Smart Living Weekly June 5, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • June 5, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Rockin’ River Fest in Beautiful Oregon

See Page 16

Grilling Tips for Tasty Fare What to Know About Heart Failure How Home Tech Makes Life Easier History Camp Fun at Midway Village

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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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Rockin’ River Fest in Beautiful Oregon Your Home ............................................ ........... 11 The Comfort of Power Furniture Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who Owns the Earth?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty Seafood Picnic Your Community ...............................................19 History Camps at Midway Village Outdoor Living ............................................. .....20 Grilling Tips Your Tech ........................................... ............... 21 Make Life Easier with Home Tech Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 What to Know About Heart Failure Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Mary’s Market

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

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

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

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

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Why D-Day Matters

T

his Thursday, June 6, marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, a time when people of moral courage defended democracy and fought hard against dictatorship.

The very complex Allied invasion of Nazioccupied France, via Normandy’s beaches, was one of the greatest team efforts of history. What began June 6 would continue until Aug. 30, 1944, when Germans finally retreated from France. The blood of 209,000 Allied troops soaked French soil that summer; 126,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice.

We fought alongside troops from the UK, Australia, Canada, Belgium, France, Czechoslovakia, Greece, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland and Norway.

The D-Day invasion forced Nazis to fight on two fronts, since they were already engaged with Soviets on the Eastern front. As in WW I, LEASING OFFICE LOCATED AT: this splitting of focus led to their demise.

8702 N. 2nd St, Unit B - Machesney Park The U.S. entered WW II late and ill-prepared, but we scaled up war efforts fast – and what a difference they made!

Why did we fight?

WWW.TLC-MP.COM Hitler invaded Austria in 1938, Poland in 1939, and Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK’s Channel Islands in 1940. By 1941, Nazis were in Yugoslavia, Greece and the USSR, and had declared war 4.58x4.78_TLC-ad.indd 1 on us.

Hitler’s Nazism was a form of Fascism.

Fascism is defined as “extreme militaristic nationalism, contempt for electoral democracy, contempt for political and cultural liberalism, and a belief in a natural social hierarchy and the rule of elites,” as well as suppression of individualism, says Encyclopedia Britannica.

Nazism “was far more extreme both in its ideas and in its practice. In almost every respect, it was an anti-intellectual movement emphasizing the will of the charismatic dictator as the sole source of inspiration of a people and a nation, as well as a vision of annihilation of all enemies of the Aryan people as the one goal of Nazi policy,” states the encyclopedia.

Thank God people of courage did what it took to stop Hitler.

As we live out the American Dream these heroes made possible for us, may we never forget the 407,300 U.S. troops we lost .... or why they fought. ❚

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Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Power Furniture: Now This is Comfortable

By Janine Pumilia

M

ost of us grew up with furniture that wasn’t always so comfortable.

We either conformed our bodies to it or stretched out on the floor.

“With recliners, all you had for a very long time was the Archie Bunker type chair that opened or closed, using muscle power,” says Mitchell Johnson, store manager at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., Rockford.

“Then about seven years ago came really good power recliners. People immediately loved them, not because people are lazy, but because they allow you to stop at any point of motion along the way for honest, customized comfort.

“Your footrest can be raised a little or a lot or in between. And now there’s also power adjustment for your headrest and for your lumbar region. For the first time, the chair is really accommodating your body. You can make an infinite number of adjustments.”

The same motion technology was quickly incorporated into sofas and love seats. Today there are even more options for extended foot rests that better accommodate long legs.

“About 80 percent of the chairs, sofas and love seats we sell today are power,” says Johnson. “Once people try them, they love them. They see the cost isn’t all that much greater and they know this is something they’ll use every day.”

Johnson reports very few problems with the quiet, modern DC motors that smoothly power the furniture.

“Honestly, we do less service on power furniture than on the models that move with manual power,” he says.

“People tend to whack those around pretty hard. With power, it’s just the touch of a button.”

Gustafson’s has hundreds of samples of power furniture on display. While

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leather and leather-look fabrics remain the most popular, there’s also a huge selection of other fabrics to choose from.

Through the years, furniture manufacturers have offered sofas and chairs with built-in heat, massage, speakers, lighting, refrigeration and cord outlets.

Says Johnson, “Some of those ideas came and went, but the power reclining is definitely here to stay.”

Archie Bunker would approve. ❚

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I  W

Who Owns Earth?

N

one of us owns the earth or anything in it. We live here for a short time.

God alone is Earth’s creator and “owner.”

Our job is to take care of it for the owner and reflect his glory in all things.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

– Genesis 2:15 God’s creation exists to reflect His glory and to teach us about Him. The creation holds profound lessons for those with eyes to see. Many, many scriptures remind us how wondrous God’s creation is and how much it pleases Him. Here are a few (all NIV).

