Smart Living Weekly - August 2, 2017

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • August 2, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Mendota to Cook 50 Tons of Sweet Corn

See Page 16

Freeport Hosts Art in the Park NEW Treatments for Cataracts Better Gutters, Less Rain Damage Shop the Blocks in Downtown Rockford

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to the Winnebago County Fair See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Better Gutters, Less Rain Damage

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

Home Equity Loan Special + No Closing Costs! s3.50% APR*

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Jesus Prayed Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Snacking with Dairy Your Outings .....................................................19 Freeport Art in the Park Your Outings .................................................... 21 Shop the Block in Downtown Rockford Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Treatment for Cataracts Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

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Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa

3.50%APR* > 5-year term | 4.00%APR* > 7-year term | 4.50%APR* > 10-year term

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Rates as low a

Get financially fit!

Apply online, by phone or in person.

Freeport | Sterling | South Beloit 800.711.3277 | Se habla español | cornerstonecu.org

Your Technology ...................................... ......... 29 Save Money on Tech

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*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates based on terms and creditworthiness and subject to change. Maximum LTV 80%.

Automatic repayment plan required for special rate. No closing costs (up to $350). Offer excludes loans already financed at CCU and loan rate buy-downs. Offer ends September 30, 2017. Consult your tax advisor for additional benefits.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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A Rare Eclipse H

ello August, you bittersweet month of last summer parties, back-to-school routines and, this year … a total solar eclipse.

This celestial phenomenon will take place Aug. 21, across all of North America, lasting two to three hours. Such an eclipse hasn’t been seen on the North American mainland since 1979, when Jimmy Carter was president, “The Pina Colada Song” dominated airwaves and we spent the summer wondering, “Who shot J.R.?”

NASA describes the 2017 event like this: “Anyone within a roughly 70-mile wide path from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a brief total eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds, turning day into night and making visible the otherwise hidden solar corona – the sun’s outer atmosphere – one of nature’s most awesome sights. Bright stars and planets will become visible as well.”

We’re not in that 70-mile path (drive to the Carbondale, Ill. area if you want to be) but there’ll still be plenty of viewing excitement.

Some planning is required to protect your eyes. You can keep your back to the sun and watch the eclipse through a pinhole in a piece of cardboard like we did in grade school.

(Instructions at http://solar-center.stanford. edu/observe/.) Or, google “NASA-approved eclipse eyewear 2017” and order it.

Regular sunglasses won’t do.

Another way to get the proper eyewear is to attend a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Spencer Park Conservation Area in Belvidere during the lunch hour (11:30-1:30) Aug. 21. The first 500 guests will receive free solar eclipse viewing glasses, courtesy of the Boone County Conservation District and Ida Public Library. There’ll be a solar eclipse information booth, NASA live feed of the events, kids’ crafts and free commemorative buttons while supplies last. Bring your lunch or buy it from food trucks. What fun!

Learn more at eclipse2017.org. ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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NEW THIS YEAR! SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT!

Grammy Award Winning

Lee Ann Womack August 3, 2017

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

August 4-6, 2017 • Boylan High School festaitalianarockford.com 8

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Y H  G

Better Gutters May Prevent Rain Damage

By Jermaine Pigee

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build-up of debris, leaves and water can damage the structure of your roof and home, forcing you to have to invest in costly repairs. Cleaning them yourself is not only messy, but you risk serious injury climbing ladders. You can always pay someone to clean them for you on a regular basis, but there’s a more permanent solution.

Toby Lask, vice president of Lask Roofing & Siding, 1101 22nd St., Rockford, recommends installing Gutter Helmet, a cover that keeps your gutters clean.

“The Gutter Helmet protects your gutter from leaves and debris, and still allows water to flow freely,” Lask says. “It moves a lot of rain and can take about 10 times the heaviest rainfall ever recorded.”

Gutter Helmet is installed with heavy gauge reinforced support brackets.

Panels are individually prepared and cus-

tom-fitted over your full-sized gutters by trained installers, who clean, seal, check and adjust the alignment of your existing gutter system as needed. The panels are then securely installed under or over shingles as needed. In most cases, installation can be completed in just one day.

Gutter Helmet also protects your gutters and roof from damage in the winter.

“Snow slides down your roof and gets stuck in the gutters,” says Lask. “The snow melts and refreezes into ice, creating an ice dam that blocks drainage and keeps the water on your roof, which can damage it. Icicles hanging from your eaves is an indication of this condition.

Gutter Helmet will just shoot all the snow away, so that it can’t clog your gutters.”

