iving Smart a r t L ivi art Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • May 29, 2019
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Right in Our Region
It’s ‘Down on the Farm’ at German Valley Days with Peterson Farm Brothers See Page 16
Klehm’s New Water Feature Opens 2019 Home Interior Design Trends How to Tidy Up Your Financial Life Easy Cobbler for Summer Outings The Joy of Teaching Adults to Read
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4 Tickets to Alpine Park Pool 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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You Deserve Halina’s Unsurpassed Service Halina Borowski, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Halina’s Customers Have to Say: “It was great! My agent Halina Borowski was fantastic!. Always kept me up to date and always available!”
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Down on the Farm at German Valley Days Your Home ............................................ ........... 11 2019 Home Interior Trends Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Doers, Not Hypocrites Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Easy, Tasty Cobbler Your Outing ............................................. ......... 19 New Water Feature Celebration at Klehm Your Life Hacks .................................................20 Cater Your Next Summer Party Your Community ...............................................21 Teach an Adult to Read Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 How to Choose an Orthodontist Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Dos Reales Your Money ........................................ ............... 29 Tidy Up Your Finances
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 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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What is Macktown?
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or months I’ve been mired in regional history, researching an article about Macktown for Northwest Quarterly Magazine. If you’re not sure what Macktown is, don’t feel bad. I was confused, too. Is it a golf course? A forest preserve? Yes, but it’s also the starting point in our county pioneer history. Our first settler, Vermont native Stephen Mack Jr., chose this site because of its direct access to the Rock and Pecatonica rivers and the economic advantages this could bring. He wasn’t the first to prize this river confluence. For some 8,000 years before Mack arrived, this was a place of importance to migrating North American tribes. (Just think ... 8,000 years! The Egyptian pyramids weren’t built until some 4,500 years ago! The nearly 200 years since Mack arrived in 1820 LEASING OFFICE LOCATED AT: are a tiny drop in the bucket of time.) 8702 N. 2nd St, Unit B - Machesney Park “Pecatonic” is the formal name Mack gave to his 1834 settlement; The word likely means “slow water.” (Don’t confuse this town with present-day Pecatonica, founded in WWW.TLC-MP.COM 1869.) Folks called it “Mack’s Town,” which morphed into “Macktown.” Macktown was a thriving little hamlet in the 1830s and ’40s but was abandoned after 1850. You’ll learn why in our article. Today, historic Macktown is part of Rockton. 4.58x4.78_TLC-ad.indd 1 So, where do the forest preserves fit in? In 1926, Winnebago County purchased 214 acres at the river confluence and built Macktown Golf Course. This was its second forest preserve acquisition. Its first was made in 1924, when it purchased nearly 100 acres in Rockton and named it Hononegah Forest Preserve. Hononegah was Mack’s Native American wife whom he married in 1829. They had nine children and were pillars of their community. The 1839 home Mack built for his large family still exists, along with a limestone trading post and more. Today the historic buildings are cared for by the Macktown Living History group, which also organizes programming. Contrary to cherished folklore, Hononegah was not a princess, but she was greatly admired. You’ll learn why when our next Northwest Quarterly is printed. Have a great week! ❚
NOW PRE-LEASING! (815) 242-2852
5/20/19 4:18 PM
Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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2019 Home Fashion Rule: Be Yourself By Janine Pumilia elling your own story is more important than “achieving” a look, in today’s home fashion. Extreme styles are out and mixed-material, one-of-a-kind looks are in. Comfort is all-important and quality matters. “There are no rules right now,” says interior designer Jaimie Baloun, Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “The only rule is to be sure it fits your own personality and feels warm and This buffet by Canadel can be used as a dining room comfortable to sideboard, a living room you.”
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sofa table or a TV platform.
