Smart Living Weekly July 10, 2019

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

™

Right in Our Region

Enjoy Summer at 5th Kishwaukee Paddlefest

See Page 16

Byronfest This Weekend Tips for a Smooth Remodel Tasty Light Summer Fare Ready for Knee Replacement?

How to Buy Quality Furniture

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!

Smart Living Weekly

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

“Judy was an Excellent Realtor to work with. I live in Florida and she sold a house for me in Rockford IL. She always kept me informed of what happened at the open houses and returned all of my phone calls in a timely manner. I truly enjoyed working with her and when I go to sell my last property in Illinois I will definitely be giving her a call! Thank you Judy! I appreciate all you did for my mom and I to get our house sold!!”

Renee Cook 608-290-1924 • jclossey@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/jclossey

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Smart Living Weekly July 10 6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 5th Kishwaukee Paddlefest Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 How to Buy Quality Furniture; Tips for Making a Remodel Smoother Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who’s Your Neighbor?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty Light Summertime Fare Your Life Hacks .................................................20 Take the Stress Out of Entertaining Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Byronfest This Weekend Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Are You Ready for Knee Replacement?

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

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

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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Laughter in the Walls

M

y brothers and I are preparing my late parents’ 1940 home for sale. Like us, the house has grown creakier and leakier with age, but is still darned good.

At nearly 80, this house is better built than most modern homes but shows its age in countless ways … each one dear to me. Every creak, crack, ding and dent conjures good memories of family members spanning four generations. Only we middle-agers and the house itself have known them all.

It’s painful to let go of such a beloved refuge, but it’s also a journey of discovery. For the first time, I’ve seen the original oak floors below carpets. I’ve followed a maze of little notes Dad tacked to basement rafters. “The water lines are located 3 feet east of the front planter,” says one. Who was he writing to?

We even found the receipt for good old Lady Kenmore, the still-working washing machine purchased in 1973 for $325. Sorry, kids, but you’ll never own an appliance made that well.

To the potential buyers who’ll soon tramp through this house, every flaw will be a liability, not a happy memory, I know.

Our folks built the home just before WW II, on four lots ($25 each) in an open field “way outside the city limits.” Today it’s flanked by post-war row houses “in the heart of old Loves Park.” They could have moved to a newer neighborhood, but had raised five kids here and were content. They embraced American capitalism but didn’t allow it to embrace them.

Our family was and is filled with independent characters who interpret the world from wildly different viewpoints. We’ve argued about politics and religion all my life. But we’ve also loved each other no matter what.

No burning of bridges. No demonizing. No allowing outsiders to divide us. No valuing money over people. Lots of laughter.

My parents believed this was smart living.

It’s what made life in that house special. It’s also what makes life in America special, when we’re at our best. E Pluribus Unum.

In the end, a house is just a house.

Relationships, not lumber, sustain us.

Still, I want to believe that the laughter in the walls will somehow benefit the next family to live there. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Questions to Ask When Buying Furniture

By Janine Pumilia ou get what you pay for, when it comes to furniture, and there’s a growing demand nationwide for better quality furniture, says Mitchell Johnson, store manager at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St. “Both across the U.S. and here in our region, people are tired of cheap furniture that falls apart,” says Johnson.

Leather furniture remains popular, but Johnson cautions, “Be sure to ask questions about leather quality, since there are many imitations on the market.

We also sell a lot of fabric sofas,” says Johnson. “There’s a trend toward more texture, with tweeds and corduroys and weaves. Today’s upholstery options are really wonderful – very durable but beautiful and comfortable. Most of today’s upholstery fabrics are made from PET, a highly durable polyester thread.”

Reclining furniture is very big, in ev-

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ery age group, across all demographics, says Johnson. “Don’t be afraid of electric mechanisms in recliners,” he says. “People worry too much about the motors breaking, but that seldom happens. You’re more likely to break a recliner that has to be manually raised and lowered. And electric motors give you a full range of motion rather than stopping at certain positions.”

When buying upholstered furniture, the important question is not how the surface looks but what lies beneath.

“Ask good questions when shopping,” advises Johnson. “Is the frame made from strong laminated wood or just plywood? Is there a reasonably good spring system that will distribute weight?

