Smart Living Weekly - July 6, 2016 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Special Tourism Issue: Welcome to Our Region!

n iving g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly See Inside for Tourism Attractions, Events, Entertainment, Dining & More

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Right in Our Region

Getting Dirty for a Good Cause

By Peggy Werner

laying in the mud for a good cause never grows old. In its 34th year, the annual Mud Volleyball fundraiser for the Epilepsy Foundation of North Central Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska will begin with registration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at Riverside Park in Roscoe. “The event has grown and continues

because it is just a lot of fun for everyone involved and has become a traditional endof-the-summer party before kids go back to school,” says Benjamin Slack, executive director of the foundation. “It’s a big tailgating party and a good excuse for everyone to get outside and have a good time.” Continued on p. 20

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! Outdoor Music Lineup • Ethnic Fun at Midway Village • Rockton River Market Don’t Overpay for Tech Services • Tips for Outdoor Projects • Cool Summer Recipes

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • July 6, 2016

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Mud Volleyball Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Nail that Outdoor Project Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 God Looks on the Heart Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Sweet Summer Grilling Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 All About Eye Floaters Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Your Outings ............................................9,17, 30 Live Music, Rockford Plate, Rockton River Market

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Remind the Kids

hat a terrific Fourth of July weekend we enjoyed in Rockford, thanks to folks led by Joe Marino, Rockford’s own “Mr. Fourth of July” since 1963. “This is the country that gave my immigrant parents an opportunity to come here and build better lives for themselves,” Marino told us six years ago in a Northwest Quarterly Magazine article by Paul Arco, when Joe was age 84. “As long as I’m alive, I will celebrate that opportunity.” As we sat in my brother’s boat, in the middle of the Rock River Monday night, I watched the colorful light play across bigeyed, tilted-up faces of children in other boats and lining the shore. I remembered how much I, too, loved fireworks as a Rockford child, back when the holiday was explained to me simply as “a big birthday party for our country.” With age, my love for our country grew much deeper, but never again seemed so simple. For me, Uncle Sam is like that close relative we’ll love and adore ’til we die, even if we don’t always like everything he says or does. We’d proudly take a bullet for him – and many of us have. Today’s children are feeling the tension of an extra-noisy, contentious political process as we prepare to choose new leaders. It’s important to remind them that most people around the world don’t have the option to argue politics freely or to take part in a peaceful transfer of leadership. This privilege stems from good decisions made by our leaders after the Declaration of Independence was signed 240 years ago; we must never take it for granted. I’m grateful that immigrants Jasper and Francis Marino, from Palermo, Italy, were welcomed in Rockford, when they chose to rear their six children here during the Great Depression; they gave us our own “Mr. Fourth of July,” who reminds young and old alike that being American is always worth celebrating. Thanks, Joe. Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Concerts Nearly Every Day of the Week Saturdays - Concerts on the Creek

ers Country Band; Aug. 2: Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra; Aug. 4: American English Beatles Tribute; Aug. 9: Big Daddy Woo Woo; Aug. 11: Moonlight Jazz Orchestra.

Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, 7 p.m. Springcreekucc. org. July 9: Michael Johnathon, Kentucky folksinger-songwriter; July 16: One Less Tenor; July 23: Jodi Beach; July 30: Eric Lambert & Chris Walz; Aug. 6: Mark Dvorak & friends; Aug. 13: Firelight Dimmers; Aug. 20: Paper Airplane; Aug. 27: John Denver Tribute Concert featuring Chip Messiner; Sep. 3: Groove Hotel; Sept. 10: Arch Smith & John Lindhorst; Sept. 17: The Pickin’ Bubs

Select Sundays - Woodsong Series

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., $10 non-members. Klehm.org. July 17: Zac Matthews Band; Aug 21: The Jimmys.

Concert in the Country

Severson Dells, 8786 Montague Road, seversondells.com/music. Sunday, July 17, 2:30 p.m.: Carrie Newcomer.

