iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • April 19, 2017
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Right in Our Region
Summerfield Zoo Opens on Earth Day
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Get Outside, Get Healthy! How Dirty Are Your Air Ducts? Tips for Proper Lawn Watering Know Window Terms Before You Buy ‘Building Bridges’ at Midway Village Museum
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Summerfield Zoo Opens on Earth Day Your Home .................................................. ..... ..9 Window Terms You Should Know Your Home .................................................. .... .11 How Dirty are Your Air Ducts? Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 From Easter to Pentacost Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Radicchio Salad Your Outing .......................................................17 Diversity: Building Bridges Your Technology .................................... ..........19 Don’t Pay Too Much for Tech Services Your Outdoor Living .............................. ..........23 How to Water Your Lawn Correctly Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Get Outside for Health Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 Thrive Cafe
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Earth Day Always
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e have two beautiful old oak trees in our front yard. One is healthy but the other is dying little by little. When I ask our tree man why, he says: “It’s just old. That tree saw the Indians.” He’s not kidding. The acorns from which these oaks grew fell to the ground during the 1700s. Thinking about that makes me feel very temporal. My home was built 56 years ago beneath these oaks – a lifetime for me but one short chapter in these trees’ lives. I think about all the changes to our regional landscape these oaks have witnessed. When they took root, they were surrounded by prairies and woods, not chemically-treated lawns and farm fields. When they were young, there was no industrial air pollution above, no contaminated aquifer below. The dense woods along the Rock River had not yet been cut down in order to power steamboats; the resulting siltation had not yet robbed the river of that “crystal clear quality” described by pioneers in letters home to East Coast relatives. Nearby streambeds still teemed with mussels before the button factories came. “My” trees likely saw black bears, mountain lions, gray wolves, elk, wild parakeets, buffalo and other now-extirpated creatures pass below their limbs. There were no nuclear plants puffing out steam, no frackers exploding the earth’s crust.Vehicle fumes and jet fuel didn’t rain down on tender spring leaves. Nuclear radiation was not yet present in the atmosphere. As we approach Earth Day, I look at my old tree friends with new respect. What survivors! So many of their peers died at the hands of our great grandparents, who produced wood furniture in Rockford factories. Did our ancestors think about us? I wonder. When the forests were depleted, they turned to metal products and made fasterners and screws instead. Industries are temporal, too. I think about that saying: “We don’t inherit the Earth from our parents; we borrow it from our children.” Our lives depend upon Earth and our descendants’ lives will, too. What Earth will they know 300 years from now? ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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Understand Window Terms Before You Buy By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
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art of smart living is doing basic homework before you do a major project like window replacement. Two windows that look similar may be very different in quality. Better-quality windows save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs to heat and cool your home. If you’re confused about the terms used to describe window efficiency, you’re not alone. Here, Window World of Rockford owner Scott Williamson explains terms you may encounter when you’re “window shopping.” Learn more during the April 29 grand opening of the newly expanded Window World Showroom at 6010 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. R-Value: “This is a measurement that refers to the amount of heat lost through a window’s glass panes,” Wil-
liamson explains. “A higher R-value means higher efficiency and an R-value rating of 3 is very good.” U-Factor or U-Value: “This refers to the level of heat a window loses – how well it insulates,” he says. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating properties. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a U-Value of 0.25 or less for superior energy performance. Low-E: A Low-emissive window redirects heated air back into your home. “A very thin metallic coating applied to the pane traps heat, reducing the burden of your furnace,” Williamson explains. “This is the newest improvement to energy-efficient windows and complements good U and R values. It also keeps an air-conditioned home cooler in summertime.”
UV Factor: UV rays from the sun can bleach out your carpet and furniture. “A window with high ultra-violate blockage is recommended,” says Williamson. Williamson worked 10 years in the window replacement industry before he and wife Jen established the Window World of Rockford franchise in 2005. The company serves residential customers in the Illinois counties of Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, McHenry, DeKalb and LaSalle. Learn more at windowworldofrockford.com. ❚
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How Dirty are Your Ducts?
