Smart Living Weekly November 27, 2019

Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • November 27, 2019

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Right in Our Region

Holiday Traditions at Midway Village

See Page 16

Stroll on State is Nov. 30!

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Don’t be Afraid of Technology!

How’s Your Central Nervous System?

FREE WIN!

$50 Gift Card to Bravo Pizza 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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Experience Downtown Rockford

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Explore Holiday Traditions at Midway Village Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Hiring a House Cleaner Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Taming Our Tongues Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Your Outing .........................................................2 Stroll on State Nov. 30 Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Your Central Nervous System Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Your Technology ........................................ ....... 29 Embracing New Helpers

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 Break from Politics

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his is an important moment for us to give thanks for our country and our fellow Americans – all of them, regardless of political stripes. It’s a time to remember that the American ideals uniting us are far more important than wedge issues dividing us, no matter how hard our enemies work to exploit the latter.

Many forces in the world would love to see our American Experiment fail, but we remain committed to striving toward that “more perfect union” our founders imagined.

The concept of giving thanks for the harvest is an ancient one in both pagan and religious cultures. The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian in origin.

In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a three-day celebration after the colony’s first successful corn harvest, inviting native neighbors to join in the merrymaking. Thanks was given for survival itself.

Much later, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving per year. In 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation.

Perhaps the greatest champion of a national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, however, was Sarah Josepha Hale (composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”) For nearly 40 years, she urged Congress to set aside one day each year for Americans to give thanks for their country.

Hale’s cause was finally answered by Abraham Lincoln, in 1863. Lincoln chose the final Thursday in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Critics called this “Franksgiving” and Roosevelt, in 1941, moved it back and signed it into law.

Nearly 400 years after that 1621 celebration, we still give thanks. And 243 years after 1776, we still pray for the “more perfect union” our founders spoke about. Politics, often vicious, have always been a part of our American life. So, too, have days when we took a break and remembered who we are, together. Happy Thanksgiving! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

What to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner

By Janine Pumilia

H

iring someone to clean your house can be a real pleasure. Who doesn’t love coming home to a clean home? And who couldn’t use the time it frees up, especially now that two-income households are the norm? For the cost of one family dinner out, this pleasure could be yours.

Before you hand your house key to a stranger, however, be sure to ask these questions, suggests Paul Wheelock, owner of Merry Maids franchises in five local counties.

• What’s your security protocol?

Wheelock personally runs federal background checks on every person he hires.

“State background checks alone are not enough,” he says. “My guideline is that I won’t hire anyone I wouldn’t give my own house key to.”

• Can you provide proof of insurance? “If a company isn’t insured and bonded, you could be responsible for any

injuries that occur on your property,” says Wheelock. All Merry Maids employees are insured, bonded and covered by Worker’s Compensation.

• How well are your employees treated? High turnover is never good.

Companies that respect employees will attract better people who take more pride in their work.

“We offer a career experience to our employees,” says Wheelock. “We provide benefits like paid time off and a retirement plan. This helps us to find the best people and keep them onboard.”

• Is the work guaranteed? Expectations on both sides should be well communicated to avoid conflicts. “We’ll come back and make right anything that a customer feels was not properly done,” says Wheelock.

• How do pricing and payment options work? “We do a walk-through before a final price is set,” says Wheelock.

“Be wary of companies that skip this step and offer a ‘free cleaning,’ sight unseen, as a gimmick.” You get what you pay for.

As for payment methods, “We offer options for encrypted, secure online payment so you don’t have to bother with checks or cash.” Online software allows you to get a rough idea of how your cleaning job will be priced or you can get an estimate over the phone.

Merry Maids specializes in residential work. A typical cleaning schedule is 1.5 to 3 hours every two weeks.

Learn more at Merrymaids.com. ❚

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I  W

Taming Our Tongues T

hroughout the Bible we’re told to control our thoughts and control our tongues. Reckless words cut like a knife and can’t be taken back. They can fracture friendships, break hearts, spark wars, ruin marriages, shrivel a child’s spirit and offend God. As we gather around holiday tables this season, it’s a good time to practice self discipline. Being “right” is seldom more important than being kind.

