Smart Living Weekly July 4, 2018

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

53

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 30

3

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

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

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.

6

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

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

7

Mushroom Sofa WAS $84999 Limited quantities in stock. Displayed at Both Locations.

SALE PRICE

$75899

Sofa and

Displayed a

PL340

Lift Chair

Free heat & massage

SALE PRICE Both for

$99999

2for1 Recliners Leather Recliners

Tulen Re WAS $15 Available in

3 color options.

Displayed at State Street Location Only.

* Pho

MOVING

SALE

SO MANY GREAT DEALS...like thes

England 940-31 Power Hi-Leg Recliner WAS $1129

Amish Falcon Table w/ 6 Chairs WAS $7179

England 1430 Leather Sectional WAS $6929

Bassett Custom Leather 3101 Club Chair WAS $2719

NOW $699

NOW $3999

Kincaid 97-091 TV Stand WAS $1189

NOW $399

Magnolia Home 2010403b Gathering Table WAS $979

NOW $489

808 W. Riverside Blvd.

6651 E. State St. Rockford IL 8

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

NOW $3809

NOW $1599

SouthernMotion 702 Reclining Tea Loveseat WAS $1139

NOW $749

Flexsteel White Le Lane 3 piece Power Power Reclining S Reclining Sofa w/ 2 and Loveseat Set Recliners WAS $5819 WAS $7569

$4009 Call (815) 636-8608 Today!$5029 NOW

www.GustafsonFurniture.com

NOW

Open 24 hours on the web

Fin

799799

of your own Hundreds of fabric combinations available.

Hundreds of fabric combinations available. creation!

Serta® iComfort® Queen Customize Your Sofa starting at Blue 100 Gentle Firm

Queen

creation!

at our State Street location 000 $000 Fun for the wholeCustomize family! Your Sofa

000 $000

$

$

King

Queen

King

90th A

starting at

Buy MOVING &Hot579EXPANDING

Serta iComfort HYBRID 808Queen W. Riverside Blvd • 6651 EastSALE StatePRIC St. Blue Fusion 100 Firm 99 $ Queen Mattress Only $1099 Surprisingly Hundreds of fabric combinations available.

Featuring TempActiv Gel Memory Foam with an Mushroom Sofa WAS $84999 affordable ways SetCoil Support $1349 Advanced System Limited quantities in stock. Displayed at to Base design furniture Motion Essentials $1899 Both Locations.

99 $ AS A SET ayed at Riverside Location. of your own Customize Your Sofa Hot Buy Model Name Model Name ® HYBRID $0000® Queen $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 Serta® $0000 iComfort Queen Serta® 99 iComfort starting at creation! $ $ $ SALE $ PRIC SALE SPECIAL Surprisingly Mushroom SofaPRICE WAS $849Hot 000 000 000 000 WHEN PURCHASED BuyElite Plush 99 $ Blue Fusion 1000 Plush Pillowtop Max 3000 Limited quantities Displayed Model Name at Model Name Customize Your Sofa affordable® ways $® HYBRID Qu $ in stock.Blue 9 AS A SET $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 SPECIAL ® iComfort ® Both Locations. starting at Queen SALE PRICE Serta iComfort Queen MattressSerta Only $1799 Queen Mattress Only $2299 Pillow Top or Plush Mattres WHEN PURCHASE to design furniture Blue Fusion 100 Firm Blue 100 Gentle Firm $ 99Set $2499 99 $ AS A SET Hundreds ofSPECIAL fabric combinations available.

SetMattress $2049 SALE PRICE SALEWHEN PRICE of your $ Queenown Mattress Only$ $109 Queen Only $1099 PURCHASED $84999 Mushroom Sofa$ WAS99 PL340 AS99 A SET Motion Essentials Base $2599 Motion Base $3099 $ Essentials Set WAS $1349 King creation! Queen Set $134 $84999 FREE FREE FREE FREE Mushroom Sofa $ 99 Hundreds of fabric combinations available.

Chair Limited quantities in stock. Displayed at Sofa and Loveseat Set WAS Local Delivery Set Up Removal 1269Bed Frame Motion EssentialsLift Base $189 Motion Essentials Base $1899 Limited quantities in stock.