Is the padding made of high-density foam or cheap fluff? Is the leather exterior real

leather?”

Reputable stores often have a cutaway model so you can see the materials below the surface.

Do business with people who are in it for the long haul, not fly-by-night chain stores with high turnover, suggests Johnson. “They have a real stake in making you happy and will deal with you more honestly.” ❚

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I  W

Our Neighbors

T

he way we treat people is far more important to God than where we were born or what positions we hold.

In Luke 10:25 we read, “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’

‘What is written in the Law?’ he [Jesus] replied. ‘How do you read it?’

He [the law expert] answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’

‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’

But he [the law expert] wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

At this point, Jesus relays a story. It’s important to understand that priests and Levites held the highest positions in Jewish society. Samaritans, on the other hand, were despised enemies of the Jews.

Luke 10:30-37: In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” ❚ 12

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Y K

Tasty Light Fare for Summertime Dining S piced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

Spiced Pecans: 1 egg white 3 TB dark brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 2 cups pecan halves Salad: 1/4 cup, plus 2 tsp., olive oil 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 large peaches, halved and pitted 6 cups mixed baby greens 4 ounces soft goat cheese

Pecans: Heat oven to 275 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne and salt. Fold in pecans and mix until evenly coated.

Spread in single layer; Bake 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool.

Salad: Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, white

wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Brush cut sides of peach halves with olive oil; grill peaches until tender, 3-5 minutes. Remove peaches and slice.

Divide greens 4 ways and top with peaches, goat cheese and spiced pecans.

Drizzle with vinaigrette.

Asian Turkey Meatball Lettuce Wraps 1.5 lbs. ground turkey thigh 1/3 cup chopped green onions 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger 1 cup fresh pecans Sauce & Lettuce Cups 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 tsp. cornstarch 1/2 tsp. fish sauce 1 TB toasted sesame oil 1 head butter lettuce leaves 1/2 cup matchstick carrots chopped scallions (optional) cilantro leaves (optional)

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Meatballs: Heat oven to 375 F. Combine turkey, onions, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic and powdered ginger.

In food processor, pulse pecans until coarsely ground to similar consistency as panko bread crumbs. Scoop 1 TB meat and roll into meatballs. Roll meatballs in ground pecans and bake about 20 minutes. Flip after 15 minutes.

Sauce: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, fish sauce and sesame oil. Stir until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Sprinkle lettuce cups with shredded carrots. Place meatballs on top and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with scallions and cilantro, if desired. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

By Sara Graves ummertime in northern Illinois is a time to relax, unwind and enjoy the few short months of warm weather in the Midwest.

Bob North, a Rockford area paddling enthusiast, will enjoy the scenery as he canoes down the Kishwaukee River from Baumann Park, in Cherry Valley, to the Rockford Lithuanian Park at this years Kishwaukee Paddlefest on July 27.

In its fifth year, Paddlefest is put on by the Rockford Lithuanian Club (RLC), a private social club of which North is vice-president. Shuttles begin running at 9 a.m. and are available every few hours into the afternoon. An 18-passenger van with an attached trailer will load up paddlers and their vessels for a 15-minute drive from the club to Baumann Park, where participants will begin a roughly two-hour paddle down the Kish. Food

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and live music await paddlers when they finish the journey.

Rocktown Adventures, a local retailer specializing in outdoor activities, provides kayak rentals to experienced paddlers. Never paddled before? Good news; Rocktown Adventures offers lessons throughout the season.

“The Kish is a small, mostly friendly river,” says George Wulf, a Paddlefest veteran. “But if you don’t know how to control a canoe, it can get a little tricky.”

Wulf not only books the entertainment for Paddlefest but performs with his band, Swingbilly RFD. The five-man

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Dawn Wulf Photography photos

Kishwaukee Paddlefest Returns July 27

band from Rockford plays classic honky-tonk music from the ’40s and ’50s.

