Smart Living Weekly - September 14, 2016

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • September 14, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Greenwich Village Art Fair!

See Page 20

Lorikeets Come to Nicholas Conservatory Picnic en Plein Air in Downtown Rockford When New Windows are a Smart Investment How to Love Your Leftovers & Waste Less Food Are You Paying Too Much for Tech Services?

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

Smart Living Weekly

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808 W. Riverside Blvd. & 6651 E. State St. Rockford IL • 815.636.8608 • GustafsonFurniture.com

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Greenwich Village Art Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 What to Ask About Buying Furniture Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Biblical Illiteracy Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Ideas for Using Those Leftovers Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Straight Talk About Weight Loss Your Outings ................................. .........9, 17, 18 Picnic en Plein Air; Lorikeets Return to Nicholas; Local Farmers Markets Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 28 Cannova’s Italian Your Tech .................................................... ......33 Are You Paying Too Much for Tech Services?

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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Sept 14 To advertise call 815-316-2300

What a Waste!

I

don’t know about you, but I throw way too much food away and feel pretty guilty about it, as I should. After all, food is expensive and people are hungry, not only around the world, but in our own city. Transporting food adds to our carbon footprint and tossing it adds to our landfills. And I feel guiltiest when I throw away meat, knowing a living creature died for its production.

My parents and grandparents, who endured the Great Depression, seldom wasted food, although Mom did allow her stockpile of canned goods to linger too long. Occasionally I riffled through her cupboards, shaking my head in disgust and tossing out cans.

“They haven’t gone bad. You worry about that too much,” she would tell me.

My dad once carried a mostly full gallon of milk with him aboard an airplane after a week-long Florida time-share vacation. “No sense in wasting it,” he reasoned.

While I would never go that far to prevent waste (nor would airlines allow it), I am getting better at buying fewer groceries. My good intentions to cook healthy meals tempt me to purchase more fresh food than I have time to prepare. Being more honest with myself is surely part of smarter living.

We Americans cry loudly (and usually justly) about higher prices, higher taxes and stagnant wages, yet we continue to waste, on average, about 40 percent of the food we buy.

When tossing old food, I often wonder how many people I could have fed through Northern Illinois Food Bank had I been more disciplined and donated the money I saved, instead.

Each of us wastes an estimated 25 pounds of food every month, in part because we don’t understand the meaning of “SellBy” or “Use-By” dates.

Read our story on p. 15 to learn more about these dates, and have a thrifty week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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First Downtown Picnic en Plein Air is Sept. 24 W ant to help keep the positive momentum building in downtown Rockford’s improvement efforts? You’ll have a good chance to do that, while enjoying an inaugural downtown experience, later this month.

The River District Association will host a fundraiser called Picnic en Plein Air on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Rockford.

This outdoor dining experience will take place on Water Street near the City Market Pavilion and cost $100 per person.

The all-new event will be styled rustic/vintage, chock full of charm. Popular Rockford chef Paul Sletten, owner of Abreo and a longtime believer in downtown Rockford, will cater. Bar service will be provided by Prairie Street Brewhouse, another major investor in downtown Rockford.

Local artists will create original works of art throughout the night. Their work will be auctioned off, the proceeds put toward future River District Association events and programs.

Live music will be provided by Derek Luttrell, a Stillman Valley native whose folk rock/Americana music is getting noticed well beyond Rockford. A Denver writer describes 25-year-old Luttrell as “an old-soul type that turns head in noisy clubs.”

Funds raised from this event will assist the River District Association as it works to “unite, advocate and promote efforts to create a thriving business and residential community in Rockford’s downtown neighborhood.”

Order tickets at riverdistrict.com or mail checks to RDA, 102 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101. ❚

Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Questions to Ask When Buying Furniture

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

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ou get what you pay for when it comes to furniture and there’s a growing demand nationwide for better quality furniture, says Mitchell Johnson, store manager of the new 6651 E. State St. Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress store.

“Both across the U.S. and here in our region, people are tired of cheap furniture that falls apart,” says Johnson.

Leather furniture remains popular, but Johnson cautions, “Be sure to ask questions about leather quality, since there are many imitations on the market.

We also sell a lot of fabric sofas,” says Johnson. “There’s a trend toward more texture, with tweeds and corduroys and weaves. Today’s upholstery options are really wonderful – very durable but beautiful and comfortable. Most of today’s upholstery fabrics are made from PET, a highly durable polyester thread.”

Reclining furniture is very big, in every age group, across all demographics, says Johnson. “Don’t be afraid of electric mechanisms in recliners,” he says. “People worry too much about the motors breaking, but that seldom happens. You’re more likely to break a recliner that has to be manually raised and lowered. And electric motors give you a full range of motion rather than stopping at certain positions.”

