Smart Living Weekly - May 3, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • May 3, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Why Rockford Loves Bowling

See Page 20

What to Know About Siding Stylish & Comfortable Footware Landscaping: Keep it Simple Tipsy History at Midway Village A Guide to Pantry Staples

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to the Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36 See Pg. 32 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

Issue 1

53

BBQ Sale Event of the Year!

April 29 - May 13

Every Grill

ON SALE! Blowout Prices on Demo Grills

25%

Area’s Largest Selection of Quality Grills

OFF on Grilling Accessories with Grill Purchase!*

JOIN US SATURDAY,

• Accessories (utensils, chips, rubs, etc.)

• Expert Advice - over 30 years experience • Complete Parts & Service Department

MAY 6 11am to 3pm

BBQ GRILL DEMO DAY COOKING DEMOS

by Factory Reps from Weber, Green Mountain, Saffire and Summerset Learn from the Pros! • Taste Samples from the Grill!

Rain or Shine...under the tent!

Custom Grill Islands!

Hours: Mon 9am-8pm Tues-Sat 9am-5pm Closed Sundays

We are a Weber Alliance Dealer!

No one beats our prices!

Check out our new Green Mountain Pellet Grills! Wi-Fi Enabled!

Visit our website at: www.bensonstone.com *With purchase of select grills. Ask for details.

1100 Eleventh Street (just south of Charles) • Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

April 5

3

4

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

5

In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Youths Boost Bowling in Rockford

Home Equity Lines of Credit Helping make every chapter extraordinary and unforgettable.

Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 What to Know About Siding Your Home Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Love is Our First Identity Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tips for Stocking Your Pantry Your Outdoor Living .....................................9,19 Landscaping: Keep it Simple; Spring Planting Your Outing ............................................. ......... 17 Tipsy History at Midway Village Museum Your Style ..........................................................23 Footware That’s Comfortable and Stylish

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 Cannovas Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Financial Literacy Matters

Great rates, better banking...

Your savings insured to $250,000 per account. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured.

Eligibility based on credit history, ability to make payments, and collateral value. Interest rates and closing costs may vary based on product and terms.

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes 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 2017 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.

6

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

A Mom’s Wish W

hat do you want for Mother’s Day? Here’s what I want: A community that’s safe, attractive and prosperous enough for our four grown children to make good lives right here in our region. I don’t want to lose them to the Big City – at least not because their hometown didn’t come through with sufficient opportunities.

Without a doubt, exciting things are happening in the Rockford/Beloit/Freeport area as we transform for the better. Still, each of us can do more to speed this transformation.

How? Simply by doing business with locally owned folks rather than chain stores and chain restaurants. Mother’s Day gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects 2017 U.S. Mother’s Day spending to be $23.6 billion, or about $172 per person. Let’s take that down to $100 per person (we’re frugal in the Midwest) and multiply it by 70,000 people, which is just 20 percent of the Rockford metropolitan statistical area.

That totals about $7 million of impact!

That’s the good news. The bad news is that more than 80 percent that money flies off to various out-of-state chain headquarters faster than you can say “electronic transfer.”

According to FUNDIVO.com, only 23 percent of Americans shop at local businesses for Mother’s Day. That means only about $1.6 of that $7 million will stay in our local economy. But we could change that.

What if 50 percent of us, rather than 23 percent of us, shopped locally for Mother’s Day? The local impact would cause more than $3 million to recirculate in our local economy! And it’s so easy to do!

Restaurants, jewelry stores, greenhouses, spas and floral shops are the top recipients of Mother’s Day dollars, according to the NRF. Well guess what?

It just so happens that people in our region excel at running magnificent restaurants, jewelry stores, greenhouses, spas and floral shops. What a lucky coincidence!

Shop locally for Mother’s Day and you’ll make this a better place to live.

And trust me.

Your mom will really like that. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

7

O L

16

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

O L

Landscape Success: It Pays Off to Do Things Right

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

K

eep it simple but do it right.

With 25 years of landscape design and maintenance under his belt, that’s the advice Joe Taylor most often gives to customers. As the owner of Changing Seasons Landscaping & Maintenance in Belvidere, Ill., he’s seen the cost of taking shortcuts.