Expressing a contrary opinion is one thing, but demonizing people is unacceptable, says scripture. Each of us is made in God’s image, after all.

Self-control is a very basic qualification of being a good leader, says Timothy.

It takes practice. No one reaches spiritual maturity without it. In I Corinthians, Apostle Paul compares spiritual self-discipline to the training needed to win athletic competitions: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

(I Cor. 9:25 NIV) When we don’t control our thoughts and mouths, we sin against one another and therefore against God. From James 3:3-9 (NIV): “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell ...

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Here's to taming our tongues! ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies - Yum! H

oliday celebrations call for recipes of all kinds, but perhaps the most popular area at many parties is the dessert table. Add flavor to your get-togethers with a festive treat like these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies, which call for the seasonal taste of peppermint and the versatility of dairy for a sweet bite after a holiday meal.

Find more recipes for the holidays at milkmeansmore.org.

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes freeze time Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 40

Ingredients: 2-2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup peppermint crunch baking chips Preparation: In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth.

Gradually add flour and mix on low until combined. Add baking chips and continue mixing on low until fully combined.

On wax paper or parchment paper, form dough into 12-14-inch log and freeze at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Heat oven to 350° F. Cut shortbread dough into 1/4inch slices; bake 13-15 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets. ❚

Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Explore Holiday Traditions at Midway Village T

By Peggy Werner his holiday season, Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, will offer several opportunities for visitors to learn how the holidays were celebrated at the turn of the century.

Alyssa McGhghy, special events coordinator, says she and other staff members are busy getting the village ready for several annual events plus new Lamplight Evening Tours.

“We’re decorating every building in the village this year, which is something we haven’t done in the past,” she says.

“We want every building to look and feel like the holidays as they were observed during the Victorian era.”

Lamplight Tours will begin at 6 p.m., weather permitting, on Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. History interpreters will guide the walking tours with a focus on life as it was during Victorian times in rural Northern Illinois.

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There aren’t many opportunities to see the village at night, so the lamplight tours will be special, says Midway Village Museum Educator Caitlin Treece.

“It’s just a different way to showcase the village and see it lit up by candlelight and decorated for the holidays,” she says. “It will be an entirely different atmosphere, very quiet and peaceful, and will bring that old-time Christmas spirit back that will remind people of the simple pleasures of the season, not the frantic hustle and bustle we’ve grown used to in modern times.”

Pre-registration is required and the deadline is 5 p.m. the Tuesday before each Lamplight tour date. Meet at Gate B. Tickets are $7/adults, $5/ages 3-17. Tickets are sold online or in gift shop.

The Victorian era was a 63-year period from 1837 to 1901, marked by the reign of Great Britain’s Queen Victoria.

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One of the longest running traditions and most popular events at the museum is the annual Victorian Winter Tea, this year from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the historic Chamberlain Hotel. Guests enjoy a three-course meal and endless tea before making gingerbread houses to take home.

“Most guests dress to reflect the fashions of the time and come with friends and family just to be together and enjoy the relaxing and fun atmosphere of an old-fashioned tea,” says McGhghy.

Registration deadline for the tea is Monday, Dec. 2. Call (815) 397-9112, ext. 104 or email specialevents@midwayvillage.com. Cost is $35/adults, $30/ members and $20/ ages 3-17.

The Civil War is the theme for this year’s Victorian Holiday Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Visitors will be immersed in Civil

R  O R War holiday traditions inspired by Louise May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women, which emphasizes love of family. Re-enactors will host activity stations, dressed in civilian clothing and military uniforms.

“We want people to come away with a better understanding of how the Civil War shaped our traditions today and we also want them to get better acquainted with the literature of that time,” McGhghy says.

Tickets for the Victorian Holiday are $8/adults, $6/ ages 3-17 and may be purchased at midwayvillage.com, at the museum gift shop or on the day of the event.

Christmas in the Trenches is a re-enactment of the remarkable real moment in 1914 when

World War I soldiers called an unofficial ceasefire during Christmas week. Enemies came together to decorate, exchange gifts, sing carols and play football.

