Smart Living Weekly July 17, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • July 17, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Play Some Golf, Do Some Good

See Page 16

Choosing an Orthodontist New Mary’s Market Location Punch Up Your Summer Salads Celebrate Moon Landing at Discovery Center

FREE WIN!

4 tickets to Alpine Park Pool See Pg. 28 Details

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Golfing for a Good Cause Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 What’s New in Flooring Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 God Builds the Church Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Punch Up Summer Side Dishes Your Outing ............................................. ......... 19 Celebrate the Moon Landing at Discovery Center Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Choosing an Orthodontist Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Mary’s Market Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money ............................................. ......... 29 Debt Consolidation

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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Grab Summer Fun!

H

ere at Smart Living Weekly, we’re amazed at the sheer volume of events going on in our region each week, especially in summertime. Nearly any evening of the week there’s a high-quality musical performance at some park or pavilion, to say nothing of the theater, visual arts, nature-themed, historical and recreational fun to be had, plus festivals and fairs nearly every weekend. Any age group can find something of interest.

Please tell me you and your family members are taking advantage of these riches rather than sitting at home “plugged in” on beautiful and fleeting summer nights. Study after study tells us we’re happier and healthier when we get out and engage with actual human beings in our communities. That’s smart living.

Besides, we need to “use it or lose it.” Events that don’t enjoy healthy attendance will likely disappear.

For me, this is the time of year when panic sets in as I compile the weekly Your Fun calendar for Smart Living and notice the list of remaining summer events is growing short. “I haven’t yet gone to this!” I worry. But there’s still time! Precious weeks of summer remain.

We can still enjoy a concert or play, observe starry skies, paddle a local river, camp out, attend an art fair, take a road trip to Starved Rock State Park or Summerfield Zoo or Old World Wisconsin or get out on the water. Don’t have a boat? Sail Geneva Lake with Geneva Cruise Lines or rent a kayak at Rock Cut State Park.

Good music is even better when we gather outdoors to hear it. This week alone, there are opportunities to hear live pop, rock, Celtic, country, classical, jazz and more.

This Saturday (July 20), we can experience some of Rockford’s gems during the Rockford Culture Crawl, a day of free admission and special activities at Midway Village, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Co. and Ethnic Heritage Museum. Other participants include Discovery Center, Burpee Museum, Anderson Japanese Gardens and Nicholas Conservatory.

There’s also a $10 After Hours event with music from Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts.

Summer flies fast.

Grab what it offers while you can! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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You Deserve Karen’s Unsurpassed Service Karen Barbagallo, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Karen’s Customers Have to Say: “We are happy to give Karen Barbagallo our highest recommendation. She has a true love of her job and it shows. I can honestly say that if I had a question concern or comment she got back to me right away. She is patient and kind.Karen not only knows the market but negotiates strongly for her side anticipates problems before they can occur and never takes her eye off the ball. Her knowledge of the market along with her many professional contacts helped to make the process of selling our home go smoothly. You will enjoy working with Karen Barbagallo. Dean and I certainly did!“

Dean & Mary Stoner 815-988-5577 • KBarbagallo@GoGambino.

See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/KBarbagallo

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Y H  G

Flooring: Learn the Latest Before You Buy

By Janine Pumilia

G

iven all the new products rolling out from the flooring industry, it’s a good idea to learn what you can from retailers who keep up with trends, says Andy Benson, owner of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. You may even save money by asking questions.

For example, when people come to the store looking for authentic stone floors, Benson is likely to point them to the luxury vinyl tile display instead.

“Speaking as someone who has been a stone guy most of my life, I can tell you there’s not much reason to install a natural stone floor anymore,” says Benson.

“Because of the great things that have happened in the evolution of flooring technology, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that looks like natural stone or wood is just as good – better in many respects – than natural stone flooring. And it’s a lot less expensive.”

LVT (or LVP if shaped like a wood plank) marries the benefits of a manmade product with the high-end look of natural materials. And although manmade products haven’t always been great at mimicking nature, today’s LVT is a very different story.

“Most people are hard-pressed to tell the difference between real wood or stone and LVT that looks like wood or stone,” says Benson. “Not only is the digital printing of the surface very realistic, but now the texture is, too. You not only see a knothole, you can feel that knothole. There’s nothing shiny or plastic-looking about it. The coloring and embossing is amazing.”

Benson was as surprised as anyone to find he prefers LVT to real wood.

“I swear by wood floors but now it’s LVT all the way – I love it,” he says.

“People immediately touch it when they

see it, to try to figure out if it’s real wood or stone. It’s that convincing.”

LVT is the fastest-growing segment of the flooring industry.

