Smart Living Weekly - July 5, 2017

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • July 5, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Summer Fun on the Water

See Page 16

NEW Cataract Treatment 2017 Trends in Home Decor Fresh ‘n Easy Summer Salad Skewer Shop the Blocks in Downtown Rockford

FREE WIN!

2 Tickets to Magic Waters

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 Fun on the Water Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Home Decor Trends for 2017 Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 Truth Matters Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Tasty Summer Salad Skewers Your Technology ...............................................19 Don't Pay Too Much Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Shop the Blocks Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 A New Cataract Treatment Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Bravo Pizza Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Outdoor Living ............................... ......... 29 Get Outdoors and Get Healthy!

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 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 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.

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Fun on the Water!

S

ometimes we forget how fortunate we are to live in and near river cities like Rockford, Janesville, Beloit, Dixon, Rock Falls, Byron, Oregon and others.

A city with a river is special. It affords quality-of-life benefits we often take for granted. Our ancestors settled along rivers for very practical reasons, but we like to play in and simply enjoy our rivers today.

One reason we can do this safely is because the Clean Water Act of 1972 restricted the practice of using rivers as dumping grounds for many kinds of pollutants. I well remember how filthy the Rock River was during the 1960s and 1970s and how often major fish kills occurred. Today, it’s nearly pristine by comparison. That’s why it concerns me that this important Act and the entity which enforces it (EPA) are under threat for the first time in 45 years – and right when we’re learning to treat our rivers like the important economic development assets they always should have been in our Midwest downtowns. Only time will tell how the rivers and our drinking water will fare after laws meant to protect them for the public good are weakened.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of summer days ahead on the water for us to enjoy while we still can.

A few riverside parks worth visiting, if you’ve never done so, include Riverside and Traxler parks in Janesville; Riverside, Big Hill and Preservation parks in Beloit; Hononegah and Macktown forest preserves in Rockton, Ill.; Martin and Shorewood parks in Loves Park; Sinnissippi, Davis, Beattie and Black Hawk parks in Rockford; Sunshine and River parks in Byron; Kiwanis, Carnation and Oregon parks in Oregon, Ill., plus two gorgeous state parks – Lowden and Castle Rock. In Dixon, you’ll find Lowell, Page, President’s and Howell parks, all with riverbank expanses.

Sterling and Rock Falls also offer several charming riverfront parks. Here’s to playing on the water – and to keeping it clean! ■ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y H  G

2017 Home Interior Trends: Comfort is Key

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

W

hen it comes to 2017 style trends, today’s designers do an admirable job of making sure comfort and style coexist peacefully.

“Comfort is huge,” says Trina Gustafson, co-owner of Gustafson Furniture & Mattress, with locations on East State Street and West Riverside Boulevard. “A rustic, casual look is very big, but it’s not the dark and heavy rustic of yesterday.”

Think about the ways Joanna Gaines uses rustic details on the TV show “Fixer Upper,” Gustafson suggests. “It’s light and airy but also has a lot of character and rich detail. Her Magnolia Home furniture lines are inspired by primitive, industrial, French, traditional, Bo Ho and farmhouse styles. You find these influences across many brands today.”

Today’s furniture is pretty – and practical – but not pretentious. Walk through

one of the Gustafson’s showrooms and you’ll spy a sleek end table by Kincaid with a flip-up storage nook to conceal lamp cords and a phone charging station. That’s practical.

Nearby are reclining sofas that not only have automatic leg rests and backs that adjust to any position, but also automatic headrests that do the same. “You don’t have to adjust to its shape,” Gustafson says. “It adjusts to yours.”

In terms of style, “There’s a lot of glitz to be found on showroom floors right now, whether gold or silver, in accessories, lamps and furniture details.”

Think mullions on glass doors, metallic stripes on wood inlays, gilt sunburst mirrors, ornate metal drawer pulls.

For wall color, earthy greens and dusky blues are new favorites. “Green-

ery” is the Pantone Color of the Year, “a refreshing and revitalizing shade symbolic of new beginnings.” At recent home shows, Gustafson noticed soft green used as a neutral on walls.

