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Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • July 5, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Rockford Dance Co. Celebrates 45 Years

See Page 16

Christmas in July Market Attorney: Prevent Legal Messes Need Tools? Consider Renting Tasty Picnic Seafood Salad

FREE WIN!

2 Day Passes to Magic Waters

See Pg. 28 Details

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

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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May 30

BYRONFEST $5.00 for admittance for the entire weekend!

LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG! for more information visit byronfest.org or the byronfest page on facebook! 4

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Smart Living Weekly

July 5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Rockord Dance Company Turns 45 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Need a Tool? Consider Renting Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 God Helps Those ... Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Perfect Picnic Seafood Salad Your Community ..............................................19 Habitat’s ReStore Settles into New Location Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Dealing with Cataracts Your Tech ................................................ .......... 22 Are You Paying Too Much? Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Taco Betty’s Your Outings .................................................21,24 One Stop Christmas Shop; Bike the Blocks Your Professional .............................................29 Meet Attorney James Meason

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

www.membersalliance.org

Graphic Designer Samantha Behling

Would you like:

Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss

• More money? • Lower bank fees? • Great interest rates? • Customer friendly terms?

General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes

uh, yeah

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

Your last bank transfer is just one call, click or stop away...

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 2018 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Welcome to July S

ummer solstice has passed and days are growing slightly shorter, but plenty of good weather remains. Are you making the most of it? In my head I keep a list of favorite things I like to experience at least once each summer. If I manage to do several, I have no regrets when the cool winds of autumn roll in. Maybe you have a similar list. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order. • Attend a local festival or fair. Lord knows there are plenty and these volunteer-run events help to counterbalance too much screen time. Being with real people is good. • Go to an outdoor concert. Sometimes we take “our boys” (Vizsla dog brothers Brody and Quincy) to Sinnissippi Band Shell to enjoy music under oak trees and stars. Other evenings we kick back at Anderson Japanese Gardens on Tuesdays or Nicholas Conservatory on Wednesdays or Dinner on the Dock at Prairie Street Brewhouse on Thursdays. • See one or more Starlight Theatre productions. We’re always glad we did. • Hang out at Rock Cut State Park. I love to hike the trails, sit by the water or just drive slowly through the campground and savor the scent of campfires. • Hit the farmers markets and Rockford City Market with cash in hand. What a feast for the senses. And it’s fun to chat with people who live close to the land. • Dine al fresco often. • Wander back roads in neighboring rural counties at a slow pace, stopping to browse the shops or local fare in small towns as the urge hits. • Get out on the water. If you don’t own a boat, you can rent a kayak, sail on a Lake Geneva tourism boat or befriend someone who does own a boat. I’m lucky my brother owns one, although his dock has floated away more than once in recent monsoons. Whatever summer fun you love, now’s the time to do it. Have a great July 4 week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Smart Living Weekly

July 5

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Smart Living Weekly

July 5

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Y H  G

Outdoor Projects: Renting Often Makes Sense By Peggy Werner

hen tackling those exterior home projects, you’re not always sure what kind of tool you need or whether you’ll use it enough to make it worth buying. Renting a tool for a specific job can be a good alternative. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a licensed professional, chances are Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc. has the tools you need to get the job done. It’s located at 6635 E. Riverside Blvd. and 3110 Auburn St. “New homeowners don’t always know what they need,” says Tim Kinney, manager. “Others want to try out equipment before they buy it. Some people won’t live in one place for long and don’t want to go to the expense of buying it. And, some jobs are done so infrequently, it’s not worth purchasing a piece of equipment.”

The company services everything it sells, including Toro and Stihl lawn equipment. Rental equipment available at both locations includes lawn and garden tools, fans, generators, augers, miter saws, skid loaders and much more. Accessories available for sale include blades, gloves, safety glasses, sandpaper, shovels and rakes, and parts for Toro, Stihl, Snapper, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton machines. In business since 1956, Lincoln Rent-All & Sales prides itself on being one of the most complete rental businesses in the Rockford area, with an emphasis on quality equipment, customer service and trained staff members who can show you how to use equipment before you take it home.

