Smart Living Weekly March 18, 2020

Smart L ivingg Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 18, 2020

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Right in Our Region

Reach for the Stars!

See Page 16

Choose Your Contractor Wisely Need Help Spring Cleaning?

How to Prevent Legal Woes A St. Patrick-style Sweet Treat

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$50 Gift Card to Retool 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!

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Reach for the Stars 18 Years Later Your Life Hacks ...................................................9 How to Choose a Home Cleaning Service Your Home ............................................11, 19, 22 About Contractors; Prevent Damage; Organize Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Internal Peace Your Kitchen .....................................................15 St. Patrick’s Week Sweet Treat Your Money ........................................ ............... 20 Prevent Legal Hassles Your Community ...............................................21 Respecting the Human Body Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Why Donating Blood Matters Your Shopping ..................................................24 Unique Items at Shine Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Dos Reales Outdoor Living ........................................ ..........29 Plants that Attract Birds & Wildlife

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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The Sun Will Return

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his, too, shall pass.

There’s no sugarcoating it: This is a scary time for vulnerable people and those who love them. It’s a time to use common sense and to resist aiding the enemy.

The enemy is a new virus. Our goal is to deprive it of mobility. We do this by keeping distance between ourselves so it can’t hitch a ride in our bodies. Doing this right now will limit COVID-19 infection and save lives.

Just as our military has defeated foes by blowing up bridges, we can cut off the transportation routes of this virus if we cooperate with guidelines set by health professionals.

We Americans are self-reliant people. We dislike asking for help and dislike being told what we can or can’t do. But when an enemy threatens us, we do what we must. We can deal a serious blow to this enemy.

If you’re elderly or suffer from heart or lung disease, diabetes or weakened immunity, stay home. Ask a healthy relative, friend or neighbor to deliver the groceries and medicine you need. Most people are happy to help out, so let them. And if you’re healthy, minimize socialization to reduce your odds of spreading the virus. Restaurants are closed for dine-in service, but many offer carry-out and delivery.

The virus will peak and subside. Our goal is to flatten that peak so healthcare workers aren’t overwhelmed and forced to make awful choices about who gets care.

I know. It’s very inconvenient and economically devastating, as all disasters are. But we focus on survival first, then assess damage, recover and move on. Prevention saves lives.

We don’t want to be like the 1918 Camp Grant commander who ignored early warnings about Spanish Flu and overcrowded his camp.

He later became so distraught by the number of flu deaths that he took his own life by gunshot. The very next day, new infections began to decline. If only he had listened to health officials when there was still time to reduce community spread. If only he had lived to see the sun come out again. And the sun will come out again.

When this is over, we’ll all turn out in force to help local businesses get back on their feet. For now, let’s resist aiding the enemy.

Onward! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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L H

What to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner H

By Janine Pumilia

iring someone to clean your house can be a real pleasure. Who doesn’t love coming home to a clean home? And who couldn’t use the time it frees up, especially now that two-income households are the norm? For the cost of one family dinner out, this pleasure could be yours.

Before you hand your house key to a stranger, however, be sure to ask good questions, suggests Paul Wheelock, owner of Merry Maids franchises in five local counties.

• What’s your security protocol?

Wheelock personally runs federal background checks on every person he hires.

“State background checks alone are not enough,” he says. “My guideline is that I won’t hire anyone I wouldn’t give my own house key to.”

• Can you provide proof of insurance? “If a company isn’t insured and bonded, you could be responsible for any

injuries that occur on your property,” says Wheelock. All Merry Maids employees are insured, bonded and covered by Worker’s Compensation.

• How well are your employees treated? High turnover is never good.

Companies that respect employees will attract better people who take more pride in their work.

“We offer a career experience to our employees,” says Wheelock. “We provide benefits like paid time off and a retirement plan. This helps us to find the best people and keep them onboard.”

• Is the work guaranteed? Expectations on both sides should be well communicated to avoid conflicts. “We’ll come back and make right anything that a customer feels was not properly done,” says Wheelock.

