Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • July 12, 2017
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Right in Our Region
Lots of New Events at the Green County Fair
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Shine: A New Gift Shop Today’s Popular Flooring Options When Renting Tools Just Makes Sense Innovative New Treatment for Glaucoma Non-Stop Music at Byronfest this Weekend
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2 Tickets to Magic Waters
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Green County Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Popular Flooring Options Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 God Loves a HUMBLE Heart Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Cheesy Flatbread Pizza Your Outing ............................................. .......... 19 Byronfest! Your Style ..........................................................21 Shine: A New Gift Shop Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 NEW Treatments for Glaucoma Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cannova’s in Freeport Outdoor Living ................................................. 29 When Renting Tools Makes More Sense
Smart L iving Weekly ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia
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Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss Summer Intern Connor Carynski 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
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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.
Newsy Mid-July
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o many major things have happened during mid July, over the decades. Here are a few. You be the judge of which were terrible, wonderful or something else. In mid July of 1918, Russian Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries, leading to an era of Soviet Communist occupation of republics such as Ukraine, Estonia and Lithuania. In mid July of 1945, the atomic age exploded into being, when the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico, with no warning to local citizens. Code named “Trinity,” the blast turned desert sand to glass and blew out windows 120 miles away. A few weeks later, atomic bombs were dropped on two Japanese cities. In mid July of 1969, 11 astronauts were launched into space inside Apollo 11, including Neil Armstrong, the first man to step onto the moon five days later. In mid July of 1973, secret White House tapes that would lead to the resignation of President Richard Nixon were revealed during a U.S. Senate Watergate investigation. In mid July of 1979, Saddam Hussein forced the ailing president of Iraq out of power and seized command of the country. According to The Economist, “Much as Adolf Hitler won early praise for galvanzing German industry, ending mass unemployment and building autobahns, Saddam earned admiration abroad for his deeds.” In mid July of 2002, President George W. Bush created the Department of Homeland Security. In mid July of 2007, a 6.8 magnitude Japanese earthquake damaged one of the world’s largest nuclear plants, causing serious air and water radioactive contamination. On July 16, 2013, 95 years to the day since Czar Nicholas was killed, Russia held its largest war games since Soviet times. Vladimir Putin personally inspected it. Here’s hoping for a nice, quiet midJuly in 2017! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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NEW THIS YEAR! SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT!
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Luxury Vinyl Tile: Functional and Stylish By Janine Pumilia ust like other home materials, flooring is trending toward handsome but easy-care materials, says Kevin Rose, president of CarpetlandUSA Colortile, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “The most innovative new thing in the flooring world is luxury vinyl, which comes in planks (LVP) or in tiles (LVT),” says Rose. “People are thrilled with how good it looks and how well it wears.” Not to be confused with the plasticlooking vinyl floors of yesterday, luxury vinyl imitates natural wood and stone products with uncanny accuracy. The image on the surface of the vinyl is topped with a durable finish that resists stains, scratches and dents. Vinyl products are softer and warmer underfoot than real stone or tile and far easier to install, although Rose still recommends professional installation. Unlike laminate flooring, which can disintegrate in moisture, or solid wood
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floors, which can warp in the Midwest’s fluctuating humidity, “Luxury vinyl is 100 percent waterproof, which means it can be used in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and anyplace moisture could be a problem,” says Rose. Trending now are much wider planks and much larger tile sizes. Hard-surface flooring continues to gain ground over carpet. Luxury vinyl is taking market share away from laminate flooring, but solid wood and engineered wood floors are still wildly popular. We’re covering fewer square feet of our homes in carpet these days, but it’s still highly valued in certain rooms for its warmth, softness and beauty, especially in four-season climates like ours. “Carpet was probably 65 percent of our business 10 years ago and now it’s 50 percent,” says Rose. “We’re still laying a lot of carpet.” Rose says the durability of carpet
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varies greatly and “you really do get what you pay for” when it comes to choosing a carpet of good fiber with adequate face weight, density and twist. Carpetland is the longest continually running flooring store in Rockford and has a second location in Sycamore, at 1719 DeKalb Ave. ❚
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God Loves Humility
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ome things in scripture are crystal clear. One is that God despises arrogance. In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:
“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor. Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my
eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”
Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over
which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” How are we to behave? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia
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Create Family Moments and Memories This Summer
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ake advantage of slower summer schedules and warmer weather by rounding up the family and heading to the backyard for fun, food and family time. Let your inner kid run free: Celebrate the summertime with your kids by playing tag and other fun games in the backyard. Whether it’s kick the can, ghost in the graveyard or capture the flag, backyard games are a great way to get the family together. Fire up your appetite: Ditch the kitchen and get the whole family engaged by recreating everyone’s favorite pizza on the grill. This Cheesy Flatbread Pizza recipe can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Keep it simple for kids with Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds or dress it up with some fresh veggies. Rethink family movie night: Take your family movie outside. All you need is a sheet, a projector and some comfy pillows and throws to turn your backyard into an outdoor movie theater.
