Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • July 24, 2019
™
Hit the Trails!
And Discover Gems in Our Region See Page 16
Dealing with Water Damage Volunteers Needed at Food Bank! What to Know About Heart Attacks ‘Chance Encounters’ at Art Museum
FREE WIN!
2 Tickets to Sapora Playworld See Pg. 28 Details
Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!
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Smart Living Weekly July 24 6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Hit the Trails! Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 Dealing with Water Damage Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 God Loves Humility Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 18 Make Pizza at Home Your Community ...............................................19 Food Bank Needs Volunteers Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Japanese Summer Festival; ‘Chance Encounters’ Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Learn About Heart Attack Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Tavern on Clark Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26
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 Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky 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 2019 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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Who Knew? We Did!
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ummer is rolling by fast, but there’s still time to enjoy boatloads of warm-weather activities in the Greater Rockford area. Who knew our region was such a special and funfilled place? Northwest Quarterly and Smart Living magazines did, and have been telling you this for nearly 15 years now! Here are two last-minute additions to this week’s lineup of local fun. The City Market Pavilion will host the 3rd annual Bite Nite food festival this Saturday, July 27, from 4 to 9 p.m. at 100 N. Water St., downtown. Sample more than 60 food and drink items from 25 restaurants and businesses in Rockford, Loves Park, Roscoe and Rockton. Choose your favorites in several food categories: Best Appetizer, Best Handheld, Best Spoonful, Best Sweet Bite and Best Craft Cocktail. The Adem Dalipi Trio Band (of American Idol) will play from 4 to 6:30 p.m. followed by Gary the Band, from 7 to 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Rock River Development Partnership. Also this weekend, on July 27 & 28, Anderson Japanese Gardens will host a Japanese Summer Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This celebration of traditional cultural arts will feature exhibits, demonstrations and performances for all ages. All performances and most activities are included with the price of admission and will take place in the visitor center and throughout the gardens. Among them: • Ho Etsu Taiko Drum Performances • Candyman (Traditional Japanese Street Performers • Traditional Japanese Dancers • Children’s Games • Japanese Martial Arts Demonstrations • Koto Performances • Calligraphy Demonstrations • Japanese Flower Arranging Demonstrations You won’t find a festival like this one in most cities because most cities aren’t home to one of the highest-rated Japanese gardens in the nation. Check out our Your Fun calendar to find even more events. Nicer weather is here, so make up your mind to make the most of it this week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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You Deserve Kathy’s Unsurpassed Service Kathy Heeren-Ellis, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Kathy’s Customers Have to Say:
“I would highly recommend Kathy to all my friends and family members. She is very knowledgeable (especially with the relocation process) and professional. Kathy helped us get our home ready for the market recommended contractors hosted multiple open house and was always available for us. We were truly blessed to have her sell our home.“
Justen & Lindsay Kent 815-708-4061 • kheerenellis@gogambino. See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/kheerenellis
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Wet Conditions Challenge Homeowners By Peggy Werner
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ith the exceptionally wet spring and summer in the Stateline area, homeowners are seeing water seep into places it has never gone before. “We’re experiencing the highest number of calls from homeowners we have ever seen,” says Chris Picot, general manager of Advantage Kwik Dry, 11137 Bertram Road in Machesney Park. This is the parent company of Flood Pros, which
specializes in insurance claims and offers full-service clean-up and reconstruction services to homes and businesses damaged by water. When the ground gets saturated and water levels rise, moisture can seep into cracks and crevices, often where walls meet the foundation floor, and in other places that are not usually a problem during drier conditions, he says. Window wells are an especially weak area in a home and it’s important to drain water away from them. One technique is to rehab the window well area by digging about two feet deep into the ground, removing dirt, rock, and other debris, and filling the area with pea gravel, which allows the rain water to drain better. When water damage occurs, it’s important to get professional help
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quickly, says Picot, to prevent further damage and mold. People who try to remedy a situation on their own may regret it, he says. Professionals not only have the highpowered cleaning and drying equipment needed to do a job, but also have moisture meters and other tools to detect moisture and determine when an area is completely dry. Picot recommends setting furnace/ air conditioning fans on at least medium, in hot, humid weather, to keep air circulating, especially if carpets have been cleaned or moisture is in the home. Flood Pro technicians are licensed, bonded, insured and guarantee their work. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 332-3299 in Illinois or (608) 758-2379 in southern Wisconsin. ❚
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God Loves Humility
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ome things in scripture are crystal clear. One is that God despises arrogance. In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:
“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor. Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my
eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”
Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over
which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” How are we to behave? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia
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Create Family Moments and Memories This Summer
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ake advantage of slower summer schedules and warmer weather by rounding up the family and heading to the backyard for fun, food and family time. Let your inner kid run free: Celebrate the summertime with your kids by playing tag and other fun games in the backyard. Whether it’s kick the can, ghost in the graveyard or capture the flag, backyard games are a great way to get the family together. Fire up your appetite: Get the whole family engaged by recreating everyone’s favorite pizza. This Cheesy Flatbread Pizza recipe can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Keep it simple for kids with Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds or dress it up with some fresh veggies. Rethink family movie night: Take your family movie outsideby turning your backyard into an outdoor movie theater. Find family-friendly recipes for summer at BordenCheese.com.
