Smart Living Weekly - June 28, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • June 28, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Big Fun at

Byronfest

See Page 16

July 4 Events at a Glance Tasty Summertime Recipes Is Your Home Lighting Plan Working?

NEW Treatment for Glaucoma Fun Summer Camps at Midway Village

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to the Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36

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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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Big Fun at Byronfest Your Home .................................................. ...... 11 How is Your Lighting Plan Working?

Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 Our ‘Day of Deliverance’ Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Light Summertime Treats Your Money ............................................... ......... 19 The Value of Financial Literacy Your Outings ............................................. .........20 Summer Camp at Midway Village Your Health ................................ .................. 21, 23 New Glaucoma Treatment; Acupuncture for Addicts Your Fun ................................................... .......... 25

Restaurant of the Week .................................... 26 Owly Oop; Vito’s Ristorante Outdoor Living .................................................. 29 Golf at Beaver Creek

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

Home Equity Lines of Credit Helping make every chapter extraordinary and unforgettable.

Great rates, better banking...

Your savings insured to $250,000 per account. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured.

Eligibility based on credit history, ability to make payments, and collateral value. Interest rates and closing costs may vary based on product and terms.

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Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan 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 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 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

4th of July Fun I

t’s again time to celebrate the 1776 adoption of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, which set into motion the nation we have today. Thomas Jefferson (Va.) drafted this elegant document, with input from John Adams (Mass.), Ben Franklin (Penn.), Roger Sherman (Conn.) and Robert R. Livingston (NY). Jefferson listed the facts of our case against King George and declared us “Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown … we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

Freedom is worth celebrating! Here’s a quick rundown of July 4 gatherings in our region.

Rockford’s 54th Annual 4th of July Parade starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, stepping off at 7th Street and 6th Avenue. The honorary parade marshal is “Mr. Fourth of July” Joe Marino. The Rockford Skyconcert Fireworks Spectacular begins at 9:30 p.m., and 5,000 shells will explode over downtown Rockford. Before that, on Sunday, July 2, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra will present its ComEd Independence Day Spectacular at Starlight Theatre.

Freeport celebrates on Sunday, July 2, beginning at 2 p.m. at Stephenson County Fairgrounds. There’ll be food vendors, children’s activities and live music all day, concluding at 9 p.m. with a “JROTC Presents the Colors” event, recognition of veterans in attendance and a presentation by George Buss as Abraham Lincoln and Tim Connors as Stephen Douglas. Fireworks follow.

Janesville’s Independence Day on the Rock is July 4 in Traxler Park with live music, food, children’s games, inflatables and a Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski show. Fireworks get rolling at about 9:20 p.m.

Beloit enjoys a patriotic Pops on the Rock concert at Riverside Park, presented by the Rock River Philharmonic at 7:45 p.m., followed by fireworks, on July 4.

Happy Birthday to us! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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Y H  G

Lighting Gallery Offers ‘Jewelry for the Home’

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

P

roper lighting plays an important role in the aesthetics of a home. In fact, lighting department manager Michael McGinty from Benson Stone Co., 1100 Eleventh St., Rockford, refers to lighting as “jewelry for the home.”

“You can spend a lot of money on paint, flooring, cabinets and furniture, but if your home is poorly lit, it will never look its best,” McGinty says.

“Proper lighting is essential for a beautiful and functional home.”

Staff members at Benson Stone Co. can assist you in picking out the proper lighting for your home. The expansive new lighting department on the fourth floor showcases chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, outdoor fixtures, landscape lighting and more. There’s a lighting style for everyone, from traditional to contemporary.

“Crystal is making a big comeback,” McGinty says. “It’s not your grandmother’s crystal chandelier anymore – we’re seeing a lot of contemporary pieces that I’ll call ‘lightly dressed.’ It’s not a heavy crystal piece, but it has a little accent of crystal on it.”

And there are other trends.

“On the opposite side of the spectrum, people are choosing the reclaimed urban-warehouse style,” says store owner Andy Benson. “You’ll see a lot of these Edison-style bulbs for a more industrial look.”

Benson Stone Co.’s showroom is organized around the style and finish of the fixture. Lights of all sizes and price ranges are available.

