Smart Living Weekly - August 5, 2015

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n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • August 5, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Spencer Tracy Film Festival

By Janine Pumilia

B

etween 1930 and 1967, movie star Spencer Tracy appeared in 75 films, stacking up nine Academy Award nominations and winning the Oscar twice, during Hollywood’s most glamorous era.

Before he became a great actor and a household name, however, Tracy was a Midwestern boy, born in Milwaukee. He spent a good deal of time visiting family in Freeport, Ill., where his parents, John and Caroline Tracy, met, married and are buried.

To celebrate Freeport’s connection to the beloved actor, the fourth annual Spencer Tracy Film Festival will take place Aug. 21-23 at historic Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave.

Continued on p. 20

Photo: Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in “Father of the Bride”

Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Mud Mania! • Kitchen Rehab on a Budget • Why Think About Disability Insurance?

Vegetable Lasagna Recipe • Cannova’s Italian Cuisine • Choosing a Home Health Care Agency

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Spencer Tracy Film Festival 2015 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Make a Kitchen Rehab Affordable Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Got Kindness?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Yummy Vegetable Lasagna Your Outing ........................................................17 Mud Mania 2015 Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 When to Talk Back to Your Doctor Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Choosing a Home Health Care Provider Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 What to Know About Disability Insurance

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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Making Time for Family Fun O

ne of the things I like best about living in Rockford is being so close to Wisconsin, where a great getaway is just an hour or two away. Whenever I drive north, the tension seems to melt out of my body and sink into those cow-dotted, rolling pastures.

That proved true this weekend, as we gathered for an extended family celebration in New Glarus, Wis., in aptly named Green County. This was the stellar idea of niece Julia and her husband, Michael, who not only celebrate their 10th year of marriage this year, but also their 40th birthdays. Why not rent a quaint house in New Glarus and share the cost? We stayed up late playing games, munched on squeaky cheese curds, made s’mores by a fire, toured a brewery, and ambled through charming shops, in this thoroughly Swiss town, where cow statues rule supreme and shopkeepers are extra friendly.

Nephew Jeff and his family had stopped at a Norski Nook on the way down from St. Paul, to pick up a lingon-apple pie, which we savored all weekend. (Now that we’re all pumped up about our success in luring a Portillo’s to Rockford, maybe a Norski Nook should be our next conquest? Best pie ever. ) While the parents toured the brewery in peace, some of us enjoyed kid time with four little ones we don’t see often enough, age 10 months to 6. There happened to be a small festival on Saturday, as there often is in New Glarus, so the little ones rode on a real fire truck. What could be more exciting?

On Saturday night, about 20 of us gathered for a special meal at the New Glarus Swiss Hotel Restaurant to feast on spaetzle, wienerschnitzel and cheese fondue. It’s possible that a few pitchers of Spotted Cow were spotted on our table, too.

Making time for family fun is seldom convenient, but always worth it. We’re lucky to live in a region that makes it so easy! ❚

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Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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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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The Contractor you’ve trusted your home to for over 90 years.

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Kitchens: Small Changes Make a Big Impact

By Peggy Werner

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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.” ❚

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Got Kindness?

T

he fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol and “chrēstotēs,” a Greek word often translated “kindness” or “goodness.”

In our society, kindness and goodness aren’t always viewed with respect, but they should be. True and consistent kindness requires deep strength of character. It’s not just about being “nice,” but about seeing and meeting others’ needs.

Strong’s Concordance describes chrēstotēs as ‘moral goodness and integrity applied in a useful way.’ It’s sometimes used in the context of a leader who shows graciousness to his or her subjects. Such is the case in Ephesians 2:3-8 (NIV), when Paul speaks of God’s kindness toward us, a kindness we didn’t earn or deserve.

Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Scripture tells us we’re to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1) and to treat people the way God has treated us – regardless of their behavior. None of us “deserved” the kindness God showed to us. We see this theme repeated throughout the New Testament, as in Colossians 3:1214 (NIV), where we find another usage of “chrēstotēs.”

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Kindness. It’s good fruit. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Easy Vegetable Lasagna in an Hour T

he start of a new school year means less time to think about dinner. The good news is, with just a little advance planning and these easy tips, in no time you’ll be whipping up wholesome “A+” meals your family will love.