Gray remains a favorite neutral and is warming up. Think warm fawn gray rather than steel gray in wood tones, fabrics and wall color.

“And we’re seeing a lot of blue in textiles,” says Gustafson. “Navy blues but also aquas and other blues.” ❚

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I  W

Truth Matters

Use your Home’s Financial Muscle to Tackle your Money Struggles

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22

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emarkably, there’s a lot of discussion today about whether or not honesty and integrity really matter any more, especially in leaders of government and industry. “Maybe it’s too much to expect.

Maybe it’s a thing of the past. Maybe it’s just his or her personality,” we hear people say.

Lies often come in the form of propaganda meant to divide us and to build loyalty to a self-serving leader.

But when people feel their leaders are lying, trust erodes. Standards for personal behavior erode, too. This damages the basic framework of a free society.

Trust in the U.S. government has been falling since the 1960s. Pew Research Center reports that only 19 percent of Americans trust the government in Washington D.C. to do what is right “just about always” (3 percent) or “most of the time” (16 percent).

God certainly doesn’t tell us to place our trust in government. Far from it. He does, however, ask us to behave in a trustworthy manner and to champion honesty.

When we make excuses for, laugh off or normalize dishonesty, we do so at our own peril and in defiance of God, who without question despises lying.

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“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. – Proverbs 6:1620a.

Within any context, lying does damage. Only truth sets us free.

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. – John 3:21 ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Easy & Tasty Summer Salad Skewers W

Ruby Beet & Chicken Salad Skewers

1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 1/3 cup juice) 1/4 cup olive oil 1 bag (9 ounces) leafy romaine pieces 8 wooden skewers 1/3 cup chopped almonds, toasted 1/3 cup crumbled firm white cheese (such as blue cheese, feta or goat)

Ingredients 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets, drained 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound) Salt, to taste, plus 1/2 tsp., divided Pepper, to taste, plus 1/2 tsp., divided 4 1/2 TB stone ground mustard, divided 1 1/2 TB orange marmalade, plus 1/3 cup, divided 2 TB minced fresh chives

Directions Heat oven to 375 F. Drain beets; set aside.

Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. In small bowl, combine 1 1/2 TB each of mustard and marmalade. Brush mixture over chicken until completely coated. Bake chicken on aluminum foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, 20-25 minutes, or until juices run clear; set aside.

To make vinaigrette: In medium bowl, combine remaining mustard, re-

armer weather means it’s salad season.

There are many seasonal salads to enjoy and everyone has a favorite. Change up your warm-weather dining habits with this recipe for Ruby Beet Chicken Salad Skewers, perfect for entertaining family and friends.

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maining marmalade, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Slowly pour in oil while whisking vigorously until completely combined.

Slice cooled chicken into 1-inch pieces. On each skewer, thread a beet, a piece of chicken and 4-5 pieces of lettuce; repeat twice; add one beet at end.

Repeat to make eight skewers. Place skewers on large serving platter. Stir vinaigrette; drizzle lightly over skewers.

Sprinkle with almonds and cheese. Serve with remaining vinaigrette. ❚

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R  O R

Fun on the Water O

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor h, don’t they envy us?

Folks living in dry, brown, thirsty parts of the U.S. would give a lot right now to play on one of our cool, sparkling rivers or lakes. It’s practically our civic duty to make the most of this embarrassment of riches.

“Getting out on the water just makes you feel good,” says Jim Talkington, owner of Rock Cut Concessions. “And there’s so much opportunity for it here.”

You don’t have to own a boat or be athletic to enjoy playing on the Rock, Sugar, Pecatonica or Kishwaukee rivers, or on one of the many lakes scattered throughout our region. You only need to know the resources available to you, both public and private. The best way to learn your preference is to try out many watersports.

If the idea of gliding softly through

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the water sounds appealing, you might enjoy paddling sports. Rock Cut State Park is a good place to get started, since you can rent canoes, kayaks and stand-up boards, as well as fishing boats, paddleboats and rowboats, all by the hour.

“A one- or two-person kayak is a good way to start because you sit low in the water, with a good center of gravity,” says Talkington. “Kayaks are extremely stable. If you’ve never paddled before, we go over the basics with you. You won’t get lost on Pierce Lake and it’s a nice size – about 1.5 miles from end to end. At the east end, especially in early morning, you’re likely to see turtles sunning themselves, herons and other wildlife.”