Local author Ryan Burnes, 22, will talk about his book, Royal Beauty Bright.

The novel tells the story of Luther Baker, a chocolatier with autism who becomes involved in the Christmas Truce.

“Since this year marks the 100th anniversary of the official end of World War I, we’ve seen many books and movies detailing the war’s violence.

However, people forget the stunning nonviolence of World War I,” he says.

During the event, re-enactors will decorate the 150-yardlong trench on the museum grounds and read excerpts from letters written by World War I s o l - diers experiencing Christmas in the trenches.

In addition to a trench tour, visitors will see a narrated re-enactment of a battle and the cease fire. They can sing carols with the soldiers, receive a gift, sip Ryan Burnes hot chocolate, view war artifacts and play football.

Tickets for Christmas in the Trenches are $10/ adults in advance and $12 at the event, $5/ages 3-17 in advance and $7 at the event; free for members and infants.

Deadline for registration and payment is Thursday, Dec. 12 by calling the museum or going online. Even though the event is free to members, they must register in advance by calling (815) 397-9112.

The museum gift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues. through Fri. and from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It’s a wonderful place to pick up sock monkeys, books, and other holiday gifts. ❚

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Y O

Stroll on State 2019 Even Bigger and Better T

he 7th annual Stroll on State will be better than ever this year. More than 87,000 people filled the streets of downtown Rockford last year to welcome the season and experience the wonder of what a community can do when its people come together.

This year’s event will kick off at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with a parade with floats, followed by horse & wagon rides, fireworks, visits with Santa, a very special tree lighting and much more.

The parade will step off at 2 p.m. from South Main at Chestnut Street and stroll north to State Street, heading east across the bridge and ending at 3rd Street.

It’ll feature eight large-scale balloons, including Buddy the Dinosaur and Butterscotch the Elf, as well as festive floats,

live music, DJs and a few extra surprises.

In Strollville, children will play inside real elf houses this year. There’ll be plenty to see, touch and take photos with, including a larger-than-life Elf parade balloon. Strollville also is the location of Rudolph’s Reindeer Village, immediately east of BMO Harris Bank Center.

Also new is a reimagined tree lighting experience. To accommodate growing crowds, the Main Stage will move to the southwest corner of Wyman and State streets. Guests will sing together and count down to the official tree light-

ing. Watch for Santa as he appears during the music production beginning at 5:45 p.m. The tree lighting will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Sky Lights Fireworks will launch from Davis Park immediately after the tree lighting.

The new Sleigh Bell stage will join the Silver Bell and Jingle Bell stages in order to accommodate the many talented performers of our region. It will be in front of Chase Bank on East State Street.

Catch the synchronized River Lights show under the Jefferson Street Bridge this year.

New and returning outdoor food, beverage and gift vendors will be at two locations: Rockford City Market Pavilion and the parking lot at West State and Wyman streets.

Volunteers are needed before, during and after Stroll on State. Visit gorockford.com to learn more. ❚

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Y H

How’s Your Central Nervous System Doing?

By Peggy Werner

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t’s always a good idea to take a personal inventory of our bad habits and replace them with good habits – all leading to better health.

We all know about the benefits of stress management, proper nutrition and getting enough rest and exercise, but many of us are not aware of how vital the health of the central nervous system is to experiencing success in all these areas, says Chiropractor Kory Spear of The Joint at Forest Plaza, 6139 E. State St. “It all works hand in hand,” says Spear. “If you’re stressed, you can’t sleep well; if you can’t sleep well, you can’t handle stress. If a person isn’t eating right and getting enough rest, energy levels suffer and they are more prone to injury.

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

Chiropractors specialize in the prop-

er alignment of the spine to control pain, tightness, inflammation, tenderness and other problems.

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

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

The Joint is a new concept in chiropractic care, with 440 locations nationwide that offer more affordable and more convenient adjustment appointments by not accepting insurance and passing those savings along to the customer. The Joint accepts walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Current specials include a $29 new

patient offer for a consultation, exam, and adjustment, as well as a “wellness package” of four visits per month for $59 – good at any location. New patients may call to schedule an appointment, but follow-up visits are walk-in only.

