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Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • April 10, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Kids Spot: A Place to Keep Kids Active See Page 16

Building Your Nest Egg A Perfect Easter Ham Sharpen Up the Yard Tools! Banishing Allergens New Ways to Golf & Play this Spring

FREE WIN!

2 tickets to Sapora Playworld 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!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Keeping Kids Active at Kids Spot Your Home ............................................ ............ 11 Banish Allergens with Professional Cleaning Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Wave the Palms! Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Choosing a Perfect Easter Ham Outdoor Living ..................................................20 Sharpen Up the Yard Tools Your Outing ................................................ .21, 24 Earth Day Concert; New Park District Fun Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Nutrition as Food Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Merrill & Houston Steak Joint Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............. . . ........................... ......... 29 Build an Emergency Nest Egg

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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, Anthony Franklin 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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Freeport’s Plaza I

n case you missed it, Freeport folks are launching some exciting plans this week as part of their downtown revitalization journey. Here’s what they’ve told us. The Freeport Art Museum (FAM), working with the city, will build an Arts Plaza on the corner of Douglas Street and Chicago Avenue. They expect to complete it in 2020. The Arts Plaza will provide an open space for performances, festivals, visual art and recreation. There’ll be a splash pad, multi-use stage, exhibit wall, shaded patio with seating and more. “The Plaza has the potential to become one of the city’s most dynamic cornerstones, bringing the community together … It will give the Freeport Art Museum a much more visible setting where we can present creative, culturally enriching programs for everyone,” says Adam Schulz, who oversees the FAM board of directors and this project. The late Jack Myers, who once owned a successful car sales business on the site, donated the property to the museum 12 years ago. He envisioned a cultural campus that would include the adjacent public library, Lincoln-Douglas Debate square and historic Union Dairy. He hoped FAM would build a new facility for the arts, but those plans were shelved as demand for an outdoor civic space grew. So far, FAM has raised $600,000 through private donations coupled with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and support from partners including the City of Freeport. A large, colorful gateway sculpture marking the corner entrance will welcome people. In the past 15 years, since we began publishing Northwest Quarterly Magazine, we’ve written about communities all over our region embarking upon downtown revitalization projects. They really have lifted the spirits of residents and visitors alike. I have yet to hear of any community that regrets the effort. We wish our friends in Freeport all the best and can’t wait to see the result. Have a great week! ❚

HOURS: IDAY MONDAY-FR 0PM 7:30AM-5:3 9 UST JUNE 3-AUG N!) OF FU (9 WEEKS

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Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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April 10

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Y H  G

Professional Cleaning Removes Allergens By Peggy Werner

fter a long, cold winter, everyone looks forward to ﬂinging open doors and windows to let the fresh air in, which also ushers in allergens. Paul McCann, owner of Stanley Steemer, 9958 N. Alpine Road, says that whether or not people have environmental allergies, other culprits build up in the home year round and the only way to tackle the “triggers” 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, people and the environment, he says. All employees undergo a criminal background check, are drug screened, thoroughly trained and certified. 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 also 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, but depending on their lifestyles, number of children and pets, some may need to 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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I  W

Wave the Palms

his Sunday, Christians worldwide will celebrate Palm Sunday. What is it? It’s the Sunday before Easter and commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, as recorded in Mark 11:1–11, Matthew 21:1–11, Luke 19:28–44 and John 12:12– 19. It marks the start of Holy Week, commemorating the days and events that led up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Crowds in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus enthusiastically. They waved palm fronds at him, as he entered the city riding a donkey, as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, NIV: Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. The people had heard of the great miracles done by Jesus and dared to believe he was the long-awaited redeemer of Israel. Little did they know he would soon emerge not only as savior to Israel, but as savior to all people who would choose to believe on him, then and now. Why didn’t they know he would offer eternal life to all people? Because Jesus didn’t spell out the full plan during his ministry, not wanting Satan to stop the dark events that would unfold during Holy Week. Paul explains in I Corinthians 2:8: None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Powerful government and religious rulers, threatened by Jesus’ popularity, chose to humiliate, torture and execute him. Jesus endured their cruelty, even though he had the power to stop them all along. “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” (Matt. 26:53-54 NIV) By one man’s disobedience (Adam’s) the world fell; By one man’s obedience it is redeemed. (Romans 5:19) Palm Sunday celebrates the beginning of the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth – and our joy of being in his presence. Because of Jesus, we may approach God not as the timid servants of a king, but boldly, as as beloved children. Rejoice! ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Ham: Still the No. 1 Choice for Easter Feasting By Peggy Werner ong ago, before the age of refrigeration, fresh pork that hadn’t been eaten during winter months was cured. Hams were ready to eat by Easter and became a natural choice for the main meal. Times have changed, but ham remains the No. 1 Easter entrée. Let’s face it: Ham is tasty and much less trouble to prepare than, say, a Thanksgiving turkey. Peter Lentz, owner of 640 meats at 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., in Loves Park, says it takes some know-how to make the most of a great ham, and he’s always happy to answer customers’ questions. “Most people want to know exactly how to cook the ham, at what temperature and how long,” he says. But ﬁrst, you have to buy a ham of good quality. You don’t want to see a large fat cap on either end of the ham, Lentz says. Buying a good brand should prevent un-