“Whether your project is big or small, the important thing is to develop a good plan, use high-quality materials and work with good people to implement it and maintain it,” says Taylor. “Over the years, I’ve often been called in to fix problems caused by people who didn’t know what they were doing.”

Knowledge of design principles, hardscape materials and quality plants is not optional.

“It’s not enough to go to the big-box store, buy some plants, stick them in the ground and hope for the best,” says Tay-

lor. “You have to choose quality plants and the right plants for the location, plant them correctly and follow through with fertilizing and pruning when needed. It’s sad when homeowners neglect plants and then wonder why they die.”

Enhancing a landscape doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either.

“Curb appeal is very important and often very affordable to achieve,” says Taylor. “I tell customers to give me a budget and I’ll help them to make the most of it. I spend time listening to people; what can they realistically handle in terms of budget and maintenance time?”

Taylor’s business serves homes and businesses in the northern Illinois area with lawn care, landscape design/maintenance and retaining wall/hardscape construction. It specializes in curb appeal packages that may include edging, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, mulching,

Tell them you saw it in ...

driveway sealing, power washing and planting.

“People should be careful about who they allow to work on their properties,” cautions Taylor. “An inexperienced landscaper may do more harm than good.

There’s a skill to cultivating living things.

“I find it very gratifying to help a property look its best and to see the owners enjoy it.”

Learn more at Changingseasonslandscaping.com or call (847) 276-8833 to set up an appointment. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

9

10

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

What to Know Before Siding Your Home

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

B

oth form and function matter, when it comes to your home exterior. Siding your home provides an attractive facelift but also protects it from moisture, wind and sun damage.

“There are so many attractive siding options on the market today that it can be a little confusing,” notes Scott Williamson, owner of Window World of Rockford, 6010 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park.

“Here are a few things to consider when shopping for siding.”

2. Know Your Options If you want good structural protection for your home that won’t break your budget, a quality insulated vinyl siding may be your best option. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors. Another good option is stone veneer panel siding, which offers the beauty of stone with no mortar, mason or mess.

1. Know Your Finances Before you shop, know what your budget is for upgrading your home exterior. Special financing, home improvement loans and even special grants from your local government may be options. If you need assistance, a reputable insured professional installer should be able to help you navigate your options.

3. Choose an Installer Carefully People working on a very tight budget can look to a handyman who has experience installing siding, as long as that person is licensed and insured. Always ask for samples of their work and referrals from previous customers.

Be sure to check those references and also local regulations. You may find

it’s wiser to hire a qualified professional company that will get the job done quickly and guarantee its work.

The most important thing is to work within your budget and to work with a reputable contractor, says Williamson.

“Buy the best siding you can afford and be sure to get what you expect and have paid for.” ❚

The Yard Care Experts

MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING MOSQUITO CONTROL Call Today for a Free Estimate

815.877.3500 EwaldServices.com Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

11

I  W

Love is No. 1 I

n this era of ugly political rancor, we do better when we remember that our first identity is not our partisan stripe, nationality or even church affiliation. We’re first of all children of God, the author of love.

“Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the heart,” we read in Proverbs 21:2, NIV. Sometimes we can and should express viewpoints with which others disagree.

Even then, however, we’re to keep our hearts and behavior right with God. If we’re impatient, self-righteous, boastful or cruel to others, we’ve already failed.

It’s called “the love chapter,” but the context of I Corinthians 13 is the Apostle Paul scolding Christians for misusing their spiritual gifts. Still, it chastens all of us with this message: Nothing we do is worthwhile if done without love.

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” ❚ (I Cor. 13 NIV) 12

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

Kids 6

and und

fous rof

FREEr

day

fun!

e

BUTTONS

$8

IN ADVANCE

$12

AT THE GATE

Memorial Day Weekend 2017

Loves Park City Hall Festival Grounds • 100 Heart Boulevard Buttons are good for all 4 days. All shows are included with admission. Sold at Loves Park City Hall, most Kelley Williamson Mobil stations, Schnucks, and other select locations.

