Smart Living Weekly August 8, 2019

iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • August 14, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Historic Auto Attractions to Triple in Size See Page 16

Know the Signs of Stroke Tips for Handling Anxiety Volunteer at the Food Bank How to Buy, Resell Your Tools Winnebago County Fair Fun!

FREE WIN!

2 Tickets to Sapora Playworld See Pg. 28 Details

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

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Historic Auto Attractions Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 A Smarter Strategy with Tools Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Folly of Revenge Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty, Healthful Fare for Kids Your Community ........................................ .......18 Volunteers Needed at Northern Illinois Food Bank Your Health ............................................. .....19, 23 Counter Anxiety; Know the Signs of Stroke Your Outdoor Living .........................................20 Better Grilling Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Fun at Winnebago County Fair Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Hearthrock Cafe Your Technology .................................... .......... 29 Embrace Changing Technology!

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

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

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

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

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Helping Our Kids F

or a variety of tragic reasons, more than 2,000 children in Rockford School District #205 (RPS #205) are homeless or don’t have adequate housing. That’s about 7 percent of the district! This compares to a statewide average of 2 percent, according to the 2018 Illinois Report Card. These figures have changed little in recent years.

I first learned about the enormity of the student homelessness problem when I attended a talk on local hunger a few years ago. I was stunned by the sheer volume of local kids in this situation. Homeless children are often hungry children and school is difficult enough for kids with consistent homes and full bellies.

An article elsewhere in this issue explains the need for more volunteers to step up and distribute food at Northern Illinois Food Bank, which recently upped its allocation of food to the Rockford area. More food requires more people to distribute it.

It’s no surprise that many homeless RPS #205 students can’t afford proper school clothing and this adds to their emotional difficulties as they seek to fit in with peers.

Our community is known for its generosity. This year, anonymous donors provided more than $5,000 to the Clothes for Kids Program for the purchase of school uniforms to be distributed during registration this week in RPS #205. About 600 shirts and pants were purchased along with small drawstring bags that can be used as backpacks. All of the children served are classified as homeless.

Clothes for Kids is a collaboration between the Salvation Army and RPS #205.

Beverly Peterson, development director for The Salvation Army, says the greatest impact of this program is the way children feel on their first day of school.

“A brand new uniform makes no distinction between homeless and residential students,” she says. “It helps them to fit in at school from Day One.” If you’d like to donate, send checks to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 4159, Rockford, Ill., 61110, or drop them off at the office, 520 Hollister Ave., Rockford, with the memo: Clothes for Kids. “… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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You Deserve Laura’s Unsurpassed Service Laura Haynes, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Laura’s Customers Have to Say: “Laura Haynes at Gambino Realtors exceeded my expectations in the role of finding the best home for my family. Laura answered all my questions easily as well as maintained a positive and professional attitude while explaining in details my new home and closing options. I am so happy and thankful for Laura Haynes at Gambino Realtors my family and I have relocated to a family friendly neighborhood in Rockford IL thanks to Laura Haynes at Gambino Realtors.

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Buy and Resell Your Tools

By Peggy Werner f you’re looking for the right tool for the job and want to save money or make some money while reducing clutter, your new best friend might be Retool of Rockford, 3622 E. State St. Retool of Rockford buys, sells, and trades new and used tools.

Owner Dave Stenberg is observing his 20th year in business and says Rockford is an ideal community for what he offers.

“There are enough people wanting to sell things and enough people who realize that secondhand tools are just as good as new ones, to keep me in business,” he says.

He offers quality used tools at about half the price of the original retail cost and everything in the store has a 30-day warranty for parts and labor. He will also buy back anything he sells for 60 percent of the cost.

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Many do-it-yourselfers and contractors purchase expensive power tools and hand tools for a specific job only to use them once or twice and then put them away forever. By selling what you don’t need, to ReTool, you not only make space for what you do need, you also make money and help someone else get what they need at a discount, he says.

The inventory includes hand tools, power tools and automotive tools as well as saws, bench grinders, drill presses, micrometers, calipers, levels, gauges, ladders, nail guns, air compressors and much more.

Within the past five years, ReTool has started stocking new items, mainly cordless products.

“Repairing a tool or machine is not cheap and is not always the best answer.

Sometimes it costs more to fix something than to get another one,” he says.

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Stenberg has worked his whole life in retail and says he enjoys helping people.

“Part of the fun is helping people to find what they’re looking for because they know what they want to do, but don’t always know how to do it,” he says.

ReTool was a franchise at one time, but went out of business in 2000, at which time Stenberg made the decision to keep the store going as a local business owner.

