Smart Living Weekly June 6, 2018

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • June 6, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Lots of Summer Fun at Midway Village

See Page 16

Why Choose a Pellet Grill?

Beautiful Kitchen Trends Starlight Theatre’s 2018 Season Money Tips for Buying a Home

FREE WIN!

2 Day Passes to Magic Waters

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 Summer Fun & Learning at Midway Village Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Tips for Updating Your Kitchen Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Folly of Revenge Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Pantry Staples Make Dinner a Snap Your Outing .......................................................19 The 2018 Starlight Theater Season Your Outdoor Living .............................. .......... 21 All About Pellet Grills Your Health ............................................. .......... 26 The LASIK Surgery Solution Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Thrive Cafe Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Financial Tips for Buying a Home

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

ATTENTION!

Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee

Do you want to pay more $$$ for your mortgage? Why would you?!?!

Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes

Mortgage & Home Equity loan special going on now... because your biggest investment deserves the most attention.

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Graphic Designer Samantha Behling

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Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes

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Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Kendra Green

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Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com

Adulting is not always easy.

Published by Hughes Media Corp.

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

We’re here to help.

Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2018 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.

815.226.2260 l membersalliance.org OPPORTUNITY

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Be the Answer

Here at Smart Living Weekly and Northwest

Quarterly magazines, we’re very thankful for advertisers who support what we do. They not only keep us employed, but they also help us to strengthen the local economy. How? Our magazines help locally owned businesses who are left out of juggernaut national advertising campaigns to get their advertising messages out to you despite a playing field tipped against them. We offer highly effective but affordable blanket market coverage.

We care about Mom & Pop and you should, too. Why? Because they keep a much higher percentage of money circulating in our communities. About 80 cents on every dollar spent at a big-box store or chain restaurant immediately heads for that store’s headquarters in another state. And, owners of Mom & Pop businesses also tend to be better employers who are more engaged with the community.

As happened all across America, our region lost much of its identity when chains began replacing thousands of locally owned businesses several decades ago. The end result was a weaker local economy, a hollowed-out downtown, urban sprawl that raised our taxes and fewer local entrepreneurs earning a living by selling or servicing stuff.

A movement has taken root that recognizes the advantages of buying local. Doing soimproves our local economy, our environment and our quality of life.

Our publishers, Bill & Lisa Hughes, have always recognized the challenge local businesses face when trying to get out their ad message in a playing field dominated by chains. They, too, are local business owners.

(How many locally owned media companies are left in Rockford? Not many.)

We think you share our thirst for what’s original, personal and unique here in the Rockford region.

By being part of the “buy local” trend, you’re choosing to be a part of the solution for a stronger region.

Thank you, and enjoy your week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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808 W. Riverside Blvd.

6651 E. State St. Rockford IL 8

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Remodel Your Kitchen for Efficiency, Beauty

By Janine Pumilia

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well-planned kitchen renovation improves the value of your home and the quality of your life. While it may seem like a big effort and expense, the resulting efficiency and beauty are well worth it.

“If you go with a classic style for the larger elements, like cabinets, you can always update smaller elements as trends change,” advises Kayla Hauch, kitchen and bath designer at Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “The style most in demand right now is transitional, which has nice clean lines.”

Classic white painted cabinets are very popular right now, both in bright whites and creams. Mixing finishes – such as combining white cabinets with an island painted in gray or navy – is on trend.

“I’m also seeing a lot of open shelving,” says Hauch. “Maybe the kitchen

colors are all neutral but that open shelf is the one pop of color.”

The popularity of gray tones is holding strong “but is turning to a warmer gray,” she says.

Regardless of what cabinet style you love, avoid busy backsplashes.

“We tend to let a lot of objects accumulate on our countertops. If you have a busy background behind them, it can look pretty cluttered,” says Hauch. For that reason, she’s glad to see a decline in the use of small-tile mosaic backsplashes.

Tried-and-true subway tiles add character to a kitchen backsplash without competing with everything else.