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

Staples of a Well-Stocked Pantry

K

eeping your pantry stocked with some basic necessities can help ensure you’re ready for last-minute meals.

Follow these guidelines: Baking necessities: Include all-purpose flour and sugar (white, brown and confectioners) along with baking powder, baking soda and common flavorings like vanilla and almond extract. If you enjoy making pastries from scratch, add a tub of shortening and don’t forget the nonstick spray.

Meal makers: A supply of rice, pasta and beans can make it easy to round out a meal no matter what type of protein and other groceries you have available.

Simple sides: Keeping a wellstocked pantry means you can serve up great-tasting, Sunday dinner-worthy side dishes with every meal. Canned veggies and fruit are a start, but you can take it up a notch by adding savory side dishes such as Idahoan Signature Russets mashed

potatoes, which taste as if you peeled, boiled and mashed them yourself.

Sauces and condiments: Even the bare basics can take on an appetizing new flair when you add flavor with sauces and condiments. Jarred sauces like marinara and Alfredo make it easy to bypass fresh produce and cream when you’re in a pinch, while mayonnaise paired with distinctive flavors like spicy mustard or honey let you build your own creamy sauces. An array of oils and vinegars can serve diverse purposes, from marinades to dressings to dips.

Other dry goods: If you’re uncertain what your spice rack should hold, you’re not alone. Even amateurs can tease amazing flavors out of everyday foods using the right spices and seasonings. For starters, invest in sea salt and pepper grind-

Tell them you saw it in ...

ers. Garlic is another versatile staple; the powder is a good substitute when fresh or minced garlic isn’t available. Then build out the rest of your collection based on the foods you like best. Basil, thyme and oregano are common picks. Add some heat with crushed red or cayenne pepper, and don’t forget another versatile favorite: cinnamon.

Find more staples to help stock your pantry at Idahoan.com. ❚ Source: Family Features

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

15

Defeat the Struggle. Apply here!

Auto Loan Special Rates as low as

1.50

%APR*

Enjoy a great rate with easy, affordable payment terms.

Apply online, by phone or in person.

Freeport | Sterling | South Beloit 800.711.3277 | Se habla espaĂąol | cornerstonecu.org *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Offer excludes all loans financed at CCU. Minimum purchase of $10,000. Maximum mileage of 125,000.

Direct deposit/ACH payments required. Other terms and restrictions may apply. Offer ends June 30, 2017.

16

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

Tipsy History: Winemaking Since the 1800s L earn how people in the 19th century made wine, during Tipsy History at Midway Village Museum (MVM), 6799 Guilford Road, on Wednesday, May 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The museum will present this program in two parts.

First, inside the Victorian Village, an MVM historic interpreter will discuss with visitors how and why people in the 19th century commonly made wine from fruit in their gardens. The interpreter will demonstrate how 1800s winemaking is done in the village’s historic garden and home.

The second part of the program will be presented by McEachran Homestead Winery in the museum’s historic 1905 barn. The McEachran Homestead was settled in 1857 by John McEachran, the great-great-grandfather of Herbert Greenlee, the current owner. John immi-

grated to northern Illinois from Scotland and settled in what was known then as the Argyle Scottish Settlement.

The McEachran Homestead is officially recognized by the State of Illinois as a Sesquicentennial Farm. The original farm of 160 acres has been expanded to 285 acres with corn and soybeans as the main crops. Eleven acres are dedicated to 19 varieties of grapes, raspberries and fruit trees, all of which are meticulously tended, then hand-crafted into cold-climate grape and fruit wines.

Discover how the grape and fruit wines are made and the differences among them. At the conclusion, visitors may sample several of the wines made at the McEachran Homestead, included with the ticket price.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for museum member. Participants must be age 21 or older.

To purchase tickets, call (815) 3979112 or buy them at the museum gift shop.

The RSVP deadline is Monday, May 8. You must pre-register for this special event and spaces will go quickly. ❚

Circle of Wellness Package of Two 1-Hour Massages for $60* *Mother’s Day Special Restrictions • Sale ends 5/13/17 and all packages expire 5/13/18 • No cash value - Packages cannot be split and are non-transferrable.