Unlike laminate flooring, which is made with fiberboard that falls apart in moisture, LVT is made with layers of (mostly) PVC vinyl, making it far more stable and waterproof.

“We install it in homes of every price point,” says Benson. ❚

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I  W

Partnership with God

A

s humans, we’re all prone to hubris.

It’s therefore good for us to remind one another that, without God, we’re nothing and can build nothing spiritually worthwhile. With God, however, we can do more than we know. Do we believe it?

On the Day of Pentacost, believers were filled with holy spirit and witnessed miracles. This gave them courage. Peter, who not long before had denied Christ (Mark 14:72) and cowered behind locked doors in fear of Jewish leaders (John 20:19), spoke boldly (Acts 2): “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it … Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the holy spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.” ... Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

God builds His church in partnership with us. Our job is to pray, study scripture, listen to His voice, love others and act on what we’re told. With God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) Without Him, all is vanity. (Ecclesiastes) ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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NANCY OLSON CHILDREN’S GARDEN

Open Daily 9 AM - 8 PM

Natural Play Encouraged!

Klehm Ar bo r e t u m & Bota ni c G a r d en 2 715 S . Ma i n St, Ro c k fo r d, I L 61 1 0 2 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Y K

Punch Up Your Summer Side Dishes B

ackyard barbecues and family picnics are plentiful during the summer months, so chances are good you’ll host (or attend) at least one event this season.

While you’ll likely feast on a bevy of hamburgers and hot dogs, a menu filled with fresh, delicious sides makes a meal worth celebrating.

Here are some creative ways to put a twist on classic side dishes to make your meal memorable: Pasta medley. Prepare your favorite noodles (fun shapes like spirals or bowties if you’re thinking kid-friendly) then add an array of ingredients like cubed cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets with some extra-virgin olive oil. For a more grown-up flavor, combine feta cheese and bits of fresh basil with a drizzle of Bolthouse Farms Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

Naturally sweet treats. Many traditional sweet dishes are simply impractical for a

hot summer day. As an alternative, try something lighter like a mixed berry bowl. It’s a cheerful presentation and an option all ages can enjoy.

Add a few sprigs of mint for garnish.

Crisp coleslaw salad. Balance your crunchy veggies with some sweetness, like bits of apple, pear, persimmon or nectarine.

(Recipe courtesy of Two Purple Figs)

1/2 head white cabbage (4 cups) 2 scallions 1 carrot 1 apple 1 pear 1/2 bottle Bolthouse Farms Coleslaw dressing 1 cup pomegranate arils

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Using shredder disc in food processor, shred cabbage, scallions, carrot, apple and pear, or chop by hand. Add dressing and pulse until smooth.

Sprinkle with pomegranate arils, if desired, and serve. ❚ Source: Bolthouse Farms/Family Features

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R  O R

Cosmopolitan Golf Classic a Win for Charity

By Peggy Werner he Rockford Cosmopolitan Golf Classic is not only a great day for the golfers who play on two premier courses, it also is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, benefiting local charities. This year’s event will see former Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks player Bryan Bickell and his wife Amanda on the golf course and Bryan will be guest speaker at a dinner the night before.

The 28th annual golf classic is open to the public and will be Friday, Aug. 16, at Aldeen Golf Course, 1900 Reid Farm Road, and Forest Hills Country Club Golf Course, 5135 Forest Hills Road. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the day will end with an After Party with food, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, prizes and raffles at the Aldeen Golf Course pavilion.

A buffet-style dinner with open bar will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug.

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15, at Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prairie St. Bickell will speak about his career and retirement. Funds raised from both events will go to Rockford Cosmopolitan Club donations to local not-for-profits.

Bickell is a retired professional hockey player who began his career with the Rockford IceHogs before playing with the Chicago Blackhawks for 10 years, winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis late in 2017 and had to retire from the game. In his retirement, he found a new purpose, which he will talk about during his foundation dinner speech.

Chairman Chris Zion says the golf classic serves many purposes.

“We not only want people to have a good time, but we also want

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them to know who we are and what we do,” he says.

Cosmopolitan International is a notfor-profit men’s civic organization founded in 1918. It has chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Rockford has the biggest chapter, with 215 members.

The international organization has donated millions of dollars to diabetes research and treatment. Local clubs also

R  O R

support local community service projects and charitable causes.

Last year, the local chapter raised more than $100,000 for charities, the biggest benefactor each year being Crusader Clinic for its Diabetes Outreach Program.

Zion estimates about $600,000 has been donated to Crusader Clinic in the past 20 years. Last year, an additional 20 not-forprofits received grants.

