Smart Living Weekly October 30, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Oct. 30, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Dancing With the Rockford Stars!

See Page 16

Laughs for Literacy Fundraiser Are Your Air Vents Clean?

Easy Make-and-Take Recipes You Can Be Single and Eat Well!

FREE WIN!

Four Passes to the Discovery Center Museum

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 Dancing With the Rockford Stars Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 Are Your Home’s Ducts Clean?

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Harvest & Hunger Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 20 Make-and-Take Recipes; Singles Can Eat Well

Your Money .......................................................21 Yes, You Do Need a Lawyer

Your Outing ............................................. .......... 19 Laughs for Literacy Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Skin Care and Your Well-Being 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 Lukas 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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A Time for Light

M

ost of us think of Oct. 31 as a day to celebrate creepy superstitions born in the Dark Ages, but it’s also a date associated with light. Just over 500 years ago, a Catholic monk named Martin Luther tacked 95 big ideas about reforming Roman Catholicism to a Wittenberg, Germany church door on Oct. 31, 1517.

Luther challenged people to read scripture for themselves and to compare it with the church dogma they’d only heard verbally during centuries of widespread illiteracy. It was an idea that got him kicked out of the church and many of his peers killed. But he persisted.

The rise of Protestantism (the root word being “protest”) reshaped the political, cultural and religious history of Western Civilization.

Luther was especially effective among his European reformer peers because he embraced the modern technology of his day: the printing press. After being ex-communicated, he spent 10 years translating scripture into German so that common people could read it. He printed and distributed tons of pamphlets.

As the Renaissance shone brighter each year, literacy rates increased and interest in all subjects grew exponentially. Knowledge in book form could be handed to each new generation to build upon; people gained more control over their own lives and changed the world.

I was thinking about all of this as I read the Laughs for Literacy story on p. 19.

We know that personal empowerment begins with English literacy ... yet some 40,000 of our neighbors in Boone, Ogle and Winnebago counties are functionally illiterate. There are many reasons for this, but the most important thing to know is that illiteracy can be overcome, no matter one’s age!

We have a great organization in place to do just that. It only needs our financial support and more volunteers who are willing to bring the empowering light of literacy to men, women and children. There’s a list of would-be learners waiting for tutors.

The next time you read anything at all, be grateful that someone taught you how. And have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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How Dirty are Your Ducts?

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By Janine Pumilia

M

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-

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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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Harvest & Hunger

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he Midwest is sometimes referred to as the “breadbasket of the world,” thanks to the rich soil and growing climate provided to us by God. It’s hard to believe that nearly 425,000 people in the service area of Northern Illinois Food Bank are classified as “food insecure.”

Nearly half are children; other large segments include the elderly, disabled, working poor, homeless and veterans.

While good people disagree about the role that government should play in helping the needy, there’s no question that caring for hungry, sick and oppressed people has always been part of the JudeoChristian ethic. God cares about the way we treat fellow human beings.

Lest we forget that the God we serve expects us to be generous, here are a few verses to remind us.

She [the virtuous woman] opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20 Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. – Proverbs 28:27 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. – James 2:14-18.

And he [Jesus] answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” – Luke 3:11 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. – I John 3:17-18 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

– Matthew 25:37-40 ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Easy Make-and-Take Dishes Party Meatballs

1 Tb. butter 1/2 cup red onion, grated 1 pound pork sausage 1 pound ground beef 2 cups panko bread crumbs 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1/4 cup sour cream 2 eggs 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. allspice 1/2 cup beef broth 2 Tb. honey 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper

Directions: Heat oven to 400 F and line large-rimmed baking sheet with foil. In skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add grated onions and saute for 3-4 minutes, until soft. In large bowl, mix sausage, ground beef, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup apple butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, pepper and allspice. Add onion, once it cools. Use

hands to mix well until evenly combined.

