Smart Living Weekly - August 3, 2016 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Special Tourism Issue: Welcome to Our Region!

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Right in Our Region

Sweet Corn Event Nearly 7 Decades Old By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

he welcome mat is out for the 69th annual Sweet Corn Festival in downtown Mendota, Ill. Besides hot and buttery sweet corn, the festival offers family-friendly entertainment from Aug. 11 through 14. More than 60,000 visitors are expected to attend. “Everyone looks forward to the Sweet Corn Festival,” says Jesse Arellano, executive director of the Mendota Area Chamber

of Commerce. “It’s a time of homecoming for Mendotans. Children and grandchildren come home to visit. It’s a time of family and class reunions. We get to see and visit with old friends that have returned. We remember all the good times we had as children and introduce our own children to the celebration of corn. It brings us together with friends and family for a weekend of fun and relaxation.” Continued on p. 20

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! Burpee Gears Up for ‘The Local’ • Rockford ProAm News • Construction Tips Mexican Dining at Arturo’s • Is Your Water Pure? • Don’t Overpay for Tech Services

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Sweet Corn Festival in Mendota Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Improvement Tips Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 No Matter What Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Up Your Veggie Intake Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Purifying Your Water Your Tech .......................................................... 17 Don’t Overpay for Tech Services Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Your Outing ...................................................... 33 Local Music Roundup Your Outing ...................................................... 30 ‘The Local’ at Burpee Your Outing ...................................................... ..9 Rockford ProAm Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes 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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Worldly Women

hether you love her, hate her or are indifferent, Hillary Clinton made U.S. history last week by becoming the ﬁrst woman presidential nominee of a major political party. As one comedian joked, we’re ﬁnally catching up with Iceland. Women there have led their country 20 of the past 50 years. That’s not the norm, however. About one in 10 current heads of state (of United Nations member countries) are women, according to Pew Research Center. Finland, Norway, Ireland, Israel and India have seen long stints of female leadership, as have some nations in Asia and South America. Among countries presently led by women are Brazil, Great Britain, Denmark, Poland, Thailand, Lithuania and, of course, Germany, where Angela Merkel has her hands full “herding cats” in what’s left of the European Union. “Sixty-three of 142 nations studied by the World Economic Forum have had a female head of government or state at some point in the 50 years up to 2014,” reports Pew. But “in nearly two-thirds of those nations a woman was in power for less than four of the 50 years – including 11 countries where a woman led for less than a year.” We’ve ‘come a long way, baby,’ but there are many miles to go before women will have equal opportunity to run the world. Meanwhile, most men and women stay pretty busy just running our lives at home and work. We hope the tips and information in this issue will help you to live smarter and enjoy your own backyard. Remember that you can sign up for weekly, free digital editions of Smart Living Weekly by going to Smartlivingweekly.com. Enjoy these splendid days of summer! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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40th Annual Rockford ProAm is Aug. 15 T

he 40th Annual Rockford ProAm will be held on Monday, Aug. 15, at Rockford Country Club. Established in 1977, the Rockford ProAm (pro-am means professional/ amateur) is the nation’s longest-running, freestanding pro-am event not associated with a professional tournament. It features amateur foursomes paired with professional golfers. The foursomes play in a best-ball handicapped format, while the pros keep straight 18-hole scores. Now entering year 40, the Rockford ProAm has donated more than $3 million to various northern Illinois health and human services organizations through the years. It also has provided an entertaining day of high-level, professional golf to the Rockford area. The ProAm traditionally has been held in mid-July and, over the past decade, has been up against the British Open, when luring professional golfers

to the tournament. In 2016, the Olympic games in Rio have helped necessitate a one-time change to the PGA Tour schedule that moves the closest event, the John Deere Classic (JDC) in Silvis, Ill., to a Sunday, Aug. 14 finish. Moving the date away from the British Open offers a unique situation that will increase opportunities for the Rockford ProAm to draw from a larger professional golfer pool. Cost is $10 and tickets are available at the gate. For more information, visit therockfordproam.com. Beneficiaries of the 40th Annual Rockford ProAm include: • Discovery Center Museum’s Handicap Accessible Picnic Area. Proceeds will be used to landscape, construct and outfit a new picnic area connected to the Museum’s award-winning outdoor science park for children with special needs. • GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Proceeds will be used to secure Crawlers, Walkers, Hop,

Skip & Jumpers and volunteer training for its Therapeutic programs, plus supplies, materials and volunteer training for its Literacy/Math programs. • Rockford MELD Trinity House Shelter and Transitional Living Programs. Proceeds will support programs and staff at Rockford MELD’s emergency shelter and transitional living apartments. • The First Tee of Greater Rockford/A Program of the Rockford Park District. Proceeds will be used to impact the lives of young people. ❚