Birds, rodents and insects often take up residence in neglected gutters, but

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with the Gutter Helmet system, a precise 3/8-inch slit in the top allows water to filter through while preventing these pesky creatures from getting too close to your home.

Moving the water from your roof is only part of the battle. If it pools on the ground near your house, it can damage the foundation as well as your landscaping. Gutter Helmet’s gutter shield directs rain water directly away from the home, preventing on buildup near your home.

For more information or to schedule an estimate, contact Lask Roofing. ❚

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I  W

Got Prayer?

E

ven those who love scripture and believe in the power of prayer sometimes fail to make time for a rich and consistent prayer life. Yet prayer is the engine of a Christian’s spiritual life, the lynchpin of a relationship with God. When we fail to take time for prayer, it’s often because we’re in an “I can do it by myself!” mode of thinking, not unlike a stubborn 2-year-old. But life isn’t meant to be lived without a consistent prayerful relationship with God. The gospels are full of examples of Jesus taking time to pray, both in short and long sessions, sometimes with others, sometimes alone. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed,” we read in Luke 5:16. Note the word “often.” He made his relationship with God top priority and taught followers to do likewise.

Jesus emphasized the importance of being persistent and bold in our requests to God. In Luke 11:9 we read, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Prayer isn’t only about asking for things. It’s also a time of expressing our thankfulness and praising God. There’s an old poem, most often attributed to Grace L. Naessens, which sums things up very well: I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task, “Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered.

He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock; God gently and lovingly chided, “My child you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray. ❚ 12

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Y K

Snack Smarter with Dairy A

mericans are snacking more and more these days, with the average person consuming 25 percent of daily calories in the form of snacks. This school year, aim for an A-plus in nutrition by snacking smarter on dairy products.

Dairy packs a nutritious punch. Together, milk, cheese and yogurt provide nine essential nutrients, including protein, an important nutrient that helps you to feel fuller longer.

Boost your snacking IQ with these smart tips: • Pair cheese sticks with fresh fruit, such as an apple, pear or grapes. Reach for cheese cubes and whole-grain crackers when you want something savory.

Or dip strawberries in yogurt for a tasty, sweet treat. For a kid-friendly snack, make it hands-on fun by creating colorful fruit and cheese kabobs.

• Flavored milk provides the same nine essential nutrients as unflavored

milk. The only difference is the addition of flavorings and minimal amounts of sugar, which can lead to improved consumption, especially among children.

• Whip up a dairy-based smoothie made for an on-thego snack or create your own yogurt parfait.

For more tips and recipes to help you snack smarter, visit MidwestDairy.com.

Rainbow Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Servings: 6 8 wooden skewers 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 18 cubes 1/2 cup strawberries, halved 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 cup pineapple, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

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1 kiwi, peeled and cut into 6 pieces 1/4 cup blueberries 6 purple grapes Thread each skewer with one piece of cheese, one strawberry half, one cantaloupe cube, one pineapple cube, another piece of cheese, one piece of kiwi, two blueberries, one grape and another piece of cheese. Repeat pattern with remaining skewers. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Mendota to Cook 50 Tons of Sweet Corn R

By Connor Carynski ecord-breaking turnout is expected for this year’s 70th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival on Aug. 10-13, which culminates in a giant cookout on Sunday, when 50 tons of fresh-picked sweet corn will be cooked up and served free of charge.

The festival is an opportunity for folks to browse through hundreds of vendor tents, enjoy live musical performances, a carnival, parade and many special events. And, of course, to indulge in the Midwest’s favorite buttery, golden treat.

Previous years have seen crowds of more than 60,000; the festival is among the largest and oldest harvest festivals in the Midwest. Jesse Arellano, executive director of the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce and festival coordinator, is gearing up.

“The festival draws people from all

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over Illinois and seems to be getting bigger every year,” Arellano says. “We’re expecting even more people than last year because it’s our special, seven-decade anniversary and we’re also trying some new things with the carnival and performances.”

With the exception of the beer garden, there’s no admission fee, and parking is free.

One of the largest contributors to the festival is the Mendota Del Monte Food Plant. The plant has had a hand in the festival since its construction in 1949, says Nathan Talle, plant manager.

“The factory has always had a close relationship to the community and we’re happy we have the opportunity to give back every year,” Talle says. “The people of Mendota work hard for us so it’s always nice to be able to show them how

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thankful we are.”

Because it employs 550 people in a town of about 7,200, Del Monte Plant No. 112 naturally has a large influence in Mendota’s community. Each year it donates nearly 50 tons of corn, picked fresh Sunday morning, cooked and handed out free during the final day of the festival.

