Smart Living Weekly - March 16, 2016

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Right in Our Region

Barry Manilow Bids Farewell at BMO

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor

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ockford will host one of the last stops on the final tour of music legend Barry Manilow, as he brings his One Last Time! tour to BMO Harris Bank Center on March 26 at 7:30 p.m. The show promises an evening of reminiscing with the singer and a band of 13 musicians.

“We’re having a great time putting the show together,” Manilow writes in promotional materials.

“We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles.”

Continued on p. 22

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! How’s Your Hearing? • Adding Soy to Your Diet • Tips for Buying a Mattress Think Spring: Lawn Care • Awnings for Shade

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 16, 2016

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Barry Manilow Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Choosing a Mattress Outdoor Living .............................................9, 28 Lawn Care; Custom-Made Awnings Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 What is Palm Sunday?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Adding Soy to Your Diet New You for 2016 ..............................................17 Choosing a Hearing Aid Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treatment for Varicose Veins Outdoor Living ............................................25, 30 A Twist on Lawn Care, Bring on the Shade Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treatment for Varicose Veins Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.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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Manilow the Legend

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iven the fact that you and I don’t really know each other all that well, I’ve told you a lot of embarassing truths about myself in this space over the years. Call it my gift to mankind. You’re bound to view yourself as a much cooler person by comparison.

So here’s another one. Back when my stylish Harlem High School peers were rocking out to bands like Foreigner, Van Halen and Alice Cooper, I was playing records by Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis and The Lettermen. My then-boyfriend begged me not to publically reveal my musical tastes, though I think he secretly liked it that I was a non-conformist. He did his best to bring me into the 1980s by introducing me to Bread, the Commodores, the Bee Gees, Styx, Little River Band and the like. And in July of 1980, we attended a Barry Manilow concert at (now-defunct) Poplar Creek in Hoffman Estates.

I’d had my tonsils removed a few days earlier and I was too sick to go, but I went anyway and am so glad I did. To this day I remember it as one of the best live performances I’ve ever attended. Manilow really put on a show. I’d always known he was a great musician, but I hadn’t expected his sense of humor and all-around performance genius. Even my much-coolerthan-me boyfriend came away impressed.

There’s a website (barrynethomepage. com) in which people comment on Manilow live performances they’ve attended through the decades. If you’re a “Fanilow,” you may enjoy checking it out.

It’s sad to think about this being a final tour of a performer who’s brought joy to so many. I’m proud, though, that Rockford is among the last stops on the last tour of a true musical genius. Read more about the concert in our cover article.

Music fads come and go but a class act like Manilow is called “legend” for a reason.

“Even Now,” we’re so glad he’s been able to say, “I Write the Songs.” ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ...Smart Living Weekly

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How to Choose a Mattress

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By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

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ave you ever wandered through a sea of mattresses and felt overwhelmed by all the choices?

As store manager of the new 6651 E. State St. location of Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, Mitchell Johnson knows it happens. Over the decades, he has matched thousands of customers to thousands of mattresses.

“Every mattress is a white rectangle, so how do you tell them apart?” he says.

“I advise people to buy the best you can afford and to buy for comfort, not durability.”

There’s simply no such thing as a mattress that will last 20 years, at any price point, says Johnson, so don’t believe a sales pitch that says otherwise.

“Think of a mattress as you would a car tire. Buy it, use it, replace it when it wears out. Eight to 10 years is the best you can expect from any mattress.”

Today’s mattresses use memory foam, gel and other technologies to provide superb body support. There’s no one mattress that’s right for everyone.

“You really have to lay on a mattress to figure out what feels good to you,” says Johnson. He recently helped to design a new tool developed by the Dr. Scholls company that will help customers nationwide to better understand their mattress preferences. Customers will spend seven minutes lying on a specially equipped mattress. As various adjustments are made, they’ll rate their comfort levels. When done, they receive a recommendation for one of five categories of mattresses that best suits their tastes.

“It’s a state-of-the-art tool that will eliminate a lot of the guesswork,” says Johnson. Gustafson’s is one of only 10 stores nationwide that will receive the new tool this spring.

Both locations of Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress offer mattresses by Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Mattress 1st, Aireloom and more.

Along with good support, many people want a bed they can adjust.

“Millennials like to sit up in bed and work on laptops, etc., and older people have always valued adjustable beds,” Johnson explains. The original store is located at 808 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. ❚

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What is Palm Sunday?

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his Sunday, Christians worldwide will celebrate Palm Sunday. What is it?

