Smart Living Weekly October 2, 2019

iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • October 2, 2019

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Right in Our Region

Heritage Harvest Festival Fun at Midway Village!

See Page 16

October Lawn Care Tips!

Autumn at the Arboretum International Credit Union Day Do You Know the Signs of Heart Attack?

FREE WIN!

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

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Heritage Harvest Festival Fun at Midway Village Your Home ............................................... ..... 9, 11 Flooring Savvy; Fall Landscape Tips Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 King David or King Solomon?

Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Recipes for Crisp Autumn Days Your Outing ............................................. ....19, 21 Autumn at the Arboretum; Patriot’s Gateway Dinner Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Do You Know the Signs of Heart Attack?

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

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 International Credit Union Day

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen-Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2019 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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A Local Win L

ike most things, social media can be used for evil or good. An example of the latter came to us last week from Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI).

Thanks to “overwhelming community support in a social media voting campaign,” they received a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant to fight human trafficking right here in our region.

Some of us may be surprised to learn that human trafficking is an issue here, but Illinois ranks 8th in the nation for it and Rockford – in GSNI’s service area – ranks second in the state behind Chicago.

Girl Scouts hosted a celebration Saturday in Rockford to receive their check and explain why they chose human trafficking as their problem to tackle and how they’ll use the grant to develop a Healthy Relationships program to reduce human trafficking among girls ages 10 to 15.

I learned a lot about human trafficking and potential remedies by reading the 2018 Illinois Human Trafficking Taskforce Report easily found online. For one thing, I learned that both rural and city children are vulnerable to this scourge, thanks to social media, which is an equalizer. It’s not something that ensnares only the very poor, downtrodden or foreign-born, either.

Back to the grant.

“In just 10 days in August, 163,000 people cast over 4.4 million votes in support of their favorite causes,” reports GSNI. As a result, 40 communities in 21 states got assist grants. Our local group is one of four Illinois winners.

National companies that engage with local communities this way build positive brand awareness while doing some good.

Local groups are wise to take advantage.

Two thousand cause submissions were accepted in June. The State Farm Review Committee selected 200 finalists and public voting determined the Top 40.

In the program’s eight years, more than 300 causes have received a total of $8 million to enact change in their communities.

Way to go, Girl Scouts! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Find the Right Flooring for You

By Janine Pumilia

S

hopping for flooring can feel overwhelming because of all the branding terms, competing products and continual innovations in flooring technology.

Remember that you don’t have to go it alone. The staff at reputable flooring centers can help you to narrow down your options.

“When I get answers to some key questions about what people are looking for, I can direct them to products that make the most sense for them,” says Kevin Rose, owner of Carpetland, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “How many people live in your home? Are there children? Pets? Is the new flooring for a hightraffic family room? A low-traffic spare bedroom? Is moisture is an issue?

“My four salespeople have more than 100 years of flooring experience among them. They know their products and keep up with changes by meeting fre-

quently with industry reps. Take advantage of that.”

So what are the latest flooring trends?

Luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVT and LVP) are all the rage due to their good looks, easy maintenance, durability and cost competitiveness.

Luxury vinyl marries the benefits of a man-made product with the look of natural materials like wood or stone. It’s used in homes of all price points. It gained traction in kitchens and laundry rooms, then migrated to larger living spaces in American homes nationwide.

It’s important to pay attention to quality when buying luxury vinyl. There’s no question that the 99-cent per square foot kind found at big-box stores is inferior to the $3 to $6 product, says Rose.

“It’s like everything else – you get what you pay for. Poorer quality LVT won’t look as good or have good emboss-

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ing (texture). It may not be as thick and the finish will likely be inferior. For both hardwood and LVT, the finish is extremely important because it’s what protects the flooring over time.”

Recent headlines about lawsuits filed against cut-rate sellers like Lumber Liquidators remind us that every industry has bad actors and flooring is no exception.

“Quality LVT is produced in many places, but I have more confidence that industry regulations are upheld in the U.S.,” Rose says. ❚

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Fertilize Your Lawn Now for Spring Success

By Jermaine Pigee

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n fall, your lawn might not be top of mind. But if you give it a little TLC now, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, lush yard in springtime.

Tim Cooling, owner of Joe Cooling & Sons, 4400 Wheeler Road, Cherry Valley, Ill., says applying fertilizer gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to grow roots deep into the soil and now is a good time for it. If you apply it when it’s hot outside and the ground is dry, the fertilizer may burn your lawn. Apply it too late in the season, around November, and it may create a snow mold – a type of fungus that can kill your grass once the snow melts.