Tuesday Evenings in the Garden

Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Tuesday evenings 5:45 p.m., Andersongardens.org, concerts free with garden admission; July 12: Liz Longley of Nashville w/ Fendrick & Peck; July 19: Pieta Brown of Iowa City w/ Lone Canary; July 26: American Aquarium of Raleigh, NC with Andrew

Wednesdays - Tunes on the Terrace

Robinson; Aug. 2: Hackensaw Boys of Charlottesville, Va. w/Mark Rose; Aug. 9: Strange Americans of Denver, Colo., with Vince Chiarelli; Aug. 16: Ragbirds of Ann Arbor, Mich. w/Tom MacGroup; Aug. 23: Whiskey Farm of Madison, Wis. and Miles Nielsen of Rockford; Aug. 30: Danielle Nicole Band of Kansas City, Mo., w/ Patchouli.

Tues. & Thurs. - Music in the Park

Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., 7 p.m. rockfordparkdistrict.org. July 7: Fresh Hot Fritters; July 12: Rockford Concert Band’s “Sounds of the Stage and Screen”; July 14: Artist’s Ensemble “Radio Theater”; July 19: Rockford Concert Band’s “Closing Night Theatrics”; July 21: Blooze Brothers; July 26: RSO Latin American Influence; July 28: Mason Riv-

Nicholas Conservatory, 1315 N. 2nd St., 6 p.m., Rockfordparkdistrict.org. July 6: Reed & Waddy; July 13: Kristin Scholz; July 20: Paper Airplane; July 27: The Lone Canary; Aug. 3: After 5 Jazz; Aug. 10: Stages; Aug. 17: Jodi Beach; Aug. 24: Eddie B Jazz; Aug. 31: Frank Calvanga; Sept. 7: Three Good Men; Sept. 14: Reed & Waddy.

Thursdays - Dinner on the Dock

Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., 5-10 p.m., deck opens at 4 p.m. July 7: Can’t Touch This; July 14: Three Good Men; July 21: Derek Luttrell & Taboo Blah Blah; July 28: Unity the Band and Reggae Horns.

Select Fridays - Music on the Mall

Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, 6:30 p.m., Edgebrookshops.com. July 8: The Surf Band; July 22: H!p Pocket; July 29: Between Planes; Aug. 5: Fred & Ginger; Aug. 12: The Surf Band; Aug. 19: Eddie B Jazz; Aug. 26: After5 Jazz; Sept. 2: The Groove Hotel; Sept. 9: Blue Lightning Band; Sept. 16: Swingbilly Rockford. ❚

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How to Nail Your Outdoor Projects By Anna Girgenti

ummer is the perfect time for outdoor projects, but building a wood deck can be daunting. “When it comes to buying lumber, customers need to know what type of materials they’re looking for and what’s available,” says Mike Rotolo, who handles sales for Schmeling Building Supply, 1031 School St., Rockford. Schmeling is Rockford’s only locally owned lumberyard, founded in 1903 as a small contracting business and carpenter shop. This family-owned business has the services, products, and advice you need for any outdoor or indoor lumber projects. So, what’s the golden rule during the decking process? “Don’t go for price, go for quality. This wood is going to be exposed to weather constantly,” says Rotolo. Schmeling carries lumber that can withstand extreme weather changes. “We tend to carry a higher grade of

material, such as #1KDAT(kiln dried after treatment) Southern Yellow Pine, which takes the retention of chemicals better than other woods,” Rotolo says. “This is material that you can stain and paint immediately.” Many chain lumber stores advise customers to wait months before staining or painting, but the strength and quality of Schmeling’s lumber make the process quicker. Schmeling’s also has a well-equipped shop that can plane, rip, cut and shape material for your projects. After your outdoor project is finished, maintenance is key. “There’s no such thing as maintenance-free decking,” says Rotolo. “Composite decks should be cleaned regularly, wood decks need to be sealed with an oil-based product, such as Penofin. Oil soaks in better than latex paint, which will peel. The oil-based stain should be semi-transparent, not opaque,

and it should be reapplied every 2-3 years.” With Schmeling, your next project may be easier than you think. Schmeling takes special orders and makes quick deliveries for industrial and commercial accounts. “I’ve worked in other lumberyards near Chicago, and many of them schedule deliveries that are days out,” says Rotolo. “We’re all about keeping our customers happy.” Learn more at schmeling.com. ❚