It’s the Sunday before Easter and commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, as recorded in Mark 11:1–11, Matthew 21:1–11, Luke 19:28–44 and John 12:12– 19. It marks the start of Holy Week, the days and events that led up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Crowds in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus enthusiastically. They waved palm fronds at him as he entered the city on a donkey, as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, NIV: Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

The people had heard of the great miracles done by Jesus and dared to believe he was the long-awaited redeemer of Israel. Little did they know he would soon emerge not only as savior to Israel, but also as Messiah to all people who choose to believe in him, then and now.

Why didn’t they know he would offer eternal life to all people? Because Jesus didn’t spell out the full plan during his ministry, not wanting Satan to stop the dark events that would unfold during Holy Week. Paul explains in I Corinthians 2:8: None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Powerful government and religious rulers, threatened by Jesus’ popularity, chose to humiliate, torture and execute him. Jesus endured their cruelty, even though he had the power to stop them. “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” (Matt. 26:53-54 NIV) By one man’s disobedience (Adam’s) the world fell; By one man’s obedience it is redeemed. (Romans 5:19) Palm Sunday celebrates the beginning of the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth – and our joy of being in his presence. Because of Jesus, we may approach God not as timid servants of a king, but as sons and daughters of a loving parent. Rejoice! ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Versatile Soy Adds Variety, Boosts Nutrition W hether you’re looking to scale back on animal products or simply want to add some variety to your cooking repertoire, soy may be your solution. Soy is the only plant with protein comparable to meat, eggs and dairy, and it provides health benefits including heart, muscle and bone strength. It is also the only protein recognized by the FDA for its role in reducing cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

If you’re uncertain how to cook with soy, you may be surprised by the diverse ways you can incorporate this nutrientrich food into your meals and snacks. It’s easy to cook with soy throughout the day, from a fresh take on hummus for lunch to a delicious tofu dinner loaded with flavor.

In addition to the nutrition benefits and versatility, soy uses fewer natural resources, such as water and land, than any other protein source, so you can feel good about making it a star ingredient in your kitchen.

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped • 1 avocado, sliced

Sriracha Mayo:

• 2 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise • 1/2 teaspoon lime juice • 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce • 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic paste

Directions: Slice tofu into 1/2-inch slices and set aside. In bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over tofu and marinate for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together all ingredients for Sriracha Mayo.

Grill marinated tofu 3 minutes on

each side.

In large bowl, combine cauliflower and cilantro. Separate mixture into four serving bowls.

Top with grilled tofu and sliced avocado. Serve with sauce. ❚ Source: Family Features

Edamame Hummus

Recipe courtesy of United Soybean Board

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shelled edamame, cooked according to package directions • 1/4 cup soybean oil • 3 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped • 3/4 teaspoon cumin, ground • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions: In food processor, puree edamame, oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and salt for 30 seconds, scraping sides twice, until almost smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving tips: Serve with pita triangles, crackers, baguette or raw vegetables.

Grilled Balsamic Tofu with Cauliflower Rice and Avocado Recipe courtesy of House Foods

Ingredients:

• 1 package firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed well

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Lifestyle Matters When Choosing a Hearing Aid

By Peggy Werner

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earing Helpers, 1638 N. Bell School Road, is owned and operated by Shaunna Colombo of Rockford, who went into business to give her customers an opportunity to be heard.

Colombo, a hearing instrument specialist, has a refreshing and professional approach to meeting the needs of her customers. In a comfortable homelike setting with state-of-the-art testing equipment, her goal is to get to know her customers well – their goals, needs, lifestyle and budget, before making hearing aid recommendations.

With more than 20 years of experience in her field, she saw a market for giving people individualized service.

While other clinics are limited to one or two brands of hearing aids, Hearing Helpers has access to all major manufacturers and helps people to make decisions

on their individual needs and budget.

“When it comes to hearing aids, there’s not a one-size-fits-all,” says Colombo. “You get what you pay for and price is based on how well the hearing aids perform. It’s your lifestyle that dictates the options and features needed in a hearing aid.”

A 90-year-old man with a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t have the same wants and needs as a 55-year-old woman who is raising children, working full time, and has a very active social life, Colombo explains.

She describes her straightforward approach as one that deals with people honestly, while giving them the information they need to make an educated decision.

“My business is patient-centered and it’s why I come to work every day,” she says. “I want to help people and change their lives. For me, this is not just about

hearing aids, but taking care of the whole person.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Hearing Helpers at (815) 398-4327 or send an email to FrontDesk@HearingHelpers.com. Visit the website at HearingHelpers.com. ❚

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Gustafson’s West Serving Our Hometown Since 1928

88 th Anniversary Sale!

