Smart Living Weekly April 24, 2019

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • April 24, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Step Back in Time At ‘The Gathering’

See Page 16

Banish Home Allergens How to Choose an Orthodontist Special Olympics Needs Volunteers Learn to Use Home Technology Use That Leftover Easter Candy

FREE WIN!

2 Tickets to Sapora Playworld See Pg. 28 Details

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

Smart Living Weekly

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

“Connie was a great Realtor!”

Andrea Levey 815-222-6076 • cparis@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/cparis

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Step Back in Time at The Gathering Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 New Remodel Showroom; Banish Home Allergens Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 What Never Fails?

Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Using Easter Candy Leftovers Your Outing .......................................................20 Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Life Hacks ............................................... .......... 21 Why Real Butchers Know Best Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Choosing an Orthodontist Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Backyard Bar and Grill Your Technology ...............................................24 Make Your Home Life Easier Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Prevent Identity Theft

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, Anthony Franklin 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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Precious Earth

“We are living at the time of man’s final conquest over the wilderness. What we have saved, and what we may save in the next few years, will be all the true wild nature that will remain to pass on from generation to generation in the years ahead. There will never be another chance.”

T

– George Fell, 1950

his is the week of Earth Day. It’s a time to celebrate our planet and the progress made in protecting it. It’s also a time to learn about the many assaults which threaten its health and therefore our own.

Too, it’s a time to remember people who have championed our planet and improved our quality of life, whether or not we realize it. Thanks to them, entire species have been preserved, including the bald eagle, which teetered on the brink of extinction when I was a child, before the insecticide DDT was banned.

One such champion was the late George B. Fell, a Rockford West High School science teacher and ecologist who helped to launch not only our region’s Natural Land Institute, but also The Nature Conservancy, which today is the leading conservation organization in the world.

More than 60 years ago, Fell’s field research told him our ecosystems were in serious trouble. Rather than merely wringing his hands in despair, he met with other ecologists in Washington, D.C., in 1950, and co-founded The Nature Conservancy, which has worked hard on behalf of the planet ever since.

Those who work to protect Earth, or donate money to its cause, do so for many reasons. Some believe stewardship of our planet is an expression of gratitude for the creation placed in our care by God. Others are moved by science that says we risk our very existence by abusing ecosystems. Still others simply want future generations to experience butterflies.

As springtime unfolds, I’m grateful to live in a place of magnificent natural beauty and fertility.

May we never take it for granted or forget from whence it came.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

New Renovation Showroom in Machesney

By Peggy Werner

M

acktown Construction, 9957 N. Alpine Road, in Machesney Park, has opened a showroom to make life easier for homeowners who are looking for ideas and materials for renovating their homes.

Cedar & Stone Cabinetry and Flooring is a new 2,400 square-foot showroom that carries a full line of cabinets, flooring, cabinet hardware, countertops and lighting to help people make choices, says Tony Bonnet, president.

“We want to create a better overall experience for our customers. In this business for more than 15 years, one thing that stands out is just how overwhelming and stressful it can be for people trying to make choices,” Bonnet says.

Macktown specializes in kitchens, bathrooms and home renovations and adheres to a seven-step process to make sure every construction project runs as

smoothly as possible and with minimal surprises.

“When it comes to remodeling, you can find a lot of buried headaches in the areas of plumbing, electrical work and framing that can’t be seen at first. We want to make sure we have everything covered and there are no surprises,” he says.

Macktown Construction offers a free in-home consultation with customers. Its professionals give advice and discuss goals and fears a customer may have regarding the project. A pre-construction meeting takes place before the project begins. When work is finished, a warranty is delivered and follow-up appointments ensure satisfaction, Bonnet says.

When thinking about a home remod-

eling project, people need to have an idea in mind of how they want an area to look and what they are willing to invest.

“The first thing we always want to know is why someone wants to make a change, whether it’s to update an existing space, open up an area, or set another goal,” he says. ❚

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I  W

What Never Fails?

T

he first lesson in political science 101 is that “Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.” Without accountability, humans don’t use power well. God has always known this about us.

To elevate their stature, leaders throughout history have rationalized bad behavior by saying they were “doing God’s will.” Some, like Roman Emperor Caligula, have even claimed to be God. Yet God is not fooled or mocked. He has always warned that abusive leaders will answer to Him. “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help?