“Standard white glossy or matte subway tiles are classic but they also come in other styles now, like larger formats, more color options – gray is popular – and artisan textures for a more hand-hewn look.”

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The tiles also can be laid in a herringbone pattern rather than horizontal lines.

“Our customers like the fact that we offer one-stop shopping,” says Hauch.

“Really, anything you would need in any room of your house is something you can pick out right here in our store, from lighting to flooring. It’s nice to be able to coordinate everything under one roof.

And our prices are very competitive.” ❚

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I  W

FROM YOUR CAR TO THE GATE...

DON’T BE LATE!

Folly of Revenge W

We’re Here to Get You There!

Give yourself a little extra time and park at Hononegah High School this year!

Presented by Rockton Lions Club

June 14-17 Rockton, IL

OldSettlersDays.com

Union Street/Rockton Road to Rt. 2 Hwy. 251 & I90

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Main Street

Information Booth

Entrance Handicapped Parking Entrance* Entrance

W

N

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Hawick Street

* There are no tickets sales available at this location.

Main StageAND SMTD is there to help you get to the grounds backKids toArea your car. Rain or shine. Avoid the VIP Midway Preferred Preferred Vendors the bus. IT’S FREE! hassle andandtake Ticketed Area Ticketed Area Sound Booth

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www.SMTD.biz First Aid

Beer Ticketed Entry General Ticketed Area

Stateline Mass T Transit District

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Rock River

– Janine Pumilia

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PARKING Hononegah H.S.

Salem

Bridge

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Tickets & Badges

Hwy. 75 | Blackhawk Blvd.

hen we’re treated very unfairly – whether by an employer or coworker, family member or friend – our natural reaction is to become angry and seek revenge. But God tells us to keep our emotions in check. Why? Because to let our emotions run amok is to risk behaving as badly as the person who offended us, or worse. And while we’re not responsible for the behavior of others, we are responsible for our own behavior, including our reactions.

“Be angry and sin not,” states Ephesians 4:26. So what do we do? Stand passively by and suppress our anger? No. We actively pursue peace and resolution; we try our best to overcome evil with good.

The pursuit of good should be our constant frame of reference, says the Apostle Paul.

Our mentality and lifestyle.

In Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) Paul writes to Christians living in Rome: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves ... Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [a positive thing in Paul’s culture]. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Such benevolence is easier said than lived … but God expects it anyway. Why? Because all of us are sinners; none of us deserves the great mercy God shows to us through Jesus Christ. To show others anything less than mercy is to hold God’s gift in contempt.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ❚

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Y K

Pantry Staples Make Dinner a Snap

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pantry stocked with canned ingredients is also a source of recipe inspiration. Staples such as canned chicken, corn, green chilies, olives, beans and tomatoes atop lettuce combine to create a wholesome Chicken Burrito Salad the whole family will enjoy. Likewise, Pasta with Spinach Pesto can be made in a snap with pantry staples.

For more recipes, inspiration and facts about the benefits of canned foods, go to CansGetYouCooking.com.

Chicken Burrito Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes Serves: 6 Salad: 1 small head romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces 1 cup cooked brown rice 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 can (10 ounces) chicken breast chunks, drained and flaked 1 can (10 ounces) corn kernels, drained

1 can (4.25 ounces) diced green chilies, drained 1 can (2.2 ounces) sliced ripe black olives, drained Dressing: 2 Tb fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 Tb fresh chopped cilantro 3 Tb extra-virgin olive oil Salt and ground black pepper, to taste In large platter or individual bowls, place lettuce leaves. Top with brown rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken, corn, green chilies and black olives.

In small bowl, combine lime juice and cilantro; whisk in olive oil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Drizzle dressing over salad.