Now is an ideal time to apply it.

“That way, in October, the grass will be growing well and it’ll eat the fertilizer.

By the time the snow comes in November, you’ll be fine.”

Cooling says you can’t go wrong

with most commonly used fertilizers.

Calcium sulfate, typically sold as gypsum at a garden center, will supplement the fertilizer you choose by loosening the soil and enabling grass roots get proper nutrients.

“The calcium sulfate gets in the soil and opens it up, which allows air and water to move through soil,” Cooling explains.

“The fertilizer produces nutrients, and the calcium sulfate gives the soil structure. It gives the soil platelets, which allow water and air to go up and down the soil.”

Fall is also an ideal time to lay down new sod, Cooling says. The sod will get all the hydration it needs this time of year.

“You can lay down sod until it snows,” Cooling says. “You can lay it

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down and it can snow the day after and it’ll be fine. It’ll stay green all winter because the snow and cold won’t bother it.”

It’s important to water the sod into the ground and not let it freeze dry, which prevents the roots from planting into the ground.

“You just have to water it once or twice and you’re done,” he says. “In the spring, you’ll get even more root growth because of all the rainfall.” ❚

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David or Solomon?

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ing Solomon was the richest man of his day. The son of King David and Bathsheba, he ruled a vast empire and knew every pleasure in the world.

He constructed the first Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and is remembered for his wisdom, a gift he asked for and received from God when he was young.

Solomon told God, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9 God answered Solomon’s prayer, but Solomon eventually squandered this great gift. He forgot Whose people he governed and, over time, began treating them badly. He denied God the one thing God really wanted from Solomon: a loving and obedient relationship.

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father … And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” – I Kings 11:4-9 How many of us have longed to see God in person just once? Solomon saw God twice and still managed to put worldly things ahead of God. For all his wisdom, Solomon was no David because his heart was not right.

David behaved very badly at times, but he desperately loved God and always returned to Him with humility. He spent time with God, dancing and singing for Him, and writing love poems to God, something frowned upon by the joyless religious class of the day. David experienced joy with God beyond anything Solomon ever knew and God called David a man after His own heart.

Solomon built an impressive Temple, but David built an unshakable place for God inside his heart. Who was the richer man? Who does God tell us to emulate?

Humility matters and God is not fooled by man’s hubris. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Feel-Good Foods for Crisp Autumn Days C

risp mornings, cozy sweaters and a craving for comfort foods are all sure signs that autumn is in the air. No fall menu is complete without hearty, homestyle dishes that evoke feelings of well-being and warmth, and there’s no better way to capture the flavors of fall than with the season’s signature ingredient – apples.

Serving up fall’s best feel-good foods doesn’t have to be hard. One clever solution: apple butter. Made with Americangrown apples in the classic Pennsylvania Dutch style, Musselman’s Apple Butter lends a unique taste to main dishes and desserts alike. Find more feel-good recipes for fall at musselmans.com.

Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Vegetables 2 pounds pork loin salt pepper 1 large red onion 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes 1 pound baby carrots 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 1/3 cup soy sauce 1 cup beef broth

vegetables. Taste gravy, and season with salt and pepper, as needed, then pour gravy over pork and serve.

Spice Cake Whoopie Pies 1 box spice cake mix, dry 1 1/2 cups Musselman’s Apple Butter 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 TB unsalted butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 2 TB milk 1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat liner. In large bowl, mix together dry cake mix, apple butter, oil and eggs until smooth.

Let stand 3-4 minutes. Spoon batter onto prepared baking sheet, one heaping, rounded tablespoon at a time. Space about 2 inches apart. Bake about 14 min-

utes and let cool completely. To make cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add milk and vanilla, and beat another 1-2 minutes. Frost flat side of each “pie” half with frosting and place halves together. Store in sealed container in refrigerator. Note: Marshmallow creme can be substituted for cream cheese frosting. ❚ Source: Family Features

Preparation Place large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. (If using regular skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil.) Season pork loin with salt and pepper, and place in skillet. Sear pork loin on all sides to seal in juices, about 8-10 minutes. Peel onion and cut into large chunks. Cover bottom of large, 6-quart slow cooker with half the chopped onion, potatoes and carrots. Lay seared pork loin over top and surround with remaining vegetables.In small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, apple butter, mustard, soy sauce and broth.

Pour mixture over pork and vegetables.