Where will you leave your riches? Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain.” – Isaiah 10:1-4a (NIV) Jesus understood the leader’s temptation to abuse power. He modeled a new kind of leadership – one that answers to God and His law of love. One that puts service above self.

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all,” he admonished his disciples as they jockeyed for power. (Mark 9:35) Jesus Christ could have ruled the world by force. Instead, he chose to obey God, even submitting himself to a horrible and unjust death. When Peter drew his sword on the Roman officer arresting Jesus at Gethsemane, Jesus said,“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?” (Matthew 26:53.)

Love is not weak. “Love never fails,” Paul says in Corinthians 13:8. Love is patient, kind, persistent, trusting, protective and hopeful. It is never vindictive.

It doesn’t envy, boast, dishonor others, get angry or delight in evil. It is not selfseeking.

Tyrants rule and die, leaving misery in their wake. Because of Christ, those who trust in love will endure forever. ❚ 12

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4 1 4 S E G A R FO

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Y K

Reuse and Enjoy Your Favorite Easter Candy W ith a long shelf life, most Easter candy can be reused and incorporated into other recipes for weeks after the holiday. Here is one recipe to enjoy.

Candy Egg Ice Cream Sandwiches Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream • 3 Cadbury Creme Egg Candy candies • 8 large sugar cookies • 1/4 cup Cadbury Mini Eggs Candy

Directions: Set ice cream on counter for 15-20 minutes, or until it begins to thaw and is easy to scoop.

Unwrap and chop egg candy into small pieces. Pour candy pieces (including gooey center off knife and cutting board) into medium mixing bowl.

Scoop ice cream into bowl with chopped candy. Using plastic spatula, stir candy and ice cream until well combined.

Pour ice cream mixture into rectangular or square 2-quart dish and spread into even layer, making sure candy is evenly distributed.

Cover with plastic wrap and place dish in freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until ice cream has set again.

In food processor, pulse mini egg candies until finely chopped.

Remove ice cream from freezer.

Place chopped mini candies in shallow bowl wide enough to fit a cookie.

Place 4 cookies bottom up on plate. Top each cookie with scoop of ice cream then top ice cream with another cookie (bottom facing ice cream). Press down on sandwich until ice cream reaches cookie edge.

Immediately roll ice cream edges of sandwich in chopped mini candies, turning sandwich until all edges are coated.

Place sandwich on a dish and return to freezer. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to serve. ❚

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Source: Family Features

April 24

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R  O R

Travel Back in Time to ‘The Gathering’

By Janine Pumilia

A

rare opportunity to step back in time and experience pre-1850s life in our region is coming up April 27 & 28 during The Gathering event at Macktown Living History Center, 2221 Freeport Road in Rockton, Ill. You’ll meet re-enactors portraying traders and trappers, French voyageurs, Native Americans and early settlers, including Stephen Andrew Mack Jr. and his wife, Mary Hononegah, founders of a once-thriving community named Pecatonic, also called Mack’s Town or Macktown. You can try your hand at the skills settlers depended upon for survival and sample food and drink made in that era.

“This is a time period when our region was the American West,” says Ami Sommerfield, a member of the Macktown Living History board of directors.

Americans were migrating here from the

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East Coast and building communities, traveling mostly by animal, river raft or on foot. There were no railroads or steamboats here and the California Gold Rush had not yet begun.

“Not only is this a fun event for kids and families, but it’s also a teaching event to help people understand how people at Macktown, and people of that era in general, lived,” says Sommerfield.

On the early frontier, a Gathering was a special time for people to come together to trade, socialize, share news, have sporting contests and sometimes even marry.

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, which owns the land on which the historic site exists, and the Macktown Living History board, are working to restore Macktown to its 1834 to 1850 historic appearance. The living history

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center is staffed entirely by volunteers who want to make sure our regional history is not lost.

“In some ways, the Macktown Living History site is the best-kept secret in Winnebago County,” says Connie Gleasman, former board member and longtime volunteer.

