iving ny Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin Weekl Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • July 18, 2018
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Right in Our Region
Festa Italiana Celebrates 40th
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Tour de North End Choose Smart Devices Wisely Take the Financial Literacy Quiz Furniture that Fits Your Body
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Smart Living Weekly
July 18
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Festa Italiana Your Home ............................................. ..... 11,19 Choosing Smart Devices; Furniture that Fits Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 No Hiding from God Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Farm-to-Table Treats Your Money ..................................................20, 21 Take the Financial Literacy Quiz Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Healthful Dining Your Outing ............................................. ......... 24 Tour de North End Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Capital House Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Technology ..................................... ......... 29 Save Money on Your Tech Bills
Smart L iving Weekly ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes
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Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn 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 2018 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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Never Forget A
s a Soviet politics/journalism student in the early ’80s, I spent a month in the USSR that solidified my love for the USA. At the time, few Americans went there. Our profs warned our group, “Expect luggage searches; expect to be bugged; know that the KGB is watching you. KGB agents may pose as your new best friends, but they’re not.” They were right. “Guides” accompanied us throughout Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to make sure we only saw the USSR in its best light. We got “alone time” with Soviet citizens only when we split into small groups and went separate directions – something we therefore did as often as possible. Many Soviets we met were college kids like us. Most more/less understood and envied the individual rights we enjoy in the USA. Many had been forced by the state into careers they didn’t want. They couldn’t leave their city without state permission; their mail was intercepted; they had no real legal rights if arrested. In low voices, they told us that political protest could mean jail or even death. The kids from non-Russian Soviet republics were the most bitter of all; they hated Russians for trying to eradicate the languages and rich cultures of their ancestors. The Soviet-raised college kids we met are now middle-aged like me. A window for improved individual freedoms opened briefly for them, after the USSR dissolved in 1991, but snapped shut again under KGB-trained Vladimir Putin. Many Russians are proud nationalists who suffered deep embarrassment when the USSR dissolved. Putin showed a boldness that made them feel strong again. But he also brought back Soviet-style oppression by killing political foes and other critics. Russia has no free press, no free speech, no true elections, no checks and balances. Putin is accountable to no one. And the non-Russian former Soviet republics still struggle to right their ships in the long shadow cast by Putin and his meddling oligarchs. By the end of our trip, we American kids were very sick of military armed guards giving us the stink eye. When our train passed out of Soviet territory on its way to Helsinki, Finland, a spontaneous cry of joy erupted. We felt like weights had fallen off our bodies. We sang “God Bless America” and vowed never to take our free society for granted. To me, never forgetting our commitment to freedom – one shared by our allies – is smart living indeed. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Choose Smart Devices Wisely for Security By Peggy Werner
C
riminals love technology and are always looking for the next window of opportunity to scam people out of their money. There are things you can do to protect yourself, however. “When it comes to smart devices, it’s very important to take the time to research the manufacturer and make sure they take security seriously,” says PrimeTime Audio/Video General Manager Dirk Dutton. “Many overseas manufacturers use outdated technology that gets the job done, but isn’t secure. It can easily find its way into your home or business.” Do an online search to make sure the manufacturer really exists and has products that can be bought in stores, Dutton advises. If products can only be purchased on the Internet, that’s a clear indication to stay away. Primetime Audio helps people bring technology into their homes to ensure
that smart devices enhance life rather than produce negative results. Everyone has heard stories about their TVs or computers “watching” or “listening” to them, but the chances of that really happening are very slim, says Dutton. Voice-controlled assistance devices will always ask you to confirm a message you’ve asked it to send, he says. Dutton suggests that people change the wake word by voice or in “settings” on an Alexa device and always change the username and password on any connected device. Artificial voice intelligence makes it
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possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to changes and perform human-life tasks. It shouldn’t be confused with voice commands that allow you to talk to devices to get information or voice remotes, which can help the disabled. Currently, voice commands are in their infancy and at times can be cumbersome and difficult to use, he says. “So, that’s why you end up yelling at that box to do something. People are realizing devices are being marketed to improve life can do just the opposite.” As artificial intelligence grows in quality and capability, the ease with which people can get devices to do multiple things at one time will improve. Unfortunately, as technology improves, criminals work to keep pace. “The most vulnerable things we own are some of our smart devices,” says Dutton. “Hackers are working every day on ways to phish for new information.” ❚
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Seek, Don’t Hide
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od loves us. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” Jesus tells his disciples in Luke 12:7 (NIV). God also knows we’re vulnerable to being misled and turned from Him. A few verses earlier, in Luke 12, Jesus warns the disciples not to be deceived and misled by hypocritical leaders who say one thing but do another. They don’t fool God, he says. “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2 & 3) Many of us believe that if God really knew us, He couldn’t possibly love us. Our shame can cause us to “hide” from God, which is not only impossible to do, but also the exact opposite of what He wants. Adam and Eve tried hiding in the garden, after sinning, but it didn’t go well, to say the least. They only managed to distance themselves, and the rest of us, from God, until Christ arrived to undo the damage. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he [Adam] said, ‘I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’” (Genesis 3:8-10) No one hides from God. And not one of His children needs to. God knows what we’re made of and loves us anyway. We’re not “good enough” to earn His love. Jesus Christ is. To ignore this is to ignore all that Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Through Christ, the bridge between God and people was rebuilt. Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4) Seek, don’t hide. Embrace the grace! ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
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July 18
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Y K
Tasty Farm-to-Table Bites B
ring farm-fresh flavor to any meal, any time of day.
