Smart Living Weekly June 12, 2019

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • June 12, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Music by the Lake Announces 19th Season

See Page 16

Tips for Buying Carpet Savory Duck Kebabs Get Ready for History Camp How a Lawyer Can Save You Money

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to Public Swim 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 Music By the Lake Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 How to Buy Carpet Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Pulling Weeds Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 20 Savory Duck Kebabs; Ask Your Butcher Your Community ...............................................21 History Camps at Midway Village Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 How is Your Central Nervous System?

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

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Salamone’s North Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Your Money ............................................. .......... 29 How a Lawyer Can Save You Money

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky 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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Gift Ideas for Dad

T

he older I get, the more I realize that good experiences make us happier than most “stuff” ever can. Sharing those experiences with loved ones, and supporting the local community at the same time, is a winning combination. If you’re stumped over what to give Dad this Sunday, consider giving a membership to something he can enjoy all season or even all year long.

Does he like to golf? Rockford Park District passes might be just the thing. Is he a history buff? How about a membership to Midway Village Museum? Does he love art, gardening or music? Consider memberships or event tickets to places like Starlight Theatre, Rockford Art Museum, Coronado Theatre or Klehm Arboretum. And, of course, there are local sports and outdoorsman venues and special events, too.

Sure, you can order something online or run out to the big-box store, but nearly every cent you spend will fly off to another state faster than you can say ‘multi-national conglomerate.’ And really, a year from now, will he remember what you gave him?

Most of us take pride in local community assets, but too few of us support them. We leave that to others and assume they’ll always be here. “Use it or lose it,” however, is the lesson history teaches us.

Supporting the local economy is as simple as choosing to take Dad out to a locally owned restaurant rather than a chain or giving him a gift certificate to one.

Is Dad into grilling? Gift certificates to high quality meat stores like Countryside Deli or 640 Meats – both locally owned – might be a winning idea.

Father’s Day and every day, if we want our locally owned stores, restaurants, museums, nature preserves, sports teams and other unique amenities to thrive, we have to do more than admire them from afar. We need to use them and encourage others to do the same.

Have a great week and a wonderful Father’s Day! ❚

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6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com

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Y H  G

Carpet Shopping 101: Know the Basics

By Janine Pumilia

S

ure, the new hard surface floors are stylish, but most of us living in a four-season climate still want cozy, soft carpet in at least some of our rooms.

Shopping for carpet can be confusing, when so much of it looks the same to the untrained eye.

A good salesperson will first ask about your lifestyle as related to flooring. What’s the setting for which you’ll be using this carpet? How many children do you have?

What types of pets? Do you entertain?

“Everyone has specific needs,” says Kevin Rose, President of Carpetland USA, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “It’s nice to try to tailor the correct product for a customer’s needs – not pick something a salesperson thinks is going to fit into everyone’s needs.”

Next, think about fiber. The most expensive, softest and most durable carpets tend to be name-brand nylons, Rose says. Then, the next level would be poly-

esters, made from recycled plastic bottles. They’re extremely stainresistant and durable, with softness that has improved vastly as plastics technology has changed in recent years.

Three important factors help to measure carpet quality: Density: That’s the number of stitches per inch. More means the fibers will support each other better and resist crushing.

Twist: This is the number of yarn twists per inch, and perhaps the key consideration, Rose says. The tighter a carpet’s twist, the springier and more resilient it will be.

Face weight: This refers to how many ounces of fiber are used per square yard of carpet.

Backings, also, can help to indicate a carpet’s quality, and especially its moisture resistance. If you have pets, Rose

says, consider carpet with moisture-proof backing.

Also, realize the importance of good padding. Some carpet pads are even topped with a moisture-proof membrane.

This is of special interest to pet owners.

“Pad is the best dollar spent in carpet,” Rose says. “It’s another vital element to the durability of the carpet. It takes the shock absorption, so it helps in resiliency of the fiber. If you’re going to save a buck or two, don’t do it in your pad.” ❚

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I  W

Pulling Up the Roots T

here’s something so satisfying about pulling an entire dandylion plant out of your lawn, from fuzzy yellow head to long, tapered root. Leave just an inch of that anemic white root in place, however, and you’re soon right back where you started.