Pasta with Spinach Pesto Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

1 can (13.5 ounces) spinach, well drained 1 cup fresh parsley leaves 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds 1 large garlic clove

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1 tsp dried basil 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tspground black pepper 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 box (16 ounces) fettuccine noodles In food processor, combine spinach, parsley, cheese, nuts, garlic, basil, salt and pepper; blend well. In slow, steady stream, add olive oil until mixture is blended and smooth.

Cook fettuccine as package directs.

Drain. Toss spinach pesto with fettuccine. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Summer Fun, Learning at Midway Village

By Peggy Werner ummer is a time to get away from the routine of work and school and enter the classroom of real-time experience.

Rockford’s Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, will host several summer events that offer both fun and education about people and life during Rockford’s early history. It’s a great way to explore the humbler lifestyle most people had before old-fashioned customs gave way to modern inventions and conveniences.

“We want people to experience this unique open-air museum, which is one of the few in the country,” says Lonna Converso, marketing and social media director. “We planned the new tours for those who can’t get away during the day and to give all people the opportunity to feel the ambiance of the village in the evening.”

All of the the upcoming summer events, including new tours and a major

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fundraiser, are designed to give more people a chance to experience the museum grounds and learn, she says.

Victorian Summer Evening Village Tours will take place at 7 and 8 p.m. several Wednesdays throughout the summer, including June 13, 20 and 27; July 11, 18 and 25; and Aug. 8 and 29 on the museum grounds. Guests will enjoy a one-hour guided tour by a costumed history interpreter who will tell stories about the culture and life of early settlers to the Rockford area in the period known as the Victorian Era, from the late 1800s to early 1900s. The museum’s permanent exhibits will also be explained, with time for questions and answers. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 3-17 and free to museum members.

At the turn of the century, electricity was just emerging and was used mostly for lighting during certain hours of the

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day. Cars, televisions and other conveniences of life had not yet emerged. People gathered at the post office, general store and other places to get what they needed and to catch up on the latest news and gossip. Coffee was ground at the general store counter, cheese was delivered in bulk, and because clothing off the rack was expensive, most people made their own. Life and work was very labor intensive and whole days were assigned to tasks like washing clothes and ironing.

In Rockford, as across America, people from diverse cultures learned to live together as one people. Many held onto certain aspects of their homeland cultures, including cuisine.

Exploring ethnic foods is the theme of the third annual Rockford Plate, a major fundraiser for history education Cover Photo by Lunacek Photography

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at Midway Village. It will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 12, on the 13-acre Victorian Village museum grounds. The fundraiser has a 1950s theme and is a celebration of ethnic cuisine and culture with sample dishes and drinks, music, dancing and dessert. New this year are some vegan-friendly dishes.

Cultures represented this year include Israel, with falafel in a pita with hummus and Israel salad served with tahini (ground sesame seeds) and schug (hot pepper) sauces from Ronit’s Kitchen. A drink made with Sabra liqueur – an orange/chocolate flavor – will be served with the food.

The German Society will cook up bratwurst and serve it on a bun with homemade sauerkraut and Hefeweizen beer.

Polish cabbage rolls filled with meat, rice and mushrooms in a tomato sauce will be served with Polish coleslaw made by members of St. Stanislaus Church, with Pilsner to drink.

France will be represented with chicken crepes with mushrooms, Dijon cream sauce, Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses and Kir Royal to drink, from Greenfire restaurant.

An African dish, Isombe, is a leafy greens and Poulet (chicken) soup that will be offered by Zammuto’s Restaurant, served with a mango passion fruit drink.

Online reservations for the event began in May and will continue through Thursday, July 5. A receipt will be emailed to registrants and their names added to the RSVP list. Cost for the event is $55 person.

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In another major event at Midway Village, MembersAlliance Credit Union is sponsoring the Magical Garden Family Event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. Everyone is invited to learn about Midway Village Museum landscapes by taking part in tours, games and crafts, all focused on the natural elements of the gardens. The family event, including entrance to the main museum center exhibits, will be covered in the admission price, which is $8 for adults, $6 for children and free to museum members.

