Smart Living Weekly June 18, 2020

Sm mart a r t L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • June 18, 2020

™

Right in Our Region

815 Outside: Discover Nature!

See Page 16

Tasty Take-Along Cookies Favorite New Flooring Options Why Contractor Credentials Matter Technology Can Enhance Our ‘New Normal’

FREE WIN!

4 Passes to Public Ice Skate 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. 16 815 Outside Makes it Easier to Discover Nature Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Favorite New Flooring Options Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Joy of Honesty Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Tasty Take-Along Mexican Wedding Cookies Your Outdoor Living .........................................19 Why Contractor Credentials Matter Your Money .......................................................21 How to Handle Credit Cards Responsibly Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Amp Up Your Total Wellness Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Salamone’s North Your Technology ........................................ ....... 29 Ways to Enhance the ‘New Normal’

Smart L iving ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers 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, Sherri Saleh 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 2020 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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June 18 To advertise call 815-316-2300

The Best Chatter A

s I write this, a very enthusiastic wren is singing outside my window, lifting my mood. Nature has a way of doing that ... and we need it!

We’re grappling with big ideas right now, individually and as a society. Our heads are spinning over the ongoing pandemic, economic loss, civil unrest and an election that’s sure to be ugly. Facts are as elusive as fireflies these days, and it’s confusing.

Many of us are digging deeper to find truth and are thinking hard. We’re re-examining our values and pondering the future. We’re bombarded with TV, social media and disinformation campaign noise. No wonder large numbers of us are “running for the hills” – the tranquil natural areas where only the birds and chipmunks are chattering.

A trip to Rock Cut State Park this weekend revealed more visitors than I’ve ever seen in my life there. It was tonic for my soul to watch families grilling, hiking, paddling, biking and pitching tents – people of all ages, races and political stripes enjoying simple pleasures of American life, peacefully, side by side yet socially distanced. We all share so much in common, including our love for nature.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have public access to a sizable array of forest preserves and other green spaces. If you’re not sure how to find them, the 815 Outside website will help you. With more than 20,000 acres and four beautiful rivers in which to play – the Rock, Sugar, Kishwaukee and Pecatonica – we’re rich, indeed.

I have yet to emerge from a walk in the woods without feeling clearer in my mind and calmer in my soul.

In other matters, all of us at Smart Living Weekly salute the fathers, stepfathers, fathersin-law, grandfathers and stand-in fathers who make such a difference in our lives. Happy, Happy Father’s Day! As we shower our dads with gifts, cards, meals and experiences, let’s remember to spend our dollars at locally owned businesses. Our community will achieve economic recovery so much faster, if we do.

Have a wonderful week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Luxury Vinyl Tile: Functional and Stylish

By Janine Pumilia ust like other home materials, flooring is trending toward handsome but easy-care materials, says Kevin Rose, president of CarpetlandUSA Colortile, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“The most innovative material in the flooring world is luxury vinyl, which comes in planks (LVP) or in tiles (LVT),” says Rose. “People are thrilled with how good it looks and how well it wears.”

Not to be confused with the plasticlooking vinyl floors of yesterday, luxury vinyl imitates natural wood and stone products with uncanny accuracy. The image on the surface of the vinyl is topped with a durable finish that resists stains, scratches and dents. Vinyl products are softer and warmer underfoot than real stone or tile and far easier to install, although Rose still recommends professional installation.

Unlike laminate flooring, which can disintegrate in moisture, or solid

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wood floors, which can warp in the Midwest’s fluctuating humidity, “Luxury vinyl is 100 percent waterproof, which means it can be used in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and anyplace moisture could be a problem,” says Rose.

Trending now are much wider planks and much larger tile sizes.

Hard-surface flooring continues to gain ground over carpet. Luxury vinyl is taking market share away from laminate flooring, but solid wood and engineered wood floors are still wildly popular.

We’re covering fewer square feet of our homes in carpet these days, but it’s still highly valued in certain rooms for its warmth, softness and beauty, especially in four-season climates like ours.

“Carpet was probably 65 percent of our business 10 years ago and now it’s 50 percent,” says Rose. “We’re still laying a

lot of carpet.”

Rose says the durability of carpet varies greatly and “you really do get what you pay for” when it comes to choosing a carpet of good fiber with adequate face weight, density and twist.

Carpetland is the longest continually running flooring store in Rockford and has a second location in Sycamore, at 1719 DeKalb Ave. ❚

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I  W

The Joy of Honesty

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onest people do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But cheaters rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to cheat on taxes; to forge school papers or exams; to shortchange customers; to lie to the boss ...

While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 commandments, it’s at the core of most.