Roasted Potato Crostini w/ Pesto Cheese Servings: 8 Non-stick cooking spray 1/3 pound (4 medium) Wiscon sin Red or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 3/4 cup (6 ounces) soft cream cheese 1/4 cup prepared pesto 1/4-1/2 tsp. red pepper sauce (optional) 1/4 cup finely chopped pre pared roasted red peppers Snipped fresh chives or minced green onion (optional) Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange potatoes in single layer; spray lightly
with additional cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 tsp. garlic salt. Roast 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and browned, turning over halfway and sprinkling with remaining garlic salt. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix together cream cheese, pesto and red pepper sauce, if desired. Pipe or spoon about 2 teaspoons pesto mixture onto each potato; top with red peppera and chives. Glazed Lemon and Poppy Seed Popcorn Yield: 4 quarts 4 quarts unbuttered and unsalted popcorn (air popped) 1 egg white 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. lemon extract 2 tsp. lemon zest 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
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Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil sprayed with cooking spray). Spread popcorn onto ir. In small bowl, whisk together egg white, sugar, salt and lemon extract until foamy. Mix in lemon zest and poppy seeds. Pour over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Bake 20 minutes, stirring once midway through baking time. Cool completely before storing in airtight container. ❚
Smart Living Weekly
July 18
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Festa Italiana Celebrates 40th Aug. 3-5 By Peggy Werner
I
n its 40th year, Festa Italiana will dish up more of what it is known for, with a few added ingredients, Aug. 3-5 on the grounds of Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr. Festa Italiana has the distinction of being the longest running festival of its kind in Rockford and is the largest fundraiser for the Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA), a notfor-profit organization that raises scholarship money for area youth in grades K-12. Karen Cantele, of the Festa executive committee, says people just expect certain things the first weekend in August each year. “That’s one reason we have lasted as long as we have, because we are dependable and family friendly, and there is something for everyone,” says Cantele. “Whether or not you’re Italian, everyone
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embraces the Italian spirit, expects a great time, and it’s one big family reunion.” Festa is a weekend of Italian food and pastries, continuous music for all ages, an Italian Cultural Tent, the Amici Italiani Adult Dance Troupe, carnival rides, a bocce tournament, kid’s crafts, games and more. New this year will be a craft beer tasting tent. For $20, people get a souvenir beer mug to taste a wide variety of craft beers from several local and regional breweries. Also new is a three-day four-person family pass for $50; a twoday individual pass for $7 and extended carnival hours from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Strawberry Shortcake will be a new addition to the Sfingi tent. Other food on the festival grounds will include Italian sausage and Italian beef sandwiches, meatballs, a pizza
July 18
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tent, toasted and fried ravioli, mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini, pork chop sandwiches, fresh roasted corn, hot dogs, granita and 4,000 homemade Italian cookies. For the second year, the Marketplace will host about 15 vendors and crafters selling jewelry, vintage items, Italian items and more. The Fashion Tent will sport Festa Italiana and Greater Rockford Italian American Association items such as T-shirts, caps, knick knacks, sunglasses, beads, and the book “Immigration Histories of Rockford Italian Families” written and edited by Frank Perrecone and Mike Doyle, released last year. An updated version of the book is underway and will include additional family stories submitted this next year, in preparation for the second printing, due to be available at next year’s Festa. Between now and then, the
R O R
authors will collect and edit stories which adhere to the submission guidelines detailed on the organization’s website, GRIAA.org. Cantele says the book gives stories and information about Rockford Italian families and how their relatives came to this country and what contributions they made to their new home in America. In celebration of the 40th year, past chairpeople of Festa have been invited to participate in opening ceremonies at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Main stage musical entertainment will include Diamanti at 7:30 p.m.; the five-member band from Chicago is famous for its eclectic style and selections