ReTool is open from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon., Tues. and Thurs.; 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Wed. and Fri.; and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call Dave at (815) 398-4900. ❚

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I  W

Folly of Revenge W

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 expression 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. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Kid-Friendly, Easy, Healthful Meals W

ho says kids won’t eat vegetables?

Check out kid-friendly recipes at produceforkids.com.

Easy One-Dish Chicken & Veggie Bake Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 50 minutes Servings: 4

1 lb. chicken breast, cut in fourths 12 small red potatoes, quartered 12 oz. green beans 1 TB olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced 1 TB herbs de Provence 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper

Heat oven to 350 F. Place chicken, potatoes and green beans in rows in 13-by-9-inch baking dish with chicken in middle. Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic, herbs de Provence, salt & pepper.

Bake 50 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadilla Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

1 large sweet potato 1 can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 TB low-sodium taco seasoning 8 whole-wheat tortillas 1 cup low-fat shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Use fork to prick sweet potato. Microwave 5 minutes on high. Let cool slightly.

Cut potato in half lengthwise and scoop flesh into large bowl. Mash until smooth.

Combine beans, cilantro and seasoning with sweet potato; mix well.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Spread sweet potato mixture evenly on one side of tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and place second tortilla on top. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more.

Repeat with remaining tortillas and mixture.

Cut each into quarters. ❚

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Historic Auto Attractions to Grow in Size

By Peggy Werner alk through the doors of Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe, Ill., and you will experience local entrepreneur Wayne Lensing’s love of collecting and history that he shares with the world.

At 71, Lensing is as driven as ever.

He is dreaming, planning and building with no plans to slow down.

From his desk, he pulls a drawing of plans for a second museum building that will nearly triple display space. He wants to create themed rooms featuring individual historical figures and eras. He also wants to open the museum year-round.

He envisions the museum as a destination for school field trips and educational seminars for adults. He will include a banquet facility for fundraising parties, special events, and more. If all goes well, he will break ground next summer and

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complete the addition in about a year.

“I want to take this museum to the next level and make it a destination point for people from all over the world,” says Lensing. “Unlike other museums people race through, I want to set the stage so people will slow down and focus in on one historical person or era at a time and feel they are actually there.”

The museum is already home to more than 75 historic autos displayed in 36,000 square feet of space. Lensing has the world’s largest collection of presidential and world leaders’ limousines, plus John Dillinger’s getaway care, Elvis Presley’s personal car, Indy cars, TV Land cars and movie cars such as the Batmobile and the Ghostbusters vehicle.

He also has one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy and Kennedy Family artifacts and memorabilia in

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the country. It includes all of the items from JFK’s desk in the Oval Office at the time of his assassination; the flag draped over JFK’s casket when he lay in state in the East Room; a Secret Service car that followed Kennedy the day he was shot in Dallas; the ambulance that transported Lee Harvey Oswald to the hospital after he was shot by Jack Ruby; clothing belonging to Kennedy and a display of more than 20 outfits and gowns designed

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by Oleg Cassini for Jacqueline Kennedy.

Exhibit rooms include The White House, Abraham Lincoln, Gangster land, World Leaders, Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame, Turn of The Century, Famous Cars and Stars, Kennedy, World of Speed, Movie land, TV Land, and NASA. Lensing adds vehicles and exhibits on a regular basis and just as many items are in storage as are on display. His office is filled with boxes of military items he wants to feature in an exhibit of uniforms, flags, clothing, knives, swords, banners

and other artifacts of World War II. Among recent acquisitions are a 1798 covered wagon; a 20-foot wax figure replica of The Last Supper; a 25foot battleship used in the filming of “Winds of War” starring Debbie Reynolds; Mary Todd Lincoln’s funeral dress; Lee Harvey Oswald’s wedding suit; one of President Donald Trump’s campaign cars; and Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler’s pocket watch.

The most expensive item Lensing ever purchased was a car belonging to Adolph Hitler. His “most precious find” is a chair from Abraham Lincoln’s private study during his White House years.

Lensing constantly thumbs through auction house catalogs, hunts online, attends private sales and learns about collectors who’ve died or want to sell pieces.

Like an artist adding brush strokes to a painting, Lensing visualizes an entire exhibit while collecting. He researches films, books, and other resources to build a story around a person or theme.

Documentaries play on television screens and walls are covered with photos, facts and murals created with the large format printer Lensing uses at his other business.

