Smart Living Weekly - June 11, 2014 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Right in Our Region

Summer Outdoor Music Aplenty By Karla Nagy, associate editor

utdoor music and summertime go hand in hand. Right in our region, you can ﬁnd live music almost any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for

dancin’ in the street or groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon, Smart Living Weekly highlights some of your best options. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

How to Seal Granite Countertops • Refreshing Summer Treats • Choosing an Engagement Ring 10 Ways People Go Broke • Pet Food Tips

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • June 11, 2014

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Summertime Outdoor Music Your Home ........................................................11 How to Seal Granite Countertops Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Prayers for Mideast Peace Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Cool, Sweet Summertime Treats Your Style ....................................................17 About Engagement Rings Your Health ...................................................... 25 Pain: Friend and Enemy Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Feeding Your Feline Your Money ...................................................... 33 10 Reasons People Go Broke

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Jim Killam and Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. 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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Savoring Summer

13825 Metric Dr. Roscoe, IL 61073 | (815) 389-7917 | www.historicautoattractions.com

he simple joys of summer are hard to beat, from backyard grilling to boat rides on the Rock River and trips to the ice cream parlor. I’ve enjoyed all of the above, already, and look forward to visiting local farmers markets, festivals, public gardens and outdoor concerts. To keep me on track for the latter, I’ve tacked this week’s cover story to my wall calendar, so I can track who is performing on what day and in what park or other venue. Associate editor Karla Nagy has rounded up more good information about local outdoor concerts than we have space to print! Be sure to check out a longer and more regional version of her article in the new Northwest Quarterly Magazine, due out this week. In the new issue, you’ll also find hundreds of ideas for local summertime fun, with features about Rockford’s seven great gardens, good dining spots, a rundown of shows at Starlight Theatre and plenty of ideas for day trips to places like “Little Switzerland” New Glarus, Wis., or the Illinois Nature Preserve at Lowell Park in Dixon, Ill. You’ll also meet some of the interesting folks who make our region so special. For example, we’ll check up on Judi Ford Nash, a native of Belvidere, Ill., who was crowned Miss America in 1969. Do you remember watching that special moment on TV and feeling so proud that she was “one of ours?” I sure do. What I’d forgotten is how closely her victory followed the devastating Belvidere killer tornado of 1967. Also in the upcoming issue, you’ll learn about new plants of 2014, and about landscaping your yard in ways that benefit butterflies, bees and other wildlife in our circle of life. (When we wrote that story, we didn’t know black bears would be part of that circle!) Enjoy! Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

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How and When to Seal Granite Countertops By Jim Killam

ne factor for consumers who are deciding between granite and quartz countertops is maintenance. While quartz contains natural rock, it’s crushed and mixed with polymers to form a permanently sealed surface. Granite, on the other hand, requires a little maintenance. It’s nothing but rock, straight from the earth, and moisture penetrates rock. Think of it as a hard sponge, full of microscopic pores. To avoid etching or staining a countertop, granite needs to be chemically sealed. Homeowners can do it – the recommended interval is once a year – or they can buy a long-term sealer that lasts about 15 years. “In a way, it’s kind of like Stainmaster on carpet. That’s how I describe it to people,” says Jodi Phillips, owner of Midwest Stone Source, 915 23rd St., Rockford. “They embed the follicles of

the carpet and it kind of beads up whatever spills on it. It’s the same kind of philosophy with the granite.” To determine whether it’s time to seal your granite counters, sprinkle a few drops of water on them and wait a few minutes. If the sealant is still working, the water will form beads on the surface. If it isn’t, the rock will draw the water into the pores. How to Seal a Granite Countertop First, clean the counters and let them dry. Then spray on the sealer so it covers the entire surface. Leave it on for a few minutes and let the rock draw it into the pores. Don’t let it dry completely or you’ll get a haze that’s hard to clean off. Wipe off excess and you’re done. Let the countertops cure for about an

hour before using them again. Despite the ease of annual sealing, about 98 percent of her clients opt for the 15-year sealer, applied during the installation process, says Phillips. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Prayers for Peace