Displayed at ® ® $ Serta$ iComfort $ $ Customize Your Sofa Free heat &Serta massa Displayed at Riverside Location.

Both Locations.

Mushroom Sofa WAS $84999Hot Buy 000Queen 000starting at Both000 Locations. 000 ® HYBRID ® Queen $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $000 Limited quantities in stock. Displayed at Serta® $0000 iComfort Qu Serta® Blue iComfort Blue 100 Gentle Firm SPECIAL ® iComfort® HYBRID Queen Serta Serta® iComfort® Queen Blue Max Both Locations.

Queen Price PL340 Blue Fusion 1000 Plush Pillowt 3000 Elite Plush SALE PRICE SALE PRICE Quee Queen Mattress Only $1099 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $000 $ 99 Blue Fusion 100 Firm Blue 100 Gentle Firm Hot Buy Buy SALE Lift Chair Featuring TempActiv Max Queen Mattress OnlyPRIC $17 Queen Mattress Only $2299 NOW 99 $Hot SALE PRICE Gel Memory Foam Dickinson Firm, SALE WHEN PRICE SPECIAL SPECIAL Queen Only $1099 Queen Mattress Only $1099 PURCHASED Free heat & massage $ Set $1349 Both for Hundreds of fabricSofa combinations available. and Loveseat W Set Set $20 Set Mattress $2499 $ 99 99 $ AS A SET

Surprisingly affordable ways Hot Buy Queen Mattress Only $1099SPECIAL to design furniture Featuring TempActiv Max Foam SetGel Memory $1349 of your own $ 99 Hundreds 99of fabric combinations available.

SALE PRICE a and Loveseat Set WAS $1269 SPECIAL creation!

WHEN PURCHASED Motion Essentials Base $1899

79999

$

$

™

SALE

69999

Queen Size

$107999699

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Motion Perfect® Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

$57999

Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING SAVINGS

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Motion Perfect® Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Pillow Top or Plush Mattress

Queen

King

Queen

Queen Size

579

Reg. $0000

699

79999

$

Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING

Memory Foam Mattress

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Queen

Motion Perfect® Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

King

Queen

Model *Purchase a Serta® iComfort® or iComfort® Hybrid mattress between June 24, 2018 and July 9, 2018 and receive your choice of either a free standard box spring (same size as the mattress purchased) or up to $500 off a qualified Serta adjustable foundation. Savings offers on the adjustableName foundations will vary by model and size and are available only Queen Size cannot be combined with other offers and are available only on qualified with the Motion Perfect® III and Motion Plus™ adjustable foundation models. Maximum $500 savings applies only to king size adjustable mattress sets with either a king size foundation or two twin XL adjustable foundations. These offers may not be applied to previous purchases, purchases made at participating retailers in the 50 United States and Canada while supplies last. Product availability, pricing and offer dates may vary by retail location. Void where prohibited by law. © 2018 Serta Inc. Reg. $0000 Reg. $0000

99 $75899758Plush or Eurotop $1079 99 1269 Sofa and Loveseat Set WAS

Reg. $0000

Featuring TempActiv™ Max Gel Memory Foam

$

Set99 $1349

599

79999

$ 758

Queen Size

Reg. $0000

Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING SAVINGS

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Motion Per Adjustab Set Pric AFTER SAVI

KingModel Name Queen Size

Reg. $0000

Model Name

King

Featuring TempActiv™ Gel Memory Foam with an Advanced Coil Support Syste

In select models, see store for details.

Pillow Top or Plush Mattress

758 579

000 00

Featuring TempActiv™ Max Gel Memory Foam

National Sleep Foundation’s logo, name, materials and/or insights used under license from NSF in exchange for Serta’s financial support of NSF’s sleep research and educational activities.

SAVINGS The Consumer’s Digest Best Buy seal, editorial review text, references to the editorial review, and Consumer’s Digest Best Buy rating are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC used under paid license. For award information, visit www.consumersdigest.com.

