Smart Living Weekly June 27, 2018

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • June 27, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

31st ByronFest Serves Up Fun

See Page 16

Wine & Brew for the Wetlands All About Medical Massage The New Flooring Everyone Wants July 4 & Other Events

FREE WIN!

2 Tickets to Klehm Arboretum’s Music in the Garden 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 31st ByronFest Serves Up Fun Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 The Flooring Everyone Wants Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 A Good Leader Your Outing .......................................................19 Wine & Brew at the Wetlands Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 All About Medical Massage Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

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, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

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

Copyright 2018 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Out of Many, One

W

hat a phenomenal thing it is that our own “Mr. Fourth of July” Joe Marino, age 91, is in his 55th year of helping Rockford to celebrate Independence Day in grand style.

The spectacular 30-minute fireworks show he organizes each year doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime because Marino raises the funds privately. Send your donation to the Fourth of July Committee, PO Box 1027, Rockford, IL, 61105 if you want to help keep this cherished tradition going.

“This is the country that gave my immigrant parents an opportunity to come here and build better lives for themselves,” Marino has told Northwest Quarterly Magazine. “As long as I’m alive, I will celebrate that opportunity.”

Like many of you, I recall my parents loading us into the family van to go watch fireworks. We’d spread our blankets on the ground, spritz each other with bug spray and watch the fireflies come out, aware that Americans all around us were celebrating, too. After I grew up, I did the same with my own children. Family traditions matter.

July 4th is all about the extraordinary achievement of flawed human beings who came together in the 18th century to overcome their differences and form a more perfect democratic republic than the world had ever known. The USA has since shone as a beacon to oppressed people everywhere.

Establishing an effective form of government was no easy task and neither is maintaining it. It requires us to know our rights and responsibilities as Americans and to be ever wary of those who would divide us and erode the norms of our free society here and throughout the world. We Americans have far more in common than we may believe.

Why not take advantage of pre-fireworks family waiting time to teach the young folks in your group a thing or two about this “empire ruled by laws and not men,” as John Adams put it. Remind them that more than half the world’s people remain oppressed by dictators.

We need to understand what we have to prevent losing it.

America’s success begins with the common ideals of her people. E Pluribus Unum. “Out of Many, One.” Have a wonderful week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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June 27

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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 new thing 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 wood

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floors, which can warp in the Midwest’s fluctuating humidity, “Luxury vinyl is 100 percent waterproof, which means it can be used in 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. ❚

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

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I  W

A Good Leader

T

he Bible is full of information about qualities God values in all people and requires from leaders. Among them are humility, honesty, self-control, fairness, empathy, a willingness to learn and a sincere desire for peace. Qualities that disqualify a good leader include the love of money, a quarrelsome nature and arrogance.

I Timothy 3:2-7 (NIV)

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

Proverbs 16 (NIV)

Here we learn that God detests arrogance and values those who ask Him for direction: All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (16:2-3) The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. (16:5-6) When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. (16:7-8) How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! … Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. (16:16-20) A perverse person stirs up conflict, a gossip separates close friends. A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

(16:28-32) ❚ 12

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R  O R

Parmalee Headlines ByronFest July 13-15

By Peggy Werner

A

small town will grow 10 times larger when people head to the 31st annual ByronFest in downtown Byron, Ill., July 13-15.

Sarah Downs, executive director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce, says ByronFest is the main fundraiser for the Chamber, whose purpose is to support local businesses, help with networking and encourage growth of the local economy.

“Our goal is to show everyone a great time while showcasing what we have in Byron in the way of a great police presence, fire department, a beautiful library and wonderful people who live here,” she says.

Having grown up in Byron, she remembers enjoying the festival as a child and her parents encouraging her to get involved as a volunteer.

“Seeing ByronFest from both sides,

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I can see how it has evolved,” she says.

“The level of commitment from so many community volunteers just blows my mind. I couldn’t pay people to have the passion they have for this town and the things we do here. It was fun to be a part of ByronFest as a kid and it’s even more amazing to be involved as an adult.”

The festival will kick off with a Gospel Fest at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12, at Generations at Neighbors Rehab Center, 811 W. 2nd St. Friday’s events begin at 5 p.m. with a quilt show at Byron Museum of History, 110 N. Union St., and Taste of ByronFest at Walnut and Second streets. Sixteen food vendors from Wisconsin, Chicago and Northern Illinois will provide meals and refreshments for festivalgoers, who can enjoy food and drink under the shade of four tents. Among favorite food

June 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300

vendors is Peking Foods, in its 28th year at ByronFest, with an array of offerings that includes egg rolls and crab cheese Rangoons. Costa’s of Byron will offer pizza by the slice and the Dakota Cheerleaders will sell lemon shake-ups.