“Customers have a lot of options here,” Benson says. “I think this showroom helps to emphasize, more than ever

before, that we are a one-stop shop. You can discover a full breadth of products here. It’s convenient to be able to find the right lighting to go with your new kitchen, sofa or dining room table all right here in one store.” ❚

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I  W

‘Day of Deliverance’

On July 2, 1776, after the Continental Congress unanimously voted to break ties with England, John Adams jubilantly referred it as a Day of Deliverance in the letter he wrote home to wife Abigail. In honor of the upcoming July 4 holiday, we reprint here the first portion of the Declaration of Independence penned by Thomas Jefferson and eventually signed by 56 men, the first two signatures made on July 4, 1776.

W

hen in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world ... ❚

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Y K

Simple, Healthy Summer Snacks A

s temperatures climb and summer sets in, a slight change in diet can help maintain energy without overfilling on hot days.

Vegan and vegetarian diets are becoming a popular trend, but people are also opting to be semi-vegetarians, also known as the flexitarian diet, where you don’t have to eliminate meat from your diet but can still reap the health benefits associated with plant-based diets.

Plant-based proteins like beans, peas, nuts, seeds, soy and lentils are full of nutritional benefits including cholesterol-lowering fiber.

Hummus, made from chickpeas and tahini (ground sesame seeds), makes for a treat by itself or paired with healthconscious options like air-popped chips, whole-grain crackers or veggie sticks.

You can also create simple summer snacks using hummus as an ingredient.

These vegan cucumber cups are the

perfect refreshing pick-me-up on a hot afternoon, and they’re stylish enough to serve to guests at an upscale cookout.

For a cool and creamy summer appetizer, try these vegetarian Southwestern Snack Bites made with hummus, guacamole and Greek yogurt.

Visit sabra.com for more healthy snack ideas.

Southwestern Hummus Bites Yield: 30 pieces 1 package (7 ounces) whole-grain bagel chips 1 container (10 ounces) Sabra Hummus 2 cups pico de gallo 1 cup guacamole 1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt 4 green onions, sliced (optional) Top each bagel chip with 1 tablespoon hummus, a spoonful of pico de gallo, guacamole and a dollop of yogurt.

Garnish with green onion, if desired.

Cucumber Cups Yield: 16 pieces 2 English cucumbers 1 container (10 ounces) Sabra Hummus 1 teaspoon paprika 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped Peel cucumbers and slice lengthwise into 1 1/4-inch pieces. Using melon baller, carve out seeds to create vessel, making sure to leave bottom intact.

Using piping bag or small spoon, fill each cucumber with hummus (about 1 teaspoon each). Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped parsley. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Byronfest: Big Fun in a Small Town

By Peggy Werner howcasing a small town in a big way is what ByronFest is all about.

The annual music festival is celebrating its 30th year July 14-16 in downtown Byron, and this year is the first with non-stop live music. A new vendor area will feature dozens of goods and services available through local individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

A GospelFest will kick off the festival July 13 at Neighbors Rehab and HealthCare Center, 811 W. 2nd St., and is an interdenominational church effort to showcase local amateur and professional musicians.

“ByronFest is definitely a musical festival. We have top-quality entertainment and are very fortunate to have bands with great reputations, both locally and nationally, performing on two stages with all the best sound equipment and light shows to go with it,” says Sarah Downs,

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executive director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s headliner is Dylan Scott, an American country music singer and songwriter, whose debut single was “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy” in June 2013.

From Louisiana, his second single, “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm,” was released a year later. Other hit songs he’s known for include “Lay It On Me,” “Crazy Over Me,” and “My Girl.” His first full-length album, titled Dylan Scott, was released in Aug. 2016 and debuted at No. 5 on the Top Country Albums chart, selling 9,000 copies for the week. He’ll perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 15.

This year, festival goers can look forward to hearing live music on two stages and enjoy two craft beer gardens, a street full of carnival rides, and a wider selection than ever before of items to eat and drink. Additional events are held in other

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parts of the city, including a 5K run at Jarrett Prairie Center and a quilt show at the Byron Museum of History.

ByronFest brings the community together and is the annual main fundraiser for the programs and activities of the Byron Chamber of Commerce.