Likewise, sins are something we must work to dig out of our souls by their deep roots. A surface mowing looks nice for a day or two, but those fuzzy yellow heads will pop back up in no time. We can fool people, but we can’t fool God. Because he lived in a mostly agrarian society, Jesus Christ often used parables about growing plants. Rooting out the sin that distances us from God and pruning useless branches are common themes: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:1-12 NIV) Happy Gardening! ❚ 12

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Y K

Spice Up Summer with Grilled Kebabs F

ire up your summer cookouts with crowd-pleasing kebabs, which are easy to prepare and fun to experiment with because you can use nearly any combination of meats and veggies.

Skip the typical steak and try an option like Maple Leaf Farms duck breast instead. Because it’s a red meat, duck has a texture similar to steak. Plus, it’s a lighter option that’s lower in fat and calories than other red meats.

Find more grilling recipes and tips at mapleleaffarms.com.

Thai Barbecue Duck Kebabs Prep time: 25 minutes plus 2-6 hours inactive Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 1 1/2 1/2 1/4 2

cup soy sauce cup rice vinegar cup brown sugar cup honey tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced 2 tsp. fresh garlic, minced 2 tsp. red chili pepper, minced 1/4 cup cilantro, minced 3 Maple Leaf Farms All Natural Boneless Duck Breasts, thawed and skin removed 1 tsp. cornstarch 2 tsp. cold water 3 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and cut into 2-inch chunks 12 green onions, cut into 3-inch pieces 2 zucchini, cut into 1-inch thick slices In bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red chili pepper and cilantro. Set aside.

Cut duck breast meat into 2-inch cubes and place in container. Pour 1/2 bowl of marinade over duck. Cover and refrigerate 2-6 hours.

In small saucepan over low heat, simmer remaining marinade 3 minutes,

stirring occasionally. Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to sauce. Simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Heat grill to medium heat.

Drain duck and discard its marinade.

Thread duck on skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, green onion and zucchini.

Grill skewers 3-4 minutes on each side. When done, duck should be slightly pink in center. Serve kebabs with room temperature sauce. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

Music by the Lake Returns for 19th Season

By Lynne Conner ith a musical lineup as varied as the stars shining above it, Music by the Lake’s latest season promises yet another summer of fun.

Held on the shore of Geneva Lake, on the campus of Aurora University’s George Williams College (GWC), Music by the Lake has been a cultural staple in Williams Bay, Wis., as far back as the 1950s. Its present revival, which has become a tradition in its own right, now enters its 19th season.

Each summer brings with it a wide mix of performances, and this year doesn’t disappoint. Beginning on June 23 and wrapping up on Aug. 10, Music by the Lake features four Saturday performances and two Sunday performances.

“Our season opener on June 23 celebrates the music of Disney, which will be performed by the Lake Geneva

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Symphony. Specifically, the symphony will play along with scenes from the 1940 film classic ‘Fantasia,’” says Sarah Russe, vice president for communications at Aurora University. “We’ve partnered with the Lake Geneva Symphony for several years, and I think this will be a great concert for both children and families.”

The Grammy award-winning Oak Ridge Boys make their debut at Music by the Lake a week later, on June 29.

The band is known for its classic country songs.

Dennis DeYoung, lead vocalist for the late-’70s/early ’80s rock band Styx, is Music by the Lake’s featured performer on July 6. The Chicago native will perform hits from Styx as well as his solo career.

Celebrating her 50-year career in

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music, eclectic singer-songwriter Judy Collins graces the stage on July 13. Then, it’s time for another dive into music history.

“We featured the music of Swedish rock band ABBA a few years ago, and it was so popular that we’re bringing that back on a Sunday afternoon,” Russe says.

“The band is called Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, and they’ll perform on July 28. We’ve had repeated requests to bring them back to Music by the Lake.”