699

Memory Foam Mattress

Queen Size

758

579

699

In select models, see store for details.

Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING SAVINGS

Queen Size

799

79999

®

™

699

$ Hot Buy 99

®

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $00

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $00

Model Name Queen Size

™

Set 99 $1349Displayed at Riverside Locatio $579 99999

™ see store for details.

In select models, Featuring TempActiv Gel Memory Foam with an Advanced Coil Support System Mattress Set Price MotionPlus™ Motion Perfect® Adjustable AFTER Mattress SetFREE Price MotionPlus™ Motion Perfect® Adjustable Set Price SetBed Price BOXSPRING Adjustable AFTER FREE Set Up Adjustable Local Delivery Removal Frame Set AFTER Price SAVINGS Set Price AFTER SAVINGS BOXSPRING SAVINGS

$ BaseMotio Motion Essentials $25 EssentialsEssentials Base $3099 Motion Base $1899 FREE FREE Sofa and Set99WAS $126999 SALEMotion PRICE $389 Motion Essentials BaseFREE $1899 FREE Motion$ Essentials TwinLoveseat Set Displayed Location. $ Base $1899 $ $ WHEN PURCHASED Displayed at Riverside Location. at Riverside Queen Price WAS $84999 000 000 000 000 99 $ AS A SET $49999 PL340 FullSALE Set PRICE Model Name Model Name ck. Displayed at ® $0000 ® HYBRID ®$0000 $0000® Queen $0000 $0000 Serta $0000 Serta iComfort Queen Queen Size® Queen Size Bu NOW Serta® iComfort $0000 $0000 $0000 Serta iComfort Queen Hot Bu Lift Chair $for 99 ® iComfort® Queen Both Serta® iComfort® HYBRID Queen Serta Pric Queen Set 539 Waitrose 2Queen for 1 PL340 Blue FusionFree 1000 Plush Pillowtop Blue Max 3000 Elite Plush $ 99 SPECIA $ 99 SPECIA heat & massage Mushroom Sofa WAS 849 PL340 Blue Blue Max 3000 Elite Plush Blue Fusion 100 Firm Blue 100 Gentle Firm Recliner 99 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $ en Reclining Sofa and Loveseat Set $ 99 NOW Hot Buy Model Name Model Name King Set 839 Queen Set Eurotop Lift Chair Mattress Only $1799 Queen Mattress Only $2299 Dickinson Firm, Queen Size Queen$0000 Queen Size Limited quantities in stock.

Displayed at $0000 $0000 $$ Serta SALE99 PRICE Queen Mattress Only $1099 Queen Mattress Only $1099 $ Quee 9 SPECIAL Lift Chair ® iC S $1539 Free heat & massage MattressSALE Only $2299 Plush orQueen Eurotop Displayed at SetPRICE $2049 Both Locations.

Set at $2499 Displayed $ 3 colors.99 able in Displayed at Both Locations.

Set $1349 Set $1349 WHEN PURCHA SPECIAL $ 99 Blue 100 Leather Recliners Free heat & massage $ 99 Twin Set 389 State99Street-Location.

State FREE Street Location.

Motion Essentials Base $2599 Motion Essentials Base $3099 indEssentials Base $1899 99 $Set $2499 AS A SET K1Motion Sofa and Loveseat Set WAS $1269 SALE PRICE Queen Price FREE FREE FREE Motion Essentials $1899 $Removal 99 3 color options.

2for SALE PRICE e-of-A Queen M Full Set Base 499 Local Delivery Set Up Bed Frame ntypographical O Displayed at Riverside Location.

NOW Displayed at State Street Location Only. * Photos for illustration only.SALE Not responsible for errors.

We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

Both for Recliners Moti $ 99 Motion Essentials Base $3099 Queen 99 Set 539 Waitrose $iComfort PRICE ® HYBRID ® iComfort ® Queen 99 99 $$$849 99 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 Serta® $0000 Queen SertaTulen Mushroom Sofa $126999 Specials Reclining Sofa and Loveseat Set $839 99 Sofa andWAS Loveseat WAS Queen King Set LocalSet Delivery Set Up Set Eurotop Removal Motion E Both for Queen Price PL340 in stock.