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Fishing boats are $19 per hour for 12-foot boats and $22 for 14-footers. All other boats are $13 an hour. If you plan to fish from your boat, live bait and licenses are sold on site. Rock Cut Concessions is located on the south end of the lake; just follow the “boat launch” signs.

“Paddling is easy on your body, which makes it ideal for people of all ages,” notes Beka Fritz, adventure coordinator at Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., Rockford (across from

R  O R Riverview Ice House). “We coordinate all kinds of group outings using canoes, single or tandem kayaks, and stand-up boards. It’s neat to have a place where you can find other people who are also interested in trying out these sports. We just got back from one trip that included a night of camping in Pecatonica. It’s also nice to be able to ‘try before you buy.’”

If you decide you need to have your own kayak or canoe, Rocktown stocks and sells them.

The event calendar at rocktownadventures.com lists outings and classes such as Stand-Up Paddleboating, an introduction to the fastest-growing paddling sport activity.

If you’ve developed some paddling confidence and want to spread your wings, Forest Preserves of Winnebago County provides detailed information about our four rivers under the “Activities” and then “Canoeing” tabs, and a downloadable brochure. You’ll also find tips about supplies, gear, regulations and

safety. As a public, we own 42 beautiful preserves, many with waterways.

The Rockford Park District website provides boating information under its activities tab, including a list of boat ramps, docks (some wheelchair accessible) and public parks where fishing is allowed. Another easy way to access the water is to cruise on the Forest City Queen Riverboat, which departs from Nicholas Conservatory. Consult the website for a schedule. You’ll also find information about the park district’s new Windsor Lake Activity Center, where fishing and muscle-powered boating are permitted.

If you feel a need for speed and would rather use a motor than muscles, there are ample places to learn about, rent and buy boats in our region. One of them is Loves Park Motor Sports, 119151 Main St. in Roscoe, which displays, sells, stores and services new and used pontoons, speedboats, fishing boats, personal watercraft and more. The boats it sells

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are mostly used on the Rock River, and at least 75 percent of them are pontoons, says Blake Jack, manager.

“Pontoons are just so great for entertaining. You can take 10 people out for a relaxing ride. You can fish, tube, ski from them. And there’s a big variety of options for outfitting them. You can spend from the mid-$20,000s on a pontoon to $130,000 for twin-engine 300 models that go more than 60 mph. What we sell the most of is the 90-150 horsepower pontoon that’s meant to average a 30 mph speed.”

Personal watercraft are more popular than ever, too, says Jack.

“That’s because they’ve changed quite a lot in recent years,” he explains.

“They’re more stable and you can stop a lot faster – the on-water brakes are much better.”

There’s a world of fun to be had on our beautiful rivers and lakes, and cold weather’s only a few months away. Get out and enjoy! ❚

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Ask how to get a FREE Echo Dot with offer code: FreeEchoDot Free Echo Dot provided by DISH. Amazon is not a sponsor of this promotion.

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Important Terms and Conditions: Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and eAutoPay. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. 2-year commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., you will be billed $8.99/mo. for Protection Plan unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. Free standard professional installation only.

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Y T

Reduce the Cost of Monthly Tech Bills

By Peggy Werner

D

o you spend too much money on your monthly tech bills? Chances are good that you do, and EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, can help with that.

“People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.

People get excited when they see promotions because they’re just looking at the promotional price, which will jump up dramatically after the special offer ends.

But they don’t always know exactly what they’re getting – and what you don’t know can hurt you.”

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV,

Digitenna, and Vivint.

Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. For DISH users, he offers an integrated anntena service that delivers local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo.

It has a small built-in speaker and can connect to your speakers over Bluetooth or with the included audio cable.

Zambrano also offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for $19.95 per month.

EZ Satellite specializes in helping people make the right choices based on what they need and where they live.

The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help

people to acquire cable services.