Find more family-friendly recipes for summer at BordenCheese.com.
Cheesy Flatbread Pizza Ingredients: 1 piece (12 inches) cracker bread or flatbread 1 tsp. olive oil 1 package (8 ounces) Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds, divided 8 strips thick-sliced bacon, cooked crisp and broken into 1-inch pieces 4 whole garlic cloves, sliced 4 plum tomatoes, sliced 1/2 red onion, cut in strips 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley Fresh basil leaves (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush bread with small amount of olive oil and place on cookie sheet. Spread 1 1/2 cups
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cheese evenly around bread. Top evenly with bacon pieces. In small skillet over medium heat, heat 1 Tb. olive oil until hot. Add garlic and saute until lightly browned. Sprinkle onto pizza. Arrange sliced tomatoes and red onions on pizza. Add parsley to remaining cheese and spread over ingredients. Bake 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. ❚ Source: Family Features
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Green Co. Fair Going Strong in 162nd Year By Peggy Werner
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ow in its 162nd year, The Green County Fair strives to offer something new and exciting each year. Still, a love of the land and all it supports is consistently at the heart of this fair. This year’s fair will be July 19-23 on the Green County Fairgrounds, 2600 10th St. in Monroe, Wis. First-time attractions will include monster trucks, bull riding, barrel racing, music and magic. Wisconsin’s Tim Glander will perform at 1:30 p.m. in the hospitality tent, followed by Bull Riding and Barrel Racing from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Grandstand on Wednesday. On Thursday, Wayne the Wizard will perform at noon, 2 and 3 p.m., followed by “Forever Patsy,” a musical tribute to the songs of 1950s country star Patsy Cline, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monster trucks will be the focus at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Julie Blumer, office manager of the Green County Fair, says growing up on a
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farm is an education that provides a person with lifelong values, knowledge and work ethic. People love coming together at the fair to talk about farm life, whether or not they still live on a farm. “Once farming is in your blood, it’s hard to get it out,” says Blumer. “Farming is just a good way of living that gets people back to the basics. It’s all about learning the meaning of hard work and, in the process, you learn leadership skills.” Blumer grew up on a dairy farm and showed cows, farm produce and crafts each year at the fair. She then served as a Green County detective for 29 years before retiring and returning to farming. Her family owns a 30-acre farm and raises lamas, goats, horses and some crops. The fair offers five days of exhibitions and judging of animals, flowers, crops, houseplants, photography and more. Through the years, additional categories have been added, such as quilts, baked goods, basketry, garden art, honey and maple syrup. Entries from 4-H Club
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Zoli the chainsaw woodcarver will do shows on Thursday and Friday.
youths ages 6 to 17 are judged in the junior competition; there’s an open competition for folks under 6 and over 16. “People decide in November what they’re going to take to the fair,” says Blumer. “They don’t know what the weather will be, but they follow the guidelines, nurture their plants and hope to have something to show by fair time.” And, of course, there’s fair food, carnival rides and music.