Cheesy Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients: 1 piece (12 inches) cracker bread or flatbread 1 tsp. olive oil 1 package (8 ounces) Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds, divided 8 strips thick-sliced bacon, cooked crisp and broken into 1-inch pieces 4 whole garlic cloves, sliced 4 plum tomatoes, sliced 1/2 red onion, cut in strips 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley Fresh basil leaves (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush bread with small amount of olive oil and place on cookie sheet. Spread 1 1/2 cups cheese evenly around bread. Top evenly with bacon pieces.
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In small skillet over medium heat, heat 1 Tb. olive oil until hot. Add garlic and saute until lightly browned. Sprinkle onto pizza. Arrange sliced tomatoes and red onions on pizza. Add parsley to remaining cheese and spread over ingredients. Bake 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. ❚ Source: Family Features
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Hit the Trails to Discover Local Gems W
hether you’re driving, biking, paddling or hiking, there are wonderful trails to explore in our region. Among them is the relatively new Rock River Trail, established in 2010, which showcases the Rock River Valley in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and stretches 320 miles northeast from the Mississippi River. “There isn’t one reason why people would say this trail isn’t interesting,” says Therese Oldenburg, a member of the Rock River Trail Initiative. This route is not a typical recreation trail. While it follows bike paths in some places, and people have been known to kayak or canoe their way along it, the Rock River Trail is really more of a scenic, recreational and historic route that traces the river. From the trail’s beginning in Waupun, Wis., to its terminus in Rock Island, Ill., travelers meander through 37 riverside communities.
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“There’s a lot to do along this trail,” Oldenburg says. Maps are available online at rockrivertrail.com, and signs are posted along the trail to inform travelers about points of interest. “There are places for overnight campsites and places where people can These three Beloit residents enjoyed a spectacular view of the enter and exit the river,” Rock River from Castle Rock State Park as they followed the entire 320-mile Rock River Trail, paddling part of the way. Oldenburg says. One common way to experience the trail is by following a Some people choose to drive the network of bike routes along the river. trail’s designated roadways, stopping “There are bike paths along the route, along the way to explore. but they’re not connected,” Oldenburg “This is a scenic and historic route,” says. “Our bike route sometimes runs Oldenburg says. “Our driving route through a community that has its own bike offers turn-by-turn directions that’ll keep path. Rockford has a highly connected people hugging the river as much as path, so it’s part of the trail. You can possible.” traverse on the trails, but there are times Expect to see numerous historic when you have to get on the road, too.” landmarks and points of interest.
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(Therese Oldenburg photo)
By Jermaine Pigee, assistant managing editor
R O R In recent years, sub-routes have been added, such as those for birders and chocolate lovers. On the latter tour, take your pick of 24 candy shops. The birding trail suggests ideal vantage points for spotting birds along the river. Five cities in Wisconsin have been designated as official Bird Cities by Bird City Wisconsin, a group that encourages bird conservation and habitat preservation. During the spring and fall migration, millions of birds travel along the Rock River flyway. “People really love to go birding, and a it’s a huge tourist attraction,” Oldenburg says. There’s also a new Wine and Beer Trail that highlights wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and waterfront dining areas. The trail also includes a hiking route, horse trail and air route. The air route highlights 10 airports that are near the river. No matter which route you choose, you can follow it at your own pace.