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

– John 1:3 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” – Job 12:7-10 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. – Psalm 95:4-5 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. – Romans 1:20 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.” – Ezekiel 34:2-3 ❚ 12

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Y K

Include Seafood for Picnic Perfection “P

icnics should be a prescription for health,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and TV host Annessa Chumbley. “They accomplish three amazing things needed for healthy living: nourishing the body, focusing on relationships and soaking up the benefits of being surrounded by nature.”

Consider including seafood on your picnic. Eating it twice per week can provide unique health benefits for your heart and brain. Consider these tips from Chumbley.

• Seafood can be added to almost any dip, and can be enjoyed with fresh, crunchy vegetables.

• Don’t bring your phones, tablets or any other device that can distract you from family time. This is a time to relax and socialize with one another.

• Tape a thermometer inside your bag or cooler so you know the food is at safe, cool temperatures.

• Place a small cutting board and knife in your pack, which can come in

handy for chopping up fruits and vegetables when it’s time to chow down.

For more seafood recipes and meal inspiration, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

Crab Salad

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

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To make dressing: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, green onions and olive oil.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Toss walnuts with cayenne pepper to taste and bake 4-5 minutes. Make sure walnuts do not burn. Remove walnuts from oven and let cool.

Toss spinach with dressing. Toss with crab meat. Sprinkle lentils on top and add walnuts. Place grapefruit pieces around edge. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

Enjoy Rockin’ River Fest in Oregon June 15

By Peggy Werner hether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or every day, let nature embrace you with all its beauty at the third annual Rockin’ River Fest on Saturday, June 15, in Oregon, Ill. Surrounded by four state parks and more than one dozen city parks, and with the Rock River running through town, Oregon is aiming to showcase its natural beauty with games, competitions, entertainment, food and a beer garden.

The event celebrates everything local, is run entirely by volunteers and will take place along the Rock River, with the heart of the festival on North Second Street, says Debbie Dickson, marketing and sponsorship chairperson and festival executive team member. Events will take place in Kiwanis Park, on Oregon Fire Department property, and in parts of Lowden State Park to the north and

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Castle Rock State Park to the south.

The festival’s mission is to promote tourism and economic development by showcasing Oregon’s strengths and its business resources.

“Grassroots leadership supported by dozens of volunteer hours has revived Oregon,” says Dickson. “We strive to honor our history, showcase our natural beauty, and adapt with the times and trends to create a sustainable future.”

Highlights of the festival include the popular Rock River Adventure Tri at 8:30 a.m., beginning in Oregon Park East on North River Road. The run-bike-paddle event takes competitors along flowing rivers, sandstone bluffs, towering pines and off-road trails for a 3-mile run, 10mile bike ride, and 5 miles of paddling.

Dickson says event attendance doubled last year and is expected to increase that

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much this year. Those interested need to register online at rockinriverfest.net.

The Games Spot has been expanded this year to include more inflatables, interactive games and activities for children of all ages, with a prize store.

“Tug Across the Rock” will see teams battle for a win at Kiwanis Park Riverfront and across the river at Oregon Park East.

Musical entertainment includes Falling Objects, a six-piece Chicago band playing rock ‘n’ roll hits spanning the decades from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz, also from Chicago, playing the latest in country hits as well as country classics from 8 to 11 p.m.

Food choices will include grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, brats, hot dogs, ribs, pulled pork and Mexican food tent items at the “Amazin’ Grazin’

R  O R

Station” food court. Festival visitors can also explore local galleries and museums free of charge and stop in at stores and other businesses offering specials throughout the day.

Another highlight of the festival is the Cruisin’ and Chillin’ classic car show from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jay’s Drive-In, 107 W. Washington St. People can bring classic cars to show and look at the cars on display for free.

Dickson recalls that this festival took place one year in the late 1980s, when a group of volunteers got together to discuss an outdoor summer event

that would focus on family fun for all ages. Although successful, there was not enough manpower or funding to keep it going at the time. A couple of years ago, the Oregon Chamber identified the need to have an event to kick off the summer tourism season.

Dickson has lived in Oregon for 40 years and worked six years as the executive director of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce before retiring.

“I love Oregon,” she says. “It’s quiet, friendly, is surrounded by natural beauty and has a hometown feeling. For the nature enthusiast, it’s a scenic crossroads with lots of opportunities for fishing, hiking, running, biking and so much more.”

The town is surrounded by parks, including Lowden State Park, home to Lorado Taft’s 50-foot Eternal Indian statue (commonly called Black Hawk).