R O R Kristin Bansley, fair secretary and concessions manager, says the most popular food vendors are returning this year. Roesti-on-a-stick is expected to sell “like hotcakes.” The Swiss specialty is made from potatoes, butter and milk, and often is flavored with bacon, Swiss cheese and onions. In the shape of a pancake, the roesti is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Given Green County’s Swiss-German heritage, roesti is a popular side dish at any meal, especially at Friday night fish fries. Among other popular Green County fair foods are cheese curds prepared by the Optimist Club, gyros and freshsqueezed lemonade. It’s traditional at Green County Fair to offer free lunch hour admission from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, at the west gate only, for those who want to enjoy fair food during their work lunch hour, either as carry-out or on the fairgrounds. Carnival rides will run from 5 to 11 p.m. on opening day and from noon to 11 p.m. all other days of the fair. Music this year takes place in the
beer garden. Evening performances feature Rock Rebel Junction at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Zac Matthews at 9 p.m. Friday; and the Unusuals at 9 p.m. Saturday. Other attractions include Zoli’s Woodcarving Show at noon, 2, 4, and 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; a Baked Goods Silent Auction from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Monroe Clinic Exhibition Hall on Thursday; and a Badger State Tractor/ Truck pull at 7 p.m. Thursday and at 6:30 p.m. Friday. This event is $5 on Thursday and free on Friday. Saturday will bring a Pedal Pull at 10 a.m. in front of the Monroe Clinic Exhibition Hall; a USA Tug of War Championship at 11 a.m. sponsored by Colony Brands; a Favorite Character Contest at 3 p.m. in the hospitality tent; and a Master Showman competition at 5 p.m. in the JMB Insurance Ring. On Sunday, an Antique Tractor Pull begins at 8 a.m., followed by a Garden Tractor Pull at 9 a.m., Brew City All-Star Heavyweight Wrestling at 1:30 p.m and a Demolition Derby at 4:30 p.m. Gates will be open from 8 a.m. to
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10 p.m. each day. General admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 8-12 and free to children under 8. Kids’ Day is Saturday and all children ages 11 and under are admitted free until 1:30 p.m. Seniors age 65 and up get into the fair all day for $5 on Sunday. Carnival Mega Passes allow ticketholders to ride all carnival rides all five days from open to close for $45. Purchasing Mega Passes online or in advance at the fair office, 2600 10th St. Fair parking is $3. For more information, contact the fair office at (608) 325-9159 or go to greencountyfair.net. ❚
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Experience Downtown Rockford
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Byronfest Offers Non-Stop Live Music By Peggy Werner yronfest is celebrating its 30th year July 14-16th in downtown Byron, and this year offers non-stop live music for the first time. Also new is a vendor area featuring dozens of goods and services available through local individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses. A GospelFest will kick off the festival July 13th at Neighbors Rehab and HealthCare Center, 811 W. 2nd St., showcasing both area amateur and professional musicians. “ByronFest is definitely a musical festival. We have top-quality entertainment and are very fortunate to have bands with great reputations, both locally and nationally, performing on two stages, with all the best sound equipment and light shows to go with it,” says Sarah Downs, executive director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce. This year’s headliner is Dylan Scott, an American country music singer and songwriter, whose debut single was
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“Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy” in June 2013. Other hit songs he’s known for include “Lay It On Me,” “Crazy Over Me,” and “My Girl.” His first full-length album, titled Dylan Scott, was released in Aug. 2016 and debuted at No. 5 on the Top Country Albums chart, selling 9,000 copies for the week. He’ll perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Live music will be performed all weekend on the Byron Lions Stage and Exelon Stage. The Exelon Stage will feature Dirt Road Rebelz, Rollin Whiskey, and Nashville Electric from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; Cody Road, Moonshine Run, Ethan Bel, Zac Matthews, Dylan Scott and Cal R Stage from noon to midnight Saturday; Craig Gerdes and Stroker Red from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The Byron Lions Stage will spotlight The Gilligans and 97Nine from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; Weekend Crush, Stevee
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Country Singer Dylan Scott
Nix, The Ginger’s and Sunset Strip from noon to midnight on Saturday; and Vodka Boys and Minimal from noon to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. “ByronFest brings everyone together and it’s just a great social time for everyone,” says Downs. “When people come to Byron, they are around good people. It’s a happy place, a happy festival, and we get a lot accomplished in a small area. The sense of community people feel is obvious.” To learn more and to see the full lineup of events, go to Byronfest.org. ❚
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Shine: New Shop Sells Polish Pottery, More By Connor Carynski
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lthough it just opened in early June, Shine is already gaining a reputation as a shop with extraordinary merchandise. Located at 6730 Broadcast Parkway in Loves Park, across the road from Peak Sports Club, the specialty gift store offers home and garden décor, jewelry, fashion apparel, kitchen supplies and much more, with an emphasis on socially responsible and healthful items. Minda Woith owns the shop with her daughter, Elizabeth Burkholder, and is pleased with the amount of customer traffic she’s seen so far. “We worked very hard to get everything going, so I’m glad to see people are enjoying the goods we offer,” says Woith. Some shoppers have already returned to the shop to stock up on natural soaps, lotions and more. The owners say they searched diligently for uncommon items that custom-
ers would have a hard time finding at other gift stores and would never find at big-box stores. “We don’t want to be the same as everyone else,” says Woith, who has decades of prior retail experience. “We work hard to bring in merchandise people haven’t seen before in Rockford. We have a large selection of items in stock that I guarantee cannot be found anywhere else in the area.” One example is Polish pottery; Woith says Shine is the only shop in Rockford that carries it. “People cannot get enough of this pottery,” Woith says. “The intricate designs and quality craftsmanship really make any plate, jar or cup a centerpiece.” The unique, hand-painted designs all work well together so there’s no need to choose one specific pattern. Each piece is made in and shipped from Poland.