The museum sits on a 148-acre treefilled campus with the Victorian-era village and the Main Museum Center centrally located and within walking distance of each other. The 13-acre Victorian Village features 27 buildings. Some are original vintage structures that were moved to the museum site and others are scaled reproductions complete with indoor artifacts.

Learn more at midwayvillage.com. ❚

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Starlight Theater’s 2018 Season Lineup

By Lynne Conner he 52nd season of Starlight Theater is well underway and artistic director/ producer Christopher Brady will produce five musical theater productions in the span of two months this summer. Planning began last September and casting was completed in mid-March. A whopping 175 people tried out for the shows.

At times, there will be as many as 65 on stage simultaneously.

“We try to present an array of choices for our audience,” he says. “We certainly want a family show, and that would be ‘Shrek.’ I personally wanted to have ‘Jane Eyre,’ which has gorgeous music and is very ensemble-driven. ‘Anything Goes’ fits the bill as a classic musical’piece, and then we have ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,’ which is more of an adult show; it’s as crass as it is classy. We strive to present a well-rounded line-up that stretches audiences and performers alike.”

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2018 Season ‘Shrek The Musical’ June 6-9 & July 11-15 Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film.

‘Jane Eyre’ June 13-16 & July 18-22 Charlotte Brontë’s great love story comes to life with music.

‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ June 20-23 & July 25-29 Based on the popular 1988 MGM film and set on the French Riviera, with highjinks and fun.

Christopher Brady

After Starlight’s regular season, ‘Cinderella After the Ball’ will give younger patrons a taste of live performance.

“It may be the first time some of these kids have seen a live performance,” says Brady. “Something specifically written and produced for them.”

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‘Anything Goes’ June 27-30 & Aug. 1-5 Music, dance, laughs and the age-old tale of boy meets girl.

‘Cinderella After the Ball Aug. 9-11 A princess-powered musical for kids of all ages, “Cinderella After the Ball” follows Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel as they team up to defend their kingdom from the evil Pinnochio and his dragon. ❚

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Pellet Grills Offer Flavor, More Convenience

By Peggy Werner

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t’s that time of year when nature’s beauty draws people outdoors to connect with people they enjoy being with, and that usually means getting out the grill.

Grilling means different things to different people, but most people like to grill because of the flavor, personal enjoyment and entertain value, says Brad Vander Heyden, president of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., Rockford.

Most people think of charcoal or gas grills when they think of cooking outside, but pellet grills, which have been around for more than 30 years, are gaining popularity because of the improved technology, convenience and versatility, he says.

“It’s the best of both worlds. You don’t have to monitor the grill to maintain temperature,” says Vander Heyden.

“At low temperatures, the grill can cook for up to 16 hours. Pellet grills, which vary in size, prices and features, are the fastest growing segment of the outdoor cooking market, but not everyone knows about them.”

Pellet grills are electric and fueled by hardwood pellets that add flavor. The temperature is regulated by a digital control board that uses an algorithm to calculate how many pellets are needed to reach and maintain temperatures.

A rotating auger automatically feeds the pellets from the hopper to the fire, where a fan stokes the flames and distributes heat and smoke throughout the grill.

A diffuser plate between the grill and the fire prevents flare-ups. Some grills have a direct grilling option for cooking on an

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open flame.

Some of the most popular pellet flavors are hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, oak, maple, mesquite and peach. Flavors can be combined or layered for a unique result.

“I love the taste, being outside, and the convenience and efficiency of using the grill instead of heating up the kitchen on hot summer days,” he says. ❚

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Y H

Positive Feedback for LASIK Surgery

By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor

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hen it comes to advertising, wordof-mouth recommendations have a high credibility. The free opinion of a trusted friend or family member carries more weight than any paid-for commercial.

Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, Dr. Edward Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, attracts patients from across the Midwest for LASIK eye surgery – a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea in order to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.

“I have 10,000 happy LASIK patients, which creates quite a sales force,” Yavitz says. “All you have to do is go to the Internet and see the comments.”