Displayed at Blue Fusion 1000Limited Plush quantities Pillowtop 99 Plush BlueWAS Max $3000 Displayed at Riverside Location.

1539Elite Displayed at $0000 Displayed at $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 $0000 Recliners 99 $ LeatherHot BuyPRICE SALE NOW Both Locations.

Available in 3 colors.

Displayed at Both Locations.

Lift Chair Only Location. $1799 Queen Mattress Only $2299 State Street Dickinson Firm, Queen Mattress State Street Location.

Serta® iC 3 color options.

SPECIAL $ 99 Free heat & massage $2049 $2499 Displayed at State Street Location Plushonly. or Not Eurotop Both forOnly.

PL340 Set errors. * PhotosSet for illustration responsible for typographical We reserve theSALE right 2 notfor to 1 honor any incorrect pricing. Blue Ma PRICE 99 Motion Essentials Base $2599 $ 99 Hot Buy Motion EssentialsFREE Base $3099 Twin Set $389 Recliners LiftQueen Chair Queen M FREE FREE FREE Price 99 $ SPECIAL $499 99 2for$1 Local Delivery Full SetSet Up Removal Bed Frame Free heatNOW & massage Tulen Sofa and Dickinson Firm, SofaReclining and Loveseat Set Recliners $ 99 SALE PRICE $1539 Queen Set 539 Waitrose $ 99WAS Displayed at99 Riverside Locat Motion E $ 99 Leather Recliners Plush or Eurotop Tulen Reclining Sofa and Loveseat Set $ 99 Available in 3 colors. Displayed at 839 King Set Queen Set Eurotop Both for Queen Price 3 color options. $38999 WAS $153999 Displayed at Twin Set Displayed at 99 $Leather Recliners Displayed atNOW State Street Location Only. PL340 SALE PRICE Available in 3 colors. Displayed at Both Locations. * Photos for illustration o Queen Price Dickinson Firm, State Street Location.

Street 99Location.

3 color options.

99 $499 Hot B Full$ Set State Both for Lift Chair Plush or Eurotop Displayed at State Street Location Only.

NOW * Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any$incorrect pricing.

Recliners SPEC 99 Free heat & massage 99 $ 539 Queen Set Twin Set $38999 Wa Queen Price Dickinson $ 99 $49999 Sofa and Loveseat Set 2for1 $ Full Set Tulen Reclining $ 99 King Set 839 Que Plush or NOW Recliners Queen Set $539 Waitrose $1539 9999 Twin Disp Set $ 99 Displayed at Tulen Reclining Sofa and Loveseat Set WAS $83999 Leather Recliners King Set Queen Set Eurotop SALE PRICE Available in 3 colors. Displayed at Both Locations.

2for 1 Street Location.

Full Set WAS $153999 State Stat Displayed at Displayed atRecliners Both forMANY GREAT DEALS 3 color options.

Available in 3 colors. Displayed at Both Locations.

Queen Set SO State Street Location.

State Street Location.

Displayed at State Street Location Only.

Tulen Reclining Sofa and Loveseat Set 99 $ King Set * Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical$errors.

We reserve the right not to honor any cation Only. * Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

WAS 153999 England 940-31 Amish Displayed Leather Recliners Available in 3 colors. Displayed at Both Locations.

State Stre Power Hi-Leg Table 3 color options.

Displayed at State Street Location Only. * Photos for illustration only. responsible for typographica Recliner $1129 WAS $ 2for 1 NotWAS SO MANY GREAT DEALS...like these: In select models, see store for details.

Pillow Top or Plush Mattress Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING SAVINGS

Model Name

Queen

Memory Foam Mattress

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

699

King

539 Buy Hot

999

758

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Featuring TempActiv™ Gel Memory Foam with an Advanced Coil Support System

In select models, see store for details.