• How do pricing and payment options work? “We do a walk-through before a final price is set,” says Wheelock.

“Be wary of companies that skip this step and offer a ‘free cleaning,’ sight unseen, as a gimmick.” You get what you pay for.

As for payment methods, “We offer options for encrypted, secure online payment so you don’t have to bother with checks or cash.” Online software allows you to get a rough idea of how your cleaning job will be priced or you can get an estimate over the phone.

Merry Maids specializes in residential work. A typical cleaning schedule is 1.5 to 3 hours every two weeks.

Learn more at Merrymaids.com. ❚

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Y H  G

Why Contractor Credentials Matter

By Peggy Werner

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

Justin Martin, president of Martin Exteriors, 11704 Main St., Roscoe, has taken the necessary steps to make sure his company checks out.

“A contractor is like an auto mechanic in that they provide an important service the average person knows little about,” he says. “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 or programs. They signify the contractor is qualified to work with the product.

A credentialed contractor can offer extended manufacturer warranties that may cover costs associated with labor, dispos-

al, 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 that others can’t.

Verify the 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. If a

business has been accredited by the BBB, it shows the business has made a commitment to resolve any consumer complaints. Businesses pay a fee to the BBB for regular reviews and monitoring.

It’s also important to see if your potential contractor has certificates of insurance for liability and workman’s compensation.

A Google Guarantee badge means a business has passed a screening and qualification process. Be sure to check out the contractor’s reviews.

Other important things to consider: Ask for photos and/or addresses of local projects they’ve completed. Talk to people who’ve had work done by the contractor. A local office address shows legitimacy and seriousness about business.

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

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I  W

Internal Peace I

n the book of Isaiah, written more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In Galatians 5:22, we see “peace” listed among the fruit of the spirit that Christians reap when they follow the ways of God. The word is translated into English from the Greek “eirene,” (“pax” in Latin), and appears more than 90 times in the New Testament. (The name “Irene” comes from eirene.)

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus cautions that this world will never be a place of peace. “Don’t suppose that I’ve come to bring peace on the earth,” he says in Matthew 10:34. In fact, the very act of following him will stir turmoil, not peace, he warns. (Luke 12:51) So if this earth isn’t a peaceful place, why is peace promised to us?

Because God’s peace is internal, not external.

Jesus knew what the Old Testament proclaimed about peace: “You [God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You,” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

Jesus promised that God would send the gift of holy spirit, a “comforter,” to live inside each believer. That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentacost. This supernatural kind of peace only comes from God. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” Paul wrote in Philippians 4:7.

Shortly before the darkest moment of history – the betrayal and execution of Jesus – Jesus told his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I don’t give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid.” (John 14:1).

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

God has already delivered peace to us through Jesus Christ, whether or not we “feel” it. Studying how the word "peace" is used in scripture helps us to internalize and claim this precious gift that nothing in the world can take away from us. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

A Sweet & Tasty St. Patrick’s Week Treat E

ven if you’re not Irish, a green treat like this Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie can get you into the festive spirit. With enough seasonal flavor to go around, this recipe makes two pies, so be sure to cut every leprechaun a generous portion.

Find more festive recipes at Culinary.net.

Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie Makes: 2 pies (9 inches each)

3 3/4 cups heavy whipped cream, divided 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 1/4 cups, plus 2 TB, powdered sugar, divided 5 drops green food coloring 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract, divided 1/4 tsp. mint extract 1 bag mint chocolate candies, chopped, divided 2 chocolate cookie crusts (9 inches each) 1 bag mint chocolate candies To make filling: In bowl of stand mixer,

whisk 2 1/2 cups heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Transfer to bowl.

In separate stand mixer bowl, beat cream cheese on high 2 minutes.

Gradually add 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and green food coloring; mix until smooth. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and mint extract; mix well.

Fold prepared whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Fold 1 cup chopped mint chocolate candies into filling.

To make frosting: In bowl of stand mixer, whisk remaining heavy cream and remaining powdered sugar. Add remaining vanilla extract and mix until stiff peaks form.