Acoustic duo, Paper Airplane, also from Rockford, will perform. Paddle enthusiast Jerry Vandiver, an award-winning songwriter, and musician who has written hits for country music stars like Tim

R  O R morning before loading up their gear onto the shuttle. Around noon, RLC members fire up the grill and start selling brats, burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork for hungry paddlers as they trickle in from the river. Music begins at 1 p.m. and then the party is in full swing.

“Once the music starts and everyone’s getting back from their first paddle,

Dawn Wulf Photography photos

McGraw, Phil Vassar, Lonestar, and the Oak Ridge Boys, has been performing at Paddlefest since the beginning.

Vandiver might play with a musician or two as the One Match Band, but other times he brings one of Nashville’s many talented fiddle players to accompany him as he plays guitar and sings.

Campers can enjoy a slow start to the

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it starts picking up,” says North.

Also at the party is Leinenkugels Brewing Company out of Chippewa Falls, Wis.. A proud sponsor of Paddlefest, its seasonal brew, Canoe Paddler, is available on tap. The Kölsch-style beer has a slightly spicy flavor with a clean finish. A variety of domestic light beers and soft drinks are also available. Merch, like t-shirts commemorating the 2019 festival and fresh honey from beehives on the property, will be sold.

Guests are welcome to stay the weekend in tents or campers right on the river. Keep in mind there are no sewage hookups, though there are outhouses and a well-water pump.

More information can be found on the Kishwaukee Paddlefest Facebook page.

For the first time, RLC will be charging $5 admission for anyone who wants to paddle – a small price to pay for a boatload of fun. ❚

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Y H  G

Tips for a Smooth Kitchen or Bath Remodel

By Janine Pumilia

T

od Chapman, owner of C & H Design Center, has coordinated a lot of kitchen and bath remodels during the past 10 years and has some advice to share.

First, be wary of do-it-yourself projects.

“We often have to go in and fix problems people created for themselves by taking on more than they really knew how to do,” says Chapman. “They’re trying to save money, but it ends up costing them more. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience people like us can offer.”

Chapman’s 6,000-foot showroom at 6506 Logan Ave., in Belvidere, Ill., contains all the elements needed for any size job, from design help to cabinets, counters, tile, hardware, fixtures, shower systems, flooring and more. C & H Design serves customers within a 65-mile radius, including Rockford, Freeport, southern

Wisconsin and Chicago suburbs.

“Some people think they’ll save a lot of money buying from big-box home centers but don’t realize those materials are often rejects or factory seconds that may not be great quality,” says Chapman. “Our pricing is comparable to home centers, but we carry a bigger selection of quality products at all price points. Plus, you don’t have to stand there and figure out all the aspects of the job yourself.”

Chapman is glad he can offer a onestop experience to customers because he knows how many phone calls and headaches can be involved when coordinating a job.

“Someone has to do all the scheduling for the various subcontractors,” he says. “We can handle everything so that you only have one interface, or we’ll work with you if you want to use a particular subcontractor. When you do a re-

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model with us, you’ll get a schedule of who is going to be there, on which day, doing what.”

Chapman advises people to make sure they feel comfortable with the contractor they hire and to be sure all subcontractors are licensed and insured. Ask to see photos of completed jobs and check references. Businesses with longevity and a local street address are more likely to be reliable.

Learn more at candhdesigncenter. com or call (815) 547-8453. ❚

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L H

Make Entertaining Easier by Catering

By Peggy Werner arm weather brings many good reasons for getting together – and everyone wants good food to eat.

So, when planning a wedding, graduation, birthday, shower or grilling party this summer, the first person you want to call is the caterer.

Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, has always been in the business of catering and can provide everything you need – including the grill and the cook – or you can pick up the food and do it yourself.

Julie Edwards, catering manager at Countryside, says the most important thing is to set a time and date, even before deciding the number of people and what’s on the menu.

Edwards’ specialty is helping people to plan events and to know how much food to order. Numerous factors must be taken into consideration.

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“You just have to make an educated guess and it’s always better to have too much food than not enough. Our food is made fresh to order, so leftovers will be good in the refrigerator for a few days,” she says.

Cheesy potatoes, barbecued pork, Italian beef and a variety of pasta and vegetable salads are among the best sellers, but people have a nearly endless variety of foods from which to choose at countrysidemeat.com.

