes 3 large eggs 3 large egg whites 1/4 cup fat free milk 1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper 1/3 cup cooked, lean ground turkey sausage, crumbled 1/3 cup green bell pepper, diced 1/3 cup tomatoes, chopped spinach mushrooms 1/3 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions Heat oven to 400 degrees and spray 12well muffin tin with olive oil spray.

Place a scoop of shredded potatoes into each muffin hole, pressing around edges to create “nest”. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove pan from oven and using spoon, gently press any fallen potatoes back up against sides of each muffin hole. Turn oven down to 350 F. In a bowl, add eggs, egg whites, 1/4 cup milk, salt and pepper. Whisk to com-

bine and place in fridge while preparing green pepper, tomatoes or additional vegetables.

Stir cooked meat and vegetables into the bowl with egg mixture and pour equally between all “nests.” Sprinkle a pinch of cheese over each nest. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until egg is set.

Remove from oven and serve with 8-ounce glass of milk. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Autumn at the Arboretum Oct. 13 at Klehm N

By Peggy Werner ow in its 30th year, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden will once again usher in the fall season with an annual community event, Autumn at the Arboretum, giving visitors the chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the season, while connecting with nature and neighbors.

In celebration of everything fall, this year’s event, made possible by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Fountain Garden and nearby lawn areas at the arboretum, 2715 S. Main St. Horse-drawn buggy rides, scarecrow making and face painting activities will return and there’ll be a new maze made of straw bales to challenge young kids.

Adults can watch the children work their way through the obstacles. Game and activity stations will be set up throughout

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the grounds and both Pickles the Clown and Magician Brian Holt will entertain crowds.

“The season itself is the highlight of the event with the changing colors and just being outside with family and

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friends,” says Executive Director Alex Mills.

As people walk the paths, they’ll see seasonal signs like acorns and nuts on the ground, busy squirrels and brilliantly colored mums, bright red berries, neoncolored asters and ornamental grasses at their peak.

New this year is a first annual bulb sale that will take place in the Garden Pavilion and will feature specialty varieties of tulips and daffodils. Profits will support Klehm programming.

Mills says the bulbs will provide people with something unique to plant in their own gardens. Samantha Burbach, education and programming coordinator, led the process of selecting about 19 specialty varieties of tulips and daffodils.

“We hope that local gardeners will enjoy picking out unique bulbs to add to

R  O R

their gardens and we anticipate the sale will include more varieties each year as interest increases,” she says.

Bulbs for sale will include parrot tulips, which have feathered edges and come in shades of deep purple, pink and apricot, and peony tulips, which have double flowers. The daffodil varieties are also unique, some having white petals with pink, yellow or peach centers, and others having double yellow blooms.

The bulbs can be planted from the time of the sale until the ground freezes

and will come with detailed instructions. Some will bloom very early in the spring and others will bloom later, so people can look forward to an extended season of color, says Burbach.

Visitors will notice some changes at Klehm.

Last Arbor Day, volunteers planted 16 trees along paths. Each was chosen with fall color in mind, like the Black Tupelo, a native tree that can produce shades of yellow, orange, red or purple foliage, sometimes all on the same branch, and Early Glow Buckeye, which produces intense red fall color.

A Lilac Garden made possible by longtime supporter Ethel Johnson will be dedicated Oct. 12 at a members-only anniversary event. The garden is near the Clarcor Pavilion and will eventually contain about two dozen varieties of lilac

bushes and trees, including dwarf varieties and ones that blooms throughout the spring and summer. Some planting of the garden will be done this fall, but most of the work will be completed in the spring, Mills says.

“Ethel had the idea for this garden for a long time and her contributions to Klehm have made it possible. She has been involved with the arboretum since its conception and has always wanted to see lilacs on these grounds. This is a good way to put on display one of her favorite flowering shrubs. The garden is intended to be a showcase throughout the entire growing season.”

In his second year as director of Klehm, Mills’ goal is to make Klehm more accessible to people of all ages throughout the year.

“We’re here for everyone and there is always some beautiful aspect of nature to see and appreciate each and every day.” ❚

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Y O

Fall ArtScene Displays Local Talent Oct 4 & 5 T

he 32nd annual Fall ArtScene will showcase original works of art at 36 locations across Rockford from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, with some locations offering extended hours until 10 p.m.

During the Fall ArtScene weekend, existing galleries and pop-up galleries alike will display and sell the work of

Nadja Schutt artist

dozens of local artists.

Admission to every venue is free and open to the public, and the concentration in time and space of artists showing work presents a great opportunity to purchase artwork.

Enjoy new exhibits and original works of art in varied media of watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, furniture, jewelry, photography and multi-media.

Nearly 10,000 people attend ArtScene each year.

The Rockford Mass Transit District will sponsor free trolley rides on a downtown loop to make it easier for attendees to get around.

Trolley stops will be indicated through signage.