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Woith has sold Polish pottery from various locations for more than 20 years and finds it to be not only beautiful, but also extremely durable. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe and releases food well for easy cleaning, she says. Working closely with her daughter is a pleasure for Woith. She also gets a kick out of watching customers find unique items they truly enjoy. “My daughter and I are both very excited about the shop opening and how well it’s doing so far,” she says. ❚
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New Treatment for Glaucoma Available By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor
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n May 2, Dr. Edward Yavitz became the first stateline surgeon to perform a new procedure to treat glaucoma. Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, conducted the painless 10-minute procedure called “canaloplasty” at Yavitz Eye Center, 4105 N. Perryville Road. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is an eye disease that usually results from fluid building up in the front part of your eye. The extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this damage can lead to blindness. In fact, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over age 60. By performing canaloplasty, Yavitz restores the eye’s natural drainage system by threading a tiny tube through blocked channels and clearing them.
“The procedure is similar to angioplasty – where you treat a heart that’s blocked,” Yavitz says. “Basically, all the fluid in the eye drains out through a circular channel.” With this procedure, patients are often able to stop taking one or more of their expensive glaucoma eye drops – the usual method for controlling glaucoma. Canaloplasty adds to the broad repertoire of glaucoma procedures Yavitz offers, including iStents, ECP laser, trabeculectomy and shunts. Yavitz urges people to not take their eye health for granted. Glaucoma is an especially stealthy disease, as there’s no way to notice that your eye pressure is above normal. “Your brain fills in the holes in your vision,” Yavitz says. “You may have vision like Swiss cheese, but your brain fills
in the blank spots so it appears that your visual field is full, even though it isn’t.” The only way to be sure that you don’t have glaucoma is to have a routine annual checkup with an eye care professional, Yavitz says. Blindness can be prevented with early treatment. ❚
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Want a second opinion? We give you one at every visit! The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community. We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.
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Fri-Sat-Sun Harvardballoonfest.com Rides:
Balloon/Inflatables/ Extreme/Helicopter/Pony
Live Music: 16 Bands 2 Stages
Entertainment:
Shopping:
Magic Shows Balloon Night Glows Movies in the Park
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July 12
Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at
Real. Original. SM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all
ILLINOIS, USA
glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1
102 N. Main St.
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism
Attractions & Events
Starlight Presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” July 12-16, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m.; July 12-16, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. This Tony-winning production upends the century-old story of Rockford, 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com how aIL miserable orphan comes to be Peter Pan. “Peter and the Starcatcher” playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Starlight Theater, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 9212160, rockvalleycollege.edu. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Children's Performances in the Park July 12-21, Artists’ Ensemble interns take their show "Tall Tales Small Tales" to 11 area parks. See online schedule for locations. Artists' Ensemble Theater, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. Music in the Park: Miles Nielsen July 13, 7 p.m. Western-influenced Indie Rock and Classic ‘60s Soul. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Info: (815) 9878800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days July 14-15, Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. to 5:50 p.m. Proceeds support local nonprofits, youth scholarships and national disaster relief. Locations: Edgebrook Shops; Schnucks, 6410 E. State St., Rockford; Schuncks, North Alpine & Harlem, Loves Park, Ill. Info: alpinekiwanis-il.com. ByronFest 2017 July 14-16, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.midnight, Sun. noon-4:30 p.m. A three-day community carnival, food and music fest featuring country singer Dylan Scott. Proceeds help charitable groups raise funds for local programs. Location: downtown Byron. Info: Byron Chamber of Commerce, 232 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-5500, byronfest.org. Pec Playhouse Theater: “Bye Bye Birdie” July 14-30, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. It’s the late 1950s and teenagers from across the U.S. are going crazy for the handsome rock star Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, his manager, Albert Peterson, is going into debt and has staked his financial future on Conrad’s success. Pec Playhouse Theater, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org. Midway Village: Spectacular Saturday July 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Travel to France this month to investigate the art, culture and food of this country. Try your hand at impressionist
ByronFest returns July 14-16, featuring food, music and carnival fun.