Pour filling into crusts and smooth tops.

Fill decorating bag with frosting and pipe thick band around edges of pies.

Then pipe circle dollops evenly around edges of pies.

Scatter 1 cup chopped mint chocolate candies in middle of pies. Place

Watch this video for tips on making your recipe easy!

To view this video, simply: 1) Download the Wikitude app 2) Open the app and search “SLM” 3) Scan the Center of this Page

whole mint chocolate candies into each dollop of frosting around edges of pies.

Refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

‘Reach for the Stars’ in 18th Year of Success

By Paula Hendrickson

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hen the historic Coronado Performing Arts Center re-opened in 2001 following an $18.5 million restoration made possible by tireless fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Coronado Foundation (FOC) – one person was missing.

Gordon Smith, who served as the FOC’s co-chairman alongside his wife Mary Ann Smith, died three weeks before the re-opening. When pondering ways to honor Gordy’s wish to make Rockford’s crown jewel accessible to the entire community, especially kids, his family decided the best way was to get kids into the theater and spark their imaginations by exposing them to professional, worldclass performances.

The Reach for the Stars Project was born, and an endowment fund was established.

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“Reach for the Stars was an idea I thought was appropriate to memorialize Gordy’s often-repeated words to me about the Coronado project: ‘It’s for the kids,’” says Mary Ann Smith, now president emerita of the FOC. The main mission of the Reach for the Stars Project is to get every single fourth-grade student in the Rockford Public School system to one performance during each school year. Beth Howard, FOC’s current executive director, says education specialists recommended fourth-graders for several reasons.

“If you have to focus on one age group, it’s a great age. They’ll remember they were there, and it will have the greatest impact. And it’s before they’re ‘too cool for school,’ so it’s hitting a bit of a magic spot,” Howard says. “The number of Rockford Public Schools fourth-grade

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students works out to be almost precisely the number of seats we have at the Coronado.”

To date, in 18 consecutive years, more than 32,000 fourth-graders have attended free world-class touring performances at the Coronado.

“It’s evolved to be something that’s eagerly anticipated each year, especially by teachers and RPS 205, because it has gained an excellent reputation for quality and for delivering a big WOW factor to 10-year-olds,” Smith says.

“I frequently run into 20-somethings

R  O R experience and describing what they loved most about the performance they saw.

Reach for the Stars has been such a success that the foundation has begun expanding to additional student projects, starting with the Coronado Classroom.

“For our Coronado Classroom project, we bring mostly third-graders, one classroom at a Last November, students were treated to a free time, to the Coronado,” Howard performance by the Alvin Ailey II Dance Company. explains. The 90-minute experience starts with a multi-disciplinwho can remember their special day and ary presentation and includes a tour and a tell me, ‘I was there in fourth grade.’ question-and-answer session.

They remember exactly what they saw,” “We take them through and talk Howard adds. about the remarkable spaces. We can talk The foundation underwrites the costs about the cloud machine and the stars – of each performance and even pays for and the fact that we have constellations busses to transport students to the theater. on the ceiling, and why they were set exLast November, students were treated to actly as they are,” Howard says. “I tell a free performance by the Alvin Ailey II them ‘Now you are a Coronado expert.’

Dance Company.

They love it.” They want to know everyHoward receives hundreds of notes thing – and third-graders have really fun, from students thanking them for the

interesting questions.”

She recalls one student asking why there were numbers on the seats, which led to a discussion about buying tickets to a show. Another child asked why there was a name on the seat arm.

“I’ll tell you, I just about fell over,” Howard says. “I said, ‘That’s because Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead knew you would want to be here today, so they helped to pay for this beautiful theater to be saved.’

And those kids just lit up. They couldn’t believe it. I said, ‘That’s how much your community cares for you.’ That’s a lesson in civil engagement brought to life.”

Reach for the Stars has been so successful that Howard plans to produce a short video about it, which she hopes to present at the upcoming National Historic Theatre Conference.