With such positive word-of-mouth feedback, Yavitz spends less on advertising and keeps fees for LASIK up to 50 percent less than other offices.

“People like to go to someone who has a lot of experience,” Yavitz says, “And I’m operating on second and even third generations of family members now since I began. That’s real experience.”

Yavitz completes three steps during a LASIK procedure. First, he precisely creates a flap and folds back a thin layer of the cornea. Second, using an excimer laser, he removes an exact amount of corneal tissue in seconds. Finally, he folds the corneal tissue back into place, allowing it to adhere without the need for stitches.

Yavitz performs more than 100 LASIK eye surgeries per month and has taught LASIK around the world. He even has several patents for devices used to

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make LASIK a safer, more predictable surgery.

To schedule a free consultation regarding LASIK, call (815) 395-8338 or visit Yavitz Eye Center at 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)

Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Presented by Rockton Lions Club

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! FAMILY • MUSIC • FUN •BEER • FOOD CARNIVAL • PRIZES • FIREWORKS • PARADE

June 14-17 Rockton, IL Download the app!

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

w/ Steve Moakler

w/ DJ Jay E and DJ Trife

Chase Rice

Nelly

SATURDAY Rick Springfield

w/ Dennis DeYoung and the Music of STYX, Greg Kihn Band and Tommy Tutone

For information or to purchase concert tickets visit

SUNDAY

Chris Janson w/ Jordan Davis

OldSettlersDays.com or call (815) 206-8525 for more information.

BYRONFEST $5.00 for admittance for the entire weekend!

LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG! for more information visit byronfest.org or the byronfest page on facebook!

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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.

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Through Aug. 28, Tue. 5 p.m. gates open, 5:45 p.m. performance. Join friends and family for an evening of live music in a beautiful outdoor Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com setting. Picnics allowed (no beverages), and food and beverages available for purchase.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Ingrid Dohm Art Show Through June 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy botanical-inspired art by Rockford artist Dohm. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

Rhyme & Rhythm Through June 23, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Members of the Momentum Art Guild show new works of art inspired by a favorite piece of music or poetry. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Music on the Mall Through Sept. 14, most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Local musicians perform their latest tunes; hosted by Mary’s Market on the plaza outside the cafe. Seating is limited, so bring a chair. May be cancelled in inclement weather. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

'Shrek the Musical' June 6-9 & July 11-15, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. The hit animated film comes to life onstage, featuring the tough cookie, the short villain, the forever-talking donkey, the hero ogre, the princess and a host of other fairy-tale misfits. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

'Hair' June 7-30, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. The radical musical of the ’60s tackles issues still relevant today, with hits like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine” and “Easy to be Hard.” [Usual] Suspects, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Stephen Stills & Judy Collins June 8, 7:30. Celebrating the golden anniversary of their meeting, these icons of folk music perform onstage for the first time in their summer tour, with material from their

Enjoy live music and natural beauty at Tuesday Evening in the Gardens each week.

rich catalogs and their album “Everybody Knows.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

ARTSY June 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Supporting local artisans and crafters in the community, the exhibit features creative vendors, live art demonstrations, music, children’s crafts and more.

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

RAM: Midwestern Biennial Show June 9-Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 75th presentation of Rockford Art Museum’s biennial juried exhibition showcasing multimedia work by contemporary artists across the Midwest. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Patchouli June 10, 7 p.m. This indie husband and wife duo, comprised of Bruce Hecksel and Julie Patchouli, entertain with vocals and acoustic guitar in a jazz/flamenco style. Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.

Music in the Park June 12-Aug. 2, Tue.-Thu., 7 p.m. The outdoor series offers a variety of musical performers, including the Phantom Regiment, Back Country Roads, Rockford Concert Band and a Beatles tribute. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Story Time with Belle June 13, noon-1 p.m. Enjoy a picnic lunch with your children, listening to an enchanted story and song from a favorite fairy tale character.

Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. ❚

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June 6

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WDL

Healthful, Fresh Fare at Thrive Café

By Peggy Werner

A

n expanded menu, longer hours, new equipment and new seasonal items at Thrive Café, 6731 Broadcast Parkway, are making the Rockford area a much healthier place to live.

Owner Jason Rager is a personal trainer and has a strong commitment to helping people live healthier lives by making all menu items from fresh ingredients with no additional fat, sugar or dairy products.

“Customers are so excited about what we have to offer,” says Rager.

“Because everything is fresh and made to order, we get a lot of people wanting to eat healthier because they are ill or on a special diet, or just following a national trend of everyone wanting to eat healthier.”

New this spring are items that can be made with hot food because of a new grill that was installed earlier this year. All bowls, wraps and salads can

be topped with grilled chicken, salmon or tuna and hot vegetables.

Other new items are cleansing vegetable juices, cashew nut milk, shrimp spring rolls, a vegetable quiche and a caramelized onion and mushroom quiche, both made with a sweet potato crust. All salad dressings are made in house and are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Among the most popular protein smoothie is the “Cool Down,” made with Almond Milk, Spinach, natural peanut butter, banana, protein powder and cinnamon. Exotic fruit smoothies include the Dragon Slayer, made with Dragon Fruit, coconut water, banana, pineapple, mango and chia seeds.

Super food micro bites are made with peanut butter, granola, guiltless chocolate or tropical mango.

Rager started out in the summer of 2015 with Thrive Café at Peak Sports

Club, 4401 Peak Drive, specializing in freshly made cold pressed juices and smoothies, and that location remains open. He opened the second location about a year ago, with an expanded menu and seating for up to 20 people.

Thrive Café on Broadcast Parkway is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and closed on Sundays. ❚ ❚

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.

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.

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

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Capital House  Fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. BLD M-Th 8am4pm, Fri. 8 am-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm. Closed Sunday. $-$$$.

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. $-$$.

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. $$

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authentic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Rock Cut Concessions  Casual American. BkLD. Now serving breakfast. Sandwiches, burgers, fries, ice cream. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry.

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

Thrive Café  Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚

June 6

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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To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Need Cash? Consider a Home Equity Loan

By Peggy Werner

P

eople agonizing over how to pay expenses may be overlooking a solution in their own backyard.

“Your home may be an untapped source of funds you could use to your advantage,” says Matt Lynch, Director of Marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “Most people are aware of home equity loans, but many don’t think of them as an option when they need money.”

Home equity loans can be used to pay for home renovations, debt consolidation, college or wedding expenses, vehicle purchases and more.

The advantages of home equity loans, in most cases, are lower interest rates and closing costs, with fewer regulatory restrictions and fees. This is because the homeowner is not making a new purchase so the regulatory environment is not as cumbersome.

People often make the mistake of thinking what they’ve already paid on the home figures into the equation, but that’s not necessarily the case. What you can borrow depends on the current value of your home versus what you still owe.

Every financial institution has different types of home equity offerings, interest rates and repayment plans. Rising home values are good news for people who want to access extra cash without paying prohibitively high interest rates.

When borrowing money using a home equity loan, you receive the money in a lump sum and have a fixed interest rate, explains Lynch. This type of loan is not to be confused with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which is an available maximum amount you can draw money from multiple times whenever you need it. Unlike a home equity loan, a HELOC usually has an adjustable interest rate. It’s a revolving loan, operating similarly to a

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credit card in that you only repay based on what you choose to spend at any given time. The interest rate is much more favorable than a credit card’s interest rate.

Learn more by going to membersalliance.org or any MembersAlliance Credit Union location. MembersAlliance has Rockford locations at 2550 S. Alpine Road, 6951 Olde Creek Road, and inside the Wal-Mart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and the Wal-Mart on Rockton Road. Experienced loan officers are available at all locations.

Preapproval applications are available online. ❚

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