The company serves both residential and commercial clients.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

“I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save,” he says.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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Y O

Shop the Blocks July 7 for Downtown Fun T

he River District Association (RDA) and its partners announce the second in a series of four “Shop the Blocks” on Friday, July 7, 3-8 p.m.

“We know that offering residents and visitors something more to do will provide them the opportunity to stay longer in the core of our great city,” says RDA Executive Director Leah Tuneberg.

A few select parking spaces will be turned into temporary interactive openair “parklets.” The parklet idea took root in San Francisco in 2005 and has extended to more than 1000 parklets in 160 cities in 35 countries. Parklets encourage visitors to kick back, relax and to connect with friends. Visitors also can do unique activities like skateboarding or playing a game of life-sized chess.

A sampling of participants: • 317 Studio and Gallery: Watch artists work and interact with them. Appetizers and beverages, 5-8 p.m., free.

• 510 Threads/Eurostyle: Spring sidewalk sale & clearance; up to 50 percent off.

• Arch: Weekly specials.

Every first Friday this summer, 3-6 p.m., all products 10 percent off plus $5 braids and bun hair styling.

• Blue Line Sports Pub & Whiskey Bar: Alfresco dining • District Bar and Grill: Alfresco dining • Ground Floor Skateboards: Skate in the alley west of the shop and get free socks with purchase of footprint insoles • Lucette Salon and Spa: Boho Braid Tent and Aveda iced tea. Arrojo & Farmhouse Fresh products 20 percent off, 3-9 p.m., all braids $10.

• Minglewood Boutique: Summer sidewalk sale. Live oil painting by Brian Harker; Card readings and pottery by Eve Harker; Soap carving by Lincoln Bias.

• Octane Interlounge: Alfresco dining.

• Owly Oop Sports Pub: Patio dining, live music by Milwaukee-based indie-

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Americana pop band Trapper Schoepp and The Shades, 7:30-9:30, free.

• Rockford Art Deli: Parklet.

• Rockford Roasting Company: Alfresco dining/coffee in new parklet.

• Salvaged by Sonya: Girl Scouts crafting in parklet.

• Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza: Alfresco dining.

• Yolo’s Sweets: Parklet & puppet shows; $2 ice cream cones and face painting.■

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A New Cataract Treatment

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance.

Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your

Y H

D

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

“I discovered that by putting a single-focus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the non-dominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚

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NEW THIS YEAR! SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT!

Grammy Award Winning

Lee Ann Womack August 3, 2017

Doors open at 6 pm Show starts at 7 pm $30 per ticket plus receive a free weekend pass to Festa Italiana!

August 4-6, 2017 • Boylan High School festaitalianarockford.com 24

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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

Stephenson County Fair July 5-9, Wed. 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Thurs. 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy a carnival midway, homemade baked Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com goods, 4-H and FAA livestock shows, “kiddie” and adult tractor pulls, demolition derby, “bulls 'n barrels,” and musical entertainment, featuring Gary Allen. Stephenson County Fair, 2250 Walnut Road, Freeport, (815) 235-2918, stepensoncountyfair.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Bat Hike July 6, 8:15-9:15 p.m. Learn about these unique flying mammals that call our area home. Location: Four Lakes Forest Preserve, 10180 Trask Bridge Road, Pecatonica, Ill. Info: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com Music in the Park: Jodi Beach July 6, 7 p.m. Tunes by this Rockford favorite range from romantic ballads to upbeat swing music. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Friday Night Flix: “Sing” July 7, 7 p.m. Friday Night Flix features free, large-screen movies the entire family can enjoy.

Moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park and purchase food, soda, beer and wine from on-site vendors. Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, facebook. com/FridayNightFlix.

History Explorers: Amazing Race July 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Children and adults work together in a no-rush race scavenger hunt through the 1890s village to complete several challenges, each with a historical twist. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Concerts on the Creek: Tom Mac Group July 8, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Brit Floyd-Immersion World Tour July 9, 7:30 p.m. Brit Floyd is a tribute band from Liverpool whose live shows emulate the sound and excitement of Pink Floyd’s live shows.

ByronFest returns July 14-16, featuring a carnival, food and music.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Tom Chapin July 11, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Folk singer. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 2299390, andersongardens.org.