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By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
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ost people would be surprised to see how much dirt builds up inside the air ducts of their homes, but not James Wells. As owner of Air Quality Management, which specializes solely in duct cleaning, he knows the dirt on ducts. “The main reason people have their ducts cleaned is to reduce allergens and dust in the home,” says Wells. “The furnace or air conditioner sucks air in through its lines, heats or cools it and distributes it back into the rooms. It’s the return ducts that are dirtiest. The pet dander and other debris build up and some of it gets redistributed throughout the home.” Air Quality Management uses a 20-horsepower vacuum to pull debris outside the home as it cleans. “It’s powerful enough to pick up a 16-pound bowling ball,” says Wells. “That’s important because it means the
dirt is not going back into the home as we disturb it.” Wells recommends cleaning ducts every five to seven years, depending on your allergy sensitivity and how many pets and people live in the home making dander and dirt. “Sometimes owners of a newly constructed home will hire us to clean the drywall dust and other debris from a home before they move in, too,” he adds. The cost of cleaning ducts in a typical ranch home is about $350 and requires 2 or 3 hours. A larger two-story home is $450 to $550 and takes 3 or 4 hours. Air Quality Management also professionally cleans dryer vents. “This is important because a plugged dryer vent is a fire hazard,” says Wells. “Also, when a dryer hose is plugged, clothing takes a lot longer to dry and en-
ergy costs increase.” Air Quality Management cleans ducts in residential, commercial and industrial structures. To get an estimate on cleaning your ducts, call Wells at (815) 962-9007. ❚
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On to Pentacost T
he resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, as we recently celebrated on Easter Sunday. But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, the close of the Easter season is a full 50 days after Easter. Why? “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 In the opening of Acts, we read that Jesus has been appearing to various people for 40 days and is now with his 11 apostles. He tells them to stay in Jerusalem, where they will “receive power” from the holy spirit – a promise that’s fulfilled 10 days later, on the day of Pentecost – 50 days after the resurrection. “Pente” means 50. Before Christ came, Jews celebrated Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, to recognize the way God provided for them – Moses brought the law to the people from Mt. Sinai 50 days after the miraculous exodus from Egypt and slavery. Just as Israel was freed from Egyptian captivity and given God’s law 50 days later, Christ’s followers were freed from mortality by his resurrection and transformed by holy spirit 50 days later. Jesus tells the apostles that, once they have received power from the holy spirit, they will be witnesses for him not only in Jerusalem, but throughout the entire earth. Especially in an age without modern transportation or communication, it was quite a statement. “And when he had spoken these things, while they watched, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9 Although most of us don’t celebrate Pentecost with the same fanfare (and commercialism) given to Easter and Christmas, it’s a landmark date in Christianity and is the “birthday” of the church. This year, Pentecost will be celebrated on June 4. It’s always seven weeks after Easter Sunday. Easter is determined by calculating the first Sunday after (but never on) the first full moon after the spring equinox – the day when hours of light and darkness are about the same. Jesus Christ, light of this world, entrusted his ministry of reconciliation to us. ❚
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A Colorful, Crunchy Salad
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s days get longer and the weather gets warmer, take your meal outdoors for some tasty al fresco dining featuring a fresh and easy-to-prepare salad. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this combination of radicchio, California green ripe olives, chickpeas and Parmesan is sure to find its way into your seasonal meal occasions, from at-home dinners to garden parties. Find more tasty recipes at calolive. org.