remarkable moment occurred this past Sunday when Pope Francis welcomed Israeli and Palestinian presidents to the Vatican. He urged them to work toward peaceful coexistence in memory of all the innocent children killed by their ongoing conflict. The three men then presided together over an evening garden service of Jewish, Christian and Muslim prayers. “Peacemaking calls for courage, much more so than warfare,” the Pope said. “It calls for the courage to say yes to encounter and no to conflict.” Many people scoffed at the Pope’s effort to pray for peace in this seemingly hopeless conflict, and yet scripture teaches us there is no more powerful weapon against spiritual darkness than prayer. “Prayer has the ability to transform hearts and thus to transform history,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin noted after the event. Christians believe that, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are set free from Satan’s dominion, both in this world and the next. Until Christ returns to defeat Satan once and for all, those who love God are powerful beacons of light living in a dark world. We are to be strong in God – which is to be strong in prayer. Prayers made in the name of Jesus Christ are powerful, as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:10-13: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Prayer isn’t meant to be something we do as a nicety, while relying on our own human strength. Prayer is the only force that can penetrate death, darkness and destruction with the power of light. So go ahead: Pray for Mideast peace. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Easy & Refreshing Summertime Sweet Treats

o achieve delicious summery desserts that save on time while creating a made-fromscratch taste, remember these tips: • When using cake mixes, look for moisture-rich options in flavors well-suited for pairing, such as yellow, lemon or vanilla. • Use cold eggs and cold water in hot weather. • Blend ingredients just slightly longer than recommended, for an extra airy, fluffy texture. Here are two great summer recipes that use blueberries. Visit duncanhines.com to find more.

spread blueberry fruit filling on top and sprinkle with coconut and nuts. Bake one hour or until lightly browned. Refrigerate until chilled; cut into bars.

Blueberry Cheesecake Pie

1 can (21 ounces) blueberry pie filling & topping, divided 1 tsp. grated lemon rind, divided 1 6-ounce graham cracker pie crust 8 ounces softened cream cheese 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine 1 cup pie filling with 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind (optional); pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes. Chill remaining filling. Beat cream cheese until fluffy

in large mixing bowl. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, vanilla and remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each; pour mixture over blueberry filling in crust. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake 25 minutes or until set. Cool. Chill. Serve with remaining chilled blueberry filling. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

Blueberry Snack Bars

1 package Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Lemon Cake Mix 1/2 cup melted butter 3 large eggs 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 can (21 ounces) Duncan Hines Comstock or Wilderness More Fruit blueberry pie filling & topping 3/4 cup flaked coconut 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 325º F. Grease 9 by 13-inch pan. Combine cake mix, butter and 1 egg; blend well. Pat mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Beat cream cheese until fluffy in large mixing bowl. Add remaining 2 eggs and confectioners’ sugar. Pour over cake mixture in pan, Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Remember: Engagement Rings Last a Lifetime T

he DeBeers diamond people set the bar for engagement-ring spending when they created the phrase: “Is two months’ salary too much to spend for a lifetime?” Gary Fontana, proprietor of Frank Jewelers, 19 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, says a groom-to-be can spend a few hundred or many thousands of dollars. He encourages buyers to set a budget, but also to think about that DeBeers phrase. “What they were saying was, when you present a gift that’s going to last a lifetime, think about the investment that you’re going to place into it,” Fontana says. “For something that’s going to give you possibly 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 years of enjoyment … is two months’ salary too much to spend? “I’m not diminishing the bridal shops, but after the wedding, the wedding dress has been worn only once, the cake is gone, the DJ goes back and does another wedding. But the bridal ring

stays on the finger for lifetime.” The process of choosing the right engagement ring becomes a story in itself, he adds. “That will be one question that pops up: ‘How did you pick such a beautiful ring for me?’ And your response could be: ‘Honey, I went and looked at 20 different styles. And what I did was pick out the most beautiful aspects of each of those 20 styles, and I combined it into an original creation.’ “That’s what we’re all about. Helping them build a memory. Helping them build something that becomes more than just an engagement ring, but an heirloom piece.” During that process, options exist. “Maybe you’re looking at that $3,000 ring,” Fontana says. “But the one for $3,800 really catches your eye. Let us help you see if we can achieve that. Maybe it’s through different financing options, or a layaway program, maybe

even adjusting the quality of the diamond a little bit to fit your budget.” ❚

Get SLW Style articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Summer Music Continued from Cover

