Smart Living Weekly - July 29, 2015

e Se

o n pl Ex ow t wn Do

iving n g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly &

9

re

ge pa

rd fo ck Ro

op Sh

Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • July 29, 2015

™

Right in Our Region

Summer Fun at Magic Waters

By Peggy Werner

W

hether you want the thrill of high speed ride or some relaxation under the shade of a private cabana, you’ll find it at the awardwinning water park that emphasizes both fun and safety.

Zack McIntyre, director of Magic Waters and Aquatics for the Rockford Park District, says the staff is always in the process of updating and renovating Illinois’ second-largest water park.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Fire Up Your Metabolism • All About Eye Floaters • ArtsPlace Exhibit Kitchen Makeover on a Budget • What Should Car Repairs Cost? • Lucha Cantina

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

June 10

3

4

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Magic Waters Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 No Matter What Your Kitchen .....................................................15 5 Foods to Fire Up Your Metabolism Your Outing ........................................................17 ArtsPlace Youths to Show Their Work Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 All About Eye Floaters Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Luchas Cantina Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Avoid the Bed Bug Blues!

Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 How Much Should Routine Car Repairs Cost?

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 Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2015 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.

6

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Still Making a Splash

M

agic Waters is yet one more gem in the Rockford region’s crown. Believe it or not, most cities don’t have anything like this water park. In fact, last I checked, about 64 percent of its visitors came from outside the Rockford Park District, mostly from the Chicago suburbs. It’s not uncommon to find folks there from Wisconsin and Iowa, too.

It’s always good when out-of-town dollars are spent here. Magic Waters, which is in Cherry Valley, is well positioned for success because of its surrounding population of 2.2 million within a 25-to-50-mile radius.

That’s my grown-up comment on Magic Waters. The more important thing is that it’s a really fun place for family outings. My son and daughter loved going there, when they were little. (It’s where they first discovered ice cream Dippin’ Dots, which impressed them even more than the giant slides.

They’ve always been a little odd.)

Some of us remember a time before there was a Magic Waters. The park opened as a private venture in 1984; Rockford Park District took over operations in 1988, with the idea of running it as a self-supporting entity. This is no small task.

At any given moment, when the park is open, there are about 50 lifeguards on duty.

The safety record of Magic Waters is nationally recognized as one of the best. An important achievement like that doesn’t happen by chance, but by solid training and good management.

One thing eludes management’s control, however: Weather. Thanks to Mother Nature, the park loses money some years; other years it puts some away in the bank.

Park leaders have tweaked many things, from food vendor service to hours of operation and length of season, to save money, over the years. But they don’t compromise on safety.

If you haven’t splashed around at Magic Waters lately, grab your Coppertone and go. Summer’s flying by! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

7

8

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Experience Downtown Rockford

10

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Y H  G

Kitchens: Small Changes Make a Big Impact

By Peggy Werner

R

educing the cost and time spent on a kitchen remodel, while providing top-quality products and service, and 92-plus years of homebuilding experience, is the aim of Affordable Kitchens

by Gambino.

Owner Frank Gambino says Affordable Kitchens focuses on small and mid-size kitchen remodels that range from $8,000 to $20,000. Most projects can be completed in one to two days.

“Most of our customers have lived in their homes for 10 years or more,” he says. “They’re not looking to sell right now, but it’s in the back of their minds.

They just need to update their kitchen and make it look better.”

Many people shy away from remodeling because of the expense and time involved, but Affordable Kitchens offers a streamlined process, says Gambino.

“The whole process is handled through our company, including measuring, consultation, designing, removal

and installation,” he says. “Some homeowners save even more money by doing some of the work themselves.”

Affordable Kitchens offers quality cabinets in oak, maple, birch and cherry, with plywood construction and solid wood dovetail drawers with a custom soft close. It also offers granite and Formica countertops, tile and wood flooring. Highly experienced installers perform the work; both labor and products are guaranteed.

The business has filled a niche and people are responding, says Gambino.

In 2014, Gambino completed twice as many kitchen remodels than in the first year of operation; in the first half of 2015, as many projects were completed as in the entire year of 2014.

When the new and existing housing market slowed, former customers were calling Gambino to have their homes

remodeled, so he decided it was time to get into the remodeling business.

Because of his longtime association with people in the homebuilding business, he was able to pull together all the parts that were needed to create a business to meet the growing demand.