808 W. Riverside Boulevard 815-636-8608 Riverton Sofa WAS $1599 NOW $999

Riverton Love Seat WAS $1499 NOW $899 Dillon Leather Reclining Sectional WAS $6299 NOW $4299

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HGTV and HGTV HOME are trademarks or registered trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC. in the United States and/or other countries. Used under license.

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808 W. Riverside Blvd. & 6651 East State St. • Rockford, IL • 815.636.8608 • www.gustafsonfurniture.com

8304-03_CustomSale_ROP_F.indd *Percentage off original prices. Cannot be combined with other offers or prior purchases. Excludes Tempur-Pedic and Stearns & Foster mattresses.

Available only at participating stores.1Sale ends March 20, 2016. **Save an additional $100 on $2000-$3999, $200 on $4000-$5999, $300 on $6000 or more. Additional savings offer valid March 10 - 13, 2016.

HGTV and HGTV HOME are trademarks or registered trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC. in the United States and/or other countries. Used under license.

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We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Interest free financing available on purchases over $2000 to qualified buyers. See store for details. 30 Day Lay-A-Way.

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Barry Manilow Continued from Cover

Best known for “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” “I Write the Songs” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” Manilow has enjoyed an impressive career as singer-songwriter and producer.

“Barry Manilow is an iconic entertainer whose catalog of songs is so significant that he remains a top-level performer,” says Troy Flynn, executive director and event manager of Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE). “He played major market venues last year and sold out most of his shows.”

In 1978, five of Manilow’s albums were on the best-seller charts simultaneously – a feat rarely accomplished in music history. Between 1975 and 1983, the artist had no fewer than 25 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 – all of which appear on his 1992

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four-CD boxed-set “Barry Manilow: The Complete Collection And Then Some.”

Manilow has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. To date, 29 of his albums are certified platinum, while “Barry Manilow/ Live” (1977), “Even Now” (1978) and “Greatest Hits” (1978) are each certified triple platinum.

Manilow’s music resume also includes a host of Grammy, Tony and Emmy awards, in addition to a sold-out run as a headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton from 2005 to 2010, followed by another headliner at the Paris Las Vegas.

R&R (Radio & Records) has ranked Manilow as the Top Adult Contemporary Chart Artist of All Time for his accomplishments.

“If you are a Manilow fan, this is a go-or-wish-you-had-gone opportunity,” says Meghan Weiss, marketing coordinator with BMO and the Coronado Performing Arts Center. “I spoke with a

March 16

true ‘Fanilow’ attending this upcoming concert with her children, and as a fan of roughly 35 years, she explained that Barry Manilow has been playing in her house for years, making her children fans, and making this concert a great opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime family bonding experience.”

Weiss expects a widely distributed demographic to attend Manilow’s local performance, with kids and adults, men and women, and all sorts of groups looking for a fun Saturday night.

“It may surprise you,” Weiss says.

“There’s a starting target age of 25 years, slowing down around age 54.

When it comes to gender distribution, we’re looking at a female majority of 60 percent, with males not too far behind at 40 percent. It would not be unheard of for this audience to consist of ‘girlsnight-outers’ looking to have a good time. Also, those within this demographic tend to bring along others outside of it, such as parents bringing along their

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18- to 24-year-old daughters or women accompanied by reluctant mates.

Passionate ‘Fanilows’ and casual fans alike can expect a great time.”

While Weiss and Flynn look forward to a night of amazing music, they’re also excited about Manilow’s charitable work beyond the recording studio.

In 2008, when art and music programs often were the first casualties in school budget cuts, Manilow created the Manilow Music Project to provide schools with musical instruments, sheet music, music stands and more. The philanthropic efforts are now reaching Rockford.

“The Manilow Music Project charity endeavor is a benefit to Rockford Public Schools,” Weiss says. “It encourages fans to donate an instrument in minimal-to no-repairsneeded condition to Rockford Public Schools in exchange for a pair of tickets

to the show. The hope is to keep music alive in schools.”

Flynn is proud to see an artist like Manilow come to town. He sees this as a sign that the arts are still a meaningful and flourishing part of the region. This appearance is just one of nearly 20 events coming to the Coronado and BMO Center this March.

“I could not be more proud of how engaged the community has been in the success of the programming,” Weiss says.

“We’re experiencing something we have not seen in decades when it comes to entertainment. Our hometown is making a name for itself in the entertainment industry, and it’s a great thing to be a part of.”

