Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • May 28, 2014
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Right in Our Region
Magic Waters Fun Begins on May 24 By Paul Anthony Arco, Senior Writer
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othing says summer fun more than a visit to Magic Waters, one of Rockford’s major destinations. Opening day for Magic Waters Waterpark, 7820 CherryVale N. Blvd., is Saturday, May 24, which is two weeks earlier than last year. The park will stay open until Sept. 1, a week later than last year, so guests have more time to en-
joy thrilling rides such as Double Dare Drop, Tropical Twisters and Typhoon Terror. “Given the extremely long winter and wet and cool spring, we’re really excited this year,” says Zack McIntyre, the park’s director. “Magic Waters will be a destination for families to come and enjoy all throughout the hot summer.” Continued on p. 20
• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses
Should You Aerate Your Lawn? • Motivating Kids to Exercise • Password Do’s & Don’ts Find Your Local Farmers Markets • Bow Tie March & 5K Run • Spring Harvest Recipes
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Magic Waters Opens Early this Year Your Home ........................................................11 Why Dethatch or Aerate Your Lawn? Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Bulldog Peace Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Spring Harvest Recipes Your Outings ....................................................17 Bow Tie March & 5k Run Your Health ...................................................... 25 FHN: Earn Money for Your School by Exercising Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Local Farmers Markets 2014! Your Money ...................................................... 33 Savvy Password Advice
Smart L iving Weekly ™
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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High Achievers!
13825 Metric Dr. Roscoe, IL 61073 | (815) 389-7917 | www.historicautoattractions.com
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ur cover story is a reminder of how fortunate we are, as residents, to own Magic Waters, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Sportscore complexes, five golf courses, two indoor ice rinks, a riverboat and trolley car, umpteen swimming pools, 125 neighborhood parks ... That’s right! We own them! And we don’t even have to vaccum the pools or rake up the leaves in those parks. The district is a tax-funded entity owned by the people of Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley, New Milford and unincorporated parts of Boone and Winnebago counties. And boy, are we ever a better community for having supported this great district since 1909. Did you know that our facilities welcome more than 9 million guests each year? That adds up to a lot of folks having a whole lot of fun – safely and affordably. I’ve always admired the way our district partners with, rather than competes with, hundreds of local groups, from school districts and arts organizations to community centers and non-profits that serve people with every kind of special need. No one is left out of the fun, here; from the start, our district has stood by an ideal of inclusiveness. We’ve done well on this, Rockford, and should be very proud of it. In 2012, we earned the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation from the National Park and Recreation Association. It was the second time we were named the best in the nation. Are we high achievers, or what? This year, we earned the highest accreditation possible in the State of Illinois, scoring 483 points out of 500! We should all be very thankful for the quality of life, and the tourism dollars, that our park district brings to our community. Most of all, we should get out and enjoy what we own. Magic Waters is a great place to start. Have fun! Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor
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Dethatching, Aerating Help to Revive Lawns By Jim Killam
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arly season lawn maintenance can include two rejuvenating processes: dethatching and aerating. Thatch is that layer of dead grass, leaves and roots atop the soil. A little is OK, but spring is a great time to remove most of it and start over. “That just kind of brings the yard back to life,” says Tim Kinney of Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales, Inc., 3110 Auburn St., Rockford. “It gets all the wet, heavy stuff off of it and lets it breathe a little better.” Dethatching can be accomplished either with a thatch rake or a power rake. If you don’t enjoy hacking at your lawn for hours on end with something akin to a long-handled hairbrush, rent a power rake. It looks like a lawnmower but has a series of spinning, vertical blades. (Before you start, be sure to mark any sprinkler heads in your lawn.)