Special events at the festival include the Queen Pageant on Aug. 11, a food contest on Aug. 12, the “CornaPalooza” 5K/10K Run & 5K Fitness Walk on Aug. 12, the Grand Parade on Aug. 13, a carnival running all four days and the renowned festival classic.

At the enormous corn boil on Aug. 13, the fresh sweet corn will be cooked using an antique steam engine which has been used in the festival for decades. While other communities do corn boils using newer technology, Mendota’s

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festival is the only one to cook the corn using a vintage 1946 steam engine.

“Most towns have faster, more modern methods of cooking for their festivals but we’ve been using the same engine since the start and want to keep the tradition going,” Arellano says.

More than 200 food, merchandise

and craft vendor booths will line Mendota’s streets Aug. 10 to 13, offering local and ethnic foods.

Among the live bands that will perform are The Meerkat Mobsters, the Illinois Army National Guard’s 144th Army Band Jazz Combo, Imagine That band, and Libido Funk Circus.

Performances from the internationally known Jesse White Tumbling Team and the electrifying South Shore Drill Team will also occur on Sunday of the festival.

Along with serving as a fundraiser for the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival provides a revenue boost to local businesses.

“Not only are we raising money for the Chamber itself, but nearby businesses are also getting a lot out of it just by having more than 60,000 people come into town during the course of a weekend,” Arellano says.

Many area hotels will be booked for the festival weekend; one reported being

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sold out for the festival weekend before February had ended, says Arellano.

The festival requires 100 to 150 volunteers to run it and many of them are employees of local businesses.

Arellano, who was born and raised in Mendota, remembers coming to the festival as a child, but never realized how much time and energy went into coordinating it until he got involved in the festival planning four years ago.

“Until you get into a role where you’re doing the behind-the-scenes stuff, you don’t realize at all how much work, effort and how many volunteers go into it,” Arellano says.

Townspeople support the festival and understand the benefits it brings to Mendota, despite the inconveniences it sometimes causes them, he says.

“Even though it’s a lot of work, it’s nice to see the community come together and put on a good festival for the people coming out.”

Learn more at sweetcornfestival.com ❚

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Y O

Support Local Craftsmen at Art in the Park

By Chris Linden, executive editor

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ne of the Freeport area’s biggest celebrations of regional artwork returns this Labor Day weekend with the 10th annual Art in the Park. Held Sunday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the freeadmission fair draws together a diversity of art media, styles and family-friendly activities at Krape Park.

“It’s a fun way to spend the day outside, and it’s the day before Labor Day, so you can bring the family out, enjoy some time together and check out everything happening at the park,” says Carrie Baxter, collections and exhibition manager at Freeport Art Museum (FAM). The fair is co-sponsored by FAM and the Freeport Park District.

This year’s Art in the Park is expected to draw about 45 artists who hail from within 200 miles of Freeport. The juried show welcomes artists using many types of media, from painting and sculpture

to ceramics and photography. Many artists will hold demonstrations.

“We try to gear it toward the fine arts,” says Baxter. “So, we typically welcome artists who produce unique items, the type that are not mass-produced.”

Artwork aside, the fair also welcomes several food vendors, five musical performers, and free art activities aimed at children and adults. Of course, the rest of Krape Park will be open, too, with activities including a working carousel, children’s play areas and a fenced-in duck farm.

“This is our 10th year of hosting Art in the Park, and it was all started by a group of artists wanting to do an outdoor community gathering of art,” says Ron

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Schneider, superintendent of recreation for the park district. “It was a big hit the first year, and it’s just kept going.”

Baxter finds the fair is a great place to scout for unique gifts and to purchase locally crafted artwork for the home.

“It’s a wonderful way to support the arts,” she says. “If we didn’t have the arts, the world would be a dull place. It’s nice for people to show their appreciation for art by talking with artists and purchasing their works.” ❚

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Y O

Shop the Blocks Aug. 4 for Downtown Fun T

he River District Association (RDA) and its partners announce the third in a series of four “Shop the Blocks” on Friday, Aug. 4, 3-8 p.m.

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

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

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

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

off.

• Arch: Weekly specials.

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

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

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

• Octane Interlounge: Alfresco dining.

• Owly Oop Sports Pub: Patio dining,

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live music by Milwaukee-based indieAmericana pop band Trapper Schoepp and The Shades, 7:30-9:30, free.

• Rockford Art Deli: Parklet.

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

• Salvaged by Sonya: Girl Scouts crafting in parklet.

• Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza: Alfresco dining.

