Smart Living Weekly - October 12, 2016 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • October 12, 2016

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Right in Our Region

Hot Diggity Dog at Klehm Sunday

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Don’t Get Tricked by Scary Scammers Colorful Autumn Cookies Fall Fun at Lockwood Park, Discovery Center The New Luxury Vinyl Tile Treating Spinal Arthritis Are You Paying Too Much?

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$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Hot Diggity Dog Festival at Klehm Arboretum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 The New Luxury Vinyl Tile Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 A Humble Heart Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Colorful Autumn Cookies Outdoor Living ..................................................17 Don’t be Tricked by Scary Scammers Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treating Spinal Arthritis Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Your Outings ..................................................9,18 Fun at Lockwood Park, Farmers Markets Your Dining .............................................. ........ 28 Mama Mia’s

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Celebrating Roots

hether you revere or abhor Christopher Columbus, this is the week we celebrate the Italian explorer’s 1492 arrival to the New World. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the holiday into law, in 1934, after heavy lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, a mostly Italian Catholic service organization. It was a time of strong anti-immigrant sentiment; the holiday reminded Americans that courageous souls from many cultures contributed to the nation we enjoy today. It also was meant to bolster our faith in the future, “a declaration of willingness to face with confidence the imponderables of unknown tomorrows.” Today, some states and cities don’t recognize the holiday at all or offer an alternative. South Dakota celebrates Native American Day. Seattle and Minneapolis celebrate Indigenous People Day. In California, schools may choose to celebrate either Columbus or Cesar Chavez, the civil rights and labor union leader. It’s easy to understand why many people reject Columbus. European arrival to the Western Hemisphere meant death by disease for tens of millions of people; 96 percent of the native population of New England perished from disease between 1492 and 1620. Germs weren’t yet understood and their initial spread was unintentional. What was intentional, however, was the enslavement of natives that Columbus set into motion almost immediately after arriving in the Bahamas. So notorious was his brutality that, in 1500, the Spanish Court stripped him of governing power and ordered his return. Scandinavians have long argued that Leif Erikson crossed the Atlantic 500 years earlier and truly “discovered America.” I like to think we can celebrate the accomplishments and best impulses of human nature in all cultures. We can also learn from the worst ones. That’s called progress. Whatever and whoever you celebrate, we hope you enjoy a lovely autumn week in this beautiful corner of the world! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y O

Fall Fun at Lockwood Park, Discovery Center L ockwood Park, home of the Children’s Farm and Trailside Equestrian Centre, is a fun place to visit any time, but October is loaded with extra-special activities, all part of Locktoberfest. Ride a pony or horse, take a hike, pick a $5 pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze, make your own s’mores, enjoy scavenger hunts and much more at this Rockford Park District property at 5201 Safford Road. Lockwood Park is home to animals including pigs, llama, sheep,

goats, rabbits, ducks, donkeys and, of course, horses and ponies. The park’s 146 acres include gently rolling hills, meadows, woods, natural areas, a stream, a 15-mile trail system, playground, picnic areas, and much more. Locktoberfest themed weekends: Oct. 15 & 16: Scarecrow Days Build your own scarecrow. Saturday, Oct. 15 only: Pumpkincarving demonstration by Fred Gardner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 & 23: Huckleberry’s Apple Days Enjoy apple crafts and snacks from Curran’s Apple Orchard. Take a selﬁe with Lockwood’s favorite pony, Huckleberry. Oct. 29 & 30: Costume Party A princess appears from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Storyland. Win a bracelet from Zavius Jewelers, and a wireless helicop-

ter from Radio Shack. The drawing is at 4 p.m. on Oct. 30; you don’t need to be present to win.