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Seek Advice Before Improving Your Home By Peggy Werner

hat perfect kitchen, with all the workspace and storage you need, looks great in a magazine, on the Internet or on television – but will it work for you? Jim Flynn, manager of Bonte Construction, 6628 N. Deer Path Road, Oregon, Ill., says doing research is a good idea, but when it comes to home improvements and repairs, homeowners have to be realistic about their space and budget. “That’s where we come in and help people to make choices about what works best for them. We ask a lot of questions to find out what people want to do and what they expect to achieve. Oftentimes, they have seen something they like, but have no idea what it will cost or if it will work in their home. Sometimes we have to update or change something else to get the desired result,” he says. Bonte Construction is one of the area’s leading contractors, specializing

in construction, remodeling, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, siding, windows, doors and more. It has served customers in Byron, Oregon, Rockford and the surrounding area since 2011. Kitchen and bath updates have been in demand the past couple years. Pools, decks, and room additions were once all the rage, but today’s lenders are more likely to loan money for energy efficiency updates than luxury items, Flynn observes. The top picks for updates include hardwood floors and materials that look like hardwood; quartz countertops; painted kitchen cabinets and tile. “There are just too many choices out there,” says Flynn. “We can help people make selections by telling them about our experiences with what works and what doesn’t. I’ve always had the mindset that it’s unwise to pay too much for a product,

but it’s also unwise to pay too little. There are many good avenues to getting a good price.” For more information or to set up an appointment for a free estimate, call Bonte Construction at (815) 345-1586. ❚

Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly. com and start your e-Edition today.

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I  W

No Matter What

he Bible is full of verses that tell us all things are possible with God. Yet we’ve all been disappointed by unanswered prayers. Why? Many Christians have grappled with that question and concluded this: We don’t really understand God and never will, in this life. We can’t comprehend Him. But to give up just because we see only a tiny fraction of what He sees, is foolish. “Ye have not because ye ask not,” says James 4:2-3. Paul addresses this in his first letter to the believers at Corinth: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Corinthians 13:12) When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death, resurrection and the arrival of holy spirit, he encouraged them to bring their requests to God in his name. “And in that day you will ask me no question. Truly, truly, I say unto you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:23-27) Praying to God, both to praise Him and to ask for what we need, is always a good thing to do. How should we do it? Jesus provided an example. Notice how his prayer asks God for God’s will to be done in our lives; praises God; acknowledges God as the master of Heaven and Earth; and acknowledges our need for God’s forgiveness – something God later gives to us when Jesus is raised from the dead. Finally, Jesus asks God for protection from Satan. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13) Our prayers aren’t always answered in the way we wish. But we pray anyway. No matter what. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Give Your Diet a Veggie Boost

e all know that that eating more nutritious veggies is an essential element of healthier eating. Fortunately, finding ways to boost the veggie content of your favorite dishes may be easier than you think. Put a creative twist on your meals from breakfast through dinner with these tasty tips: • Experiment with new flavors to enhance the dishes you enjoy regularly. If a ham and cheese omelet is your standard breakfast fare, try adding fresh tomato, peppers and mushrooms for a whole new taste. •Look for veggie-rich versions of your favorite condiments, dips and sauces. For example, Sabra’s Veggie Fusions Guacamole has tons of added vegetables with 30 percent less fat than classic guacamole. • Find new flavor combinations by

Y K

swapping out calorie-laden carbs. Ditch the bread and instead use leaves of lettuce to wrap your sandwich. Traditional cold cuts, chicken salad and even burgers taste great nestled in fresh, crisp leafy greens.

Avocado Toast with Radish and Cotija Cheese

-1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced -1 lime, juice only -salt, to taste -4 slices whole-grain bread, toasted -1 cup Sabra Veggie Fusions Southwestern Guacamole -2 ounces Cotija cheese, crumbled -4 large radishes, thinly sliced -cilantro sprigs (optional) Preparation In small bowl, toss together onion slices with lime juice and salt, to taste; let sit ﬁve minutes, or as long as overnight.