Radicchio Salad with Olives, Chickpeas and Parmesan Recipe courtesy of the Simply Recipes blog 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1 large head radicchio (10-12 ounces) 1 can (16 ounces) California green ripe olives, drained, rinsed and roughly chopped 1 can (16 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided 3 TB balsamic vinegar
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4 TB olive oil 1/4 tsp. salt, plus additional, to taste 1/8 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste
Preparation: Add sunflowers seeds to small, dry skillet. Toast over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until seeds are toasted around edges and smell fragrant. Transfer seeds to bowl to cool. Peel away and discard a layer or two of outer radicchio leaves if they look wilted or battered. Cut head of radicchio into quarters through root. Trim away root. Cut each quarter crosswise into strips, 1- to 1 1/2-inches thick. Transfer to large mixing bowl. Add olives, chickpeas and 3/4 cup cheese to bowl with radicchio. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss gently until ingredients are evenly coated. If cheese clumps together, break apart with spatula and stir in. Let salad stand at least 10 minutes, or up
to an hour. Add additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve salad on individual plates or one shared platter. Top with remaining cheese and toasted sunflower seeds. Substitution: If radicchio is unavailable, try frisee, endive or another bitter green. Note: Salad is best served within one hour of preparation, but can be stored in airtight container in fridge for several days. ❚
Source: Family Features
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Welcoming Diversity: Building Bridges of Understanding
“W
elcoming Diversity: Building Bridges of Understanding” is a free program in collaboration with Unity in Diversity and the Unity, Pride and Culture committee of Transform Rockford. This program will meet from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at Midway Village Museum (MVM), 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. This free program is open to the public. “Rockford is a very diverse community,” says Lonna Converso, director of marketing and social media at MVM. “As in the nation at large, issues of race, ethnicity, and immigration have come to the surface of our public discourse time and again. Join us for an examination of how we have dealt with diversity through our history, as well as a look at what is happening in our community today.” The first part of the program includes key note speakers discussing in-depth topics for one hour with a question and
answer session following the presentations. They include Dr. Beatrice McKenzie, Professor of History at Beloit College and Joyce D. Higgins, publisher of Chromelight II and a local history expert. McKenzie will speak on the patterns of anti-immigration movements from a historical perspective on the national level. Higgins will address the history of racism as it relates to our community and its residents. The second part of the day includes focused in-depth breakout sessions. These will last 20 minutes each. Guests choose three of the six options: 1. The Unitarian Universalist Church on The Human Library Project 2. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockford and Refugee Resettlement 3. Muslim Association of Greater Rockford on Muslim Immigration 4. Rock Valley College – Refugee Pro-
gram Refugee & Immigration Services 5. Representatives of the Latino community on Latinos in Rockford 6. Rockford University on Universalism vs. Multiculturalism. Learn more by calling (815) 3979112. ❚
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Reduce the Cost of Monthly Tech Bills By Peggy Werner
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hile thinking about all the money you have to spend this holiday season, why not also think about ways to save money on your monthly tech bills? EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, can help with that. “People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money. People get excited when they see promotions because they’re just looking at the price, which will jump up dramatically after the special offer ends. Plus, they don’t always know exactly what they’re getting – and what you don’t know can hurt you.” When you purchase TV and internet service through EZ Satellite & Wireless, you’ll get a $100 gift card when you share the news with someone else.
EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer and also is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint. The company also offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for $19.95 per month. EZ Satellite specializes in helping people make the right choices based on what they need and where they live, so they can save money. The family-owned business opened in 2011, in Roscoe, and moved to a larger, more visible location in Loves Park last May, adding a new bill-paying center for customer convenience. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. About 80 percent of his business is working with residential customers in Southern
Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The company also works with businesses. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save,” he says. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚
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Summerfield Zoo Opens Season on April 22 Photos by David & Adrienne Olson, Olson Photography
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ummerfield Zoo will open its 2017 season this year on Earth Day weekend, April 22 & 23, with a number of planned Earth Day activities throughout
Rick Anderson with Wolf
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the day. Visitors can say “hi” to their favorite zoo residents and meet some spring zoo babies, including reindeer, goats and a kangaroo, with several more babies expected as the season progresses. “This season we’re really looking toward the future,” says Rick Anderson, one of the owners of Summerfield Zoo, 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere. “We have several new faces joining our zoo family, including Rusty the red kangaroo and a pair of playful North American river otters. You can also see the Arctic Foxes in their new habitat, which was completed late last fall.”
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Baby Mountain Lion
More improvements to the zoo are in progress. “We’re really excited for this year because we have a lot of new exhibits planned for construction, including new habitats for the grey wolves, African Cover Photo: Ring Tailed Lemurs by David Olson
R O R crested porcupines, North American river otters and others,” says Anderson. “The zoo is going to be expanding quite a bit.” Summerfield Zoo specializes in providing a personal animal experience for all ages.
Tortoise
“As a small zoo, visitors can get up close and meet many of our animals,” says Anderson. “We have everything from A for alligator to Z for zebra. We also have everything in between, including mountain lions, hyena, wolves, monkeys and much more.” Visitors enjoy seeing animal presentations, bottle-feeding baby goats, taking pony rides and touching animals in the petting zoo. There’s also Carmen’s Café and Prancer’s gift shop. For more information about Summerfield Zoo and its exotic animals, visit summerfieldfarmandzoo.com, call (815) 547-4852 or follow the zoo on Facebook. The zoo is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.
