Smart Living Weekly - September 16, 2015

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Sept. 16, 2015

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Right in Our Region

World War II Days!

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

R

ockford will welcome some 1,200 re-enactors from across the nation on Sept. 26-27 for World War II Days at Midway Village Museum. The largest World War II re-enactment in North America is now in its 19th year. Local residents of all ages have a chance to learn about the largest war in modern history.

“There’s a big difference between reading a book or listening to a teacher lecture and standing in the middle of an action-packed battle reenactment or being able to see the equipment and artifacts from the war up close,” says Dave Fornell, who has coordinated re-enactors for this event nearly every year of its history.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Fall Paddling on the Rock River • Crazy About Olive Oil! • Do Computers Ruin Your Eyes?

Watch Out for Hidden Fees • How to Remove Pet Odors • Your Dining: Lucha Cantina

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 World War II Days - Best in the U.S. Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Remove Odors from Carpets Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The First Family Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tailgate or Homegate with this Recipe Your Outing .......................................................17 Paddling the Fur Trader Trail Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Do Computers Ruin your Eyes?

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Lucha Cantina Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 FICO Focus Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Know the Right Type of Loan for Your Needs

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.

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Just One More Way We Excel W

hen Bill Hughes founded Northwest Quarterly Magazine, we made it our mission to highlight the unique strengths of this region in a “relentlessly positive” manner.

I’ll be honest: I thought we might someday run out of bright spots to talk about.

Boy was I wrong. Eleven years later, we’re still discovering how the people of our region distinguish themselves in various circles of influence throughout the U.S. The subject of our cover story is a fine example. World War II Days at Midway Village Museum is considered the best re-enactment of its kind, nationwide. It attracts more than 1,200 re-enactors from across the nation and other countries, plus many thousands of spectators.

Several things make it stand out. It’s well organized, for starters. The HRS re-enactor organization is a stickler for detail on things like weapon safety and authenticity of costumes and equipment. You won’t find any reenactors pulling out their cell phones or RayBans during these skirmishes.

Also, museum staff transforms the 1900sera village to a 1940s European-style town, making it far more interesting to stage skirmishes, hunt down French Resistance fighters and the like. Along with Rockford Park District staff, it also figure out details that make or break a visitor experience, like providing ample food, parking and porta-potties.

Too, our 148-acre campus is a perfect mix of woods, village and open space; Those German Panzer tanks have ample room to roam.

This year there’s yet another attraction to distinquish us. A permanent trench and bunker system dug for the museum’s spring World War I Days will be open for tours.

World War II changed the course of human history and claimed some 85 million lives. What better way to learn about it than to attend this event right here in our region. See you there!

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU will host a

Community Shred Day Saturday, Sept. 19th 9am - 12noon

MembersAlliance Credit Union 2550 S. Alpine Rd. (at Harrison) by drive up • Rockford

FREE on-site shredding • Public Welcome Limit 2 boxes please, so everyone can be helped.

Prevent Identity Theft!

Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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Y H  G

ost people don’t give much thought to their vacuuming methods.

If they did, their carpets would last longer and look better, says Paul McCann, owner of Stanley Steemer, 9958 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park.

“Probably the biggest thing is, none of us vacuum as frequently as we should,” McCann says, adding that carpet warranties usually advise vacuuming at least once a day. Of course, hardly anyone does that. But it’s at least worth some thought.

“It depends on how you live,” he says. “Do you have pets? Do you have kids? At my house, we have kids and we have a pool. All of our neighbors are there. It’s a constant parade.

“We have two dogs. So we really need to vacuum it at least every couple of days. That’s a good goal for someone who has a pretty active house. If it’s a couple

with no children or pets, you could probably get by with once a week.”

When you do vacuum, dirt and debris won’t come out with just one pass.

“Make a cross pattern, going both ways,” McCann says. “When the fibers are standing up, you’re going to get more out.”

Investing in a good vacuum (check Consumer Reports) makes a difference, as does changing the filter frequently.

Still, even the best vacuums won’t pull out all of the dirt, he says.

“That’s where you start to see traffic patterns, where carpet fibers get damaged and lay down,” he says. “What’s happened is, there are small amounts of dirt that stay in the carpet, and that has an abrasive affect as you walk across the carpet.”

Supplementing the vacuuming with regular professional cleaning will extend

(Mohawk photo)

Yes, You Can Extend the Life of Your Carpet M

carpet life the most, McCann says. That involves high-pressure water heated to about 200 degrees, and then vacuumed back out with far more suction than household vacuums can provide. ❚

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I  W

The First Family Scripture Study: Genesis chapters 2, 3 & 4

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fter God created the world, He formed the first man from dust “and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” God gave the man, Adam, a garden to tend and just one rule: he could eat from any tree except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

“God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam and took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh. From the rib he made a woman.”

