Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • August 9, 2017
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Right in Our Region
It’s Fair Time in Winnebago County! See Page 16
Freeport Art in the Park How to Continue Your College Education Mendota Sweet Corn Festival This Weekend! Addressing Home Water Damage Dining at Prairie Street Brewhouse
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Winnebago County Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 When Water Damage Strikes Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Religion Gone Bad Your Kitchen .....................................................15 A Tasty, Nutritious Breakfast Your Outing .........................................................9 Freeport Art in the Park Your Outing .......................................................19 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Your Technology ...................................... ......... 21 Don’t Pay Too Much Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Treatment for Glaucoma Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Prairie Street Brewhouse Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Education ........................................ ......... 29 Continue Your Learning at Upper Iowa University
Smart L iving Weekly ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden
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Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen 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
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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.
George Jetson O
nce upon a time, in a previous chapter of life, I edited a national trade magazine called Robotics. I have zero mechanical skills and can’t even run the controls of my new convection oven, but I was fascinated by the world of servo motors and vertical articulation. That was 15 years ago and the use of robots has expanded far beyond the factory floor, from George Jetson-style domestic robots tested this summer by Toyota to dairy maid “milkbots” working down on the farm. So it’s with pleasure that I pass along a press release from Rock Valley College titled “Learn Coding with Robots at Rock Valley College.” All ages are invited to three 2-hour workshops taking place the last Saturday of each month Sept.-Nov. at the Woodward Technology Center on the RVC campus from 10 a.m. to noon. “This event is for all ages,” says RVC Professor Chuck Konkol, workshop leader. “I even encourage families to attend. If you or someone you know is interested in coding or robotics, then register for this fun, engaging workshop.” All attendees will take home an awardwinning robot named Ozobot. Tickets to participate are $75 plus online ordering fees; go to rvchourofcode.com/ coderobots. Parents and grandparents can purchase tickets for their child or grandchild and sit with them during the workshop at no extra cost. Email Professor Konkol with any questions at c.konkol@rockvalleycollege.edu. While robots are displacing peoples’ jobs at lightning speed, they’re also opening up worlds to us previously unimagined, including the very tiny world of nanotechnology, which builds things (think 3D printer) from the molecule up. The world is changing fast and the future is here. Our cars aren’t flying above ground yet, but they can pilot themselves these days. George Jetson had to drive his own. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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Support Local Craftsmen at Art in the Park By Chris Linden, executive editor to ceramics and photograne of the Freeport area’s biggest phy. Many artists will hold celebrations of regional artwork redemonstrations. turns this Labor Day weekend with the “We try to gear it to10th annual Art in the Park. Held Sunday, ward the fine arts,” says Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the freeBaxter. “So, we typically admission fair draws together a diversity welcome artists who proof art media, styles and family-friendly duce unique items, the activities at Krape Park. type that are not mass-pro“It’s a fun way to spend the day outduced.” side, and it’s the day before Labor Day, so Artwork aside, the fair also welyou can bring the family out, enjoy some comes several food vendors, five mutime together and check out everything sical performers, and free art activities happening at the park,” says Carrie Baxaimed at children and adults. Of course, ter, collections and exhibition manager at the rest of Krape Park will be open, too, Freeport Art Museum (FAM). The fair is with activities including a working carouco-sponsored by FAM and the Freeport sel, children’s play areas and a fenced-in Park District. duck farm. This year’s Art in the Park is expect“This is our 10th year of hosting Art ed to draw about 45 artists who hail from in the Park, and it was all started by a within 200 miles of Freeport. The juried group of artists wanting to do an outdoor show welcomes artists using many types community gathering of art,” says Ron of media, from painting and sculpture
O
