Smart Living Weekly May 8, 2019

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • May 8, 2019

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Right in Our Region

Klehm Garden Fair Kicks Off the Summer

See Page 16

Easy Container Gardening Tips for Grilling Success Know Your Risk of Stroke New Ideas for Home Storage

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2 tickets to Sapora Playworld See Pg. 28 Details

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

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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Klehm Garden Fair June 1 & 2 Your Home ............................................ ..... ......11 New Storage Solutions Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Onward to Pentacost Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 29 Grilling Success; Slow-Cooked Pork Outdoor Living ........................................ .........19 Easy & Rewarding Container Gardening Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 It’s All About Fiber at Macktown Living History Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Know Your Risks for Stroke

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

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

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

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Strong Mothers

M

uch of what’s best and worst in life comes together in parenting. The joy, worry, laughter, heartbreak. The anguish of separation. The sacrifice of self. The vicarious delight when children pursue their dreams.

My late mom loved being a mother. She also had great empathy for mothers across the world and across the ages; she’d ponder the women who gave birth on the pioneer trail, often dying young and leaving behind orphans or surviving only to bury infants along the way.

I thought about them this week while researching pioneer Stephen Mack Jr., one of our first settlers, a Vermont native. His mother Temperance Bond Mack had 12 children, including three sets of twins. She reared them alone while Mack Sr. ventured into the Old Northwest Territory and founded Detroit, Mich. He wanted his kids to be educated in the East, so she stayed behind. When she was finally freed up to join him in Michigan, the reunion was brief; he died three years later.

Gutsy Temperance later hit the pioneer trail herself at age 76, forever leaving behind most of her children as she joined the 1846 caravan led by Brigham Young to Utah. Young oversaw the Mormon church after Temperance’s nephews, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, were murdered in Nauvoo, Ill. Before leaving, Temperance wrote: “… I want all my children to send me a little keepsake that I may have it to look back upon and think of them … for I am going far from you and if you do not come where I am it is not at all likely that we shall ever meet again this side of Eternity…”

She survived the arduous 4-month wagon ride from Illinois to Utah and died two years later at age 79 in newly formed Salt Lake City.

I find it impossible to imagine parting from my children, with no hope of reunion.

But this has been the fate of so many mothers and remains so even in the modern age.

I’m thankful for all the strong mothers throughout time.

They’re the backbone of civilization, and too seldom noted in history books.

Happy Mother’s Day! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Storage Solutions to Get Organized

By Janine Pumilia

W

hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 30 years ago, options were pretty limited.

“When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets.

Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motionactivated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold-out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains.

While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed. Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals.

“It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.”

Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room, home office and basement.

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“Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable,” he says.

Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers wireshelving systems by Rubbermaid, the No. 1 brand in the industry. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit SmartLivingWeekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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I  W

Treasure Hunt S

ometimes we lose track of very important things. Much like finding old treasures in an attic, however, rediscovering them can be glorious. So it is with the gift of holy spirit, first given to Christians on the Jewish Pentacost holiday, also called the Feast of Weeks.

Christians celebrate Pentacost 50 days after Easter, this year on June 9. It marks the day God equipped us with the spiritual power needed to do His work.

In Acts 1:4 & 5, just before he ascends to Heaven, the resurrected Christ tells his apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift his Father has promised them. “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy spirit.”

By Acts 2:1, the day of Pentacost has arrived. After receiving holy spirit and witnessing the miracles that accompanied it, Peter boldly quoted the prophesy of Joel about the coming of this day, then preached Christ. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41).

It’s highly significant that God chose the Pentacost holiday to bestow His gift of holy spirit on mankind. Pentacost (“penta” means five) commemorates the day Moses received the law (Torah) on Mt. Sinai, 50 days after death “passed over” firstborn Jews enslaved in Egypt. They painted their doorposts with lamb’s blood to escape the 10th plague of death to first-born sons.

The Age of Law began at Sinai 50 days after the Passover; the Age of Love began in Jerusalem 50 days after Easter.

Jesus Christ is “our Passover lamb” (I Cor. 5:7b). Eternal death has “passed over” those who believe, ever since.

The Passover (Pesach) holiday has been celebrated by Jews since the exodus from Egypt. For them, the close of the Passover season is the Feast of Pentacost (Feast of Weeks), today called “Shavuot.”