Wallaby
to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is $10 per adult, $8 per senior and $5 per child. All proceeds go to the care of the animals, many of which are rescue animals. ❚
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How to Water Your Lawn B y To n i R o c h a
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oses out, spigots up. It’s time to begin pampering that lawn. For Robert Ewald, owner of Ewald Services Inc., this means following a few sound rules for helping grass start fresh and stay consistently green from now until late fall. “When it comes to watering lawns, the best rule of thumb is to follow Mother Nature’s example,” Ewald says. “A good soaking like a natural rain but without leaving puddles of standing water is preferable to frequent light watering. Then let the ground dry out for several days.” With many differing opinions on when to water, Ewald adds, the best plan is to water between 3 and 9 a.m. “If the lawn is watered in the heat of the afternoon, most of the moisture will evaporate without nourishing the grass,” he explains. “If water is applied late at
night, it will stay too wet which can cause grass seed to rot before it sprouts and can make established grass more susceptible to diseases.” For newly seeded areas, Ewald recommends keeping the ground moist in the right measure. “Seeded areas need a different watering regimen,” he adds. “For the seeds to properly root and sprout, the ground needs to be consistently moist, not too dry or too wet. Too dry and the seed won’t germinate, and too much water can wash the seed away or cause it to rot.” With an established watering program, grass should be able to weather almost all of the Midwest’s summer swings. But, Ewald says, for those few weeks in late July or August when semidrought conditions develop, lawns need a moisture boost.
“This is a two-fold fix,” he adds. “First, water to saturate the ground to a deeper level. Then increase the watering cycle to three times weekly until the drought period ends.” And finally, Ewald suggests that lawns need consistent watering through the beginning of October or as late as Oct. 15 in case of a drier season, not only to keep them green and healthy but also to help root development so that grass can winter over safely. For more information, contact Ewald Yard Services at (815) 877-3500 or visit online at www.ewaldservices.com. ❚
The Yard Care Experts
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Forest Preserves: Get Outside, Get Healthy! T he free Winnebago County Forest Preserves program ‘Get Outside, Get Healthy!’ kicks off with a free event at Hononegah Forest Preserve on Saturday, May 20 from noon to 3 p.m. This afternoon of games, exhibits, crafts and demonstrations will whet visitors’ appetites for all the nature adventures offered through the Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport booklet. Pick up a passport at the kick-off celebration and get all the information you need to take full advantage of the many opportunities and activities happening through July 30 in forest preserves this summer. Get Outside, Get Healthy! is a free program that encourages people of all ages to discover the health benefits of spending time in nature. Participants can connect with nature through a full schedule of diverse outdoor opportunities such as guided hikes, nature study, camping,
golf, bird watching, river study, paddling trips, fun runs, archaeology and more. Bring your Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport with you to all the self-guided and guided activities and have it validated so you can earn points to qualify for the grand prize. This year’s grand prize is a fabulous gift basket overflowing with valuable gifts to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors, including: • one-year Severson Dells Nature Center family membership • one-year Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden family membership • certificate for a guided paddle trip with Rocktown Adventures, outdoor retailer and adventure club • gift certificate for Macktown, Atwood Homestead or The Ledges Golf Course • birding cap from Sand Bluff Observatory • award-winning nature guide books • FPWC backpacks
• many more items to enhance you nature explorations! Passports can also be picked up at any of these participating locations: FPWC Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford; Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford; Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; and Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, 5209 Haas Road, Shirland. Get Outside, Get Healthy! is a free community program presented by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. ❚
Medicare.gov ranks 1st Family Home Healthcare higher than industry competitors. Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Home Health Aides • Medical Social Workers • Speech Therapy Covered by Medicare and Most Insurance Plans. CALL TODAY and hire the best for your loved one! Service can start in just 24 hours! 815-337-4240
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Northwest Quarterly
WeBuyLocal 2013
211
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
Oaks and Us - William Bryant Logan April 19, 7-8:30 p.m. In a time when the average person thinks of trees as garden ornaments, material for 1.800.521.0849 floorboards gorockford.com or obstacles to be Rockford, IL 61101 removed, it is important to remember that without the trees of the forest - and without oak, in particular - we would not be here. William Bryant Logan's presentation "Oaks and Us" is a quick look at this millennial relationship between man and tree. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., (815) 9658146, klehm.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Paranormal Investigation with Ghost Head Soup April 21, 7-11:30 p.m. Join a public investigation led by the Ghost Head Soup team, based in Sycamore, Ill. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 8714239, tinkercottage.com. Brews & Views: “The Great Outdoors” April 20, doors 7 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the John Candy/Dan Aykroyd comedy “The Great Outdoors,” along with craft beers and a full menu. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 397-1371, psbrewingco.com. Spring ArtScene April 21-22, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. ArtScene brings thousands of art lovers to galleries and studios all over Rockford. Enjoy new exhibits of original works. Various Locations, Rockford Region, (815) 963-6765, springartscene.com. Rockford Chamber Players’ Brass Quintet April 21, 7:30 p.m. The final program of Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s season features the Rockford Chamber Players’ Brass Quintet, assisted by organist Jean Anderson and percussionist Jon Mortensen. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Earth Day Hike April 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Celebrate Earth Day with a guided hike led by Ann Wasser. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com. Verona String Quartet & Daniel Hsu April 22, 7:30 p.m. Recognized as “thoughtful, impressive musicians,” the Verona String Quartet is considered one of the most
The Verona String Quartet comes to the Coronado Theatre on April 22.