• Massages must be used in 1 hour increments - no splitting into half hours • Limit of 1 package to be used by 1 person - individuals may buy unlimited packages.

Mother’s Day Special

our H t s r i $28 F sage Mas ssage for a our M lients H 4 4 $ nC Retur

3626 E. State St. Rockford , IL

779-423-1700

www.circleofwellnessrockford.com

Acupuncture - Chiropractic - Reflexology - Nutrition - Massage - Rehab Most Major Insurances Accepted Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

17

18

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

O L

It’s Nearly Time for Springtime Planting

By Peggy Werner

A

lthough spring is in the air, we aren’t totally out of the woods when it comes to planting.

“Just remember we can still get those late frosts, so if you plant any of your vegetables or annuals, remember to cover them if they forecast frost that evening,” says Owner Jamie Swanson of S&H Nursery and Landscaping, 5956 McCurry Road in Roscoe.

“A good rule of thumb is to plant your garden around Mother’s day weekend,” she adds, this year May 14.

There are many variables when planting a garden, depending on what you’re planting and where, yet some general rules apply.

“The object of watering any new shrub, tree or perennial is to find that ‘happy medium,’ neither too wet, nor too dry. Be aware that both too little water

and too much water can be detrimental,” she says.

Mulch around trees and plants helps hold in moisture, reduces weeds and gives a finished look. It’s a good idea to rake through mulch once in awhile to aerate it and prevent mold growth. Don’t heap mulch too close to the base of trees and other plants; leave room for air to circulate.

S&H specializes in natural hardwood mulch and is giving away select hanging baskets, while supplies last, when customers buy five or more yards of mulch during the Mother’s Day weekend, May 13 & 14.

S & H Nursery and Landscaping is a locally owned family operation that opened in 1981 as a lawn care business and grew into a full-service nursery by 2012. Swanson took over the nursery

Tell them you saw it in ...

business from her father, Ron, in 2007, and offers something new every year.

S & H offers a variety of services, such as mulch, hardscape and fire pit installation, and has an experienced landscape designer on hand to help with planning. Do-it-yourselfers will find a wide range of materials including mulch, stone, pavers, topsoil, retaining wall blocks, trees and other plants. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

19

R  O R

Bowling Popularity Boosted by Youth Leagues

By Jermaine Pigee

B

owling has evolved into more than just a leisure activity in Rockford. It entices many kids to be more active and even helps some of them go to college.

“One reason why bowling has gotten so popular in Rockford is we have great youth bowling programs in the area,” says Brad Sommer, general manager of Don Carter Lanes in Rockford. “We try to get kids started when they’re 3-yearolds and we try to keep them going all the way through high school.”

To keep kids motivated and interested in bowling, any child who joins a youth league through Don Carter Lanes receives a free bowling ball.

“We buy them a ball and provide great coaching for them,” Sommer says.

“That’s really a big part of why bowling Cover photo of bowler Christopher Behling and photos by Samantha Ryan

20

Smart Living Weekly

Brad and John Sommer

is so popular in Rockford and why it’s so strong compared to other parts of the country. We put a laser light focus on youth bowling and that’s what has put Rockford on the map for bowling.”

Students from 31 local elementary schools and most area middle schools participate in youth leagues. Then, the kids move on to high school bowling teams.

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

“Having good coaches for all these levels and keeping these kids progressing is a real key,” Sommer says. “The younger you can start them, the more natural it will be for them as they progress.”

High school team bowling in Rockford area schools started in 2001 with four area high schools fielding teams.

Today more than 250 schools around the state offer bowling as an official school sport, Sommer says.

“Right now, high school bowling is the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation,” he says. “A lot of that comes from states modeling what was done here in Rockford.”

To help ensure students continue bowling outside of high school, The Youth of Northern Illinois Bowling Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarship money to area high school bowlers.

R  O R Sommer knows a thing or two about bowling. He led Rockford’s Guilford High School to the Illinois High School Association state bowling titles in 2011 and 2014.

The following year, he took over the head bowling coach position at Hononegah High School in Rockton, where two of his children bowl. He led that team to the state bowling title in 2015 and second place finishes in 2016 and 2017.