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

1079 599 579

Queen Size

Featuring TempActiv™ Max Gel Memory Foam

$107999

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Model Name

Queen Size

Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING SAVINGS

Model Name

*Purchase a Serta® iComfort® or iComfort® Hybrid mattress between June 24, 2018 and July 9, 2018 and receive your choice of either a free standard box spring (same size as the mattress purchased) or up to $500 off a qualified Serta adjustable foundation. Savings offers on the adjustable foundations will vary by model and size and Queen Size Maximum $500 savings applies only to king size adjustable mattress sets with either a king size foundation or two twin XL adjustable foundations. These offers may not be applied to previous purchases, cannot be combined with other offers and are availab with the Motion Perfect® III and Motion Plus™ adjustable foundation models. purchases made at participating retailers in the 50 United States and Canada while supplies last. Product availability, pricing and offer dates may vary by retail location. Void where prohibited by law. © 2018 Serta Inc.

Model Name

1079

AFTER SAVINGS National Sleep Foundation’s logo,SAVINGS name, materials and/or insights AFTER used underSAVINGS license from NSF in exchange for Serta’s financial support of NSF’s sleep research and educational activities.

The Consumer’s Digest Best Buy seal, editorial review text, references to the editorial review, and Consumer’s Digest Best Buy rating are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC used under paid license. For award information, visit www.consumersdigest.com.

Queen King

Queen Size

Reg. $0000

Motion Perfect® Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Motion Perfect Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

Mattress Set Price AFTER FREE BOXSPRING SAVINGS

®

MotionPlus™ Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

758

Motion Perfect Adjustable Set Price AFTER SAVINGS

®

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

699 FREE FREE FREE 539 999

MOVIN G and E•X•P•A•N•D•I•N•G and E•X•P•A•N•D•I•N•G Model Name Queen Size

Reg. $0000

999

National Sleep Foundation’s logo, name, materials and/or insights used under license from NSF in exchange for Serta’s financial support of NSF’s sleep research and educational activities.

The Consumer’s Digest Best Buy seal, editorial review text, references to the editorial review, and Consumer’s Digest Best Buy rating are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC used under paid license. For award information, visit www.consumersdigest.com.

*Purchase a Serta® iComfort® or iComfort® Hybrid mattress between June 24, 2018 and July 9, 2018 and receive your choice of either a free standard box spring (same size as the mattress purchased) or up to $500 off a qualified Serta adjustable foundation. Savings offers on the adjustable foundations will vary by model and size and are available only Queen Size with the Motion Perfect® III and Motion Plus™ adjustable foundation models. Maximum $500 savings applies only to king size adjustable mattress sets with either a king size foundation or two twin XL adjustable foundations. These offers may not be applied to previous purchases, cannot be combined with other offers and are available only on qualified

Reg. $0000 Reg. $0000 Reg. $0000 purchases made at participating retailers in the 50 United States and Canada while supplies last. Product availability, pricingReg. and offer$0000 dates may vary by retail location.

Void$0000 where prohibited by law. © Reg. 2018 Serta Inc.

Model Name

Model Name

Queen Size

Queen Size

Reg. $0000

1079 99999

Model Name

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

Reg. $0000

National Sleep Foundation’s logo, name, materials and/or insights used under license from NSF in exchange for Serta’s financial support of N The Consumer’s Digest Best Buy seal, editorial review text, references to the editorial review, and Consumer’s Digest Best Buy rating are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Dige Reg. $0000 Reg. $0000 Model Name *Purchase a Serta® iComfort® or iComfort® Hybrid mattress between June 24, 2018 and July 9, 2018 and receive your choice of either a free standard box spring (same size as the mattress purchased) or Queen up to $500Size off a qualifie with the Motion Perfect® III and Motion Plus™ adjustable foundation models. Maximum $500 savings applies only to king size adjustable mattress sets with either a king size foundation or two twin XL adjustable foundations. Th purchases made at participating retailers in the 50 United States and Canada while supplies last. Product availability, pricing and offer dates may vary by retail location. Void where prohibited by law. © 2018 Serta Inc.

599 758

SAL E SALE60% OFF! and SALE MOVING SALE 60% OFF! 60% OFF! ALE SALE Every Room 6 HURRY SALE60%IN! OFF! SALE 60% OFF! MOVING 2for1 808 W. Riverside Location999 Only 599 539

National Sleep Foundation’s logo, name, materials and/or insights used under license from NSF in exchange for Serta’s financial support of NSF’s sleep research and educational activities.