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

For more information, visit thejoint. com or call the clinic at (815) 977-4316. ❚

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

Ruth was the best we could ask for. We have never sold a house and had so many questions. She helped us make informed decisions didn’t pressure us into anything we didn’t want to do and helped us navigate each step of the process. We would highly recommend Ruth to anyone looking to buy or sell.

Ali McManamon Bradt 815-978-5613 • rpremo@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/rpremo

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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.

Holiday Fun Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

'Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus' Nov. 29-Dec. 8, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Inspired by a poignant letter written over 100 years ago by an 8-year-old girl named Virginia.

Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Byron Civic Theater, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Brew & View Nov. 27, 8-10 p.m. Kick back and relax while watching throwback movies and enjoying craft beer and popcorn. Rock County Brewing Co., JPAC, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Handel’s 'Messiah' Nov. 30, 3 p.m. A Rockford tradition for more than 70 years, the Rockford Choral Union presents Handel’s masterpiece about the life of Jesus Christ. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave., rockfordchoralunion.com.

Stroll on State Nov. 30, 2-9 p.m. See downtown Rockford transformed into a magical winter wonderland. (815) 963-8111, strollonstate.com.

All Aglow Holiday Display Dec. 1-Jan. 6, check website for times.

Closed Dec. 24-25 & Dec. 31-Jan.1. Sparkling lights and beautiful floral displays. Garden model train display Dec. 1 to Feb. 3. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

Music on Main: Lydia Bruhn Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main, (815) 964-9713,mendelssohnpac.org.

'Every Brilliant Thing' Dec. 5-15, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Winter Concert: Silent Night, Holy Night Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Rockford U. and RVC choirs perform songs about the night, including Lauridsen’s “Sure on this Shining Night.”

Maddox Theatre, Rockford U., (815) 226-4100.

Janesville’s Jolly Jingle Dec. 6-8, see website for times. Ice skating, live reindeer, a lighted parade, fireworks, more.

(608) 755-3030, janesvillejollyjingle.com.

Rockton Christmas Walk Dec. 6-8, see website for times. A pancake

Enjoy a carriage ride in Rockton Dec. 6-8.

breakfast, pictures with Santa, book sale, carriage rides, caroling, lighting of Village Green Park, Christmas parade, luminary pathway, chili supper, craft sale, food trucks. Rockton, (815) 624-0935, rocktonchristmaswalk.com.

Christmas Show Dec. 6-8, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Holiday spirit & fun. Mighty Richland Players, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill., (815) 8191310, mightyrichlandplayers.org.

'It’s a Wonderful Life' Dec. 6-8 & 20-21, see website for times.

Clarence, Angel Second Class, is sent to Bedford Falls to help George Bailey. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Christmas on the Creek Dec. 7, 7 p.m. The Second City Chorus offers harmony & humor. Spring Creek UCC, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

RSO: The Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 7-8, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Rockford Dance Co. with professional lead dancers, with Tchaikovsky's score performed by RSO. (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Julmarknad Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The annual Christmas market offers Swedish foods, bakery and handcrafted items. Have breakfast, enjoy festive music and dance. Swedish Historical Society, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., (815) 963-5559, swedishhistorical.org.

1800s Holiday Walk Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. Stroll luminary-lit paths, hear carolers, learn about Christmas on the prairie at two historic log cabins, a wigwam and a covered wagon. Visit a Civil War Santa in his field tent and enjoy live music. Kids make ornaments at Gustafson Nature Center., Boone County Conservation District, bccdil.org. ❚

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Something New is Always Cookin’ at Baci’s

By Peggy Werner

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ikko Castrogiovanni sees his business as constantly evolving to give people what they want from his full -service, all-day offerings of Italian and American cuisine. These include many health-conscious and vegetarian options.

“We offer great customer service, fresh foods and a great atmosphere,” he says. “People are pleasantly surprised when they come here and they make plans to return. And many people are still trying us out for the first time.”

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. It offers carryout, catering, delivery and full table service, with reservations highly encouraged. It also has a private gaming corner, a sit-down bar, daily specials and live music most Fridays and Saturdays.

