Smart Living Weekly March 7, 2018

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 7, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

LUNAFEST: Short Films by Women

See Page 16

Prevent Neck & Back Injury Choose the Best Flooring for You Understanding the Medicare Maze RSO Teams Up with Country Singers

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 LUNAFEST: Films by Women, for Women Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Choose the Right Flooring Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Honesty Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Easy, Tasty Sheet Pan Supper

l Specia s d n offer e st 1 Mar. 3

Your Outing ...................................................... 21 When Country Legends & Orchestra Meet Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 How to Avoid Painful Neck Injury Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Capital House Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Adulting is not always easy. We’re here to help.

Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 What to Know When Approaching Retirement

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Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2018 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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Joy of Service Y

ear ago we wrote an article in Northwest Quarterly Magazine about the status of service clubs like Rotary International, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, Junior League and others.

I came away with renewed appreciation for the good work these groups do. I was surprised, for example, to learn that our local Junior League was instrumental in developing Discovery Center, Ken-Rock and Washington Park community centers, Youth Services Network, the Bright Side Adult Day Care center and much more. Once Junior League identifies a need and builds an organization to meet it, club members move onto the next project.

When I was a kid, my dad Hal Huffman bought two dozen roses from Loves Park Lion’s Club each year to support that group’s fundraiser – a dozen for Mom, a dozen for Grandma. Lion’s Club has long worked in the areas of vision, hunger, the environment, childhood cancer and diabetes.

Thanks in no small part to Rotary International, polio has been nearly eradicated from the globe. Rotary also fights malaria, HIV/ AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Rotarians are well-known for their foreign exchange programs, too. I recently spoke with Rotarian Dave M. Smith of Loves Park, who’s hosted 118 students from all over the world and had a ball doing it. (Read his story in our upcoming Annual edition of NWQ.) Most of us have purchased a tasty Brat Days lunch from the local Alpine Kiwanis club. Did you know 100 percent of the proceeds go back to the community? That club turns 50 this spring and will celebrate by presenting $50,000 to non-profit agencies serving local children.

It’s no secret that most service clubs are struggling to keep up membership these days; we’re all so darned busy and many young people find clubs “old school.” But it’s worth remembering that, while the world has changed, the joy of service has not. Friendships and fun forged in charity’s pursuit are priceless.

I believe that face-to-face friendships will always strengthen a community more than digital ones. It lifts our spirits to be in pursuit of something good together – that’s smart living. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Find the Right Flooring for You

By Janine Pumilia

S

hopping for flooring can feel overwhelming because of all the branding terms, competing products and continual innovations in flooring technology.

Remember that you don’t have to go it alone. The staff at reputable flooring centers can help you to narrow down your options.

“When I get answers to some key questions about what people are looking for, I can direct them to products that make the most sense for them,” says Kevin Rose, owner of Carpetland, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “How many people live in your home? Are there children? Pets? Is the new flooring for a hightraffic family room? A low-traffic spare bedroom? Is moisture is an issue?

“My four salespeople have more than 100 years of flooring experience among them. They know their products and keep up with changes by meeting fre-

quently with industry reps. Take advantage of that.”

So what are the latest flooring trends?

Luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVT and LVP) are all the rage due to their good looks, easy maintenance, durability and cost competitiveness.

Luxury vinyl marries the benefits of a man-made product with the look of natural materials like wood or stone. It’s used in homes of all price points. It gained traction in kitchens and laundry rooms, then migrated to larger living spaces in American homes nationwide.

It’s important to pay attention to quality when buying luxury vinyl. There’s no question that the 99-cent per square foot kind found at big-box stores is inferior to the $3 to $6 product, says Rose.

“It’s like everything else – you get what you pay for. Poorer quality LVT won’t look as good or have good emboss-

ing (texture). It may not be as thick and the finish will likely be inferior. For both hardwood and LVT, the finish is extremely important because it’s what protects the flooring over time.”

Recent headlines about lawsuits filed against cut-rate sellers like Lumber Liquidators remind us that every industry has bad actors and flooring is no exception.

“Quality LVT is produced in many places, but I have more confidence that industry regulations are upheld in the U.S.,” Rose says. ❚

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I  W

Honesty Matters H onest people can be trusted to do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But liars rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to tell ‘white lies’ or to lie on tax forms; they believe anything is justifiable in the pursuit of making money. And lying politicians have become such a common sight that we reward them with public office.

Big or little, a lie is a lie.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10 (NIV) While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 Commandments, it’s at the core of most. Stealing, bearing false witness and committing adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. When we lie, we rob ourselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) We also weaken the fabric of society, which depends upon basic honesty to function well. Dishonesty grieves the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. And God is never fooled by the lies of men.

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus].

And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15) Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again. Today, in the Age of Grace, we have better options. We can choose to change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God and walking in step with Him. We feel joy. And with each honest move, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world.