The Consumer’s Digest Best Buy seal, editorial review text, references to the editorial review, and Consumer’s Digest Best Buy rating are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC used under paid license. For award information, visit www.consumersdigest.com.

*Purchase a Serta® iComfort® or iComfort® Hybrid mattress between June 24, 2018 and July 9, 2018 and receive your choice of either a free standard box spring (same size as the mattress purchased) or up to $500 off a qualified Serta adjustable foundation. Savings offers on the adjustable foundations will vary by model and size and are available only with the Motion Perfect® III and Motion Plus™ adjustable foundation models. Maximum $500 savings applies only to king size adjustable mattress sets with either a king size foundation or two twin XL adjustable foundations. These offers may not be applied to previous purchases, cannot be combined with other offers and are available only on qualified purchases made at participating retailers in the 50 United States and Canada while supplies last. Product availability, pricing and offer dates may vary by retail location. Void where prohibited by law. © 2018 Serta Inc.

999

Model Name Queen Size

1079

The Consumer’s Digest B

an * MOVING and E•X•P•A•N•D•I•N•G Every Room at our MOVING Every Room at our Riverside location is now up to Riverside location is now up to and E•X•P•A•N•D•I•N•G E OVING E•X•P•A•N•D• Every Room at our and E•X• MOVING 9 808Would W. Riverside And We Rather Location Move it toOnly YOUR House R location is now up 808to W. River Than to OurRiverside State808 Street Location, So...

W. Riverside Locatio * an MOVING Every Room at our Every R * 80 9 Riverside location is now up to a All Mattresses, Living Room Sets, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Accessories and we would rather move itRiverside to YOUR house lo E SO MANY GREAT DEALS ...like these: than to our State Street Location, so and we would rather move Riverside it to YOUR house location is no an than to our State Street Location, soYOUR house R and we would rather move it to th

*Purchase a Serta® iComfort® or iComfort® Hybrid m with the Motion Perfect® III and Motion Plus™ adju purchases made at participating retailers in the 50

539 Only 808 W. Riverside Location 1079 539

Every Room* At Our Riverside Location 999* 808 these: Now Up To 808 W. Riverside Location Only NOW $699 NOW n England 940-31 Amish Falcon Tulen Reclining Sofa an All Mattresses, Living Room Sets, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Accessories hairs England 1430 WAS 1539 Basset Power Hi-Leg Table w/ 6 Chairs * Recliners

Recliner WAS $1129

WAS $7179

NOW $699 NOW $3809 SO MANY GREAT DEALS England...like 1430 these: Bassett Custom

om England 940-31

Leather Sectional Amish Falcon WAS $6929 Power Hi-Leg Table w/ 6 Chairs $3999 Recliner WAS $1129 NOW WAS $7179

NOW $699

NOW $3809 Kincaid 97-091 TV

WAS $1189 REATEngland DEALS...like 1430 these:Stand Bassett Custom

Leather 3101 Club Chair WAS $2719

NOW $1599

$

Leather Recliners

99

Available in 3 colors. Displayed Leather Sectional Leathe Displayed at State Street Location Only. WAS $6929 * Photos for illustration SO MANY GREAT DEALS...like these: Club C NOW $3999 WAS $ England 940-31 Amish Falcon

3 color options.

Power Hi-Leg Recliner WAS $1129

Kincaid Table w/ 697-091 ChairsTV Stand WAS $1189 WAS $7179

NOW

Southe 702 Re Lovese Magnolia Home England 1430 Bassett Custom All Mattresses, Living Room Bedrooms,Leather Dining3101 Rooms, Accessories WAS $ 2010403b GatherLeatherSets, Sectional NOW ing Table WAS $979 WAS $6929 Club Chair NOW $489 NOW $3999 SO MANY GREAT DEALS ...like these: WAS $2719 Flexste