There’s a breakfast/brunch menu with egg, sausage or French toast casseroles, a choice of quiche, an assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, bacon and a sausage apple ring.

Buffet menus feature roast beef, hickory-smoked ham, baked chicken, turkey breast, Italian beef, lasagna, mostaccioli, meatballs, six varieties of potatoes, beans and vegetables. There’s a hot and cold hors d’oeuvres menu, a wide choice

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of party trays with meat, shrimp, vegetables, sausage and cheese, relishes, and fresh fruit, in various sizes. The dessert menu includes cookies, brownies, turtle bars, lemon bars, cheesecake and carrot cake squares, and dipped strawberries.

There’s also an assortment of dinner rolls to choose among and several picnic packages for outdoor fun.

“We love what we do and always try to be as accommodating as possible,” says Edwards.

For more information, call Countryside at (815) 399-8660. ❚

Y O

Music & Festival Fun This Weekend in Byron

By Peggy Werner

N

ew music and food options and two beer gardens will be a part of this year’s 32nd ByronFest July12-14.

During the festival, the small town of about 3,000 grows 10 times larger, says Sarah Downs, executive director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce.

Downs says ByronFest is known for its non-stop music on two stages.

The Exelon Stage is located on Second Street and the Byron Lyons Stage is in Municipal Parking Lot 1.

“My goal is always to provide a wide variety of musical styles so there’s something for everyone,” says Downs.

“I don’t think there’s a popular genre of music that isn’t represented.”

Headliners this year include Nashville’s William Michael Morgan, who’s on tour this summer, having made his claim to fame with his first No. 1 hit, “I Met a Girl.” Other chart-climbing hits including “Missing,” and “Vinyl,” the title track to his debut album of the

same name. Influenced by music legends Keith Whitley and Merle Haggard, Morgan has earned a reputation as one of country musics great singer-songwriters, says Downs. He’ll perform at 10 p.m.

Saturday on the Byron Lions Stage.

Opening for Morgan is Dylan Jakobsen, with his first single, “In America,” which is making its way up country music charts. He’ll perform at 8 p.m.

Other performers on the Lions Stage include, on Friday, Smokin’ Gunz at 5 p.m., Stevee Nix at 7:15 p.m., and Two White Crew at 10 p.m.; on Saturday, Mike and Adam at noon, Love & Thunder at 2:30 p.m. and Zac Matthews at 5 p.m.; and on Sunday, Three Good Men at noon and Big Uproar at 3 p.m.

The Exelon Stage will feature, on Friday, Vodka Boys at 5 p.m., Colonel Gunn’s at 7:30 p.m., and Catfight at 10 p.m.; on Saturday, Flight Risk performs at noon, Monroe at 3:30 p.m., Party

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Country singer William Michael Morgan will headline Byronfest Saturday night.

Doctors at 6 p.m., and Sunset Strip at 9 p.m.; and on Sunday, That Gurl at noon and Audio Drive at 3 p.m.

Taste of Byron features about a dozen food vendors. Other ByronFest highlights include carnival rides from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m.

Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For a full list of events, locations, prices and descriptions of entertainers, visit byronfest.org. ❚

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Y H

When to Do Knee Replacement Surgery B y D r. D e a n F o c h i o s , M e r c y h e a l t h O r t h o p e d i c S u r g e o n

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decision to have surgery is made for you if you’re involved in lifesaving emergency surgeries prompted by a traumatic accident or cardiac event.

Elective surgeries, however, such as knee replacement, are procedures where there is a mutual decision between the patient and physician to move forward.

As an orthopedic surgeon at Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital and Physician Clinic, I work at both the Rockton and Riverside campuses. The question of when to throw the towel in, stop non operative treatments and schedule a total knee replacement surgery is not a small one. I am frequently Dr. Dean Fochios asked the ques-

tion: when is the right time to do surgery?

There are risks and benefits to ALL decisions. Not doing knee replacement surgery on the surface appears to be riskfree, but it has its own issues and this has to be balanced against the inherent risks of doing surgery. Knee replacement surgery is a lifestyle and quality of life decision. I tell my patients that they actually have more answers than I do. I can look at the x-rays and perform a physical exam, but those are only two pieces of evidence. The most important information is provided by the patient.