Fun at Discovery Center

Bring your Trick-or-Treat bag and get ready to grab gobs of goodies in the exhibit spaces as you concoct glowing slime and make creepy crafts, at Discovery Center Museum Spooky Science, Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. Fill in a bingo card and garner science facts and feats from expired engineers and deceased scientists. Explore the park in the dark, pick up a prize from Alfred Nobel, enjoy the not-quite-right chemistry of Dorothy Hodgkin, and practice science tricks that look like magic. Grownup ghouls, mid-sized monsters, and little goblins will have an enchanting experience in this non-scary Halloween festival of fun. Come in costume! ❚

The Biggest Halloween Event in the Midwest er 22, 6-11 Pm Saturday, Octob Elgin Downtown

Visit NightmareOnChicagoStreet.com for tickets, information, photos and much more. Find us on

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Y H  G

Luxury Vinyl Tile: Functional and High-Style By Janine Pumilia ust like other home materials, flooring is trending toward handsome but easy-care materials, says Kevin Rose, president of Carpetland USA 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

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

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. ❚

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I  W

A Humble Heart

any things seem murky to us, in scripture, but some are very clear. One of the clearest is God’s view of 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 should we view conceit? “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.” ❚ 12

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Y K

Bring Autumn Colors to Spiced Sweets C

ooler temperatures, beautiful changing leaves and the familiar scent of pumpkin pie spice are all signs of fall. “The crisp air seems to inspire us all to start baking again,” says McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter. “Create an autumn frosting palate with our new Color from Nature Food Colors, made from ingredients such as beets and turmeric.” For more tips and recipes, visit McCormick.com or look for McCormick Spice on Pinterest and Facebook. Glazed Autumn Leaf Cookies 2 3/4 cups ﬂour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. McCormick Ground Cinnamon 1/2 tsp. McCormick Ground Nutmeg 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 egg 2 tsp. McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 2 tsp. McCormick Maple Extract

Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and maple extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Roll dough on generously ﬂoured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out leaves with 2- to 3-inch leaf-shaped cookie cutters. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Prepare desired colors of glazes. Decorate cooled cookies with glazes. Glaze Variations: Dissolve the designated amount of the Color from Nature Food Colors with water in small bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients until smooth. To glaze cookies, hold a cookie by its edge and dip the top into the glaze or spoon the glaze onto cookies using a teaspoon.) Place iced cookies on wire rack set over foilcovered baking sheet to dry.

Maroon Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 teaspoon Berry color 3 tablespoons water (plus additional to dissolve color), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder. Forest Green Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 teaspoon Sky Blue color and 1/4 teaspoon Sunﬂower, 3 tablespoons water 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder. Pumpkin Cookie Glaze: Use 1 teaspoon Sunﬂower color and 1/4 teaspoon Berry color, 3 tablespoons water and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.

❚ Source: Family Features

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Beware Property Maintenance Scammers By Peggy Werner

t’s that scary time of year when scam artists prey upon homeowners and often trick them into making unneeded repairs. They may also do shoddy work, at a price that costs more in the long run than dealing with a legitimate company. “A lot of people are going door-todoor with flyers, telling people what they need and offering cheap prices, but what they don’t tell you is about their cheap, watered-down product, bad workmanship and lack of guarantees,” says Larry Lazzerini of Premier Pavement Solutions, 5059 Contractors Drive in Loves Park. “And if you have any questions or problems, they’re gone.” In business for more than 30 years, Premier Pavement Solutions is a full-service asphalt company that specializes in seal coating, infrared repairs, pavement contractors, striping and markings, as-

phalt maintenance, crack filling, concrete contractors, pothole repair, collapsed drains, and local snowplowing and salting. The “Premier difference,” says Lazzerini, is going to each home, before and after a job is completed, to make sure a customer is getting what they need and that the job is done right. A specially formulated Seal Master Brand sealcoat is made exclusively for the local company at the manufacturer in Streamwood, Ill., and comes with a letter of authenticity. Latex and sand are added to the product to make it stronger, more flexible, more durable, and to give it a slip-resistant texture. “Not all sealer is the same,” says Lazzerini. “Most basic sealers don’t have the additives necessary for the best pro-

tection. Some people will take good sealer and water it down to make it go farther,” he says. A good sealer applied to a new asphalt driveway every other year can double the life of the driveway and make it last for more than 20 years, he says. Call Premier Pavement for a free on-site evaluation and estimate, at (815) 624-1144. ❚

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Y O

October Dates for Local Farmers Markets S

ome local markets are winding down and Rockford City Market is done for the season. But several farmers markets still run through October, and fresh produce is still being picked. Here’s the lineup.