So the first three figures in the Bible are God, Adam and Eve. The fourth is Satan, who enters in Gen. 3:1 as “the serpent.”

The serpent seduces the couple into disobeying God by saying: “God knows that when you eat from it your eyes shall be opened and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” After eating the bad fruit, Adam and Eve feel shame and try to hide from God. They have allowed their own sin to separate them from God. God punishes Adam and Eve but also curses Satan, vowing, “From now on you and the woman will be enemies, as will your offspring and hers. You will strike his heel, but he will crush your head.”

Evicted from the garden, Adam and Eve bear many children; their eldest son Cain kills his brother, Abel. God is furious, but also expresses His desire to rekindle a close relationship with mankind. His plan for this reconciliation is central to the rest of the Bible.

Some things to notice: Direct conversation between God and man; man’s freedom of will; and Satan’s success in tempting man (the created) to place himself on par with God (the Creator).

Christianity holds that Adam came into the world sinless, like just one other person: Jesus Christ.

“For just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Jesus] the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19 NIV). ❚

This is the first in a series about major figures of the Bible. To receive a free weekly digital version of Smart Living Weekly, sign up at NWQSmartLiving.com.

– Janine Pumilia 12

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Bring Tailgating Home F

ootball. Parking Lots. Grilled food.

Three unmistakable signs that a new season is here – tailgate season.

But things are changing. More people are tailgating at home. Those changes are being driven by economics, a desire to be with more friends and to extend the game day party.

It’s a trend some are calling “homegating.”

Kick Off with the Grill Food makes or breaks a homegate. Get the grill off the sidelines. So many times the grill is in a corner, but that takes the host out of the game.

“Keep the grill close to the action,” said Russ Faulk, grillmaster for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. “That way, the cook can talk with guests during the game.”

As for the menu, Faulk recommends individual-sized appetizers – like sliders and mini tacos.

Kalamazoo Sliders Servings: 4

Ingredients: 1 red onion Extra virgin olive oil Fine sea salt 4 pretzel rolls, about 3 inches in diameter 1 pound (15 percent lean) ground beef 4 ounces Cambozola cheese, cut into chunks Caption Directions: • Prepare the grill for direct grilling over high heat, about 700 F grill grate temperature.

• Slice red onion into 3/4-inch thick slices. Oil both sides and season with salt.

Reserve.

• Slice pretzel rolls. On dessert plate, pour oil and dip cut sides of each roll to coat evenly. Season oiled side with salt. Reserve.

• Form ground beef into patties 1-inch larger in diameter than rolls and about 3/4-inch thick. Recess center of patties so when burgers plump, they will turn out flat.

• Brush each patty on all sides with olive oil and season with salt.

• Grill onion slices until translucent and soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from grill, break slices down into rings and reserve.

• Grill beef patties, turning once, 3-4 minutes per side. Flip patties, adding large ring of onion to each patty. Add small ring or two of onion inside larger ring. Add cheese on top of onion.

• While cheese is melting and bottom of patties are cooking, lightly grill rolls.

• Gently remove burgers when done and transfer directly onto pretzel rolls. Skewer each burger. ❚ Source: Family Features

Mix it up at Halftime Fire pits, smokers and pizza ovens make the party more interactive for guests, Hillebrand said.

Pizza ovens get your guests involved in the cooking, Faulk said. Some companies, such as Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, offer countertop versions.

When the weather gets cooler, fire pits offer a place to warm up while watching the game outdoors. They also create opportunities for more activities, like making s’mores.

Headed to Overtime Let’s not forget the reason for the homegate: the game.

Specialized TVs are made to stand up to the weather and keep the gang outdoors, simulating the stadium experience.

For a more budget-friendly option, tune in through wireless Bluetooth speakers that extend the call of the game to all corners of the yard.

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Y O

Paddling the Rock: Frenchman’s Frolic Oct. 17

By Rachel Shore

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n 2014, the outdoor sports shop Rocktown Adventures opened its doors at 313 N. Madison St., Rockford. It sells and rents winter and summer outdoor sports equipment, provides lessons, leads trips and much more, says Kevin Versino, general manager.

During summer, the store led biweekly paddling trips on the Rock River and coordinated with Rockford City Market for special events. But fun on the river doesn’t stop in fall. Many people schedule private paddling trips and businesses coordinate teambuilding events through Rocktown Adventures.