Rick Swansbro of Rockford is finishing up a one-year term as president

of Cosmopolitan International, which consists of 1,500 members in 47 clubs in the United States and Canada. He has served on the international board for four years and was the local club president in 2010. A club member since 2007, he believes there is a reason for the Rockford chapter’s success.

“We attract professional businessmen of all ages, and have successfully recruited younger members who like networking, want to be involved in their community, are driven and want to get things done,” he says.

One of the international club’s newest efforts, which began several years ago, is working with PAWS Saving Lives, a program that pairs diabetes alert dogs with people who need them most. Local clubs can provide some funds to purchase dogs. Grant applications can be made online at rfdcosmo.org.

“The dogs recognize changes in blood sugar by the smell of a person’s breath, which can be sweet or acidic,

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depending on which way the blood sugar is headed,” he says.

The dog will touch the person to signal something is wrong and, in some cases, the dogs are trained to touch a 911 pad, if a person is living alone and becomes unconscious. So far, about 20 dogs have been placed with Midwest families, with three of those dogs going to people in the Rockford area.

Meanwhile, it is expected the golf classic will be a “sell out” with 288 golfers signing up as individual players or on teams. Each person not only gets to enjoy the afternoon of golf, but also gets golf balls, towels, a souvenir T-shirt, lunch, time on the driving range and an all-day open bar.

Zion says funds for local charities mainly come from the sale of raffle tickets, donations and sponsorships, which include 15 corporations and 80 individuals and businesses.

Ticket prices vary and can be purchased at birdeasepro.com. ❚

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Y O

Celebrate Moon Landing at Discovery Center D iscovery Center Museum, 711 N. Second St., Rockford, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing that put humans on the moon, with special activities on Friday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Visitors will be able to tally the technology brought to us by the Space Age, launch a rocket and a make a scale model that’s edible. They can create a crater, find out about moon phases, take the astronaut glove challenge and join the museum for its own version of “race to the moon.”

Visitors can also enjoy a special planetarium show and take home free bookmarks, posters and stickers from NASA. All activities will be included with admission, which is $9 for the public and free to members and all children age 1 and younger.

This special event is sponsored by Viking Chemical and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Discovery Center Museum is a nonprofit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages. It offers more than 250 exhibits, a planetarium, a special area for children under age 5 and an outdoor science park.

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Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families, according to USA TODAY/10Best.com.

It’s also one of 12 museums included in the Forbes.com’s article, “The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.” Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at discovercentermuseum.org. ❚

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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.

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“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 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

Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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.

Starlight Theatre Now thru Aug. 10. The 2019 Starlight Theatre season shows include "Mamma Mia!," "The Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Addams Family," "West Side Story," "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and a special children's show, "Madagascar." RVC, (815) 921-2160. See full schedule at rockvalleycollege.edu.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Tunes on The Terrace - Nicholas Conservatory Each Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., thru Aug. 28. 1354 N. 2nd St. Find performance schedule at nicholasconservatory.com.

Music in the Park: Mississippi Heat Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m. Enjoy Chicago Blues led by Mississippi Heat, which appeared on the Main Stage at last year's Chicago Blues Festival. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rain site: Guilford High School.

Rockford Culture Crawl July 20. Enjoy free admission to Midway Village Museum, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company and Ethnic Heritage Museum and experience other Rockford gems, too.

There's also an After Party for adults. Learn more by clicking on "events" at midwayvillage.com Concerts on the Creek - SongSisters July 20, 7 p.m. Sue Fink, Patti Shaffner and Amy Dixon-Kolar are award-winning singer/ songwriter friends who offer a diverse repertoire of original, joyful music. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Klehm Woodsong - Groove Hotel July 21, 6 p.m.; Gates open at 4 p.m. Pack your picnic dinner and enjoy the show in the midst of Klehm's fragrant Fountain Garden.

Groove Hotel offers swing, bossa nova, funk, rock, samba, gospel and Cuban tunes. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., (815) 965-8146. Klehm.org.

Emerald Wind - 'Journey With your Heart' July 21, 2-4 p.m. at the Star Center (Mendelssohn PAC), 415 N. Church St., Rockford. This free concert includes guest performances by Jodi Beach, Trinadora and Danny Gone Rogue. Emerald Wind performs wistful Celtic music. emeraldwindmusic.com.

Emerald Wind welcomes guest performers Jodi Beach, Trinadora and Danny Gone Rogue on July 21. Pictured: Sisters MaryKathleen and Emily Scordato of Emerald Wind.

Universal Joint July 21, 7 p.m. Enjoy rock and pop classics from the 1960s to the '80s. Candlewick Lake Recreation Center. Boonecountyarts.com, (815) 544-6242.