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For more information, go to lincolnrent-all.com or call the east side store at (815) 633-9322 or the west side store at (815) 968-0931. ❚

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July 5

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God Helps Those...

t surprises some people to learn that “God helps those who help themselves” is not an idea found in the Bible. Neither is “Win at all costs,” or “Nice guys finish last,” or “He who has the most toys wins.” In fact, many of the social norms and even religious ideas we routinely accept stand in sharp contrast to Christ’s teachings. Each Christian makes this choice every day: Do I conform to the world or do I conform to Jesus Christ? Do I love or hate? Do I forgive or exact revenge? Do I put myself below or above others? Do I help the poor or scorn them? Unlike human tyrants, God doesn’t coerce us to do or think anything; He asks each of us to take time to know Him through scripture and to conform our thoughts to His ideas willingly and cheerfully out of love and gratitiude. Too often we do it backwards; we try to force God to fit into our social norms. It’s not easy, in our money-driven society, to keep a reasonable balance between serving God and serving our own greed. But we must try. Jesus said: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [money]. – Matthew 6:24 Apostle Paul said it this way in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” It must be possible, then, to conform our thoughts and behavior to God’s will. When he was asked what the greatest of all commandments are, Jesus answered in Matthew 22:37: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Every breath, every moment of life, every good thing under the sun comes from God. We owe Him everything. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” Paul advises us in Colossians 3:2. “God helps those who help others” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? ❚ 12

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July 5

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Y K

Include Seafood for Picnic Perfection “P

icnics should be a prescription for health,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and TV host Annessa Chumbley. “They accomplish three amazing things needed for healthy living: nourishing the body, focusing on relationships and soaking up the benefits of being surrounded by nature.” Consider including seafood on your picnic. Eating it twice per week can provide unique health benefits for your heart and brain. Consider these tips from Chumbley. • Seafood can be added to almost any dip, and can be enjoyed with fresh, crunchy vegetables. • Don’t bring your phones, tablets or any other device that can distract you from family time. This is a time to relax and socialize with one another. • Tape a thermometer inside your bag or cooler so you know the food is at safe, cool temperatures. • Place a small cutting board and knife in your pack, which can come in

handy for chopping up fruits and vegetables when it’s time to chow down. For more seafood recipes and meal inspiration, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

Crab Salad

Recipe courtesy of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership Eating Heart Healthy Program Serves: 4 Dressing: 1/2 cup plain non-fat yogurt 1 lemon, juiced 2 TB green onions 2 TB olive oil salt & pepper to taste 1 oz. walnuts (about 14 halves) cayenne pepper, to taste 1 bag (8 oz.) spinach 1 can (6 oz,) crab meat or fresh lump crab 1/2 cup lentils, cooked 1 grapefruit, cut into sections Heat oven to 300 F.

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To make dressing: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, green onions and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss walnuts with cayenne pepper to taste and bake 4-5 minutes. Make sure walnuts do not burn. Remove walnuts from oven and let cool. Toss spinach with dressing. Toss with crab meat. Sprinkle lentils on top and add walnuts. Place grapefruit pieces around edge. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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July 5

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Rockford Dance Company Celebrates 45th By Peggy Werner

ockford Dance Company will celebrate its 45th anniversary this year by remembering the past, looking forward, and raising money with a fund drive so that the lives of local citizens can continue to be enriched through dance. The 2018-19 season will open this year Dec. 1-2 with “The Nutcracker,” to be performed with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. The return to the Coronado, after two seasons spent at Rockford University’s Maddox Theater, has some advantages. “Not only will we be performing in a beautiful historical building, but we will also benefit from the bigger stage, with room for more dancers, bigger dance moves and larger backdrops,” says Emily Cooke, executive director and artistic coordinator of Rockford Dance Company.

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Everything will be bigger – and all done to live music. “Once again, we’ll be bringing together these two forms of the fine arts together. The value of that can’t be measured,” says Cooke. Monica Isla of the Milwaukee Ballet will again choreograph the production and guest artists Annia Hidalgo and Randy Crespo, principal dancers with the Milwaukee Ballet, will play the parts of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome partner, Cavalier. The new season will also bring a return of the muchloved, full-length ballet “Cinderella,” first performed by the Rockford Dance

July 5

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Company in the 1980s. Auditions for “Cinderella” begin in mid-January, with roles available for ages 5 and up. Classical ballet has a value beyond entertainment, says Cooke. “The arts have an impact on a community by enriching the lives of those who enjoy watching productions and enjoy dancing,” she says. “There’s such an

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obsession in our society with ‘winning,’ and dance is more about the journey and love of the art. Dancing is about the development of self and builds character. Dancers learn about responsibility, timing, memorization, as well as other skills that are valuable throughout life, no matter what else they do.” To kick off the 45th season, people are invited to join “The 45 Legacy Corps,” which aims to raise $45,000 for the dance company. A corps de ballet refers to the permanent part of the ballet

company which performs on stage in a large group and is often the backdrop for principal dancers. Those who contribute to the cause will be invited to special events, have VIP meetings with guest artists, and be recognized in the printed programs. Rockford Dance Company impacts people of all ages, accepting students as young as 3 years old and offering classes to all ages into adulthood. “It just goes to show that dancers can have an entire career at the Rockford Dance Company,” says Cooke. “This is an important message to communicate to dancers and the community.” Many people don’t realize just how much activity takes place on the second floor of the Riverview Museum Park at 711 N. Main St., she says.

