Smart Living Weekly - August 24, 2016

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Special Tourism Issue: Welcome to Our Region!

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Right in Our Region

A Last Hurrah at Cherry Valley Festival

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

T

he end of summer means one last bash for Cherry Valley residents and visitors, during the 28th annual Cherry Valley Festival Days. From Aug. 26-28, families will enjoy great food, a carnival, on-site activities and, of course, live music, to make the festival an event to remember.

This year, more than 10,000 people are expected to attend the fun-filled festival at Baumann Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley, Ill. The event is open from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Continued on p. 20

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Celebrate Our Ethnic Roots in Midtown • Farmers Markets Galore • Broken Cell Phone Screen?

When Not to DIY • Choosing a Contractor with a Work Ethic • Speedy Back-to-School Suppers

Smart Living Weekly

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Cherry Valley Days Festival Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 When Not to DIY Outdoor Living .......................................... ........ 9 Contractors with a Work Ethic Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Folly of Arrogance Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Back-To-School, Easy-to-Make Suppers Your Technology ...............................................30 Broken Cell Phone Screen?

Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 You Mean I Have a Hernia?

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Your Outing ...........................................17, 26, 29 Farmers Market Roundup; Paulson’s Agricultural Museum of Argyle; Midtown Ethnic Festival & Parade

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, Anna Girgenti General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones 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 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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A Last Hurrah

W

ow, I hate to read that phrase “last hurrah” as it relates to the close of summertime. But alas, September is not far off. School buses are rumbling through our neighborhoods again and squirrels are snatching up nuts faster than we can say “Pokemon GO” or “Simone Biles.”

Fortunately for us, many of the things we love about summertime are even better during fall. Farmers markets are loaded with the best of the harvest. Community festivals are even more fun in cooler weather. Ripened summer landscapes are gradually saturated with a golden light unique to summer’s departure. I’m reminded of a line in “To the Light of September,” by American poet W.S. Merwin: ... still the high familiar endless summer yet with a glint of bronze in the chill mornings ...

Meanwhile, there’s still a little bit of August left. There’s one more Tuesday night concert to enjoy at Anderson Japanese Gardens, on Aug. 30, and a few more Dinner on the Dock nights at Prairie Street Brewhouse. Rockford City Market is still going strong, as are Concerts on the Creek, Music on the Mall (Edgebrook), and Tunes on the Terrace, well into September.

The Rock River beckons boaters to its less crowded waters; our gorgeous parks and forest preserves beg to be explored under crisp breezes; and country roads in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois couldn’t be much more inviting than they are right now – at least until October.

We hope you make the most of the fleeting days of summer and that our publications inspire you to search out new gems in your own backyard. You’ll soon have a new edition of our Northwest Quarterly Magazine in your hands to help you do just that. Enjoy the last hurrah of summertime! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor Tell themyou yousaw saw it in Tell them in ... ... Smart Living Weekly

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O L

Find a Contractor with a Strong Work Ethic

By Peggy Werner

H

ave you ever called a contractor, carpenter, painter or other tradesperson – only to be told “I’ll get back to you,” but you never hear from them again?

“We hear that complaint from customers much more than you would think and I’m not sure why that is,” says Jim Flynn, manager of Bonte Construction, 6628 N. Deer Path Road, Oregon, Ill. Flynn and owner Greg Bonte have worked together in the building trades for more than 15 years and a large part of their success is because they have the same work ethic, says Flynn. Bonte branched off on his own to start Bonte Construction in 2011.

Bonte Construction is one of the area’s leading contractors, specializing in construction, remodeling, additions,

kitchens, bathroom, decks, siding, windows, doors and more. It services customers living in Byron, Oregon, Rockford and the surrounding area.

Some companies just don’t have a strong work ethic.

“Obviously, they don’t need the work or the income,” Flynn says of people who don’t follow through. They may be poor communicators, disorganized or just undependable.

Some customers believe they get the brush-off from professionals because the

job is too small or too difficult. Again, that’s not a good business practice.

“We don’t ignore any job,” says Flynn. “A little job can always mean more business from that customer in the future, in the form of more work or referrals.

And if we can’t do the job, we’ll be honest about it,” he says.