Lensing also owns and operates Lefthander Chassis, which builds and manufacturers chassis for short-track racing. His son, Dan, a former racecar driver, helps him run the business. The business, museum and a 1,000-unit storage facility are all on a 75-acre plot of land owned by Lensing, who is also a licensed pilot and former professional racecar driver.

“This museum is my heart and soul. I love what I do and I don’t ever plan on retiring. If I can make people feel good and show them a good time, I feel I’ve done something right,” he says.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Admission is $13 for adults; $11 for veterans and seniors; $8 for students (age 6-17); and season passes are available. ❚

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Volunteers Needed to Help Hungry Neighbors B

ecause there’s a strong need in the Winneabgo County region, the Northern Illinois Food Bank recently dedicated more resources to helping the hungry here. This means more local volunteers are needed to distribute the food.

People can volunteer individually or as part of a group. Churches, schools, workplaces and service clubs can organize groups to volunteer as a service project.

“Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month or once a year – individually or with a group of friends, family or colleagues – whatever your commitment, every hour of assistance helps us ensure our hungry neighbors will have access to food in their time of need,” says Julie Yurko, president.

The food bank serves 13 northern Illinois counties, with centers in Geneva, Park City, Joliet and Rockford, the latter at 765 Research Parkway, near the Comcast building by the airport.

Volunteers are needed to sort and package food; to stock shelves and work

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directly with clients on distribution days; and to contribute unique skills for specific tasks.

According to a recent Hunger in America survey, Northern Illinois Food Bank serves more than 71,000 people each week. These hungry neighbors use the pantries and feeding programs eight times per year, on average.

Children under age 18 make up 36 percent of clients, while seniors age 60 and older make up 9 percent. Among all hungry neighbors, 40 percent are white, 33 percent are Hispanic or Latino and 17 percent are African American.

The study shows that clients are making tough choices. About 77 percent have had to choose between paying for food or utilities; 62 percent have had to choose between food or medicine/ medical care. Many have chronic health issues.

Since 1983, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been working with food manufacturers, grocers, corporations, founda-

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A group of ComEd employees recently volunteered to pack meal boxes at Northern Illinois Food Bank.

tions and individuals who donate food and funds. It distributes food through 800 community pantries and programs.

Children ages 8 and up may volunteer with families or groups with adult chaperones. Groups of 20 or more should call to register at (630) 443-6910.

Groups and families of less than 20 people can register online up to a week prior to a shift. Individuals may register up to 48 hours prior to a shift. Find the online registration calendar with available shift days, times and openings at solvehungertoday.org. ❚

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Counter Anxiety by Acting with Purpose B y D r. S c o t t S y m i n g t o n

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e all struggle. It doesn’t matter who you are, how much money you have, or how good you look to the outside world. Life is hard – even painful sometimes.

Much of a clinical psychologist’s work involves helping people to address anxiety, chronic worrying, depressed moods and destructive behavior. A powerful agent of change that’s too often underutilized is acting with meaning and purpose in the midst of struggle. We can’t always prevent anxiety or an unhealthy craving, but we have a choice in how to respond to it. Here’s an illustration.

A woman with a fear of flying is determined to meet her new granddaughter born on the opposite coast. One of her natural “superpowers” is being a warm, vivacious person who naturally encourages others. When caught up in a cycle

of anxious worry, however, she clams up and turns her attention inward.

In preparation for the upcoming flight, she made a plan. Instead of going away in her mind and investing in worry, she would use her anxious energy to be an encourager. She thanked the ticket agent for his professionalism. On the escalator, she complimented a woman on her outfit and so forth. Instead of allowing the anxiety to stifle her personality, she used it to express the best of who she was.

You can do the same by following these three steps: 1. Reflect on times in your life when you express the best parts of who you are. What are your “superpowers?” List five to 10 concrete actions you take when you’re in a positive flow with life.

2. Predict the challenge and make an action plan. Maybe you fight a predictable urge to drink at 5 p.m. Identify the challenge and be ready to act on one or

more of the positive behaviors on your list.

3. Keep responding to your internal struggle with purposeful action. As you create a new response pattern, you’ll flip the struggle on its head and use it for good.

Dr. Scott Symington, a clinical psychologist, is the author of “Freedom from Anxious Thoughts and Feelings: A TwoStep Mindfulness Approach for Moving Beyond Fear and Worry.” ❚

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O L

Flavorful Grilling is Easier Than You Think

By Peggy Werner

G

rills are as versatile as the people who use them and vary in size, color, shape, and functionality.