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At least 12 classes are held most nights. Five dance studios are filled from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturdays. Rehearsals take place all day every Saturday for 13 weeks for each production. Still, the Rockford Dance Company, like most non-profit organizations, is struggling with reduced contributions from the public and fewer grants available to help subsidize efforts, especially from the State of Illinois. “No one is getting the funding they used to get,” Cooke notes. “We’re doing all we can to enrich the lives of our community, yet it’s more and more difficult with less money available, especially when the fine arts are the first thing schools cut when trying to save money.” Community members can support the dance company by contributing online at rockforddancecompany.com, in person at the Riverview Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., or by calling the dance company at (815) 963-3341. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

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Y C

Habitat ReStore in New Location By Peggy Werner

abitat ReStore settled into new digs at 7141 Harrison Ave. this year (the former MC Sports building) and now has three times more space. The store accepts new and used building materials, fixtures, working appliances and more from individuals, retailers, businesses and contractors. These are sold to the general public at 50 to 90 percent off the retail price, with all proceeds going to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is in its 30th year in Rockford and builds about five new homes per year and repairs just as many. Donations can be picked up, depending on the location, and are tax deductible. Purchases cannot be delivered. New items come to the store every day. The move has

been a major undertaking for an organization mostly staffed by volunteers, but the generosity of local residents has made it possible. “Rockford is nothing short of incredible,” says Keri Nelson, executive director of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. “This city is an unusually generous community. There are far more thoughtful, compassionate and kind people than most people give it credit for, and for that reason I fell in love with this city. The number of people who really care about this city is amazing.” Volunteers do cashier work, research and price items, stock shelves, pick up donations, receive and unload items, and provide customer service. In addition to kicking off the new ReStore location, Nelson and crew are focused on building and maintaining more local Habitat for Humanity homes and

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working with other organizations to provide affordable housing to those in need. “There’s a significant number of people who own homes but can’t afford to repair them,” she explains. “We also want to get into the area of neighborhood revitalization, so we aren’t just building homes, but are also building communities, so people can get to know their neighbors and watch out for each other.” Volunteer training sessions are conducted regularly to acquaint people with the work of Habitat for Humanity and what needs to be done at ReStore. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating items, call ReStore at (815) 713-3184. Habitat for Humanity also accepts vehicle donations. Learn more at rockfordhabitat.org. ❚

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One Stop Christmas Shop July 14 in Pecatonica By Peggy Werner

void the holiday shopping rush by attending Events by Jodi’s “One Stop Christmas Shop” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14, on the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Pecatonica. More than 125 vendors will be at the third annual arts and crafts show with handmade and direct sales items. “This is my biggest event each year and I encourage a Christmas theme, but not everything is selling seasonal items,” says owner Jodi Dandridge. “Many people shop all year for Christmas gifts and I’m one of them. If I’m out and about and see something I know someone will like, I get it rather than waiting to fight long lines, traffic and not find the right thing when I need it.” New vendors this year include Bestie’s Glass Gardens; lotions, bath bombs and homemade soaps by Taunia Burton of Peoria; Fluid Art paintings by Tres

Testolin of Rockford; stockings, blankets, ornaments and pillows by Janine Peterson of Rockford; wood crafts by Brandy Kiser and Colleen Mattes; and jewelry by Jennifer Frisbie of Poplar Grove. Back by popular demand are airplane gliders by Neff Distributing of Martin, Iowa, and booths featuring comfortable clothing by LuLaRoe, which is based California but has all-local representatives. Superb Grill of Round Lake, Ill., will sell its popular jerk chicken, brisket sandwiches, hot dogs, rib tips, hamburgers, French fries and more until 3 p.m. Dandridge started her business in 2010 because she was aware of the enor-

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mous amount of talent in the area and wanted to help support and promote small businesses. Events by Jodi is a onewoman effort. She hosts six events each year in Boone, Winnebago and Stephenson counties. Upcoming dates include Aug. 11 at Freeport Fairgrounds; Oct. 13 at The Community Center in Belvidere; and Nov. 24 at Tebala Shrine Center in Rockford. All are free to attend. Anyone interested in being in a craft show can contact Jodi at jodidandridge@ yahoo.com. ❚