Flynn recommends always asking friends and family for names and phone numbers of people they know have done good work and are reliable.

“Personally, I can’t understand why anyone would ignore someone,” says Flynn. “We pride ourselves in quality workmanship, do what we say we are going to do, and get the job done in a timely fashion. It’s just who we are.”

For more information or to set up an appointment for a free estimate, call Bonte Construction at (815) 345-1586. ❚

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Y H  G

Home Repair: When Not to Do It Yourself I

t looks easy on those home improvement channels – hanging a ceiling fan, putting in that new tile floor, replacing the garbage disposal, repainting the family room. But it’s not always easier or cheaper to DIY. “People start a project and find that it’s more difficult or it’s going to take much longer than they thought,” says Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services in Rockford. “I get calls all of the time to finish – or fix – someone’s DIY attempts.”

The most important consideration is if you can really handle the job. “Electricity and plumbing are things best handled by the experts,” Raymond says. “One DIYer was hanging a ceiling fan that had two power wires, and he got an incorrect voltage reading of 220 on a 110 circuit. He couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t work, and he ended up calling me.”

Also, it’s a matter of having the right tools. “When you hang a door, you need a plumb-bob and a long level – a six-inch level isn’t enough,” Raymond says.

Often, DIYers discover unknown problems. “You don’t see everything that they deal with on those DIY shows,” says Raymond.

“In older homes, especially, you’re likely to run into things like faulty wiring, mold or rotten pipes, and find that more is involved than just the project. That’s where professional knowledge and experience pay off.”

Even “simple” jobs, like painting or laying tile, aren’t. “People

are surprised sometimes at how hard it is to paint a room,” Raymond says. “They get paint on the ceiling.

They don’t buy enough paint or good brushes.

It took one woman a week to paint a room, and we redid it in a day.”

Laying a tile floor?

“That looks easy, but you need to start in the exact center of the room and work your way out,” Raymond says.

Many things can go wrong when working on home improvement projects. So, rather than risking injury to yourself or your home, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“At least call an expert for advice or to get a professional opinion,” Raymond says. “If I can, I’ll even try to walk you through it or ask questions to figure out where you’re going wrong.”

The professional handyman has the knowledge and experience to get your home project completed efficiently and correctly. For help with your projects, call Raymond at (815) 979-9016, or visit apshomepros.com. ❚

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I  W

The Folly of Arrogance

S

ome things in scripture are crystal clear.

One is that God despises arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor.

Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart,” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my

eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over

which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How to behave instead? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Fast Family Meals Can Be as Easy as 1-2-3 A

s summer comes to an end and the reality of back-to-school season sets in, it can be challenging to jump back into your day-to-day routine. But even as things get hectic, it’s still possible to savor meals together as a family. These three steps make it easy to assemble quick, flavorful dishes ideal for the busy back-to-school season.

1. Plan a weekly menu and shop accordingly so you can avoid scrounging to piece together a meal from the odds and ends in the pantry. Meal planning eliminates all of the guesswork, so your family can enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals while also saving time, money and stress.

2. Rely on a versatile, easy meal-helper that lends itself to a variety of preparations, such as Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork. Packed with protein and already seasoned, it’s the perfect base for any weeknight meal. For a hassle-free dinner, try Pork with Balsamic Glaze and Rosemary, which is ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish – less time than it takes the kids to finish their homework.

each side until internal temperature reaches 150 F. Remove pork from skillet and place on rimmed serving platter; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and pork chops.

Serve pork chops drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with rosemary.

South of the Border Pizza -2 French bread sandwich rolls, halved -8 TB refried black beans -8 TB (2 ounces) Smithfield Anytime Favorites Hickory Smoked Diced Ham -8 slices pepper jack cheese -4 TB picante sauce -4 TB low-fat sour cream Preparation Heat oven to 375 F. Place four French bread halves on ungreased sheet pan.

Spread 2 tablespoons beans evenly over each bread half. Top each half with 2 tablespoons ham and two cheese slices. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Remove from oven; top each pizza with 1 tablespoon picante sauce and 1 tablespoon sour cream. ❚ Source: Family Features

3. Opt for simple, flavorful dishes that don’t require a ton of ingredients or multiple sides. A zesty take on a traditional favorite, this South of the Border Pizza is convenient, kid-friendly and a great way to banish lunchtime boredom. Use this recipe as a starting point then experiment with more toppings to create your own unique family recipe.