For Christians, Pentacost marks the end of the 50-day Easter season that includes Good Friday; the Easter Sunday resurrection celebration; the 40 days Christ spent on earth in his resurrected body; the Day of Christ’s Ascension to Heaven; and the pouring out of the holy spirit 10 days later, on Pentacost.

Start your treasure hunting in Acts chapters 1 & 2. It’s a gift that never ends. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Great Grilling Requires Great Meat, Technique

By Peggy Werner

M

other Nature had her last laugh with some big snowfalls in April, but now it’s time to clean up the grill and do some outdoor cooking.

“Nothing says great weather has arrived like barbequing,” says owner Jarrod Bush of Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford.

Countryside is a full-service meat market, specializing in top quality Midwestern beef, poultry and pork for individuals and large parties. Meat is displayed in a fully stocked, clean, organized and attractive 20-foot-long display case. To enhance meat flavors, there’s a wide selection of seasonings, sauces, rubs and marinades.

With more than 20 years of experience, Bush helps people to make wise choices when cooking with meat.

In his opinion, the best meats to grill are burgers, brats and chicken. Steaks are a bit trickier because you need to sear the

outside of the meat with the hottest temperature before cooking slowly to the doneness you want to achieve.

“There’s really nothing you can’t put on the grill if you have the patience,” he says. “A meat thermometer is every cook’s best friend, if you want to nail it perfectly.”

To help control temperatures on the grill, it’s a good idea to layer charcoal so you have a hot zone for searing, a medium zone for cooking and a cool zone for resting meat, which is necessary before

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cutting into it to keep in flavorful juices.

Vent controls and the height of the grate also help to control temperature.

Cooking too fast and too hot is the biggest mistake people make when grilling, he says. The most flavorful and tender meats require slow cooking at lower temperatures.

Countryside also has a wide variety of sides to go with barbequed meat such as cole slaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad and creamed and pickled herring.

The store offers weekly advertised specials, in-house specials, and “oven ready” meals. Other specialties include cheese and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings and Boar’s Head luncheon meats.

Gourmet items include 25 varieties of bratwurst, stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, twicebaked potatoes and garlic cheese bread.

All food is prepared onsite. ❚

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R  O R

26th Klehm Garden Fair is June 1 & 2

By Peggy Werner he 26th annual Garden Fair Weekend at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden will supply gardeners with the supplies and inspiration they need.

Sponsored each year by BMO Harris Bank, the event will take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 1; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at the arboretum, 2715 S. Main St. More than 100 vendors will be sell annuals and perennials, trees and shrubs, vintage goods, garden art and repurposed items.

“This is our big showcase and the perfect time of year to see plants blooming everywhere,” says Klehm Executive Director Alexander Mills. “It’s a great community event that people love attending to kick-start the season,” he says.

Items will be sold inside the Visitor’s Center, at the Garden Pavilion, and throughout the grounds. A food court lat the Fountain Garden, with a large tent

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for seating, will feature Cantina Tacos, Nothing Bundt Cake, Veebo’s Woodfire Pizza, Lulu’s Roasted Corn, Happy Stix, Anjan’s Eats, Mama Mia’s and Wee-BePoppin Kettle Corn; Prairie Street Brewing Co. will provide beer and wine.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the 155-acre arboretum to see a wide variety of flowing crab trees, lilacs, woodland wildflowers, saucer magnolias, tree peonies, tulips, azaleas, viburnums, coneflowers, Bolero poppies, cleomes, and Japanese tree lilacs.

Garden Fair is the not-for-profit arboretum’s largest fundraiser. Each year, about 6,000 people attend and spend time on the paths viewing 500 labeled trees, shrubs and wooded plants. Many of the annual and perennial flowers are labeled as well, including the collection of more than 75 hostas, about 100 species of daylilies, and many varieties of peonies.

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Mills, who began his work as executive director in 2018, attended the Garden Fair as a visitor last year.

“I could feel the excitement in the air and it’s exactly the right time of year for the event,” he says. “There’s definitely a ‘buzz,’ as people are looking for things to buy and ways to improve their gardens, and are talking with people they know or meet at the fair.”

Didier Greenhouse has a booth at Garden Fair every year. Shelby Butler says the business will offer a wide variety of plants and hanging baskets.

“This is a way for customers to see what we grow and visit our one-stopshop for everything for the garden in a beautiful setting,” she says.