Measure one-ounce portions. Roll tight balls and place them on baking sheet, close together, but not touching. Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix remaining apple butter with beef broth, honey and 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper. Whisk well. Remove meatballs from oven. Pour sauce over top, making sure to cover each meatball, and place back in oven for 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, shake baking sheet a little to loosen meatballs and serve warm.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars 1 cup flour 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 8 Tb. butter, melted 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Coat 8-by-8-inch

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baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Line with heavy-duty foil, leaving overhang on two sides to facilitate removal of bars from pan. Coat foil with cooking spray. In medium bowl mix flour, oatmeal, sugar and salt. With fork, stir in butter until well mixed and clumps form, then spread half the oatmeal mixture over foiled pan bottom, pressing to form a thin crust. Spread apple butter over crust, then sprinkle remaining oatmeal mixture on top. Bake until crisp and golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

Use foil “handles” to remove bars from pan. ❚ Source: Family Features

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See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/mpatel

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‘Dancing With the Rockford Stars’ Nov. 23 T

By Peggy Werner he red carpet will roll out for “Old Hollywood Glam,” the theme of this year’s Dancing with the Rockford Stars fundraiser for Family Counseling Services (FCS). Six couples will step up to the challenge of not only making the right moves, but also of raising money to benefit others.

The 12th annual event is the largest annual fundraiser for FCS and will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Road. Highlights include dinner, dancing, music and a live auction which features a piece of jewelry from Anthony Alexander Diamonds, a one-week Florida condo stay and more than 120 other items like spa days, sports memorabilia and artwork.

Stan Goral, FCS board member and chairman of the event planning committee, says interest in the event has grown

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each year. Dancers raise money by getting friends and family to sponsor them.

“The more people they know, the more likely they are to walk away as winners. Every dollar raised is a vote in their favor,” he says.

Luxe Productions will transform the Giovanni’s ballroom with spot, strobe and flashing lights to highlight the dancers’ performances. The dance floor will open up for all to enjoy following the competition.

The dancers compete not only for sponsors, but for one of two trophies: the Judge’s Choice Award for the best dancers and The People’s Choice Award for the couple that raises the most money.

FCS, 631 N. Longwood St., provides counseling, psychotherapy and family life education to individuals and families in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. Their programs reflect a belief that

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early intervention prevents small problems from becoming worse. FCS offers services on a sliding fee scale, based on income. With no government funding, FCS relies on client fees, insurance, fundraisers, grants and contributions.

FCS Executive Director Dr. Susan Johnson says the money raised will be used to supplement the cost of counseling for people who otherwise can’t afford it or are not insured.

In existence for 142 years, FCS was approved to start taking Medicaid patients two years ago and this year more Medicaid services were approved.

From July 1 to Oct. 7 of this year, the agency saw 250 clients, 150 more people than during the same period last year. The Boone County office at 860 Biester Dr. in Belvidere also saw an increase.

“We see all kinds of people having all kinds of problems, including relationship

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problems, problems with their kids, problems because they don’t have their kids, depression, anxiety and everyone is struggling financially,” says Johnson.

“We all have to face difficulties, but how you handle problems makes all the difference and that’s how we try to help people, by showing them they have choices and options. As we get older, we see that our problems were not insurmountable, but it takes some maturing to get to that point. Sometimes, just having a positive relationship with someone can make all the difference.”

Dancers don’t have to know how to

dance to help the cause.

Such is the case with Mike Rans, who’ll be dancing with his 13-year-old daughter, Maddie. He agreed to participate because he wanted to support a good cause and saw the event as a fun way to spend time with his daughter.

“Neither one of us is a dancer and I’m 100 percent out of my comfort zone, so it’s all new to me. People who know me won’t expect much from me on the dance floor, so I’m not worried about disappointing anyone. I just want to remember the choreography and not mess up the routine for my daughter,” says Rans.

Father and daughter are about halfway through eight weeks of dance lessons at Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Rockford, which partners with the event.

“We’re having a lot of fun and I actually look forward to the dance lessons,” says Rans. “Maddie gets to see a goofy, vulnerable side of me she doesn’t often see and she can be very shy, so she’s coming out of her shell. But what’s important

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is we’re doing this for a great cause. For that reason alone, I can power through it.”