Stealing, bearing false witness and adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. Habitual liars rob themselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) More importantly, they grieve the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. How must God feel when we act like petty thieves rather than grateful children? God wants us to treat one another the way we want to be treated.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (NIV) Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again, says scripture. Today, we have better options. We can accept God’s grace, change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God. We grow closer to Him and feel joy. And with each good choice, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world.

The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything.

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15) The world exalts cheaters, liars, the proud and self-serving. Don’t let it get you down. Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

(John 16:33). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Enjoy Tasty Mexican Wedding Cookies T

hese globally inspired cookies are loved for their rich flavor and crumbly texture plus a powdery sweet coating and are perfect as a take-along dessert for summer picnics or boat rides.

Unlike many sweets, these cookies have an amped up nutritional value and stave off hunger pains because they contain walnuts.

Find more dessert ideas at walnuts. org.

Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe courtesy of California Walnuts

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 38 minutes Servings: 36 2 cups California walnuts, toasted 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Heat oven to 325 F. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In food processor, finely grind 1 cup walnuts for about 10-15 seconds. Transfer to medium bowl.

In food processor, pulse remaining walnuts about 5 seconds. Add to medium bowl with finely ground walnuts. Stir in flour and salt; set aside.

In electric mixer bowl, combine butter and granulated sugar. Beat 2 minutes, or until fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl. Add vanilla; beat 1 minute.

Add flour and walnut mixture; beat 30 seconds, or until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl and beaters; continue handmixing dough until well combined.

Working with 1 tablespoon dough at a time, roll into 1 1/4-inch balls and arrange 1 inch apart on prepared baking

sheets. Bake until cookies are lightly golden brown, about 18 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through.

Remove cookies from oven and cool on baking sheets 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack; cool completely. Roll cookies in powdered sugar.

Before serving, re-roll cookies in powdered sugar, if desired. Gently shake to remove excess. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

815 Outside Makes Nature Fun Easier

By Peggy Werner

W

hile sheltering in place, many people discovered what outdoor enthusiasts already know: Communing with nature is good for our bodies and souls.

There’s been a sharp increase in the number of people using area parks, forest preserves and other green spaces in recent months, says Severson Dells Development and Marketing Assistant Jessie Crow Mermel.

The 815 Outside program makes it easier to navigate our region’s many natural areas and organized activities.

Summer programs presented by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, and supported by other nature centers and organizations, are explained under the “Get Active” tab on the 815 Outside website.

“Nature has been a sanity saver for me, and others, these past couple months,

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even if just stepping outside to listen to the birds or hear leaves rustling in the wind,” says Crow Mermel. “Being outside is a great way to clear your head and heart. We all spend too much time on the computer, with social media, and listening to news. It’s a great way to get grounded and a lot of people are finding solace through nature.”

Severson Dell’s Shelter-in-Place Reading Group formed in March to help people feel less isolated and more inspired. Nature essays and articles are read and followed up with group discussion at 9 a.m. Thursdays and can be accessed at seversondells.com/reading-group. To receive reminder emails, contact Jessie@ seversondells.org.

Even during the pandemic shutdown, people always have been able to use the paths and grounds at most parks, nature

June 18 To advertise call 815-316-2300

centers and the 43 preserves, which are on more than 20,000 acres of land and include four rivers. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County officially reopened May 1.

815 Outside began in 2019 as the brainchild of Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney, who was inspired by Severson Dell’s “Unplug to Connect” breakfast program. The whole idea is to help people get healthier by urging them to use the county’s green spaces.

Winnebago County ranks as one of the unhealthiest counties in the state, based on a wide range of health data such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other conditions.

815 Outside is an alliance of nonprofit and public service organizations working together to direct people to nature locations for birding, hiking,

R  O R

bicycling, picnicking, fishing, camping, paddling, geocaching and more. The website offers maps, nature news and ideas for enjoying the outdoors.

“When we started 815 Outside, we not only wanted to attract nature lovers, but wanted everyone to discover the benefits of being outdoors,” says Crow Mermel. “We always encourage diversity. If you look at nature as a teacher, the healthiest ecosystems are about biodiversity.”

A program called Explore 20 in 2020 began this spring and will continue through Sept. 7. The goal is for each participant to visit 20 locations, which may include forest preserves, Severson Dells, Rockford Park District properties, Nature at the Confluence, Nygren Wetland Preserve and more.

People are asked to post pictures and identify a location on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with hashtags #815outside and #Explore20in2020. If you’re not on social media, send photos to info@815Outside.com.

Each person who visits 20 locations will be entered in a drawing to win a first, second or third -place prize, each of which includes a t-shirt, items to use outdoors and gift certificates to Kegels Bicycle store.