Butler has worked at Didier for 47 years and, in that time, became a wife, mother, and grandmother of six. As a nurturing person, she enjoys watching plants

R  O R

sprout from seeds or grow from cuttings into spectacular vegetation because of adequate car. She says it gives her a sense of pride and a rewarding feeling.

Jon Carlson of J. Carlson Growers, Inc. will also be at the Garden Fair, offering trees, shrubs and perennials, including many unusual species like weeping spruces and pines and various Japanese Maples. The fair is a wonderful opportunity for people to ask questions, he says.

“Spring is when people have all the enthusiasm to buy new plants and our job is to educate them on what to plant where and how to care for what they buy so they can get the best results,” he says.

For example, because of our recent severe winter, many types of boxwood

shrubs have dying leaves and people are asking what to do.

Carlson suggests trimming back the brown spots and waiting to see if new growth appears before replacing the whole bush. “There are a lot of varieties of boxwoods and some are hardier than others and some are more adaptable to this climate,” says Carlson.

Lisa Key says Gensler Gardens has participated in the Garden Fair for 15 years. The business will bring to the fair more than 500 hanging baskets, 100 varieties of perennials and a large selection of annuals, all offered at a discount.

“We enjoy seeing our customers, Klehm staff, and area vendors in a fun and relaxed setting that draws people from a wide area,” Key says.

As Klehm director, Mills is working to introduce more and more people to Klehm so they can enjoy the grounds, events, programs, classes and volunteer opportunities.

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Today’s arboretum began with Landscape Architect William Lincoln Taylor, who established the land as Rockford Nursery in 1910. Many of the rare trees on the grounds are the result of experimental plantings by Taylor. The Klehm family bought the nursery in 1968 and maintained the land until 1985, when it donated the nursery to the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, with the stipulation it remain an arboretum.

Garden Fair admission is $8. Children 12 and under free. Klehm members get free admission when they show their membership card at the gate. Discounted $5 tickets are available at Broadway Florist, Gensler Gardens locations, J. Carlson Growers, The Landscape Connection, Meridian Nursery, O’Fallon’s, Pepper Creek Flowers & Plants, Rock Valley Garden Center, Highcrest IGA, Didier Greenhouses and Village Green. Advance tickets are also available at the Klehm’s Visitors Center and will be sold on May 17th at the Rockford City Market. ❚

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O L

Easy & Rewarding Container Gardening

By Janine Pumilia

Y

ou have little space or interest in gardening but your yard cries out for some color. Why not fill up a window box, hanging basket, pot or anything else that holds dirt (and has drainage holes) with easy-care plants?

Container gardening is manageable and rewarding, says Scott Gensler of Gensler Gardens, 102 Orth Road in Loves Park and 8631 11th St., Davis Junction, Ill. Choose palettes of very bright colors, soft pastels, monochromatic tones or contrasting hues.

“There are no firm rules,” says Gensler. “But the most pleasing result usually comes from thinking through the structure a bit and mixing up textures.”

One foolproof container “recipe” is the thriller-spiller-filler concept. Choose a bold, tall statement plant as a focal point (the thriller); a plant or two with a trailing

This container features hot pink Superbells calibrachoa, Dolce Appletini heuchera (coral bells) and Bright Lights yellow osteospermum, all from Proven Winners.

habit to spill over the side of the container; and some filler plants that complement the others. Not all plants need flowers to be interesting. Coleus, sweet potato vine, sedum, papyrus, caladium, ornamental cabbage and grasses are among nonflowering plants with high appeal.

“It’s important not to crowd too

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many plants in a container,” says Gensler “In a 10-inch pot, three plants is plenty. A 14-inch pot could take five or six.”

Before you buy plants, think hard about where you’ll place them. Sunhungry plants won’t thrive in shade and shade plants may wilt in full sun. Also consider your sightlines.

“For example, if your location is very high, you’d be better off buying a basket with plants that trail over the edge.”

Make sure your container provides adequate drainage.

“Probably the No. 1 mistake people make is inadequately watering hanging baskets and containers, which dry out faster than plants in the ground,” says Gensler. “I tell people to water until you see it coming out the bottom.”

Fertilize plants regularly and enjoy the way they lift both your curb appeal and your spirits. ❚

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Y O

A ‘ ll About Fiber’ at Macktown May 11 & 12 W

e seldom think about all the people who’ve lived on the very same land we live on, but generations of them have existed here for at least 8,000 years.