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I  W

The Eyes of God

ne of the remarkable things about the New Testament is the lack of value judgment that its writers make about people, despite the wide mix of cultures around them. To Paul, who penned many of the letters written to the early church, there were two main kinds of people: Those who’d heard the good news of Jesus Christ and those who hadn’t. He knew it was his job to increase the former and reduce the latter, regardless of anyone’s race, religion, gender or social class. Jesus made fellow Jews the focus of his brief ministry, but spent time with a few folks outside the fold, something the Gospel writers carefully noted. He showed great kindness to people shunned, mistrusted or overlooked by society, including children, lepers, disabled people, widows, the mentally deranged, the poverty stricken and �lagrant sinners. He even invited a tax collector to be a disciple. Just before his execution, Jesus told his disciples to take his message to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” Salvation was now open to all. Christ himself was every believer’s new identity. Paul tells Christians in Galatia: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29 NIV) It’s man, not God, who magni�ies our differences. Both Jesus and Paul were students of scripture. They understood and believed what God told Samuel many centuries earlier: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:17 NIV.) ❚ 12

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Simply Sweet Summer Entertaining L

ight, refreshing flavors are the perfect solution for a summer meal. As temperatures heat up, take your summer entertaining to the next level with a secret ingredient that is as pretty as it is tasty. Alone or in a recipe, grapes from California are a deliciously healthy way to bring refreshing flavor to the summertime table. You may be surprised by all of the combinations of flavors and textures you can achieve, from main dishes to sides and even desserts. Impress your guests with this mouthwatering lineup featuring grapes with a grilled flank steak and an unexpectedly sweet but savory sorbet.

Grilled Flank Steak with Grapes and Stilton Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 ﬂank steak (2 pounds) • kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper • 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon chopped shallot • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 bunches (8 cups) watercress, trimmed • 1/2 cup crumbled Stilton or other blue cheese • 2 cups red California grapes, halved

Savory Black Grape Sorbet Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds (4 cups) black California seedless grapes, washed and stemmed • 1/4 cup sugar • 2 tablespoons vodka • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 8 large basil leaves • pinch of salt

Directions: In food processor or blender, puree grapes and sugar until smooth. Pour into small saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until reduced by about one-third, about 15 minutes. Stir in vodka, lemon juice, basil and salt then cool to room temperature.

Pour mixture into shallow pan and freeze until hard, 3-4 hours. Transfer to food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy, and lightened in color. Serve immediately. ❚ -- Source: Family Features

Directions: Heat grill to high and oil grates. Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. In small blender or food processor, combine vinegar, shallot, mustard and olive oil to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper, and puree until smooth. Grill steak until it reaches 130 F for medium-rare, about 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. In large bowl, combine watercress, salt, pepper and enough dressing to coat. Thinly slice steak across the grain and transfer to platter. Top with watercress, Stilton and grapes, and serve with additional dressing.

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Rockford City Market

Every Friday in Downtown Rockford May 20 - September 30 rockfordcitymarket.com Presented by

Experience Downtown Rockford

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The Rockford Plate: A Culinary Journey M

idway Village Museum will present “The Rockford Plate: A Culinary Journey of Early Rockford Immigrants” from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 7, in the museum’s 13-acre Victorian Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. The Rockford Plate Gala will transport guests to 1900-era Rockford and a village neighborhood that has opened its homes for one night so that visitors can explore the cuisine of six of Rockford’s ethnic immigrant groups. Immigrant homes will feature food, music, traditional clothing, education displays, decorations and actors portraying actual Rockford immigrants. Guests are then invited to the Main Street Celebration for live music, dancing, dessert and more. Guests to The Rockford Plate will arrive at the Rockford train station in the year 1900 and stroll through the Victorian Village to meet immigrants who live there. The neighbors will open their

doors so you can taste dishes prepared in ways that are representative of their home countries. Music By Trinadora Trio and the 2015 Chicago Music Award Winner Eric Lambert Bluegrass Band will be performed. A culinary-themed silent auction will take place and a memento gift will be given to all guests. Signature drinks will be available for purchase. Here’s a preview of the food and drink: Italian: Pasta Carbonara. Signature Drink: Lemoncello Lemonade with Birra Peroni; Swedish: Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes, Lingonberries. Signature Drink: Lingonberry Beer; AfricanAmerican: Hoppin’ Johns Black-eyed Peas, Candied Yams, Fried Chicken and Corn Bread.Signature Drink: Tangerine Sweet Tea with Van Dear Hum Liquor and Fresh Fruit Garnish. Polish: Pierogi, Smoked Sausage, Sauerkraut and Rye