1. Stock Your Pantry Add canned fruits, vegetables, proteins and soups to your back-to-school shopping list. Like home canning, cans seal in foods’ natural goodness and nutrition, making hearty, homemade meals simple and delicious.

2. Get Creative For a healthy, home-cooked dinner, all you need is a can opener, a strainer and some imagination. Canned crushed tomatoes, sliced carrots and chopped spinach create a savory Vegetable Lasagna worthy of seconds. Canned chicken with white beans, hominy and chicken broth combine for a White Chicken Chili that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Find the chili recipe and more at CansGetYouCooking. com.

12 no-boil lasagna noodles 1 14.5-oz. can sliced carrots, well drained 1 13.5-oz. can chopped spinach, well drained 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce to low and simmer uncovered 10 minutes to blend flavors.

2. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 12-by-8inch baking dish.

3. In medium bowl combine ricotta cheese and egg until well mixed.

4. Spoon tomato sauce on bottom of dish to coat. Place 3 uncooked noodles lengthwise across the pan. Top with 1/3 of tomato sauce. With spatula, spread 1/3 of ricotta mixture. Scatter 1/3 of car-

rots and spinach on ricotta and 1/3 of mozzarella cheese.

Repeat with uncooked noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta, vegetables and mozzarella two more times. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5. Cover dish with foil; bake 30 minutes.

Uncover dish; bake 10 minutes longer.

Let cool before cutting. ❚ Source: Family Features

3. Involve Kids in Meal Prep Moms face a number of challenges when trying to get their kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. According to a recent study conducted by Cans Get You Cooking, canned foods help a majority of moms (76 percent) get fruits and vegetables on the table, and into kids’ diets.

Another way to encourage kids to eat healthy meals is to include kids in meal preparation, which also teaches skills like measuring, counting and following directions.

Vegetable Lasagna Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 12

1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp. dried basil 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 15-oz. container ricotta cheese 1 large egg Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Get Dirty with Mud Volleyball on Aug. 8

By Peggy Werner eady for some good, clean fun in the dirt?

The annual Mud Volleyball fundraiser for the Epilepsy Foundation of North Central Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska will begin with opening ceremonies at 8:15 a.m. and games begin at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 8 at Riverside Park in Roscoe.

What began as a flippant remark has grown into an annual tradition to benefit a very prevalent and serious cause. A friend of a former director had played volleyball in the rain and quipped it would be a great idea for a fundraiser.

That was 33 years ago.

Benjamin Slack, executive director of the foundation, says “It’s just a lot of fun for the team and spectators as an endof-the-summer party before kids go back to school. It’s another way to have fun outside and cool off at the same time.”

Admission is free to the event.

Money raised comes from the $200 entry fee for each team.

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This year, 250 teams will compete for the first place trophy. It’s expected more than 1,000 spectators will turn out to enjoy the competition, pre-game activities, and food, including hamburgers, brats, beef sandwiches, steak and pork tacos, ice cream and Italian Ice. The hope is that some spectators will be inspired to compete one day.

“We want people to see how fun it is to play in the mud and be on a team for another fundraiser,” he says. Although the majority of players return each year, about 30 percent are new.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by reoccurring seizures. There is no cure for epilepsy, but symptoms can be treated with medication. About 250,000 people suffer from the disease in Illinois and it kills about 50,000 people a year in the U.S. It can be inherited or brought about by injury; symptoms can present themselves at any time in life, Slack says.

“Epilepsy is far more prevalent than most people think it is. With some education and understanding, most of these individuals can carry out their lives in a usual manner,” he says.

Money for research aims to bring about more treatment options and help professionals battle the social side of the disease, which causes victims to be bullied as children and adults, and can cause them to lose their jobs.

“We need to educate police, firefighters, teachers, nurses and others to recognize the symptoms and know how to help,” he says. ❚

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Spencer Tracy Continued from Cover

“This is the fourth year we’ll be celebrating this great actor, who made great movies and had a strong connection to Freeport,” says Connie Sorn, executive director of the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, a presenter of the festival, along with Classic Cinemas and the Stephenson County Historical Society. Tickets cost $5 per movie, or $20 for the entire series, and may be purchased at the Lindo Theatre box office, or online at classiccinemas. com.