Stephen Mack Jr., a native of Vermont, was the first white man to permanently settle here in the early 1820s. This was a time when settlers had to be mostly self-sufficient to survive because opportunities to purchase or even trade goods were limited.

Mack’s original frame home still stands at Macktown, the community he and wife Hononegah founded, which later became part of Rockton. His house exists along with another house, a limestone trading post and a visitor center completed in 2004. The site became a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and Macktown Living History directors are restoring it to its 1830s to 1846 appearance.

Second Sundays at Macktown Living History, 221 Freeport Road, are a family-friendly way to learn about the way former residents of this region, both historic and pre-historic, lived.

During “It’s All About Fiber,” on May 11 & 12, visitors can learn how settlers made fabric from homegrown fiber.

There will be demonstrations in using a great wheel, rooing, flax processing, spinning and knitting, as well as a working dog demonstration. Food will be available for purchase.

Along with these demonstrations, people can sign up for classes led by skilled experts. Examples include 10 Basic Embroidery Stitches; Beginning Warping and Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom; Skirting; A Fleece for Every Purpose; Felted Dryer Balls; Beginning Drop Spindle; and Finger Weaving.

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(Jon McGinty photo)

By Janine Pumilia

Event admission is $5 per day, free to ages 8 and under. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Class registrations remain open until each class is filled or cancelled. To register, pick up a form at the Macktown Visitor Center or email event coordinator Constance Gleasman at rmj5288@ gmail.com or call (815) 218) 3874.

Learn more by visiting Macktown on FaceBook, or call (815) 624-4200. ❚

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Y H

Know Your Stroke Risk and Identify Symptoms

W

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

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

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

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

Balance. Is there a sudden loss of balance?

Eyes. Is there loss of vision in one or

both eyes?

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

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

Slurred speech/Scrambled thoughts.

Is speech slurred and does it sound strange?

Time is of the essence. Call 911 immediately.

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Y C

More Local Blood Donors are Needed

By Janine Pumilia

E

very resident of our region owes a big thank you to 17,515 individuals in a 10-hospital area of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Each one took a little time in 2018 to donate the blood all of us rely upon.

And a little time is all it takes, says Lisa Entrikin, Director of Operations at Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC).

“The blood draw itself takes just 10 minutes and the whole process from mini-health check to juice-and-cookies takes up to an hour,” she says. “Each week, we need 1,000 donors or more to supply our local hospital needs, so every donation matters.”

Blood donation is safe, nearly painless and most people can donate even if they’re on medication, she adds.

Nationwide, only about 5 percent

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of the population donates blood. In the Midwest, the percentage is a little higher because “people in the Midwest are very giving,” says Entrikin, who’s worked at our blood center for 16 years and in blood collection for 25 years. In some pockets of the Midwest, the donor rate is as high as 10 percent.

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“Giving blood is everyone’s responsibility,” notes Entrikin. “Donors aren’t donating to RRVBC. They’re donating to patients who need the blood.” And that could be any one of us, or any one of our loved ones who become injured or face surgery for any reason.

For donor convenience, the blood center maintains two donor locations in Rockford, one in Belvidere and one in Freeport, along with multiple mobile locations each week.

You can schedule an appointment online or by phone. If you’re wondering whether your medication disqualifies you, simply place a call to the center and find out. Every blood type is needed.

The best way to thank donors in our region is to help them carry the load.

Learn more at rrvbc.org or call (815) 9658751. ❚

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

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.

RBRM 4 The Love of it Tour May 8, 7:30 p.m. Grammy-winning members of New Edition, R & B/popgorockford.com performers Ronnie Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins entertain. Coronado PAC, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Spring Concert May 8, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Regent Singers, Women’s Ensemble and Rockford U. Vocal Collective a cappella group. Maddox Theatre, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Anderlik & Church May 10, 7 p.m. An evening of music including southern and classic rock, blues, swing, jazz, folk and bluegrass. Listening Room, (815) 9658903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

'The Revolutionists' May 10-25, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Four historic women tackle themes of violence and legacy, art and activism and feminism and terrorism, while trying not to lose their heads. [usual] Suspects, Nordlof Center, Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Kansas May 10, 8 p.m. The progressive rock band performs their album “Point of Know Return” it its entirety, along with other classics. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

'Farce of Nature' May 10-12 & 17-19, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. The Wilburn family of Mayhew, Ark., is in for a change of pace at its fishing lodge in the Ozarks. Main Street Players, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.