“While Gambino was building new homes, we were also designing kitchens for those homes and customers,” says Gambino. “We have built thousands of kitchens over the years.” ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

11

I  W

No Matter What

T

he Bible is full of verses that tell us all things are possible with God. Yet we’ve all been disappointed by unanswered prayers. Why? Many Christians have grappled with that question and concluded this: We don’t really understand God and never will, in this life. We can’t comprehend Him. But to give up just because we see only a tiny fraction of what He sees, is foolish.

“Ye have not because ye ask not,” says James 4:2-3.

Paul addresses this in his first letter to the believers at Corinth: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Corinthians 13:12) When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death, resurrection and the arrival of holy spirit, he encouraged them to bring their requests to God in his name.

“And in that day you will ask me no question. Truly, truly, I say unto you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:23-27) Praying to God, both to praise Him and to ask for what we need, is always a good thing to do. How should we do it?

Jesus provided an example. Notice how his prayer asks God for God’s will to be done in our lives; praises God; acknowledges God as the master of Heaven and Earth; and acknowledges our need for God’s forgiveness – something God later gives to us when Jesus is raised from the dead. Finally, Jesus asks God for protection from Satan.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13) Our prayers aren’t always answered in the way we wish. But we pray anyway. No matter what. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Y K

Foods to Fire Up Your Metabolism W

hen it comes to a fast metabolism, some people seem to have hit the genetic jackpot. Luckily, your metabolism doesn’t solely depend on factors out of your control such as genetics, age, or gender. Modifying your exercise habits and making wiser food choices are two ways anyone can achieve a faster metabolism and a smaller waistline.

Increased physical activity affects the metabolism more than anything else.

Before you opt to take the stairs over the elevator, though, make sure you are fueling your body with foods will give you long-lasting energy to help you move more and burn more calories.

“When making changes to your diet, aim to eat an energy-revving complex carbohydrate with a nutrient-rich protein,” says personal trainer and registered dietitian Lyssie Lakatos, who works alongside her sister, Tammy Lakatos Shames. “For example, we recommend pairing oatmeal with a healthy protein like Eggland’s Best eggs. Compared to ordinary eggs, EB eggs contain the same amount of protein with only 60 calories, aiding in fat loss; more nutrients like omega-3s, contributing to satiety and weight loss; and vitamin B12 which assists in producing energy to power metabolism” Here are some foods The Nutrition Twins recommend to help boost your metabolism:

Berries Berries, such as blackberries and strawberries, taste great and contain the phytochemical known as Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). Research shows C3G aids in the production of both adiponectin, which enhances fat metabolism, and leptin, which suppresses appetite.

Find nutritious recipes like as this one at egglandsbest.com or pinterest. com/egglandsbest.

Wake-up Sunnyside Pineapple Berry Oatmeal (Serves 2) Ingredients 2 Eggland’s Best eggs 2 cups water 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (optional) 1/2 cup sliced strawberries 1/2 cup blackberries 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, cut in chunks

1. Bring water to a boil in small pan.

2. Add oats and reduce heat. Stir. Sim-

mer for about 5 minutes or until oats are tender.

3. While oats are simmering, spritz a small pan with oil in a spray container. Heat over medium heat and add Eggland’s Best eggs. Cook until white is set and yolk is still soft (not cooked through) about 3 minutes.

4. When oatmeal is tender, add almond milk (if using) and stir.

5. Divide oatmeal evenly in two bowls and mix in fruit.

6. Top each bowl of oatmeal and berries with an egg. Enjoy! ❚ (Source: BPT)

Fine Oils, Vinegars, & Now Spices!

Eggs The satiating and blood sugar stabilizing protein found in eggs helps keep you full and extends the power boost from carbohydrates like oats. Chose Eggland’s Best eggs over ordinary eggs because they provide three times more vitamin B12, a nutrient that assists the body in creating energy, as well as double the omega-3s which stimulate leptin, a hormone that increases feelings of fullness.

Oats The complex carbohydrates in oats fuel your brain and your body. Without them, your metabolism will suffer because you’ll have very little energy to be active and burn calories. Oats are also fiberfilled which helps extend energy levels.

6332 E. Riverside Blvd. Loves Park, IL 328 East State Street Rockford, IL Hours: Mon–Fri 11-7p Sat 11-6p Sun 12-4p

815-904-6120 theoliveoilexperience.com

5 OFF

$

$20 Purchase

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May not be combined with other offers. Exp. 8/12/15

July 29

15

B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P R E I M E R P E TH

R E Y A L P H C I WH ?

U O Y E AR WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU? “Green” is an Emerald’s middle name.