She’s glad to see a movement away from extremes. “Too much of anything is not good, right?” she says. “For example, the industrial look was huge, and it’s still fun. But now it’s used more as an accent than an entire room theme. Every single light fixture does not have to be an Edison bulb.” Today’s case goods feature mixed materials and mixed styles – wood and metal, glass and metal, urban and country elements in one piece. Choosing paint and fabric colors should be about what you like, but there are some trends worth noting. Icy greys are finally on the downslope and warmer greys, taupes and tans are moving in. Baloun is glad to see grey warming up. “Grey is a really cold color and has to be done right,” she says. “Charcoal greys are warmer and the move toward tans and khakis is a good one.”
Men’s wear look for fabrics is huge, in lots of different textures. “We’re seeing nubby tweeds or soft flannels in patterns like herringbone, houndstooth, plaid and Argyle, in neutral browns, tans, greys and silvers.” Declining in popularity are bold geometrics, script and Boho prints like ikat or latticework. “If you still like them, that’s fine,” says Baloun. “But maybe confine them to an accent pillow rather than committing to them in a large upholstered piece.” Florals are making a fashion comeback, especially in abstract forms and muted colors. In the end, it’s all about pleasing yourself. Says Baloun, “I can put a beautiful room together, but if an individual is not comfortable in it, it’s not going to be right.” ❚
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Doers, Not Hypocrites
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hen we wear the label of Christianity but don’t champion the things Jesus does, we need to conform our thinking to his. So what does Jesus champion? Love for God and love for all people. By this love, people are known as his followers, Jesus tells us. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 34 & 35 ESV). The idea isn’t to make ourselves look good but to actually be loving people. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:2-8 ESV) We are to be doers of The Word and not hearers only, says James 1:22: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 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?” (James 2:14-16 NIV). ❚ – Janine Pumilia
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Easy Home-Cooked Cobbler for Outings D
uring the season for outdoor parties, reunions, picnics and delicious desserts, try bringing a new dish to the table with a recipe like this Apple-Cranberry Cobbler. Find more recipes at Culinary.net.
quartered 2 TB butter, melted 2 TB sparkling sugar
Apple-Cranberry Cobbler
Heat oven to 375 °F. Prepare pie pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix apple slices, cranberries, lemon juice and vanilla extract. In small bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir into fruit mixture. Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Cover with foil. Bake on cookie sheet 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven. Toss biscuits in melted butter. Distribute cut biscuits over fruit. Sprinkle biscuits with sparkling
Recipe courtesy of Wilton
Nonstick cooking spray 5 apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 2 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 TB cornstarch 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 container (10.2 ounces) refrigerated home-style biscuits,
sugar. Return to oven and bake 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool 15 minutes before serving. ❚ Source: Family Features
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R O R
‘Down on the Farm’ at German Valley Days “D By Peggy Werner own on the Farm” is the theme of the 46th annual German Valley Days June 7-9, in a salute to Illinois Agriculture. This year’s headliner is Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers of Assaria, Kan., who’ll be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Peterson Farm Brothers became a social media sensation when they set about using You Tube and other platforms to entertain and educate people about life for modern-day farmers. Donna Smith, co-chairperson of the German Valley Days Planning Committee, has been trying for a long time to get the Petersons involved in the annual celebration. “They operate a fifth-generation farm in Kansas and have realized the need to educate people about agriculture. They entertain, travel the country and open their farm for tours, advocating for
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agriculture and hoping to correct misconceptions about modern-day farming,” she says. Peterson is a 2013 graduate of Kansas State University, where he majored in Agriculture Communications and Journalism. His family raises beef cattle and grows corn, alfalfa and forage sorghum as cattle feed, plus wheat, milo, soybeans and sunflowers for cash crops. Peterson grew up on the farm with his parents, two brothers, and a sister. “In 2012, I had an idea to make a video about life on the farm and in one week it had 5 million views,” says Peterson. “Farmers suffer from misconceptions coming from people who protest the raising of livestock, who don’t believe in using chemicals or genetically modified crops, and who think farmers abuse animals and the environment. “Most of the technological advances
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used in farming are for the comfort and care of animals and plants and to produce more animals in an environmentally-friendly way. It doesn’t make sense for farmers to not take care of animals and the land and not strive for ways to produce healthier food. We’re all eating from the same food supply,” he says. The festival will open at 5 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Ben Miller Park, with food and craft vendors; pony rides by the Huenefelds; inflatable rides by Jumping Beans; games by Elite Towing and Recovery; and a celebration supper put on by Silver Creek Reformed Church SWIFT youth ministries at 5 p.m. The Little Miss and Mister German Valley Pageant will take place at 7 p.m. followed by “Hee Haw German Valley 2019,” a variety show reminiscent of the former TV show. The “Buckets of Junk” competition will also be back.