The summer season closes with an Aug. 10 performance by the Chicago Philharmonic featuring the United Kingdom’s top classical tenor, Russell Watson.

Russe describes Watson as a “crossover opera/pop singer” who has played Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. Watson will perform both Broadway tunes and operatic

R  O R pieces in his Midwestern debut.

“We always like to have a classical music act, and then we mix in some country, some folk and a bit of rock music,” says Russe. “We started adding country acts about two years ago, and people seem to like that. Sometimes our lineup is a little bit eclectic, but we have found that most people attending Music by the Lake seem to like music from the ’60s and ’70s.”

Musical acts for each season are chosen partly based on suggestions from patrons and the availability of performers.

In recent years, annual attendance has been about 7,500 patrons, with about 2,000 at each performance, drawing audiences from all around the region.

Seating is available in four sections: dress circle, orchestra, terrace and lawn. Dress circle

Music by the Lake 2019

Disney Fantasia Live in Concert Featuring the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra (Live orchestra concert with film) June 23, 4 p.m.

The Oak Ridge Boys June 29, 7:30 p.m.

Dennis DeYoung and The Music of Styx July 6, 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Judy Collins July 13, 7:30 p.m.

Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA July 28, 4 p.m.

A Special Evening with Russell Watson and the Chicago Philharmonic Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m.

and orchestra seating for 600 guests is reserved and located underneath the pavilion, directly in front of the stage.

Terrace seating accommodates 400 guests in physical seats surrounding the pavilion, and located in the open air. Further out, the lawn has seating for about 1,000 general admission tickets. Guests typically bring their own blankets and chairs when sitting on the lawn.

Food and alcohol may be brought in to Music by the Lake, but food is also available for purchase at the on-campus dining club and from various on-site vendors.

“Our goal is to build up the cultural resources of our county so that permanent and seasonal residents don’t have to travel to Madison, Milwaukee or Chicago to see a headlining performer or band,” Russe says.

“We truly have a gem of a jewel in Music by the Lake.” ❚

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Y LK H

Why a Real Butcher Still Knows Best

By Peggy Werner

R

emember the days when you could walk up to a meat counter in a grocery store and talk to a butcher who knew about cuts of meat, how to prepare them, and how to fill a custom order?

Well, that kind of customer service is – and always has been – a top priority at Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, because owner Jarrod Bush, with more than 20 years in the business, takes pride in giving people what they can’t get anywhere else.

“A lot of supermarkets don’t need butchers any longer because all meats come prepackaged from the wholesalers to the retailers and you don’t always know where the meat comes from,” he explains. “My job doesn’t really exist anymore, so that’s why people love coming in to talk to me – they don’t always know what they want or how to prepare it.”

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Countryside is a full-service meat market that specializes in Midwestern beef, poultry and pork for individuals and large parties. Its fully stocked, very organized, spotless 20-foot-long display case of fresh meats is a thing to behold. ”I want this meat case to be the best one anyone has seen anywhere,” Bush says.

One of the most popular cuts on the West Coast recently debuted at Countryside. It’s the exceptionally tender and versatile Tri-Tip Steak, which is a bottom sirloin.

June 12 To advertise call 815-316-2300

“It has great marbling, fantastic flavor and can be used for a lot of things such as fajitas, stroganoff and steak sandwiches,” he says.

The store offers weekly advertised specials, in-house specials, and has “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie and chicken Kiev.

There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as coleslaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring, Boar’s Head luncheon meats and 25 varieties of bratwurst. Gourmet items include stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, twice-baked potatoes and garlic cheese bread. All food is prepared onsite. ❚

Y C

Midway Village Camps Offer Fun Learning

By Peggy Werner

“H

istory’s Mysteries” is the theme of this year’s sevenweek Summer Day Camp at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road.

Educator Caitlin Treece says children in grades first through fifth will explore a different theme related to history each week, while participating in games, activities, crafts and other projects.

“I hope the kids have a lot of fun and find they are trying new things they like to do each week and go home every day to share something they learned about history,” she says.