art like that of Monet. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Concerts on the Creek: Jodi Beach July 15, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, soft beverages and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. Klehm Woodsong Concert: Groove Hotel July 16, gate opens 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Picnic to the sounds of this Rockford-based band as it plays a mix of original music in a contemporary style of upbeat funky, Latin and swing jazz. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org. Music in the Park: Reflections in Sound July 18, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford. Info: (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Robbie Fulks July 18, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Wilmette, Ill., artist whose sound is alternative country. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. Starlight Theatre Presents “Sister Act” June 21-24, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m.; July 19-23, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent. Starlight Theater, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.❚
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Smart Living Weekly
July 12
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WDL
Restaurant of the Week
Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine
By Paul Anthony Arco
C
annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant – a pizzeria in the back of the grocery store they ran at 607 E. Winneshiek St., in Freeport. After son Frank returned from World War II, he took over and moved Cannova’s to its current location in 1964. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many of Frank’s 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. Desserts include Linda’s made-fromscratch tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. “Cannova’s is a wonderful place,” Pat Beckman says. “It gives people a great place to go. It’s not overly expensive, and we have great food and great music.” Then there are the pizzas: the Classic, with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach and sweet basil; the New York, with olive oil on the crust, fresh garlic, mozzarella and diced tomatoes with a house cheese; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the a Sicilian, with sliced Italian sausage and pepperoncinis,
voted “best traditional pizza” by Pizza Today in 2001. Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany pizza earned a silver medal at the 2005 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. The friendly rapPat and Linda Beckman port among staff and customers is another reason for the restaurant’s success. Many employees have worked there for 10 to 25 years. “This business is interesting because of all the people that you meet. Being in a smaller town like Freeport, you know everyone,” Beckman says. “We have people who grew up working here and are still here. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of people. It’s like a family.” Cannova’s is home to jazz quartets, folk musicians and musical theater groups throughout the year. For two weeks in December, it hosts a popular holiday dinner theater. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚ ❚
Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Ill., T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $. Big Papa’s Barbecue E BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, Ill., (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11 am-9 pm, F-Sat 11 am- Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10 p.m, Sun 11 am-7 pm. $. Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amBravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be3pm. $-$$. 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., FreeHotel, 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 Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, loThrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Ros398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. coe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ 26
Smart Living Weekly
July 12
To advertise call 815-316-2300
In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza
W
ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining its classic Italian fare. Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a home-made meal with fresh ingredients. The Italian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat sauce, was named Best in the Stateline by MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettucine Alfredo and fish specials. “We make it all ourselves. Each meatball is about a quarter pound apiece, so they’re huge,” says Ocello. Bravo has locations in South Beloit and Poplar Grove. Both offer a full-service bar, catering, carry-out and delivery services. Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚
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July 12
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O L
Outdoor Projects: Renting Often Makes Sense By Peggy Werner
W
hen tackling those exterior home projects, you’re not always sure what kind of tool you need or whether you’ll use it enough to make it worth buying. Renting a tool for a specific job can be a good alternative. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a licensed professional, chances are Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc. has the tools you need to get the job done. It’s located at 6635 E. Riverside Blvd. and 3110 Auburn St. “New homeowners don’t always know what they need,” says Tim Kinney, manager. “Others want to try out equipment before they buy it. Some people won’t live in one place for long and don’t want to go to the expense of buying it. And, some jobs are done so infrequently, it’s not worth purchasing a piece of equipment.”
The company services everything it sells, including Toro and Stihl lawn equipment. Rental equipment available at both locations includes lawn and garden tools, fans, generators, augers, miter saws, skid loaders and much more. Accessories available for sale include blades, gloves, safety glasses, sandpaper, shovels and rakes, and parts for Toro, Stihl, Snapper, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton machines. In business since 1956, Lincoln Rent-All & Sales prides itself on being one of the most complete rental businesses in the Rockford area, with an emphasis on quality equipment, customer service and trained staff members who can show you how to use equipment before you take it home.
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For more information, go to lincolnrent-all.com or call the east side store at (815) 633-9322 or the west side store at (815) 968-0931. ❚
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July 12
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Smart Living Weekly
July 12
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