“I’ve never heard of anything quite like this in any other theater,” she says.

“I’m networked with 440 theaters and have not heard of this scale of a student outreach program anywhere.” ❚

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Y H  G

How to Prevent Indoor Water Damage

By Peggy Werner

T ly.

oo much water in all the wrong places can be destructive and even dead-

A few preventative steps can help you to avoid unwelcome surprises and expense caused by water damage.

“People going away on vacation, whether for days or months, should turn off the water to their whole house,” says Chris Picot, general manager of Flood Pros, 11137 Bertram Road in Rockford.

“People don’t always think to do that, but it only takes a couple hours to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage because of water.”

Frozen pipes, worn-out appliances, and leaks or breaks in water lines, roofs and windows can all lead to water damage.

Picot also suggests having a plumber change out water supply lines from

plastic ones to rubber hoses encased in braided stainless steel, which prevents flexing. Plastic ice maker water lines can be changed to copper. Copper water lines leading to the outside in unheated areas of the home should be shut off in the winter. Water lines in exterior walls should be well insulated.

Flood Pros has been in business since 1992 and works around the clock to respond to water problems quickly. A water damage specialist explains to customers the process of water damage restoration and helps with processing an insurance claim, if needed.

The company has state-of-the-art equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to determine the source of water damage. It also uses high-powered dehumidifiers and large air movers to reduce drying time to three

days or less, in most cases. By recording data on each damaged area, Flood Pros can determine what progress is being made. Totally drying an area eliminates mold or other pathogenic growths from developing.

For more information, visit floodpros.net or call the Rockford office at (815) 398-2379. The Janesville location is at 2811 Milton Ave. and its phone number is (608) 756-9300. ❚

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Y M

Prevent Legal Headaches: Think Ahead

By Janine Pumilia

M

any adults are too young to remember the Terry Schiavo case that began in 1990, after Schiavo, age 26, suffered massive brain damage that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband sought to remove her feeding tube, believing it’s what she would have wanted, but her parents fought him in court for 15 years.

By the time her tube was removed, in 2005, the case had seen 14 appeals in Florida courts, five suits in federal district court and extensive involvement by the Florida legislature, Gov. Jeb Bush, the U.S. Congress and President George Bush. Even the Vatican got involved.

This painful and expensive slugfest could have been avoided had Schiavo put her end-of-life wishes in writing before illness struck. But what 26-year-old thinks of doing that?

“After that case, the living will be-

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came a hot topic,” says attorney Jim Meason. “It’s a written directive to your doctor that details your desire regarding medical treatment if you’re no longer able to say it.”

End-of-life planning isn’t just for the elderly, as Schiavo’s case proved. A sudden injury or illness can change anyone’s fate in a moment.

In addition to preparing a living will, every adult should specify a power of attorney for healthcare decisions and for property. If you live in Illinois and your total assets, including your home, exceed $100,000 ($50,000 in Wisconsin), you should prepare a trust, says Meason.

“Some advanced planning can prevent so much heartache and frustration for people you leave behind,” says Meason. “It doesn’t take long to do and is way less expensive and time-consuming than if your estate has to go through probate.”

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He adds, “None of us wants to deal with our mortality,” says Meason. “And really, a lot of people just aren’t used to paying for the professional services of an attorney. But my typical client is someone who knows someone who just went through a nightmare because someone else didn’t think ahead and left a mess behind for others to deal with.”

Meason’s services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law and environmental law. Find him at 113 N. Main St. in Rockton, Ill., go to measonlaw.com or call (815) 624-6517. ❚

Y C

‘Respect for Every Life, and Each Body, Matters’

By Stephen Anderson

I

t’s 3:00 a.m. and I have been awake for the past hour or so. I finally realized what “woke” me was that, in the past 18 months, I have had two individuals bring me urns. The first urn is made of bronze and the second one is a plastic temporary urn box. Both contain “ashes” – cremated bodies. One urn was found in the trunk of an abandoned car, the other in a lonely closet. While this has caused me to wake at an untimely hour, it also has made me “woke” regarding spiritual justice.