When he arrives, they know his name and how to treat this MVP. Learn more about our five-tier player’s club, featuring the best gaming and

Smart Living Weekly Julysmoke-free 29 16 amenities in the Midwest, now with more areas!

Y O

Support Young ArtsPlace Artists Aug. 7, 8 & 9 T he Rockford Area Arts Council’s 21st summer youth apprenticeship program began on June 29 in downtown Rockford. ArtsPlace is for aspiring artists between 14 and 18 years old. The youths work under the direction of professional artists to create art to sell; they also perform for the public.

Proceeds earned from tickets and art sales are divided equally among the youths who successfully complete the program. Since 1995, more than 1,000 youths have benefited from ArtsPlace apprenticeships.

This year, ArtsPlace teams are led by professional artists Bruce McDonald (print-mixed media), Adrienne Anderson (mixed media), Maya Simmons (visual art), Penna Broman and Nathan Davis (performance art) and Rockford Dance Company staff (dance). Sites include Mendelssohn Hall and Rockford Dance Company.

ArtsPlace meets Monday through Friday and the public is invited to visit from 1-3:30 p.m. to view teams at work.

The culmination of this year’s ArtsPlace program will highlight the finished work of the apprentices in an art exhibit, sale and collaborative performance. The ArtsPlace Visual Arts Team will present a visual arts show on Friday, Aug. 7, from 7-9 p.m. at Mendelssohn Hall. The ArtsPlace Dance and Performance Arts Teams will present “Me” & Facing Dafeet: Purpose Realized on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

The mission of the Arts Council is to support, promote and develop the arts for everyone. ArtsPlace was created to give youth from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds that opportunity. ArtsPlace is supported with grants from many local organizations. ❚

ArtsPlace Finale Visual Art Show

Aug. 7, 7-9 p.m. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford Admission is free and original works of art will be available for purchase

"Me" & Facing Dafeet: Purpose Realized

Featuring the ArtsPlace Dance & Performing Arts Teams Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 9, 3 p.m.

Riverfront Museum Park, Kresge Hall, 711 N. Main St. Tickets $10 For info., call RAAC at (815) 963-6765 Order tickets online at artsforeveryone.com

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

17

SAVE

$ Open 24 hours on the web

Ends July 31st

Find us on Facebook

100** 100

on purchases over $599 with coupon

SAVE $

SAVE $

100*

Available in three colors!

Larkinhurst 3 Peice Set Sofa, Loveseat, Recliner. Was $2179

100*

On Sale

1999

SAVE $

100*

609

Lexie Cobblestone Sofa

SAVE $

1099

Krinden Table & 4 Chairs

COUPON

100*

1799 Greenwich Sofa. Reg. 2499

Save $100 on purchases over $599 with coupon!

SAVE

Mon & Fri 10am-8pm | Tues-Thur 10am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 12-5pm

$

* Save $100 on purchases over $599 with coupon.

Not applicable on Tempur- Pedic and iSeries, clearance items, Bargain Basement or the Oops Room. Coupon cannot be combined with other offers.

Not valid for cash. Prior sales exempt. See store for details.

Offer expires July 31, 2015 at 8 PM

100* with this coupon*

S U M M E R S AV IN G S SAL E

THERE’S NO CREDIT CHECK YOU PAY AS YOU GO PAY IN PERSON,

BY PHONE OR ONLINE Photos for illustration only.

Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

w

SAVE

$

100** 100

on purchases over $599 with coupon

Ends July 31st

Mon & Fri 10am-8pm | Tues-Thur 10am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 12-5pm

SAVE $

100*

1199

Fairplay Mahogany Sectional

SAVE

198 Rambler

$

100*

Recliner Was 350

398

Norton Recliner Was 480

599 Coaster Carlton Queen Bed, Dresser, Mirror

Buy a King for

Furniture

Bypass 20

receive a

FREE

boxspring

I-90

Rock River North Main

Gu sta fson 's

179 FREE 298 Buy a Queen for

Riverside Blvd

FREE BOXSPRING SALE

receive

boxsprings

www.gustafsonfurniture.com | 815.636.8608 | 808 W. Riverside, Rockford, IL

R  O R

Magic Waters Continued from Cover

“Our No. 1 priority is to make sure we take care of what we already have,” says McIntyre. “When we do make changes, we either look to renovate or offer more modern amenities people want, as we did a few years ago, adding the Double Dare Drop and Wi-Fi. We’re always looking at ways to make our park better.”