Top each piece of toasted wholegrain bread with 1/4 cup guacamole. Place equal parts pickled red onions, crumbled Cotija cheese and radish slices on top of each piece of toast. Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Are You Paying Too Much for Tech? By Peggy Werner

t’s easy to complain about prices, especially when paying for what you don’t need or want. EZ Satellite & Wireless, a family-owned business at 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, is aiming to change that for local customers. The business is an authorized dish network retailer and is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint. “People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company. I can help people save money by finding out what they need and paying only for those services, having the best from each company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless. Zambrano opened his business in 2011, in Roscoe, and in May moved to

a larger, more visible location in Loves Park, with a new bill-paying center as an added service. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people acquire cable services. About 80 percent of Zambrano’s business is working with residential customers, and the remainder is commercial. He services homes and businesses in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, he decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “It get’s very confusing. People end up unhappy because they’re driven by price and don’t really know what they’re getting,” he says. EZ Satellite and Wireless offers custom-tailored packages for each customer. The person who lives in a rural area

and is limited by what services are available has a whole different situation than the couple with five kids, with everyone on the internet and their own cell phones, and a television in every room. “I find out what people need before they sign up for anything. Instead of shopping around, I can show you all the options. We’re in the business of providing solutions,” he says. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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Sweet Corn Continued from Cover

Carnival rides and games range in intensity to satisfy all ages. Children can enjoy balloon twisters, professional face painters, magicians and musicians at no cost. A Queen Pageant on Friday is geared to delight all the little princesses in the audience, while a professional wrestling show on Saturday appeals to the whole family.

Smart Living Weekly

Families can also enjoy a tennis tournament for juniors and adults on Friday, a 5K or 10K run and 5K fitness walk on Saturday, and a variety of free musical concerts all weekend long. Bring a lawn chair and listen to classic oldies, rock ‘n’ roll, classic and modern country, pop, rock, Top 40 and even rockabilly. A flea market offers more vendors this year than ever before. “Since our inception, we have added many vendor booths,” Arellano says. “About 230 vendors sell beautiful handmade items, and flea market dealers have everything from antiques to the newest gadgets.” Adults can also enjoy a beer garden on Friday and Saturday with live music. One not-to-be-missed event is the Grand Parade on Sunday, says Arellano. “There will be floats, bands, antique and classic

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vehicles, antique farm tractors, high-flying acrobatic tumblers and electrifyingly awesome drill teams,” Arellano says. “Del Monte’s finest sweet corn is served steaming hot immediately after. Best of all, it’s free.” A multitude of food booths are

R  O R serving both ethnic and traditional festival foods. There’s also fresh Del Monte sweet corn to purchase by the bag to take home. Corn at the festival comes from Del Monte Foods Plant no. 112, which is located right in Mendota. “The plant picks the corn that morning, husks the corn, and brings it downtown for the Chamber volunteers to cook

and serve to the people,” Arellano says. “We still cook the corn with the help of an antique steam traction engine.” The cooking process dates back to 1946, when Harry F. Schaller noticed a better method than using kettles over wood fires to heat the corn. Schaller, who owned Mendota Manufacturing & Transfer Company, sold farm equipment that included steam traction engines. “He thought it would be easier and more efficient to heat the water with a steam traction engine and transfer it into galvanized stock tanks,” Arellano says. “The water would heat and boil the corn. Mr. Schaller’s idea worked great.” This process was used for the first time in 1947 and, with very few changes, is used today to cook the tons of Del

Monte sweet corn served in Mendota every year. The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the first Sweet Corn Festival in 1948, and has been sponsoring the festival ever since. The festival is one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest harvest festivals. Volunteers from throughout the town work together, side by side, to put on the event and welcome visitors to Mendota throughout the festival. As one of the largest harvest festivals in Illinois, there is much cooperation among civic clubs and organizations, businesses and individual volunteers. “The Festival gives Mendota a chance to present its attributes, quality way of life and relaxed atmosphere to people that maybe interested in living here or opening a business here,” Arellano says. “This event brings people together, introduces you to new people and creates new friendship.” Learn more at sweetcornfestival. com. ❚

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What to Know About Your Water System By Anna Girgenti

f there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about during the busy summer months, it’s your water. Having clean, accessible water in your home or business involves proper installation and maintenance, according to the experts at Affordable Water, 214 W. Menomonie St., Belvidere. “The biggest mistake people make with their in-home water systems is misapplication of equipment,” says Samantha Strobel, general manager at Affordable Water. Without proper installation, your water system is susceptible to permanent damage. Installing a water treatment system is more complicated than many people think. The slightest mistake may result in hard water, staining or the introduction of bacteria and viruses. Misapplication due to inadequate installation can ruin both the equipment and the water. If you’re

thinking about installing your own water system, you may be putting your system at higher risk of malfunction. Consider calling a professional water company to handle the entire process for you. “We specialize in water purification equipment and chemical-free systems. We also offer a complete lineup of equipment for rental, leasing, residential, commercial accounts and more,” says Stro-

bel. The family-owned business offers more than 35 years of experience, with certified service technicians. “People commonly run into issues with their water softeners when they’re not keeping up with maintenance or when the system isn’t programmed properly,” says Strobel. Some types of water treatment systems need maintenance more often, and some require regular professional maintenance. Your water system will last longer if you rely on a company that can service all your needs. “Affordable Water is an accredited business for the Better Business Bureau,” says Strobel. “Consumers looking to install or repair a home water system should check with the Better Business Bureau to know they’re doing business with a reputable company. ,” says Strobel. Affordable Water is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (815) 544-0918 for more information. ❚

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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.