When buying upholstered furniture, the important question is not how the surface looks but what lies beneath.

“Ask good questions when shopping,” advises Johnson. “Is the frame made from strong laminated wood or just plywood? Is there a reasonably good spring system that will distribute weight?

Is the padding made of high-density foam or cheap fluff? Is the leather exterior real

leather?”

Reputable stores often have a cutaway model so you can see the materials below the surface.

Do business with people who are in it for the long haul, not fly-by-night chain stores with high turnover, suggests Johnson. “They have a real stake in making you happy and will deal with you more honestly.”

Gustafson's original location is at 808 Riverside Blvd. ❚

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Bible Illiteracy: Why It Matters

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irtually all scholars agree that the Bible is the most influential piece of writing in the western world and that Judeo-Christian tradition is a pillar of Western civilization.

Whether we read the Bible for spiritual guidance or simply to understand its historic significance, it’s important that we understand it for ourselves so as not to be misled by those who misrepresent it. The Bible is used to justify wars, laws, cultural movements and restrictions on personal freedoms in our society. Yet most Americans no longer possess even a rudimentary knowledge of scripture.

Beyond the West, versions of many Old Testament and Gospel stories arefound in the Quran, which regards people such as Abraham, Joseph, David, Elijah, Moses and Jesus as important prophets.

Biblical illiteracy in America is at an all-time high, according to pollsters and educators. This isn’t because Bibles are unavailable – most U.S. homes have three. And it’s not because our society lacks religious freedom. Most people, church-going or not, simply consider it a low priority to read or study the Bible.

“Both inside and outside the church, there is a problem,” writes Ed Stetzer in Christianity Today. “Non-Christians don’t have even the general idea of the Bible they once did. Christians are not seeing the life change that real Bible engagement brings.”

Many people view the Bible as irrelevant to their lives. Some reject it because they associate it with a U.S. political religious right that seems to reject science and, often, reason. Yet by failing to understand the Bible firsthand, we have no basis from which to intelligently separate rhetoric from scripture, and we fail to understand much of our own culture’s foundation.

Why not read the related scriptures for yourself each week and improve your own Biblical literacy?

Hint: Start with the four New Testament gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – and get to know Jesus Christ in his own words, firsts. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Love Your Leftovers: Waste Less Food A

mericans waste an estimated 40 percent of the food they buy. In fact, the average person wastes an estimated 25 pounds of food every month, and dairy products are thrown out more than other foods, even produce. Learning kitchen tricks and strategies to store dairy products properly can help reduce food waste.

•To toss could be a loss. Research conducted by the Midwest Dairy Association found more than half of consumers don’t understand the meaning of “Sell-By” or “Use-By” dates on dairy products. These dates actually indicate peak quality, not safety. Dairy products can be safely consumed beyond the “Sell-By,” “Best-By” or Use-By” dates up to one week for milk, up to 10 days for yogurt and weeks or months for most soft and hard cheeses.

•Know when to throw it. Discard dairy products if they have an off flavor, odor or appearance. Soft cheese or yogurt with mold should be discarded. Mold on hard cheese should be removed by cutting off a 1-inch square around the affected area and throwing it away; the rest is safe to eat.

Turkey Tetrazzini with Cheddar and Parmesan Nonstick cooking spray 1 package (12 ounces) whole-wheat penne pasta 2 TB butter 1/4 cup flour 3 cups low-fat milk 1 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional chicken broth) 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 cups sliced white button mushrooms 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups diced cooked turkey breast 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Preparation Heat oven to 350 F. Spray shallow 2to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Cook pasta according

to package directions. In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Stirring constantly, cook about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, chicken broth, wine and pepper; bring mixture to a boil.

Stir in mushrooms, reduce heat and cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, or until mixture thickens and mushrooms are softened. Stir Parmesan cheese, pasta, turkey and peas into milk mixture; spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and cover loosely with foil. Bake about 45 minutes, or until bubbling at edges and heated through. ❚ Source: Family Features

•Portion and freeze future meals. Soups, stews and casseroles all freeze well, including those that contain dairy products. Milk is best when used within three months of freezing and yogurt when used within two months. For best quality, soft cheeses should be used within two to three months of freezing and hard cheese within six months.

•Put nutrition first. Many experts agree eating too many calories is a form of food waste; it can impact health and lead to chronic disease, including obesity. Maximize food choices with healthy, nutrientrich options. For example, milk, cheese and yogurt provide a unique package of nine essential nutrients, and three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products have been shown to improve overall diet quality.