To commemorate the year Manilow’s career skyrocketed with the song “Mandy,” tickets for his Rockford show begin at $19.75 and range to VIP seats for $169.75. Call (815) 968-5222 or visit thebmoharrisbankcenter.com for more information and to order tickets. ❚

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Advancements in Vein Treatment Offer Relief B y To n i R o c h a

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n America, varicose veins affect 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Yet varicose veins have been taken for granted as part of the aging process. The truth is, anyone at any age can develop varicose veins, as a result of valve failure that can occur because of leakage, calcification or other causes.

For Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, a fascination with computerized, minimally invasive medical procedures, coupled with a family history of varicose veins, resulted in the founding of the Northern Illinois Vein Clinic, in the Renaissance Pavillion at 1340 Charles St., Ste. 404, Rockford.

Northern Illinois Vein Clinic offers free vein disease screenings.

Schedule your screening appointment online at niveinclinic.com, or call (815) 315-9529.

Here, patients of all ages find state-ofthe-art help.

Gilvydis became interested in specialized treatments for varicose veins during his interventional radiology fellowship at Chicago’s Rush-PresbyterianSt. Luke’s Medical Center, now called Rush University Medical Center. His fellowship class was the first to be introduced to a new minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.

“At that time, the treatment included only radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins,” he says. “Since I had a significant amount of varicose veins myself, I instantly became very interested in learning this new treatment.”

Today, he performs endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) surgery, the very latest minimally invasive treatment available.

Gilvydis began performing radiofrequency ablation treatments in SwedishAmerican Hospital’s cath lab.

Encouraged by the excellent outcomes and a growing patient referral base, he opened a dedicated outpatient vein clinic where he could concentrate on varicose vein treatment.

“I visited numerous other vein clinics that were run by very well-known physicians in the field,” he says. “I then took the positives from each of these clinics and developed what has turned out to be a very comprehensive and progressive vein clinic. Initially, the clinic was open just one day a week. That quickly expanded to five days a week, because of our successful outcomes.” ❚

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A Better Way to Deliver Lawn Services I

By Peggy Werner

n business for 15 years, Ewald Services, 1119 Turret Drive in Machesney Park, Ill., is a small full-service lawn care company with a big ambition: to make customer service a top priority.

Potential customers can go to Ewaldservices.com to get a hassle-free estimate by typing in the square footage of their yard and seeing what various services cost. They can also request a no-obligation personal visit to the property for a more accurate quote.

“The way we see it, clients want to know instantly what a service will cost them, which depends upon the size of their yard and what services they want done,” says Robert Ewald, CEO and president of Ewald Services Inc. “We’re not the biggest lawn care company, but we’re growing and stand behind our work, producing a quality not common in our industry.”

Among services offered: mowing, seeding, fertilizing, regular and organic weed control, core aeration, spring and fall clean-up and pest control. Not so routine is the way Ewald delivers those services, using a customer-friendly website, trained personnel, top-quality products and good communication. The company also sets itself apart from the competition by offering hydroseeding, a fast and economical alternative to sod for new lawns.

The seed mixed with mulch increases moisture retention and decreases erosion.

Although the lawn care company deals in down-to-earth matters, it uses the latest technology to service customers.

“If we see a problem on a job, we take a picture, send it to the office and communicate to customers what we have found. We also provide a solution right away,” Ewald says.

Ewald Services puts all employees through training.

“We view our clients as family members,” says Ewald. “We teach our crews to do things right and to look for the small details that make a big difference, such as bringing empty garbage cans from the curb to the house. It makes the yard look better and it’s one less thing the homeowner has to do at the end of a workday.

“It’s things like this that set us apart from our competition, which are marketing companies that do lawn care; we are a customer service company that does lawn care.” ❚

The Yard Care Experts

MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING Call Today for a Free Estimate

815.877.3500 EwaldServices.com

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Brews and Views: “Top Gun” March 16, 7:30 p.m., 7 p.m. doors. Enjoy craft beer and dinner while watching “Top Gun.” Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, facebook.com/events/1016380328418304/.

“The House of Blue Leaves” March 17-26, Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. In this dark, farcical comedy, Artie Shaughnessy is a zookeeper by day and aspiring song/jingle-writer by night. Together with his schizophrenic wife, mistress and recently enlisted son, they stagger through the mundane struggles of everyday life and grasp for the stars. Nordlof Center’s Studio Theatre, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, usualsuspectspresents.com.