The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything.

Yes, the world exalts cheaters.

Don’t let it get you down.

Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

(John 16:33). ❚ 12

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Y K

Simple Sheet Pan Suppers

S

heet pan suppers make it easy to create dishes with exceptional flavor depth that come together quickly and clean up fast. Keeping a variety of vegetables on hand makes it simple to pull together a family meal. Onions, for example, are versatile, flavorful, easy to store, have a long shelf-life and are available year-round from U.S. growers.

They’re also a good source of fiber.

Find more tasty onion recipes at onionsusa.org or usaonions.com.

Spicy Sheet Pan Roasted Jambalaya Servings: 4-6 1 large yellow onion, diced 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced 1/2 large yellow bell pepper, diced 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced 3 stalks celery, sliced or diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced 1 pint cherry tomatoes

3 Tb. olive oil, divided 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 link (13.5 ounces) Andouille sausage, sliced 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 Tb. Cajun seasoning blend linguine noodles, cooked according to package directions 1-2 lemons, sliced in thin wedges 2 green onions, sliced fresh chopped parsley

Heat oven to 400 F. Line 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.

In large bowl, combine onion, bell peppers, celery, garlic, jalapenos, tomatoes, 2 Tb. olive oil, salt and pepper until evenly combined. Spread out evenly on pan in single layer. Add slices of Andouille sausage. Roast 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and start to brown.

Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and prepare linguine noodles.

When ready, remove baking sheet from oven. Place shrimp on top of vegetable and sausage mixture in single layer. Top with half the lemon wedges. Return to oven and cook about 5-8 minutes, or until shrimp is no longer pink.

Serve over linguine garnished with green onions and parsley with remaining fresh lemon wedges on side. ❚

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R  O R

LUNAFEST: Films by Women, for Women “C

By Peggy Werner

onnecting, empowering, creating and transforming our world – one woman at a time” is the mission of Womanspace, 333 Maria Linden Drive.

It’s also the reason for hosting LUNAFEST Film Festival, which features short documentary films by women, about women, for women.

The fundraiser film fest is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at Giovanni’s, 610 Bell School Road. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Cost is $50 per person. The event will feature a pasta buffet dinner with a free glass of wine, silent auction, raffle and a beer/wine pull. Advanced registration is required.

Womanspace Marketing Coordinator Liz Hiemstra expects about 300 people to attend.

“LUNAFEST is about women from around the world sharing their stories,”

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she says. “We want people to have a greater understanding of one another. We also want them to feel more connected to the women sitting next to them. We want people to come away from the film festival feeling more enriched.”

LUNAFEST not only gives women an opportunity to tell their stories, but also opens the door for female filmmakers who might not otherwise have an opportunity to show their art.

LUNAFEST began in 2000 as the first all-woman traveling film festival.

The movement was founded by Luna Bar and Kit Crawford of Clif & Co. Proceeds from LUNAFEST go to Chicken and Egg Pictures, which supports female filmmakers whose nonfiction stories spur social change and, at the same time, help raise money for local communities. In the past 13 years,

March 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Chicken & Egg has awarded $6 million in grants and thousands of mentorship hours to 270 filmmakers. The award-winning films have resulted in change related to the issues they address.

In general, there are more than twice as many male short film directors as females. LUNAFEST seeks to make those numbers more equal by encouraging women to host an event, submit films or

R  O R

attend a screening.

Each film is about 10 minutes long and draws attention to a societal truth through personal stories, in hopes of building awareness and creating change.

This year’s lineup will feature nine short films.

• “Girls Level Up” is about a young Pakistani woman who grew up in a conservative Muslim neighborhood in the Middle East and now helps middle school girls in Silicon Valley to realize their

dream of designing their own video game.

• “Toys” is set in 1930s farm country and is about a father who wants a son, but gets a little girl. He tries to toughen her up by giving her toys intended for boys.

His efforts backfire when she proves to be a little too capable for comfort.

• “Fanny Pack” is a comedy about a young Indian-American woman who wants to follow her dreams and an Indian father who chases his daughter through an airport hoping she will follow his dreams.

• “Yours Sincerely, Lois Weber” is a tribute to the highest-paid silent film director at Universal Studios in 1916.

• “Jesszilla” is the story of a 10-yearold girl who seriously dreams of becoming a professional fighter. Her father Pedro finds himself caught between supporting her dream and worrying about

her future as she masters a combat sport.

• “Waiting For Hassana” is a harrowing first-person account of one girl’s escape from captivity and a heart-wrenching lament for her closest friend, Hassana, one of many girls still unaccounted for after Boko Haram, an extremist organization, kidnapped 276 teenage girls from a town in northeastern Nigeria in 2014.

• “Last Summer, In The Garden” recounts one woman’s journey through a joyful and fearful time of death and rebirth.