Sommer’s dad, Rockford bowling proprietor John Sommer, owns five bowling centers in the region and is very

active in charitable causes, which include sending more than 500 portable bowling kits to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bowling comes naturally to Sommer’s son Nick, a 17-yearold junior at Hononegah. In 2016, Nick set a new national and state high school scoring average record by finishing the season with a jawdropping 252.11 average for 27 games in nine conference matches.

Nick received a bowling scholarship from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.

“That’s what’s possible here in Rockford,” Sommer says. “Twenty to 30 of our high school bowlers go on to compete at the college level each year.”

Sommer and his wife Donna have two other children on the bowling path as well. Their son, Jacob, is a sophomore at A recent middle school tournament at Don Carter Lanes.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Honenegah and a member of the bowling team. Their daughter, Abbey, is a fourthgrader at Knnikinnick School in Roscoe, and is getting her feet wet in bowling.

Sommer says he wants to see bowling continue to flourish in Rockford.

“Mom and dad can’t put their child in everything, so they have to choose a sport or two,” Sommer says. “The bowling community has to show why parents should allow their child to choose bowling and we do a good job of that by offering several programs for youth bowlers.

We’re also lucky to have quality coaches in the Rockford area.” ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

21

16

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y S

Style and Comfort Can Coexist in Footware

By Peggy Werner

A

kerman’s Shoes at Edgebrook Center, 1613 N. Alpine Road, has been helping people for generations.

Known for its well-made, high-quality shoes and customer service, Akerman’s is always looking to bring in more brands and styles that appeal to people of all ages, says Diane Cooling, buyer for Akerman’s.

“We’ve always been known for certain brands, but we’re always looking for shoes that look good and feel good. We do a great business with our seniors and we also want to help their children and grandchildren,” she says.

The shoe industry is helping stores like Akerman’s.

“More and more manufacturers are responding to the damage people have done to their feet by wearing poorly made and improperly fitting shoes. They’re of-

fering quality, supportive shoes that are fashionable,” Cooling says.

Aetrex and Alegria are two of the newest brands of shoes, boots and sandals at Akerman’s. The store’s main shoe line is San Antonio Shoes, which is made in the U.S. The store also carries the popular Birkenstock, Dansko and New Balance brands, among others.

Oofos is a sandal made with patented materials for comfort and support and is engineered to help painful feet recover quickly from a workout or a long day at work. The shoe is designed to be 37 percent more shock absorbent than regular footwear, while cradling the arch and flexing with the foot when walking.

“People put on this shoe and have instant relief,” says Cooling.

Over-the-counter orthotics is “huge” right now, she says, because by lifting the

Tell them you saw it in ...

arch, people alleviate pain in the heel and the ball of the foot.

The store specializes in Powerstep insoles, which are designed by a podiatrist, who was also a foot surgeon and runner. After decades of analyzing foot casts, he noticed certain shapes relieve most foot pain. He saw a need for a ready-to-wear orthotic that would bring comfort more conveniently and be more affordable than custom-made insoles.

For more information, contact Akerman’s at akermanshoes.com or call them at (815) 397-9706. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

23

Want a second opinion?

We give you one at every visit!

The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community.

We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.

Call 815.972.1000 to schedule an appointment.

24

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

— — — — — — — — — — — —

Discover the health benefits of connecting with nature at this FREE community event

Bringing together wellness leaders and outdoor fun Saturday, May 20, 2017 12:00 - 3:00 pm Hononegah Forest Preserve #80 Hononegah Road, Rockton, IL 61072 At the Get Outside, Get Healthy! kick-off event you’ll learn about the physical and mental health benefits of various outdoor activities.

Enjoy exhibits, information and demonstrations on Hiking, Paddling, Golf, Nature Study, Yoga, Tai Chi, Bird Watching, Fishing and more!

Pick up your FREE Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport to dozens of FREE activities in the forest preserves. Get your passport stamped and qualify for the grand prize!