Cover slow cooker and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-6 hours. Once potatoes are tender, cut tenderloin into thin slices and place on platter, surrounded by Tell them you saw it in ...

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Heritage Harvest Festival is Saturday, Oct. 5 M

By Peggy Werner idway Village Museum will celebrate fall traditions from the past and present during Heritage Harvest Festival.

The event, formally called the Scarecrow Harvest Festival, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, on the grounds of the museum’s Victorian Village. Queen Victoria ruled from 1837 to 1901.

Special Events Coordinator Alyssa McGhghy says the name change better describes the theme of the festival.

“The event celebrates the fall harvest through games, crafts and demonstrations. Visitors will learn about the different ways the Victorians celebrated this season,” she says.

The event is being held this year in collaboration with Paulson Agriculture Museum of Argyle, which will have farm

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equipment on display. The Midway Village Museum farming group will also be on site to demonstrate farming equipment.

Lonna Converso, director of marketing and social media at Midway Village, says the festival is a way to celebrate the bountiful fall harvest season while experiencing life on a farm during the turn of the century.

“It’s such a beautiful time of year because the leaves will be at peak color and the fall ambiance is just everywhere to be felt and enjoyed,” she says.

In addition to the antique farm equipment demonstrations, highlights will include opportunities to make your own scarecrow, paint your own locally grown pumpkin (limited supply), and other fall activities and crafts for kids to enjoy.

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Gene Wheeler says several early farming tools will be on display. These include a double-row hand corn planter from the 1850s patented in Rockford; a plow that would be pulled by horses; a butter churn, corn sheller and more, all manufactured in the Rockford area.

“These are pieces you would find people using on any farm in the 1800s and beyond,” says Wheeler. “We’re hoping people will get an appreciation for how mechanization has evolved to make farm life easier and more productive.”

Wheeler and his wife, Carolyn, have deep connections with Midway Village.

In the 1960s, Wheeler milked cows in the barn that is on the Midway Village Museum grounds. His wife’s parents lived in the Pepper House and her grandparents lived in the Marsh House, both part of the village.

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Ryan Johnson, vice president of the Paulson museum board of directors, says he hopes the harvest festival will generate interest in the museum at 6950 Belvidere Road, Caledonia, Ill. It consists of three buildings full of agricultural items used from 1850 to 1960. The museum overflows with farm artifacts, large and small, including more than 50 antique tractors,

700 cast iron farming implement seats, cultivators, wagons, windmills, vintage advertising signs and novelties like milking equipment and hog oilers.

“Anything you can use on a farm, we have here,” he says.

Public tours at the Paulson museum are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Saturday of the month through November. Individual and group tours are by appointment only, which can be made by calling (815) 885-3846.

The museum was established in 2006 by the late Warren Paulson, who died seven years ago and left the museum in the hands of a board of directors. Prior to 2006, Warren and his wife, Helen, traveled the world to collect and restore artifacts now in the museum, including the most extensive collection of Emerson Brantingham equipment manufactured in Rockford. The company later became known as J. I. Case. The words “made in Rockford” are stamped on many of the pieces.

Along with agricultural artifacts, the museum contains a model train replica of the Kenosha and Rockford Railroad line, complete with miniature local depot depictions. There’s also a large collection of cast iron toys and a farm kitchen display with items commonly used by hardworking farm women, such as a wringer washing machine, round icebox, cast iron stove, spinning wheel, butter churn and much more. A meeting room that can seat up to 150 people can be rented for clubs, business meetings, parties, receptions and other special events.

Admission to Heritage Harvest Festival is $8 for adults, $6 for children 3-17, and members and infants are free. The kits to make your own scarecrow are $10 and clothing and accessory pieces can be purchased for $2 apiece. Tickets can be purchased online at midwayvillage.com, at the Museum front desk, or at the gate during the event. The festival will be held rain or shine and no refunds will be given. ❚

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

Michelle Dollak with Gambino Realtors went above and beyond the whole time she was helping us! Even when she was on vacation she went out of her way to help us with unanswered questions about our home. Michelle was so much fun to work with and always had a smile on her face throughout the whole process even when the situation was complicated or difficult.

Throughout the whole process Michelle showed that she genuinely cared about us and was incredibly fast when it comes to response time. We are beyond blessed and super thankful to have worked with such an amazing realtor such as Michelle. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for a home in the northern Illinois area!