When death occurs, there are two elements at play: the physical, bodily death and our spiritual, eternal being.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that both elements, the body and spirit, are equally important. God is the Creator, and He created you and me. In Psalms 139:13 the psalmist writes, “For You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my

mother’s womb.” And in Luke 12:7, “Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

You matter to God. He created you, and you are His masterpiece. Have you ever seen a Picasso or a Rembrandt or a Chiaramonte? If you had one or found one, would you discard it as invaluable?

Perhaps, if you did not know what it was, or who created it.

The world also would say, according to Sir William Gladstone, “Show me the manner in which a nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.”

So, where is the justice for those who now reside in my office? They were loved by someone. And if they were not loved

by someone, they were certainly loved

by God. When Jesus was crucified, His body was not discarded as trash. His body was lovingly cared for. It was placed in a tomb. We should follow this example.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, this body we commit to the ground; not kept in the trunk of a car or on a lonely shelf.

You matter to God; it is why He sent His son, Jesus, to die and rise to new life, so that we, too, may be risen to new life through Him. ❚ Stephen Anderson is funeral director of Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services, in Belvidere.

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Y H  G

Why Not Organize While Spring Cleaning?

By Janine Pumilia

T

his is a great time of year to focus on organizing the indoor spaces of our homes. Better organization reduces stress, saves time and just makes us feel good. Why not check out the latest tools that make home organization easier?

“When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much,” says Joe Weller, owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. “That has all changed.”

Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets.

Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motionactivated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – builtin mirrors, jewelry trays, removable

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laundry bags, a fold-out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains.

While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed.

Either way, it’s the design expertise offered

by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals.

“It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s

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not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.”

Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room, home office and basement.

“Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable.” ❚

Y H

Blood Donations are Down Nationwide

By Peggy Werner

O

ftentimes, people don’t realize the importance of being a blood donor until they need blood or someone they love is in need of a transfusion.

But the truth is there is a constant need for blood and a frightening nationwide shortage of donors, says Rock River Valley Blood Center CEO Lisa Entrikin.

“Please don’t wait until the blood shortage hits you personally. People are in need of blood every day and it never slows down. We are in a daily struggle to make sure hospitals have the blood they need,” she says.

In fact, the need appears to be on the increase. In January, local hospitals used 5 percent more blood than they did a year ago at the same time, she says.

Although weather and sickness keeps donors from donating in the winter and vacations keep people from donating in the summer, the unfortunate truth is that blood donations have been consis-

tently down nationwide in the past year.

“What’s even more disturbing is that the number of people donating blood nationwide has steadily gone down. In the past 10 years, 13 million fewer people have given blood. That’s very scary, especially if we don’t get new people willing to donate,” she says.

The blood center needs to see 700 donors per week to provide the needed blood products and services to ten regional hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin.

“The area we serve has a population of 500,000 people, but only 16,000 people donated blood in 2019. If everyone eligible gave just two times a year, we would never have a shortage. We really need people to step up, especially if they have never given or haven’t given in a

while,” she says.

The blood center has four donor locations: 419 N. 6th St. and 3065 N. Perryville in Rockford; 1740 S. State St., in Belvidere; and 461 E. South St., in Freeport. Check rrvbc.org to see the locations of upcoming mobile blood drives.

Donors can make appointments at rrvbc.org or call (815) 965-8751. ❚

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Y S

Shine Offers Unique, Calming Products

By Peggy Werner hen people first visit Shine, a home/garden décor and gift boutique at 6730 Broadcast Parkway in Loves Park, their initial reaction is often pleasant surprise at the wide variety of colorful, high quality products neatly displayed and selected to inspire.

“Customers tell us all the time how carefree and refreshing it is to be in our store,” says Minda Woith, co-owner with business partner Elizabeth Burkholder.