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Attractions & Events

Pokemon Go Downtown! Aug. 4, 4-5:30 p.m. Learn about the local art and landmarks of downtown Rockford in your quest to catch 'em all. This walking tour explores Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com the history of several Pokestops and gyms downtown in the game Pokemon Go. Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.com. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Festa Italiana Aug. 5-7, Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. noon-9 p.m. Bring your family to the 38th annual Festa Italiana for great Italian food and pastries, carnival rides, entertainment and more. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford, (815) 978-3079, facebook.com/rockfordfestaitaliana. Finding Cory Family Friday Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pull on your scuba mask and swim through the exhibits to find our fishy friends. Create underwater art, experiment with water and get hands on with this oceanic adventure day. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermusuem.org. Friday Night Flix: “The Good Dinosaur” Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Friday Night Flix features free, large screen movies that 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 at Founders Landing, 1401 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, facebook.com/ FridayNightFlix. Mud Volleyball Tournament Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m. Participate in the 34th annual mud volleyball tournament to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation. Riverside Park, 100 River St., Roscoe, (815) 877-0746, roscoemudvolleyball.com. SwedishAmerican State Street Mile Aug. 6, 5 p.m. Run your best mile time and compete for prize money. Downtown Rockford, begin at 219. E. State St., Rockford, runsignup.com/Race/IL/Rockford/ SwedishAmericanStateStreetMile. Concerts on the Creek: Mark Dvorak & friends Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m. Join Mark Dvorak & friends

Become an "honorary Italian" at Festa Italiana Aug. 5-7. Enjoy a carnival, Italian food, live entertainment and much more.

for “The Power of Song.” 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. Cedar Bluff Cemetery by Lamplight Tour Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and join the Haunted Rockford crew as they tour one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. Hear stories of people from Rockford's past, both famous and infamous. Cedar Bluff Cemetery, 1200 Rural St., Rockford, (815) 871-4239, hauntedrockford.com. Music al Fresco: North End Market Aug. 6, 10 a.m.-noon. Enjoy the musicians of Rockford Symphony Orchestra in an outdoor setting. A duo featuring an RSO Musician and an RSYO student will perform. Rockford’s North End Market, 1416 N. Main St., Rockford, rockfordsymphony.com. AJG: Strange Americans Aug. 9, 5:45 p.m., doors 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens concert series. Strange Americans deliver straight-forward, no frills rock and roll. Refreshments available. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. Tunes on the Terrace: STAGES Aug. 10, 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music from STAGES at the Tunes on the Terrace concert series. Food and beverages available. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St,. Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com/tunes-on-the-terrace. ❚

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

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August 3

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Not-to-Miss Mexican Food at Arturo's

By Brian Hughes

amily-owned and -operated since 2009, Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant, 107 W. Main St., in Poplar Grove, Ill., has become quite the local favorite. With more than 20 years of restaurant experience, owner Arturo Torres has created an authentic Mexican establishment that's truly unique to the area. “It’s our goal to provide Poplar Grove and surrounding communities with homemade Mexican cuisine,” Torres says. Torres' award-winning tacos may be the most popular dish, but other fan favorites include the daily lunch specials, fajitas, 10 Finger Burritos and Enchilada Dinners. Loyalists also enjoy the 10-ounce rib-eye steak, smothered with sauteed onions and mushrooms, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. With an expanding selection of domestic and imported beers, the full-service bar at Arturo’s is popular by itself, but by far the most-ordered drink is the house margarita. “We sell a lot of margaritas because they pair so well with our authentic Mexican cuisine,” says Torres. The newly remodeled and expanded dining room creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where it’s easy to ﬁnd good food

and quality service. “We believe people keep coming back because we offer a great experience every time a customer walks through the door,” says Torres. “We strive to make our guests as comfortable as they would be in their own homes.” Recent updates at Owner Arturo Torres (center), with his family, at Arturo's in Poplar Grove, Ill. Arturo’s have also led to the introduction of new staff members, menu items and fresh accents around the dining room. Torres says he expects to open a rooftop beer garden by the end of 2017. The restaurant accommodates private parties of up to 50. Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant is open Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.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. $

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual/Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

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. $.