pleasant surprises, like gristle. Lentz suggests buying a lightly smoked, skinless, bone-in ham, without a shank. Spiral cut hams allow for ease when serving up slices. “You want the bone-in ham to make sure you get the real thing rather than a processed version,” he explains. There are plenty of “fake” hams on the market. Figure on a pound per person. It’s already smoked and cured, so the ham needs to be warmed, not cooked. That can be accomplished by allowing 20 minutes per pound in a 300 degree oven. The saltiness of the ham is well complemented by a sweet glaze, which is usually made from orange juice and brown sugar. Glaze the ham before cooking, or serve the glaze on the side. Cloves, pineapple, cherries, oranges, and apples are ﬂavors that go well with ham.

Side dishes that pair well with ham include green bean or sweet potato casserole, baked beans and twice baked potatoes, all available at 640 Meats, along with many fresh salads. 640 Meats is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. ❚

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April 10

R  O R

Kids Spot: Keeping Kids Active is Good By Peggy Werner

ids Spot, 9461 N. 2nd St., in Roscoe, has been growing by leaps and bounds, while doing cartwheels, back handsprings, splits, tucks, and lots of cheering along the way. The center for kids, ages 18 months to 18 years, offers classes in gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline, cheerleading, dance and home school gymnastics, plus cartwheel clinics. The main location houses three dance rooms, a north gym used by the youngest students and a main gym for those six and older and for competitive practice. The building for cheerleading is just down the street at 9135 N. 2nd St. Kids Spot started out as a small storefront 15 years ago and today is turning out award-winning athletes in the areas of dance, gymnastics and cheerleading, says Ben Childers, office manager

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and marketing director. Kids Spot’s Turning Point Dance Company, under the direction of Kim Dailey since 2005, most recently was the highest-scoring group at Imagine Dance Challenge in Prairie Du Sac, Wis. The group has won numerous choreography awards, overall awards, technique awards and was named “studio of excellence” at the Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions this past year. “No one comes close to them,” Childers says about the dance team. For that reason and more, this year is seeing Kids Spot’s highest-ever enrollment, with 1,300 kids walking through the doors each week. “This year presents challenges we’ve never had before and it allows us to have more fun than ever before,” says Childers. “Growth is changing us for the better.”

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As a result of growing attendance, Kids Spot is continually remodeling and figuring out how to better utilize space to help kids develop healthy lifestyle habits while having fun and learning. “Being active is important and we take it to a whole new level,” says Childers. “These kids are not just playing sports, they are building life skills that will serve them well the rest of their lives, like problem solving, sportsmanship, being a team player and developing communication and social skills. They’re also building strength and coordination that will translate well to other sports and activities they choose to do later on in life.” There is programming year-round, including summer camp. Camp Kids Spot is the most popular and biggest event of the year and will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

R  O R Monday through Friday, June 3 through Aug. 9. Kids ages 4 to 14 need to sign up as soon as possible to guarantee a place, Childers says. Those wanting to come in only on certain days or when available also have to register by calling (815) 6235437 or online at KidsSpotinc.com. The camp employs trained counselors and other staff to engage the kids in outside activities, crafts, obstacle courses, games, water activities and more. Each week offers a different theme and includes a field trip on Thursday. Some of the places the kids will be going this summer include Henry Villas Zoo, Santa’s