of traditional and contemporary Italian-American pop and dance music. Two White Crew is a highenergy band paying tribute to the golden era of hip hop and music from the ’80s and ’90s. The Rest Tent stage will present Tre Principesse at 6:15 p.m. Friday. Italian for three princesses, the all-female group performs breathtaking arias, Broadway favorites, folk, and modern selections. On Saturday, live entertainment will begin at 4 p.m. with a Festa favorite, Tony Spavone, a soulful entertainer who brings life and emotion to his music. Serendipity, an all-female rock band, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.; and Sugar Riot, a high-energy punk band, will perform at 9:30 p.m. Angel Spiccia will sing a wide variety of jazz classics and popular hits at 6 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s entertainment will include Accordionist Joe Martino with guitarist
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Alfonso Ponticelli and drummer Bob Rummage at 1:45 p.m. Rosie & The Rivets performs fun and energetic hits from the ’50s and ’60s, as well as current songs with a retro twist, at 4 p.m.; and Infinity, a top Chicago land band for more than 30 years, adept at drawing in audience participation, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Nick@Knight features Nick Pontarelli and Gina Knight, who have teamed up to bring energetic renditions of Rhythm and Blues classics and songs from the ’60s, at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The Italian dance troupe will perform at 5:15 p.m. Friday, at 2:45 and 3:40 p.m. Saturday, and at 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Bishop David Malloy of the Rockford Diocese will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday. General admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at participating Kelley Williamson locations. Festival hours are from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. ❚
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Power Furniture: The Solution for Comfort By Janine Pumilia
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ost of us grew up with a one-sizefits-all sofa in our homes, and it was more comfortable for some people than others. If you were petite, your feet may not have touched the floor and the backrest may have pushed your head too far forward. If you were tall, you may have felt cramped and constantly tempted to sling your legs over the coffee table when Mom wasn’t looking. As for Mom, she wished Dad would sit with her on the sofa now and then. But he found his old recliner just too comfortable to resist. Then came the Age of Power Furniture, which changed everything and continues to evolve. “Motion reclining furniture continues to be a growing trend,” says Becky Monigold, a manager at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St. and 808 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.
“Striving for ultimate comfort, manufacturers are showing adjustable headrests and adjustable lumbar features.” Today’s power furniture makes it possible for each person to customize the support his or her body needs, with the touch of a button. Power recliners, footrests and headrests are built right into today’s sofas and loveseats. One good example is the made-in-America CustomComfort line by HomeStretch. Its power sofas feature double recliners with power headrests, power lumbar movement and power extended footrests. The plush, pad-over chaise seating is made from easy-to-maintain 100 percent polyester; arm pads are made from solid foam. The seat box is constructed with hardwood and the motor mechanisms are made from steel. The attractive leatherlook cover has contrast stitching.
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Both domestic and imported materials are used in HomeStretch products, but the entire manufacturing process takes place in northeast Mississippi. Many other fine companies are making power furniture, too. Now, no matter your size or shape, it's easy for every person to find a comfortable position without sacrificing the needs of one family member for another. And being comfortable is what being home is all about, right? ❚
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Test Your Financial Literacy With a Quiz D
6. By using unit pricing at the grocery store, you can easily compare the cost of any brand and any package size. True or False?
o you have the skills and knowledge to spend money wisely, save for emergencies, use credit cards sensibly and protect your identity from being stolen? Take this quiz from Cornerstone Credit Union and find out! Answers on p. 21. 1. A credit report is: a. A list of your financial assets and liabilities b. Your monthly credit card statement c. A loan and bill payment history d. Your credit line with your financial institution
4. If your credit card is lost or stolen and used to charge items you didn’t authorize, how much are you responsible for? a. Up to $50 b. Up to $100 c. Up to $500 d. All unauthorized charges
2. In terms of credit, what does APR stand for? a. Annual Percentage Rate b. Annual Penalty Rate c. Annual Payment Rate d. Annual Payoff Rate 3. The type of car you own affects the price you pay for auto insurance. True or False?