In its heyday, Pecatonic, which was located at the confluence of the Rock and Pecatonica rivers, included the Macks’ two-story home and store, a cabinet maker’s shop, an inn, a schoolroom, a shoemaker’s shop, a tavern, a trading post, fur trappers’ cabins and other homes belonging to the population of 200 to 300 people. A ferry and bridge traversed the Rock River near where the original stone trading post structure still stands.

“The Mack home was one of the first homes in our region constructed of

R  O R

wooden boards,” says Sommerfield. Visitors may tour the Stephen Mack Home, Whitman Trading Post and Sylvester Stevens’ Cabinet Making Shop/One-room School during The Gathering. The site represents the time period of 1834 to 1850, but The Gathering encompasses a larger time period.

“The Gathering covers a time period from the early 1700s to 1840,” explains Sommerfield. Uniformed militia units dating back to the 1700s will be present.

Depending on what Mother Nature brings, there may be black powder

shooting demonstrations, if the quarry area is dry enough. There will be periodic archery demonstrations, old-time crafts and skills demonstrations, such as cooking with cast iron over an open flame, blacksmithing, bagpipe playing and more.

A re-enactor portraying Stephen Mack will welcome visitors to his home.

He’ll be among 80 to 100 costumed reenactors who’ve studied the time period and enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Children will gather candy that’s shot out of a small cannon. There’ll be a paddle dance (comparable to the The Virginia Reel during the Civil War) and a discussion about popular dance styles of the 1700s and 1800s.

The Macktown Living History site is recognized as an important archaeological resource offering clues to our region’s pre-historic era, says Sommerfield. Visitors will learn more about that, too.

“We’ve found arrowheads, pottery

shards and items such as a piece of atlatl – a stick used to propel small arrows,” says Sommerfield. Shell middens (dump sites for clam shells and other domestic refuse) exist near the riverbank.

Along with The Gathering, the Macktown Living History Center offers year-round Second Sunday events with themes like working with fiber, cast iron cooking, ice cutting and using an atlatl.

In June there’ll be a horse-drawn plowing and seed-sowing demonstration.

“There’s a beautiful sense of calm and tranquility on this property,” says Gleasman. “There’s a stunning view of the confluence of the Rock and Pecatonica rivers. Eagles gather here. We want to make it more available to people.”

Admission to The Gathering is $7/ adults and $5/students. Children under 6/ free. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, rain or shine. Learn more by calling (815) 624-4200 or email macktownlivinghistory@gmail.com. ❚

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Y H  G

Professional Cleaning Reduces Allergens

By Peggy Werner

A

fter a long winter, everyone looks forward to flinging open doors and windows to let the fresh air in ... but this also ushers in allergens.

Paul McCann, owner of Stanley Steemer, 9958 N. Alpine Road, says that these culprits build up in the home year round and the only way to banish them is to have floors, grout and carpets professionally cleaned.

“No matter how good you are at cleaning, there are microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, dead skin cells and pollen that build up in the home,” he says.

Stanley Steemer’s equipment, people and products set his business apart, he says. He can remove about 94 percent of common household allergens from carpet, 96.5 percent from tile and grout and 96 percent from hardwood floors, while leaving behind no residue. This makes life safer for pets and people, he says.

All employees of Stanley Steemer undergo a criminal background check, are drug screened, thoroughly trained and certified, he says. Stanley Steemer has the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which was created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

Chemicals used by Stanley Steemer meet the criteria for the Environmental Protection Agency’s “safer choice” category, which helps consumers find products that are safer for both human health and the environment.

Professional equipment outperforms home machines by reaching higher temperatures with more pressure and vacuuming ability to get the best results, he says.

Stanley Steemer makes its own

equipment and cleaning products in the U.S. McCann recommends people get all flooring cleaned every spring and winter.

Depending on their lifestyles, number of children and pets, some may need to professionally clean more often.

Contrary to what some people think, professional cleaning is not hard on flooring, he says.

“We never get the carpet so wet that it goes through the backing. If you use the right products and technique, cleaning will not cause wear.” ❚

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Y O

Volunteers Needed at Special Olympics on May 4

F

amilies, volunteers, and spectators are invited to cheer on all Special Olympics Illinois athletes as they compete in the 2019 Region A Spring Games in Machesney Park on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harlem High School, 1 Husky Circle, Machesney Park, Ill. About 640 athletes will compete in athletics (track & field), the most popular of 18 sports offered by Special Olympics Illinois. There will also be 15 teams competing in soccer.