Pork: Balsamic Glaze and Rosemary -1 TB olive oil -1 Smithfield Applewood Smoked Bacon Marinated Fresh Pork Loin Filet, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch thick chops -1/4 cup prepared balsamic vinegar glaze -1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary Preparation In large, nonstick skillet, heat half the oil over medium heat. Working in two batches, cook pork chops 4-5 minutes on Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Buy it Fresh at Local Farmers Markets H

ere’s a glance at the ongoing farmers markets in our region. All feature fresh produce and other treats.

Saturdays

Beloit Farmers Market Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., downtown. Now in its fourth decade, this is one of the oldest markets in our region, with more than 85 vendors. VisitBeloit.com North End City Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., southeast corner of Main and Auburn streets, Rockford, through Oct. 29. Live music, fresh-cooked food and socializing. Rockfordcitymarket.com/northend

Pecatonica Farmers Market Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 29, Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26 and Thurs. 3-6:30 p.m., with a different set of vendors than Wednesday, through Sept. 15. The Wednesday market is now in its 25th year. Live music on Thursdays. Edgebrookshops.com Rockton River Market Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. through Aug. 31, along the Rock River on East Harwick Street, in Old Settlers Park. RocktonRiverMarket.com

Freeport Farmers Market Saturdays, 7-11 a.m., CVS parking lot, 721 W. South St., Freeport, through Oct. 1. Stephenson-county-il.org

Highland Farmers Market Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 5, Parkling Lot C of Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

Belvidere Farmers Market & Crafts Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 22, parking lot of Dodge Lanes, 1940 State St., belviderefarmersmarket.com

Pecatonica Farmers Market Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. through Oct. 26, at Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

GPS Faith Community Farmers Market Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 22, 10714 N. Second St., Machesney Park, Ill. (north and west of Route 173.) Live music 5-7 p.m., gorockford.com

Fridays

Rockford City Market Fridays, 3:30-8:30 p.m. on Water Street near State Street through Sept. 30. (Closing time changes to 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day.) Live music, fresh-cooked food and locally brewed beer. Rockfordcitymarket.com.

Winnebago Farmers Market Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m., through Oct. 28, Main and Benton streets. GoRockford.com ❚

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R  O R

Cherry Valley Continued from Cover

“The festival is a great way for families and individuals to enjoy themselves while summer weather is still with us,” says Margie Henning, festival volunteer. She’s been involved with Cherry Valley Days for 25 years in a variety of roles. Currently, she organizes the event’s program book and collects advertisements.

“Year after year, Cherry Valley Days delivers a weekend full of great food and fun activities.

It’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbors and spend time with

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your family and friends,” Henning says.

The festival has improved steadily since starting in 1988. A move to Baumann Park has given the festival plenty of space for bands, rides and food vendors and there’s free parking across from the festival entrance.

There are 34 volunteers on the festival committee, including many husband-and-wife teams, which accentuates the festival’s family focus. There’s also support from the Cherry Valley Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works Department.

“It truly is a community effort,” Henning says. “We couldn’t put this together without everyone’s support.”

A highlight of the festival is Saturday’s muddy money mud pit, where children and adults dig through mud for cash and prizes. There are also the 10th annual Scottish Highland Games from noon to

Aug 24 To advertise call 815-316-2300

6 p.m., in which members of the North American Scottish Games Athletics compete in distance and height events. People of all ages can participate to win a $50 cash prize in a scavenger hunt through the city for a golden skeleton key. The competitive citywide hunt spans the entire three days of the festival. No registration is required.

“The key is hidden somewhere within the city before Friday, and the clues get posted at different times starting Friday night and all day through Saturday and

R  O R Sunday, until somebody finds it,” Henning says. “Unless it’s found within the first three clues, another key hunt will be started.”

A Nickel Scramble and a Home Depot Kids Workshop are fun events for children. The Cherry Valley Firefighters Association sponsors the Children’s Nickel Scramble on Friday at 7 p.m., when ages 1-12 can collect coins from straw piles. The Home Depot of Rockford Kids Workshop takes place on two

days, Saturday and Sunday, when children can build their own wooden projects from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday; however, there are a limited number of kits available.