The Rockford Area Arts Council supports, promotes and develops the arts for everyone in our Northern Illi-

Jean Apgar artist

nois region. It’s guided by the vision of a community in which everyone enjoys and participates in the arts – and a community in which successful artist and arts organizations contribute to the vitality of the economy and quality of life. www. artsforeveryone.com Learn more at FallArtScene.com and find a complete map of venues and list of artists. ❚

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Y C

Local Chef Begins Jerky Business Journey

By Peggy Werner

M

ichael Wallin grew up watching his Dad grill and has always enjoyed grilling. Only recently did he realize he was cooking up a business venture.

Wallin is founder and owner of J. Dawg Jerky Company, the makers of allnatural artisan smoked beef jerky that comes in five flavors and is locally sold at Countryside Meats & Deli and 640 Meats, among other locations.

“It’s been received better than I expected. People say they like it because it is smoked, tender and moist,” he says.

The product is high in protein, low in fat, sodium and carbohydrates, is gluten free, and has no preservatives or nitrates.

A manager and salesperson at Benson Stone Company, Wallin bought a Saffire Grill Smoker (similar to a Big Green Egg ceramic grill) three years ago.

“A whole new world opened up to

me. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made. I just started smoking all kinds of meats and playing around with jerky recipes. Friends and family liked what I did and said I should sell it,” he says.

He expects to introduce more flavors soon; one with lots of heat and one with a Double IPA flavor, in collaboration with a local brewery. All of his recipes are unique. They include original, peppered, sweet teriyaki, whiskey, and whiskey peppered. For his two whiskey flavors, Wallin uses five-year-old bourbon ifrom Rush Creek Distillery in Harvard, Ill. It took him a long time to find a place that would make beef jerky in small batches, but he found a federally inspected kitchen and meat company outside of St. Louis, Mo. Wallin named his company for his son and “biggest fan,” Jadon, now 14,

who has been nicknamed J-Dawg since birth.

Owner Jarrod Bush of Countryside Meats & Deli sells a lot of J-Dawg jerky.

“Customers who like it say it’s the best jerky they’ve ever had,” he says.

“Hands down, it’s the best jerky I’ve ever sold and it’s hard to beat. I can’t think of anything better. Mike really knows what he’s doing.” ❚

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Y H

Banish Allergen Build-Up from Your Home

By Peggy Werner

F

linging open those doors and windows felt great this summer, but fresh air wasn’t the only thing that came into your home.

Paul McCann, owner of Stanley Steemer, 9958 N. Alpine Road, says allergens build up in the home year round and the only way to banish them is to have floors, grout and carpets professionally cleaned.

“No matter how good you are at cleaning, there are microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, dead skin cells and pollen that build up in the home,” he says.

Stanley Steemer’s equipment, people and products set his business apart, he says. He can remove about 94 percent of common household allergens from carpet, 96.5 percent from tile and grout and 96 percent from hardwood floors, while leaving behind no residue. This makes life safer for pets and people, he says.

All employees of Stanley Steemer undergo a criminal background check, are drug screened, thoroughly trained and certified, he says. Stanley Steemer has the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which was created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

Chemicals used by Stanley Steemer meet the criteria for the Environmental Protection Agency’s “safer choice” category, which helps consumers find products that are safer for both human health and the environment.

Professional equipment outperforms home machines by reaching higher temperatures with more pressure and vacuuming ability to get the best results, he says.

Stanley Steemer makes its own

equipment and cleaning products in the U.S. McCann recommends people get all flooring cleaned every spring and winter.

Depending on their lifestyles, number of children and pets, some may need to professionally clean more often.

Contrary to what some people think, professional cleaning is not hard on flooring, he says.

“We never get the carpet so wet that it goes through the backing. If you use the right products and technique, cleaning will not cause wear.” ❚

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Sept. 25

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

Autumn Fun

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.

Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Wings of Wonder: The Lorikeet Exhibit Now Thru Nov. 10, Tues.-Sun. Get an intimate look into the fascinating world of lorikeets, known for their playful personalities, vibrant Rockford, IL 61101 and 1.800.521.0849 coloration ability togorockford.com mimic words and sounds. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford. (815) 987-8858.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Streets & Sweets for Rock House Kids Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. Fundraiser for this ministry that provides encouragement, hot meals and more to Rockford's inner city children.

Buffet supper, silent auction, student performances. Radisson Hotel, 200 S. Bell School Road.. Rockhousekids.org, (815) 962-5067.

BCT: 'The Musical of Musicals' Sept. 26-Oct. 5, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. A satire of musical theatre, in which one story becomes five mini-musicals. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

Bubble Wonders at Discovery Center Sept. 28, shows at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. National magician and bubbleologist Geoff Akins-Hannah showcases sudsy science fun. Reserve seats; this show sells out. DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org, (815) 963.6769.