All athletes will march in the parade of athletes and recite the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The running of the torch with the “Flame of Hope” and the lighting of the cauldron signifies the opening of the games.

Athletes will compete in the 50-, 100-, 200-, 400-, 800-, 1,500 standing and running long jumps; shot put; ten-

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nis and softball throw; 100-, 400- and 800-meter walk races; wheelchair competitions and assisted races.

To compete in the Special Olympics Illinois Region A Spring Games, athletes must train for eight weeks. Athletes who win a gold medal at the Region games qualify to compete in the Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games June 7-9, on the Illinois State University campus in Normal, Ill. More than 4,000 athletes from around the state are expected to compete in Summer Games Volunteers are still needed. Please visit https://www.soill.org/event/summer-games/ to learn more and register or contact Nate Henry at nherny@soill. org.

Special Olympics Illinois is a notfor-profit organization offering yearround training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than

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17,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.

Special Olympics Illinois Region A serves the Northwest portion of Illinois with local programming for over 1,700 athletes in Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, La Salle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago Counties. Region A offers participation in 14 sports and holds 17 competitions year round. For more information about the region, visit soill.org/RegionA or contact Debbie Kelly, dkelly@soill. org. ❚

L H

Why a Real Butcher Still Knows Best

By Peggy Werner

R

emember the days when you could walk up to a meat counter in a grocery store and talk to a butcher who knew about cuts of meat, how to prepare them, and how to fill a custom order?

Well, that kind of customer service is – and always has been – a top priority at Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, because owner Jarrod Bush, with more than 20 years in the business, takes pride in giving people what they can’t get anywhere else.

“A lot of supermarkets don’t need butchers any longer because all meats come prepackaged from the wholesalers to the retailers and you don’t always know where the meat comes from,” he explains. “My job doesn’t really exist anymore, so that’s why people love coming in to talk to me – they don’t always know what they want or how to prepare it.”

Countryside is a full-service meat market that specializes in Midwestern beef, poultry and pork for individuals and large parties. Its fully stocked, very organized, spotless 20-foot-long display case of fresh meats is a thing to behold. ”I want this meat case to be the best one anyone has seen anywhere,” Bush says.

One of the most popular cuts on the West Coast recently debuted at Countryside. It’s the exceptionally tender and versatile Tri-Tip Steak, which is a bottom sirloin.

“It has great marbling, fantastic flavor and can be used for a lot of things such as fajitas, stroganoff and steak sandwiches,” he says.

The store offers weekly advertised specials, in-house specials, and has “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie and chicken Kiev.

There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as coleslaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring, Boar’s Head luncheon meats and 25 varieties of bratwurst. Gourmet items include stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, twice-baked potatoes and garlic cheese bread. All food is prepared onsite. ❚

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Y H

Finding the Right Orthodontist for You B y To n i R o c h a

W

hether it’s a personal choice or a referral, finding the right fit in an orthodontic specialist is vital.

Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, and owner of Orthodontic Experts in Rockford, says the most important aim is to find an actual “specialist.”

“Illinois is one of only three states requiring advanced training to be licensed in both general dentistry and orthodontics,” he explains. “The Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulations mandates this.”

Yarmolyuk says that many dentists also do orthodontic work in other states.

It’s essential that patients look for a professional who has received the advanced education.

“I did a three-year specialist residency in orthodontics,” he says. “I also did extracurricular work on weekends while in training and have the experience

to provide the best possible care. Technology has gotten easier, but still most general dentists fall short of what a specialist can offer.”

Orthodontic Experts also provides patients with flexible payment plans for its services, which are covered under most major health insurance policies, including ObamaCare.

“We can arrange payments in our clinic at 5051 E. State St., Rockford, or any one of our other clinics in the Chicago area,” Yarmolyuk says. “This is important because realignment and other treatments can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the length of time needed to complete the process.”

He explains that minor treatments can take as little as six months while complex ones may take up to 2.5 years.