“Paddling is a social event that includes an instructional component, so you not only learn about paddling, but you also meet new friends in a socially engaging setting,” Versino says. “For those who are new, we give pointers before getting into the water, and you have

the opportunity to have your paddling technique evaluated during the trip.”

Paddling isn’t difficult. “Paddling can be as adventurous as class IV rapids or as easy as a leisurely float down the river,” Versino says.

“Don’t judge the difficulty of the activity until you try it.”

Rocktown is coordinating with Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, to offer three fall paddle trips on the Rock River that highlight the historical and cultural significance of the area. The third and final one is the Frenchman’s Frolic Fall Paddle Trip on Saturday, Oct 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We meet at Nature of the Confluence, get outfitted in kayaks, then hit the water,” says Versino.

This 6-mile paddle will trace the route fur traders once used to reach the Macktown Trading post, where a shuttle will whisk paddlers back to the launch

site. One portage is required on this trip at the Rockton Dam. Bring snacks and water with you on the trip “or eat a really big breakfast, as this paddle will be leaving right before lunch,” says Versino.

The trip costs $25 and includes kayak, paddle, pfd and shuttle. To sign up, visit the registration page at NatureattheConfluence.com.

Arrange for other paddling trips, private or public, by calling Rocktown Adventures at (815) 636-9066 or going to rocktownadventures.com.

Store hours: Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. to 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ❚

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R  O R

WWII Days Continued from Cover

“Visitors can ask questions and the re-enactors are all very knowledgeable historians, who can relate veterans’ stories and add a personal touch you can’t get from a textbook.”

The re-enactment includes elaborate battles using authentic tanks, artillery, armored vehicles and pyrotechnic displays. The 148-acre museum campus at 6799 Guilford Road is an ideal backdrop, especially because of the 1900-era grouping of historic buildings that coordinators turn into a 1940s-era European village. The museum campus also has wooded areas in which “soldiers” set up their camps. Uniformed re-enactors represent the U.S., Great Britain, France, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Italy and Germany.

“There are three major World War II public events in the country that attract

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1,000 or more re-enactors,” explains Fornell. “Midway Village, and a D-Day event in Conneaut, Ohio, on Lake Erie, are the two largest.”

Saturday is the best day to attend, says Fornell.

“I recommend getting there early to see everything. There are two main field battles with tanks and about 20 smaller skirmishes in the town and in the woods each day. Many of these have specific themes, such as Russian Front, or Invasion of France 1940, with specific smallscale battles for towns in Normandy, etc.

There are 13 buildings filled with indoor displays of World War II artifacts and about 100 campsites, each with displays of privately owned artifacts and vehicles.”

The main battles take place at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Re-enactors begin setting up their camps on Thursday night and adhere to strict guidelines for authenticity. On

Sept. 16

Friday night, Sept. 25, a limited number of visitors may attend a “Behind the Lines Tour” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to get a sneak peek of the village and see what’s in store for the weekend. Tickets for this special tour cost $15. During the day on Friday, the re-enactors host hundreds of students from local schools and happily answer their questions about the war.

“Each year we get new units calling us asking to attend,” says Fornell.

“The event pulls in re-enactors from about 40 states and usually a couple foreign countries. We attract a lot of re-enactors from very far away because this event is unique

R  O R due to its large size, number of World War II vehicles and rare features of permanent entrenchments.” It also has a village in which troops can fight battles.

“Midway Village is an excellent partner to work with and the venue is a great location,” says Fornell.

A USO-style swing dance takes place at 7 p.m. on Saturday night at Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park, for $7 per person at the door.

New at World War II Days is a series of old time radio shows, theatrically produced, featuring a lineup of music, comedy, sentiment and “support for the boys over there.” Also, historians will portray generals Patton, Eisenhower and Bradley, with special command post talks throughout the day.

Midway Village Museum also hosts a newer World War I event that grows in size each spring. This has enhanced the World War II Days experience, says Fornell.

“A big new thing this year is a chance to take a guided tour of the trench system and bunkers on the main battlefield,” he says. “The trenches were built for the World War I event Midway Village hosts in April, but we planned them for use at World War II Days as well. The displays there will focus on the early war period of 1940 France, where between late 1939 and May 1940, the Germans and French dug trench systems and waited for a pending attack, after the invasion of Poland.”

The trench displays include French, German, British and Soviet equipment.

“The museum will have a small tent for people to get tickets for these tours at the entrance to the main battlefield,” explains Fornell.

General admission to World War II Days costs $14 for adults and $7 for children ages 3 to 17. Tickets are sold in advance online until Sept. 22 and in the museum gift shop. They can also be

purchased at the gate.

Shuttles run from the parking lots and within the event to accommodate people who need assistance; ample handicap-only parking is available.