R  O R It takes more than 300 volunteers to make the festival happen. Several nonprofit groups pitch in. This year they include the Boy Scouts, Mount Morris Moose Lodge, Tebala Shriners, Fire Departments, local churches, Byron Music Boosters, Byron Junior Tackle and Boys and Girls Cross Country. The Ogle County Probation Department is providing opportunities for community service hours.

Friday’s events include a quilt show from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Byron Museum of History; Taste of ByronFest from 5 p.m until midnight at Walnut and 2nd streets; beer gardens from 5 p.m. to midnight in municipal building parking & Lot No. 1; and a Carnival Midway from 5 to 11 p.m. on Washington Street.

Live music will be performed all weekend on the Byron Lions and Exelon stages.

The Exelon Stage will feature Dirt Road Rebelz, Rollin Whiskey, and Nashville Electric from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; Cody Road, Moonshine Run, Ethan Bel, Zac Matthews, Dylan Scott and Cal

R Stage from noon to midnight Saturday; Craig Gerdes and Stroker Red from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday.

The Byron Lions Stage will spotlight The Gilligans and 97Nine from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; Weekend Crush, Stevee Nix, The Ginger’s and Sunset Strip from noon to midnight on Saturday; and Vodka Boys and Minimal from noon to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday’s highlights include a 5K run at 8 a.m. at Byron Forest Preserve; the quilt show from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; a vendor show from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Walnut Street; a Bags Tournament at 11 a.m. on Second Street (in front of The CAVE); Taste of ByronFest from 11 a.m. to midnight on Walnut and 2nd streets; beer gardens from 11 a.m. to midnight at Municipal Building Parking and Lot No. 1; and demonstrations by a balloon artist and magician. Sunday will feature the quilt show; Taste of ByronFest; beer gardens from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and more tricks from a balloon artist and magician.

The ByronFest parade will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday on Third Street.

Admission is $5 in advance or $8 at the gate. Children under age 7 are admitted free. Admission wristbands are available at dozens of local Byron merchants. For a full list of locations, visit byronfest.org. With a wristband, people can enter the beer gardens, entertainment stages and Taste of ByronFest at no extra charge. No wristbands are required on Sunday, July 16, which is Family Day. Parking is available at the Old Stone Quarry Recreation Park, 6845 N. German Church Road, where a shuttle will stop every half-hour during festival hours at the Byron Museum of History and at the Festival entrance.

“ByronFest brings everyone together and it’s just a great social time for everyone. When people come to Byron, they are around good people. It’s a happy place, a happy festival, and we get a lot accomplished in a small area. The sense of community people feel is obvious,” says Downs. ❚

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Y M

Don’t Be Afraid to Learn Money Basics

By Peggy Werner

T

eaching people of all ages how money works is part of the mission of MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Educating middle and high school students about the basics of financial literacy is one of the responsibilities of Anna Hauck, director of training and development. Hauck has worked in the financial services industry for more than 16 years and is studying to earn her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor designation through the Credit Union National Association.

“I’ve seen students come in with their first paycheck and hand it over, not knowing at all what to do with it,” says Hauck.

“Others have come in to apply for their first loan or credit card, without understanding what they need to get a loan, only knowing that they need the money.There are even instances in which young adults

applying for credit for the first time find out someone has stolen their identity.”

In some cases, family members or friends have used a minor’s personal information to obtain services that require sufficient credit ratings because their own credit isn’t adequate.

Unfortunately, there are many people who never learned to manage their money or who have had bad experiences with a checking account or loan and ultimately decide to deal in cash only.

Two years ago, MembersAlliance began sponsoring Banzai, an online financial literacy program available to area teachers and students. The response was so positive that the program was expanded to provide in-class presentations on banking basics, credit and budgeting.

Hauck and other credit union professionals have taken the program to more than 2,300 students in 16 schools, both public and private, in Winnebago, Boone and

Ogle counties.

“If I just reach one student, it’s time well spent,” says Hauck. “That will be one less person struggling to understand and manage money later in life. Informing the students before they begin their financial lives will not only help them, but will also help our communities.”