The camp is offered as a half day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a full day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 17 through Aug. 9. Campers may attend one week or each week. Advanced registration is required by going to midwayvillage.com or in person to the museum.

Every Friday, parents and/or caregivers are invited for lunch and to view exhibits created by children from the activities and crafts.

Camp themes include “Tall Tales,” June 17-21, which will explore funny stories about some of America’s first folk heroes; “The Who Was,” June 24-28, based on a series of illustrated biographies featuring historical figures, artists, scientists, and world leaders; “Heroes and Villains,” July 8-12, a look at how some heroes would be villains under different circumstances; “Civilizations: Lost and Found,” July 15-19, which takes a look at ancient places around the world; “Mad Scientists,” July 22-26, which involves campers in fun and crazy science experiments; “Horrible Histories,” July 29-Aug. 2, focused on the difficulties of the past based on the British book and TV series of the same title; and “Castaways,” Aug.

5-9, which teaches tips on various ways to survive the elements if you’re stranded on a desert island.

Cost of the camp for museum members is $90 a week for half-days and $100 for full days. Non-members pay $115 for half days and $125 for full days. For questions, call (815) 397-9112. ❚

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Y H

How Is Your Central Nervous System?

By Peggy Werner

I

t’s always a good idea to take a personal inventory of bad health habits and learn how to change them – all leading to better health.

Although we all know the benefits of stress management, proper nutrition, rest and exercise, we may not be aware of how vital a healthy central nervous system is to experiencing success in all these areas, says Chiropractor Kory Spear of The Joint, at Forest Plaza, at 6139 E. State St., Rockford, next to Kohl’s.

“It all works hand in hand,” says Spear. “If you’re stressed, you can’t sleep well; if you can’t sleep well, you can’t handle stress. If a person isn’t eating right and getting enough rest, energy levels suffer and they’re more prone to injury.

I believe wellness is about continual improvement and is not a goal, but an ongoing process.”

Chiropractors specialize in the proper alignment of the spine to control pain, tightness, inflammation, tenderness and other problems.

The spine and brain make up the central nervous system, which is the main communication center in the body. Unless everything is in alignment, the communication lines are impaired and the body can’t function at optimal levels, Spear says.

People are not always aware they need an adjustment, but often see improvement when they have one, he says.

The Joint is a new concept in chiropractic care, with 440 locations nationwide that offer more affordable and convenient adjustment appointments by not accepting insurance. The Joint accepts walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday.

Current specials include a $29 new patient offer for a consultation, exam and adjustment, as well as a “wellness package” of four visits per month for $59 – good at any location.

New patients may call to schedule an appointment, but follow-up visits are walkin only.

The Joint staff includes Clinic Owner and Director Dr. Dan Cammarano of Aurora and Illinois Board Certified Chiropractors Dr. John Staranko, and Spear.

Learn more at thejoint.com or call the clinic at (815) 977-4316. ❚

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Music in the Park - Grand Groove Hotel June 13, 7 p.m. This 9-piece rhythm-n-jazz band from Rockford will perform at Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Rain Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com site: Guilford High School.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

'West Side Story' June 12-15 & July 17-21, see website for times. Score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics

by Stephen Sondheim. Two young lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Madtown Mannish Boys will perform at a Klehm Woodsong concert June 16.

Don’t Sugar Coat It June 14, 2-3 p.m. A discussion on diabetes, nutrition and tips for managing diabetes. Oak Street Health, RPL, Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Tuesday Nights AJG - Michael McDermott June 18, 5:45 p.m. Singer Michael McDermott of Chicago, with Dingo of Rockford opening at Tuesday Evenings in the Garden, Anderson Japanese Gardens. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink). Free/members, or garden entry fees apply. AndersonGardens.org.

Rockin River Fest in Oregon June 15, gates open at noon. Live music, games, food court, races, more, all on the riverfront. RockinRiverFest.net. On June 16, Father's Day car show, breakfast & lunch.