Shine features colorful, beautifully patterned Polish pottery in a wide assortment of sizes and prices. These are safe to use in the oven, freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

Other items include jewelry, kitchen accessories, soy candles, greeting cards and unique home and garden décor. Natural crystals and stones, incense, singing bowls, chimes, organic and eco-friendly

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soaps, bath bombs and salts aid in cleansing on a deeper level, providing customers with an opportunity to replace the mounting frustrations of daily living with a calm state of being.

Among new items on display are Japanese Miyuki Tila bracelets that are handcrafted from glass tiles from Japan.

No two are alike.

“We shop all over and it’s a long, drawn-out process as we look, find, evaluate and consider what to buy, always with our customers in mind,” says Woith.

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“We truly aim to have items for sale that are fun, functional, lovely and interesting, and that ultimately make people’s lives more enjoyable.”

Woith enjoys the challenges, rewards and opportunities that come with being a small business owner in the stateline area. She appreciates those who support small businesses in our region and endeavors to do the same.

The co-owners are focused on buying natural and American-made products as often as possible and they carry items made by local and regional artists.

“We really do strive to provide a positive and inspiring shopping experience by bringing in items our customers will love for themselves, as well as their family and friends,” she says.

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. ❚

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Local Fun Attractions & Events

Editor's Note: In light of cancelations caused by the COVID-19 virus, check with venues before assuming an event will take place. Here are some notices we've received: Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com All events at the Coronado Performing Art Center and BMO Harris Bank Center are canceled or postponed through April 30.

Discovery Center Museum is closed through March 30.

Rockford Park District locations are closed until further notice including Mercyhealth Sportscore I and 2, UW Health Sports Factory, Carlson Ice Arena, Riverview Ice House, Washington Park Community Center, Nicholas Conservatory and the Aldeen, Elliot, Ingersoll, Sandy Hollow and Sinnissippi golf courses.

Midway Village Museum remains open but some special events are canceled including World War I Days.

Rockford Art Museum is closed until further notice.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Guided Winter Hikes Weekends thru March 29, 11 a.m. Discover winter beauty at Starved Rock State Park.

Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, (815) 220-7386, starvedrocklodge.com.

Paul Bronson & Curt Lewis March 20, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. An evening of music by Bronson, a neo-classical guitarist and singer-songwriter Lewis. Rockford Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 964-7111, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Women & Children First March 21, 7:30 p.m. Rex Havens’ fast-paced, multi-media comedy show with video, audio and over 500 stills. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 7580297, janesvillepac.org.

Lionel Richie Tribute March 23, 11:30 a.m. Gregory James recreates the hit songs of music legend Richie. Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, (815) 220-7386, starvedrocklodge.com.

Tom Mac Group March 27, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Rockford Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 964-7111, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Dan Holmes April 3, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Rockford Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 964-7111, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Virus news got you down? Feeling a little cooped up? If you're healthy, why not enjoy the fresh air in one of our parks or forest preserves.

Celebrate Earth Day April 4, 4-6 p.m. Repurpose old containers to make earth-friendly birdfeeders. Rockford Public Library, Rockton Centre Branch, Rockford (815) 966-2777, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Compassionate Conservation April 4 & 1st Sat. monthly, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Activities with a different theme each month.

Kids 3-6 and an adult make “native seed bombs” to plant at the dells on April 4. On May 5, make a bird feeder to take home.

Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Sky Viewing April 4, dusk until 2 hours after dark. Come see the wonders of the sky at the observatory.

Weiskopf Observatory, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.org. Note: The March 21 Maple Syrup Festival & Pancake Breakfast at Byron Forest Preserve is canceled.

Nikki Morgan April 10, 7 p.m. Rockford Listening Room, 201 7th St., (815) 964-7111, rockfordlisteningroom. com.

NIU Gamelan Ensemble April 17, 7:30 p.m. Gamelan is a percussion-dominated ensemble from Indonesia and an integral part of Indonesian culture.

Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford.

Mendelssohnpac.org. Note: The March 20 Ubiquitous Accordian performance is postponed. ❚

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WDL

Dos Reales: Freshness is the Key to Flavor

By Peggy Werner

W

hen you walk into Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant, 5855 E. State St., right away you get an idea of what you’re about to experience.