“The other advantage we offer is our call center, which is available seven days a week. Our emergency call service is accessible 24 hours every day,” Yarmolyuk says. “With nine orthodontic specialists and 90 support employees, we have the ability to help anyone at any time.”

For more information, call (815) 918-4427 or visit orthodonticexpertscom. ❚

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Y T

Home Tech Can Make Your Life Easier

By Peggy Werner

D

o you often wish you could be in two places at once?

Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, has expanded his business as part of his mission to help people save money, time and energy.

He’s now working with Nest to bring the conveniences of home automation into the lives of his customers.

He says it’s not a difficult change to make.

“I’m finding out that a lot of people are afraid of technology, but if they try it and find out how much easier life can be, they enjoy the benefits. Everyone has a smart phone, but not everyone is using it to the fullest capacity,” he says.

The number of “smart” devices is growing, and so are options for connecting those devices to local area networks.

This allows people to monitor and access their homes and businesses remotely.

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For example, cameras can allow you to see what’s going on inside and outside your home, and you can talk to people at your door, when you’re away. You can also switch lights on and off, change or lock in thermostat settings and lock or unlock doors remotely.

“In this age of e-commerce, your phone can let you know when someone is at your door, when a package is delivered, and other notifications about what’s going on at home,” Zambrano says.

Nest offers all services on one application, which is a one-time purchase for installation, with no additional charge for monitoring.

“We’re just keeping pace with what’s available to customers and helping people to manage their lives better by getting them to use technology that’s available to them,” says Zambrano.

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any provider using dish, cable, internet and home secu-

April 24

To advertise call 815-316-2300

rity, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint.

The EZ Solar Energy branch provides savings to homeowners who switch to solar power. There’s no down payment and fixed-rate financing, discounts and rebates are available. EZ Solar helps with permits, applications and obtaining a fixed-interest loan, for those who qualify.

Contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or EZ Solar at (815) 200-9057 or stop by the office. Learn more at EZsatellitenow.com and EZsolarenergynow.com. ❚

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Michael Carbonaro April 24, 7 p.m. Carbonaro performs comically perplexing and improbable feats of magic, with lots of audience interaction. Coronado, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 Rockford, (815) 968-0595,gorockford.com coronadopac.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Last Acre April 26, 7 p.m. The father-daughter acoustic duo of Molly and Mark Mathewson plays original songs containing elements of folk, bluegrass and Americana. Listening Room, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Love Me Tender April 24-25, see website for times. Travis Morris brings all stages of the King’s career to the stage with songs such as “Suspicious Minds” and “That’s Alright Mama.” White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ April 25-28, Thu.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m.

Dorothy travels from Kansas over the rainbow with her friends to discover the magical power of home. Children’s Community Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

‘All Shook Up’ April 25-28, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.

It’s 1955 when a guitar-playing young man rides into a “square” little town in a “square” little state and changes everyone he meets.

Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, such as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t be Cruel.” Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, (815) 226-4100, rockford. edu.

‘Sylvia’ April 25-28 & May 2-4, Thu.-Sun. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. Manhanttanite Greg returns from the park with a dog named Sylvia. Will the pup become a major bone of contention?

Enjoy this comedy, have some laughs and find out. Beloit Civic Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

'The Gathering' at Macktown April 27 & 28, 9 a.m. This Macktown Living History event offers a taste of local frontier life. Meet traders and trappers, French voyageurs and Native Americans. Enjoy food, demonstrations and more. Learn more by calling (815) 624-4200.

Father/daughter duo Last Acre will perform April 26 at the Listening Room in Rockford.

Last Acre April 26, 7 p.m. The father-daughter acoustic duo of Molly and Mark Mathewson plays original songs containing elements of folk, bluegrass and Americana. Listening Room, Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

‘Lucky Stiff’ April 26-May 5, Fri.-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

An offbeat musical murder mystery farce, complete with mistaken identities, diamonds and a corpse in a wheelchair. Byron Civic Theater, Byron Middle School, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.

‘Mamma Mia!’ April 26-May 12, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

A daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men to a Greek island.

Filled with ABBA’s hits, such as “Dancing Queen” & “Lay All Your Love on Me.” Pec Playhouse, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

Nik's Wish Wine, Art, Music April 27, 6:30 p.m. Help the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation raise funds to make wishes come true for young adult cancer patients ages 18 to 24. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford. $60 per person, $100 per couple.