NOW $699

$399 NOW$3809 NOW

SouthernMotion $399 NOW Leather AmishSectional Falcon 702 Reclining Teal Leather 3101 $6929 Table w/ 6 Chairs Magnolia Loveseat Club Chair ion WAS Home NOW WAS $3999 $7179 WAS $1139 WAS $2719 Lane $1599 3 piece Power Power England 940-31 Amish Falcon Kincaid 97-091 TV 2010403b Gatherg1129 TealNOW All Reclining Sofa w/ 2 Power Hi-Leg Table w/ 6 Chairs Stand WAS $1189 NOW $3809 NOW $749 ing Table WAS $979 and Lo NOW $1599 Kincaid 97-091 TV SouthernMotion All Mattresses, Living Room Sets, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Accessories Recliners WAS $5819 WAS $ Recliner WAS $1129 WAS $7179 $399 NOW NOW $489 Stand WAS $1189 702 Reclining Teal Bassett Custom Flexsteel White Leather England 940-31SouthernMotion Amish Falcon NOW...like $4009 NOW $699 NOW $3809 SO MANY GREAT DEALS these: NOW Loveseat nal NOW $399 Magnolia Home 3 piece Power Leather 3101 Reclining Sofa 702 Reclining Teal w/Power Power Hi-Leg Lane Table 6 Chairs WAS $1139 England 1430 2010403b GatherEngland 940-31 Amish Falcon Reclining Sofa w/ 2 Club Chair and Loveseat Set Loveseat Bassett Custom Magnolia Home 24 hours on the w Recliner WAS $1129 WAS $7179 Leather Sectional ing Table WAS $979 NOW Table$749 w/Open 6 Chairs Power Hi-Leg Recliners WAS $5819 WAS $2719 WAS $7569 WAS $1139 Leather 3101 2010403b Gatherte Leather WAS $6929 WAS $7179 Recliner WAS $1129 NOW $489 Club Chair $5029 NOW$4009 $749 ingNOW Table$1599 WAS $979 NOW NOW NOW NOW TV Sofa Flexsteel White Leather ing *Only while$3999 supplies Rooms, last. Only atAccessories Gustafson's Riverside Location. Not combinable with other sales or promoti All Mattresses, Living Room Sets, Bedrooms, Dining NOW NOW $699Power NOW $3809 WAS $2719 89 NOW $489 Lane 3 piece Power Reclining Sofa Flexsteel White Leather t Set SouthernMotion NOW $1599 England 1430 24 hours Custom on the web Find us on Facebook |Custom 815.636.8608 Kincaid 97-091 TV www.gustafsonfurniture.com Reclining Sofa England 1430w/ 2 and Set Bassett Bassett 7023Reclining Teal Power Open Lane piece Power Reclining Sofa AllLoveseat Mattresses, Living Room Stand WAS $1189 Recliners WAS $5819 Leather Sectional WAS $7569 Leather Sectional Leather 3101 Loveseat Reclining Sofa w/ 2 and Loveseat Set SouthernMotion Leather 3101 e WAS $6929 NOW $399 NOW $4009 NOW $5029 Club Chair WAS WAS $5819 WAS $7569 702 Reclining Teal er- Recliners WAS$1139 $6929 *Only while supplies last. Only at Gustafson's or promotions. *Only w Club Chair Riverside Location. Not combinable with other sales NOW WAS $2719 Loveseat $3999 NOW $749 $979 NOW $4009 NOW $5029 Magnolia Home NOW at Gustafson's Riverside Location.

Not combinable with other sales or promotions.

WAS $2719 *Only while supplies last. Only 2010403b $1599Find us on Faceb WAS $1139 Open 24 hours the web Kincaid 97-091 TV onNOW Find Flexsteel us on Facebook www.gustafsonfurniture.com | Gather815.636.8608 White Leather Al 808 W. Riverside Blvd.