A Guacamole bar filled with bowls of fresh cilantro, avocado, lime, garlic, tomato and onion is one of the busiest spots in the restaurant and the orders just keep streaming in.

Manager Jose Gonzalez says, “We sell about 1,000 servings of guacamole a month. It’s our top item.”

The staff arrives early each morning to begin chopping and mixing fresh ingredients for that day’s meals.

In business for 21 years, Gonzalez says his recipe for success involves knowing his customers and catering to their likes and needs.

Among the most popular items is the supersized Cheese Steak Burrito, filled with grilled slices of steak, onions and mushrooms, topped with a homemade

cheese sauce and served with rice and beans.

“People love our cheese sauce. We make it fresh daily and they are just crazy about it,” he says.

Another top seller is the Enchiladas Mexicana, three enchiladas filled with ground beef, shredded chicken, shredded beef or cheese, covered with cheese, salsa, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and tomatoes, served with rice and beans.

Quesadilla Fajita is a 10-inch flour tortilla filled with cheese and your choice of grilled chicken, steak or shrimp cooked with onions, peppers and tomatoes and covered in the signature cheese sauce, then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.

The non-stop menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads, quesadillas, chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, combination plates, fajitas, seafood, traditional plates, house specialties and

a lunch menu. Vegetarian and glutenfree choices are available too, and prices are affordable at $10 to $13 for most entrees. There’s a full-service bar and daily, weekly and weekend specials for food and drink.

Dos Reales is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Carryout and catering options are available. Online orders can be placed on the business’s Facebook page. ❚ ❚

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. $$ Gene’s Irish Pub  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  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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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. $-$$.

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.-8 p.m.

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

March 11 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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March 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300

O L

Attract Birds with These Winning Plants W

hen you fill your garden with seedproducing plants, you’ll enjoy both the flowers and the birds, with no feeder to refill!

The All-America Selections (AAS) winner Sunflower Ring of Fire has a chocolate brown center surrounded by a ring of red petals tipped in gold. The 4- to 5-feet-tall plants peak late in the season.

AAS Winner Purple Majesty Millet is another bird magnet. Tolerant of heat and drought, it grows 3 to 5 feet tall and its green leaves turn purple in the sunlight. Long flower spikes top the plant, making it the perfect thriller in container gardens or a good backdrop in flowerbeds.

Another group of AAS Winners, the Salvia Summer Jewel series, bloom earlier and more prolifically than other varieties and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. As flowers turn to seeds, colorful goldfinches flock to the plants.

(All-America Selections photo)

By Melinda Meyers

Echinacea Sombrero Baja Burgundy, a 2020 All-America Selections winner, continued to produce flowers midsummer to frost during a three-year plant trial.

Coneflowers like the one shown above are well known for their bird appeal. Our native purple and pale purple coneflowers are always a good choice, but a few relatively new hardy varieties increase the color options for gardeners.

The 2020 AAS Winner Sombrero Baja Burgundy was trialed for three years, survived brutal winter and summer conditions and continued to produce deepviolet-red flowers midsummer to frost.

Cheyenne Spirit Echinacea produces

a mix of purple, pink, red and orange flowers while PowWow Wild Berry’s compact plants are topped with deep rose-purple flowers. Start these two from seed in early spring if you wish.

Black-eyed Susans add a bright spot of color to any garden and provide an abundance of seed for birds to enjoy fall through winter. The 2020 AAS Winner American Gold Rush offers beauty plus resistance to leaf spot disease.

Longtime favorite flowers like cosmos, coreopsis, marigolds and zinnias also help bring in the seed-eating birds.

Select single-flowered varieties for maximum seed production. Look for other award-winning varieties that attract pollinators at all-americaselections.org. AAS is a non-profit trialing organization with test gardens and volunteer judges across the U.S. and Canada. ❚ Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. Learn more at melindamyers.com.

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March 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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