MembersAlliance also has Rockford branch locations at 6951 Olde Creek Road, and inside the Wal-Mart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and Rockton Road. ❚

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Y O

Enjoy Summer Camp at Midway Village M

idway Village Museum, 6799 Guildford Road, Rockford, will offer another wonderful summer of camps and family fun. It’s a great chance for children to explore, discover, make new friends and learn, while participating in arts, crafts, activities, games and other fun.

Each week is a brand new adventure at Midway Village.

Week-long campers will receive their own camp T-shirt for free on the first day of camp and family members are invited each Friday for a picnic lunch and exhibit of what their campers have been learning during the week.

Camp will kick off June 19 with “It’s Elementary, My Dear,” a week-long camp that explores various elements.

Camp is for children who have finished

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New this year, the museum is offering one-hour camps once a week for younger visitors. PreK Adventures is open to those who have not yet completed kindergarten.

With a parent/adult companion, each child will explore topics in a fun-filled hour of arts, crafts, games and more. Camps are $10 per child (adult companion included). Each camp starts at 10 a.m.

kindergarten through age 11. Register online at midwayvillage.com or at the museum.

Week-long Camps • Storybook Quests, July 10-14 • Dirty Jobs, July 17-21 • Weird History, July 24-28 • Blast from the Past, July 31-Aug. 1 • Wagon Train Adventure, Aug. 7-1

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One-Hour Camps • Digging in the Dirt, June 30 • Messy Art, July 14 • Pioneer Life, July 21 • Around the World, July 28 • Five Senses, Aug. 1 • Water World, Aug. 11 Learn more at MidwayVillage.com. ❚

Y H

Acupuncture Can Help Addicts to Recover

By Peggy Werner

A

cupuncture, as part of a treatment program, can help drug addicts kick the habit, says Leila MacQueen, founder and owner of Circle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St. “Acupuncture is becoming more and more popular as an alternative method to treat drug addiction, rather than using other drugs to get off drugs,” she says.

“Acupuncture helps patients get through the rehabilitation process and reduces symptoms of nausea, pain, and cravings.”

Circle of Wellness is observing its ninth anniversary this summer. Dr. James Morgano is a chiropractic provider who practices in Rockford, Ill., and performs acupuncture procedures for the wellness clinic.

Acupuncture is a holistic health technique that is thousands of years old and stems from traditional Chinese medicine.

It involves placing thin needles just under the skin to stimulate nerve paths.

“Acupuncture follows meridians throughout the body like rivers and affects organs and certain functions of the body,” MacQueen says.

For treating drug addiction, needles are placed in specific parts of the outer ear.

MacQueen says the center has seen success with this treatment and hopes to help more people free themselves from the grip of addiction.

One patient fought her way through the worst stages of heroin drug withdrawal with the help of acupuncture.

“We treated her and she has stayed away from drugs for four months now,” MacQueen says.

Success in treating drug addiction is determined by many factors, including how long a person has been using drugs,

their current mental state, and how their overall health has been affected by the habit.

In addition to acupuncture, Circle of Wellness offers chiropractic treatments, cupping therapy, medical massage, laboratory tests, nutritional counseling, reflexology and more.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the center at circleofwellnessrockford.com or call at (779) 423-1700. ❚

Want a second opinion?

We give you one at every visit!

The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community.

We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.

Call 815.972.1000 to schedule an appointment.

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Y H

New Treatment for Glaucoma Available

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

O

n May 2, Dr. Edward Yavitz became the first stateline surgeon to perform a new procedure to treat glaucoma.

Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, conducted the painless 10-minute procedure called “canaloplasty” at Yavitz Eye Center, 4105 N. Perryville Road.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is an eye disease that usually results from fluid building up in the front part of your eye.

The extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this damage can lead to blindness. In fact, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over age 60.

By performing canaloplasty, Yavitz restores the eye’s natural drainage system by threading a tiny tube through blocked channels and clearing them.

“The procedure is similar to angioplasty – where you treat a heart that’s blocked,” Yavitz says. “Basically, all the fluid in the eye drains out through a circular channel.”

With this procedure, patients are often able to stop taking one or more of their expensive glaucoma eye drops – the usual method for controlling glaucoma. Canaloplasty adds to the broad repertoire of glaucoma procedures Yavitz offers, including iStents, ECP laser, trabeculectomy and shunts.