The questions I commonly ask are: • How has your life changed over the past several years as arthritic knee pain has worsened?

• What activities have you given up?

• Have you given up golf, walking the dog, playing with the grandkids?

• How much does it hurt to cook, clean, go shopping or work in the yard?

• If you do these activities, what price do

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you pay afterward in regards to pain?’

It’s a judgment call for sure. You don’t want to do it too soon just because you have a bad week and you don’t want to wait too long because it’s not a toughguy competition!

Basically, when non-operative treatments such as oral medications, injections, physical therapy and your quality of life are no longer effective, and activities are declining (and you’re healthy enough mentally and physically for the surgery and rehabilitation), then you are ready to move ahead with your decision.

It shouldn’t be a pressured decision at all. I believe in walking into the operating room with the patient as an ally and team player rather than me pulling them in there. Only then will they have a clear mindset and the right attitude to go through with the surgery and rehabilitation. This most certainly will increase the chances at having a good outcome – which is what you signed up for! ❚

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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

Starlight Theatre July 10-Aug. 10. All five shows in the 2019 Starlight Theatre season play this month. They include "Mamma Mia!," "The Addams Family," Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com "West Side Story," "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and the children's show, "Madagascar." RVC, (815) 921-2160.

See full schedule at rockvalleycollege.edu.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Music in the Park - Mr. Big Stuff July 11, 7 p.m. This high-energy 8-piece horn party band plays everything from Sinatra to Ozzy. Show tunes, rock classics, funk, R&B, soul. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rain site: Guilford High School.

Farm Day at Discovery Center Museum July 12, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet and greet bunnies, cows, goats and ducks. Pet a farm friend, create a rural mural, and find out how agriculture is everywhere everyday. $9/public; free to members and children age 1 and younger.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Audubon Mural Walks July 12, 6:30 p.m. Join Sinnissippi Audubon for a 1-hour, 1-mile walk to learn about bird murals in downtown Rockford. Begins at 317 Market St. and includes a stop at the News Tower, where peregrine falcons have nested since 2018.

Concerts on the Creek - Jodi Beach July 13, 7 p.m. Award-winning Beach and her trio are widely recognized for timeless, stellar vocal jazz. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Blue Jean Ball and Auction July 13, 5-8 p.m. Live and silent auctions, food, games and music by Dale Rhode and the Cross Roads Band. Benefits the museum.

Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 547-3115, poplargrovewingsandwheels.com.

Mark Reed & Waddy July 14, 6:30 p.m. Acoustic light rock & blues, Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum. Free. 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove, Ill. boonecountyarts.com, (815) 544-6242.

Second Sundays at Macktown July 14, 2-4 p.m. "The First Surveyors" explores

Meet farm friends July 12 at Discovery Center.

how surveyors did their jobs when settlers first arrived. Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill. (815) 624-4200.

American Indian Culture Celebration July 14, 1-2 p.m. Ojibwa author and speaker Kim Sigafus shares her heritage and culture through music and dance,. Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, Ill., (608) 931-6895, natureattheconfluence.com.

Beekeeping Workshop July 14, 2 p.m. Learn about marketing strategies and health department updates. Jarrett Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.

Tuesdays at Anderson Gardens, Neverly Bros.

July 16, 5:45 p.m. Neverly Brothers of Chicago, with Rock & Roll Institute opening. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink). AndersonGardens.org.

Music in the Park: 'One More for Friends' Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band; Mark Baldin, Trumpet; Grant Dawson, Vocalist. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rain site: Guilford High School.

Music in the Park: Mississippi Heat Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m. Enjoy Chicago Blues led by musicians who appeared on the Main Stage at last year's Chicago Blues Festival.

Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rain site: Guilford High School.

Klehm Woodsong - Groove Hotel July 21, 6 p.m.; Gates open at 4 p.m. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the show. Groove Hotel plays swing, bossa nova, funk, rock, samba, gospel and Cuban tunes. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., (815) 9658146. Klehm.org. ❚

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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.

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

July 10

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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