Most people own a grill or a smoker and many own two grills and use them year round. Although people love the charbroiled flavor, gas grills are more popular for their convenience. Pellet grills, which come in all sizes, prices, and varying features, combine flavor and convenience and are gaining in popularity, says Brad Vander Heyden, president of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr. Pellet grills give the flavor of a charcoal grill or smoker with the convenience of a kitchen oven. By using direct or indirect heat, the pellet can quickly sear and grill, smoke, or roast meat for hours at a time.

A digital controller uses a chip, sensor, circuits and an algorithm to regulate

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and maintain temperature.

Hardwood pellets provide heat and smoke flavor. Pellets come in a variety of flavors, including hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, oak, maple, mesquite, and peach. Combining or layering flavors gives a unique result.

“It’s like cooking on a campfire, but it’s totally automated. You can cook a pizza in minutes or ribs for hours,” he says.

Vander Heyden has a passion for grilling year round and says one of his family’s favorites is cedar plank salmon, which can be cooked in about 15 minutes.

He also has experimented with cooking vegetables and says kabobs with peppers, onions, tomatoes, pineapple and chunks

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of meat can get done all at the same time by using indirect heat. Some vegetables he wraps in foil; others he places directly on the grill to absorb the most smoke flavor. It’s all about knowing what the grill can do and being creative, he says.

“A lot of people are just not aware of all the options in grilling,” he says. ❚

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Winnebago County Fair Fun Aug. 14-18

By Peggy Werner

T

here’s something for everyone at the Winnebago County Fair Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 14-18, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica, Ill. The fair will take over every building and outdoor space on the 108-acre site with dozens of food booths, carnival rides, nightly concerts, rodeo action, farm animals, arts & crafts and much more.

“Our focus is on the family and our board of directors always has the community at heart when it plans the fair each year,” says Michelle McCabe of the Winnebago County Fair Association. “All they want is for everyone to have a good environment where they can enjoy their family and friends.”

New this year is the 2019 “Bulls, Broncs and Barrels Tour” by Xtreme Roughstock Tour Rodeo of Brownsburg, Ind., with local barrel racing at 7 p.m.

Wednesday at the Grandstand, preceded

by family hour from 5:30 to 6:30 to meet the cowboys and see the animals. The rodeo will include a 4-H calf giveaway, freestyle bull fight, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for those 9-12 and free for age 8 and under. Call the fair office at (815) 239-1641 to sign up for barrel racing.

Also new this year is a Lumberjack Show with an interactive Lumberjack Camp; a Butterfly Encounter; and an Inflatable Planetarium that runs Wednesday through Sunday.

Manager Ryan Vawter of Modern Midway, one of the nation’s largest carnivals, will bring about 30 rides to the fair, including the brand new Dragon Coaster, a large LED-lighted roller coaster made in Czechoslovakia and one of only a few being used in the U.S. The Hyper-Loop, the most popular ride last year, will be

back. Riders are seated in a four-legged pendulum that spins, swings and rotates around the base structure.

“It’s not for the weak-hearted,” Vawter says.

Gates open at noon each day. General admission is $5 Wed., Thurs. and Sun.; $7 Fri. and Sat. Wed. is Senior’s Day; Thurs. is Kid’s Day (12 and under); and every day age 8 and younger are admitted free to the fair and grandstand events.

Most Grandstand events cost $7. Learn more at winnebagocountyfair.com. ❚

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Y H

Know Your Stroke Risk and Identify Symptoms

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hen a stroke happens, every second counts. If you suspect a stroke, call 911.

Mercyhealth Stroke Centers remind you of the memory cue BE FAST that will help you to identify major indicators of stroke.

Mercyhealth operates Primary Stroke Centers at Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville, Wis.

and at Javon Bea Hospital on East Riverside Boulevard in Rockford. ❚

Balance. Is there a sudden loss of balance?

Eyes. Is there loss of vision in one or

both eyes?

Face. Is there facial numbness or weakness? Does one side of the face droop?

Arm. Is there weakness or numbness in the arm? Does one arm drift downward when raised?

Slurred speech/Scrambled thoughts.

Is speech slurred and does it sound strange?

Time is of the essence. Call 911 immediately.

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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

Summer 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

'Man of La Mancha' Through Aug. 18. See website for times. In the musical of the classic Cervantes novel, an aged nobleman believes he's a knight. (815) 244Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Winnebago County Fair Aug. 14-18. Tons of fair fun and special events.

See related story.