'The Addams Family' June 19-22 & July 24-28, see website for times. The kooky and quirky family has its share of usual problems. Starlight Theatre, RVC, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Beer Barons of Lake Geneva June 15, 12:30-4 p.m. Cruise Lake Geneva while learning about the beer barons that vacationed and lived along its shores. Tickets at (262) 248-1888. Depart from Riviera Dock, Lake Geneva, wisconsinhistory.org.

Wine & Roses June 20, 6-8:30 p.m. Meander Sinnissippi Rose Garden sampling food & drink. Enjoy live music. Benefits Rose Garden Endowment.

Call (815) 987-8858 to register. Nicholas Conservatory, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

Canoe Convoy June 17 & 24, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening paddling down the Kishwaukee River or other location depending on water conditions. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 3352915, seversondells.com.

'Laughter on the 23rd Floor' June 21-22 & 28-29, 7:30 p.m.; June 29, 2 p.m. A Neil Simon comic drama. Winneshiek Players Theatre, Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.

Tom Mac Group - Concerts on the Creek June 15, 7-9 p.m. Tom Mac’s music ranges from latin, jazz, and rock, to blues and folk. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Klehm Woodsong: Madtown Mannish Boys June 16, 6-8 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. The Madison-based band is steeped in Chicagostyle blues, performing the music of Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Paul Butterfield, among others. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9658146, klehm.org.

Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble June 22, 7-9 p.m. The acoustic instrumental group from Madison plays American swing, jazz, latin, Parisian waltz and European folk. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Joseph & Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat June 26-29 & July 31-Aug. 4, see website for times. The timeless biblical story of Joseph, who is blessed with dreams that foretell the future and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Genres in this musical range from country western and calypso, to pop and rock and roll. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. ❚

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WDL

Salamone’s North: Italian Cuisine with a Twist

By Mika Doyle

R

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.

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. $-$$.

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.

Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

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

Capital House  Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

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.

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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. $-$$.

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

June 12 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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Y M

Thinking Ahead Can Prevent Legal Woes

By Janine Pumilia

M

any adults are too young to remember the Terry Schiavo case that began in 1990, after Schiavo, age 26, suffered massive brain damage that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband sought to remove her feeding tube, believing it’s what she would have wanted, but her parents fought him in court for 15 years.

By the time her tube was removed, in 2005, the case had seen 14 appeals in Florida courts, five suits in federal district court and extensive involvement by the Florida legislature, Gov. Jeb Bush, the U.S. Congress and President George Bush. Even the Vatican got involved.

This painful and expensive slugfest could have been avoided had Schiavo put her end-of-life wishes in writing before illness struck. But what 26-year-old thinks of doing that?

“After that case, the living will be-

came a hot topic,” says attorney Jim Meason. “It’s a written directive to your doctor that details your desire regarding medical treatment if you’re no longer able to say it.”

End-of-life planning isn’t just for the elderly, as Schiavo’s case proved. A sudden injury or illness can change anyone’s fate in a moment.

In addition to preparing a living will, every adult should specify a power of attorney for healthcare decisions and for property. And if you live in Illinois and your total assets, including your home, exceed $100,000 ($50,000 in Wisconsin), you should prepare a trust, says Meason.

“Some advanced planning can prevent so much heartache and frustration for the people you leave behind,” says Meason. “It doesn’t take long to do and is way less expensive and time-consuming than if your estate has to go through the probate process.”

It’s easy to avoid thinking about endof-life issues.

“None of us wants to deal with our mortality,” says Meason. “And really, a lot of people just aren’t used to paying for the professional services of an attorney.

But my typical client is someone who knows someone who just went through a nightmare because someone else didn’t think ahead and left a mess behind for others to deal with.”

Meason’s services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law and environmental law. Find him at 113 N. Main St. in Rockton, Ill., go to measonlaw.com or call (815) 624-6517. ❚

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You Deserve Jayson’s Unsurpassed Service Jayson Shull, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Jayson’s Customers Have to Say: “Jayson did an amazing job helping us find our new home.

He sent us new listings as they became available and actually found our new home before it was even listed. We were so happy with the whole process with Jayson and Gambino. Highly recommend!”

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