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5. Negative financial information (excluding bankruptcy) can stay on your credit report for: a. 2 years b. 5 years c. 7 years d. 10 years
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7. The “Rule of 72” tells you how long it will take to double your money. True or False? 8. In financial transactions, a CD is a: a. Certificate of Debt b. Certificate of Deposit c. Citizens Deposit d. Certificate of Collateral Cornerstone Credit Union is located at 550 West Meadows Drive in Freeport; 615 West 3rd St. in Sterling; and 542 Clark St. in South Beloit, Ill. Find a list of 10 ATM locations throughout the region at cornerstonecu.org. ❚
Financial
Literacy
Quiz Answers 1. (C) A credit report is a loan and bill payment history. It is kept by a credit bureau and used by financial institutions and other creditors to determine how likely you will repay a future debt. Information in your credit report can affect your ability to get a job, a loan, a credit card, or insurance. 2. (A) It stands for Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly interest rate. Usually, the lower the APR, the better for you. 3. True. Your premium is based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record,
Y M and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that enhance safety or prevent theft. These include air bags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights, and antitheft devices. Some states require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with air bags or antilock brakes. 4. (A) You are responsible for up to $50. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your maximum liability for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50. If you report the loss or theft before your credit cards are used, the FCBA says you are not responsible for any unauthorized charges. If a thief uses your cards before you report them missing, the most you will owe for unauthorized charges is $50 per card. 5. (C) 7 years. Late payments can stay on your report for 7 years; a Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains for 10 years. 6. True. While the package price tells you the cost of the whole item, the unit price tells you the price of each unit in a package. A unit can be an ounce, a
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pound, a square foot, or an individual piece in a package. Unit pricing helps you compare costs of different brands and various sizes without doing arithmetic. 7. True. The “Rule of 72” tells you how long it will take to double your money. To use the “Rule of 72,” divide 72 by the interest rate you’re getting. For example, if you deposit $3,000 into an account with a 2% interest rate, divide 72 by 2. The answer--36--tells you that you will double your money in 36 years; in 36 years, you will have $6,000. 8. (B) In financial transactions, a CD is a Certificate of Deposit. A CD is a type of savings account that earns a fixed interest rate over a specified period of time. At a credit union it is called a share certificate of deposit, which earns dividends. Copyright 2018 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved. ❚
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Healthful, Fresh Fare at Thrive Café
By Peggy Werner
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n expanded menu, longer hours, new equipment and new seasonal items at Thrive Café, 6731 Broadcast Parkway, are making the Rockford area a much healthier place to live. Owner Jason Rager is a personal trainer and has a strong commitment to helping people live healthier lives by making all menu items from fresh ingredients with no additional fat, sugar or dairy products. “Customers are so excited about what we have to offer,” says Rager. “Because everything is fresh and made to order, we get a lot of people wanting to eat healthier because they are ill or on a special diet, or just following a national trend of everyone wanting to eat healthier.” New this season are items that can be made with hot food because of a new grill that was installed earlier this year. All bowls, wraps and salads can
be topped with grilled chicken, salmon or tuna and hot vegetables. Other new items are cleansing vegetable juices, cashew nut milk, shrimp spring rolls, a vegetable quiche and a caramelized onion and mushroom quiche, both made with a sweet potato crust. All salad dressings are made in house and are gluten-free and dairy-free. Among the most popular protein smoothie is the “Cool Down,” made with Almond Milk, Spinach, natural peanut butter, banana, protein powder and cinnamon. Exotic fruit smoothies include the Dragon Slayer, made with Dragon Fruit, coconut water, banana, pineapple, mango and chia seeds. Super food micro bites are made with peanut butter, granola, guiltless chocolate or tropical mango. Rager started out in the summer of 2015 with Thrive Café at Peak Sports