Yavitz urges people to not take their eye health for granted. Glaucoma is an especially stealthy disease, as there’s no way to notice that your eye pressure is above normal.

“Your brain fills in the holes in your vision,” Yavitz says. “You may have vision like Swiss cheese, but your brain fills

in the blank spots so it appears that your visual field is full, even though it isn’t.”

The only way to be sure that you don’t have glaucoma is to have a routine annual checkup with an eye care professional, Yavitz says. Blindness can be prevented with early treatment. ❚

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NEW THIS YEAR! SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT!

Grammy Award Winning

Lee Ann Womack August 3, 2017

Doors open at 6 pm Show starts at 7 pm $30 per ticket plus receive a free weekend pass to Festa Italiana!

August 4-6, 2017 • Boylan High School festaitalianarockford.com 24

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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

Starlight Theatre Presents 'Godspell' June 28-July 1, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat, 2 & 8 p.m.; July 26-30, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to Rockford, IL 61101 is 1.800.521.0849 vaudeville, employed asgorockford.com the story of Jesus’ life unfolds. Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Picnic with a Princess June 29, 6-8 p.m. Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket, and enjoy live entertainment and visits from your favorite royalty while you eat. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 621-6907, onceuponadreamperformances.com.

Music on the Mall: The Surf Band June 30, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 2260212, edgebrookshops.com/events.

Family Friday: Swashbuckling Science June 30, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sharpen your pirate skills and dress to get wet. Design a doubloon, test the boat that floats your swag and craft a sail to catch the wind. Put on a pirate hat, add a hook for your hand, sample hardtack and more. Eye patches and peg legs optional. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Swashbuckling Science June 30, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Design a doubloon, test the boat that floats your swag and craft a sail to catch the wind. Put on a pirate hat, add a hook for your hand, sample hardtack and more.

Landlubbers are welcome, eye patches and peg legs optional. Yar. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Dixon Petunia Festival June 30-July 4, events daily. The 53rd Petunia Festival is jam-packed with events, including a Midway Carnival, Pancakes in the Park, Taste Trail-Riverfront, handmade raft race, live music each day, bingo, and fireworks on the Fourth at 9:30 p.m. Various locations in Dixon, Ill., Info: petuniafestival.org.

Teen Writers Workshop July 1, 1 p.m. Discover your inner writer and

Dixon's Petunia Festival features a carnival, live entertainment, fireworks, a parade and more from June 30 through July 4.

hone your skills with local author Sherry Blakeley. For young adults. Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, (608) 364-2905, beloitlibrary.info.

Concerts on the Creek: Sweet Adelines July 1, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

RSO: Independence Day Spectacular July 2, 8 p.m. Celebrate our country’s independence with a concert of patriotic favorites, a tribute to our veterans, lively, summertime tunes and fireworks. Sponsored by ComEd. Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO), Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsymphony.com.

Stephenson County Fair July 5-9, Wed. 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Th. 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy a carnival midway, homemade baked goods, 4-H and FAA livestock shows, “kiddie” and adult tractor pulls, demolition derby, “bulls n barrels,” and musical entertainment, featuring Gary Allen. Stephenson County Fair, 2250 Walnut Road, Freeport, (815) 235-2918, stepensoncountyfair.org.

Music in the Park: Jodi Beach July 6, 7 p.m. Tunes by this Rockford favorite range from romantic ballads to upbeat swing music. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org. ❚

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WDL

Owly Oop: A Slam Dunk in Downtown Rockford

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

I

magine a 12-foot TV, a gigantic pretzel delivered on a baking sheet and a pint of craft beer in your hand. Then go find it at Owly Oop Sports Pub, inside the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. While you’re there, order a meal designed by Reed Sjostrom, Chris Manuel and Dustin Koch, the owners of Prairie Street Brewing Company who also run Owly Oops for Rockford Park District.

“The view of the river is the first thing people notice when they walk in,” says Sjostrom. “You can see Davis Park and the federal courthouse, which you don’t normally see from any other vantage point.”

On weeknights, the building is full of kids who participate in leagues for basketball, volleyball and other sports.