Sounds of Summer, Rockford Rockford Park District will host 19 concerts at the Music Shell in Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., June 10-Aug. 14. Buy food or bring your own. Also at Sinnissippi: Imagination Station, a free performance series aimed at children but fun for all ages, Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Music in the Park

June 10: June 12: June 17: June 19: June 24: June 26: July 1: July 3: July 8: July 10: July 15: July 17: July 22: July 24:

Phantom Regiment Silver Creek Band Rockford Concert Band (RCB) No concert: Juneteenth Festival RCB: “Rhythmic Journey” Barbershoppers “Harmony Fest.” RCB: Patriotic Concert Harlan Jeﬀerson Tribute Show RCB: “Romance” Gizzae Reggae Band RCB: “To Britain and Beyond” The Jodi Beach Trio RCB: “Sounds of the Silver Screen” American English

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July 29: July 31: Aug. 5: Aug. 7: Aug. 12: Aug. 14:

The Flat Cats Can’t Touch This Rock Valley Festival Orchestra The Blooze Brothers The Barefoot Hawaiian Moonlight Jazz Orchestra

The Park District also presents Live at Levings, with talent contest from 3-5 p.m. and free concert from 5-7 p.m. Also, Domingo En El Parque, a three-concert series celebrating Latino culture. Live at Levings 2014:

June 8: Harlan Jeﬀerson and Too Deep June 15: Big Daddy Woo Woo June 22: Gospel artist Ann Nesby July 6: Gospel artist Yolanda Lynn Penix July 20: Carl Cole & The Sounds Of Good News Aug. 10: Talent Show Finals; Kinfolk

Levings Domingo En El Parque June 29: Los Dragones July 13: Banda Karibe, with Galaxia July 27: Banda San Guillermo

Nicholas Conservatory presents free Tunes on the Terrace Wednesday evenings thru Aug. 27, 5-7 p.m. Food and drink sold on site.

June 11

Tunes on the Terrace

June 4: Harlan Jeﬀerson & Friends June 11: Jodi Beach June 18: Kristin Hoﬀman & Friends June 25: Potts and Pans July 2: Reed & Waddy July 9: Hip Pocket July 16: After 5 Jazz July 23: Swingshift July 30: Olivia Dvorak Aug. 6: Eddie B. Jazz Aug. 13: 12 Strings, No Waiting Aug. 20: Dave Timmcke & Friends Aug. 27: Sonicbloom

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens A third season presented by Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, offers a mix of folk, rock, country, jazz, gospel, indie and more. In addition to the beautiful setting and great music, treat yourself to food from DeTullio’s, Woodﬁre Brick Oven Pizza, Zammuto’s Granita, and The Popcorn Parlor. AJG has an outdoor cash bar. Patrons can bring in food, but not drink. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission: $5/$3 teens/ages 12 & under free.

R  O R AJG Tuesday Evening in the Gardens June 17: Derek Luttrell June 24: Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts July 1: jf gaziano & beatmerchants July 8: Trapper Schoepp, Austin Lucas July 15: Anthony & the Tramps July 22: Lily & Madeleine July 29: Whiskey Farm Aug. 5: Caroline Smith Aug. 12: The Pines Aug. 19: Jodi Beach Trio Aug. 26: Harlan Jeﬀerson

Edgebrook Music on the Mall Free concerts on the plaza, Wednesdays through Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. May 16: May 23: May 30: June 6: June 13: June 20: June 27: July 11: July 18: July 25: Aug. 1: Aug. 8: Aug. 15:

Eddie B Jazz Long Shot Kelly Steward Tom Mac Group Ron E. Rawhoof Jodi Beach Trio The Groove Hotel jf gaziano & beatmerchants Rock Town Strangers Dean Moriarty Jazz Band Miles Nielsen Eddie B Jazz feat. Deirdre Fellner The Surf Band

Aug. 22: Aug. 29: Sept. 5: Sept. 12: Sept. 19:

Paper Airplane The Firelight Dimmers Gaelic Fury Between Planes Daniel and the Lion

Concerts On The Creek, Rockford A new series from Spring Creek UCC, 4500 Spring Creek Road, with free, family-friendly entertainment outside and indoor space in event of rain. June 7: June 14: June 21: June 28: July 5: July 12: July 19: July 26: Aug. 2: Aug. 9: Aug. 16: Aug. 23: Aug. 30:

Emily Hurd Barb City Stompers Starlite Radio Dion and Orbison Tribute Dean Moriarty Jazz Band Olivia Dvorak The No Name String Band Truman’s Ridge Randy Sabien Harlan Jeﬀerson Macyn Taylor Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Joe Jenks

Klehm Woodsong Concerts Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, 2715 S. Main St., presents monthly concerts in its Fountain Garden. Cost: $5 for

members, $10 non-members. Doors open at 4 p.m., concerts begin at 6 p.m. June 15: Ac•Rock, an cappella quartet July 20: The Saturday June Band Aug. 17: Big Daddy Woo Woo

Music Under The Stars, Freeport Freeport Concert Band performs Sundays at 7:30 p.m., June 15-Aug. 29, at Koenig Theater, in Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd. Free admission. Music on Chicago, Freeport Enjoy Freeport’s historic downtown with this music fest featuring two bands, food and a beer garden, June 13, July 18, & Aug. 8. Music from 5:30-11 p.m. The ﬁrst band starts at 6 p.m., the second at 8 p.m. Adults: $5. More info at (815) 2329000. June 13: “Wisconsin on Chicago” with The Jimmys and Birddog Blues Band July 18: “Country in Chicago” with Jamie Campbell & The Redneck Romeos and The Eugene Smiles Project. Aug. 8: “Rock on Chicago” with Big Daddy Woo Woo. ❚

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities. Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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The Only Full Time ABA Certified Group of Interventional Pain Management Physicians in the Rockford area

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Comprehensive Pain Management Consultants At Medical Pain Management Services, Ltd. we provide consultative and interventional pain management treatment through a core of Physicians specialized in the treatment of pain management syndromes. W. Stephen Minore, M.D., F.C.C.P. Howard W. Weiss, M.D. Kathy Baule, APN

24 hours a day 365 days a year

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June 11

1235 North Mulford Road Suite 222, Rockford IL, 61107

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Y H

Pain: It Can Be Your Friend or Your Enemy By Medical Pain Management Services

veryone experiences pain at various points in their lives. Most times, this is not a bad thing. “Pain is your friend, your ally,” declared Master Chief John Urgayle, a central character in the 1997 action ﬁlm G.I. Jane. “It will tell you when you are seriously injured.” Indeed, that painful (if unwelcome) alarm bell might just be signaling a condition that requires immediate attention. Feelings of pain can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant. There is, in fact, “good pain” and “bad pain.” The most common type of good pain comes in the form of discomfort in the extremities, rib cage or abdomen after exercising. Clinically referred to as “delayed onset muscle soreness,” this shortlived tenderness is your challenged mus-

cle groups making themselves known one or two days following a good, strenuous workout. The aching sensation typically lasts a few hours, rather than days. Soreness in the tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones may point to pain of the “bad” variety. Aches and pains erupting in a knee (as opposed to in a muscle) send a strong message about possible joint failure or accumulated stress. Generally speaking, bad pain is out of the ordinary. Pain that persists, even with proper rest. Pain that affects the way you walk or wakes you from your sleep. Pain that is constant or increases over time or simply fails to respond to medication. Pain that shoots from one area to another. These instances of pain are not normal and may be cause for concern. How do you decide — good pain or bad? Describing the type is useful in

diagnosis: recurring, constant, steady, knifelike, radiating, sharp, dull. Very often, pain can be brought under control with proper guidance from a health care professional. Each individual is the best judge of his or her own discomfort level. Pain is the body telling us it is hurt. It is of the utmost importance that we listen carefully. ❚

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Y F Y F

Kantorei

The Singing Boys of Rockford, IL

Join us in celebrating our 50th Anniversary!

Gala Banquet Thursday, June 12 5:30pm Radisson Conference Center Rockford, IL Adults: $25 Children: $15

50th Anniversary Concert Friday, June 13 7:30pm Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Students At the door: $25/$15 Visit kantorei.com for tickets / reservations.