Ellwyn and Gayle Englof of Rockford will also compete. Gayle is the retired, former owner of Home Environment Center and serves on the board of directors for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. The couple takes every opportunity to dance socially.

“We’re a little nervous, but we’ll give it our best shot,” says Gayle. “It will be fun, but more importantly, we’re happy to be a part of helping out such a great organization.”

Other couples competing this year include Jeff and Sierra Kellen; Dan Conness and Sheri DeRosso; Lisa Johnson and Jarid Funderburg; and Thomas and Krystle Weightman.

Purchase tickets online at dancingwiththerockfordstars.com or call FCS at (815) 962-5585. Cost: $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10, before Nov. 1; $80 for individuals and $750 for a table of 10 after Nov. 1. ❚

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‘Laughs for Literacy’ is Nov. 8

By Peggy Werner

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hey say laughter is the best medicine. Why not see for yourself and do some good?

‘Laughs for Literacy’ is a major annual fundraiser for The Literacy Council and will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave. Highlights include the return of favorite comedian Gerry Grossman; hors d’ oeuvres and desserts; an open bar of beer and wine; a 50/50 raffle and a new “Barrels of Laughs” drawing for prizes. Radio personality Steve Summers will emcee.

Comic Gerry Grossman is nicknamed “the Human Jukebox” for his performances that include classic rock n’ roll music and humor. Literacy Council Executive Director Sheryl Thogerson says people loved Grossman when he performed for the event three years ago.

“No one wanted to leave because they were having so much fun,” she says.

“He sings, tells jokes, gets the audience involved and it’s all good, clean humor.”

The Literacy Council’s mission is to “empower people of all ages by helping them improve their reading and writing skills so they can advance in their careers, all at no cost to the learners,” says Thogerson.

In addition to helping adults achieve th a 9 -grade reading level, the council also offers English as a Second Language classes and Adult Basic Education Skills.

Children grades K-3 benefit from the I Read program run in partnership with the United Way of Rock River Valley.

The Literacy Council serves individuals in Boone, Winnebago and Northeast Ogle counties, where more than 40,000 people do’t read past a fourth grade level.

Training sessions are offered monthly for those interested in becoming tutors; online courses are also available. Learn more at theliteracycouncil.org.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling (815) 963-7323, ext. 11 or by going online at laughsforliteracy19. eventbrite.com. Mail orders can be sent to The Literacy Council at 982 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and you need not be present to win. ❚

Handcrafted Hourly Prizes

$1 OFF COUPON valid towards one adult $4 admission.

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Being Single is No Excuse for Poor Eating

By Peggy Werner

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f your days of cooking big family meals are over because your kids are grown and have families of their own, or if death, divorce or other life circumstances have left you living alone, there’s no excuse to not eat well.

You just have to plan and portion meals differently, learn to buy just what you need or freeze some for later. Countryside Meats & Deli Owner Jarrod Bush can help you make the transition. He’s located at 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford.

“The good thing about us is you can order one slice of bacon or a pound of bacon that we can package up in three-slice portions and that’s true of any other meats we sell,” says Bush. “We understand you may not need a lot all at once, but it’s always better to cook at home because you know what’s in your food and how you’re preparing it.”

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If you’re in a hurry, grab a sandwich or wrap made with Boar’s Head luncheon meats or pick up a ready-to-bake meal for later that night.

There are cases full of “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian Beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie, chicken Kiev and 25 varieties of bratwurst. There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, seasonings, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as cole slaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring.

Gourmet items include four varieties of chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto, fennel, cheese and Italian seasoning; traditional bread stuffing, ham and Swiss cheese; or apples and cranberries.

Large portabella mushrooms are filled with crab meat and Swiss or Ched-

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dar cheese and bacon. There are crab cakes, twice-baked potatoes and garlic cheese bread. Everything in the store is made onsite. Meats and many other products are purchased locally or regionally and all meat grinding is done on in house.