Once you’ve removed the thatch, hand-rake it away with a leaf rake. Now light, water and nutrients can easily reach the soil. This also is a good time to check for bare spots and plant grass seed. Kinney says some thatch in a lawn is healthy, acting like mulch in the warmer, drier months. “Basically, you know you have too much if you walk on your lawn and it feels like a sponge,” he says. Aerating is especially useful for harder, clay soils, or where the soil is compacted by foot or vehicle traffic. An aerator looks something like a rototiller, either as a self-contained machine or as an implement that pulls behind a lawn tractor. It pokes holes in the soil and extracts “plugs.” The small holes then allow water and nutrients to reach deep into the soil. There’s no need to rake up the dirt
plugs, Kinney adds. After a rain or two, they break down and are reabsorbed into the lawn. ❚
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Bulldog Peace I
t’s not like we risk our lives hunting down supper, anymore, as our earliest ancestors did. And we don’t risk famine or enemy attack while crossing the prairies, either. In fact, we live in one of the safest time periods ever, enjoying average lifespans undreamed of just a century ago. Why, then, does high anxiety take such a toll on us? Why do so many of us need pills just to sleep? Why do our minds and hearts race as if our lives are spinning madly out of control? Why all the Xanax? Jesus Christ taught us there are two kinds of personal peace: the kind the world gives, and the kind God gives. The first is elusive and generally subject to circumstances beyond our control. The second is rooted within our faith. We can hold onto it like a bulldog holds onto meat. No one can take inner peace away from us, although we may relinquish it. Shortly before he was betrayed by Judas, Jesus began preparing his disciples for the terrible events that would follow. He understood their fear and anxiety. “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14: 1, KJV). Jesus explained that “the comforter” would come to dwell within them. “I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.” (John 14:18-19). It seems unlikely that Jesus would have told his followers to remain at peace, if it wasn’t possible to do so. “Peace I leave with you,” he says in John 14:27. “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” And in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you that you that in me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” ❚ –Janine Pumilia 12
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Trio of Salads Makes Fresh Produce Shine M
ost of us have that familiar go-to menu that takes little or no planning, but this summer it’s time to try something new. First, move dinner outdoors to enjoy the warmth of the sun or a star-filled summer sky. Then, fire up the grill and showcase summer’s bounty. Find more recipes at mirassou.com or Facebook.com/MirassouWinery.
1 clove garlic Freshly ground pepper to taste
Steak Salad:
8 oz. mixed baby greens 1 8-oz. grilling steak, seasoned with salt and pepper or Pinot Noir Marinade 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 1/2 cup shaved fresh fennel 1 cup baked croutons 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Grilled Chipotle Caesar Salad Wedges Servings: 4 3 cups 1/2-inch cubes of cornbread 1 1/2 Tb olive oil 1/2 cup good Caesar salad dressing 1 Tb Moscato 1 Tb fresh lime juice 1 tsp. minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 large head romaine lettuce, in 4 wedges 1/2 cup diced tomato 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 F. Place cornbread cubes on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil; Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Stir together Caesar dressing, Moscato, lime juice and chipotle peppers in small bowl; cover and refrigerate. Preheat grill to high, adding wood chips if desired. Brush dressing on cut sides of romaine. Place romaine, cut side down on grill. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly charred. Plate and drizzle with remaining dressing. Sprinkle with tomato, cheese, cilantro and cornbread croutons.
with lemon juice and oil, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with basil and serve with baguette slices. Steak Salad w/ Pinot Noir Dressing: 1/2 cup rinsed canned white beans 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar 3 Tb. extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. salt
Puree all dressing ingredients until smooth. Chill. Grill steak for about 5 minutes on each side; cool slightly. Place greens, steak, onion and fennel in large bowl and toss with half the dressing. Arrange on 4 salad plates and top with croutons, cheese and remaining white beans; drizzle with remaining dressing. For Pinot Noir Marinade, combine 1/2 cup Pinot Noir, 1 Tb. Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper and 2 cloves minced garlic in plastic bag. ❚
Mango Caprese Salad w/ Riesling Servings: 8 to 10 3 large, ripe mangos, peeled and sliced 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 3 Tb. freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 Tb. extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Snipped fresh basil leaves Crusty toasted baguette slices
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Bow Tie March & 5K Benefits Healing Pathways By Paul Anthony Arco elp fight men’s cancer by participating in the fourth annual Bow Tie March & 5K Run presented by Rockford Health System, Saturday, June 7, at Home Depot, in Rockford. The 5K Run begins at 7:30 a.m. and the Bow Tie March begins at 9 a.m. Registration is $30 per person. The Bow Tie March was established by Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center to honor men who have been touched by cancer. Healing Pathways is a local non-profit organization that provides programs and services, at no cost, to all cancer patients, both male and female, as well as survivors and caregivers. More than 500 people are expected to participate in the Bow Tie March, actually a 1.5-mile walk along the Perryville Path. The 5K run connects with Midway Village Path and finishes along the Perryville Path.