“The festival is always wellattended,” says Sorn. “Long before

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I came to Freeport, I was a huge fan of Spencer Tracy and also Katherine Hepburn, who often worked with him on screen.” Hepburn will be among leading ladies in this year’s film round-up, as will Elizabeth Taylor, whose movies will be celebrated in a different annual film series later this year at the Lindo.

The fun starts Friday Aug. 21 with the 7 p.m. showing of “San Francisco,” made in 1936, and set in 1906, in which Tracy competes with Clark Gable for the attention of a beautiful singer played by Jeannette MacDonald.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m., Tracy plays the title role in the classic “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,” made in 1941 and co-starring starlets Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner. In this famous tale, Dr. Jekyll sets out to prove that good and evil exist in everyone, and finds plenty of evil in his own dark side.

Also on Aug. 22, at 7 p.m., Tracy teams with real-life love Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball in a rare 70th anniversary showing of “Without Love.”

Set in Washington D.C. during World

Aug. 5

Spencer Tracy (right) with his mother, Carrie, and brother, Carroll, who was born in Freeport.

The photo is part of the Stephenson County Historical Society collection.

War II, a woman enters a loveless marriage with a scientist. As the couple faces adversity, love blooms.

R  O R On Sunday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m., is “Father of the Bride,” made in 1950 (and re-made in 1991 with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton). In this film, Tracy stars as a proud father who recalls the wild ups and downs of the engagement and wedding of his daughter, played by Elizabeth Taylor.

Hosting the event and providing a brief introduction of each film will be Dr. Ed Finch, former executive director of the Stephenson County Historical Society, and Alan Wenzel, a retired film instructor at Highland Community College. The men will lead a discussion after each film.

Tracy, who died at age 67 in 1967, just 17 days after completing his last film, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” is buried in Glendale, Calif. But festivalgoers can see him “come alive” at the pre-festival reception on Friday evening at 5 p.m. at Winneshiek Theatre, when local drama teacher Tim Connors portrays the great actor in a mock interview of “Inside the Actor’s Stage.” That event includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, coffee

2015 Spencer Tracy Film Festival Schedule Fri., Aug. 21, 7 p.m.

San Francisco Sat., Aug. 22, 1 p.m.

“Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” Sat., Aug. 22, 7 p.m.

“Without Love” Sun., Aug. 23, 1 p.m.

“Father of the Bride” and tea. It costs $25 and tickets may be reserved by calling (815) 233-2255.

After enlisting in the U.S. Navy and training at a base in North Chicago, Tracy was discharged in 1919, without leaving the U.S., when World War I ended. He enrolled in Ripon College, in Ripon, Wis., intending to learn and practice medicine. But his stage success, during debates and college plays, propelled him to New York, where he graduated in 1923 from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He acted on and off

Broadway and debuted in his first film in 1930. It was called “Up the River,” and starred Humphrey Bogart.

Tracy married Louise Treadwell in 1924; the couple had a son and daughter.

Two years ago, Tracy’s great grandson, Sean Tracy, who also attended Ripon College, came to the Freeport festival honoring his ancestor.

Learn more about the film festival at classiccinemas.com or at Stephensoncounty.il.org, or call Connies Sorn at (800) 369-2955. ❚

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When to Talk Back to Your Doctor

By Craig Schmidt

I

n the past, the doctor took the lead and the patient followed.

These days, a good doctor-patient relationship is more like a partnership. And that is a good thing.

Patients who communicate freely with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care and have better results.

Despite progress in this area, some patients still feel intimidated by the white coat. They may be reluctant to assert themselves in order to get the care they need and want.

Take surgical procedures, for instance. Most surgeries are not emergencies and are considered elective procedures. You typically have time to learn as much as you can about the operation. You also have time to work with your surgeon as a team to address any concerns you might have.

You will benefit most from a treatment when you know what is happening and understand what your treatment will or will not do. Feel free to ask questions or talk back if the doctor’s explanations or instructions are unclear. Otherwise, your doctor will assume you agree with everything that was said.