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hat’s colorful, playful, seldom seen in our part of the world and good at making people of all ages laugh?

Lorikeets, of course. They’ve made a return visit to Rockford’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens and will be delighting visitors there through Nov. 13.

This colorful species of parakeet hails from down under, on the eastern seaboard of Australia, where there’s plenty of flower nectar to sip. Lorikeets are known for their fun-loving personalities, bright colors and ability to mimic words and sounds like their parrot cousins do.

There are special rules for visiting the lorikeet house. No food or drink is allowed because it just might get stolen.

Likewise, it’s best not to wear sparkly jewelry that might fascinate the birds a little too much. They’ve been known to pluck shiny objects from owners.

Naturally it would be bad manners to chase the birds or otherwise make them

feel threatened. You can, however, hold out a fist or hand (not a finger) for the birds to walk onto. Be sure to wash and sanitize your hands first, for the health of the birds.

The conservatory warns that “poop happens” and provides paper towels at the exit.

A limited number of conservatory members will be able to feed nectar to the lorikeets by reservation.

There are many lorikeet-related Make-It, Take-It activities scheduled at the conservatory. A complete schedule is posted on the website.

Lorikeets or not, the conservatory and its surrounding gardens along the Rock River, as well as the lovingly tended Sinnissippi Rose Garden, with its rare Victorian-era floral clock, are wonderful places for all ages to explore and enjoy.

The lorikeet exhibit is included with regular admission to the conservatory.

(Jesse Fox photo)

Lorikeets Delight Conservatory Visitors

The cost is $6 for resident adults, $8 for non-residents and $4/$6 for seniors (age 65-plus) and for children ages 5-17. Admission for children ages 3 and 4 is $1 for residents, $2 for non-residents and free to children age 2 and younger.

Learn more about them at nicholasconservatory.com. ❚

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Buy it Fresh at Local Farmers Markets H

ere’s a glance at the ongoing farmers markets in our region. All feature fresh produce and other treats.

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. 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

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

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26 and Thurs. 3-6:30 p.m., with a different set of vendors than Wednesday, through Sept. 15. The Wednesday market is now in its 25th year. Live music on Thursdays. Edgebrookshops.com Rockton River Market Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. through Aug. 31, along the Rock River on East Harwick Street, in Old Settlers Park. RocktonRiverMarket.com

Freeport Farmers Market Saturdays, 7-11 a.m., CVS parking lot, 721 W. South St., Freeport, through Oct. 1. Stephenson-county-il.org

Highland Farmers Market Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 5, Parkling Lot C of Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

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

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

Wings

Wonder Sep 3– Nov 13, 2016

Meet the Lorikeets Come stroll through a beautiful aviary surrounded by friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand!

Conservatory Hours Tuesday–Friday • 9 am–5 pm Saturday–Sunday • 10 am–3 pm For more information, including fees and activities, visit nicholasconservatory.com/lorikeets AC AF ILI

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MEETINGS

Smart Living Weekly

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

OF

NOW BOOKING FOR »

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1354 N 2nd St | Rockford, IL | 815-987-8858 | nicholasconservatory.com We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. Call for info.

WEDDINGS

Sept 14 To advertise call 815-316-2300

GPS Faith Community Farmers Market Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 22, 10714 N. Second St., Machesney Park, Ill. (north and west of Route 173.) Live music 5-7 p.m., gorockford.com

Fridays

Rockford City Market Fridays, 3:30-8:30 p.m. on Water Street near State Street through Sept. 30. (Closing time changes to 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day.) Live music, fresh-cooked food and locally brewed beer. Rockfordcitymarket.com.

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

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Greenwich Village Art Fair

By Jermaine Pigee, deputy editor

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or the 68th time, the Rockford Art Museum will put on the Greenwich Village Art Fair, an indication that summer is coming to an end in the Rock River Valley.

The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 17 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18 on the grounds of the Rockford Art Museum at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., in downtown Rockford.

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Held rain or shine on the second weekend after Labor Day every year, the annual two-day event will feature 136 artists from around the region and across the nation.

A Rockford tradition since 1948, Greenwich is the longest running art fair of its kind in the Midwest.

“This fair is a great thing for Rockford as a whole,” said Sarah Bursley McNamara, community relations with the Rockford Art Museum.

One of the largest outdoor art shows in the region, the art fair attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year it will also serves as a stepping stone for 49 artists who are appearing at the art fair for the first time.

“This art fair will give them a chance to show off their work,” McNamara says.

“There are fresh faces who come every

Sept 14 To advertise call 815-316-2300

year and it’s a different mix of people.”