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. $$

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

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

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. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $. 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 5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. 28

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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. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-9888. LD Daily 11am. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Rock Cut Concessions E Casual/American. Hot beverages, snacks, equipment rental. Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 885-4740. BkLD Daily 7am-7pm. $ Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD Daily 10am. $-$$. 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. ❚

Aug 3 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant 1921. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian ﬁlet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

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Burpee Hosts ‘The Local’ Summer Festival By Anna Girgenti

ocal businesses are coming together this month to celebrate good food, craft beer and Burpee Museum’s 75th anniversary. The museum’s largest fundraiser, The Local, takes place Aug. 27 for the second time since 2014. This riverfront festival features live music and 20 pairings from 10 local craft beer breweries and 10 local restaurants. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 17. “It’s not only beer; it’s not only food. It’s more of a foodie experience,” says Nicolette Pumilia, marketing coordinator. The Local raises money for the museum while stimulating the local economy and bringing together businesses. “We encourage the breweries and the restaurants that are doing the pairings to communicate with each other and come together as local businesses to make something awesome,” says Pumilia. “Not only are they helping us out by doing this,

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but it’s great exposure for them.” Beginning at 5 p.m., food and beer vendors will line the terrace and Riverwalk behind the museum. Vendors include Prairie Street Brewing Co., Five Forks, Pig Minds Brewing Co. and Sugar Jones, just to name a few. Around 8:30 p.m., the beer vendors will stay out while food vendors close up shop to make room for 10 late-night pizza vendors. The museum’s Burpee Bar will sell wine and spirits throughout night and

Aug 3 To advertise call 815-316-2300

local bands Radio Stars Unplugged and Clutch Cargo will perform in the museum’s outdoor amphitheater. Other festival events will include a silent auction, 50/50 rafﬂe, and wine pull in the museum’s lobby. The event lasts until 10 p.m. Tickets are VIP ($75) or general admission ($50). VIP tickets include access to a preview party with two local breweries, Generations Brewery and Lena Brewing Co. on Aug. 18 at the museum from 6-8 p.m. VIP guests will also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum on the night of the event. To purchase tickets or view a full list of vendors and pairings, visit thelocalatburpee.com. Call (815) 965-3433 for more information. ❚

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Aug 3 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

Upcoming Summer Concerts to Enjoy

7 p.m. rockfordparkdistrict.org. Aug. 4: American English Beatles Tribute; Aug. 9: Big Daddy Woo Woo; Aug. 11: Moonlight Jazz Orchestra.

Saturdays - Concerts on the Creek Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, 7 p.m. Springcreekucc.org. Aug. 6: Mark Dvorak & friends; Aug. 13: Firelight Dimmers; Aug. 20: Paper Airplane; Aug. 27: John Denver Tribute Concert featuring Chip Messiner; Sep. 3: Groove Hotel; Sept. 10: Arch Smith & John Lindhorst; Sept. 17: The Pickin’ Bubs

Wednesdays - Tunes on the Terrace Nicholas Conservatory, 1315 N. 2nd St., 6 p.m., Rockfordparkdistrict.org. Aug. 3: After 5 Jazz; Aug. 10: Stages; Aug. 17: Jodi Beach; Aug. 24: Eddie B Jazz; Aug. 31: Frank Calvanga; Sept. 7: Three Good Men; Sept. 14: Reed & Waddy.

Select Sundays - Woodsong Series Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., $10 non-members. Klehm.org. Aug 21: The Jimmys. Tuesday Evenings in the Garden Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Tuesday evenings 5:45 p.m., Andersongardens.org, concerts free with garden admission;Aug. 9: Strange Americans of Denver, Colo., with Vince Chiarelli; Aug. 16: Ragbirds of Ann Arbor, Mich. w/Tom MacGroup; Aug. 23: Whiskey Farm of Madison, Wis. and Miles Nielsen of Rockford; Aug. 30: Danielle Nicole Band of Kansas City, Mo., w/ Patchouli.

Thursdays - Dinner on the Dock Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., 5-10 p.m., deck opens at 4 p.m. Live music weekly.

Tues. & Thurs. - Music in the Park Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.,

Select Fridays - Music on the Mall Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, 6:30 p.m., Edgebrookshops.com. Aug. 5: Fred & Ginger; Aug. 12: The Surf Band; Aug. 19: Eddie B Jazz; Aug. 26: After5 Jazz; Sept. 2: The Groove Hotel; Sept. 9: Blue Lightning Band; Sept. 16: Swingbilly Rockford. ❚

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Aug 3 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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