'Urinetown (the Musical)' Aug. 16-31, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. The poor and downtrodden rise up against the corporation controlling a drought-stricken town. [usual] Suspects, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

The Lone Canary Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Folk/Americana duo and Rockford natives Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Klehm Woodsong Concert: Ernie Hendrickson Aug. 18, 6 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. This Wisconsin native brings Midwestern openness to a Nashville experience. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

38th Annual Polish Fest Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A Polish/English mass opens festivities, followed by live music, games, children’s fun, traditional dance performances and, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a Polish sausage and sauerkraut dinner. Polish pierogi, potato pancakes, sausages, pastries and beer sold all day. Free entrance. St. Stanislaus Church grounds, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford, (815) 965-3913, St-Stanislaus.org.

Tunes on The Terrace - Nicholas Conservatory Each Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., through Aug. 28.

1354 N. 2nd St. Find performance schedule at nicholasconservatory.com.

Tuesdays at Anderson Japanese Gardens Aug. 20, 5:45 p.m. Old Salt Union, of Belleville, Ill., with opening by Edward David Anderson of Bloomington, Ill. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink.)

AndersonGardens.org.

'The Chicken Ranch' Aug. 20-19, 1 p.m. Comical musical about a brothel with a colorful history. Mt. Morris, (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

Enjoy the music of Ernie Hendrickson this Sunday, Aug. 18, at Klehm's final Woodsong series summer concert.

'Steel Magnolias' Aug. 22-Sept. 1. See website for times. Six women of Chinquapin, La., show more steel than delicacy as they face life’s ups and downs together. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.

Crossroads Blues Festival Aug. 24, noon-10 p.m. The lineup for this year’s festival, “Harp Attack!” includes The Blues Disciples, Chris O’Leary Band, Westside Andy Linderman, Nick Moss Band and John Primer with Steve Bell. Lyran Park, 4791 South Bend Road, Rockford, (779) 537-4006, crossroadsbluesfestival.com.

River City Sound Women’s Chorus Aug. 24, 7 p.m. The Sweet Adelines regional champions perform with exuberant a capella harmony. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Barb City Stompers Aug. 31, 7 p.m. The group entertains in a jazzy style, a combination of hot-swing-traditional with a dash of New Orleans sass. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Kenny & Dolly in Harmony Sept. 3-5, 1 p.m. Dave Karl and Wendy T return with a new show re-creating the songs and banter of Kenny and Dolly’s “Real Love” tour.

White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

'August: Osage County' Sept. 5-15, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In this comedy-drama, the Weston family is full of interesting characters. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers. com. ❚

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WDL

Always Something New at Hearthrock Café

By Peggy Werner n his second year as head chef of Benson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café, Todd Cooper is realizing his goal of taking the restaurant to the next level of quality. He’s ensuring customer satisfaction while regularly introducing new food and beverage items.

“I’m always inviting customer input and want to cater to their ideas, as well as my own ideas and those of my staff,” he says. “I explore possibilities and try new things while providing the best food at affordable prices.”

Recent menu changes include using all free-range grain-fed chicken in recipes, using more smoked meats in some

I

tasty new sandwiches and adding specialty seasonal coffees like Salted Caramel Pumpkin Latte, Cinnamon Roll Latte, Caramel Macchiato and Cinnamon Dulce Latte are all on his radar.

Newer sandwiches include a Double Bacon BLT, made with fresh guacamole, Roma tomatoes, shredded Romaine lettuce on toasted marble rye; and an apple wood smoked boneless baby back rib sandwich topped with homemade barbeque sauce.

Among the most popular menu items are the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, made with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese, red pepper and portabella mushrooms; a Mutated Reuben sandwich, made with a homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage; and traditional signature dishes such as the BBQ pulled pork, which is smoked in-house, and the tender, savory pot roast sandwich.

Todd Cooper

Cooper is following the farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

New dishes are first introduced as specials. A computerized menu boards above the café counter displays daily and weekly features. ❚

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

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

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS.

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

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

Capital House  Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

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

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

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

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

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

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

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

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

Aug. 14

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Taco Betty’s

ocated at 212 E. State St., next to the Rock River, this trendy, casual kitchen serves up innovative tacos with signature twists like pork and pineapple or crispy fish with roasted corn, dried chiles, cilantro, onion and avocado-lime mayo. The tacos come in pairs for lunch and threesomes for dinner. Recipes are subject to change with the seasons or whenever the chef feels like it.

Other items on the menu include chicken verde nachos, chicken taquitos, taco salad and guacamole with chips.

Margaritas and other bar drinks are made with fresh juice squeezed daily.

The entrance to Taco Betty’s faces State Street and the restaurant has large west-facing windows that offer natural light and front-seat views of Rockford City Market on Fridays and the river.

Taco Betty’s opens daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and at 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. ❚

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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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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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