Find a complete schedule of events at midwayvillage.com or call (815) 3979112.

“For anyone who is interested in history, especially World War II, this event is a must-see,” says Fornell. “Re-enactors generally only attend events within 100 to 200 miles from home. This event is out of the ordinary, which is why people who are serious collectors and historians attend from all over the country.” ❚

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Y H

Does Using Computers Ruin Your Eyes?

“I had great vision until my 20s, when I started working on computers 40 hours a week. Now I can’t see a thing without my glasses.” t’s a common refrain. But eye surgeon Dr. Richard Miller doesn’t buy it. Miller, of Miller Eye Center, 2995 Eastrock Drive, Rockford, says it’s just a variation on an old misconception.

“If you look in the past, people said that about everything,” he says. “Reading in dim light would ruin your eyes, watching too much TV would ruin your eyes. It can’t hurt the eyes.”

What’s happening, he adds, is that we use our eyes more today. When our vision declines during early adulthood, we simply notice it more.

“Four hundred years ago, most people didn’t even read that much. So you didn’t need to have sharp vision for that.

Computers are a little harder to look at

I

temporarily – it’s harder to look at a computer screen than it is a nice piece of paper. It’s not perfectly sharp. So your brain is saying, oh, it’s out of focus. Focus, focus.”

Miller agrees that looking at a computer screen for hours is more difficult than reading a book for the same amount of time, and it does indeed cause eye strain.

“But it doesn’t do any harm to the eye,” he says. “You go to bed, you wake up the next day and you’re back to normal.”

While the body stops growing in adulthood, the eyes’ lenses keep getting thicker and harder, he says.

Far-sighted people usually see their vision level out in their early 20s.

Not so for near-sighted people.

“You keep ending up getting thicker and thicker glasses,” Miller says. “But

don’t blame computers. Near-sighted people were complaining about that 80 years ago, and there were no computers.” ❚

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Using Japanese Garden Principles Sept. 17, 7-8 p.m. Dr. David Slawson on aspects of universal landscape art developed in Japan. $5/members free. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Great Downtown Dogwalk Sept. 17 & Oct. 22, 5-9 p.m. Bring your dog and enjoy live music, doggy vendors and pampering.

Random prizes will be given throughout the evening. $5 or a donation of pet food/supplies. Kryptronite Bar, 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 965-0935.

Roast the Maestro Sept. 18, 6 p.m. The evening will feature a number of friends, colleagues and a few surprise guests who will “roast” Steve Larsen in honor of his 25th year with the RSO. $50. Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

“The Crucible” (Drama) Sept. 18-Oct. 4, Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Written by Aurthur Miller, “The Crucible” was the winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play.

Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

67th Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 19-20, Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Up to 155 juried artists, live music by local musicians, a gourmet marketplace, children’s art activities, food and drink. $5/12-under free.

Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Community Shred Day Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to noon. MembersAlliance Credit Union and the Better Business Bureau will offer this event at 2550 S. Alpine Road (corner of Alpine and Harrison). Open to anyone wishing to dispose of personal documents in a safe, secure way. Learn more at membersalliancce.org.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 19. Registration 8 a.m., ceremony 9:30 a.m., walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Start a team and join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Free.

Martin Park, 5701 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 977-9125.

Walk to Defeat ALS Sept. 19. Registration 9 a.m., walk begins at 10 a.m. to raise awareness and funds to further their mission. Free. Aviators Stadium,

The Greenwich Village Arts Fair is Sept. 19-20.

4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (312) 932-0000, web.also.org/rockfordwalk.

Emily Hurd Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. Genre-bending singersongwriter. Concerts on the Creek series. Free.

Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.

Rockford Rage Women’s Roller Derby Sept. 19, 7 p.m. Come out for an exciting night of roller derby action with the Rockford Rage.

Sportscore Two Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., (847) 894-8136.

5th Annual Rods on the Rock Sept. 19. A showcase of pre-1990 vehicles, food/beverages, 50/50 raffle, music by DJ Roger Peters. The Lombardi Club, 209 Olive St., Rockford, (779) 207-0110.

Pretzel City Brewfest Sept. 19. Craft beer tasting, food vendors.

Fundraiser for downtown revitalization. VIP (not available at the door): $50; advanced general admission: $25; at the door general admission: $30. Downtown Freeport, intersection of Chicago & Douglas streets, pretzelcitybrewfest.com.