Saturdays

Beloit Farmers Market Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., downtown. Now in its fourth decade, this is one of the oldest markets in our region, with more than 85 vendors. This market runs through October. VisitBeloit.com

North End City Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., southeast corner of Main and Auburn streets, Rockford, through Oct. 29. Live music, fresh-cooked food and socializing. Rockfordcitymarket. com/northend Belvidere Farmers Market & Crafts Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 22, parking lot of Dodge Lanes, 1940 State St., belviderefarmersmarket.com

for the season. The Wednesday market is now in its 25th year. Edgebrookshops. com.

Pecatonica Farmers Market Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 29, Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

Pecatonica Farmers Market Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., through Oct. 26, at Main and Fourth streets. Gorockford. com

Wednesdays

Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26. The Thursday Edgebrook Farmers Market is done

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Fridays

Winnebago Farmers Market

Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m., through Oct. 28, Main and Benton streets. GoRockford. com ❚

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R  O R

Klehm’s Hot Diggity Dog Fest is Sunday

By Peggy Werner day to celebrate dogs and all the ways they make life better for people will take place this month at beautiful Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. The 2016 Hot Diggity Dog Festival (formerly called Hiking for Hounds) will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Dogs will be available for adoption and, with each adoption, dog owners will receive a free one-year family membership to Klehm. Doggie guests are always welcome at Klehm, providing they are leashed, well behaved and that their owners pick up after them. “Our main purpose is to find homes for dogs, but it’s also a really fun family event celebrating dogs and everything and anything having to do with dogs,” says Jim Wojtowicz, landscape architect and event consultant at Klehm, who is

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responsible for the event’s name change and expansion of offerings. “At Klehm, we’re very dog-friendly and encourage people to get outside, walk their dogs, and enjoy nature.” The dog-centric festival is now in its fourth year and visitors can expect some of the same, including food, demonstrations, kids’ crafts, and the Best Doggie Costume contest, which will award a prize to the dog with the most original homemade costume. Pet-friendly vendors and advocacy groups will provide information to the public. Prairie Street Brewing Company will serve craft beer and Klehm will offer chili, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks. WIFR Meteorologist Mark Henderson will serve as master of ceremonies. New this year is a dog training and agility demonstration by Deb Swain of Forest City Dog Trainers; a Rockford Police Department K-9 unit demonstration

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by Officer Duane Johnson; therapy dog demonstrations by Pat Muller of Quansa Kennels; and the Best Amazing Dog Trick Contest. Live music will be presented by Paul Hieser, who performs Americana, folk and pop songs at 11 a.m.; Neo-classical guitarist Paul Bronson at noon; and semiacoustic folk, pop and Americana duo Valarella at 1 p.m. A variety of vendors from Rockford

R  O R and Chicago regions will provide information on pet adoptions, hospitals, foods, training centers, portraits, products, clothing and accessories. Claudia Aschbrenner, of Caring Canines of SwedishAmerican Hospital, will be among the vendors. “We’ll have our dogs dressed in Halloween costumes at the festival, bring giveaways for kids and provide information on our program,” she says. Research shows that therapy dogs can reduce human stress and pain levels, and even lower blood pressure. With every dog visit, a patient is given a calling card with the dog’s picture, name, birthday and fun facts. Caring Canines formed in 2010, with just five teams of dogs and owners, and now includes almost 30 teams, with dogs of all sizes offering therapy to patients throughout the SwedishAmerican Health System. Aschbrenner says a dog’s personality, not its breed, determines whether it’s a good fit for therapy. The best therapy

dogs are trained in basic commands, well socialized and love attention. The dog and its owner are a certified team, having been trained and tested by representatives of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Therapy Dogs International. “Therapy dogs brighten everyone’s day,” says Aschbrenner. “They bring smiles to people’s faces, help them to relax, and bring a moment of peace and joy to patients, staff members and guests. We often see very emotional interactions, with some tears, because people are missing their own dogs at home. But it’s good for them to talk about their dogs and we love hearing their stories,” she says. A newer feature is the Canine Courier Program, in which people go online to swedishamerican.org to request a “puppy gram,” a personalized note for a patient, attached to the dog’s collar. To create a note, go to the website, click on the Patient Visitor tab and scroll down to Patient Greeting Service to fill out the form. Wojtowicz hopes a growing interest