Register at classy.org/event/2019-wine-artmusic/e223957.

The Great Boodini!

April 27, 2-3:30 p.m. The award-winning magician amazes with sleight-of-hand tricks, juggling, illusions and comedy. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

RSO: Tchaikovsky & Bartok April 27, 7:30 p.m. A performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto, Op. 35,” featuring violinist SooBeen Lee, and Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Music & Drama Festival April 30, see website for times. Family-friendly variety show featuring young performers.

Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. ❚

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WDL

Home Away from Home at Backyard Grill

By Peggy Werner

R

ich Schmidt used to dream of owning his own restaurant, where people could socialize, enjoy a good meal and feel at home. That was 22 years ago, before he and wife Dana opened Backyard Bar and Grill, 6473 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, and brought their dream to life.

The at-home feeling begins when you walk through the doors.

Pictures, left behind by school kids who colored on the back of placemats, line the entryway. Wall murals portray local scenes, whether in the original Loves Park location or at the 5390 Elevator Road location in Roscoe, which opened in 1999.

Every Tuesday is Kid’s Night, with all items on the kid’s menu for $1, with a limit of three children per paying adult.

Some of the most popular menu items are burgers like the Holy Schmidt, a 16-oz. burger with Swiss cheese and double bacon, topped with Backyard

Grill’s homemade BBQ sauce.

The Big Tex Burger is a halfpound burger topped with roast beef, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and bacon.

Lunch every day of the week cost $5.99 and includes sandwiches or burgers served with fries.

Daily dinner specials include steaks, prime rib, or ribs with two sides, soup or salad and a loaf of homemade bread.

Fridays bring an all-you-can-eat cod fish fry, served with steak fries and coleslaw.

A drink special from the bar is also offered each evening.

There are salads, appetizers, herb garden pastas, club sandwiches, a variety of grilled chicken sandwiches, and pork chops. Catering is available.

The menu is updated about twice a year, with a new version expected to

come out this spring.

“Historically, 90 percent of our staff has been referred to us from friends or family who already work here, and now we’re seeing some of their kids working for us,” Schmidt says.

“So many customers comment on the fact they really like seeing the same people working here. People like that special attention and it makes them feel special and welcomed.” ❚

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

April 24

To advertise call 815-316-2300

D

Dos Reales

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998.

Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy.

“We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager.

Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

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Y M

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

By Peggy Werner

I

dentity theft affects millions of Americans each year and is a growing problem. One only need look at recent data breaches that have occurred through retailers, financial institutions and medical providers to know this is true, says Matt Lynch, marketing director for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road.

Identity theft and data breaches go well beyond financial theft or fraud. Identity theft is not only related to credit and finances, but also to personal information that can be used to falsify medical and criminal records or to create or use online or social media profiles, emails and more.

“You could be pulled over by the police for a minor traffic violation and find out there is a warrant out for your arrest for something you didn’t do,” says Lynch.

“Or, someone could use your information to apply for a job, loans, or to get medi-

cal treatment. This could cause income tax issues for you, which you might not know about for quite some time after the actual fraud has taken place.”

If you’re not doing anything to protect your identity, you should consider changing that, says Lynch.

“Your information could be sold and used by a criminal tomorrow or years later, and that’s not a good feeling,” he says.

To combat the problem, MembersAlliance Credit Union has partnered with LegalShield to offer members identity protection called IDShield, which focuses on monitoring, protecting, repairing and restoring people’s identities.

“What sets IDShield apart from other monitoring systems is its employment of licensed professional investigators who will take care of problems, should any arise, minimizing the time and effort spent by you,” says Lynch.

“Whether or not people choose to

use this product, it’s really important to consider some form of identity protection service. At a minimum, look at your accounts and monitor your credit on a regular basis,” he says.

Learn more at membersalliance.org or visit any of the five locations, including the main branch at 2550 S. Alpine Road; 6951 Olde Creek Road; or locations inside Wal-Marts at West Riverside and Walton Street in Rockford, and at 4781 E. Rockton Road in Rockton. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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