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In it, participants take a pile of junk and turn it into a piece of artwork. For more information and to register, contact Bob Ebbesmeyer at (815) 541-2182. Saturday, June 8 opens with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the church’s ACTS women’s ministry, from 6:30 to 10 a.m. at the fire station, 600 Church St. There’ll be health screenings from 7 to 10 a.m., followed by a “Run the Valley” 5k and fun run, a German Valley Lions Car Show, an antique tractor pull, a pig scramble, a euchre card game tournament, a farm animal display and bingo. The Around the World Basketball Shooting Contest for various ages will
return at 11 a.m. at basketball courts near Ben Miller Park. Contact Jonathan Schneiderman at jschneiderman@fvdistrict221.org. After a successful debut last year, Nerf Wars will return from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Contact Jon Quinzer at (773) 8991402 for more information. The parade will start at 1:30 p.m. on Church Street followed by a pie-eating contest sponsored by Vicki’s Baked Goods & More at 2:30 p.m. and a stage performance by The Spotted Dog Three Peace Rock & Roll Show. The afternoon will also feature Jason Kollum stilt walking in the park; Rockford Discovery Center’s “Flying Corn Booth”; Sandy’s face painting and balloons in shelter park; a pork chop barbeque at 3:30 p.m.; “Hillbilly Horseshoes” at 4:30 p.m. and Grass Attack performing bluegrass music from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Activities will culminate
with a fireworks display in the Lake Baalton Area at 9:45 p.m. Sunday’s only event will be the “Festival of Praise” community worship service at 10 a.m. in the park. The rain location is Silver Creek Reformed Church, 323 S. Bunker Hill Road, German Valley. German Valley Days is the town’s biggest social event and is supported by most of the nearly 500 residents in the Stephenson County hamlet, mainly through efforts of the Lions Club, the Village of German Valley, its businesses, organizations, churches and residents. German Valley was settled by German immigrants from Ostfriesland in the 1840s. “German Valley Days gives residents a chance to celebrate the history of their community and it also allows guests to experience its charm,” says Smith. Admission is free. For a full schedule and updates, go to germanvalleydays. com, Facebook or call Smith at (815) 362-3671. ❚
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Enjoy New Water Feature at Klehm June 9 By Peggy Werner he long-awaited new water feature at the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden is ready to be enjoyed. This project, which has been in the planning and development stages for about two years, will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9, with food, music and fairytale characters walking the grounds. Hoo Haven and Rocky the Tortoise from Burpee Museum of Natural History will be there, too. The new addition has twin streams of water cascading down several small waterfalls and collecting in shallow ponds where children can play. The two streams converge at a large splash pad with eight water fountains jutting into the air. “We’ve been looking forward to the completion of this water feature for a long time as it represents another opportunity to get people of all ages outside and playing, while offering the public a
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whole new level of engagement with children and their friends and family,” says Klehm Executive Director Alexander Mills. Pat Olson, who is married to the late Dean and Nancy Olson’s son, Jim, says her in-laws would be pleased with the garden, which has been enjoyed by three generations of the Olson family. “Twenty-five years ago, we surprised Nancy on her 75th birthday by making a contribution to Klehm so a portion of land could be named in her honor. She loved children and she loved nature and so it was a match made in Heaven,” she says. The children’s garden also has an observation tower, a gazebo with picnic tables, gardens and “Blossom,” the fiberglass cow painted by children. Nancy was not only involved with the start of the children’s garden, but she
was also deeply involved from the beginning in the development of the arboretum and botanic gardens, co-chairing the main committee to help make the grounds more inviting and user-friendly. “She was an amazingly gracious person and would be so grateful to all the people who have supported Klehm throughout the years,” says Pat. “This garden named in her honor really captures who she was as a person. She was always thinking of others and how to make their lives better. She would be greatly moved, humbled and pleased.” ❚
Sunday, June 9 | 11 AM - 2 PM NEW! Kid's Creek
NEW! Splash Pad
FREE Snacks
FREE Admission
Kid's Activities
Wildlife Demos