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Schneider, superintendent of recreation for the park district. “It was a big hit the first year, and it’s just kept going.” Baxter finds the fair is a great place to scout for unique gifts and to purchase locally crafted artwork for the home. “It’s a wonderful way to support the arts,” she says. “If we didn’t have the arts, the world would be a dull place. It’s nice for people to show their appreciation for art by talking with artists and purchasing their works.” ❚
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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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Religion Gone Bad
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hen it’s good, it brings out the very best in people. But when religion goes amok, whether by bad leadership, doctrine or practice, its capacity to do harm is infinite. Jesus Christ knew this. He chose to model servant leadership, something that was in stark contrast to the pious behavior of pharisees and other religious leaders of his day. He taught his disciples to lift people up rather than oppress them; to esteem others more highly than themselves and to exemplify Godly behavior without hypocrisy. Pharisees are referenced 86 times in the gospels, and are nearly always in conflict with Jesus. He not only rebuked them for having wrong priorities and being hardhearted, but sometimes accused them of doing Satan’s work rather than God’s. In Matthew 23:23-25, Jesus said: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices -- mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law -- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” Sadly, many people use bad religious leaders as an excuse to avoid God altogether, even though God is in no way responsible for the abuses made in His name. To do so is to focus on the weakness of man, rather than the perfection of God, and to miss out on the joy of His presence. During his ministry, Jesus invited us into a way of life governed by love and grace, not burdensome oppression. In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) he said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ❚ --Janine Pumilia
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Fun-Food-Beer Photo Credit Carolyn Flaherty
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Start a Successful School Year with a Balanced Breakfast
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s kids get ready to start a new school year, moms are also getting back into the swing of a morning routine. One thing that can’t be missed? Breakfast! Research shows eating breakfast helps kids concentrate and focus at school. Start the day off strong and pair your little one’s breakfast with a glass of milk. An 8-ounce glass of milk gives kids 8 grams of protein plus other essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. These Eggs in a Nest are simple and fun to make. Served with an 8-ounce glass of milk, they make for a delicious breakfast to start the school day off right.
Eggs in a Nest
Servings: 6 Nonstick olive oil spray 4 cups frozen shredded potatoes 3 large eggs 3 large egg whites 1/4 cup fat free milk 1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper 1/3 cup cooked, lean ground turkey sausage, crumbled 1/3 cup green bell pepper, diced 1/3 cup tomatoes, chopped spinach mushrooms 1/3 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions Heat oven to 400 degrees and spray 12-well muffin tin with olive oil spray. Place a scoop of shredded potatoes into each muffin hole, pressing around edges to create “nest”. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove pan from oven and using spoon, gently press any fallen potatoes back up against sides of each muffin hole. Turn oven down to 350 F. In a bowl, add eggs, egg whites, 1/4
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cup milk, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine and place in fridge while preparing green pepper, tomatoes or additional vegetables. Stir cooked meat and vegetables into the bowl with egg mixture and pour equally between all “nests.” Sprinkle a pinch of cheese over each nest. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until egg is set. Remove from oven and serve with remaining 8-ounce glass of milk. ❚ Source: Family Features
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96th Winnebago County Fair Starts Aug. 16 T By Peggy Werner he Winnebago County Fair has been a celebration of rural living, and all the good things it produces for people everywhere, for generations. In celebration of its 96th year, a new website was launched early this month so fairgoers can get all the information they need – on their smart phones. “It will not only be mobile compatible, but also will make it easier to find information and will just be a cleaner layout for people to follow,” says Kyah Bean of the Winnebago County Fair Office. This year’s fair will begin at noon Wednesday, Aug. 16 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 20. Highlights include High Stakes Rodeo and Barrel Racing at 7 p.m. Wednesday; Truck Races at 7 p.m. Thursday; Farmer’s Class Tractor Pull at 1 p.m. and Badger State Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m.