Lowden-Miller State Park is nestled in the Rock River Valley just three miles south of Oregon. The 2,291-acre wooded area has 120-foot bluffs along 3.5 miles

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of forested riverfront.

Castle Rock State Park is on the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County and is known for its rolling topography, rock formations, ravines and unique northern plants.

White Pines State Park is a popular family destination with open areas for hiking, camping, picnicking and modern lodging facilities.

All money raised at the festival will go back into the festival fund to plan next year’s event. Once a solid financial base is established to ensure sustainability, some of the profits will be split between the Oregon Chamber of Commerce and Oregon Together, a volunteer organization devoted to Oregon’s arts, culture, beautification and riverfront development.

The festival entrance fee is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 13-17 and free for children under 12. Anyone wanting to participate as a vendor, volunteer or competitor can sign up anytime online. ❚

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Y C

Midway Village Camps Offer Fun Learning

By Peggy Werner

“H

istory’s Mysteries” is the theme of this year’s sevenweek Summer Day Camp at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road.

Educator Caitlin Treece says children in grades first through fifth will explore a different theme related to history each week, while participating in games, activities, crafts and other projects.

“I hope the kids have a lot of fun and find they are trying new things they like to do each week and go home every day to share something they learned about history,” she says.

The camp is offered as a half day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a full day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 17 through Aug. 9. Campers may attend one week or each week. Advanced registration is required by going to midwayvillage.com or in person to the museum.

Every Friday, parents and/or caregivers are invited for lunch and to view exhibits created by children from the activities and crafts.

Camp themes include “Tall Tales,” June 17-21, which will explore funny stories about some of America’s first folk heroes; “The Who Was,” June 24-28, based on a series of illustrated biographies featuring historical figures, artists, scientists, and world leaders; “Heroes and Villains,” July 8-12, a look at how some heroes would be villains under different circumstances; “Civilizations: Lost and Found,” July 15-19, which takes a look at ancient places around the world; “Mad Scientists,” July 22-26, which involves campers in fun and crazy science experiments; “Horrible Histories,” July 29-Aug. 2, focused on the difficulties of the past based on the British book and TV series of the same title; and “Castaways,” Aug.

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5-9, which teaches tips on various ways to survive the elements if you’re stranded on a desert island.

Cost of the camp for museum members is $90 a week for half-days and $100 for full days. Non-members pay $115 for half days and $125 for full days. For questions, call (815) 397-9112. ❚

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O L

Flavorful Grilling is Easier Than You Think

By Peggy Werner

G

rills are as versatile as the people who use them and vary in size, color, shape, and functionality.

Most people own a grill or a smoker and many own two grills and use them year round. Although people love the charbroiled flavor, gas grills are more popular for their convenience. Pellet grills, which come in all sizes, prices, and varying features, combine flavor and convenience and are gaining in popularity, says Brad Vander Heyden, president of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr. Pellet grills give the flavor of a charcoal grill or smoker with the convenience of a kitchen oven. By using direct or indirect heat, the pellet can quickly sear and grill, smoke, or roast meat for hours at a time.

A digital controller uses a chip, sensor, circuits and an algorithm to regulate

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and maintain temperature.

Hardwood pellets provide heat and smoke flavor. Pellets come in a variety of flavors, including hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, oak, maple, mesquite, and peach. Combining or layering flavors gives a unique result.

“It’s like cooking on a campfire, but it’s totally automated. You can cook a pizza in minutes or ribs for hours,” he says.

Vander Heyden has a passion for grilling year round and says one of his family’s favorites is cedar plank salmon, which can be cooked in about 15 minutes.

He also has experimented with cooking vegetables and says kabobs with peppers, onions, tomatoes, pineapple and chunks

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of meat can get done all at the same time by using indirect heat. Some vegetables he wraps in foil; others he places directly on the grill to absorb the most smoke flavor. It’s all about knowing what the grill can do and being creative, he says.

“A lot of people are just not aware of all the options in grilling,” he says. ❚

Y T

Home Tech Can Make Your Life Easier

By Peggy Werner

D

o you often wish you could be in two places at once? This may be your answer.

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

He’s now working with Nest to bring the conveniences of home automation into the lives of his customers. He says it’s not a difficult change to make.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Jay is not only an amazing Realtor but an amazing person as well !!

He made my house hunting experience all worth it!! I was apprehensive for quite some time about buying a home!! However the experience was seamless!!! Any doubts I may have had Jay was very patient, reassuring and a phone call away. Thank you for making my first home purchase an awesome experience !!”

Imari Hanserd 815-289-7530 • jdowthard@gogambino.com See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/jdowthard

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Y H

What is Heart Failure and How is it Treated?