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Catering Options Make Party Fun Easier By Peggy Werner arm weather brings many good reasons for getting together – and everyone wants good food to eat. So, when planning a wedding, graduation, birthday, shower or grilling party this summer, the first person you want to call is the caterer. Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, has always been in the business of catering and can provide everything you need – including the grill and the cook – or you can pick up the food and do it yourself. Julie Edwards, catering manager at Countryside, says the most important thing is to set a time and date, even before deciding the number of people and what’s on the menu. Edwards’ specialty is helping people to plan events and to know how much food to order. Numerous factors must be taken into consideration.
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“You just have to make an educated guess and it’s always better to have too much food than not enough. Our food is made fresh to order, so leftovers will be good in the refrigerator for a few days,” she says. Cheesy potatoes, barbecued pork, Italian beef and a variety of pasta and vegetable salads are among the best sellers, but people have a nearly endless variety of foods from which to choose at countrysidemeat.com. There’s a breakfast/brunch menu with egg, sausage or French toast casseroles, a choice of quiche, an assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, bacon and a sausage apple ring. Buffet menus feature roast beef, hickory-smoked ham, baked chicken, turkey breast, Italian beef, lasagna, mostaccioli, meatballs, six varieties of potatoes, beans and vegetables. There’s a hot and cold hors d’oeuvres menu, a wide choice
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of party trays with meat, shrimp, vegetables, sausage and cheese, relishes, and fresh fruit, in various sizes. The dessert menu includes cookies, brownies, turtle bars, lemon bars, cheesecake and carrot cake squares, and dipped strawberries. There’s also an assortment of dinner rolls to choose among and several picnic packages for outdoor fun. “We love what we do and always try to be as accommodating as possible,” says Edwards. For more information, call Countryside at (815) 399-8660. ❚
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Make a Difference: Teach an Adult to Read By Peggy Werner
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f you truly want to make a difference, consider helping an adult to discover the joy of reading. Most people take for granted being able to read street signs, grocery store ads, instructions on a medicine bottle, the latest news or being able to fill out a job application. But for those who have limited reading skills, all they see are roadblocks to better living. Some English-speaking adults have limited reading skills because they had interruptions at a time when they should have been learning to read, whether caused by illness, relocation, problems at home or just not being able to learn in the style that was taught, says Debbie Lindley, program director for The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. “By the time some people are adults, they’ve gone through a lot in life and suffered greatly. Because they lack reading skills from having missed out on
so much, the result may be low self esteem and low self confidence,” she says. Volunteers who are willing to help one or more of the 50 individuals waiting to be paired with a tutor can attend one of several workshops scheduled in Rockford, Belvidere and Loves Park to learn how to work with adults who are learning to read. The Literacy Council asks volunteers to commit a minimum of two hours a week for a year per student. Volunteers don’t have to have teaching experience, but need to be at least 18 years old, have a GED or a high school diploma and complete training that meets twice weekly for three weeks. There are numerous Tutor Training
Workshops for volunteers at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St. in Belvidere; North Suburban Library District (NSLD), 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park; and at The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. The workshop schedule and a registration form can be downloaded at theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323 for more information. ❚
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Finding the Right Orthodontist for You B y To n i R o c h a
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hether it’s a personal choice or a referral, finding the right fit in an orthodontic specialist is vital. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, and owner of Orthodontic Experts in Rockford, says the most important aim is to find an actual “specialist.” “Illinois is one of only three states requiring advanced training to be licensed in both general dentistry and orthodontics,” he explains. “The Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulations mandates this.” Yarmolyuk says that many dentists also do orthodontic work in other states. It’s essential that patients look for a professional who has received the advanced education. “I did a three-year specialist residency in orthodontics,” he says. “I also did extracurricular work on weekends while in training and have the experience
to provide the best possible care. Technology has gotten easier, but still most general dentists fall short of what a specialist can offer.” Orthodontic Experts also provides patients with flexible payment plans for its services, which are covered under most major health insurance policies, including ObamaCare.