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July 5

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It’s ‘Not that Hard’ to Pay Less for Tech By Peggy Werner

customer walks into EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, and within a few minutes leaves happier than when he came in, after finding out how to pay less for internet, phone and television services. During the customer’s visit, EZ Satellite and Wireless Owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano asks him questions about the number of televisions in his home, his favorite channels, whether he enjoys streaming and recording, how many phones he has and if he needs high-speed internet. Zambrano’s goal is to help every customer save money. “Most customers are paying too much, up to $250 for phone, television and internet. I can save them $50 to $100 per month. With every customer, I can offer them the best each company has to offer,” he says. “A lot of people are not happy with

Smart Living Weekly

their tech services, but they’re afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research to find a better deal. It’s not that hard to get a better deal and start saving money,” he says. Zambrano’s business has doubled since he moved it to the Loves Park location from Roscoe two years ago. Although he plans to open a second store in the future, a more immediate goal is to start selling, installing and servicing security cameras and surveillance systems within the next few months. What sets his business apart from others, he says, is personal attention, good customer service and honesty. “I make sure the customers know exactly what they are getting and that they are not paying for services they don’t want or need,” he says.

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Protect America. Learn more by calling EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or by visiting the office. ❚

A New Cataract Treatment By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance. Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your

Y H

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

“I discovered that by putting a singlefocus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the nondominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚

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July 5

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Bike the Blocks in Rockford on July 14 T

his summer marks the fourth Shop the Blocks season in downtown Rockford and the 2018 River District Association Board of Directors has changed the popular retail events to Saturday afternoons. “Our businesses have seen a lot of foot traffic on Friday nights thanks to Rockford City Market,” says Missy Minnaert, River District Association Executive Director. “It only seems natural for us to shift the focus to another day of the week so we can spread the love.” Upcoming Shop the Block events are Bike the Blocks on Saturday, July 14 and School House Rock the Blocks on Saturday, Aug. 11, both from noon to 5 p.m. “We’re providing activities and entertainment for each one of the Shop the Blocks,” said Minnaert. “We’re also partnering with other nonprofits hosting their own events during the same time so

Smart Living Weekly

we can give people more bang for their buck.” On July 14, the River District Association will partner with I Bike Rockford to close off a stretch of State Street for Bike the Blocks. There will also be a healthy foods fair and cycling products expo along the street for participants. The August Shop the Blocks will have a special emphasis on back-to-school specials for kids. “School House Rock the Blocks” will feature everything from backpacks to shoes to school uniforms and supplies. “We’re really interested in getting people to spend their dollars in downtown Rockford, not downtown Chicago,” says Minnaert. “We know we don’t have every store you need right now, but we have several options, and we’re inviting you this sum-

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

mer to come check us out on these weekends in particular.” Downtown retailers participating in Shop the Blocks have been provided specially made shopping bags from Rockford Art Deli, thanks to a donation from Illinois Bank & Trust. Learn more about volunteering for Shop the Blocks or participating as a themed vendor by emailing marketing@ riverdistrict.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

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Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic

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Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all 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

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Phantom Regiment Show of Shows July 6, 7:30 p.m. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford, (815) 261-1956, regiment.org.

Rockford, IL 61101

1.800.521.0849

gorockford.com

Klehm Pollinator Walk Saturday July 7, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy a walk through the gardens to look for native pollinators with Barbara Williams. 2715 S. Main St. Rockford, klehm.org 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Music on the Mall – Edgebrook Most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair. 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com. Music in the Park Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell and other locations. Check website for full schedule. (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Freeport Concert Band Sundays at 7:30 p.m. thru July 22. Music under the stars at the Koenig Amphitheater. Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 9901739, freeportparkdistrict.org.

'Shrek the Musical' July 11-15, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. The animated film comes to life. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens On July 10 featuring Elizabeth Cook of Nashville. Gates open at 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m. performance. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

RAM Midwestern Biennial Show Now to Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 75th presentation of RAM’s biennial juried exhibition of work by contemporary artists across the Midwest. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. 'Jane Eyre' July 18-22, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s story. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Klehm Woodsong: Danielle Juhre July 17, 6 p.m. Enjoy this Chicago pop and

Phantom Regiment Show of Shows is July 6.

soul artist; Bring a picnic dinner and beverage to enjoy on the lawn of the Fountain Garden. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. Tender the Rocks – Art Exhibition July 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. See work by Elisa Ahmer in conjunction with the “Nicholas at Night” series. Paint rocks and build a cairn. On view July 17-Aug. 6 during regular hours. elisaahmerstudio.com, nicholasconservatory. com. 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8858.