Learn more at winnebagoforest.org

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

25

26

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

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

An Afternoon with Eleanor May 3, 11:30 a.m. social hour, noon lunch. Enjoy a Living History Presentation with our most acclaimed First 1.800.521.0849 Lady. Award-winning actress and Rockford, IL 61101 gorockford.com scholar Leslie Goddard portrays Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential public figures of the 20th century. Octane Interlounge caters lunch. Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford, (815) 965-4233, rockfordtheater.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Jazz at Emerson: Jodi Beach May 7, 3 p.m. Savor an intimate concert with jazz singer Jodi Beach. Light refreshments to follow. Emerson House, 406 N Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Visionary Landscapes: Japanese Gardens in America Now May 5, 4:30 p.m. Renowned Japanese garden expert and author, Dr. Kendall Brown, shares his perspective on the role of Japanese gardens in America today. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Annual Plant Sale May 5-6, Fri. 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop a selection of plants, including unique varieties from local nurseries. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org.

First Fridays May 5, 5 p.m. Each month, downtown art galleries, shops and theater venues work together to stay open late and provide new art, music and goods. Downtown Rockford, (779) 537-5319, facebook.com/FirstFridaysRockford.

BrewBash May 5, 5 p.m. BrewBash is a premier beer tasting event with more than 30 breweries in attendance.

Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 399-0314.

Lions Club Car Show May 6, 3-7 p.m. Union Dairy and the Freeport Lions Club host this car show with proceeds going to the Lions Club. Entertainment by 3-D Sound. Union Dairy, 126 E. Douglas St., Freeport, (815) 232-7099.

Victorian Village Opens for the Season May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a guided tour explor-

Enjoy great food at Rockford's Best Dish competition on May 10 at Giovanni's.

ing the life and culture of the 1890s-1910. Meet at the General Store every hour with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. The Village contains 26 structures and 10 heritage gardens representing life in a rural community. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Ale Yeah Yoga May 7, Sun. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join yoga instructor Nicole Messink for a fun yoga and beer event for all skill levels. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.ticketleap.com.

Rock Valley Master Chorale Presents a Concert: In Praise of Women May 7, 3 p.m. Support victims of domestic violence with a free-will offering at this concert.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford, facebook.com/Rock-Valley-MasterChorale.

Health Screenings You Need and When You Need Them May 8, 5:30 p.m. Mona Khanna, an EmmyAward-winning medical journalist, public health specialist and triple-board-certified medical doctor, presents information on preventive screenings for men and women. UIC Health Sciences Campus, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, (815) 395-5649, rockford.medicine.uic.edu.

Rockford's Best Dish May 10, 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with great food, a silent auction and live entertainment hosted by local celebrities. Giovanni's Restaurant & Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 963-1609. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

27

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine

By Paul Anthony Arco

C

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant – a pizzeria in the back of the grocery store they ran at 607 E. Winneshiek St., in Freeport. After son Frank returned from World War II, he took over and moved Cannova’s to its current location in 1964.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many of Frank’s 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. Desserts include Linda’s made-fromscratch tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

“Cannova’s is a wonderful place,” Pat Beckman says. “It gives people a great place to go. It’s not overly expensive, and we have great food and great music.”

Then there are the pizzas: the Classic, with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach and sweet basil; the New York, with olive oil on the crust, fresh garlic, mozzarella and diced tomatoes with a house cheese; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the a Sicilian, with sliced Italian sausage and pepperoncinis,

voted “best traditional pizza” by Pizza Today in 2001. Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany pizza earned a silver medal at the 2005 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

The friendly rapPat and Linda Beckman port among staff and customers is another reason for the restaurant’s success. Many employees have worked there for 10 to 25 years. “This business is interesting because of all the people that you meet. Being in a smaller town like Freeport, you know everyone,” Beckman says.

“We have people who grew up working here and are still here. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of people. It’s like a family.”

Cannova’s is home to jazz quartets, folk musicians and musical theater groups throughout the year. For two weeks in December, it hosts a popular holiday dinner theater.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., FreeRockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30 am-3 pm.; Sat. 8 port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. am-3 pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚ 28

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Alchemy

T

his trendy restaurant inside Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience in a big-city atmosphere.

“Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” says Al Castrogiovanni, chef and founder. “I always had a vision and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and customize everything.”