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Friday; Illini State Pullers Truck Pull at 7 p.m. Saturday; and a Demolition Derby at 2 p.m. Sunday. The entertainment stage will host The Sensations at 8 p.m. Wednesday; Two Trick Rodeo at 8 p.m. Thursday; Mike and Joe at 9 p.m. Friday; Sunset Strip at 9 p.m. Saturday, and open music at noon on Sunday. Concessions will offer Beef on the Move, Carlson Sweet Corn, Danielle’s, Ma Telecom Roasted Nuts, McKinley Fudge, NGO egg roll, Pecatonica Lion’s Club, Pizza on Earth, Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe, and Winnebago County Boy Scouts Troop 705 ice cream. Since 1969, Community of Christ Church has offered its popular tacos, made with a meat and pinto bean mixture and all the toppings in a deep-fried corn shell. Dave Traum, co-pastor of the church
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for five years, has worked the taco stand for 42 years and claims the tacos are likely the most popular fair food. Jim Anderson is the honorary fair director and has served in a variety of roles for more than 40 years. He says the fair is a good way for kids to show animals and develop a solid work ethic, have pride in ownership and earn money. “The fair doesn’t make money, it’s an opportunity for people to make money,” he says, through prizes, sales, and sometimes by what the animals produce. Last year, more than 1,600 gallons of milk from fair dairy cattle were sold to Decatur Dairy near Brodhead, Wis. “Getting ready for the fair means a lot of work has to be done, but it teaches children a worthwhile lesson in that you have to put out the effort to get a reward,” he says.
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Anderson showed animals in the 1950s before going into the military and his seven children have all worked at the fair. He remembers when the grandstand seated 16 people, compared to the concrete and metal structure that now seats 4,000. Throughout the years, he has seen buildings added, land acquired, and changes every year. Last summer, the hog barn was improved with a cement floor and new gates.
The goal, each year, is to educate people about farm life and farm animals. The majority of people who have fair entries live on a farm, but beginning last year, the Pee Wee class was created to give all people the opportunity to show an animal. They can sign up at any time during the fair. Bean says, “We wanted a way for kids who are not old enough to show or don’t have their own animals, to be able to participate in this part of the fair.” The fair has always been a part of Bean’s life, too. Her father, Richard Bean, is fair president. For many people, the county fair is like a family reunion, she says. “Working at the fair is something that’s passed down through generations and it’s something you grow to love. It’s a part of your whole life and you look forward to it every year because it just becomes a part of who you are,” she says, adding the fair is made possible through sponsors and hundreds of volunteers.
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Fair hours are noon to 10 p.m. each day Wednesday through Sunday. General Admission is $5 Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and $7 Friday and Saturday. Wednesday is Senior Day, when those 60 and older are admitted free and children 12 and under are admitted free on Thursday. Season passes are available for $15 at Kelley Market Mobil Stores and will not be sold after noon on Aug. 16th. Visit the fair on Wednesday and receive free admission to the fair by bringing at least two non-perishable items to donate to the Rockford Rescue Mission. One-day carnival ride mega passes (day and night rides) are $25 and includes gate admission. Otherwise, single day passes are $5 Thursday, Wednesday, and Sunday; and $7 Friday and Saturday. Grandstand tickets are $10 for the rodeo, $5 for each tractor pull; and $7 for the Demo Derby. Pit passes are $25 each. Children under 8 are admitted free to all grandstand events. For more information go to winnebagocountyfair.com. ❚
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Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Aug. 10-13 By Connor Carynski
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ecord-breaking turnout is expected for this year’s 70th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival on Aug. 10-13. The festival will culminate in a giant cookout on Sunday, when 50 tons of fresh-picked sweet corn will be cooked up and served free of charge. The festival is an opportunity for folks to browse through hundreds of vendor tents, enjoy live musical performances, a carnival, parade and many special events. And, of course, to indulge in the Midwest’s favorite buttery, golden treat. Previous years have seen crowds of more than 60,000; the festival is among the largest and oldest harvest festivals in the Midwest. Jesse Arellano, executive director of the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce and festival coordinator, is gearing up. “The festival draws people from all over Illinois and seems to be getting big-