compelling young quartets in chamber music. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, rccaconcerts.org. An Evening with David Sedaris April 24, 8 p.m. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Book Discussion: “The Perfect Horse” April 25, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Discuss “The Perfect Horse: The Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the Nazis” over coffee. Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Room C, Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Elevate Palate Trip Series: Japan April 26, 7 p.m. Fine Japanese food and craft beer come together in this fun journey of flavor and discovery. Chef JB Griffin and Brewer Steve Lenox guide you through this delightfully entertaining five-course dinner with beer pairings. Prairie Street Brewing Co., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.com. A Flea in Her Ear April 27-30, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Paranoia, infidelity and lechery take center stage in this raucous bedroom farce. Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, rockford.edu./academics/departments/performingarts. ❚
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High Nutrition Served at Peak’s Thrive Café
By Peggy Werner
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eak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill., is offering yet another way to achieve good health. Thrive Café opened seven months ago and is open to the public as well as to Peak members. The menu consists primarily of freshly made salads, wraps, Panini sandwiches, cold-pressed juices and smoothies. All homemade items are prepared with fresh ingredients purchased locally. Jason Rager, owner and operator of Thrive Café, is a personal trainer who emphasizes the nutritional side of fitness. He says good carbohydrates fuel a workout, and protein and other nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables help the body recover and repair after strenuous activity. Rager describes the freshly made cold-pressed juices and smoothies as a
“meal-in-a-cup” because of the quantity of fruits and vegetables used in each 16-ounce serving. Making the drinks on the spot allows for optimum nutrition you can’t find in processed foods. Juicing extracts the liquid from fruits and vegetables, leaving the fiber behind. Without the fiber, it’s easier to consume lots of fruits and vegetables and quickly get essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes into the blood stream for an energy burst. “Juicing changes the body at a cellular level. With new cells being generated all of the time and getting the nutrients they need, the body just functions better,” he says.
Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/AmeriArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 can. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm; (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11a.m.-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$. T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sealoit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakCosta’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $-$$. Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 4979. L D Sun-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat to 10:30 p.m. $-$$. Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Som- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. melier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, local- Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, RosGiordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, coe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon.-Sat. 4 p.m.-close. $-$$.. ❚ 28
Smart Living Weekly
April 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Smoothies are made with the whole fruit, giving the consumer the benefit of fiber, which is more filling. It allows for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream and is good roughage. Because smoothies are blended, you can add other ingredients like nuts and seeds that can’t go through a juicer. Either way, people get daily servings of fruits and vegetables they otherwise might not consume, which helps to protect the human body from disease. Thrive Café is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is closed Sunday. ❚
In the Spotlight Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint
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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. ❚
Dos Reales Dish of the Week Name of Plate: Enchiladas Mexicanas Restaurant: Dos Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford Description: This typical Mexican dish comes with three enchiladas of the customer choice – ground beef, shredded chicken or shredded beef – with gluten-free tortillas that are fried in vegetable oil. The plate also comes with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. “It’s a wonderful plate,” says Jose Gonzalez, manager. “Of the entire menu, this is one of the most requested dishes.” Why does this dish stand out? “Enchiladas are one of the most known dishes from Mexican cuisine,” Gonzalez says. “In Mexico, they make enchiladas spicy, but we take the spice out because we know most of our customers want something milder in taste. A Mexican customer might add hot sauce to it. The dish also has a good portion size. There’s enough to fill you up.”
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