Courtney Burchfield & Austin Miller

815-988-4363 • mdollak@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/mdollak

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Patriots’ Gateway Fundraiser Banquet Oct. 3 P

atriots’ Gateway Community Center will celebrate with a banquet on Oct. 3 starting at 5:15 p.m. It will be emceed

by Steve Shannon of FM 97-ZOK and Joe Danforth, who is the father of professional basketball player Fred VanVleet, will be a guest speaker. The cost is $50 per person and it will take place at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford.

The center, located at 618 S. 5th St., celebrates its 21st year. It serves children in Rockford’s 61104 area code.

“Collaboration and partnerships were the foundation of Patriots’ Gateway from the beginning,” says the Rev. Dr. Michael E. Thomas, acting executive director.

Thomas cites as an example of collaboration the partners who came together to create “an amazing, life-changing summer program for the children in Patriots’ Camp Program.” These partners

included the University of Illinois Extension, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Youth Services Network, United Way, Rockford Park District and Zion Lutheran Church.

The center is supported by Rockford Park District, William S. Howard Charitable Trust, United Way, Community Foundation of Illinois, Bergstrom and UTC Aerospace Systems.

Volunteers continue to be the most important component in running the center’s sports programs. Volunteers coach, run concessions, keep score and help with registration.

“Many of our parents look at sports as an avenue to keep their kids in a safe, positive environment with positive role models,” says Thomas. “We’re fortunate to have really great volunteers who provide those positive role models.”

Patriots Gateway Community Center was founded by the people of Zion Lu-

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theran Church and opened in 1998. Originally it was called Zion Gateway Center, a “gateway” to new opportunities. The church helped to shape the values guiding the center, which has since served thousands of kids and their families.

In 2002, the Patriots Golf Center was completed. From 2010-2013, the center hosted the Rockford Charter School; from 2013-2017, it hosted the Easter Seals program.

Learn more at patriotsgateway.org. ❚

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Autumn at the Arboretum, Bulb Sale Oct. 13

By Peggy Werner

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

In celebration of everything fall, this year’s event, made possible by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Fountain Garden and nearby lawn areas at the arboretum, 2715 S. Main St. Highlights will include new trees, a new garden, a spring bulb sale, new games and a straw maze for children to enjoy.

Executive Director Alex Mills says, “The season itself is the highlight of the event with the changing colors, changing temperatures, and just being outside with

family and friends.”

As people walk the paths and grounds, they’ll see seasonal signs like acorns and nuts on the ground and brilliantly colored mums, bright red berries, neon-colored asters and ornamental grasses at their peak of beauty.

A maze made of straw bales will challenge young kids, while adults can watch the children work their way through the obstacles. Game and activity stations will be set up throughout the grounds.

The first annual bulb sale will take place during the hours of the event in the Garden Pavilion and will feature special varieties of tulips and daffodils. Money raised from the sale will support Klehm programming.

“Fall is the best time to plant spring bulbs, so we thought it would be a nice

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addition to Autumn at the Arboretum to try a fall bulb fundraiser. We hope that local gardeners will enjoy picking out unique bulbs to add to their gardens and we anticipate the sale will include more varieties each year as interest increases,” says Samantha Burbach, education and programming coordinator.

About 19 specialty varieties of tulips and daffodils will be available.

Learn more at Klehm.org. ❚

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What You Should Know About Heart Attacks

By Mercyhealth Staff hen the coronary arteries are unable to deliver blood to the heart muscle for a prolonged period of time, a heart attack can occur.

A heart attack means that the heart muscle cells have been without oxygen long enough that the cells begin to die. It often means that permanent damage has occurred to the heart muscle.

Persons suffering from a heart attack may be able to prevent permanent damage if their treatment is started very early.

Heart attacks occur most often from blockages or plaque build-up in the coronary arteries that prevent oxygen from getting to heart muscle cells.

The plaque may build up until the coronary artery is completely closed, or the plaque may allow for blood clots to form which block the artery.

Heart attacks can also occur from a coronary artery spasm.

• Nausea or vomiting • Back pain

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Heart attack warning signs include: • Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure or a crushing feeling in the middle of the chest • Can last more than a few minutes or go away and come back • Burning sensation, like indigestion, that does not go away • Discomfort can also be felt in the arm, neck, jaw and upper back • Shortness of breath • Light-headedness • Dizziness • Breaking out into a cold sweat

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Sometimes women experience shortness of breath, nausea, back and/or jaw pain or fatigue.

Treatment must happen fast. If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 for assistance immediately. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital or wait for a doctor’s appointment.