This year, the south bath houses were renovated; shade chalets were added; weekday general admission prices were reduced for residents and weekend prices increased slightly. Wednesday is bargain day, with $12 admission at the gate only.

“We needed to do some fee increases, but made changes only during primetime usage and when people didn’t have to take off work to use the park,” he says.

Weather can be the park’s best friend or worst enemy. With the state’s wettest June on record, attendance was down compared to last year. However, an ideal

20

Smart Living Weekly

July 4 weekend brought in 3,500 more visitors this year than last.

The park is scheduled as open 89 days of the year, but expects to close about 14 percent of the time due to weather.

The water park closes only if the temperature is below 70 degrees and there’s a 70 percent or more chance of rain. If the park has to close once it’s open, visitors are given a pass to return another day. If the park won’t open at all that day, officials announce this by 7:30 a.m. on magicwaterspark.com, on Facebook and via the phone number at (815) 969-4079.

Magic Waters draws big crowds when temperatures reach the mid-80s or above. On cooler days, visitors can enjoy shorter waiting lines at the attractions.

Magic Waters sits on 43 acres and features 10 major attractions. There are water slides, the state’s largest wave pool, sand volleyball, two fountains, six food buildings and a gift shop.

The biggest attraction at Magic Waters is Illinois’s largest wave pool, Tsu-

July 29

nami Bay, filled with more than 700,000 gallons of heated water. It moves like ocean waves, sometimes reaching heights of up to six feet, and other times moving in a calm and relaxing way.

The Double Dare Drop is the newest large attraction, added in 2012, for people who love speed. Each slide drops riders 75 feet, making it the steepest slide in our area and the tallest attraction at the park.

Typhoon Terror is a high-flying tube ride for up to four riders. Splash Blaster lets visitors board a two-person raft at ground level, make a slow climb through a dark tunnel, and then plunge 35 feet to the finish. If you’re afraid of the dark, you might want to take a friend with you when you brave one of the two dark tunnels of The Abyss, where you’ll twist and turn until you burst through the finish line to see daylight.

Relax and cool off when you grab a tube and float down Splash Magic River.

Let your worries float away while you soak up the sun and enjoy fun moments

R  O R along the 1,200-foot river pool. Tropical Twisters starts five stories above the water park and then sends you splashing, twisting, and careening your way down to the bottom of the slide on nothing but a thin layer of water. Grab a tube (single or double) and climb to the top of the stairs for an adventurous ride that picks up speed on the Paradise Pipelines.

Tiki Island is an interactive water complex for kids of all ages. The area features interactive water toys, four water slides, beach lounge chairs, shade umbrellas and a 1,000-gallon pineapple bucket of water for splashing guests. Little Lagoon is a place for the park’s youngest guests to splash, go down slides, get soaked under a fountain or just float on a raft, while parents keep watch from a relaxing area nearby.

With numerous awards to its credit, Magic Waters is most proud of its safety record and customer satisfaction awards.

“We pride ourselves on being a safe facility for customers,” says McIntyre.

Magic Waters lifeguards go through a rigorous 30-hour training when hired, regardless of other experience. They shadow experienced lifeguards at every post in the park before going out on their own. The park employs about 150 lifeguards each summer, with 50 on duty at any given time.

“One of the biggest things they train for at our park is the variety of areas they have to watch,” says McIntyre. “At a regular pool, there’s only a still body of water. At Magic Waters, every body of water has some unique movement and guards need to know what to look for and how to respond quickly.”

With so many things competing for people’s attention, Magic Waters is outstanding in many ways.

“One of the unique things that sets us apart from other area attractions is that we don’t charge for parking and people can bring in their own coolers with food and drink,” says McIntyre.

Special packages are offered for families and groups, private parties, birthday parties and through Coconut Club, a discount opportunity for businesses and organizations to use as a way to thank their employees and customers. Fast passes also are available for a couple of the most popular rides, Splash Blaster and Double Dare Drop.

The park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, through Aug. 23, and on the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Y H

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.

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 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.

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. ❚

Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

25

26

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Y F

The Lone Canary July 29, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace concert series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, (815) 987- 8858.

Starlight Theatre: “Young Frankenstein: The Musical” July 29-Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Enjoy all of your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new, show-stopping numbers for the stage, including “Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

The Basin Street Boys July 30, 6:30 p.m. Dixieland jazz. Historic Monroe Square, 1016 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis. downtownmonroe.org.