More Trails to Explore The Rock River Trail isn’t the only way to explore our region. Numerous recreational trails follow scenic routes that flow between charming towns and peaceful wilderness. Jane Addams Recreation Trail This beautiful multi-use trail stretches 17 miles through forest, wetland, farmland and prairie, from Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead in downtown Freeport to the Wisconsin state line, where it joins the Badger Trail, a 40-mile trail to Madison. The Jane Addams Trail has 4.1 miles of asphalt-paved path from Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead to Wes Block Trailhead, also in Freeport. From there, it follows a 10-foot wide, level-grade, crushed limestone surface. Sugar River State Trail This trail follows 24 miles of abandoned railroad line in southern Wisconsin, from New Glarus to Brodhead. There’s an access trail connecting Sugar River State
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Trail to New Glarus Woods State Park. Fourteen bridges cross the trail as it passes though farmland, woods, rolling hills and scenic meadows along a level grade, on sections of either smooth limestone or asphalt surface. Long Prairie Trail/Stone Bridge Trail This 14.2-mile asphalt path winds through northern Boone County, Ill., following the former Kenosha Division Line railroad bed. It passes from County Line Road in Capron through Poplar Grove and Caledonia. At the Winnebago County line, it becomes the Stone Bridge Trail, which ends in western Rockton, Ill. This trail passes through woodlands, fields and prairies. Its crushed-limestone surface is perfect for hikers and bikers. Byron Forest Trail The Byron Forest Preserve has 25 miles of trails, ideal for hiking and appreciating nature. The trails provide a firsthand look at prairies, oak savannas, woodlands, wetlands, creeks and riverbanks. Some trails are marked for horseback riding. ❚
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‘Chance Encounters’ at Rockford Art Museum R
ockford Art Museum (RAM), located inside the Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., is hosting “Chance Encounter: Julie Heffernan and Shelly Mosman,” through Sept. 29. The paintings and photography by Julie Heffernan and Shelly Mosman use opulent beauty and gritty detail to tell visual stories that disrupt one-sided histories of female figures. Mosman’s recent projects include collaborating with Fashion Week Minnesota to help celebrate youth and the beauty of aging. Heffernan is an Illinois native and a professor of art Golden Age, 2017, by at Montclair Shelly Mosman.
State University in New Jersey, where she’s taught for more than 20 years. Both artists are represented in the RAM Permanent Collection. Chance Encounter is organized by RAM Curator Carrie Johnson. This exhibition and its related educational programming are sponsored in part by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation, Anne and David Boccignone and Women’s Art Board. It’s also partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Also on view are lavish, one-of-akind pieces of furniture by Minneapolis designer Carter Averbeck of Omforme Design. Rockford Art Museum was founded in 1913 and exists to help make life in Rockford better for people of all ages through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions and lifelong art education. ❚
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Self-Portrait with Trophies, 2018, by Julie Heffernan. Courtesy of Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, Chicago.
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Volunteers Needed to Help Hungry Neighbors B
ecause there’s a strong need in the Winneabgo County region, the Northern Illinois Food Bank recently dedicated more resources to helping the hungry here. This means more local volunteers are needed to distribute the food. People can volunteer individually or as part of a group. Churches, schools, workplaces and service clubs can organize groups to volunteer as a service project. “Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month or once a year – individually or with a group of friends, family or colleagues – whatever your commitment, every hour of assistance helps us ensure our hungry neighbors will have access to food in their time of need,” says Julie Yurko, president. The food bank serves 13 northern Illinois counties, with centers in Geneva, Park City, Joliet and Rockford, the latter at 765 Research Parkway, near the Comcast building by the airport. Volunteers are needed to sort and package food; to stock shelves and work
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directly with clients on distribution days; and to contribute unique skills for specific tasks. According to a recent Hunger in America survey, Northern Illinois Food Bank serves more than 71,000 people each week. These hungry neighbors use the pantries and feeding programs eight times per year, on average. Children under age 18 make up 36 percent of clients, while seniors age 60 and older make up 9 percent. Among all hungry neighbors, 40 percent are white, 33 percent are Hispanic or Latino and 17 percent are African American. The study shows that clients are making tough choices. About 77 percent have had to choose between paying for food or utilities; 62 percent have had to choose between food or medicine/ medical care. Many have chronic health issues. Since 1983, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been working with food manufacturers, grocers, corporations, founda-
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A group of ComEd employees recently volunteered to pack meal boxes at Northern Illinois Food Bank.