This year, about two dozen of the artists are local. Artists will also be coming from 12 states.

Types of artwork that will be on display include paintings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, ceramics, textiles and photography.

The art fair is also judged, which means artists will be competing for cash and prizes.

Artists will be judged by category by 2016 Judge Nathan Keay, a photographer and multimedia artist based in Chicago.

Artists will compete for several awards, including Best of Show, which carries a $1,000 prize; six $500 Judge’s Choice awards; and five honorable mentions, with $100 for each winner.

Winners will be announced Sept. 18.

The Greenwich Main Stage will feature all-day live music by local musicians, all day, each day by local musicians, which is included with fair admission. The musical acts this

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year include Taboo Blah Blah, Derek Luttrell, Andrew Robinson, Lukewarm Club of America, Mary J. Harris Trio, Dave Sadtler, Patte Lund Trio and The Lone Canary, plus a performance by the Rockford Dance Company.

There will also be a gourmet marketplace on site. It offers homemade favorites from local and regional vendors, such as Cacaocuvee Fine Chocolates, Dip n’ Good Dips, Annette’s Italian Cookies, Candle Crest Soy Candles, Soap of the Earth, Cellar Door Designs, and The Beaded Zoo, among others.

Located near the Greenwich Main Stage, Village Pub will serve grilled food, sodas, teas and Budweiser family products, among other things.

Food and drink vendors throughout the fair will include Pig Minds Brewing Company, Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza, JavaMania Coffee Roastery, Hey Brothers Ice Cream & Waffle Cones and We-B-Popp’n Kettle Korn.

Kortman Gallery Point Bar will offer signature cocktails, mixed drinks and fine wines, and will host several activities, including Greenwich After Hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17. Bistro Breakfasts will feature made-to-order crepes on Sept. 17 and omelets on Sept. 18, both days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children can make their own takehome art, based on this year’s superheroes theme. Hands-on art activities are $1 each, or $5 for all six. The Creations by

Kids tent opens both days at 10 a.m. and closes one hour before the fair.

Admission to the fair is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. Advance tickets are $3 and are available at any Alpine Bank location and at the Rockford Art Museum Store.

Anyone who purchases a ticket also gets free admission to Rockford Art Museum, where the featured exhibit is the “2016 Rockford Midwestern Biennial through Sept. 25.

Ticket proceeds support Rockford Art Museum.

Alpine Bank has been the main sponsor of the event for 23 years. Other major sponsors include the Dean Alan Olson Foundation, GreenFire and The Rock River Times.

Visit rockfordartmuseum.org for more information on Greenwich Village Art Fair.

Find Greenwich Village Art Fair on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and search for hashtag #greenwichrockford. ❚

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

The city of Elgin invites you to the “Safe Zone,” the only place where the Zombie Defense Initiative (ZDI) team can protect you from the zombie outbreak.

4 Stages of Entertainment | Bands | Graffiti Artists | Costume Contests | Freak Show Hookah Lounge | Vendors | Food | Drinks | TV Horror Host Svengoolie

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

Find us on

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Weight Loss: It’s All About What You Eat

By Peggy Werner

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s a new school year begins, it’s important for adults and kids alike to fit exercise into changing routines.

It’s always a good idea to get to the gym, but it won’t make up for what you put into your mouth, says Phil Toldo, International Sports Sciences Association certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist at Peak Fitness and Sports Club in Rockford and Loves Park.

“Losing weight and body fat is about 80 percent of what you eat and about 20 percent of what you do at the gym. That shocks a lot of people,” he says.

Toldo has a three-point plan for helping people to lose weight.

First, you have to look hard at what you’re eating. Find out how many calories you’re taking in daily and eliminate processed foods and sugar. Make meals and snacks from lean protein, fruits and

vegetables and healthy carbohydrates.

“People are so afraid of carbs, but if they eat the right ones, it’s OK,” says Toldo. Depending on your goals, a good starting point for daily caloric intake would consist of 30 percent fat, 40 percent carbohydrate and 30 percent protein.

Secondly, once you know what you’re eating, start making changes and drop about 200 calories a week until you see results. He recommends no less than 1200 calories a day to get proper nutrition. Keep meals small and more frequent and you will be more satisfied and maintain your energy level, he says.

“Everyone loses weight at a different rate. Just keep making small adjustments so you keep seeing results. You don’t want to feel miserable; you just want to restrict yourself as little as possible to get the results you want,” he says.

Thirdly, increase your daily activity by walking and working out. If new

to exercising, start out with just 10 to 20 minutes a day and gradually add time, intensity and frequency as you progress.