RSO: 'The Pines of Rome' Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Bach’s “Allegro di molto” from “Gaelic Symphony,” Shostakovich’s “Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat,” Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien” and Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO, Coronado Performing Arts Center (Coronado PAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9680595, rockfordsymphony.com.

Stonebridge Half-Marathon and 5K Run/Walk Sept. 28, 8 a.m. A fast and flat course.

Proceeds benefit the LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA, to assist those who are living with cancer. Leland Park, 5727 Broad St., Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-5858, runsignup.com.

Forest Quest Scavenger Hunt Sept. 28, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Grab a team and scout out forest preserves, accumulating points as you answer questions and compete for prizes. Then, enjoy food, live music and games.

Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Cameras at the Confluence Sept. 29, 4 p.m. The topic for this session is “Capturing Color and the Golden Hour.” Get ready to capture the beautiful colors of fall. Nature at the Confluence, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.

Jazz at Starr Center The Lorikeets are back!

- Joel Baer Big Band Visit them now through Sept. 29, 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Nicholas Mendelssohn pres- Conservatory. ents “A Tribute to Buddy Rich.” Baer is a Rockford native and Chicago drummer who plays internationally.

Starr Center, 415 N. Church St. $10/advance, $15/door, $6/students.

Joel Baer Trio Sept. 29, 3 p.m. Rockford native and Chicago drummer Baer has played internationally with some of the biggest names in blues and jazz.

MPAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. A simple lunch of soup, salad and bread is served. Proceeds benefit the 10 members of the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition, which serves thousands of clients each year. Cliffbreakers Riverside Conference Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 397-5579.

Salute to the Statler Brothers Oct. 1-2, see website for times. The River City Boys, an Americana-country group out of Nashville, play favorites such as “Flowers on the Wall,” “Do You Remember These” and “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine.” White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

Listening Room Concert-Dance Oct. 4, 7 p.m. The Emery’s Blues Boys Annual Reunion with Trinadora Rocks will be at the Listening Room, 201 7th St., as a special First Friday event. Free. See trinadora.com or call (815) 979-1949. ❚

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Sept. 25

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales

By Paul Anthony Arco

D

(Samantha Ryan photos)

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since 1998, along with some American favorites and signature margaritas, in an intimate yet fun atmosphere.

Dos Reales features several Mexican signature items on its recently updated menu: burrito cheese steak, chimichangas and appetizers such as guacamole ranchero. Newer dishes include torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. There are nontraditional dishes, too, such as chicken wings, burgers and french fries.

“There’s a misconception that all Mexican food is hot,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. “All of our dishes are mild unless guests request them to be spicy.

We prepare everything from scratch and Jose Gonzalez purchase our products from local sources.”

Dos Reales offers gluten-free options and has always used fresh, preservative-free corn tortillas, chips and vegetable oil in its cooking.

Recently, Dos Reales underwent a major renovation – its parking lot was repaved, the main dining room was repainted, new flooring and a new roof were installed and the kitchen received extensive upgrades.

There’s a new bar, where customers gather for what Gonzalez calls the “best margaritas in town.” Drink specials are popular on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Live music is featured every other Friday.

The main dining room seats 100, and the back dining area can be reserved for private events. Carry-out and catering are also offered. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚ ❚

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. $-$$.

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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. $$ Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

Sept. 25 To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

B

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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Sept. 25 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Face Your Fears: Embrace Technology

By Peggy Werner

B

arbara Reynolds, 68, is living proof that it’s not only healthy, but also empowering, to face your fears.

Not long ago, she was well aware of all the technological advances around her but wasn’t willing to take the leap of pursuing them. However, when rising costs to use her “bundled” telephone, television, internet and home security systems were getting out of control, she had no choice but to go look for a better way.

That’s when she sought out the services of Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., who has built his business around helping people save money, time, and energy.

Reynolds cut her bills in half. A year later, she bought a Nest programmable thermostat and video doorbell with motion activated alerts, and an Alexa, which is an Amazon echo voice activated

device – all of which can be monitored and controlled from her Smartphone.

It was a lot of change for her, but with Zambrano’s help, she found out just how much better life can be.

“So many people are afraid of change, but they don’t realize how easy it is to make a change, save money, and live a more comfortable life,” says Zambrano.

“We take our customers by the hand and walk them through the whole process.”

Reynolds admits it was a frightening

experience, at first.

“I was very nervous, but these upgrades have made my life so much better,” she says. “The Nest thermostat learns your comfort levels, the video doorbell lets you know when a package is delivered and you can talk with someone at your door when you’re not home.

Alexa tells me the weather forecast, can order online and make phone calls, plays music, finds a recipe, and reminds me to give my dog his medicine.

“All I can think of now is just how amazing it is and everything works together. I feel so much more in control of my life and I don’t worry as much.

Once you learn what you need to know, it’s easy.”

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized DISH network retailer and is licensed to offer services from a long list of other providers. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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