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“The Bow Tie March was started as a way to raise awareness about men’s cancer and men’s health overall,” says Sheri Anspaugh, project coordinator. “Men aren’t always comfortable or willing to address serious health issues. The Bow Tie March is an event that, hopefully, will create meaningful dialogue for the men in our community.” This year’s honorary chairperson is Byron native Sean Considine, who played in the NFL for eight years and won a Super Bowl in 2013 with the Baltimore Ravens. “Unfortunately, too many men and women are afflicted with this terrible disease,” Considine says. “It is important to support organizations like Healing Pathways, which provides much needed resources in the fight against cancer.” The day includes a wellness fair, children’s activities, lunch and musical
Bow Tie March Honorary Chairperson and NFL Superbowl winner Sean Considine.
entertainment by Big Bang Baby. Among sponsors are Rockford Health System, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, Riverside Community Bank, and Rockford Gastroenterology Associates. For registration and event information, visit healingpathwayscrc.org or call (815) 977-4123. ❚
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Magic Waters Continued from Cover
More than 200,000 guests are expected to flock to Magic Waters this year. About 57 percent come from outside the park district, from places like Belvidere, Freeport and Byron, as well as the northwest suburbs, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. “All customers, including those from outside the Rockford area, are extremely important to the success of Magic Waters and Rockford,” says McIntyre. “They’re coming into our city, spending money and helping out the economy.” Kelly Galluzzo of Loves Park takes her children, Milania, 7, and Anthony, 5, to Magic Waters every summer. “My kids love all of the slides and the wave pool,” Galluzzo says. “There are a variety of water activities to keep them entertained all day long. I’ve been to other water parks and Magic Waters offers everything they
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have plus more. By having it so close to home, we can make a great day out of it, and not have to deal with the hassle of long distance travel with the kids.” There are plenty of exciting changes taking place at Magic Waters this season, including the food that will be sold. Sodexo, a food service and management group, oversees all food operations for Magic Waters, along with other park district facilities. “This year we’re introducing pulled pork sandwiches, Italian beef and Chicago-style hotdogs,” says McIntyre. Find them inside the park at the Thirsty Turtle, Coconut Cafe and Lazy Lizard. Also new this year is the addition of six shade chalets available for a $35 daily rental. Each chalet has room for two guests and comes with two beverages, two inner tubes and locker rental. “It provides a nice, relaxing, shaded area next to the Wave pool,” says McIntyre. Magic Waters still offers a Fast Pass program that allows guests to move to the
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front of the line on the Splash Blaster, Double Dare Drop and Typhoon Terror. “Customers really enjoy the opportunity to save time,” McIntyre says. Other park enhancements have been made this year. The Mushroom Fountain near the south entrance has been renovated; the Paradise Pipelines have been
R O R waxed and polished; and additional lockers are now available at the South entrance. “It’s important to keep updating and making our assets current, and to provide customers with an aesthetically pleasing environment,” says McIntyre. “Many of the changes we make also ensure the safety of customers on a daily basis.” Magic Waters has a full calendar of special events planned this year. There will be celebrations for Father’s Day and Fourth of July. There’s also Christmas in July, on July 25, a crowd favorite in which the park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Christmas decorations, snowmen and an appearance by Santa Claus. June 21 is Shelbert Bobblehead Day. Guests will take home replicas of the water park’s adorable sea turtle mascot. Parkie Palooza will be an educational event with stations set up throughout the park, highlighting other programs and services offered by the park district. Other events include an appearance by
popular Dora the Explorer on June 28; a Castaway Beach Party on July 27; and an End of Summer Blast Aug. 30. In addition, Magic Mondays and Friday Family Fun Nights offer customers discounts after 4 p.m. Magic Waters is not only a place to relax during the summer heat, but also a popular place to work. “Our staff members are extremely caring, and they relate everything back to the mission of the Park District,” says McIntyre. “They’re here to serve the customers, put a smile on the faces of the children and to make sure everyone has the best possible experience.” The Rockford Park District-owned facility consistently ranks among the top five publicly owned water parks in the country. Last year, the lifeguard crew at Magic Waters received a Gold International Aquatic Safety award by Ellis and Associates, a national water safety organization. “Our lifeguards are among the top 40 percent of lifeguards that are
certified internationally,” says McIntyre. “When it comes to safety, this award is a big deal.” McIntyre is beginning his second season as director of Magic Waters. “I definitely learned a lot last season,” he says. “Every season has its challenges and last year was no different. Due to inclement weather, Magic Waters was closed 11 days last year. All we can do is hope for the best, when it comes to weather, and make adjustments as the season progresses. We’re working on our weather policy to communicate openings and closings more effectively.” Magic Waters ticket prices remain the same as last year. Daily passes are $18.99 for residents and $23.99 for nonresidents. A resident season pass is $90 and $105 for nonresidents. The park is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the rest of the week until 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.magicwaterswaterpark.com. ❚
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Exercise Pays Off for Your School this Summer By FHN
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We’re h ere , for you.