“When it comes to diet and exercise, too many people want dramatic results too fast,” he says. “They end up getting discouraged, frustrated and injured. They eventually just give up. I’m happy if my clients are losing 2 to 4 pounds and 1 percent body fat per month. Think of food as fuel for the body, not a source of entertainment.”

For more information, call Peak Fitness at (815) 398-7300 or Peak Sports Club at (815) 877-4401. ❚

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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

Tunes on the Terrace: Reed & Waddy Sept. 14, 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music along the banks of the Rock River. Food and beverages available beginning Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com at 5 p.m. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory. com/tunes-on-the-terrace.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Evoking Native Landscape Sept. 15, 7 p.m. Hear one gardener/potter/art dealer’s perspective on living in Japan. Presentation by Douglas Dawson. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-3307, andersongardens.org.

Steve Miller Band Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m., doors 6:30 p.m. Formed by singer and vocalist Steve Miller amid the psychedelic scene of late 1960s San Francisco, the Steve Miller Band’s early albums were decidedly trippy affairs. Big Head Todd and the Monsters open the show. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Music on the Mall: Swingbilly Rockford Sept. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Experience live music at its best. Food and drinks from Mary’s Market.

Mary’s Market Café and Bakery, 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765, edgebrookshops.com.

The Piano Guys Sept. 16, 8 p.m. Hailing from Utah, The Piano Guys are four dads who became an Internet sensation by way of their immensely successful series of strikingly original self-made music videos. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Browse through original artwork at Greenwich Village Art Fair on Sept. 17-18.

the

Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 17-18, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Held rain or shine, this annual two-day outdoor event features original artwork from up to 155 juried artists from across the nation, along with live music by local musicians, regional vendors, children’s art activities, plus food, drink and more. Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, facebook.com/greenwichvillageartfair.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 17, 8 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. ceremony, 10 a.m. 2-mile walk. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Martin Park, 5701 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park, (815) 977-9125, act.alz.org.

Collaborative Piano Master Class Sept. 17, 1:30 p.m. Pianist Mary Tarraff performs for and interacts with students in this private outreach event. Emerson House, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.

Creatures of the Night Sept. 17, 7-9 p.m. Attention all night owls! Learn about the creatures of the night during a hike through the darkness, as you look for signs of life.

Start the night off with a scavenger hunt and end it with a bird of prey show. Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford, (815) 9668747, rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood.

Concerts on the Creek: The Pickin’ Bubs Sept. 17, 7-9 p.m. The Pickin’ Bubs is a trio from Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music.

Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn are available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc. org.

Spectacular Saturday: Norwegian Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Spectacular Saturday interactive learning series encourages parents to help children create projects and learn about various cultures in the Rockford community. Come and go throughout the day. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 3979112, midwayvillage.com. ❚

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WDL

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. ❚

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. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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

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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Sept 14 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Arturo’s

A

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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O L

New Windows Add Value and Efficiency

By Peggy Werner

I

f your windows to the world are foggy, drafty and rotting away, it’s time for a change. Some common problems are bad seals, deteriorating wood, glass discoloration and bad installation.

Just within the past five years, window options for homeowners have expanded with new colors, stronger materials and more styles to choose from, says Greg Green, president of Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding, 929 S. Alpine Road, Suite 201, in Rockford.

“Of all the improvements you can make in your home, windows are one of the best ways to get a good return on your money because they improve energy efficiency, curb appeal and resale value,” he says.

Green is the third generation in a family-run business that’s operated for more than 25 years and specializes in the repair and replacement of residential and

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commercial seamless gutters, windows and siding. His dad, Todd, introduced him to the business and is now the vice president of Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding. Todd’s late father, Bud Green, was also in the siding and window business. He started a local company in 1975, which he operated for more than 20 years.

Green says that using top-quality, made-in-the-USA materials is important to his company’s success, as is operating with Christian values, providing top customer service, living by a strong work ethic and using good communication skills. The Greens enjoy an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

“We want to build relationships with customers that last a lifetime,” says Green. “We don’t want to sell something to someone that isn’t needed. We’ve built our reputation on being dependable, working hard and treating every home as

Sept 14 To advertise call 815-316-2300

if it were our own, paying attention to the smallest details.”

With all the avenues of information today, consumers are making more intelligent choices, says Green. Still, home repair and improvement remain one of the top service areas in which people are scammed. Green urges homeowners to beware of out-of-town door-to-door solicitors who show up after a storm and want money upfront. For a free consultation, call (815) 708-8113. ❚

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Sept 14 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Are You Paying Too Much for Tech?

By Peggy Werner

I

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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