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Club, 4401 Peak Drive, specializing in freshly made cold pressed juices and smoothies, and that location remains open. He opened the second location about a year ago, with an expanded menu and seating for up to 20 people. Thrive Café on Broadcast Parkway is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sundays. ❚
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Olympic’s 8th Tour de North End is July 28
By Janine Pumilia long with teaching him how to run a successful restaurant and bar, Zak Rotello’s parents and grandparents taught him to support his own neighborhood. One way he does that is by staging the Tour de North End bicycle event he founded eight years ago. This year it’s Saturday, July 28. Zak expects more than 1,000 riders this year, up from 250 the first year. “Basically, people show up here in the morning to get their passports, then ride to various stops around the neighborhood to get them stamped,” he explains. By 6 p.m., riders return their stamped passports to Olympic Tavern to enter prize drawings. The grand prize is a Fat Tire cruiser bicycle sponsored by New Belgium Brewing. There’s also live music, bike safety information and tons of camaraderie throughout the day. “Rockford’s not the most bikefriendly city, but you can still learn how to ride safely, share the road, get off the
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couch and have some fun.” That’s what Zak did after he moved back to Rockford from Portland, Ore., where he learned the brewery business. He rode his bike while pondering his next career move. Tour de North End combines three of his favorite things – bicycling, throwing a party and supporting his neighborhood. “People live near businesses they’ve never set foot inside,” says Zak. “This gives them a reason to go inside and discover the treasures we have here in the North End.” Passport stops include Der Rathskeller and Cliffbreakers, but also Al Grace and Nickel World. “We’re inclusive. Any local business in the North End is welcome to be part of it.” Event general admission is $12 or $25 if you want a T-shirt. Anthony and Lee Rotello opened Olympic Tavern in 1945, after Anthony, a U.S. Marine, returned from World War II. They served burgers, beer and hospitality to their working-class neighbors.
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In the 1990s, their son Tom expanded Olympic Tavern to a full-service, 280seat restaurant with a stone fireplace and dining patio. Neighbors still find a home here, but it’s also a regional destination. Tom still works at the Olympic every day, but Zak is now general manager. A craft beer aficionado, he’s especially proud of the ever-changing list of 28 draught beers and broad dining menu. “We just try to offer things other places don’t serve,” says Zak. “Where’s the fun in being like everyone else?” Learn more about Tour de North End on Facebook or at theolympictavern. com. ❚
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
ILLINOIS, USA
Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all 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
Music on the Mall – Edgebrook Most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair. 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.
Rockford, IL 61101
1.800.521.0849
gorockford.com
Music in the Park Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell and other locations. Check website for full schedule. (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Freeport Concert Band Sundays at 7:30 p.m. thru July 22. Music under the stars at the Koenig Amphitheater. Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 9901739, freeportparkdistrict.org. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens On July 24 featuring Laney Jones & the Spirits of Mount Dora, Fla. Gates open at 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m. performance. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
RAM Midwestern Biennial Show Now to Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 75th presentation of RAM’s biennial juried exhibition of work by contemporary artists across the Midwest. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. 'Jane Eyre' July 18-22, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s story. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Tender the Rocks – Art Exhibition July 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. See work by Elisa Ahmer in conjunction with the “Nicholas at Night” series. Paint rocks and build a cairn. On view until Aug. 6 during regular hours. elisaahmerstudio.com, nicholasconservatory. com. 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8858. Heroes Unplugged July 21, 1-4 p.m. with silent auction at 12:30 p.m. Hosted by Guitars for Vets to benefit local veterans. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Call (815) 985-0143 or go to guitars4vets.org.
Brit Floyd at Coronado July 24, 8 p.m. A renowned Pink Floyd tribute band offers a 45th anniversary retrospective of the 1973 album, "The Dark Side of the Moon." Go to coronadopac.org.
Jerry Seinfeld tickets are now on sale. He comes to the Coronado on Aug. 3.