By Mercyhealth Staff eart failure is a serious illness, but with the right treatment and careful management, you can control your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Many conditions can cause heart failure, including coronary artery disease, a past heart attack, high blood pressure or heart valve disease.

When you have heart failure, your heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal, or the heart muscles are stiff and do not relax and fill properly. Your blood moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, which then increases the pressure in the heart.

When this happens, your heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet your body’s needs. The chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body.

This helps to keep the blood moving for a short while, but then the heart muscle

H

walls weaken and can’t pump as strongly.

Your kidneys often respond by causing your body to retain fluid (water) and sodium. If fluid builds up in your arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, your body becomes congested. Congestive heart failure is the term used to describe this condition.

Health professionals, such as those at the Mercyhealth Heart Failure Clinic, use advanced testing, specialized treatments and individualized support and educa-

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tion to develop a treatment plan tailored to a an individual’s needs. Staff members work closely with primary care providers to keep them fully apprised of progress.

A heart failure patient periodically undergoes tests to evaluate the function of the heart, overall fitness level and other relevant information. These tests may include EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, blood tests and electrophysiology studies. Interventional cardiology, cardiac catheterization, and pacemaker and defibrillator placement services also are available, as needed.

With the right care, heart failure will not stop people from doing the things they enjoy. Their outlook for the future will depend on how well their heart muscle is functioning, their symptoms, and how well they respond to and follow their treatment plans.

Learn more at MercyHealthSystem. org. ❚

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

German Valley Days - Down on the Farm June 7-9. A packed schedule of small-town fun including games, contests, music, food and a special appearance by Greg Peterson Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com of Peterson Farm Brothers, a social media phenomenon. Info at germanvalleydays.com 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

The Making of Pioneer Wisconsin June 8, 1-3 p.m. Historian Michael E. Stevens shares first-person accounts of early settlers.

Lincoln Center, Beloit Historical Society, 845 Hackett St., Beloit, (608) 314-6289, wisconsinhistory.org.

Olivia Dvorak - Spring Creek UCC June 8, 7-9 p.m. Dvorak’s style encompasses blues, folk, rock and Celtic. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Who Once Lived at Ke-Chunk?

June 8, Aug. 11 & Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Learn what we know about the once-large Ke-Chunk settlement, also called Turtle Village, as well as its Ho-Chunk Nation inhabitants. Nature at the Confluence Learning Center, South Beloit, (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.

Music at Historic Baltic Mill - Tom Mac Group June 9, 6:30 p.m. Caribbean, rock & blues music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy these free Sunday night concerts. 920 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere. Full schedule: boonecountyarts.com.

Tuesdays in the Garden - Brett Newski June 11, 5:45 p.m. Singer Brett Newski of Milwaulkee, with Patchouli of Maiden Rock, WIs., opening. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink).

Free/members, or garden entry fees apply.

AndersonGardens.org.

Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers will appear at German Valley Days June 8.

Canoe Convoy June 10, 17 & 24, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening paddling down the Kishwaukee River or other location depending on water conditions. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 3352915, seversondells.com.

Don’t Sugar Coat It June 14, 2-3 p.m. A presentation and discussion on diabetes, nutrition and tips for managing diabetes. Oak Street Health, RPL, Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Rockin River Fest in Oregon June 15, gates open at noon. Live music, games, food court, races, more, all on the riverfront. RockinRiverFest.net. On June 16, Father's Day car show, breakfast & lunch.

Music in the Park - Phantom Regiment June 11, 7 p.m. Rockford's famed drum and bugle corps performs its 2019 program and other favorites at Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Rain date: June 12.

Beer Barons of Lake Geneva June 15, 12:30-4 p.m. Cruise Lake Geneva while learning about the beer barons that vacationed and lived along its shores and the evolution of the brewing industry in Milwaukee and Chicago; beer tasting, snacks and souvenir mug included. Tickets at (262) 248-1888. Depart from Riviera Dock, Lake Geneva, wisconsinhistory.org.

'West Side Story' June 12-15 & July 17-21, see website for times. Score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics

by Stephen Sondheim. Two young lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Tuesdays in the Garden - Brett Newski June 11, 5:45 p.m. Singer Brett Newski of Milwaulkee, with Patchouli of Maiden Rock, WIs., opening. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink).

Free/members, or garden entry fees apply.

AndersonGardens.org. ❚

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WDL

Mary’s Market Expands Menu, Locations

By Peggy Werner

M

ary’s Market is making some changes and will be opening a new location at 4866 Bluestem Road in Roscoe early this summer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The much-loved Roasted Beet Salad

will become an entrée.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

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

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

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

June 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. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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