in Klehm will lead to a stronger commitment to the not-for-profit organization, which is on property owned by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. “For first-time visitors and others, we’re hoping they will have fun, enjoy nature and the outdoors, and be inspired to become a member and volunteer,” he says. “We’re always looking for volunteers. People can work as much or as little as they like, in whatever area they are most interested in,” he says. Most volunteers work in the spring and summer months to plant, weed, water, feed and maintain flower gardens, bushes, trees, and paths throughout the grounds.” Visitors cans stroll the 155-acre arboretum on two miles of paved paths and three miles of wood-chip paths. Klehm features many specialty gardens and more than 500 labeled species and cultivars of trees, shrubs, and vines. Admission to the Hot Diggity Dog Festival is $3, or $2 for seniors and children; dogs enter for free. ❚

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CO-SPONSOR

LOCKWOOD PARK • 5201 SAFFORD RD – ROCKFORD, IL Saturdays and Sundays in October • Plus Columbus Day (Monday, October 10) Open 10:00 am–4:00 pm • Low-fee event, with some FREE activities

r Pick you r o f n i pumpk

2016 WEEKEND THEMES OCT 1–2 • Candy Craze OCT 8–10 • Pumpkin Patch Fest OCT 15–16 • Scarecrow Days OCT 22–23 • Huckleberry’s Apple Days OCT 29–30 • Costume Party

All events and programs weather permitting, and subject to change

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT

CONNECT WITH US!

rockfordparkdistrict.org | 815-987-8800

We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. For assistance and more information on accessibility, please call our Customer Service number listed above.

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Y H

Treating Spinal Arthritis Without Surgery B y To n i R o c h a rthritis in the spine is commonly accepted as a natural part of aging. But Dr. Jacob G. Caraotta, an orthopedic chiropractic physician, says this isn’t necessarily the case. At Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics, 4921 E. State St., Caraotta treats patients for spinal arthritis, without surgical intervention. “The most common type of arthritis found on a spinal x-ray is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease,” Caraotta explains. “This is when the pads or discs between the vertebra wear down and the vertebra are approximated.” This condition is usually caused by trauma, long-term immobility or improper rehab after an injury. “When the spine is traumatized, and if expedient or proper care is not rendered, often the discs will degenerate and form osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease over time,” Caraotta says. “This phenomenon is not only commonly

found in the low back, but is common in other spinal regions as well. Often times, several years following a whiplash injury, osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the cervical spine, which can directly be traced back to the trauma.” This is one reason it’s vitally important for a person to have expedient care following a spinal injury. “A patient may sustain a seemingly insignificant injury, after an accident, because they experience little pain, since they are compensating for the injury,” he explains. “But if spinal segments are not moving properly after an accident, it can set the patient up for long-term consequences, including chronic pain syndrome and premature arthritis.” Vertebrae that are not moving, over time, may atrophy or degenerate and form arthritis. “This could be compared to a person who has their arm in a cast. If the arm is immobilized for two to three weeks, the muscles atrophy,” he says.

The good news is that osteoarthritis caused by trauma or immobility won’t spread to other areas. “Routine chiropractic treatments mobilize joints, and minimize wear and tear in spinal segments,” Caraotta says. “Patients who practice good ergonomics, exercise and get in for an occasional chiropractic treatment, usually stay active longer, minimize arthritic changes, and are able to live a more active and productive lifestyle.” ❚

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Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original. SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

LUNAFEST Film Festival Oct. 13, 6-9 p.m. LUNAFEST is a screening of award-winning short films by, for and about women. The event includes wine, appetizers, a Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com raffle, wine pull and silent auction. Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Ailey II Dance Company Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, rccaconcerts.org. Rockford City Dance Festival Oct. 14 & 15, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Rockford University students perform under the direction of Assistant Professor of Dance Amy Wright. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, Rockford.edu. Holidazzle Craft Show Oct. 15-16, Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Holidazzle craft show features crafters with all handmade items. Get a head start on Christmas shopping. Concessions are available. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1641, winnebagocountyfair.com. National Fossil Day 2016 Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate National Fossil Day with several hands-on activities, fossil IDs, a Jurassic Park Jeep for photo ops and a special presentation on saber-toothed cats. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. Spectacular Saturday: Romanian Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Spectacular Saturday interactive learning series encourages parents to help their children create projects and learn about different cultures in the Rockford community. Come and go throughout the day. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Nik’s Home Run 7K Race Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-noon. Celebrate the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation’s accomplishment of helping 50 young adult cancer patients and their families. Run, walk or shop – music, food and prizes