Bread. Signature Drink: Zubrowka Vodka and Apple Juice. Latino: Tacos, Rice, Beans. Signature Drink: Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita. Irish: Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables. Signature Drink: Bushmill Irish Whiskey Ginger Beer and Lime The cost of the event is $50 per person. The event will take place rain or shine. Dress is business casual – wear comfortable walking shoes. To learn more or RSVP, call (815) 397-9112, ext. 109. ❚

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Mud Volleyball Continued from Cover

This year, more than 300 teams are expected to compete for a first place trophy, with the goal of raising $50,000 for the regional epilepsy foundation, which serves people in Iowa and Nebraska, and in North Central Illinois, including the counties of Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Henry, Jo Daviess, Fulton, Henderson, Knox, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Marshall, McDonough, Mercer, Ogle, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Stephenson, Warren, Whiteside, and Winnebago. A team made up of patrons from Buster’s Bar and Grill in Loves Park has won the championship two years in a row. Annette Halbrader was on the winning team both years and has played in the fundraiser for many years. “I just love volleyball,” she says. “It’s a great sport and playing in the mud just adds another level of challenge to the game. It’s so different than playing on

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sand or a hard court. You can’t move as well, you get really messy, and you are playing with people of all levels on the same team. And it’s for a good cause.” Admission is to the event is free. Money raised comes from the $200 entry fee for each team. Every year, more than 1,000 people will turn out to enjoy the competition, pre-game activities, and food. This year’s vendors include beer from Poison Ivy Sports Bar in Roscoe, food from Rookies Pub and Grill in Rockton, tacos from Tinez Tacos of DeKalb, and Italian Ice & More of Roscoe. The day of fun and food is all about raising funds and awareness about a serious illness. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by reoccurring seizures. There’s no cure, but symptoms can be treated with medication. About 250,000 people suffer from the disease in the state of Illinois and it kills about 50,000 Americans each year. “About 70 percent of the time the cause of epilepsy is unknown,” says

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Slack. “However, epilepsy can occur after a head injury or an illness that produces a high fever. Symptoms can present themselves at any time in life.” Epilepsy is far more prevalent than most people think it is, says Slack. “With some education and understanding, most of these individuals can carry out their lives in a usual manner.” Epilepsy affects about 65 million people worldwide and about one in 26 individuals in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some time in their lives. About one-third of people with the disease have seizures that can’t be controlled by medicine; many others suffer from severe side effects of medication. A large part of the foundation’s work is to train and educate people. “There are about 40 types of seizures and they all look different,” says Slack. “Not everyone falls down and goes into convulsions.” Some people just stare and look like they’re daydreaming, during a seizure. Others are mobile, but unresponsive. Symptoms of an epileptic seizure can

R  O R

be misdiagnosed and are often confused with drug and alcohol abuse. Some people get a warning, before seizures, but others don’t, Slack says. “Some people are not aware they are having a seizure, while it’s happening, but then they wake up and realize something happened. They may not know they had a seizure, but their body is sore, they’re overly exhausted, or they have injured themselves, evidenced by a bruise or cut,” he says. There are many treatment options, with advances being made all the time in medicines and surgery to combat symptoms.

Money for research aims to bring about even more treatment options and help professionals battle the social side of the disease. “We need to educate police, firefighters, teachers, nurses and others to recognize the symptoms and know how to help,” Slack says. Mary Orlandi, who serves on the foundation’s board of directors, has an adult daughter who was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was two years old. She has benefited from medicines, surgery, and has an implant that sends an electrical impulse to the brain to “short circuit” the seizure, Orlandi explains. “It’s been very hard for both of us, but we’ve become stronger people and I am an advocate of educating people as much as I can,” she says. If you ever come upon a person having a seizure, don’t panic, she says. “Just be with them and make sure

there is nothing around that can hurt them. Once they come out of it and can talk, ask if they feel okay. Don’t put anything in the person’s mouth. A person will not swallow their tongue during a seizure. That’s a myth. If the person gets hurt or doesn’t come out of a seizure right away, call 911,” she says. The idea for the mud volleyball fundraiser evolved from a laughing matter into a serious endeavor that has stood the test of time. A friend of a former foundation director had played volleyball in the rain and quipped it would be a great idea for a fundraiser. And so it began. The hope is that some spectators will be inspired to participate in future events. “We want people to see how fun it is to play in the mud and be on a team for another fundraiser,” Slack says. Although the majority of players return each year, about 30 percent of the competitors are new. Sign up to participate or learn more at roscoemudvolleyball.com or call (815) 964-2689. ❚