“Where’s Larry?” Tour March 18, 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. The Tenderloins, a New York-based comedy troupe, whose four members are the creators, executive producers and stars of truTV’s hit series “Impractical Jokers,” present a mix of stand-up, neverbefore-seen hidden-camera videos, stories and insights. Ages 16 and up suggested. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Rockford RV, Camping & Travel Show March 18-20, Fri. 2-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Take a look at the new 2016 RV models. The show has fifth wheels, travel trailers and more. MercyRockford Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 997-1744, landroproductions.com.

Maple Sugar Festival March 19, 9 a.m.-noon. Watch as experts tap maple trees and create syrup from sap, then enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch. Big Hill Center, 1201 W. Big Hill Road, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.

Latvian-Style Easter Eggs March 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Make your own dyed Easter egg in Latvian style. All materials and instruction are included with regular museum admission. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Bubble Festival March 19, shows from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Celebrate National Bubble Week with bubblecelebrity Geoffrey Akins’ live performances and sudsy science fun. Discovery Center Museum, Tell them you saw it in ...

Make Latvian-style Easter eggs at Midway Village Museum, in Rockford, on March 19.

711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

“Kidabaloo” March 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. OSF HealthCare brings an exciting, fun-filled day for the whole family featuring games, face painting, a bounce house, entertainment, vendors, more. Rock Valley College, Physical Education Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 399-3399, ext.

239.

18th Annual Spring Benefit March 19, 5 p.m.-midnight. Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) hosts a 60s/70s dance party with a battle of the bands. The party includes food and drinks, a costume contest and a silent auction. Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, ramiawards.com.

Spring Fling Cosmic Bowl Fundraiser March 19, 7 p.m., check in 6:45. Help send veterans to visit Washington, D.C. Enjoy food, music, bowling and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds support our local Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois. Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 399-0314, Veteransnetworkcommittee.com.

Music on Main: Matt Guschl March 21, 5:30 p.m. Experience music, mingle with the artists, enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments, and have fun with your friends.

Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Much Ado About Nothing March 23-April 2, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Celebrate the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s passing with this performance of his classic tale. Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu/ community/theatre. ❚

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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,

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Fresh Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144.

LD M 11am-8pm; Tue-Th 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

Big Papa’s BBQ E Casual. Exceptional dishes made with proprietary BBQ sauces. 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park; (815) 877-7422. LD Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun. 8am-8pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (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. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm, Sun 4-7:30pm.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $.

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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 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 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Main Street Bistro E Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 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, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

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. $-$$.

Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. ❚

March 16

Higher Grounds

F

or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches.

Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes.

Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

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Something Cool: Custom-Made Awnings W hen hot weather sets in, a little shade can make all the difference to your comfort level. A high-quality awning can dress up a home or business and make it feel more welcoming. Whether placed on your windows or rolled out over your patio, awnings offer relief from the blazing sun.

The Rockford region is fortunate to have a company that’s been specializing in custom awnings since Paul R. Berg founded Illinois Automatic Awning in the 1920s, inside the old post office building on South Main Street. Berg invented the very first roller awning and set into motion Berg Industries Inc., a business that still prospers today.

Michael Holsker, vice president of sales, has been working in all aspects of Berg Industries’ awning division since the early 1980s.

“We offer hundreds of styles and options, from standard awnings to porch curtains and retractable awnings,” says

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Holsker. “The endless array of colors, whether bold or subdued, striped or solid, makes it easy to complement any style of architecture.”

Awnings help to conserve energy by reducing interior temperatures; they also extend your outdoor living space. Ordering is easy because Berg staff members bring fabric samples to your home or business and custom measure the spaces to be shaded.

“Fabric quality makes or breaks the performance and beauty of an awning,” says Holsker. Berg Industries partners with Tri Vantage, a top-line fabric distributor. The awnings and canopies are custom-made on-site at Berg Industries, 3455 S. Mulford Road, Rockford.

Come fall, Berg will remove and store your awnings or deck canopy to prolong their life, and reinstall them in spring.

“This is especially important for canopies over a deck that can sag and stretch

March 16

under the weight of snow,” Holsker explains. Berg also offers cleaning services to maintain your awnings.

Along with residential and commercial awnings, Berg Industries makes custom boat covers and is the area’s largest tent rental company. Berg rents tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, table coverings and much more.

Learn more at bergtents.com. ❚

R E C

Pricing Selling The Most Powerful Tool For Buying Your Next Home The Gambino Realtors Mobile App! Access to the most comprehensive and accurate real estate listings is now at your fingertips.

Download it today from the App Store!

Type in Gambino Realtors and download.

1.815.282.2222

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

2.880%

3.680%

3.375%

$975.88

$654.29

$641.01

3.258%

4.220%

4.421%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of March 14, 2016) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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Issue 1