tions and individuals who donate food and funds. It distributes food through 800 community pantries and programs. Children ages 8 and up may volunteer with families or groups with adult chaperones. Groups of 20 or more should call to register at (630) 443-6910. Groups and families of less than 20 people can register online up to a week prior to a shift. Individuals may register up to 48 hours prior to a shift. Find the online registration calendar with available shift days, times and openings at solvehungertoday.org. ❚
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Japanese Summer Festival This Weekend A
nderson Japanese Gardens (AJG), 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, will host a Japanese Summer Festival this weekend, July 27 & 28, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. both days. The festival is a celebration of traditional cultural arts. Performances and demonstrations will take place in the visitor center and throughout the gardens. Popular activities and performances include:
• • • • • • • •
Ho Etsu Taiko Drum Performances at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Candyman (Traditional Japanese Street Performer) Traditional Japanese Dance Children’s Games Japanese Martial Arts Demonstrations Koto Performances Calligraphy Demonstrations Japanese Flower Arranging Demonstrations
Traditional tea ceremonies will be
hosted daily in AJG’s traditional 16th century Sukiya-style Guest House, Tea House and Gazebo overlooking the west waterfall. Space for these ceremonies is extremely limited and times vary. Advanced registration is encouraged and can be made by visiting AndersonGardens.org. The 2019 Japanese Summer Festival is made possible through the generous support from Kikkoman Foods USA, BMO Harris Bank, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Savant Capital Management, the Steve & Andrea Jensen Family, Broadmoor Insurance, Stifel and Nicor Gas. Anderson Japanese Gardens evolved from an individual’s vision to create a unique amenity for the Rockford region into an internationally renowned public
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garden. It has transitioned from a passive guest attraction into a highly programmed regional amenity. Today the garden is operated as a nonprofit organization and attracts nearly 100,000 guests annually. Learn more about this and other events at AndersonGardens.org. ❚
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What You Should Know About Heart Attacks By Mercyhealth Staff hen the coronary arteries are unable to deliver blood to the heart muscle for a prolonged period of time, a heart attack can occur. A heart attack means that the heart muscle cells have been without oxygen long enough that the cells begin to die. It often means that permanent damage has occurred to the heart muscle. Persons suffering from a heart attack may be able to prevent permanent damage if their treatment is started very early. Heart attacks occur most often from blockages or plaque build-up in the coronary arteries that prevent oxygen from getting to heart muscle cells. The plaque may build up until the coronary artery is completely closed, or the plaque may allow for blood clots to form which block the artery. Heart attacks can also occur from a coronary artery spasm.
• Nausea or vomiting • Back pain
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Heart attack warning signs include: • Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure or a crushing feeling in the middle of the chest • Can last more than a few minutes or go away and come back • Burning sensation, like indigestion, that does not go away • Discomfort can also be felt in the arm, neck, jaw and upper back • Shortness of breath • Light-headedness • Dizziness • Breaking out into a cold sweat
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Sometimes women experience shortness of breath, nausea, back and/or jaw pain or fatigue. Treatment must happen fast. If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 for assistance immediately. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital or wait for a doctor’s appointment. Some risk factors for heart attack, such as age or heredity, are out of our control. Others can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. Managing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress and using alcohol only in moderation can reduce the risk of heart attack. Eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise are two of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease. Learn more at Mercyhealth.org. ❚
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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
Summer Fun
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.