ummer softball and volleyball leagues, other summer exercise, and even everyday physical activity like gardening can pay off in prizes for area schools this summer, with FHN’s popular Miles And Minutes program. Miles And Minutes begins Sunday, June 1 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 31 and encourages participants to be active and log various types of physical activity to win prize money for the school of their choice. The competition is online-only and there is no charge to participate. Registration and the competition rules, as well as information about how miles will be calculated to determine the winning school systems, is available at fhn.org/milesandminutes. Anyone 12 years and older can participate, including student athletes. A calculator on the website will automati-
cally convert minutes of almost any type of physical activity into miles. This will make it easy to follow the competition, and prizes will be awarded in miles in two categories: School system with the most average “miles” logged per participant; and School system with the most “miles” total. The program normalizes miles based on the number of students in each school system to help ensure that all schools have an equal chance to win, no matter their size or how many participants they enlist. First prize for each category is $2,000, second prize is $1,000 and third prize is $500. Prize money will be awarded in September. Participants from any zip code can support any school system, so family members in Lena, for example, can designate their miles to the River Ridge school sys-
tem if they wish. Running totals will be displayed on the website and reported throughout the summer. This program is intended for those age 12 and over. It may not be appropriate for individuals who have heart rhythm irregularities or are recent surgical patients, for women who are pregnant, or for others with health conditions. If you have questions, check with your healthcare provider. Learn more at fhn.org/walk_welcome.asp ❚
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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June 10– August 21, 2014 Admission is only $12 bucks every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the 2014 season! NOTE: Discount coupons not accepted on $12 Buck Bargain Days
magicwaterswaterpark.com Conveniently located off I-90 in Cherry Valley, IL Magic Waters Waterpark is a facility of the Rockford Park District
CONNECT WITH US!
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.
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Wendy’s Super Car Night May 28, 6-8:30 p.m. A gathering of great classic cars. Wendy’s, 1689 Willard, Freeport, (815) 232-8938. RAMP’s Wine & Beer Tasting May 29, 5-8 p.m. Dinner available. Music, silent auction, prizes. $18/$20 at the door. Benefits RAMP’s services for people with disabilities. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., (815) 968-7467, stayclassy.org/rampwine. Exhibition: Emmert’s Farm May 30, 5-7 p.m. Opening reception for exhibit of original paintings by Bob Logsdon and Tom Heflin, which celebrate Emmert’s Farm. Runs May 31-Aug. 12, Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. Edgebrook Music on the Mall May 30, 6:30 p.m. Rockford native Kelly Steward, with original country songs. Series runs Fri. thru Sept. 19; see website for line-up. Edgebrook Shops outside Mary’s Market, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, edgebrookshops.com.
Blues legend B.B. King performs May 30 at Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center.
for sale. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390. Hoedown & Hayride June 6, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy hayrides around the forest preserve, dancing and snacks around the fire pit. Ages 15+. $10. Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport, (815) 235-6114, freeportparkdistrict.org.
B.B. King May 30, 8 p.m. The “King of the Blues” the genre’s most influential artist, a 15-time Grammy winner. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
21st Annual Garden Fair June 6-8, noon-8 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. Area’s largest outdoor marketplace with garden/nature products from 80 vendors across the Midwest. Arboretum fundraiser. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, klehm.org.
Rockford City Market May 30-Oct. 17, Fri. 3-8 p.m. Local growers and vendors sell natural products and unique retail items, live music, demonstrations and kids’ activities. 100 Market St., Rockford, (815) 9775124, rockfordcitymarket.com.
German Valley Days June 6-8, Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Car show, parade, more. Ben Miller Park, Church Street, German Valley, Ill., (815) 362-3671, stephenson-county-il.org.