If you want to put something into the slow cooker for a tasty meal at the end of the day, choose from the well-stocked, clean and organized 20-foot-long meat case filled with top quality freshly cut Midwestern beef, pork, and poultry. ❚

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Yes, You Really Do Need a Lawyer

By Janine Pumilia

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ttorney James Meason has practiced in some of the largest cities of the country. But opening his own law office in Rockton, Ill., in 1997, was one of the best decisions he ever made.

“By being a small-town attorney, I can really help people,” he says. “I grew up in a working class neighborhood of Chicago, went to public school and was the first person in my family to attend college. I know how hard people work.

I hate to see how some attorneys complicate things in order to charge more money. Sometimes they build you a lunar module when all you need is a mini van.”

One thing all adults do need, however, regardless of age, is to put into writing end-of-life wishes related to healthcare and assets, with help from an attorney, says Meason.

A living will is a directive to your

doctor that documents your ideas on what, if any, extraordinary measures you’d want taken to prolong your life if you were incapacitated by illness or injury. This can happen to anyone at any age, as the case of 26-year-old Terry Schiavo demonstrated in 1990. That landmark case dragged out for 15 years because Schiavo’s wishes were undocumented.

“Everyone, regardless of their financial situation, should name a power of attorney for healthcare and also a power of attorney for handling finances,” says Meason. “And, everyone should have a will. By law, if your assets are greater than $100,000, (that includes your home), you should have a trust set up to prevent your heirs from having to send your estate through the lengthy and costly probate process.” That threshold is just $50,000 in Wisconsin.

Seeking legal help makes sense at

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many other key moments in life, too.

“You would not believe the messes people find themselves in because they didn’t consult an attorney when Attorney James Meason setting up their business or closing a real estate transaction, for example,” says Meason.

He cautions it’s risky to take a “do it yourself” approach to law.

“You get what you pay for.”

Meason’s services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law, mediation and environmental law.

Find him at 113 N. Main St. in Rockton, Ill., or go to measonlaw.com or call (815) 624-6517. ❚

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Skin Care is Important to Well-Being, Too

By Peggy Werner

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ircle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St., which began in 2008 as a center for medical massage and chiropractic treatments, is growing. Among other things, it’s adding a focus on how you look.

Esthetician Lori Howard oversees the new Med Spa there, which opened in September and concerns itself with skin care services and products.

“In Illinois, people will feel the dryness of their skin with rapid weather changes like we’ve had recently,” says Howard. “Every skin type has its own characteristics and it takes a trained specialist to analyze skin and make recommendations.”

The spa offers facials, chemical peels and dermaplaning, a deep exfoliating process that removes dead skin cells and fine hair to resurface the skin to reduce scarring, discoloration and sun damage.

The spa specializes in Dermalogica and PCA skin care products that include face washes, exfoliators, masks, toners, and serums to build collagen and add hydration and Vitamin C. There are also starter kits and products to address discoloration.

Which brand and products would benefit someone depends on their age, ethnicity and skin problems. Anyone needing help should start with a facial for deep cleaning, exfoliating and skin analysis, she says.

Howard is a 2015 graduate of the Cosmetic & Spa Academy in Crystal Lake, Ill., is an Illinois licensed esthetician and owned her own business in Harvard, Ill., for three years. She’s also working on completing an advanced degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

“What I love doing is taking care of people’s skin, but I hope someday to offer

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counseling services at Circle of Wellness, too,” she says.

Circle of Wellness Owner Leila MacQueen says hiring Howard fits in with her dream of building a business that offers a variety of services for wellness and wellbeing in one location.

Schedule a first-time Dermalogica facial for $40 by calling (779) 423-1700. Learn more at circleofwellnessrockford.com. ❚

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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.