Owly Oop is perched above the courts –

a great place for parents to enjoy themselves while watching their children play below.

“It gets pretty crazy up here on weekends, especially if there’s a tournament,” Sjostrom says. “But it’s not just people who are using the facility – it’s also people who are simply coming to enjoy the space and to be a part of the atmosphere.”

Naturally, Owly Oop is a haven for sports fans. Whether you want to watch NFL football or Premiere League soccer, the pub broadcasts both common and obscure sports, and takes requests.

Having a craft brew from Prairie Street Brewing Company only enhances the experience.

“The beer here is mostly the same as it is there – we try to keep our staples on tap,” Sjostrom says.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Ill., T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., FreeRockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

3pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ 26

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June 28 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Owly Oop serves family-friendly pub fare with items in all calorie brackets. There are salads, hummus, a quinoaand-black-bean burger and other nourishing options. There are also burgers, sandwiches and Prairie Street’s fan-favorite cheese curds. Sauces are made in-house, and ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible.

Hours for Owly Oop Sports Pub are Mon.-Thurs., 4-10:30 p.m.; Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Learn more at uwhealthsportsfactory.com/restaurant. ❚

In the Spotlight Vito’s Ristorante

V

ito Olszewski is a trained chef and third-generation master of all things delicious. His grandparents, Ferdinand and Frances D’Agostin, once ran D’Agostino’s, The Grotto, Auto Inn and The Stadium, so he grew up in the kitchen.

At his own fine dining restaurant at 4866 Bluestem Road in Roscoe, Vito cooks up traditional Italian and American dishes as well as fresh soups and sauces.

His signature Conchiglie alla Sarda is a shell pasta with ground sausage, tomato cream sauce and fresh peas. Other favorites include lobster ravioli, Saliccia con Pepperoni and Salmon with Seashell Pasta. From the grill, there’s Chicken Marsala, Red Snapper, a 20-oz. bone-in Cowboy Ribeye and much more.

Vito’s is open Mon.-Sat. starting at 4 p.m. Reserve a table via opentable.com or vitoristorante.net. ❚

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O L

Hit the Links at Beaver Creek

By Randy Ruef

L

ike a child becoming an adult, Beaver Creek Golf Course, nestled in rural Boone County, is showing more and more signs of maturity.

“Twenty-one years ago it was a cornfield,” says owner Brian Camp. “Now the little trees from the past are more than 50 feet tall. If you haven’t been out here in awhile, you’d be surprised at how much it has grown up.”

The par-35, 9-hole course, located at 19619 Leroy Center Road in Capron, has been called a “hidden gem” by many who’ve played it. It has four sets of tees ranging from 2,300 to 3,033 yards.

On seven of the nine holes, the winding Beaver Creek comes into play. And this year, the course joined the Chicago District Golf Association.

The golf course opened in 1997 and was run by the Ed Randall family, until they sold it to the Kelly Camp family four years ago. The Camps have contin-

ued develoing the course, and it shows.

“The conditions have improved with Mother Nature’s help,” Camp says. “We haven’t had any droughts, so our greens are always in good shape and our grass conditions are improving every year.”

One of the course’s biggest draws is its layout.

“It plays to all abilities,” Camp says.

“Your avid golfer will still find challenges, but it’s also playable for the beginning golfer.”

The other advantage at Beaver Creek is its availability.

“You can come out on a weekday morning and it’s not packed,” Camp says.

“If you’re looking for a nice quiet morning to watch the sunrise and play a round, this is the course.”

And Beaver Creek offers more than golf. It’s a popular place for fundraisers, thanks to a banquet room in the clubhouse basement that can accommodate

up to 60 people.

“We also do a lot of baby showers, birthday parties, class reunions and other events that are not golf- related,” Camp says. “You can have the girls holding a shower while the guys play a round or two.”

One of Beaver Creek’s popular staples is its Friday Night Fish Boil. For $24, a person can get a round of golf and an all-you-can-eat cod dinner.

For more information, including tee times, costs and reservations, call (815) 569-2427 or go to beavercreekgolfil. com. ❚

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

OGLE COUNTY LAWN EQUIPMENT

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