Stephenson County Farmers Market May 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 3, noon-4 p.m. Fresh produce, home-baked goods, local honey and more. Open Sat. & Tues. through October. 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport. Fresh and Local: Where to Get It May 31, 2:30 p.m. Meet with a local food expert for tips and tricks of farmer’s markets in the area. Monthly summer series. Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, option 2, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens June 3, 6:30 p.m. Edward David Anderson with pop, rock-n-roll, country, folk. $5. Food, drinks
63rd Tebala Shrine Circus June 6-8, 12:30, 4 & 7:30 p.m. Features aerial, clown and animal acts. Tickets: (815) 332-4997, tebala.com. Event: Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 2014 Bow Tie March & 5K Run June 7, run 7:30 a.m., march 8 a.m. Event to raise awareness of men’s cancer and screenings for early prevention, and celebrate survivors. Home Depot, 6930 Argus Dr., Rockford, healingpathwayscrc.org/bowtiemarch.html. Child Fair & Resource Event June 7, 1-4 p.m., Freedom Through the Word Church, 2115 S. Alpine, Rockford. Families in need will find children’s clothing, toys, books & more, plus kids’ activities. (815) 519-1581. ❚
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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. $$. This Is It Eatery Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (815) 616-5449. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill. $ Vito’s Ristorante Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚
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We Buy Local! 2014 Farmers Markets: Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays, 9am-1pm, May 7-Oct 29. In parking lot at Edgebrook Shopping Center, corner of North Alpine and Highcrest Road, Rockford, Ill. Rockford City Market Fridays, 3-8pm, May 30-Oct 17, (3-7pm after Labor Day) Closed on July 4. Market located in the 100-200 blocks of Water St, and also in the Water Street parking deck & surrounding areas, Rockford, Ill. HCC Realty Market Fridays, 9am-1pm, May 2-Oct 31. Located at 1240 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, Ill. (Corner of South Alpine and Newburg Roads). North End Commons Farmers Market Saturdays, 8am-Noon, May 17-Oct. Market located in parking lot behind 1416 N Main St., Rockford, Ill. and more. Beloit Farmers Market Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May-Oct. 300 State St., Beloit Wis. Open-air market in the heart of historic downtown Beloit for almost 50 years; 90 vendors, live music. Belvidere Farmers Market and Crafts Saturdays, 9am-12:30pm, June 7-Oct 25. Located in Dodge Lanes parking lot, 1940 N. State St., Belvidere, Ill. Byron Sunshine Park Farmers Market Saturdays, 8am-Noon, May-Oct. In Sunshine Park, corner of Peru Street and Ill. Rte 2, Byron, Ill. GPS Farmers Market Thursdays, 3:30-7:30pm, May 15-Oct 23. In GPS Faith Community parking lot at 10714 N 2nd St, Machesney Park, Ill. Pecatonica Farmers Market Saturdays, 8-11am June 7-Oct 25. Located in the municipal parking lot on corner of Main St and 4th St., Pecatonica, Ill. Rockton River Market Wednesdays, 3-8pm, June 4-Sept 24. Market located on the Rock River on E. Hawick St. in Old Settlers Park, Rockton, Ill. Winnebago Farmers Market Fridays, 3:30-7pm, June-Oct. Market located at Winnebago Public Library, 210 N Elida St., Winnebago Ill. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly
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Online Passwords: Simple is a Bad Idea By Jim Killam
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BC123. That’s the online password equivalent of hiding the house key under the welcome mat, and it’s the bane of bankers who want to help customers protect themselves from fraud and identity theft. Passwords should be long, strong and known only to you, says Sara Porter, Assistant Vice President, Application Support / eBanking, Alpine Bank, 6838 E. State St., Rockford. “They should be a mix of letters and numbers,” says Porter, who’s seen ABC123 far too many times. “They should never contain a family member’s name – a child’s name, a grandchild’s full name. They should never contain anything that is easily identifiable to you. A lot of times people can guess your pass-
word by your Facebook pages and your social networks.” Other too-easy-to-guess choices: The family dog’s name. A favorite sports team. Birthdays and anniversaries. So, how to come up with something more fool-proof, but that you won’t forget? One method Porter suggests is starting with a phrase you can remember, then using the first letter from each word, followed by a number – say, your birthday plus 500. So, “My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip” and the birthday April 7 lead to the password: Mficimcc0907. If a site allows for special characters – slashes, asterisks and such – use at least one as part of your password system. Then, come up with a separate variation for each site that requires a password – perhaps adding the first letter of the site’s
name, for instance. Still afraid you’ll forget them all? Porter suggests trying a password management system like the free Norton Identity Safe, which requires knowing just a single password (just be sure you make that one strong). The other important step is to change all of your passwords regularly – at least twice a year and probably more. That helps thwart password-stealing malware that most users unknowingly have on their PCs, Porter says. ❚
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