Tuesdays at Anderson Gardens July 23, 5:45 p.m. Chicago Farmer of Delavan, Wis., with The Hard Knock Kings opening. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink).

AndersonGardens.org.

Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra July 23, 7 p.m. Be inspired by Vivaldi (The Four Seasons), Beethoven and Schumann. Led by Michael Beert. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.. Rain site: Guilford High School.

Ghost Town Blues Band July 24, food & drink 4:30 p.m., music 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, Burpee.org.

Blooze Brothers July 25, 7 p.m. Those recidivist Blooze Brothers have been on the run from the cops for over 25 years now. “I Love Music in the Park” concert - $5 donation. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.. Rain site: Guilford High School.

Music in the Park: Back Country Roads July 30, 7 p.m. This Top 40 country band plays new country and some older classics.

Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.. Rain site: Guilford High School. ❚

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WDL

Mary’s Market Opens Location in Roscoe

By Peggy Werner

M

ary’s Market has opened a new location at 4866 Bluestem Road in Roscoe and is making other changes as well.

“We were looking to open a location in the Roscoe area to expand our products and catering services toward the Southern Wisconsin regions and in the Stateline area,” says Executive Chef Kayla Zeimet. “The community of Roscoe is very family-oriented and so is Mary’s Market.”

A new menu is in the works and will debut at all locations later this summer.

“We’re not only adding new items, but we’re in the process of creating a new, modern look and updated pictures to help guests become more knowledgeable about our made-from-scratch processes,” says Zeimet. “Some of the dishes people will recognize as specials we ran for a limited time and found they were popular with customers.”

Most of the new menu items will be vegan and gluten-free.

“There’s been a huge increase in people who want to go vegan and glutenfree because it’s good for their health and the environment. People just feel better and are healthier if they eat what’s good for them,” she adds.

Among vegan and vegetarian options will be Vegan Quiche made from tofu, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus and vegan mozzarella, on an oil-based flaky crust.

An Asian Crunch Salad will include carrots, cucumbers, shredded cabbage, edamame, mandarin oranges, quinoa, baby kale and spinach mixed with sesame ginger salad dressing.

A Chicken Pot Pie will consist of thick and creamy chicken soup with carrots, peas and potatoes topped with puffed pastry.

The much-loved Roasted Beet Salad will become an entrée.

Customers will be able to create their own flatbreads and omelets with a choice of ingredients for one price. New taco options will include Honey Chipotle Chicken, Blackened Shrimp and State Street Steak Taco.

“Our goal is to keep our customers happy, while drawing attention to what’s new so we can attract even more people,” says Zeimet. “We really care about what we serve our customers. We make fresh bread daily and everything is made from scratch.” ❚

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

July 17

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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July 17

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

When Debt Consolidation Makes Sense

By Cornerstone Credit Union

U

sing a personal loan to refinance your existing debt can make your debt more manageable. To help determine if this is the right choice for you, consider these questions.

1. Have I fixed the debt problem?

Think about why you’re in debt. If a medical bill, job loss or some other temporary hardship describes your situation, the fact that you have a job or have paid the medical bill means you’ve solved the problem that caused the debt in the first place.

If, on the other hand, you accumulated debt by overspending on credit cards, a debt consolidation loan may not be the answer just yet. First make a budget you can stick to, learn how to save and gain responsibility in your use of credit.

2. Can I commit to a repayment plan?

If you’re struggling to make minimum monthly payments on bills, a debt consolidation loan can only do so much. It’s

possible that the lower interest rate will make repayment easier, but bundling the debt could result in a higher monthly payment. Figure out how much you can afford to put toward getting out of debt.

Your loan officer can work backward from there to figure out terms, interest rate and total amount borrowed.

3. Is my interest rate the problem?

For some people, the biggest chunk of their debt is a student loan. These loans receive fairly generous terms, since a college degree should generally result in a higher-paying job. Debt consolidation for student loans, especially subsidized PLUS loans, may not make a great deal of sense. You’re better off negotiating the

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repayment structure with your lender if the monthly payments are unrealistic.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with credit card debt, interest rate is definitely part of the problem. Credit card debt interest regularly runs in the 20 percent range, more than twice the average rate of personal loans.

4. Will a personal loan cover my debts?

The average American household has nearly $15,000 in credit card debt.

If you have more than $50,000 in credit card debt, it’s going to be difficult to put together a personal loan that can finance the entire amount. It’s worth prioritizing the highest interest cards and consolidating those instead of trying to divide your refinancing evenly between accounts. Get the biggest problems out of the way, so you can focus your efforts on picking up the pieces.

Debt consolidation doesn’t work for everyone, but it can do wonders for many people. Learn more at cornerstonecu.org. ❚

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July 17

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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