The talented dancers of Ailey II take the stage at Coronado Performing Arts Center on Oct. 14.

are available. Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 262-8825, nikolasritschelfoundation.org. Rockford Record Crawl Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Find amazing deals at local record stores while enjoying live performances and food. Start at Kate's Pie Shop & Records, 6685 E. State, Rockford, (815) 298-7009, katespieshop.com. Hot Diggity Dog Festival Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This doc-centric event has live music, demonstrations by dog trainers, craft activities for kids, a best trick contest and more. Receive a free family membership to the arboretum for adopting a dog. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org. Japanese-Inspired Woodblock Printing Oct. 20, 7 p.m. James Bier, who oversees the Japan House & Dry Garden at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, demonstrates the tools, materials and techniques to make a print. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-3307, andersongardens.org. All Hallows’ Eve: The Jungle Book Oct. 22, 2-8 p.m. Bring your family to trick or treat in the safety of Midway Village Museum’s charming Victorian village. Participate in additional children’s activities such as crafts, games and dancing. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. ❚

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WDL

Mamma Mia’s: ‘Simple, Fresh, Real’ Italian Food

By Peggy Werner history of great Italian cooking, warm family memories, more than 30 years of restaurant experience and recipes passed down through generations – all come together at Mamma Mia’s, 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. Charlie Salamone, one of the co-owners at Franchesco’s Ristorante, is helping his son, Frank, bring to life another successful business that provides “simple, fresh, real” Italian food. Mamma Mia’s offers carry-out food and and delivery service; it also caters parties of any size, including weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and corporate events. Many recipes for sauces and main dishes come from the late Anna Salamone, mother and Nonna, who provided son Charlie with skills and knowledge at a young age, which he has passed along to Frank. “There was nothing she couldn’t make,” Charlie says of his mom. Frank remembers, “We’d say we were

full, and she would put more food on our plates. She loved to cook and feed people. It was her passion.” The menu includes appetizers, specialty pizzas, calzones, gourmet pastas, salads, sandwiches, desserts and specials. Everything is made fresh daily from high quality ingredients. You might want to try your luck at taking down “The Don,” family members (L-R) Caroline, Wendy, Rockford’s largest pizza. The Salamone Charlie, Frank, Luke and Allie. 32-incher is great for parties of up to Fridays bring an all-day fish fry. 20 people, but if two can eat it within 45 “Simple, fresh and real ingredients minutes, they earn a $100 gift certificate is our motto,” says Frank. “We don’t cut to Mamma Mia’s, get their picture posted corners. It’s the only way our family cooks. on the wall and the pizza for free. There’s always an easier way, but that Pizza crust choices at Mamma Mia’s doesn’t make it better. We have proven it include extra thin, regular, pan-style, time and time again.” stuffed and gluten-free. There’s also gluMamma Mia’s is open from 4-9 p.m. ten-free mostaccioli and chocolate cake. Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.; 4-10 Customer favorites include Garlic p.m. Sat.; and 4-9 p.m. Sun. Call (815) Dough Knots and sandwiches made with 399-6262 or go to mmiaspizza.com or use slow-cooked Italian beef, meatballs, sauthe Mamma Mia’s mobile app. ❚ sage or an Italian beef/ sausage combo.

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $. Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $. Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262. LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-9888. LD Daily 11am.

GreenFire � Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

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Arturo’s

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Oct 12 To advertise call 815-316-2300

rturo’s at 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., is run by Arturo Torres, who learned to cook authentic Mexican food in Guadalajara, Mexico. He uses only fresh, from-scratch ingredients. Fan favorites include tacos, fajitas, 10 Finger Burritos and enchilada dinners. American dishes include steaks, burgers, chicken wings and seafood plates. There’s also an expanding selection of domestic and imported beers, and, of course, the house margarita. Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 a.m., with 12 to 15 authentic Mexican options like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, juevos tirados and huevos con chorizos, along with American fare. Arturo’s expects to open a rooftop beer garden by the end of 2017. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. ❚

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Are You Paying Too Much for Tech? By Peggy Werner

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

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

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

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1