ger every year,” Arellano says. “We’re expecting even more people than last year because it’s our special, seven-decade anniversary and we’re also trying some new things with the carnival and performances.” With the exception of the beer garden, there’s no admission fee, and parking is free. Special events at the festival include the Queen Pageant on Aug. 11, a food contest on Aug. 12, the “CornaPalooza” 5K/10K Run & 5K Fitness Walk on Aug. 12, the Grand Parade on Aug. 13, a carnival running all four days and the renowned festival classic. At the enormous corn boil on Aug. 13, the fresh sweet corn will be cooked using a 1946 antique steam engine, as it is every year. More than 200 food, merchandise and craft vendor booths will line Mendo-
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ta’s streets Aug. 10 to 13, offering local and ethnic foods. Among the live bands that will perform are The Meerkat Mobsters, the Illinois Army National Guard’s 144th Army Band Jazz Combo, Imagine That band, and Libido Funk Circus. Performances from the internationally known Jesse White Tumbling Team and the electrifying South Shore Drill Team will also occur on Sunday of the festival. Learn more at sweetcornfestival. com ❚
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Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely By Peggy Werner
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etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy. “Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.” Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says. “You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”
With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems. He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month. The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.” EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also
offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint. Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them. And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office ❚
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New Treatment for Glaucoma Available By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor
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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. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)
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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
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Attractions & Events
Nature Kids Programs Through Aug. 22, Tues. 10-11:30 a.m. Bring the kids along for some natural fun. This program offers nature play time featuring water play, sand Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 play and stone art. Naturegorockford.com at the Confluence Environmental Learning Center, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
Boone County Fair Aug. 8-13, events daily. Carnival, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, animals and family entertainment. Boone County Fairgrounds, Ill. Rt. 76, Belvidere, (815) 544-2900, boonecountyfair.com. Tunes on the Terrace: FutureStuff Aug. 9, dinner/drink service 5-7:30 p.m., music 6-8 p.m. Relax and listen to Future Stuff on the terrace along the bank of the Rock River. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Beverages and food available for purchase. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 9878858, nicholasconservatory.com. National Water Ski Show Tournament Aug 11-13, Fri. starts at 10 a.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fourteen water ski show teams compete for the D1 title. Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park, skibroncs.com. City Market Paddle Aug. 11-25, 6 p.m. Kick off your weekend with some paddling adventure topped off by a visit to the Rockford City Market. Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 636-9066, rocktownadventures.com. Music on the Mall: Eddie B Jazz Aug. 11, 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. Midway Village: Magical Gardens Family Event Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Make Fairy houses, solve the mystery of the gnomes, discover magical plants and flowers, and more. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Speakeasy Murder Mystery Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Dust off your flapper dress,
The Winnebago County Fair returns Aug. 16-20 with mouthwatering food, exhilarating rides, live entertainment and much more.