The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Pizzas made from handcrafted dough, with names like Chicago Dog and Thai Pie, are baked in a wood-fire oven. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a special twist, and daily specials.

Alchemy serves lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.; and dinner 4-10 p.m. Mon.Thurs. and 4-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. The bar is open later. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Glock 19 Gen 4

Anderson Stripped Lower or Upper Receiver

Only $48.99 Each

IN STOCK NOW!

New Only $539

CCI Blazer Brass 9mm Remington 22LR High Velocity Full Metal Jacket, 115 Grains

Only $89.99 Golden Bullets Now 350 rounds

$7.99

with can!

We have You won’t find Glock’s for less!

100 rds Tons in stock! what you S&W M&P Shield 1000 CCI No. 500 need in 9mm or 40 S&W NEW DPMS Oracle 5.56 Small Pistol stock & with or without safety Primers priced Now Only $32.99 super low Only $25.99$$$$ $469 everyday! $375 Large Many Sig Sauer’s in stock!

Selec*on Vortex Sparc AR Red Dot of $199 99

Come in soon to FFL see the selec*on of

TRANSFERS

ONLY $10

Authorized Vortex Dealer

Magpul PMAG 30rd Gen M3 AR-15 Mag

Only $11.49

Large selec*on of Magpul accessories in stock & priced low!

Priced super low!

BUY-SELL-TRADE We are always

BUYING GUNS

We’ll buy one gun or an en*re collec*on!

No appointment necessary.

Buyers on site 7 days a week 9am-7pm.

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

31

e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced May 10 on the 13 WREX Morning Show 4 Tickets Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest Contest Giveaway may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

32

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Don’t Be Afraid to Learn Money Basics

By Peggy Werner

T

eaching people of all ages how money works is part of the mission of MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Educating middle and high school students about the basics of financial literacy is one of the responsibilities of Anna Hauck, director of training and development. Hauck has worked in the financial services industry for more than 16 years and is studying to earn her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor designation through the Credit Union National Association.

“I’ve seen students come in with their first paycheck and hand it over, not knowing at all what to do with it,” says Hauck. “Others have come in to apply for their first loan or credit card, without understanding what they need to get a loan, only knowing that they need the money.

There are even instances in which young

adults applying for credit for the first time find out someone has stolen their identity.”

In some cases, family members or friends have used a minor’s personal information to obtain services that require sufficient credit ratings because their own credit isn’t adequate.

Unfortunately, there are many people who never learned to manage their money or who have had bad experiences with a checking account or loan and ultimately decide to deal in cash only.

Two years ago, MembersAlliance began sponsoring Banzai, an online financial literacy program available to area teachers and students. The response was so positive that the program was expanded to provide in-class presentations on banking basics, credit and budgeting.

Hauck and other credit union professionals have taken the program to more than 2,300 students in 16 schools, both pub-

Tell them you saw it in ...

lic and private, in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties.

“If I just reach one student, it’s time well spent,” says Hauck. “That will be one less person struggling to understand and manage money later in life. Informing the students before they begin their financial lives will not only help them, but will also help our communities.”

MembersAlliance also has Rockford branch locations at 6951 Olde Creek Road, and inside the Wal-Mart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and Rockton Road. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

33

34

Smart Living Weekly

May 3

To advertise call 815-316-2300

VISIT THE MIDWEST’S #1 ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION!

ALL THE LATEST SLOTS & TABLE GAMES AWARD-WINNING DINING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LUXURY HOTEL AND MORE!

Try your luck to win FKC Reward Play and a shot at one of four trips to the TournEvent of Champions Million Dollar Event™ in Las Vegas with a $1,000,000 Grand Prize.

Play with your Club card May 1–27 to earn entries.

GRAND FINALE & WILD CARD TOURNAMENT SUNDAY, JUNE 4

SLOT TOURNAMENTS THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS IN MAY

Learn more at PAYSBIG.COM/BIGWIN

1721 WEST CANAL STREET • MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 • MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AND A FIRE KEEPER’S CLUB® MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE • WINNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAXES MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS • GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-426-2535 ©2017 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1