Most surgeons are on the medical staff of one or two local hospitals. Many surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis in an ambulatory surgery center or in a hospital’s day-

surgery unit. Surgery in a freestanding surgery center is less expensive because this type of facility has lower overhead than a hospital does.

If you or a family member requires a surgical procedure that will be scheduled as an outpatient, ask your physician if it can be performed safely in a surgery center rather than the hospital outpatient department.

If cost is a concern, ask the doctor if less-expensive choices are available. You want to be in the right place for your operation and your checkbook.

Be “pleasantly persistent” until you get the answers you need. Remember, having your doctor understand you is a twoway street. Information and questions have to flow both ways. ■ Source: Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

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What’s New Pussycat?

Aug. 4-6, seating at 11:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; Sun. 3:30 p.m. This high energy, Las Vegas-style show features the great performances of Tom Jones. Songs include “It’s not Unusual,” “Never Fall in Love Again,” and the one and only, “What’s New Pussycat?” White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, (815) 946-3817.

Carroll County Fair Aug. 4-8. Ag. Olympics, demolition derby, Funky Monkey Wrestling. Performer Dustin Lynch. Carroll County Fairgrounds, Schell Park, 28374 Milledgeville Road, Milledgeville, Ill., carrollcountyfair.info.

Boone County Fair Aug. 5-10. Truck/tractor pulls, NextLevel Pro Bull Riding, demolition derby.

Grandstand Stage performers include Josh Turner. Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Ill. Rt. 76, Belvidere, boonecountyfair.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.

Shop the Blocks Aug. 7, 3-9 p.m. Retailers and restaurants offer sidewalk sales and dining areas. E. State St. from the river to 3rd St. & 1st St., (779) 207-0110.

“Spongebob Squarepants: Sponge Out of Water” Aug. 7, dusk. In this live-action and computer-animated mashup, the sea-dweller and his friends try to rescue the Krabby Patty formula from a pirate. Free. Friday Night Flix, Davis Park, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Eric Lambert Aug. 8, 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.

RSO: Symphony Saturdays Aug. 8, 10-11 a.m. A family-friendly introduction to the woodwind, percussion, brass and string sections of the orchestra. Includes hands-on activities. $10.

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

History Explorers Day Aug. 9, 12-4 p.m. Re-enact how people prepared food in the 1800s. Activities include ice cream churning, butter making, bread baking, open-fire cooking, canning and preserving, grinding spices, setting a formal table and dancing. $8 adults; $5 children; members free.

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Evenings in the Garden: Strange Americans Aug. 11, 5:45 p.m. Originally from Rockford, this Denver group is influenced by the likes of My Morning Jacket, Wilco, others. Opening Act: Mitch Brechon. 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.

Sounds of Summer: Starlite Radio Aug. 11, 7 p.m. With its playful mix of folk, rock and pop, this local group has a loyal fan base. Food and soft beverages for sale. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Firelight Dimmers Aug. 12, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace concert series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, (815) 987- 8858.

Moonlight Jazz Orchestra visits the Sinnissippi Park Band Shell on Aug. 13, at 7 p.m.

Summer Wind Aug. 12 & 13, seating at 11:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; Sun. 3:30 p.m. This one-man show delivers countless voices of musical legends and famous theatrical names.

White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, (815) 946-3817.

Perseid Meteor Watch Aug. 12-14, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Watch the most active meteor shower of the year.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve. com.

Moonlight Jazz Orchestra Aug. 13, 7 p.m. This Rockford group is a favorite at many wedding receptions, festivals, concerts and private events around the region. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, Rockford.

Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

MELD Golf Play Day Aug 13, 12:30 p.m. 18 holes, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, door prizes, dinner, awards. Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford, rockfordmeld.org.

Winslow River Days Aug. 13-16, daily. Softball and volleyball tournaments, parade, car show, food, more. 802 Mitek Plaza, Winslow, Ill., facebook.com/winslowriverdays.