American English Beatles Tribute July 30, 7 p.m. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Sinnissippi Park, Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Festa Italiana July 31, Aug. 1-2, Fri. 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. noon-8:30 p.m.

Authentic Italian food, music & folk dancing; carnival; kids’ activities. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford.

Info: (815) 636-2902, griaa.com.

“101 Dalmatians” July 31, dusk. In this Disney animated classic, Cruella De Vil seeks to kidnap a family of puppies to make a fur coat.

Free. Friday Night Flix, Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Art in the Garden: Joie de Vivre Aug. 1, 6 p.m. Renoir’s iconic painting, “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” inspires this year’s theme. Benefit for Rockford Art Museum at private La Paloma Gardens, 3622 Brookview Road, Rockford, (815) 399-0324, lapalomagardens.com.

Our region’s Italian-Americans will celebrate their ancestry during the annual Festa Italiana, July 31 through Aug. 2, on the grounds of Boylan High School, in Rockford.

SongSisters Aug. 1, 7-9 p.m. Food and soft beverages for sale. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext.

103, springcreekucc.org.

rock. Opening Act: Derek Luttrell. Food and beverages for sale, picnics OK but no carry-in beverages. $5 non-members.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. What’s considered one of the world’s most popular and best-selling tributes to this 1970s Swedish import takes the stage with as much flair as the original. Ferro Pavilion, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., musicbythelake. com.

Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Sounds of Summer concert series. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, Rockford.

Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Swiss Volksfest Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m. Swiss Independence Day celebration. Tell Shooting Park, County O, New Glarus, Wis., (608) 328-1838, greencounty.org.

Disc Golf Tournament Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open disc golf tournament. Sponsored by Janesville Leisure Services and Lifetime Disc Golf. Register through iRegisteredOnline.com. Lustig Park, 1500 River View Dr., Janesville, Wis., (608) 757-3171, janesvillecvb.com.

Evenings in the Garden: Miles Nielsen Aug. 4, 5:45 p.m. This Rockford native plays a rich sound that seamlessly blends alternative, country, soul, folk, pop and

Jim Gaffigan: Contagious Aug. 4, 7 p.m. The Grammy-nominated comedian is best known for his Comedy Central specials and best-selling books such as Dad is Fat. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Potts and Pans Aug. 5, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace concert series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, (815) 987- 8858.

Bun E. Carlos & The Monday Night Band Aug. 6, 7 p.m. The Cheap Trick legend returns. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Sinnissippi Park, Rockford.

Rockfordparkdistrict.org. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

27

28

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Fresh & From-Scratch at Lucha Cantina

By Peggy Werner

L

ucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, at Edgebrook, is a Mexican restaurant with a very fresh twist.

Most everything on the menu is made from scratch, using premium ingredients like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken.

The salsas, dressings and sauces are made in-house daily and gluten-free and vegan items are identified on the menu. Even the cocktails are made with fresh fruit and juices; you’ll find no artificially flavored syrups here. And the selection of craft beers are mostly made by local brewers.

The menu features enchiladas, quesadillas, steaks, fish, chiles rellenos, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, a kids menu, a $9 lunch menu, chips, salsa and sweets. The only items not homemade are the tortillas, chicken tenders and sweet potato fries.

“We’ll make anything to order, if we have the ingredients,” says Shane Johnson, manager. “Our mission is to deliver a unique dining and drink experience for people, while helping to make Rockford a better place.”

Lucha Cantina is owned by Josh Binning, who modeled it after three restaurants in Colorado that are owned by a friend.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Appetizers include nachos loaded with fresh vegetables and cheese, with the option of adding a meat and/or salsa topping. Seven homemade salsas range from mild to extra spicy.

Taco favorites include the Wahoo Fish Taco, built with cole slaw, spinach, guacamole, Pepper Jack cheese and cilantro dill sauce. A pulled pork taco is topped with freshly diced onion, olive Owner Josh Binning blend, spinach, sour cream and cheese.

Among the featured burritos is the Killer Kilo, with pork, chicken, beef, rice and beans, spinach, cabbage, onion, sour cream and cheese. The Surf and Turf taco is made with Wahoo fish, shredded beef, rice, cheese, spinach, cabbage, onion, sour cream and a cilantro dill sauce.

Lucha Cantina is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. ❚

(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. $$.

In the Spotlight

Josef Barbados E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. D Mon.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.; Bar opens daily at 4 p.m. 6860 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. $$.

Cannova’s

Main Street Bistro E Upscale-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. $$.