More than 300 volunteers make the festival happen each year. Live music is presented from beginning to end on two stages. The Exelon Generation Carnival Stage is at Second and Washington streets and the Byron Lions Club Festival Stage is in Municipal Lot 1.

New this year is a VIP area. For $25, people can enjoy personal bar service, front row seats and other amenities.

Four years ago, ByronFest started the tradition of inviting an internationally known touring artist to the music stage.

This year, the headliner is Parmalee, an American country music band made up

R  O R

of two brothers, a cousin and a close friend. Parmalee will perform on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Parmalee is known for its rambunctious spirit and high-energy shows. The group’s latest hit single, “Hotdamalama” was on its last album, “27861,” and is the band’s seventh single to hold a place on the Country’s Top 40 list. Parmalee members pay tribute to their Carolina upbringing with their name and sound. Raised on a diet of Southern rock, country and blues, they came together in 2001 and named themselves after the small town where they got their start, Parmele, N.C. Their talents took them way beyond the

little cement block barn where they rehearsed, and sent them to country music’s biggest stages.

Other artists on the Exelon Stage will include Destination Unknown, Stateline Country Band and Whiskey Romance on Friday; Smokin’ Gunz, Dylan Jakobsen, Stoker Red and Billy Croft and the 5th Alarm on Saturday; and Mike and Adam and Rollin Whiskey on Sunday.

The Lions Stage will feature Mocking Birds, Burn ’N Bush and Cover Gurl on Friday; Couch Coins, Vintage Vinyl, Johnny & The Boomers, Blind Date, Teenage Mutant ’90s Turtles, and Hair Band Night on Saturday; and Lizzi Neal Band and the Party Doctors on Sunday.

Find a complete entertainment schedule at byronfest.org.

Street parking is available or people can park in the lot at Old Stone Recreation Park, 6845 N. German St., and take the shuttle bus that makes stops every half hour at the Bryon Museum of History and at the festival entrance at IL Route

2 and Washington Street.

WIFR-TV personality Aaron Wilson will be on the festival grounds Friday morning to talk about the upcoming highlights and to give away about 25 wristbands.

Admission wristbands are required for entrance into the beer garden, entertainment stages and Taste of ByronFest.

The wristbands are $5 in advance until noon Thursday, July 12, sold at more than a dozen Byron businesses and other locations. Admission is $8 at the gate.

Other area locations where wristbands may be purchased include Kelly Williamson Mobile in Mount Morris, Pecatonica, Rockford (Sandy Hollow and Main Street locations) and Winnebago; Stillman Bank in Oregon, Stillman Valley, Rochelle, Rockford and Rockton/ Roscoe; Byron Bank in Davis Junction; Snyder Pharmacy in Oregon and Winnebago and at Merlin’s in Oregon.

For a full list of events, go to byronfest.org. ❚

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Y O

Wine & Brew to Benefit Nygren Wetlands S pend an afternoon in a midsummer wildflower prairie sampling wine, beer and gourmet food, on Saturday, July 14, when the Natural Land Institute (NLI) presents Wine & Brew at the Wetland from 3-6 p.m.

The event location is Nygren Wetlands Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, a 721-acre wildlife refuge owned by NLI. Proceeds will help NLI to pay for managing the wetland.

In the comfortable shade of a big tent, Toni’s of Winnebago will provide a buffet of tasty fare designed for an easygoing experience.

Artale & Co. will offer samples of specially selected wines from sustainable vineyards that practice bio-dynamics.

When you order bottles of wine during the event (for later pick-up at the shop), 15 percent of sales will benefit Nygren Wetland Preserve.

Prairie Street Brewhouse will create

a special recipe of beer and invite guests to submit ideas for naming it during this event. Lena Brewing Co. and Generations Brewing Co. of Freeport will provide beer samples along with Prairie Street.

Live music will be performed by Truman’s Ridge, described as “a bit of folk, a hint of jazz and a touch of swing – Chicago-style bluegrass at its finest.”

Guests may take a guided tour of the prairie or meander on their own.

Tickets purchased in advance cost $45 and include a one-year introductory NLI membership. Members pay $30.

Tickets at the entrance cost $45 for members and non-members alike.

Buy advanced tickets by going to naturalland.org or mail a check with guest names to Natural Land Institute, 320 S. Third St., Rockford, IL, 61104.

Major sponsors of this event include Campbell Science, Sjostrom & Sons and Specialty Screw Corp. Supporting spon-

Truman’s Ridge members L-R Steve Sarver, Charley Smart, Chris Johnson and Bruce Wallace.

sors are Bugler Design, Inc., Napleton Subaru and Prairie Street Brewing Co. Lindstrom Travel is a patron sponsor.