'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' July 25-29, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A musical comedy featuring two suave swindlers. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. 'Anything Goes' Aug. 1-5, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. An age-old tale of boy meets girl, with plenty of laughs and Cole Porter music. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Jerry Seinfeld Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Coronado PAC. Tickets: (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
‘Anything Goes’ Aug. 1-5, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Come aboard the S.S. American for an ageold tale of boy meets girl with plenty of Cole Porter music and laughs. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. Tunes on the Terrace: H!P Pocket Aug. 8, 6-8 p.m. A variety of smooth jazz, R&B, pop and popular sounds from today. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg. ‘Cinderella After the Ball’ Aug. 9-12, Thu.-Sat. 11 a.m., Sat. 3 p.m. This princess-powered musical for kids of all ages follows Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel as they team up to defend their kingdom from the evil Pinocchio and his dragon. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. ❚
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July 18
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WDL
Capital House: The First of its Kind
By Jermaine Pigee, assistant managing editor
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apital House, 308 W. State St., has received its liquor license and opened its martini and wine bar. It offers full-service lunch and dinner, a coffee bar, a casual sandwiches & salads menu plus pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Capital House is owned by Robin Young of KenDev LLC. She and partner Ted Brothers have long envisioned a hybrid restaurant, meaning multiple menus working together to please a wide variety of people visiting the establishment at various times of day and night. To see it come to life is exciting, says Brothers. “Breakfast, lunch and coffee are for people who work down here, mostly young professionals, or people who work in the courts or federal offices,” Brothers says. “Then, at night, we see urban dwellers and those who actually live around here.” Rockford’s first hybrid restaurant
is located in the space formerly occupied by Kryptonite bar. There’s coffee available all day and fine dining dinner entrées. Among the seafood entree items at Capital House are Alaskan king salmon filet served with lobster risotto, seared diver scallops, grilled amberjack and Norwegian shrimp pasta Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto with squid ink capellini. Appetizer selections include “When you go to a big city like Chicago, Maryland crab cakes, crisp pork belly New York or Los Angeles, this is what and chilled shrimp cocktail. you see in their urban areas or financial The lunch menu offers sandwiches, districts.” salads and soups such as New England Look for outdoor dining and live clam chowder. music this summer. “Rockford has never seen a hybrid Capital House is open Mon.-Fri. 7 restaurant like this,” Brothers says. a.m.-11 p.m. and Sat. 7 a.m.- 1 p.m. ❚
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House Fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. BLD M-Th 8am4pm, Fri. 8 am-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm. Closed Sunday. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Costa’s Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. Authentic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 26
Smart Living Weekly
sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. GreenFire Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Rock Cut Concessions Casual American. BkLD. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry. Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. Thrive Café Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚
July 18
To advertise call 815-316-2300
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Taco Betty’s
ocated at 212 E. State St., next to the Rock River, this trendy, casual kitchen serves up innovative tacos with signature twists like pork and pineapple or crispy fish with roasted corn, dried chiles, cilantro, onion and avocado-lime mayo. The tacos come in pairs for lunch and threesomes for dinner. Recipes are subject to change with the seasons or whenever the chef feels like it. Other items on the menu include chicken verde nachos, chicken taquitos, taco salad and guacamole with chips. Margaritas and other bar drinks are made with fresh juice squeezed daily. The entrance to Taco Betty’s faces State Street and the restaurant has large west-facing windows that offer natural light and front-seat views of Rockford City Market on Fridays and the river. Taco Betty’s opens daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and at 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. ❚
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It’s ‘Not that Hard’ to Pay Less for Tech By Peggy Werner
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customer walks into EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, and within a few minutes leaves happier than when he came in, after finding out how to pay less for internet, phone and television services. During the customer’s visit, EZ Satellite and Wireless Owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano asks him questions about the number of televisions in his home, his favorite channels, whether he enjoys streaming and recording, how many phones he has and if he needs high-speed internet. Zambrano’s goal is to help every customer save money. “Most customers are paying too much, up to $250 for phone, television and internet. I can save them $50 to $100 per month. With every customer, I can offer them the best each company has to offer,” he says. “A lot of people are not happy with
their tech services, but they’re afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research to find a better deal. It’s not that hard to get a better deal and start saving money,” he says. Zambrano’s business has doubled since he moved it to the Loves Park location from Roscoe two years ago. Although he plans to open a second store in the future, a more immediate goal is to start selling, installing and servicing security cameras and surveillance systems within the next few months. What sets his business apart from others, he says, is personal attention, good customer service and honesty. “I make sure the customers know exactly what they are getting and that they are not paying for services they don’t want or need,” he says.
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EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Rise Broadband, Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Protect America. Learn more by calling EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or by visiting the office. ❚
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