Some risk factors for heart attack, such as age or heredity, are out of our control. Others can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Managing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress and using alcohol only in moderation can reduce the risk of heart attack.

Eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise are two of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease.

Learn more at Mercyhealth.org. ❚

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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.

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

Autumn Fun

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Wings of Wonder: The Lorikeet Exhibit Now Thru Nov. 10, Tues.-Sun. Get an intimate look into the fascinating world of these playful birds. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

(815)gorockford.com 987-8858.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Patriots Gateway Banquet Oct. 3 at 5:15 p.m., emceed by Steve Shannon of FM 97-ZOK with speaker Joe Danforth father of Fred VanVleet. $50 per person. Learn more in related story. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road.

BSJO: Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. Oct. 3 dress rehearsal at Beloit College Eaton Chapel, College and Chapin Streets, Beloit, (608) 363-2755. Oct. 6 performance at Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), Janesville, (608) 758-0297. Tickets/Info: beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.

David Victor Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. Formerly of Boston, Victor and his band re-create songs of Boston and Styx, such as “More than a Feeling,” “Come Sail Away” and “Lady.” MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.

Fall ArtScene Oct. 4-5, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. Showcasing original works of art at 40 locations across Rockford. Various locations, Rockford. Info: Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 997-5888, fallartscene.com.

Oktoberfest 2019 Oct. 4-5, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 2 p.m.-midnight. German food, music and dance; running of the wieners; a bier barrel race; dance lessons for kids. German Society of Rockford, Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd.

Vince Chiarelli Band Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Traditional Italian music with a modern twist. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair Oct. 5-6, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m.

Get a jump on holiday shopping. Vendors offer a variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage décor and more; food and live music.

Edgebrook, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Watch the Head of the Rock Regatta on Oct. 9.

BCT: 'The Musical of Musicals' Through Oct. 5, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. A satire of musical theatre. Beloit Civic Theatre, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

Rockford Wind Quintet Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m. The quintet performs a wide range of works from Baroque to contemporary. MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Head of the Rock Regatta Oct. 9, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. This decades-old race draws some 1,700 rowers from across the country. Watch from Martin Park to YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., rockriverymca.org.

Concerts at Katie's Cup Oct. 10 & 12. Second Thursday Concert on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. featuring Tom Mac Group.

Saturday Midday Concert Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. featuring Valarella vocal harmony with acoustic guitar rhythms. 502 7th St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, KatiesCup.com.

Klehm Autumn at the Arboretum Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy fall games, crafts, magic, clowns, hay bale maze, horse-drawn rides and more against the lovely backdrop of Klehm in autumn and a spring bulb sale in garden pavilion. 2715 S. Main St., klehm.org.

Harvest Sunday at Macktown Oct. 13, 2-4 p.m. Learn how people preserved food in the early 1800s, such as canning, rendering lard, pressing cider and making sauerkraut. 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill. Free.

Frenchman’s Frolic at Macktown Oct. 19 & 20, 9-4 p.m. Learn how our earliest settlers lived during this historical event that includes a pre-1850s rendezvous camp. Enjoy historic games and contests, black powder shooting demonstrations, period crafts, tomahawk throwing, trading and more. Food and drink for sale, admission is free. 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales

By Paul Anthony Arco

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(Samantha Ryan photos)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

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

Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$.

Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery  Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $.

Olympic Tavern  Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn  Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis.

2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

Oct. 2

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

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enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms.

There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage.

Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon.

Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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Y M

International Credit Union Day is Oct. 17 O

n Oct. 17, credit union members around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day, an annual event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements.

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the annual event.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for millions of members in 117 countries worldwide.

More than 89,000 credit unions exist globally, providing a plethora of financial services for their members. They are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions’ proud history and promote awareness of

and support for the credit union and financial cooperative difference.

This year’s theme is “Local Service. Global Reach.”

It speaks to how each credit union serves a local community. It’s because of that local service in communities across the world that we have a global credit union movement that’s now 260 million members strong.

ICU Day 2019 is a celebration of the impact credit unions and other financial cooperatives have made, and continue to make, for their members. It’s also a chance to be thankful for the lives and communities that have been improved by the credit union movement.

International Credit Union Day is

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recognized by the World Council of Credit Unions – which is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions – and other financial cooperatives, as well as numerous national credit union trade associations and federations around the world.

Credit unions will celebrate with membership drives, contests and fundraisers to help local communities. Find a list of activities with the global community on social media using #ICUDay and #LocalServiceGlobalReach. ❚

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