Village, Shedd Aquarium, Madison’s Children’s Museum, Troll Beach, Jelly Belly Factory & America’s Action Territory Adventure Park, Donley’s Wild West Town, and to movies. Childers says Kids Spot is successful because of the co-owners, Susan Johnson and Teresa Maloney, who create programs as they see needs arise. They want everyone, including the staff, to be lifelong learners. “It’s very rewarding to have a growth mindset where you work,” says Childers. “If you’re not here to learn and grow, you won’t work out. Those who thrive on gaining knowledge and improving themselves and the lives of others will thrive here.” Childers, 21, was first hired to help Kids Spot with its computer needs. He worked in the front office and was later promoted to events director and then gym supervisor before taking his current position.

He says the business philosophy and interest in building healthy individuals has created a family atmosphere that’s welcoming and close-knit. “Unless you’re new, we know you. If you are new, you have built-in friendships right from the start and those connections are so important for kids to have at a young age,” he says. In addition to activities for kids, Jazzercise classes for adults are held every morning and SeniorSpot is at 11 a.m. every Monday for those wanting to participate in dance classes and games. ❚

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O L

Sharpen Up Your Tools for Springtime By Peggy Werner

tarting off the season with clean, sharp tools at your ﬁngertips will reduce your stress level and yield better results. And probably no tool gets a bigger workout than your lawnmower. “A sharp blade will give your lawn that beautiful, manicured look and keep the blades of grass from weakening and being susceptible to disease,” says Tim Kinney, manager of Lincoln Rent-All and Sales at 6635 E. Riverside Blvd. and 3110 Auburn St., Rockford. A mower spring tune-up can increase fuel efficiency by about one-third, extend the life of the engine, reduce repair costs and decrease emissions by half, adds Kinney. Getting a lawn mower ready for spring starts in the fall, when you make sure the engine is empty of fuel and the under deck is clean and free of grass build-up.

Gas out of the pump lasts about 30 days before it starts to break down and collect moisture, especially with the addition of ethanol in recent years. Too much moisture in fuel will prevent an engine from starting. Other mower maintenance includes changing the oil once a year or every 25 hours of use, changing the spark plug and air filter, and sharpening the blade. Clean oil prevents the engine from getting clogged up. A spark plug’s health is directly linked to engine performance, including power and fuel economy. And a clean air filter helps to maintain the proper air and fuel ratio, allowing the mower to have the best fuel efficiency. If you don’t want to service your own mower, Lincoln Rent-All services the brands it sells – Toro, Lawn Boy and

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Snapper – for $70, including pick-up and drop-off, with an average turn-around of seven to 10 days. There are certain tools you only need occasionally. In those cases, it may make more sense to rent than to buy that rototiller, aerator, edger, leaf blower, weed whacker or chain saw, all of which Lincoln Rent-All carries. “It can be nice to pick it up, use it, and not have to worry about servicing it or storing it,” says Kinney. ❚

Y O

Earth Day Celebration Concert April 22 O

n Earth Day, Monday, April 22, some of the Midwest’s favorite acoustic musicians will come together at JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 201 Seventh St., Rockford, both to celebrate our Earth and to raise money for another year of performance right licenses for the Friday Listening Room concert series. They will also celebrate the life of the late Pete Seeger – an ardent environmentalist and folk singer. The stellar lineup includes Mark Dvorak, Chicago’s famed troubadour; Heather Styka, a celebrated nationally touring singer-songwriter with Midwest roots; Truman’s Ridge, a fast-paced Chicago-styled bluegrass group; Emilio Salinas, an outstanding emerging Rockford talent; Secret Serenade, a Rockfordbased duo showcasing unique, intimate arrangements and originals; Christine Swanberg, a celebrated Rockford poet with a national audience; and Trinadora,

the duo of Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm. Admission is free, but listeners are encouraged to make free-will offerings to JustGoods and to purchase the musicians’ CDs and merchandise. Free off-street parking is available. Light, refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Learn more by calling (815) 965-8903 or rockcordlisteningroom.com. JustGoods is a not-for-profit fair trade store and hosting concerts is part of its mission to serve the community. Earth Day began nearly 50 years ago, on April 22, 1970, after 20 million Amer-

icans launched a grassroots, bi-partisan environmental movement in response to polluted air, land and water. The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act were groundbreaking laws that soon followed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed to enforce these acts. In its five decades, the EPA has helped to decrease concentrations of air pollutants by 67 percent and has reduced damage from catastrophes like acid rain, leaded gasoline and DDT (which had decimated our eagle population.) It named second-hand smoke as a carcinogen in 1993, paving the way for successful litigation against the tobacco industry and a huge reduction in U.S. smoking rates and related cancers and treatment expense. Earth Day became a global movement in 1990 and mobilized 200 million people in 190 countries to make world leaders more environmentally aware. ❚