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What You Should Know About Eye Floaters P art of smart living is taking good care of our bodies, including our eyesight. Here, Dr. Richard A. Miller, board-certified opthalmologist and owner of Miller Eye Center, 2995 Eastrock Dr., Rockford, answers questions about eyesight.

the middle-age years, often forming minute debris within the eye. Floaters are also more often noticed in people who are nearsighted (myopic), and those who have had cataract or Yttrium Argon Garnet (YAG) laser surgery.

Exactly What are Eye Floaters? Floaters are actually cellular debris within the vitreous, the jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. They may be seen as strings, streaks, clouds, bugs, dots, dust, or spider webs. They appear to be in front of the eye, but they are really floating in this fluid and, at the same time, casting their shadows on the retina, the light-sensing inner layer of the eye. The debris could be made up of blood, torn retinal tissue, inflammation, or vitreous scars, but the presence of floaters could also simply be a change in the vitreous as part of its normal aging. The vitreous fluid degenerates during

How Are Floaters Diagnosed? Floaters are usually nothing to worry about, being simply a result of the normal aging process. Most people will develop a prominent floater in their fifties to sixties. Nevertheless, it is recommended you see an eye specialist, as floaters could be associated with a serious eye disease such as retinal detachment. The vitreous covers the retina surface, and sometimes the retina is torn when degenerating vitreous is pulled away. This occasionally leads to a small amount of bleeding, which may be interpreted as a new cluster of darker floaters. A torn retina is serious and

could possibly develop into a retinal detachment. Consequently, any new floaters that appear should be seen and evaluated by a doctor. What Is the Treatment for Floaters? Though floaters can interfere with reading and be quite bothersome, there is no treatment or cure for floaters. They may, however, slowly fade out over time. In the meantime, if a floater appears, you can move your eyes up and down, which may cause the vitreous fluid to shift and help the floater move out of the line of vision. ❚

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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

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” July 6-9, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. An eccentric inventor sets about restoring an old racecar with the help of his children. They soon Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car from himself. Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rvcstarlight.com. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Winneshiek Children’s Theater Workshop July 7-24, Mon.-Fri. 2-4:30 p.m. Children ages 9-13 don’t need acting experience to join this workshop covering the ins and outs of theater. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org. "What Were They Thinking?" July 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Time-travel back to the 1890s to discover the wacky and amazing inventions from this time period. Interactive stations throughout the village help you explore thoughts behind the inventions and popular practices during this era. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillagemuseum.com. Concerts on the Creek: Michael Johnathon July 9, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy music from Michael Johnathon, a Kentucky folksinger-songwriter. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org. Su Bella presents Dance, Stroke ‘N Glow July 9, 3-6 p.m. Enjoy a class designed to educate children on the concept of abstract art. Kids are introduced to a drip glow-in-the-dark painting and create their own Jackson Pollock-influenced art. A kid-friendly dance party follows. The Nordlof Center, 118 N Main St., Rockford, (815) 316-0093, su-bella.com. FAM: Outside the Box July 11-15, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Children ages 7-13 are welcome to attend Freeport Art Museum’s summer art camp, devoted to learning, creativity and fun. Explore the traditional and unusual in the studio and galleries at Freeport Art Museum. Dress for mess and bring a snack. Freport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Country duo Maddie & Tae perform July 6 at 8 p.m. at the Stephenson County Fair, which goes from July 6-10 at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds.