Despicable Me 2 June 11, 10 a.m. Wednesday Morning Movie Series: $1, P or PG rating. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413. Kantorei 50th Anniversary Concert June 13, 7:30 p.m. Kantorei, the Alumni Chorus and special guest artists perform; farewell concert for retiring Music Director Joel Ross. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. 15th Annual Jazz on the Rock June 13, 7 p.m. Dinner, cash bar, auction, raffle, more. Proceeds benefit Children’s Home + Aid. Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St., Rockford, (815) 962-1043.

On Father’s Day, take Dad on a 4-mile train ride pulled by a 1912 Heisler steam locomotive at Silver Creek Museum & Depot in Freeport.

Crumbs from the Table of Joy June 13-29, see website for times. In 1950, an African-American widower and his two daughters move from Florida to Brooklyn. Artists’ Ensemble, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. 2014 Rockford Triathlon June 14, 7 a.m. A 1500-meter swim, a 250-meter transition run, a 40K bike course, a 10K run. Food and refreshments at finish. Awards begin at 10:30 a.m. Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, rockfordtriathlon.com. Years of Napolean June 14-15, 9 a.m. Experience the military and civilian culture in France 1775-1815, during revolution and the rise of the Napoleonic Empires. Macktown Liviing History Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 624-4200. Father’s Day Festival June 14-15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Ride a train pulled by a 1912 Heisler steam locomotive. Depot and museum open. Silver Creek Museum & Depot, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport, (815) 235-2198.

Music Under The Stars June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 7:30 p.m. Freeport Concert Band performs. Free. Koenig Theater, Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Boulevard, Freeport, (815) 990-1739. Honk! June 18-21, July 23-27, r8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in June. TRousing musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.” Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160. Juneteenth Festival June 19, 1-9 p.m. Activities, food, entertainment. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Ice Cream Social June 19, 5-8 p.m. Celebrate Stephenson COunty history at this annual event. Ice cream, cake or pie, coffee or lemonade; other food for sale; museum tours. $5. Stephenson County Historical Museum, 1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport, (815) 232-8419, stephcohis.org.

Stephenson County Farmers Market June 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 17, noon-4 p.m. Open Sat. & Tues. through October. 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport.

Old Settlers Days June 19-22, Th-F 4-11 p.m. Sat. 12:30-11 p.m. Sun. 1:30-10 p.m. Food vendors; beer tent; carnival; parade; fireworks; main stage performers include Bret Michaels. Settler’s Park, 200 Hawick St., Rockton, Ill., oldsettlersdays.com.

Woodsong: Ac•Rock June 15, open 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Chicago’s premier a cappella quartet, singing classic rock ‘n roll favorites from the 1950s and on. Free. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Union Dairy 100th Anniversary June 20-22, Fri. 5-11 p.m.; Sat. 4-8 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Live music, beer tent, horse-and-carriage tours, car show, parade, more. Union Dairy, 126 E. Douglas, Freeport, (815) 2327099, stephenson-county-il.org. ❚

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June 11

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June 11

WDL

Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast. Cost: $ under $12.50; $$ $12.50 - $25; $$$ $25+ 2nd Cousin’s Bar & Grill  Casual/American. Full bar. 6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 637-2660. LD M-F 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am to late. $. 9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, Ill. (815) 233-7300. $ abreo  Upscale-Casual. Tapas menu. 515 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 968-9463. D M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. Bar open late. $-$$. Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am10-pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American favorites, full bar. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 11am10pm. $. Butterfly Club  Upscale-Casual/Fine Dining. 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, Wis. (608) 362-8577. LD T-Th 5-9:30pm, F 4:30-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$. Cafe Fromage  Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods from The Cheese People. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. (608) 207-3094. $ Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine  Casual. Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/ItalianAmerican. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$. Costa’s Italian Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily. D Sun-Th 4-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$. Dos Reales  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun to 10pm $-. Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Authentic stuffed pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts. Pick-up/delivery available. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m, F-Sat to midnight. $.