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Y H

Learn About Better Nutrition on April 17 By Peggy Werner

ircle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St., is expanding its staff and programming to help clients make better nutrition a top priority in their lives. Free monthly seminars, health screenings, individual care plans and support groups to help people make positive lifestyle changes are in the works, says Leila MacQueen, owner. “This year (2019) is our wellness year and we’re focused on the wellness part of our name,” says MacQueen. “We’re going to help people realize just how good they can feel.” To aid that effort, Karen Radtke, a holistic nurse practitioner for 18 years, board-certified health coach and founder of Integral Health Solutions, is partnering with Circle of Wellness. She’ll speak on “Food as Medicine” from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17.

“The downfall of the American diet is all the sugar, saturated fats and processed foods we consume and it has a negative impact on our mental and physical wellbeing,” says Radtke. “By the time people decide they need help, they’re usually pre-diabetic, diabetic or have high blood pressure and want to manage or reverse their health condition with minimal or no medications. My job is to help them create an individualized road map to reach their goals.” Diet, movement, stress management and sleep habits are interrelated and work together to produce optimum health, she says. People are most successful when they take a gradual approach, changing bad habits one at a time to make sustainable lifestyle changes. “Statistics tell us that more than half of Americans are obese and have or will have health complications because of it,” Radtke says. “We used to describe Type

II Diabetes as ‘adult onset diabetes,’ but now we’re seeing it in teens, and most cases are reversible or preventable.” Circle of Wellness is “a body transformation center,” where people find treatment for pain and other conditions, via acupuncture, chiropractic services, cupping therapy, ionic foot detox, myofascial release, migraine therapy, stretching, breathing techniques, deep tissue massage and other specialty techniques. Learn more at circleofwellnessrockford.com or call (779) 423-1700. ❚

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Y O

New Golf & Other Programs at Park District T he Rockford Park District offers more fun things to do this spring than you can shake a stick at – or a golf club. Here are a few new offerings.

Free Monthly Nature Programs Atwood Center invites all ages to experience “In the Outdoors,” held one Saturday a month, April 20 to Oct. 19, at 334acre Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford. Experience nature through two-hour outdoor and indoor programs. The next three: · April 20, 7-9 p.m.: Night Owls: A night hike to observe nocturnal creatures · May 18, 1-3 p.m.: A Little R & R: Raptors and reptiles, outdoors and indoors · June 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Campfire Cooking - A tasty hot dish & cake too These are free programs with no registration required. Groups of five or more should phone ahead to (815) 9668747. Learn more at rockcordparkdistrict.org/atwood.

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Couples Night Monthly Golf at Aldeen Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford, invites couples to enjoy an evening of golf fun with dinner each third Monday of the month, April 15 to Nov. 18, rain or shine. The first three dates are April 15, May 20 and June 17. The evenings begin at 5:30 pm with a five-point putting game for all skill levels. Bring a putter, golf ball and tee. Dinner is at Graystone Grill at 6:30 p.m. The fee per event is $18 per person; register at least 48 hours prior to each event date by contacting Duncan Geddes at duncangeddes@rockfordparkdistrict. org or (815) 987-1673.

New Family Golf Fun Days This event for families and beginner golfers of all ages will take place every Sunday after 3 p.m., April 7 to Oct. 27, at Ingersoll and Sinnissippi golf courses. The green fee is $20 for up to four players; clubs will be available for use at the

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events. No pre-registration is needed. The Fun Days events feature nine holes of play from the easy tees, a slower pace of play, plus explanations of golf etiquette and rules. A meal deal will be available for purchase. Learn more at golfrockford.org or call (815) 968-7529, where information about support, equipment and programs for golfers with disabilities is also available. ❚