Café Fromage E Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatMerrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Sun 8am-5pm. $.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm.

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

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

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Pearl Bistro E Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., ByPrairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

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

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

C

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough.

House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

29

Double your fun this summer with

Double Rewards

ve don’t ha rd? dit ca our cre

! w o N y l App

on MACU VISA Platinum Rewards credit card purchases August 1 -31 ! *

low interest rate • no annual fee REWARDS program & more!*

Visit us online or at any of our 5 locations

Your deposits are insured to $250,000 per account.

This institution is not federally insured.

30

Smart Living Weekly

*Some restrictions apply. Double points good on purchases made Aug. 1-31, 2015 only. Must be MembersAlliance VISA credit card holder in good standing. Visit membersalliance.org

July 29

T  I

Bed Bug Blues W

arm weather is ideal for travel, but it’s also the time people are most likely to bring home unwanted “guests.”

New research from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky’s biennial Bugs Without Borders survey finds that bed bugs are spreading through train, bus and taxi transportation (up 8 percent); retail stores (up 5 percent); movie theaters (up 6 percent); and outpatient facilities (up 7 percent). To ensure your summer vacation is memorable for all the right reasons, NPMA suggests the following.

• Look before you sleep. Set any belongings on a luggage rack upon entry in to a hotel room, and then use a flash light to thoroughly inspect your bed. Pull back the headboard to check behind it for bed bugs, and then pull back the sheets to look for blood spots. Check all corners of the mattress and box spring. Inspect sheets again in the morning for blood spots, as bed bugs tend to defecate shortly after feeding.

• If you find bed bugs in your hotel room and need to change rooms, be sure that you are not moved in to a room that is adjacent to or directly above or below the suspected infestation. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike on housekeeping carts, luggage and even through sockets in the wall.

• Clean up. After returning home, inspect suitcases before bringing them in to the house and vacuum luggage thoroughly before moving it in to storage. For additional protection, use a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, killing any bed bugs or eggs that may have hitched a ride home. Wash all of the clothes you brought on vacation in the hottest water the fabric can withstand to prevent any stray bed bugs from making their way in to your drawers or closet. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

31

e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

This Week’s Giveaway

Winner To Be Announced August 5 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $50 Gift Card Prairie Street Brewhouse

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

32

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

Y M

What Should Car Repairs Cost?

O

n average, drivers spend nearly $1,000 per year maintaining their cars, and that number climbs as a car ages, says Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com executive editor.

“Even more important, a recent survey by Cars.com and Toluna found that one in three drivers don’t trust that the prices mechanics quote to them are fair,” he says.

Here are a few expert tips, resources and busted myths to arm you with the information you need to make informed, confident decisions about car service.

You probably don’t need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Due to technology advancements, many car manufacturers recommend changing oil at intervals of 7,500 miles or more for new cars.

2. Does a dirty air filter really hurt performance? A clogged air filter won’t significantly affect fuel economy, but it

can reduce acceleration from 6 to 11 percent, according to a U.S. Department of Energy Study. For that reason, it’s a good idea to periodically visually check the engine air filter.

3. Drivers expect the tires that come with their new vehicles to last a long time, but tire life depends on many factors, including the quality of the tire, its treadwear rating, whether it is an all-season, summer performance or winter tire, the type of vehicle and where and how it is driven.

4. Service engine? If the check engine light comes on and has a steady illumination, that indicates a possibly serious issue, and it should be dealt with quickly by a mechanic. If the check engine light is flashing, find a place to park the vehicle and turn the engine off as quickly as you safely can. Ignoring your check engine light increases the likelihood of additional problems.

5. Cars.com has launched a new “Service & Repair” feature that provides a fair price estimate for different types of service, helping to ensure drivers never overpay. The online tool also helps drivers find local service providers and offers reviews from actual customers to help them find a quality mechanic.

For more information, tips and to learn more about Cars.com’s Service & Repair tool, visit cars.com/auto-repair. ❚ (Source: BPT)

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

July 29

33

Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

RHSInQuicker.org

GO TO:

You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home. 

Arrive at your projected treatment time.

ROCKFORD HEALTH PHYSICIANS CONVENIENT CARE Rockford – 3401 N. Perryville Road M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat-Sun: Noon to 8 p.m.

Rockford – 2300 N. Rockton Avenue M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat: 8 a.m. to noon

Belvidere – 1747 Henry Luckow Lane M-F: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roscoe – 5000 Prairie Rose Drive M-Th: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

34

Smart Living Weekly

July 29

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1