“We can arrange payments in our clinic at 5051 E. State St., Rockford, or any one of our other clinics in the Chicago area,” Yarmolyuk says. “This is important because realignment and other treatments can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the length of time needed to complete the process.” He explains that minor treatments can take as little as six months while complex ones may take up to 2.5 years. “The other advantage we offer is our call center, which is available seven days a week. Our emergency call service is accessible 24 hours every day,” Yarmolyuk says. “With nine orthodontic specialists and 90 support employees, we have the ability to help anyone at any time.” For more information, call (815) 918-4427 or visit orthodonticexpertscom. ❚
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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. SM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all
ILLINOIS, USA
glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1
102 N. Main St.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism
Attractions & Events
Readings from the Rookery May 31, June 14 & 28, 9:30-1 a.m. Kids 5-9 and parents are introduced to nature books, then outside activities. Register online or at (815) Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 325-2915, seversondells.com. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
'Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook' May 31, June 1-2, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. It’s been a rough day at kindergarten. Mighty Richland Players, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill. (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.org. Michael Johnathon - Spring Creek UCC June 1, 7-9 p.m. Folksinger/songwriter Johnathan hosts the weekly “WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour” on many PBS stations. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. BSJO: The Ultimate Tom Petty Experience June 1, 7:30 p.m. Southern Accents, a Tom Petty tribute band, joins with the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra to celebrate Petty’s life and legacy. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Bird Fun June 1, 8-10 a.m. Join Jack Armstrong for a peaceful morning of finding beautiful birds. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair. RSVP online or at (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com. Annual Garden Fair at Klehm Arboretum June 1-2, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment and 100 vendors selling flowers, antiques, art, food & drinks. 2715 S. Main St., (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. Music at Historic Baltic Mill - Holmes June 2, 6:30 p.m. Holmes Productions brings contemporary folk & rock music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy these free Sunday night concerts. 920 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere. Full schedule: boonecountyarts.com. Tuesdays in the Garden - Charley Crockett June 4, 5:45 p.m. Singer Charley Crockett from San Benito, Texas, with Whiskey Farm of Madison opening. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink). Free/members, or garden entry fees apply. AndersonGardens.org. German Valley Days - Peterson Farm Brothers June 7-9. A packed schedule of small-town fun. See our cover story.
Enjoy Tuesday evening concerts at Anderson Japanese Gardens now through Aug. 27.