World War II Behind the Lines Sept. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Interact with re-enactors, get a close-up look at vehicles, experience displays and demonstrations. $15. Midway Village Museum, Rockford (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

World War II Days Sept. 26-27, Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.4 p.m. Watch realistic battle re-enactments, see displays and demonstrations. Food and refreshments available. $14 adult; $7 child, members free. Midway Village Museum, Rockford (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. ❚

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WDL

Olive Oil Experience Celebrates 4th Year

By Peggy Werner

T

he Olive Oil Experience, 6332 E. Riverside Blvd., in Loves Park, will celebrate its 4th anniversary Sept. 19th with a full day of taste testing at the store.

The wildly successful business has grown by leaps and bounds each year, always adding new products and most recently opening a downtown location at 328 E. State St. “We’ve succeeded because we are passionate about what we do and people see that and get excited about our products,” says Brandi Ducharme, who coowns the store with her husband, Charles.

“We wanted people to have healthy alternatives and help to change their lives.”

During the day-long anniversary celebration, samples of coffee, tea, and many other products available for purchase within the store, will be offered throughout the day. Foods made from the

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products will also be cooked up, including olive oil brownies, deviled eggs made with various mustards, and pasta salads flavored with olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

The business began with a lot of hope, love and desire – and 35 flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Today, there are twice as many flavors and the store has almost quadrupled in size, making it one of the largest stores of its kind in North America.

Spice Galleria, which opened in 2012, features hundreds of herbs and spices, rubs, blended seasonings and more. Be A Casual Gourmet opened last fall and includes specialty sauces, jams, jellies, mustards, peanut butter, honey, mayonnaise, crackers, cookies, pickles, dips, soups, salsa, pasta, grains, ketchup and more, as well as a wide variety of

Sept. 16

coffees, teas and kitchen gift items.

The couple supports other local food vendors by allowing them to sell their products in the store such as baked goods

by Bookworm Bakery, Chai Town Tea, and coffees from JavaMania and Rockford Roasting Company. Sugar Britches creates delectable chocolates using the balsamics and Melanie’s Country Confections uses flavored olive oils in its chocolates.

Riverside store hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Fri; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat.; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. ❚

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

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

Cannova’s

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

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. $$.

Café Fromage E Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro E Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

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

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. 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. ❚

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T  I

Credit Quiz

1. Your credit score is based on five factors. Which is the largest, accounting for 35 percent of your score? a. How long you’ve had a credit history b. The kinds of credit you have (mortgage, car loan, credit card etc.) c. Your payment history d. Your reputation as a nice person 2. Which statement is not true? a. Closing all of my credit cards will raise my credit score. b. I can get a free copy of my credit report every year. c. I must pay to get a free copy of my credit score. d. I will pay more interest overall if I maintain a poor credit score.

Answers: 1. c. Your payment history 2. a. It may seem odd, but keeping credit lines open but paid up is the best action, since closing a card will negatively affect your debt-to-credit ratio. ❚

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.00%

3.84%

3.75%

$984.08

$667.24

$659.94

3.41%

4.39%

4.20%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Sept. 14, 2015) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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

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Y M

Find the Right Loan for Your Financial Goals W hen it comes to borrowing money, many loans offer benefits beyond simple financing. It’s important to understand how one type of loan may be right for making home improvements, while another may be a better match for financing a wedding. Here’s a rundown of how three types of loan works: Credit card: Many people don’t realize that credit cards are actually loans, and users can make those loans as shortterm or long-term as they need. Some credit cards provide low- or no-interest, short-term financing as long as the monthly statement is paid in full and on time. Users also have the option to turn their credit card balance into a longerterm loan, which may result in higher interest rates. Credit card loans can be used for common household expenses, and if the user’s credit limit is high enough, they can be used to fund larger expenses like furniture.

Personal loan: Many consumers opt to use a personal loan to consolidate their higher-interest loans. Using a personal loan to pay down debt may save borrowers on interest payments if the rate on the personal loan is lower than on the credit card. Additionally, personal loans can give people more control over the size and timing of monthly payments.

Personal loans can be used to pay for major events or expenses, such as a wedding, a big trip or those unexpected life moments. Additionally, approved borrowers can receive their money quickly.

Home equity loan: Once a homeowner has earned equity in their home, she or he can use that as collateral to get a loan for large expenses. Many homeowners obtain a home equity loan to finance a very costly home repair or home renovation project. This allows them to use their equity to potentially help increase the home’s value, and it may increase resale

profits. Typically, home equity loans have a fixed interest rate, terms and monthly payments. Interest on a home equity loan may be 100 percent tax deductible.

Loans can help borrowers regain control of their finances but are not “one size fits all.” The key is for borrowers to consider the type of expense they are looking to fund, the available loans and lender offerings, and determine which type of loan is most suitable for them. ❚

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Source: Brandpoint

Sept. 16

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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.

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Issue 1