Attractions & Events
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Starlight Theatre Now thru Aug. 10. Remaining 2019 shows include "The Addams Family," "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and, Aug. Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 8-10, "Madagascar," a special children's show. RVC, (815) 921-2160. See full schedule at rockvalleycollege.edu. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Ski Broncs Water Show Team Wednesdays and Fridays through Labor Day. Enjoy watching the world-class team perform on the Rock River at lovely Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park. Free admission, free bleacher seating. Tunes on The Terrace - Nicholas Conservatory Each Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., thru Aug. 28. 1354 N. 2nd St. Find performance schedule at nicholasconservatory.com. Blooze Brothers July 25, 7 p.m. Those recidivist Blooze Brothers have been on the run from the cops for over 25 years now. “I Love Music in the Park” concert - $5 donation. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.. Rain site: Guilford High School. Bite Nite at Rockford City Market July 27, 4-9 p.m. Enjoy more than 60 food and drink items from 25 local restaurants. Live music by The Adem Dalipi Trio Band (of American Idol) from 4-6 p.m. and Gary the Band from 7-9 p.m. City Market Pavilion, 100 Water St. Concerts on the Creek July 27, 7 p.m. Stateline celeb Patte Armato Lund offers up a one-woman mix of pop, jazz, standards and comedy, with sparkling keyboard accompaniment by Ríse Barker. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org. Elkhorn Creek Butterfly Festival July 27, 1-5 p.m. Have fun exploring the Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve in Forreston, Ill., in search of butterflies. Tours begin at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Presented by Northwest Illinois Audubon Society, nwilaudubon.org. Japanese Summer Festival July 27 & 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate traditional cultural arts like drumming, dancers, games, martial arts and flower arranging demonstrations. See AndersonGardens.org.
Enjoy the Japanese Summer Festival this weekend at Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Tuesday Evenings at Anderson Gardens July 30, 5:45 p.m. Bella's Bartok of Northampton, Mass., with Jaik Willis of Chicago opening. Bring your own picnic food, but not drink. Food and drink for sale. Doors open at 5 p.m. AndersonGardens.org. Music in the Park: Back Country Roads July 30, 7 p.m. This Top 40 country band plays new country and some older classics. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.. Rain site: Guilford High School. I Love Music in the Park - Steely Dane Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Twenty of Madison’s best jazz and rock musicians unite around Steely Dan music. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St.. Rain site: Guilford High School. $5 donation. Horticulture Therapy - Symposium Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org. 'Three Ordinary Women' Aug. 9, 2 p.m. Author Joan Kennedy discusses three Wisconsin women in her book. Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-6600, hedbergpubliclibrary.org. Woodsong Concert - Ernie Hendrickson Aug. 18, 6 p.m.; Gates open at 4 p.m. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., (815) 965-8146. Klehm.org. ❚
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WDL
Restaurant of the Week
Tavern on Clark: Great Food, Friendly Atmosphere By Peggy Werner
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rothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai decided to create an eatery and bar with top-quality food and a great atmosphere, where business partners, couples, family and friends could gather for all occasions. The result is Tavern on Clark, 755 Clark Dr.. “We were very intentional in creating what we describe as the classic American tavern, with a fresh, new, clean look, where there’s something for everyone,” says Sabani. A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include a Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib, as well as regular Ahi tuna, mahi mahi and
surf-and-turf deals. “We spent a lot of time researching what people wanted,” says Isai. “We offer quality you can’t find elsewhere.” All steaks and hamburgers are made from USDA-certified Black Angus beef, and all menu items are made-to-order from fresh produce, locally grown when possible. Signature dishes include a 10-ounce certified Black Angus beef burger and craft ale beer-battered sidewinder sea-salted French fries, served with a Wisconsin Cheddar beer sauce. Desserts include carrot cake, chocolate cake, New York cheesecake and more. The space is open and inviting, with plenty of natural light to showcase the quality décor of dark woods, stone walls, earth-toned granite countertops and por-
celain tile. Large booths seat six comfortably, and a private dining room, with a wall-mounted flat screen TV and a fireplace, seats 50 and can accommodate business meetings and presentations. Tavern on Clark opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch. Dinner is served until 10 p.m. on weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends. The bar is open later. ❚
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.
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. $-$$.
Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS.
Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.
Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 26
Smart Living Weekly
Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Salamone’s North Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis. 2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
July 24
To advertise call 815-316-2300
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Cannova’s
annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant in 1921. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport. They use many 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. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚
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