Brit Floyd at Coronado July 24, 8 p.m. A renowned Pink Floyd tribute band offers a 45th anniversary retrospective of the 1973 album, "The Dark Side of the Moon." Go to coronadopac.org. 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' July 25-29, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A musical comedy featuring two suave swindlers. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. 'Of Mice and Men' Now to July 8, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The John Steinbeck classic about two drifters. Pec Playhouse Theatre, Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org. 'Anything Goes' Aug. 1-5, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. An age-old tale of boy meets girl, with plenty of laughs and Cole Porter music. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Jerry Seinfeld Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Coronado PAC. Tickets: (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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July 5

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Taco Betty’s Offers Tasty, Trendy Fare

By Jermaine Pigee

ocated at 212 E. State St., this trendy, casual downtown Rockford restaurant takes its name from the nickname that investor Brent Hughes uses for his wife, Betsy Branca. Hughes and coinvestor John Bross came up with the concept for Taco Betty’s in 2014. Chef Paul Sletten is president of the company and handles daily operations. The entrance to Taco Betty’s faces State Street near the Rock River and the restaurant has an open design and large windows that bring in loads of natural light. Diners have a front-seat view of Rockford City Market in summertime and downtown Rockford year-round. The goal of this restaurant is to serve tasty food, not necessarily authentic Mexican fare, says manager Dann Shallenberger. “A lot of people say this is not an authentic Mexican restaurant, but we never tried to be that,” Shallenberger

says. “We just want to make fun, unique tacos.” Among signature offerings are pork and pineapple tacos made with chilebrined pork, roasted pineapple, cilantro and onion and crispy fish tacos with roasted corn, dried chiles, cheese, avocado lime mayo, cilantro and onion. Tacos come in pairs for lunch and threesomes for dinner. They’re served with smoked black beans and rice, house pickles and salsa. Additional flavor combinations come and go throughout the year. Other items on the menu include chips and guacamole, chicken taquitos, chicken verde nachos and taco salad. The kitchen inside Taco Betty’s is exposed, so your food is made right in front of you. Executive Chef Quinn Lawyer oversees what happens in the kitchen. The restaurant continues to evolve,

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

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

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

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

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

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

Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$

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

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authentic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

Smart Living Weekly

with more made-from-scratch items being added over time. “Pretty much everything we serve is made in-house,” says Shallenberger. The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen is open Sun.-Thurs. until 10 p.m. and until midnight on Fri.-Sat. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

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

Dann Shallenberger mixes margaritas from juice squeezed fresh daily.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Rock Cut Concessions  Casual American. BkLD. Now serving breakfast. Sandwiches, burgers, fries, ice cream. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry. Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. Thrive Café  Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚

July 5

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Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, along with a full-service menu of ﬁsh, chicken and and seafood selections. Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history. Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood ﬂoors and many historical photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel. Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

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July 5

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Being Legally Proactive Can Save You Money By Janine Pumilia

ttorney James Meason has practiced law in some of the largest cities of the country. But opening his own practice in Rockton, Ill., in 1997, was one of the best decisions he ever made. “By being a small-town attorney, I can really help people,” he says. His services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law, mediation and environmental law. He takes pride in providing what clients need – and not selling them what they don’t need. “I grew up in a working class neighborhood of Chicago, went to public school and was the first person in my family to attend college,” he says. “I know how hard people work. I hate to see how some attorneys complicate things in order to charge more money. Sometimes they build you a lunar module when all you need is a minivan.” Before coming to Rockton, Meason

Attorney James Meason

was a top attorney at the national firm Hinshaw & Culbertson, where he defended companies charged with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violations. Before that, he worked as a federal attorney prosecuting companies for EPA violations. Meason earned his Master’s in International Relations from Georgetown University and was working 13-hour shifts at the Pentagon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Naval Intelligence when he decided to earn his law degree by attend-

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ing night school at American University. He discovered that he loved the law. “People can save a lot of money if they’re proactive about consulting an attorney at key times in their lives,” he says. “You wouldn’t believe the messes people find themselves in because they didn’t do this when setting up a business or closing a real estate transaction, for example.” There are simple things people should know, but don’t, he says. “Many people own homes valued at more than $100,000 but don’t realize that an estate of more than $100,000 will go through Illinois probate unless a trust has been set up,” he says. “Or they think that being married automatically gives the spouse power of attorney. It doesn’t.” Meason’s office manager is Elizabeth “Tess” Whitaker, who is a mediator and paralegal. The practice is located at 113 N. Main St., Rockton. Learn more at measonlaw.com. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

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Smart Living Weekly

July 5

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