Among favorite items on the menu are 10 oz. burgers, such as a mushroom

burger with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms and bacon; the avocado burger topped with lettuce, tomato, black beans, avocado, American cheese and onion; and the Baci Blue, with bleu cheese, bacon and purple onion.

Also beloved is Baci’s Mac and Cheese, made with corkscrew pasta that’s baked and lightly topped with panko crumbs. There are many options, like Alfredo Mac and Cheese with shrimp, peppers and broccoli.

For breakfast, waffles, omelets, skillets and ala carte items are available as well as breakfast pizza starting at $14 in three sizes, made with scrambled eggs and a choice of sauces, cheeses, toppings and meat. There are also breakfast bowls like Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey or sweet potato and egg with avocado and kale. Costs range from $4.50 to $8.

Lunch/dinner options include sand-

wiches, soups, panini, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet for $22 or lasagna for $14.95.

Among Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls is the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamane and shredded carrots for $14.

Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon.Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Learn more at baciskitchen.com. ❚ ❚

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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Smart Living Weekly

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

Nov. 27

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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Nov. 27

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

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Nov. 27

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Face Your Fears: Embrace Technology

By Peggy Werner

B

arbara Reynolds, 68, is living proof that it’s not only healthy, but also empowering, to face your fears.

Not long ago, she was well aware of all the technological advances around her but wasn’t willing to take the leap of pursuing them. However, when rising costs to use her “bundled” telephone, television, internet and home security systems were getting out of control, she had no choice but to go look for a better way.

That’s when she sought out the services of Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., who has built his business around helping people save money, time, and energy.

Reynolds cut her bills in half. A year later, she bought a Nest programmable thermostat and video doorbell with motion activated alerts, and an Alexa, which is an Amazon echo voice activated

device – all of which can be monitored and controlled from her Smartphone.

It was a lot of change for her, but with Zambrano’s help, she found out just how much better life can be.

“So many people are afraid of change, but they don’t realize how easy it is to make a change, save money, and live a more comfortable life,” says Zambrano.

“We take our customers by the hand and walk them through the whole process.”

Reynolds admits it was a frightening

experience, at first.

“I was very nervous, but these upgrades have made my life so much better,” she says. “The Nest thermostat learns your comfort levels, the video doorbell lets you know when a package is delivered and you can talk with someone at your door when you’re not home.

Alexa tells me the weather forecast, can order online and make phone calls, plays music, finds a recipe, and reminds me to give my dog his medicine.

“All I can think of now is just how amazing it is and everything works together. I feel so much more in control of my life and I don’t worry as much.

Once you learn what you need to know, it’s easy.”

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized DISH network retailer and is licensed to offer services from a long list of other providers. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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Nov. 27

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Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 27

To advertise call 815-316-2300

The Rockford Standard Furniture Building (built in the 1880s)

45

up to

%

OFF

ALL Furniture

Recliners, Sofas, Dining Rooms, Home Office, Entertainment Centers, Youth Furniture, Bedrooms, Etc.!

699

$ Special Offer Exclusively at Benson Stone Company

for either the Klaussner Juniper Zeus or Lisa Elle sofas

Made in USA

Was $1095

Recliner Sale! (over 100 recliners & 130 sofas on display!)

499

699

$

Top Flight Rocker Recliner Made in the USA

ALL

40

In stock and available in four other colors

Hardwood, Carpet, Luxury Vinyl & Tile

Flooring Fireplaces Wood Stove & Insert

Closeout

$

Flicker Rocker Recliner with Power Made in the USA

In stock

999

$

$

%

OFF

1500

Dawson Power Headrest Rocker Recliner Made in the USA

75

Available in four other colors

Lighting

up to

Discontinued Display Fixtures

BBQ Grills End of Season Closeouts

Experience the Holidays at Benson Stone!

%

OFF

$AVE

Join us Saturdays (between Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 10:30am to 1:30pm for Free Hot Cider and Live Music!

Everything for a Beautiful Home...All in One Place 1100 Eleventh Street (just south of Charles) • Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000 Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays • bensonstone.com Some exclusions apply. See salesperson for details.

Visit our four-story, historic, remodeled furniture factory.

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