zoot suits and Tommy guns and get ready for a Roaring ’20s murder mystery. It’s the height of prohibition, and wherever there is liquor there is always the mafia…and the police. Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 9642424, tinkercottage.com. Concerts on the Creek: Mark Dvorak Aug. 12, 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. Good Morning Bedlam and Taboo Blah Blah Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m. Good Morning Bedlam's show is an explosion of energy with soaring harmonies. Taboo Blah Blah is comprised of five very different people who make music that brings people together. Mary's Place Bar, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 962-7944. AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Harlan Jefferson Aug. 15, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Jazz, Neo-Soul and Funk Band. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. Winnebago County Fair Aug. 16-20. Family fun at the 96th annual fair includes mouthwatering food, exhilarating rides, petting zoo and livestock shows, entertainment, tractor displays, bull riding, barrel racing and demo derby. 500 W. First St., Winnebago, Ill., (815) 239-1641, winnebagocountyfair.com. ❚
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Dockside Live Mondays Run Through September
By Peggy Werner
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rairie St. Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer and an unbeatable view of the Rock River. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating lineup of 16 craft beers on tap. The restaurant and brewery are located inside the 85,000-square-foot Prairie Street Brewhouse, a multi-use venue that was home to the Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939. Restaurant decor features exposed original brick and ductwork. “It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president of Prairie St. Brewing Co., and co-owner with Reed Sjostrom and Dustin Koch. Using local and fresh ingredients as much as possible, the menu features appetizers such as Korean street tacos, short rib nachos, beer-battered cheese
curds and a rotating Poutine of the Day, with flavors like cubano or pastrami. “Handhelds” are sandwiches or tacos filled with pulled pork, shrimp, turkey club ingredients or burgers, including black bean or country-fried portobello vegetarian options. There are soups and salads, flatbreads and sides, including smashed beets, onion rings, sweet potato fries and the “beer and cheese fondue chips,” using chips made by Ole Salty’s. Entrées include roasted chicken with a sweet corn and tomato succotash; grilled Faroe Island salmon with cucumber, buttermilk, potato and dill; and a cured salmon poke bowl, with nori-rubbed and house-cured salmon, edamame, avocado, sesame seeds, fried shallots and house sriracha, served on a bed of sushi rice. For dessert, there are root beer floats made with Prairie St.’s homemade root beer; tres leches; Johnnie’s cheesecakes; and a “beer ice cream sandwich,” made with rotating flavors of Dairyhaus ice cream.
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants
Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Big Papa’s Barbecue E BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, Ill., (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11 am-9 pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10 p.m, Sun 11 am-7 pm. $. Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-
Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.
Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26
Smart Living Weekly
Aug. 9
Head to Prairie Street for Dockside Live on Mondays through September. Dinner on the Dock is on Thursdays from 5-10 p.m., through the end of this month, with a special sandwich menu and live music from 6-9 p.m. The Prairie St. Brewing Co. Brewpub (located upstairs) is open Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. 11 a.m.- midnight; and Fri.-Sat. until 2 a.m. The Dockside Taproom (located downstairs) is open Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight and Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. For reservations, call (815) 227-9427. ❚
To advertise call 815-316-2300
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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To advertise call 815-316-2300
F E
Fast-Track Your Career Change at UIU By Chris Linden, executive editor
S
hifting your career path or reinforcing your income doesn’t have to mean moving away to a college town or spending long nights working online. At Upper Iowa University’s Rockford and Janesville satellite campuses, back-toschool adults are engaging in an accelerated curriculum designed for eight-week terms and just one or two classes a week. “In a diverse mix of traditional and non-traditional students – many of whom are single parents, or married-with-children, back-to-school employees – most carry a full-time job, while also managing a household and night classes,” says Darlene Curcio-Elsbury, an English instructor at UIU. “One of the beauties of Upper Iowa is that you don’t have to give up your job to earn a degree. You can do it all.” Classes are available both in-person and online for nearly 40 majors, includ-
ing accounting, criminal justice, health services administration, human services and psychology. Small class sizes of 15 to 24 students are the norm at UIU, meaning students can enjoy personalized, interactive learning and guidance, unlike some schools with crowded lecture halls, or conversely, purely self-motivated online learning. The accelerated curriculum helps students to earn their degree in a reasonable timeframe. “If you just stick with it, you could, in many cases, be finished within 18 months to two years,” says Curcio-Elsbury. The workload is designed for people with busy lives, yet doesn’t compromise learning outcomes or academic standards, she adds. Unlike a four-year school or a community college, where general courses
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may or may not apply to a degree, all UIU courses do apply. And, credits transfer from other colleges. Also unlike traditional schools, UIU has students who are highly motivated. “They’re not here to waste time,” says Curcio-Elsbury. “They’re not here to pick up dates or to party hardy. They’re not trying to figure things out. They’ve figured out what they want and they’re going for the gold.” To learn out more, visit uiu.edu. ❚
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Experience Downtown Rockford
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