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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

Autumn Fun

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Attractions & Events

will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

RAM: Bold Abstractions Now thru Jan. 26, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Exploring new forms of abstract painting from Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com the 1960s. RAM, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Wings of Wonder: The Lorikeet Exhibit Now thru Nov. 10, Tues.-Sun. Get an intimate look at these playful birds. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford. (815) 987-8858.

'A Christmas Story' Oct. 31-Dec. 22. Based on the classic 1983 movie, the funny story of Ralphie’s quest to make sure he gets the only thing he wants for Christmas. Fireside, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.

A Shining Night of Barber Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. A collaboration of regional musicians performing compositions by American composer Samuel Barber, from his “Adagio for Strings” to his witty 9-minute opera “A Hand of Bridge.” MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Evening of Illumination Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. Experience the dark side of Victorian life at Midway Village Museum.

For ages 16 and up. Register by Oct. 30. Learn more at midwayvillage.com or call (815) 3979112.

Nature at the Confluence Nov. 2, 1 p.m. Kids ages 7-11 learn where the Ho-Chunk people who once lived at Ke-Chunk Village migrated in the fall and winter. Nature at the Confluence, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 2006910, natureattheconfluence.com.

Guitar & Drum Show Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Buy, sell or trade your used music and sound equipment.

Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 494-1365, rockfordguitarshow.com.

Mike Williamson Nov. 3, 3-5 p.m. A frequent performer at the Butterfly Club and the Stockholm Inn, Williamson entertains with songs from his repertoire, including his new CD, “Now You’re Here.” Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Enjoy spooky Victorian fun at Midway Village.

Smash Your Pumpkin at Discovery Center Nov. 3, 1 to 4 p.m. Newton's laws of motion turn into exciting science. Create your own miniature catapult and celebrate with autumn activities. Discover Center Museum, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Broadway: 'Once' Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Once” tells the tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

TobyMac Nov. 8, 7 p.m. The seven-time Grammy winner brings his “Hits Deep Tour” to town. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Chip Messiner Tribute Show Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Back for his fourth appearance, Messiner’s vocals are a remarkable match for the legendary John Denver. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular Nov. 9-10, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 25,000 square feet showcasing handmade items for home, holiday and more. Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 997-1744, artsandcraftfaiar.com.

BJSO: Faure Requiem Nov 10, 2 p.m. Beloit College Choirs and Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra. Eaton Chapel, Beloit, (608) 363-2755, beloit.edu. ❚

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WDL

There’s Always Something New at Baci’s

By Peggy Werner

N

ikko Castrogiovanni sees his business as constantly evolving to give people what they want from his full -service, all-day offerings of Italian and American cuisine. These include many health-conscious and vegetarian options.

“We offer great customer service, fresh foods and a great atmosphere,” he says. “People are pleasantly surprised when they come here and they make plans to return. And many people are still trying us out for the first time.”

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. It offers carryout, catering, delivery and full table service, with reservations highly encouraged. It also has a private gaming corner, a sit-down bar, daily specials and live music most Fridays and Saturdays.

Among favorite items on the menu are 10 oz. burgers, such as a mushroom

burger with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms and bacon; the avocado burger topped with lettuce, tomato, black beans, avocado, American cheese and onion; and the Baci Blue, with bleu cheese, bacon and purple onion.

Also beloved is Baci’s Mac and Cheese, made with corkscrew pasta that’s baked and lightly topped with panko crumbs. There are many options, like Alfredo Mac and Cheese with shrimp, peppers and broccoli.

For breakfast, waffles, omelets, skillets and ala carte items are available as well as breakfast pizza starting at $14 in three sizes, made with scrambled eggs and a choice of sauces, cheeses, toppings and meat. There are also breakfast bowls like Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey or sweet potato and egg with avocado and kale. Costs range from $4.50 to $8.

Lunch/dinner options include sand-

wiches, soups, panini, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet for $22 or lasagna for $14.95.

Among Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls is the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamane and shredded carrots for $14.

Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon.Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Learn more 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.

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

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.

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. $-$$.

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

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. $-$$.

Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery  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  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. $$ Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

Oct. 30

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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