AJG: Liz Longley July 12, 5:45 p.m., doors 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens concert series. Liz Longley’s voice and tone are touched with the slightest country inflections. Refreshments available. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 218 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. Rockford Town Fair July 6-10, Wed. 6-10 p.m., Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. This new ﬁve-day family-friendly event features a full midway complete with rides, games and great “fair” food and drinks. Enjoy live performances from both legendary and upand-coming country and rock musicians. Rockford Speedway, Loves Park. Ill., (815) 399-2233, rockfordtownfair.com. Stephenson County Fair July 6-10. Enjoy a 4-H youth and family night, a musical performance by country duo Maddie & Tae, truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby, more. Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport, (815) 235-2918, stephensoncountyfair.org. Discovery Center Museum: Frozen July 8, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Create sparkling snowﬂakes, toss snowballs, paint with ice, make a glittering snow globe, build a blue castle and enjoy a frosty treat. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. ❚

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July 6

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.” Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past. The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel. As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch. Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available. All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak. Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.” Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

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. $. 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. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. 28

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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. $-$$. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. Thrive Café E Healthful, fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park. 6 am-8 pm Mon-Fri.; 8 am-2 pm Sat.; Closed Sundays. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. ❚

July 6 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Arturo’s

rturo’s at 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., is run by Arturo Torres, who learned to cook authentic Mexican food in Guadalajara, Mexico. He uses only fresh, from-scratch ingredients. Fan favorites include tacos, fajitas, 10 Finger Burritos and enchilada dinners. American dishes include steaks, burgers, chicken wings and seafood plates. There’s also an expanding selection of domestic and imported beers, and, of course, the house margarita. Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 7 a.m., with 12 to 15 authentic Mexican options like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, juevos tirados and huevos con chorizos, along with American fare. Arturo’s expects to open a rooftop beer garden by the end of 2017. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. ❚

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July 6

Y O

Fresh Food, Friendly Faces at River Market By Anna Girgenti

espite a rough start ﬁve years ago, the Rockton River Market has become a cherished tradition for residents of Rockton and surrounding areas. Patricia Diduch, planning and development administrator for the Village of Rockton, has witnessed the River Market’s exponential growth. “Originally, the market was in a church parking lot, and it didn’t have much success there,” Diduch says. “The market now takes place in Settler’s Park in downtown Rockton, where hundreds of people crowd each Wednesday night. This is the fourth summer that there’s been music, and that attracts a lot of people.” The market’s weekly concerts aren’t the only attraction. A wide range of food and goods sold by vendors fill the market each summer. One such vendor is The Wild Rhubarb Eatery & Bakery, owned

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by Susan Wheeler. “Our purpose is twofold,” says Wheeler. “We want to support the local economy, but we also want to support locally grown fresh food. The market is the perfect place for that. The market offers plenty of great locally made food, from local businesses like Mark’s Pizza, Rookie’s Pub & Grill, Fibs Supper Club and Lulu’s Roasted Corn. Perhaps the best part of the market is the hometown atmosphere. “I live in Roscoe and, as an artist, it’s important for me to get out and meet people in the community and learn from them,” says Jill Rae of Jill Rae Finally Art. For her, the market isn’t about publicity or income; it’s all about spending time with local people. Last summer, she met other artists at the market, including Gail Anderson Clay Artist and Geri Cook of Softplace Lifestyles. “I sat right next

July 6 To advertise call 815-316-2300

to a farmer selling these beautiful sunflowers, and I was so inspired. I’ve been painting sunflowers ever since.” The busy Rockton River Market is evidence of this community’s passion for good food, music, shopping, and fellowship. The market will continue from now through August, every Wednesday night from 4-8 p.m. in Settler’s Park. Learn more at rocktonrivermarket.com. ❚

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July 6

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July 6 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Are You Paying Too Much for Tech? By Peggy Werner

t’s easy to complain about prices, especially when paying for what you don’t need or want. EZ Satellite & Wireless, a family-owned business at 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, is aiming to change that for local customers. The business is an authorized dish network retailer and is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint. “People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company. I can help people save money by finding out what they need and paying only for those services, having the best from each company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless. Zambrano opened his business in 2011, in Roscoe, and in May moved to

a larger, more visible location in Loves Park, with a new bill-paying center as an added service. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people acquire cable services. About 80 percent of Zambrano’s business is working with residential customers, and the remainder is commercial. He services homes and businesses in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, he decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “It get’s very confusing. People end up unhappy because they’re driven by price and don’t really know what they’re getting,” he says. EZ Satellite and Wireless offers custom-tailored packages for each customer. The person who lives in a rural area

and is limited by what services are available has a whole different situation than the couple with five kids, with everyone on the internet and their own cell phones, and a television in every room. “I find out what people need before they sign up for anything. Instead of shopping around, I can show you all the options. We’re in the business of providing solutions,” he says. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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July 6

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July 6 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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