• “Buttercup” is about a woman who needs her best friend more than ever, but never thought she would show up at just the right time.

• “Joy Joy Nails” is the story of a Korean woman who starts training as a manicurist and looks to be stealing the boss’s son’s affections – only to discover a terrible truth.

Call (815) 877-0118 or go to womanspace-rockford.org to register or learn more. ❚

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Y O

Orchestra Meets Country at Coronado T

he Rockford Symphony Orchestra will perform legendary country songs with guest artists Thomas Patrick, a veteran of “The Voice,” and Rachel Potter, from the “X-Factor” and the Broadway tour of “Wicked.”

The concert is Saturday, March 10 at

Thomas Patrick and Rachel Potter

7:30 p.m. at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford.

The “Country Legends with Orchestra” concert will feature the arrangements of singer/songwriters like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill. The concert will also feature back-up vocalists from right here in our own community – Erin Brady, Emily Stein and Ian Garthwaite.

Performed across the country, “Country Legends with Orchestra” has received stellar reviews, such as this one from The Cape Cod Times:

“This is not your stereotypical symphonic experience … Honoring noted artists of the genre’s past and present, it brought to life quintessential country music in grand, sweeping fashion, providing a sonic experience that felt both inventive and familiar.

“To mesh the opposite worlds of country and symphony – and do each justice – can’t be an easy feat, but the Cape Symphony made it seem effortless, even natural.”

Tickets to the concert are $25-$65 and are available at BMO/Coronado box offices or by calling the RSO at (815) 965-0049. Also find them online at rockfordsymphony.com.

Student tickets (25 and under with I.D.) are $9 and are available by phone or at the box office.

The event is sponsored in part by Morrissey Family Businesses. ❚

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Y H

How to Prevent a Painful Neck Injury

By Peggy Werner

H

ours of texting, desk work, reading and writing can put a strain on your neck and back, causing pain and changes in the spine that will force your head forward and lead to other problems, if not addressed, says Dr. Brittany McMullen, Chiropractic Physician with Chris Scott Wellness, 1752 Windsor Road, Suite 202.

“Almost everyone I see has a flat neck from looking down too much. What happens is you begin to lose the natural forward curve of the spine in your neck and so the body does things to compensate for the change, which leads to more posture issues, neck and back tension, and headaches,” she says.

To help alleviate pain and correct neck alignment, McMullen has started using the Posture Pump Disk Hydrator in her treatment regime.

A patient places his or her head and

neck in the device. Straps are strategically placed around the head for stability. A hand pump controls the air pressure in the pillow-like part of the device under the neck to lift and lower the spine and lubricate the joints.

McMullen says she has used the pump before and is happy to introduce it to patients at the Loves Park office.

Meanwhile, people can do a lot to help themselves by paying attention to good posture, looking forward instead of down when reading, taking breaks from

looking down and doing neck stretches and shoulder rolls.

Looking down much of the day puts a lot of strain on a small part of the anatomy. Studies have shown looking down at a cell phone for long periods of time is like putting a 60-pound weight on your neck.

McMullen says the pump also helps with symptoms caused by budging discs, such as pain, tightening, and tingling in the arms and hands.

“It’s very effective because we’re stretching the muscles and the ligaments and pushing the bones in the direction we want them to go, and it’s safe enough to use every day,” she says.

McMullen’s office hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 to 6 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach her by calling (815) 977-3747. ❚

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March 7

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Traveling Gods of Wealth Through March 23, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 4 p.m.

Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, (608) 363-2702, beloit.edu.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

FAM Native American Artists Through March 24. Featuring work by contemporary Native American artists in FAM’s permanent collection. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

RAM: 77th Young Artist Shows High School Division on display through March 31; Youth Division April 8-May 6. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. This juried competition features exceptional pieces by students in grades 9-12 in schools within 50 miles of RAM and students K-8 in Winnebago County. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

"Wrapped Beauty" by Jefferson High School student Kathy Martinez is among the stunning artwork pieces on display during the 77th Young Artist Shows at Rockford Art Museum.

Eclipse Event Center, 3 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.

Songwriters Series: Malandrino March 14, 6-8 p.m. Live performance by area bossa nova band Malandrino in the setting of the feature exhibition. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Staatskapelle Weimar Orchestra March 8, 7:30 p.m. Established in 1491, the orchestra makes its North American debut, performing three works by Brahms.

Rockford Coronado Concert Association, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

MPAC: Celebrating Women in Music March 16, 7:30 p.m. In honor of Women’s History Month, this concert features classical compositions by women, performed by regional women. Mendelssohn Hall, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

AE: “Best of Enemies” March 8-18, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The amazing true story of bitter antagonists C.P. Ellis, Grand Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan, and Ann Atwater, an African-American civil rights activist, who move from mutual loathing to friendship. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, (815) 3945004, artistsensemble.org.