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

FAM: ‘I am American’ Now thru April 15, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Immigrants and Native Americans explore the meaning of being Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com American. Freeport Art Museum, (815) 1259755, freeportartmuseum.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones April 10-11, see website for times. The group returns to the stage to entertain with classic retro rock of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com. Music in the Museum: Tundras April 11, 6-8 p.m. Local psychedelic rock band Tundras entertains. Cash bar. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Tom Mac April 12, 7 p.m. Mac’s range includes classical, Latin, jazz, rock, blues and folk. Listening Room, Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com. David Kalhouse April 12, 7:30 p.m. Known for his elegant musicianship, pianist Kalhouse has a repertoire spanning three centuries, with the music of Scarlatti and Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, and Legeti and Feldman. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Spring ArtScene April 12-13, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. Galleries and studios all over Rockford host new exhibits of original works. Fun for the browser and the buyer. See website for locations. Info: Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 963-6765, springartscene.com. ‘The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane’ Thru April 13, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; April 13, 2 p.m. Rynn Jacobs, a 13-year-old English girl, lives down a lonely lane with a father no one ever sees. What is her secret? Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org. A Rhapsody in Sound! April 14, 2 p.m. Guest pianist David Newman performs Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and “The Pines of Rome” by Ottorino Respigi, among others. BJSO, Eaton Chapel, Beloit College, College and Chapin streets, Beloit, Wis., (608) 363-2755, beloit.edu.

Comic fun at the Coronado April 18.

Iliza: Elder Millennial Tour April 18, 7 p.m. The comedian performs standup, sporting styles in classic looks from the late ’90s and early 2000s, with an official Spotify playlist with her favorite songs of the era. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. The Shufflers April 19, 7 p.m. The trio performs acoustic, soft rock songs from the ’60s through today. Listening Room, Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com. Scott McCreery April 19, 8 p.m. The country music artist entertains with hits such as “Five More Minutes,” “This is It” and “See you Tonight.” Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org. Michael Carbonaro April 24, 7 p.m. Carbonaro performs comically perplexing and improbable feats of magic, with lots of audience interaction. Coronado, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Earth Day & Pete Seeger Benefit Concert April 22, 7 p.m. Musicians come together to celebrate the earth and raise money to pay for performance rights licenses for the Friday Listening Room concert series at JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 201 7th St. Pete Dvorak, Trinadora, Heather Styka and more. (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com. Last Acre April 26, 7 p.m. The father-daughter acoustic duo of Molly and Mark Mathewson plays original songs. Listening Room, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com. ❚

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April 10

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles By Paul Anthony Arco

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.” Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past. The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel. As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch. Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available. All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak. Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.” Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight 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. 26

Smart Living Weekly

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. $$. ❚

April 10

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Dos Reales

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998. Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as 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. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy. “We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

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April 10

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April 10

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Y M

Yes, You Can Build an Emergency Fund

By Peggy Werner

recent government shutdown – the lengthiest in U.S. history – left many Americans wondering how to meet basic expenses. Since 1980, there have been 22 government funding gaps, 10 of which led to employees being furloughed from their jobs. People at all income levels can encounter unexpected income loss for reasons such as health crises, natural disasters and company shut-downs. This should make all people think about budgeting, planning ahead and having an emergency fund to draw from in a crisis, says Matt Lynch, marketing director for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “The sooner a person starts setting aside money for savings, the sooner he or she will have a positive relationship with money,” says Lynch. None of us should take for granted that the next paycheck will always arrive.

Budgeting and setting aside money to build an emergency fund is a skill worth learning. To get started, Lynch recommends writing down all of your expenses in one month, without making lifestyle changes. Once you know where the money is going, start identifying how to cut costs. “You’re more likely to be successful if you start small and gradually increase the amount you put aside for savings,” says Lynch. “As you find more ways to

cut expenses, you’ll learn to enjoy saving.” Rent or mortgage, food, utilities and entertainment are expenses we must account for when setting a budget. Think of setting aside money for future emergencies in the same way. Viewing your nest egg as a bill that must be paid can help you form the habit of building one. “Don’t touch your savings unless you have a true emergency,” he says. “Unexpected expenses will come up. Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and appliances break down. Cars need repairs. Health and dental costs arise.” Having a savings plan in place will soften the blow and greatly reduce your stress in these situations. Software programs and mobile apps can assist with organizing and tracking expenses. Learn more by visiting MembersAlliance at one of its five locations or go to membersalliance.org. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

April 10

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April 10

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1