Music in the Park: Music Around the World July 11, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band performs. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

NIU EIGERlab Presentation July 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Discover the marketing strategy that Amazon uses to drive sales, and learn how to transform your approach in marketing with affordable tools. NIU EIGERlab, NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 753-2192, EIGERlab.org.

ByronFest 2017 July 14-16, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.midnight, Sun. noon-4:30 p.m. A three-day community carnival, food and music fest featuring country singer Dylan Scott. Proceeds help charitable groups raise funds for local programs. Location: downtown Byron. Info: Byron Chamber of Commerce, 232 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-5500, byronfest.org.

George Lopez July 21, 7 p.m. George Lopez’s multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Italian Dining at Bravo Pizza W

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic Italian dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining classic Italian fare with all the comfort and flavors of a home-cooked meal.

“We work in quality, price and service – those are our three main ingredients,” says Ocello. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, so we know how to maintain a consistency for our customers. There’s no price that pays for that.”

Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant has two locations – one in Poplar Grove, the other in South Beloit – and each provides a genuine escape for patrons. You’ll find large wooden tables, warm golden lighting

and murals of Italian scenery, inspired by Ocello’s Sicilian heritage. Diners can choose from a vast array of Italian classics, from pizza and calzones to pasta and sandwiches.

There are American classics, too, such as the Bravo Burger.

Most items are made from scratch in the Bravo kitchen, ensuring a home- Managers Richard Owens and Heather Intravaia with Joe Ocello. made meal with fresh ingredients. The Ital- they’re huge, too,” says Ocello. “'Bravo' in ian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat Italian means good, and I think we are very sauce, was named Best in the Stateline good. We have a menu we’ve been perfectby MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers ing for forever, so we know how to do it include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettuc- well.” cine Alfredo and fish specials.

Both locations offer a full-service bar, “We make it all ourselves. Each meat- catering, carry-out and delivery services. ball is about a quarter pound apiece, so Bravo Pizza is open daily at 11 a.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire E Upscale-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, Ill., 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 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

3pm. $-$$.

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 Parkway, Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ 26

Smart Living Weekly

July 5

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Arturo’s

A

rturo’s at 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., is run by Arturo Torres, who learned to cook authentic Mexican food in Guadalajara, Mexico. He uses only fresh, from-scratch ingredients.

Fan favorites include tacos, fajitas, 10 Finger Burritos and enchilada dinners.

American dishes include steaks, burgers, chicken wings and seafood plates. There’s also an expanding selection of domestic and imported beers, and, of course, the house margarita.

Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 a.m., with 12 to 15 authentic Mexican options like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, juevos tirados and huevos con chorizos, along with American fare. Arturo’s expects to open a rooftop beer garden by the end of 2017.

Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. ❚

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Sarah Soenke

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O L

Forest Preserves: Get Outside, Get Healthy!

T he free Winnebago County Forest Preserves program ‘Get Outside, Get Healthy!’ is in full swing, but it’s not too late to get involved. Pick up a passport from and get all the information you need to take full advantage of the many opportunities and activities happening through July 30 in forest preserves this summer.

Get Outside, Get Healthy! is a free program that encourages people of all ages to discover the health benefits of spending time in nature. Participants can connect with nature through a full schedule of diverse outdoor opportunities such as guided hikes, nature study, camping, golf, bird watching, river study, paddling trips, fun runs, archaeology and more.

Bring your Get Outside, Get Healthy! passport with you to all the selfguided and guided activities and have it validated so you can earn points to qualify for the prizes. This year’s grand prize is a fabulous gift basket overflowing with

valuable gifts to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors, including: • one-year Severson Dells Nature Center family membership • one-year Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden family membership • certificate for a guided paddle trip with Rocktown Adventures, outdoor retailer and adventure club • gift certificate for Macktown, Atwood Homestead or The Ledges Golf Course • birding cap from Sand Bluff Observatory • award-winning nature guide books • FPWC backpacks • many more items to enhance you nature explorations!

Passports can be picked up at any

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of these participating locations: FPWC Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford; Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford; Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; and Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, 5209 Haas Road, Shirland.

Get Outside, Get Healthy! is a free community program presented by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. ❚

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