Rockford IL • 815.636.8608 • GustafsonFurniture.com Smart Living Weekly July 5 9 NOW $749 ing Table WAS $979 Stand WAS $1189 NOW Open 24 hours on the web Find us on Facebook www.gustafsonfurniture.com | 815.636.8608 Kincaid 97-091 TV SouthernMotion ower Power Reclining Sofa NOW $489 NOW $399 w/ 2 and Loveseat Flexsteel White Leather 702 Reclining Teal Stand WASSet $1189 SouthernMotion Loveseat $5819 WAS $7569 Lane 3 piece Power Power Magnolia Home Reclining Sofa

1

9

HURRY60% IN! 808 W. Riverside Location Only HURRY IN! 6 HURRY IN! H $699

60% OF

than to our State Street Location, so $3809

and we would rather move it to YOUR house

$3999

than to our State Street Location, so $1599

and we would ra

than to our St

All Mattresses, Living Room Sets, Bedrooms, Dining Ro

an

10

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Outdoor Projects: Renting Often Makes Sense

By Peggy Werner

W

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.

Tell them you saw it in ...

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. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

11

I  W

God Helps Those...

I

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

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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.

Tell them you saw it in ...

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)

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

15

R  O R

Rockford Dance Company Celebrates 45th

By Peggy Werner

R

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.

16

Smart Living Weekly

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

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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

R  O R

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.

Tell them you saw it in ...

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

17

18

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y C

Habitat ReStore in New Location

By Peggy Werner

H

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

Auto Loan Special

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. ❚

Rates as low as

1.75

%

APR*

Offer Extend ed thru A ugust

Purchase or Refinance: Easy, Affordable Payments!

Apply online, by phone or in person.

Freeport | Sterling | South Beloit New location at 640 Blackhawk Blvd. opening soon!

800.711.3277 | Se habla español | cornerstonecu.org

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval Offer excludes all loans financed at CCU. Minimum purchase of $10,000. Maximum mileage of 125,000. Automatic payment required.

Other terms and restrictions may apply. Offer ends August 31, 2018.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

19

20

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

One Stop Christmas Shop July 14 in Pecatonica

By Peggy Werner

A

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-

Tell them you saw it in ...

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. ❚

Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

21

Y T

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

By Peggy Werner

A

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

22

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

D

Tell them you saw it in ...

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. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

(Paid Advertorial)

July 5

23

Y O

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

24

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 5

25

WDL

Taco Betty’s Offers Tasty, Trendy Fare

By Jermaine Pigee

L

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. $$

26

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

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

L

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. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

27

e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! Become an E-Subscribers Today! Visit northwestquarterly.com!

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced July 11 on the 13 WREX Morning Show 2 Day Passes

Magic Waters Waterpark

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest Contest Giveaway may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

28

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y P

Being Legally Proactive Can Save You Money

By Janine Pumilia

A

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-

Tell them you saw it in ...

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

July 5

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

To advertise call 815-316-2300

CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS AND DRAPERY

Cool Down with HOT SAVINGS! HURRYO!ffer! e

Limited Tim

BUY 1 GET 1

50

%

*

OFF

ON CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES & DRAPERY

FREE Soft Roman Shades & Roller Shades

In-Home Design Consultation NO OBLIGATION

Call To Schedule

(815) 681-7268 or visit

www.3dayoffer575.com AS SEEN ON TV

Cellular Shades

Drapery & Woven Wood Shades

1.

Shutters*

2.

3.

WE DESIGN

WE MEASURE

WE INSTALL

Our expert Design Consultants help you make the ideal choice.

We measure your windows for a perfect custom fit.

Professional installation services, YOU RELAX!

Personalized Experience | Fast Service | Trusted Brand *This offer must be presented at the time of purchase. Offer valid on 3 Day Blinds brand products only. Buy 1 window covering and receive the 2nd one of equal or lesser value at 50% off! Offer excludes Shutters, Special Orders, installation, sales tax, shipping and handling. Not valid on previous purchases or with any other offer or discount. Offer Code BGXB. 3 Day Blinds holds the following licenses: AZ ROC 264398, CA #1005986, CT HIC.0644950, MA #184680, NJ #13VH09390200, OR #209181, PA #PA107656, WA #3DAYBDB842KS, Nassau County H01073101, Rockland County #H-12401-34-00-00. © 2018 3 Day Blinds LLC.

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1