Of course, Cherry Valley Days wouldn’t be the same without a cherry pie-eating contest.

“That’s always a unique and fun aspect of the festival,” Henning says. “People have so much fun getting messy or cheering on participants.”

This year’s music is a treat for those who like blues and country. On Friday night, blues band Altered Five headlines from 10 p.m. to midnight. The stage welcomes country artist Clare Dunn on Saturday from 10 p.m. to midnight, while Shotgun Jane plays from 4:15 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

While the festival’s activities are sure to entertain,

the weekend also contributes to the enrichment of the community. This will be the fourth year that the festival partners with Keeping Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB), a nonprofit organization that works to improve the local environment and educate residents.

“At Cherry Valley Days, we’ll be collecting recyclables such as water bottles and pop cans, which diverts hundreds of pounds of reusable materials from landfills,” Henning says. “It’s a great effort that has made a significant change in the community.”

For the first time, admission to the festival is free to those age 12 and under.

Festival buttons for admission are available for $5 through noon on Aug. 25 at Cherry Valley Schnucks, Cherry Valley Library, Shell Express Lane, Cherry Valley Village Hall and Alpine Bank. General admission buttons at the gate cost $7 on Friday and Saturday or $4 on Sunday, and can be used the whole weekend.

Learn more at valleydays.com. ❚

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Y H

‘You Mean I Have a Hernia?’

By Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

I

t’s not always easy to diagnose a hernia. You can suffer from a hernia almost suddenly. Or you might not even know it. A doctor usually can tell by your symptoms.

A hernia forms when the abdominal wall muscle weakens or tears. Pressure pushes abdominal organs and surrounding tissue through the wall. This creates the soft swelling or bulge that characterizes most hernias.

The bulge is seen when you stand, walk, cough or lift heavy objects, and disappears when you lie down. At this stage, the bulge can be pushed back into the abdomen. If the hernia becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall, it may feel hard and painful. That can turn into a problem requiring immediate attention.

Hernias can be present as a congenital defect or develop later from a muscle

strain, such as improper weightlifting.

Hernias occur in different areas, including the groin between the abdomen and thigh (inguinal hernia), navel (umbilical hernia), top of the thigh (femoral hernia) and where the esophagus and stomach join (hiatal hernia). Men are more susceptible than women to hernias.

Small, painless hernias may never need to be repaired. Surgical intervention is used in more severe cases. If not repaired, a hernia may prevent you from enjoying normal activities.

Hernia repair is among the 10 most frequently performed procedures at Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Featherstone Road. Surgery returns the protruding organ to its original position and prevents the hernia from becoming pinched so that the blood supply is cut off.

Typically, repair of inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernias involves an incision over the hernia site. The hernia is moved back into the abdominal cavity, and the muscles around the hernia are sewn together. If the hernia is large or in the groin, a piece of mesh is inserted beneath the hernia defect.

If you have a hernia, contact your doctor right away if the hernia becomes very painful, it can’t be pushed back into your abdomen, and you feel sick to your stomach, vomit or run a fever. ❚

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Y O

Farm Life’s the Star at Paulson’s Ag Museum

By Janine Pumilia

F

amily farms played a starring role in our region’s development and yet most of us today don’t know the difference between a pig and a plow.

The late Warren and Helen Paulson believed there should be a place where people could take their families to learn about local historic farm life and the equipment so necessary to its success.

“He had a real passion for this part of American life and wanted to preserve what he could so he could share it with others,” explains Lynette Wherley, secretary and spokesperson for Paulson’s Agriculture Museum of Argyle, 6950 Belvidere Road, Caledonia.

The museum overflows with farm artifacts, large and small, including 50-plus antique tractors, 700 cast iron farming implement seats, cultivators, wagons, windmills, vintage advertising signs and novelties like milking equipment and hog oilers – yes, hog oilers.

The Paulsons farmed from 1943

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to 1989 in Argyle, an unincorporated area near Caledonia settled by Scottish Americans. Warren also sold, installed and repaired farm implements and sold DeKalb seed products. He established the museum in 2006, after amassing his collection over 40 years. The Paulsons donated these artifacts, along with about 15 acres of land and several buildings, to the museum in 2010.