Proof of litter clean-up will earn you extra entries for prizes.

Crow Mermel says about 165 individuals/families have registered for the program so far.

“There’s a huge interest in this program, partly because a lot of people have more time and interest in getting outdoors during shelter-in-place. Everyone can encourage others to get outside and learn to be good stewards of our planet.”

Some people are afraid of the outdoors but can ease their fears by learning about good outdoor safety habits, she says.

For example, there are many species of ticks in Illinois, but only a few cause problems for humans. A video on the Severson Dells website explains how to reduce tick encounters.

Learning about plants and animals in nature and being prepared when venturing outdoors helps to alleviate fears.

To register for Explore 20 in 2020, go to 815 Outside.com. ❚

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Y O L

Credentials are Important When Hiring Contractors

By Peggy Werner

W

hen it comes to picking a home improvement contractor, make sure that person and company meet all the requirements on your checklist.

“A contractor is like an auto mechanic in that they provide an important service the average person knows little about,” says Justin Martin, president of Martin Exteriors, 11704 Main St., Roscoe. “It can be difficult to assess the expertise and qualifications of a contractor superficially, and that’s where credentials come in.”

Credentials are awarded to reputable manufacturers following the successful completion of specialized training courses. They signify that the contractor is qualified to work with the product. A credentialed contractor can offer extended manufacturer warranties which may cover costs associated with labor, disposal, replacements and workmanship.

Martin Exteriors holds the highestlevel credentials with Certainteed as a Select ShingleMaster Roofing Contractor and 5-Star Siding Contractor. The company is a Mastic Elite Siding Contractor, which means it offers special warranties on siding and roofing.

Verify that a contractor is in good standing with the state by going to the website for Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also is a great resource for consumers to check out a business’s complaint record and rating. If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it has made a commitment to resolve any consumer complaints. Businesses pay a fee to the BBB for regular reviews and monitoring.

Make sure your potential contractor has certificates of insurance that cover liability and workman’s compensation.

Contractors backed by the Google Guarantee badge have passed a Google screening and qualification process as added protection for the customer. Be sure to check out the contractor’s reviews.

Other tips: Ask the contractor for photos and/or addresses of local projects they’ve completed and talk to a contractor’s customers.

The Illinois Attorney General says to be wary of businesses operating out of post office boxes, private mailboxes and suites instead of a local business address. ❚

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Y M

Resist the Urge to Max Out Credit Cards

By Peggy Werner redit card usage is the most common loan activity and the No. 1 thing that affects a person’s credit score.

Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, says there are more than 364 million open credit card accounts in the United States and the main reason is pure convenience.

“Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases, but they’re still loans, and depending on how you handle them, you can drastically improve or impair your ability to borrow more money when you really need it,” he says.

A rule of thumb for getting the most benefit from credit cards is to keep a low number of them and to pay off the bal-

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ances in full each month. Pay attention to how much you are charging; if you can’t pay off the balance at the end of the month, do your best to stay under 30 percent of the total credit limit. The lower your credit card balances are in relation to

your card limits, the more positively they will affect your credit score.

Having too much debt in relation to your income, opening up or closing too many cards in a short time, frequent credit report requests, balances going to collections, and making late payments are all factors that hurt your credit rating.

A good credit score is important to getting the lowest interest rates and maximizing your borrowing power when you need a loan. If you don’t trust yourself with credit cards, request a lower credit limit and pay off the balance each month.

Resist efforts to lure you into opening up a store or bank charge account, especially around the holidays, when you don’t need extra bills, advises Lynch. ❚

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Circle of Wellness Forges Ahead with Improvements

By Peggy Werner

W

hen restaurants and bars closed in mid-March and then further restrictions and policies for sheltering in place were mandated, most healthy active people wondered how they would cope.

Leila MacQueen, owner and founder of Circle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St., a chiropractic wellness center that focuses on good nutrition and other services for wellbeing, says the change in lifestyle was a jolt for everyone.

“It was a shock at first. Like so many others, I was withdrawn, couldn’t sleep, wanted to stress eat, and felt depressed, but then people tried to adapt because we believed our governor did the right thing by taking drastic measures,” she says.

Adapting meant pulling together a plan to make life meaningful for oneself and othes while waiting out the crisis.

MacQueen set goals.

Even though her business was closed and there were no deadlines to meet, she decided to use the time creatively to set some deadlines for herself, while improving her business. She installed new computer software, purchased a new core-strengthening machine, added an infusion center for high-grade supplements, opened her rehab center to the public and implemented stricter guidelines for cleanliness and wellness for staff while working.