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

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A New Cataract Treatment

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

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

Y H

D

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

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

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

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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

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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

Ogle County Fair Aug. 2-6, Wed. 6-10 p.m., Th. 5-10 p.m., Fri. 3-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Highlights include tractor parade and pulls, Big Rockford, IL 61101 Demolition 1.800.521.0849 Derby. gorockford.com Hat Rodeo, Local bands, a live alligator show and the “Rhinestone Roper” round out the entertainment. Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road., Oregon, Ill., (815) 732-6962, oglecountyfair.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Nature Poetry & Prose Aug. 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hear a variety of prose and poetry surrounded by the natural sounds and sights of the serene prairie at Nygren Wetland. Tables set with wildflowers and tea light candles add to the enchanting ambiance.

Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, (815) 964-6666, naturalland.org.

Festa Italiana Aug. 3-6, Th. 6-10 p.m., Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. noon-7 p.m. Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. This family event features carnival rides, bocce ball, Italian food and dancing. Location: Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford, (815) 289-7704.

Street Dance & Celebrate Weekend Aug. 4-5, daily. The city’s biggest street dance, downtown sidewalk sales, farmers market, food concessions and family-friendly activities.

Downtown Beloit. Info: (608) 365-0150, downtownbeloit.com.

Maker Mania Aug. 4-5, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Join two fun days of invention, construction and innovation. Use real tools and materials to create a musical instrument, design a boat that floats, learn to solder or make a toy car. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Friday Night Flix: “Finding Dory” Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Friday Night Flix features free, large-screen movies the entire family can enjoy.

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

Writing Workshop with Sam Weller Aug. 5, 2-5 p.m. Sam Weller, Assoc. Prof. of Creative Writing at Columbia College, presents a

Festa Italiana returns Aug. 3-6 with carnival rides, bocce ball, Italian food and dancing.

prose writing workshop for writers and aspiring writers (ages 15 and up), using Ray Bradbury's creative process. Registration is required.

Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rplexplorer.org.

Concerts on the Creek: Groove Hotel Aug. 5, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Every Step Counts: Rosecrance Recovery 5K Walk/Run Aug. 6, 7 a.m. Every Step Counts celebrates recovery. Proceeds support Rosecrance clients and programs. Open to all ages. Individual participants or walk/run with a team. All participants receive a medal. Rosecrance Berry Campus, 8616 Northern Ave., Rockford, (815) 387-1601, rosecrance.org.

AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: The Black Lillies Aug. 8, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Americana band. Opening act: The Coteries. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Tunes on the Terrace: FutureStuff Aug. 9, dinner/drink service 5-7:30 p.m., music 6-8 p.m. Relax and listen to Future Stuff on the terrace along the bank of the Rock River. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Beverages and food available for purchase. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 9878858, nicholasconservatory.com. ❚

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

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WDL

Real Italian Gelato Right Here in Rockford

By Peggy Werner

I

f you feel like you’ve just walked into an Italian café when you enter Cucina di Rosa, 1620 Bell School Road, it’s because you have. The first things you’ll see are pans heaped full of creamy swirled gelato, in a variety of flavors and colors.

Owner Rose Mary Provenzano was born and raised in Sicily and learned the art of making gelato in Italy. She still buys her ingredients for the delectable dessert in Italy.

“Italy is where it all started,” she says. “You can’t walk two feet without seeing gelato being sold.

“A lot of people who have been to Italy walk into my restaurant and are drawn right to it because they know how good it is.

“I learned about the basic calculations and formulations for making gelato.

It’s a lot like chemistry, having to know what to do and when. Once you know the

basic process, you can make any flavor, but it’s very time consuming,” she says.

Up early every morning, she heads to the restaurant to whip up one batch at a time, before the ovens heat up for breakfast and lunch entrees.

Among the most popular gelato flavors are hazelnut, pistachio and salted caramel.

Some of the more unusual favorites are basil and strawberry balsamic.

Gelato is milk-based but has less air and fat than ice cream, Provenzano says.

Gelato is about 4 percent fat, and because it’s denser, it’s more flavorful, creamier and better tasting than ice cream, she adds.

In addition to the gelato, other desserts served at the Italian café include homemade sorbet, Italian cookies, eclairs, cream puffs, cannolis, cannoli cake, biscotti, and fresh croissants served with fruit preserves, custard, or Nutella. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Big Papa’s Barbecue E BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, Ill., (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11 am-9 pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10 p.m, Sun 11 am-7 pm. $.

Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm.

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

Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Aug. 2

To advertise call 815-316-2300

C

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant in 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport. 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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Y T

Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely

By Peggy Werner

G

etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy.

“Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.”

Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says.

“You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”

With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems.

He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month.

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

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

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

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also

offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint.

Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them.

And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo.

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

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Aug. 2

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