Visual Culture of the 1960s March 11, 2-3 p.m. Dr. Jennifer Langworthy looks at fashion of the 1960s and its broader cultural context. Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

RSO: Country Legends March 10, 7:30 p.m. A tribute to country music’s greatest stars. Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Coronado PAC, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

BJSO: Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5” March 10-11, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Beloit Janesville Symphony (BJSO),

Nygren Wetlands 60th Anniversary March 13, 6-9 p.m. Live music, cash bar, dinner & a silent auction are part of this fundraiser. Natural Land Institute, Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, (815) 964-6666, naturalland.org.

The World of Pompeii March 13, 7:30 p.m. In this American Institute of Architects (AIA) lecture, Sinclair Bell of NIU explains the fascinating city of Pompeii. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. ❚

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WDL

Capital House: A First of its Kind

By Jermaine Pigee, assistant managing

A

fter several months of delays and getting the proper permits, Capital House, 308 W. State St., is now serving coffehouse breakfast, and full-service lunch and dinner in downtown Rockford.

“The anticipation before any opening is always exciting,” says Ted Brothers, a partner at Capital House with Robin Young, operations manager. “When the process takes so long, you’re just glad to be open.”

Rockford’s first hybrid restaurant is located in the space formerly occupied

by Kryptonite bar. There’s coffee available all day, a sushi bar during lunch and the kind of dinner entrées you’d find in a fine-dining restaurant. Once a liquor license is approved, a martini and wine bar will open afternoons.

Brothers and Young wanted a hybrid restaurant, meaning multiple menus working together, to please a wide variety of people visiting the establishment.

“Breakfast, lunch and coffee are for people who work down here, mostly young professionals, or people who work in the courts or federal offices,” Brothers says. “Then, at night, you’ll see urban dwellers or those who actually live around here.”

Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto Entree items “When you go to a big city like Chicago, at Capital House include Alaskan king New York or Los Angeles, this is what salmon filet served with lobster risotto you see in their urban areas or financial as well as Norwegian shrimp pasta with districts. This is a first of its kind in squid ink capellini.

Rockford.”

The lunch menu includes sandwichCapital House is open Mon.-Thurs. 8 es like pastrami on a pretzel bun and a.m.-4 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.- 11 p.m. soups such as New England chowder.

Hours will expand once the restaurant “Rockford has never seen a hybrid gets its liquor license. ❚ restaurant like this,” Brothers says.

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen E Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Com- 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. plete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaBravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Capital House E Fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee (martini 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

bar awaiting liquor license). 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708- Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, 8989. BLD M-Th 8am-4pm, Fri. 8 am-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Closed Sunday. $-$$$.

Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amCiao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- 3pm. $-$$.

ly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Pizza, Italian favor9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ ites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk (815) 633-7500; 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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C

Cannova’s

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

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport. 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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March 7

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Y M

Approaching Retirement: What to Know

By Janine Pumilia

F

rom the time he was in high school, Brad Steele knew he wanted to help people better understand the confusing world of insurance and retirement preparation. He’d grown up on a farm in Walnut, Ill., and watched his grandfather wrestle with unaffordable insurance and interest rates that cost him his livelihood.

“When my grandfather was forced out of business, I knew I wanted to help people navigate the issues that arise when approaching retirement,” says Steele.

“Many people pay too much because they don’t understand how it all works.”

So 15 years ago, Steele and business partner Tony Torbey founded Senior Advisors of Illinois to provide financial counseling to people befuddled by red tape – which is most of us. Today, about 300 insurance professionals operate under Senior Advisors in 35 states.

“It costs nothing to sit down with

us and review your financial needs and options,” says Steele. “If you decide to use the options we recommend or invest through us, we all profit. Either way, when we walk away, you’re better educated and have a much better understanding of how investing and Medicare insurance work.”

Steele represents more than 120 insurance companies. He also offers financial portfolio management with an emphasis on low-risk investments.

“As people get closer to retirement, they should be shifting to a lower-risk portfolio,” says Steele. “Sadly, I knew people who didn’t take that advice and lost half of their retirement savings when the stock market crashed in 2008.”

A few years ago, a local pharmacy referred a struggling couple to Steele.

“We ended up saving them $5,000 a year in premium costs,” he says. “I recently bumped into their daughter and she

gave me a big hug and told me what a difference that had made to her parents’ ability to buy food. That’s very rewarding.

“Helping seniors leave a legacy for their family rather than the state is another large hurdle we help overcome,” he says. “Properly aligning all life insurance, health insurance and investments is key. We’ve perfected that.”

Senior Advisors of Illinois is located at 7214 N. Alpine Road in Loves Park.

Learn more by calling (815) 282 3480 or go to Senioradvisorsofillinois.com. ❚

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