Loaded Brush Painting Class Aug. 15, 1-4 p.m. Painting lesson from 317 Studio & Gallery. $35/$30 members.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9658146, klehm.org. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

C

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant – a pizzeria in the back of the grocery store they ran at 607 E. Winneshiek St., in Freeport. After son Frank returned from World War II, he took over and moved Cannova’s to its current location in 1964.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many of Frank’s original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian filet marinated in olive oil and red wine, Italian-style baked cod, and seafood Alfredo. Desserts include Linda’s made-fromscratch tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

“Cannova’s is a wonderful place,” Pat Beckman says. “It gives people a great place to go. It’s not overly expensive, and we have great food and great music.”

Then there are the pizzas: the Classic, with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach and sweet basil; the New York, with olive oil on the crust, fresh garlic, mozzarella and diced tomatoes with a house cheese; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the a Sicilian, with sliced Italian sausage and pepperoncinis,

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

voted “best traditional pizza” by Pizza Today in 2001. Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany pizza earned a silver medal at the 2005 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

The friendly rapPat and Linda Beckman port among staff and customers is another reason for the restaurant’s success. Many employees have worked there for 10 to 25 years. “This business is interesting because of all the people that you meet. Being in a smaller town like Freeport, you know everyone,” Beckman says.

“We have people who grew up working here and are still here. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of people. It’s like a family.”

Cannova’s is home to jazz quartets, folk musicians and musical theater groups throughout the year. For two weeks in December, it hosts a popular holiday dinner theater.

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

(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. $$.

Higher Grounds

Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am- Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. 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.Café Fromage E Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

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. $$. ❚

F

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

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

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

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

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T  I

Choosing a Home Health Care Agency H

ome health care is an excellent, costeffective alternative to hospital or other institutional care. Service is based on the individual’s need as defined by his or her physician’s plan of care. In Illinois, most home health care is provided by certified and private-duty (or non-certified) agencies.

Arranging for the care of a loved one can be a daunting challenge. The Visiting Nurses Association of Rockford (VNA) suggests some questions you may want to ask a prospective home health care agency.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Does the agency have information explaining its services, fees and eligibility requirements?

How does the provider select and train its employees?

Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs? If so, what does this involve?

Will the provider consult the patient’s physicians and family members?

Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing specific tasks to be accomplished by each professional caregiver?

Does the patient and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and is the plan updated as changes occur?

Will the provider take time to teach family members about the care given to the patient?

Who can the patient and his or her family members contact with questions or complaints?

How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?

VNA, a part of Rockford Health System, is the largest and most widely recognized nonprofit home care agency in northern Illinois. To learn more about its services, visit rockfordhealthsystem.org or call (815) 9713550. ❚ Source: Rockford Health System

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Y M

Disability Insurance is Key to Financial Health

S

uccessful financial planning means establishing goals, using the right tools and updating your plan to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Some of the most useful tools can be health, dental, and life insurance, all of which help protect families and preserve assets. But disability insurance is often overlooked, although it is just as important.

“Financial planning is crucial for everyone,” says Dan Danford, founder of Family Investment Center. “Defining goals for each stage of your life, whether it’s college or retirement, and outlining how you will reach those goals, helps ensure success.”

No one likes to think about becoming disabled, yet accidents and critical illnesses can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone, and result in loss of income.

“One out of four people in their 20s will become disabled at some point,”

said Mary Beth Storjohann, founder of Workable Wealth. “They think that disability insurance is just for older people, but don’t think about pregnancy complications or cancer.”

According to the Council for Disability Awareness, the average group longterm disability claim lasts 34.6 months.

Disability insurance can help ease the pressure of worrying about returning to work immediately, and allow the individual to concentrate on getting well.

Take the guesswork out of disability coverage with these tips from Carol Harnett, president of the Council for Disability Awareness: • Understand what is offered in employee benefits and look into “buy-up” options.

• Know that some states mandate that employers provide short-term disability coverage and set parameters for what is included.

• If neither benefit option is available, individual insurance policies are an option.

• If neither benefit option is available, individual insurance policies are an option.

• Look for additional choices. If you belong to a professional organization, you may be able to buy disability insurance at competitive rates.

• To find out more about disability plans, as well as other insurance options, visit assurantemployeebenefits.com. ❚ Source: Family Features. Getty Images photo.

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

GO TO:

RHSInQuicker.org

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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