“Warren wanted the museum to live on for posterity so the public could enjoy it and learn from it,” says Wherley. “His heirs graciously honored his wishes.”

Along with agricultural artifacts, the museum contains a model train replica of the Kenosha and Rockford Railroad line.

There’s also a large collection of cast iron toys and a farm kitchen display with items commonly used by hardworking farm women.

The museum is open for tours by appointment and the main building is heated and available to rent year-round

Aug 24 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Eugene Wheeler, museum president, atop an Allis-Chalmers tractor at the museum. Photo

by Samantha Ryan.

for barn dances, fundraisers, birthday parties, company picnics, toy shows, auctions, cookouts, lectures or other events.

To schedule a visit, to inquire about membership or to learn more about volunteering, call (815) 885-3846.

“We always check our messages and return phone calls,” says Wherley. “This place tells an amazing story and we don’t want you to miss it.” ❚

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

Two Rivers Bluegrass Jam Aug. 25-27, Th. & Fri. 5 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m. Bring your families to enjoy three days of bluegrass, folk and country at the Two Rivers Bluegrass Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Jam. Northern Illinois Coon & Fox Club, 12314 Harrison Road, Harrison, Ill., (815) 335-2592.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Music al Fresco: City Market Acoustic Area Aug. 26, 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy the musicians of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra in an outdoor venue. The RSO’s Brass Quintet will perform. Rockford City Market, 124 N. Water St., Rockford, rockfordsymphony.com.

Cherry Valley Festival Days Aug. 26-28, Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 2:30-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Expect great food, a carnival, onsite activities and live music. Baumann Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 332-2152, valleydays.com.

Insane Inflatable 5K Aug. 27, 8:30 a.m. Get ready to experience a fun, wild and insane obstacle course with the most extreme inflatable obstacles ever created. Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL-76, Belvidere, Ill., (815) 399-2233, insaneinflatable5k.com.

Corn Boil and Family Fun Day Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The annual fundraiser for the South Beloit Firefighter's Association features a sand volleyball tournament, a hole-inone golf tournament, a petting zoo, live music and much more. South Beloit City Park, 429 Gardner St., South Beloit, Ill., (815) 389-3097, southbeloitfire.com.

Bunk with the Birds at Atwood Center Aug. 27-28, Sat. 4 p.m.-Sun. 11 a.m. Rockford Park District's Atwood Center invites youth ages 5-17 (with an accompanying adult) to sleep in the treehouse under the stars in the Birds of Prey exhibit, surrounded by wild birds.

Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

'The Local' Summer Festival Aug. 27, 5-10 p.m. Burpee Museum kicks off its 75th anniversary celebration with a fundraiser featuring live music and five local craft breweries matched with food pairings from 10 local restaurants, 10 local pizzerias and two dessert restaurants. Burpee Museum of Natural History,

Celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our city during the Midtown Ethnic Parade & Festival Aug. 28.

737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, thelocalatburpee.com.

Concerts on the Creek: Sunshine On My Shoulders Aug. 27, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a John Denver tribute concert featuring Chip Messiner. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn is available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Midtown Ethnic Parade & Festival Aug. 28, festival at noon, parade at 1 p.m. The third annual Day of Celebration of diverse cultures in Rockford includes a parade of colors and costumes with dancing dragons, bagpipes, ethnic dance troupes, music and more. Midtown District, 501 7th St., Rockford, (815) 997-5888.

AJG: Danielle Nicole Band Aug. 30, 5:45 p.m., doors 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens concert series. Danielle Nicole brings a New Orleans-flavored blues/ soul sound to a beautiful garden setting.

Refreshments available. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Tunes on the Terrace: Frank Calvagna Aug. 31, 5 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free concert from Frank Calvagna.

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com. ❚

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

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Aug. 24

27

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, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican.

107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $.

Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $.

Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262.

LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-9888. LD Daily 11am.

GreenFire � Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

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Aug 24 To advertise call 815-316-2300

D

Dos Reales

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998.

Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as 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. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy.

“We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager.

Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Sarah Soenke

Y O

Midtown Ethnic Parade & Festival Aug. 28 I

By Anna Girgenti

t’s easy to see that Rockford’s Midtown District is on the rise. But what really keeps a district like Midtown alive and thriving? Perhaps it’s the newly renovated storefronts, prosperous businesses, or historic downtown atmosphere. Midtown District Association’s director of development, Dori Kearney, has a different answer: “People.”

Much of Midtown’s support comes from its businesses and their patrons.

“There are a lot of people who work here but don’t live here, and they support this district. People are starting to see how much it’s changing down here,” says Kearney.

One of Midtown’s biggest attractions is its annual Ethnic Parade and Festival.

This year, the festival begins at noon on Aug. 28. The parade from downtown to Midtown begins at 1 p.m. Admission is free. The festival will include 14 interna-

tional food groups, dance performances, a beer garden, ethnic art and games and free genealogy consultations. Groups representing nearly 50 global cultures will attend. Participants and visitors come from the greater Rockford area and occasionally from Chicago.

The idea for the festival struck Kearney after a trip to her home state of California.

“I came back to Rockford and realized that this place is just as diverse as where I came from,” she says. “It just started out as an idea, but the idea hit home with a lot of people.” Last year, 2,000 people gathered for the festival.

Kearney expects attendance will continue to grow.

Kearney believes that “if you put something good in Midtown, people will come.” The festival has proven that to be true. “In the beginning we had 30 core ethnic groups who saw a reason to do it, even though they all do their own festivals. They saw a reason to do something once a year together to celebrate their diversity,” she says. “All the color and all the culture— this is Rockford.” ❚

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Y T

Broken Cell Phone Screen? Here’s Help

By Peggy Werner

O

h no! It happened again. You dropped your cell phone and find yourself looking at your apps through a shattered glass screen.

One of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to get help is at Batteries Plus Bulbs, 1825 S. Perryville Road in Rockford.

“Cell phone screens break so easily. We’re all rough on stuff and we live in a throw-away society.

If we can keep our products longer with some easy changes, it just makes sense,” says Ashley Beto, commercial sales representative for Batteries Plus Bulbs. Her family also owns stores in Loves Park and Sycamore, and plans to open a fourth store in LaSalle-Peru later this year.

Batteries Plus Bulbs can replace the cell phone screen while you wait. Other options are available if you have insur-

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Smart Living Weekly

ance on your phone or if the phone is still under warranty.

Trained technicians can install replacement batteries and repair and replace buttons, ports, speakers, headphone jacks, cameras and more on most

Aug 24 To advertise call 815-316-2300

smart phones, tablets and MP3 players.

For those who want to think ahead and prevent problems from happening, Simple Snap is a brand name of a thin layer of tempered glass that peels off and onto your phone to protect the glass screen.

“I learned about this product when I was at a convention,” says Beto. “The person demonstrating took a hammer to the cell phone and only the tempered glass broke.”

Otter boxes and other covers and cases provide a wide range of levels of protection for your phone. One of the newest items in the store is a waterproof bag that holds a cell phone, protecting it from rainy days and splashing water at the pool. ❚

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

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For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

Aug 24 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Celebrating Rockford’s 50+ Global Cultures

rd Annual Midtown 3nd

Ethnic Parade and Festival Sunday, August 28 · 12-6PM 501 7th Street in Midtown (BMO Harris/District 205 parking area)

Festival begins at noon. Parade begins at 1PM. Free Admission Parade · International Cuisine · Beer Garden · Music & Dance · Genealogy Area Family Games · Ethnic Art Show · Crafts · Turkish painting · Wood Carving Large Childrens’ Activity Area with Bouncy Houses, Face Painting & More Featured performance by “Escape” from 4:30PM through the dinner hour This regional Latin band presents a versatility and energy unmatched by any other in the area. Hailing from culturally rich Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico and the US, they perform in clubs and major festivals throughout the Midwest.

Parade route: Wyman Street W East State Street W 7th Street at 6th Avenue Featuring Dancing Dragons, Bagpipes, Ethnic Dance Troupes, Music & More

For more information: 815-997-5888 • #midtownfest MidtownDistrict.org • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Auto & Truck Repair

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Aug 24 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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