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JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale-Casual/Japanese. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 2583 N. Mulford, Rockford, (815) 639-1200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm $. Leombruni’s Italian Village Pizza & Restaurant  Casual. 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat to 11pm, Sun to 10pm. $. Lucha Cantina  Casual/Mexican. Fresh ingredients, no MSG, steaks, mac ‘n cheese, burgers. 1641 N. Alpine, Rockford, (815) 977-4319. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat 2am. $. Main Street Bistro  Fine dining, full bar, live music Thurs. and Sat. nights. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, Ill. (815) 232-2322. Mon.-Sat. 2p.m. to close. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 3130700 Sun.-Th 4:30-9p.m, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. $$. Mulligans  Casual/American Pub. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $ Murphy’s Pub & Grill  Casual/Irish-American. 510 S. Perryville Rd., Rockford, (815) 986-0950. LD M-Sat 11am2am, Sun to midnight. $-$$. Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$. Slanted Shanty Vintage Pub  Upscale-Casual/American. Vintage/Burlesque-themed pub. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 708-7879. D M-Th 3:30pm-11pm, F 11am-midnight, Sat 3:30pm-midnight. $$. This Is It Eatery  Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (815) 616-5449. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill. $ Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

Visit NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining to See Our Expanded Dining Guide Online

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June 11

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June 11

T  I

Vet Offers Feline Feeding Tips By Peggy Werner

ood can be the biggest expense of owning a cat. Depending on the number of cats and the quality of food, a person can spend $20 to $200 a month on food, and still not be certain of what the cat is eating, says Sharoon Schamberger, veterinarian and owner of Mostly Cats, 4901 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park, Ill. “New foods are always coming onto the market,” she says. “The advertising is directed toward people, not pets. And you can’t tell the quality of the food by the ingredient label because there are minimum and maximum requirements.” Boned chicken in one cat food will not be the same quality as boned chicken in another; pet food isn’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the way it is for human beings. “What I recommend is that you go with a good company that does a lot of research,” says Schamberger. “Bigger companies offer more information about quality control. There’s so much information out there, it’s best to let your vet help determine what’s best for your cat.” Schamberger expects there will be more recalls of pet foods now that the FDA is looking at bacteria that can be carried over to people who dish out the pet food. “Fifteen years ago, you never heard of recalls, but that’s changing,” she says. As far as treating your pet to dinner scraps or other people food, go ahead, but within limits, she advises. “Our pets have very small stomachs and a little bit of people food goes a long way. You don’t want to upset the nutritional balance the pet is getting from its own foods. You really need to feed cat food to your cat,” she says. Offer various foods to your cat, but allow time for decisions to be made. Turning up their noses to a new offering doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t accept it later. ❚

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June 11

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June 11

Y M

Top 10 Ways People Go Broke Y ou don’t have to come from a wealthy family, have the next billion-dollar idea or work 18-hour days to become rich, says self-made millionaire Mike Finley. “What you need is the self-awareness to avoid wasting money on short-term, retail-priced happiness,” says Finley, author of Financial Happine$$, which discusses his journey to financial literacy. He lists 10 of the most common money traps that lead to going broke: • Make the appearance of wealth one of your top priorities by acquiring more stuff. The material trappings of a faux lifestyle, as seen in advertisements, are not good investments either financially or in long-term happiness. • Work a job you hate, and spend your free time buying happiness. Instead, find fulfilling work Monday through Friday so you’re not compensating for your misery.

• Live paycheck to paycheck and don’t worry about saving money. Have you already achieved all of your dreams by this moment? If not, embrace hope and plan for tomorrow. • Stop your education when someone hands you a diploma. The most reliable way out of poverty is education. Diplomas shouldn’t be the end of learning; they should be a milestone in a lifetime of acquiring wisdom. • Play the lottery as often as possible. While you’re at it, hit the casino! Magical thinking is a dangerous way to seek ﬁnancial security. • Run up your credit cards and make only minimum payments. Paying interest on stuff you really don’t need is a tragic waste of money. • When you come into some free money, spend it. You deserve it. By that logic, you’re saying that a future version of you doesn’t deserve the money.

• Buy the biggest wedding and ring so everyone can see just how fabulous you really are. Nothing says “Let’s start our future together” like blowing your entire savings on one evening. • Treat those “amazing” celebrities as role models. Don’t dilute your unique individuality by chasing an image. • Blame others for your problems in life. The victim mentality is an attempt to rationalize poor habits and bad decision-making. ❚ Like most of us, Mike Finley was raised with no education in personal ﬁnances. After 26 years in the U.S. military, during which he practiced the principles he learned by self-education, he retired a millionaire.

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June 11

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Smart Living Weekly

June 11

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1