The NLI is a non-profit land conservation organization based in Rockford that has protected 17,300 acres of natural land in 12 counties of Illinois since 1958.

Its mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in Illinois for people, plants and animals.

Learn more by calling (815) 9646666 or email info@naturalland.org. ❚

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Y H

Medical Massage Targets Root Causes of Pain

By Peggy Werner

M

edical massage takes the benefits of physical therapy to an even deeper level to relieve pain and speed up recovery time, according to Chris Scott of Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202 in Loves Park.

Medical massage, also called clinical massage, has become more accepted as part of mainstream medicine and is being recommended more often by physicians, in conjunction with physical therapy, for treatment of several physical conditions including low back pain, shoulder injuries, arthritis, whiplash, headaches, neck stiffness and sports injuries, he says.

“Medical massage focuses on a specific area of the body, working muscles at a deeper level, sometimes applying pressure to a certain point for several minutes, to achieve a desired result,” he says.

“The job of the medical massage

therapist is to treat the root cause of pain by working tissue deeply, carefully, slowly and methodically, to break up knots and re-align fibers to make permanent changes in the tissue, so it can be hydrated and healthy again,” he says.

People who can benefit from medical massage will usually be referred by their doctor and with just one, one-hour treatment will see positive results. However, most people need a series of treatments to eliminate pain and restore normal functioning, he says.

Unlike a full body massage that is meant to make people feel relaxed and revived, medical massage pinpoints problem areas, but is not painful.

“It should be a pleasant experience, not just during the procedure, but immediately following treatment, and for days after because the patient feels relief from pain,” he says.

In business for more than 25 years, he opened his own clinic in 2014, specializing in pain management with Medical Massage Therapy and Myofascial Release. With two physicians and three therapists on staff, medical massage appointments account for about half of his business, he says.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic at 815-9773747. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturdays. ❚

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BYRONFEST $5.00 for admittance for the entire weekend!

LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG! for more information visit byronfest.org or the byronfest page on facebook!

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Events

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens On July 10 featuring Elizabeth Cook of Nashville. Gates open at 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m. performance. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Music on the Mall (Edgebrook) Most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair. 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Music in the Park Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell and other locations. Check website for full schedule.

(815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Freeport Concert Band Sundays at 7:30 p.m. thru July 22. Music under the stars at the Koenig Amphitheater. Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 9901739, freeportparkdistrict.org.

RSO: Independence Day Spectacular July 3, 8 p.m. Patriotic favorites, a tribute to our veterans, lively tunes and fireworks. Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Starlight Theatre, RVC, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsyphony.com.

Y F

Celebrate Independence Day with the RSO at Starlight Theatre on July 3.

Phantom Regiment Show of Shows July 6, 7:30 p.m. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford, (815) 261-1956, regiment.org.

Tender the Rocks July 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. See work by Elisa Ahmer in conjunction with the “Nicholas at Night” series. Paint rocks and build a cairn.

On view July 17-Aug. 6 during regular hours. elisaahmerstudio.com, nicholasconservatory. com. 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8858.

Shrek the Musical July 11-15, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m.

Starlight Theatre, RVC, 3301 N. Mulford Road, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Jerry Seinfeld Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Coronado PAC. Tickets: (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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WDL

Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

Y

ears before he opened it, owner Nikko Castrogiovanni mulled over the concept for Baci’s Kitchen in his mind. He envisioned a fast-casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner that would become a neighborhood favorite because of its good food, reasonable prices and fast service all day long.

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads.

Much of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service, but full table service is available as well.

“The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many healthconscious and vegetarian options,” says Castrogiovanni.

For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spin-

ach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price.

There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey.

“The breakfast pizzas are great to pick up and take into morning office gatherings,” says Castrogiovanni.

The lunch/dinner menu begins at 11 a.m. daily and includes sandwiches, paninis, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet or lasagna.

Especially popular are Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls such as the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamame and shredded carrots, for $14. Other protein bowls star chicken, seared tuna, steak, shrimp or vegetables with quinoa.

Entrees like stacked salmon feature a pan-seared salmon filet topped with sautéed radishes, carrots, tomatoes, orange slices, for $20.

Enjoy live music most Friday and Saturday nights; check the website to learn the lineup.

Baci’s opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m.

Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚ ❚

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.

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

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

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Capital House  Fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. BLD M-Th 8am4pm, Fri. 8 am-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm. Closed Sunday. $-$$$.

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

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

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authentic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Rock Cut Concessions  Casual American. BkLD. Now serving breakfast. Sandwiches, burgers, fries, ice cream. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry.

Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.

Thrive Café  Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚

June 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms.

There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage.

Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon.

Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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