“As we begin to see the economy reopen, Circle of Wellness is making great efforts to assure patient and staff safety,” she says. “Even if we’re unsure of the future, it’s still a good idea to be productive and plan for an opening date and work toward that goal. Without goals, people can have a hysterical mindset and feel out of control and lost.”

MacQueen expects life to return to a new normal, gradually. Just as it was dif-

ficult to face the abrupt restrictions, it will take people some time to feel safe venturing out, being with others, and getting back to old routines.

“We all move too fast anyway, and sheltering in place was a good time to slow down, think about how to make good use of the time, plan for the future, and realize what’s really important in life,” she says.

“I believe we will come out of it if we all do what we are supposed to do. We can move forward together as a community with a goal in mind.” ❚

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WDL

Enjoy Al Fresco Dining at Salamone’s North F amily-run Salamone’s North, tucked inside the shopping plaza on the corner of Mulford and Spring Creek roads in Rockford, offers about 20 tables for outdoor dining as well as full-menu curbside pickup and delivery service.

You can call ahead to reserve a table, but walk-ins are welcomed, too.

Many residents will remember this restaurant as the former Angelo’s Restaurant and, later, Joey C’s. It’s now owned and operated by Phil and Brieanna Salamone. Phil is twin brother to Benny Salamone, owner of Salamone’s Downtown Cherry Valley.

Phil helped to manage the Cherry Valley location for 11 years before branching out on his own.

“I wanted to create a family experience where people could come and have great food with a great atmosphere and just have a nice night out,” says Phil.

The menu features a wide variety

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen E 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.

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

Ciao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-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. $$ Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Gene’s Irish Pub E Casual/Irish Pub. American and Irish fare.

Over 21 only. 1025 5th Ave., Rockford, (815) 977-4365. LD T-Th 11am-10:30pm, F-Sat to midnight. $$.

Giordano’s E 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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of pizzas, calzones and pasta as well as full entree dinners like seafood, steaks and chicken.

The most popular pizza on the Salamone’s North menu is the Mediterranean pizza, with pesto, mushroom, spinach, onion and black olives. There are also specialty pizzas like Taco, BBQ Chicken and Hot Italian, made with garlic butter sauce, Italian beef, fresh garlic, hot giardiniera, tomatoes, green peppers, parmesan & mozzarella cheese.

There are many appetizers to choose from, such as Toasted Ravioli, Calamari, Bruschetta and Spinach Artichoke Dip. A favorite pasta is Seafood Portofino, with shrimp, scallops, clams & mushrooms over a bed of linguine pasta in a creamy white sauce.

Among other dinner favorites

are Chicken or Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala, Baked Cod or Salmon, Fried Shrimp and Ribeye Steak. The Tour of Italy includes a portion of Fettucine Alfredo, homemade Lasagna & Chicken Parmigiana. Salamone’s North begins accepting phone orders at 3:30 p.m. daily, with outdoor table service at 4 p.m., staying open until about 9 p.m., 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. ❚

In the Spotlight Hearthrock Cafe E 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. $-$$.

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

Maciano’s E 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. $-$$.

Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery E Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $.

Olympic Tavern E 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 E Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Salamone’s North E 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 E 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.-8 p.m.

Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ ❚

June 18 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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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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Technology Can Enhance Our ‘New Normal’

By Peggy Werner

A

s we learn to live with a “new normal” that includes social distancing and other safety measures, we can find comfort in being connected to our surroundings through technology, says Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Loves Park. The store reopened June 1 in accordance with safety guidelines.

With Google Nest products, people can control their thermostats, secure their homes without landlines, safely talk to visitors at their doors, learn when packages are delivered, receive warnings from smoke detectors, and enjoy improved and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, which is especially important to those working from home.

“People are not always aware of the great products that are available and how much more in control they could feel and

how much easier their lives could be,” says Zambrano.

For example, the Nest thermostat can turn itself down when you’re away and you can control the temperature from your smartphone, whether or not you’re home. The remote temperature-sensing device tells the thermostat which rooms should be at what temperature at various times of day.

The Nest Cam continually records video, sends you phone alerts, provides a three-hour snap shot history and has night vision. This device is perfect for monitoring a certain area inside or outside of your home. And if you want to keep an eye on Mom or Dad, whether they’re home alone or at a facility, you can easily keep tabs on their care and condition.

You’ll never miss a visitor at your door or a newly delivered package with the Nest Hello doorbell. You can check in

at anytime to see a live shot of what’s going on at your front door, talk to someone at your door, and be alerted when packages arrive.

EZ Satellite and Wireless also offers customers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor security cameras and installs them. Some automatically send notifications to your cell phone when motion is detected.

For more information on products or to set up an appointment, contact Zambrano by calling (815) 957-4335 or visit ezsatellitenow.com. ❚

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