Olivia Dvorak - Spring Creek UCC June 8, 7-9 p.m. Dvorak’s style encompasses blues, folk, rock and Celtic. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org. Who Once Lived at Ke-Chunk? June 8, Aug. 11 & Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Learn what we know about the once-large Ke-Chunk settlement, also called Turtle Village, as well as its Ho-Chunk Nation inhabitants. Nature at the Confluence Learning Center, South Beloit, (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com. Rockin River Fest in Oregon June 15, gates open at noon. Live music, games, food court, races, more, all on the riverfront. RockinRiverFest.net. On June 16, Father's Day car show, breakfast & lunch. Music in the Park - Phantom Regiment June 11, 7 p.m. Rockford's famed drum and bugle corps performs its 2019 program and other favorites at Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Rain date: June 12. 'West Side Story' June 12-15 & July 17-21, see website for times. Score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Two young lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. The Making of Pioneer Wisconsin June 8, 1-3 p.m. Historian Michael E. Stevens shares first-person accounts of early settlers. Lincoln Center, Beloit Historical Society, 845 Hackett St., Beloit, (608) 314-6289, wisconsinhistory.org. ❚
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WDL
Restaurant of the Week
Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales By Paul Anthony Arco
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(Samantha Ryan photos)
os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since 1998, along with some American favorites and signature margaritas, in an intimate yet fun atmosphere. Dos Reales features several Mexican signature items on its menu, such as burrito cheese steak, chimichangas and appetizers such as guacamole ranchero. Newer dishes include torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. There are nontraditional dishes, too, such as chicken wings, burgers and french fries. “There’s a misconception that all Mexican food is hot,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. “All of our dishes are mild unless guests request them to be spicy. We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources.” Jose Gonzalez Dos Reales offers gluten-free options
and has always used fresh, preservative-free corn tortillas, chips and vegetable oil in its cooking. During the past few years, Dos Reales underwent a major renovation – its parking lot was repaved, the main dining room was repainted, new flooring and a new roof were installed and the kitchen received extensive upgrades. There’s a new bar, where customers gather for what Gonzalez calls the “best margaritas in town.” Drink specials are popular on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Live music is featured every other Friday. The main dining room seats 100, and the back dining area can be reserved for private events. Carry-out and catering are also offered. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚
In the Spotlight 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.
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. $-$$.
Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS.
Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.
Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ 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. $$ Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 26
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Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. 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. $$ Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
May 29
To advertise call 815-316-2300
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Cannova’s
annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant in 1921. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚
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Clean Up Your Finances & Earn Some Cash C
ornerstone Credit Union offers these suggestions for good money habits and raising some extra cash. Clean Up Your Credit: Get a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies through annualcreditreport.com. Review each to see if there are errors, and clear them up with the credit reporting companies. Review Regular Expenses & Purge: Do you really need those online subscriptions? Do you eat out more often than you need to? See where you can eliminate expenses on things you really don’t use or can do without. Shred Documents: Keep receipts until the warranties expire or the credit card statement arrives. Keep statements and paystubs for one year, then shred. Update Beneficiaries: If there have been changes to your family, update your retirement and insurance accounts, and review your will.
Raise Some Extra Cash: 1. Trade in your electronics. Take old gadgets and devices to your local electronics store. Some stores run a retail-collection program to help you responsibly dispose of old electronics. 2. Bring your old clothing to a consignment shop to see what they’re willing to buy from you. Search for chains, like Plato’s Closet or Clothes Mentor, or look up online consignment shops like ThredUp, Tradesy or Poshmark. 3. Trade in your video games. Consider trading in your old games at GameStop. You’ll get store credit while decluttering your home. 4. Sell old books. Look up your closest Half Price Books and bring your collection to them in exchange for a tidy sum. Sell textbooks online on BookFinder, Cash4Books or eCamp. 5. Sell your expensive electronics. If you’ve got older smartphones or laptops
in decent condition, try selling them on Gazelle.com. They offer free shipping, and once your item is officially logged by the company, you’ll get paid via check, gift card, or PayPal. It’s easier and faster than selling on Craigslist or e-Bay. 6. Get cash for unused gift cards. You may not make back the full amount, but you’ll usually score a decent offer. Try giftcard.com, giftcardgranny.com, or tradya.com. 7. Donate to charity. It could earn you a tax deduction, as long as you keep your receipt. ❚
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Smart Living Weekly
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