'Sherlock Holmes & the Precarious Position' May 10-26, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A mystery that baffles Scotland Yard and, perhaps, even the world’s foremost detective. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford U., 5050 E. State St. AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

RSO: Cirque de la Symphonie May 11, 3 & 7:30 p.m. Elegant choreography of cirque acrobats performed to classical masterpieces and other orchestrated contemporary music. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

On May 14, learn about national parks from a local man who has visited all 418 of them.

Brit Floyd May 12, 8 p.m. Tribute to Pink Floyd for the 40th anniversary celebration of the iconic rock opera “The Wall.” Other highlights include songs from “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish you Were Here,” and “Animals.” Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Remarkable Women of Lake Geneva May 12, 12:30-4 p.m. Take a narrated cruise to Black Point Estate and learn about remarkable women who have lived along Geneva Lake. Tour the estate and enjoy a glass of wine before returning to the ship. Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Riviera Dock, 812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, (608) 248-1888, wisconsinhistory.org.

Readers Theatre May 13, 6:30 p.m. Directed by Dorothy Paige Turner, local actors read excerpts from African American plays. Listening Room, 201 7th St., (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Journey Through Every National Park May 14, 7-9 p.m. David Kroese of Loves Park has visited all 418 of our National Parks.

The author of “The Centennial: A Journey through America’s National Park System” talks about his adventures and shares lots of slides.

Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., (815) 9876660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Scandinavian Smorgasbord May 18, 4-7 p.m. Celebrate the 175th anniversary of Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church with lefse, fish balls, pastries and other Scandinavian foods. $7/adults. 23184 Bergen Road, Poplar Grove, Ill. (815) 292-3226.

Truman’s Ridge Band May 18, 7-9 p.m. Folk, jazz & swing combine for an evening of Chicago bluegrass. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. ❚

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WDL

Home Away from Home at Backyard Grill

By Peggy Werner

R

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

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

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

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

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

Grill’s homemade BBQ sauce.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

come out this spring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

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

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

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

May 8

To advertise call 815-316-2300

D

Dos Reales

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

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

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

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

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

“Dave Bowers approaches the Real Estate business with the same integrity knowledge and expertise that he tackles his other roles as coach father husband and business leader. His guidance and patience led us to exactly what we were looking for ! We will look to him for any future real estate ventures !”

Jane & Doug Proudfoot 815-520-4091 • dbowers@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/dbowers

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Y K

Try Slow-Cooker Pork for a Savory Supper M

uch as the Smart Living staff would prefer to share some springtime recipes with you this week, cold-weather comfort food just seem more appropriate, given the weather. Here are a few of our favorites for easy weeknight cooking.

For more recipe ideas, and to see what you can do with 30 minutes, visit SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com.

Cheesy Pork Enchilada Stew 1 pkg. Smithfield Boneless Pork Shoulder Seasoned Carnitas 1/2 cup corn flour 2 cans (10 oz. each) red enchilada sauce 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic fresh cilantro 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup no-salt-added chicken stock 1/2 large red onion, diced sour cream and hot sauce 4 oz. cream cheese 2 cups (8 z.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 TB balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. minced garlic

Preparation: Place carnitas in 5-quart slow cooker.

Add corn flour and toss to coat meat. Add all ingredients except cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours (low 7-9 hours). Break meat apart with spoon. Add cheeses and stir until melted.

Smothered Pork Chops 6 slices Smithfield Hickory Smoked Bacon, cut into 1-inch slices 1 Smithfield Garlic & Herb Marinated Fresh Pork Sirloin Roast, cut into five 1-inch chops 2 TB butter 1 large sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 cup no-salt-added chicken stock

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Preparation: In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp. Carefully remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

Brown pork chops in bacon grease over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side; remove chops from skillet. Add butter to bacon grease in skillet; saute onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper until onions have browned and are tender. Stir in stock, vinegar and garlic; cook and stir until reduced by half. Add browned chops and cooked bacon to skillet.

Cover and simmer until internal temperature of meat reaches 150 F, turning once, about 10 minutes. ❚ Source: Family Features

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