Smart Living Weekly - June 10, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Starlight Kicks Off 49th Season

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

O

ne might think that, after 31 years, Mike Webb would get used to the relentless stress of churning out amazing productions for theater fans in our region.

Not so.

“I haven’t slept in weeks,” says Webb, director of Starlight Theatre, just weeks before

the curtain goes up on the theater’s 49th season.

“People say, ‘You always do this and it always works out.’ People think I wiggle my nose and it all gets done. But that’s not the case. It’s sometimes a grueling, painful experience to make it all work.”

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Throw a Party on Your Deck • Foot Golf is Here! • Farmers Market Update Do Your Ears Ring? • Protect Your Nest Egg • One Sure Money-Saving Tip

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • June 10, 2015

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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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Starlight Theatre 2015 Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Party on the Deck!

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Searching Scriptures Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Grilling Routine Your Outing .......................................................17 Footgolf is Here See You There ...................................................26 See You at Rockford City Market Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Ringing in the Ears Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Rockford Brewing Co. Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 One Easy Way to Save Money Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Protect Your Nest Egg

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden 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 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com 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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Joy in Service A

s people worked side by side to improve downtown Rockford last week, during “Sharefest 2015: Forest City Beautiful,” the city was infused with more than just gorgeous plantings and freshly painted benches and light poles. Joy permeated the air. The joy of being together; the joy of making a difference; the joy of service.

More than 1,800 volunteers worked in three shifts per day, for nine days, to help our city “reflect the beauty of its people,” as Rockford Sharefest Director Creig Day puts it in a promotional video.

That joy multiplied Friday night when thousands of people came downtown for Rockford City Market and discovered the transformtion. I just happened to be at a downtown restaurant with my husband. I was people-watching, as usual. Eyes were wide, as young and old took in the magical changes. Hope was fanned, and pride of place – both precious commodities here.

Sharefest organizers had a wonderful idea, eight years ago, when they invited “everyone and anyone” to make improvements to several Rockford public schools. The result not only beautified schools and lifted spirits, but also reminded us just how much can be done, quickly, when we work together in service to others.

Each year since, Sharefest has achieved lofty goals, such as sending a million meals to Haiti after the devestating earthquake there.

Sharefest grew out of Heartland Community Church, which wisely invited the entire community to participate in these massive efforts. It’s easy to break one stick in half. It’s nearly impossible to break a bundle of them.

Kudos to the organizers and volunteers who are making good things happen in our city while reaping the joy of service.

Enjoy a lovely week in the Forest City! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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ARTSY IS AN ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBIT SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISANS & CRAFTERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. Come join in the fun and shop local – at Edgebrook.

• Includes Edgebrook retailers & over 50 local vendors • Free Kids Craft hosted by Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens • Live music • Live art demonstrations Visit the ARTSY event page at edgebrookshops.com for a full vendor list, event details & updates.

JUNE 20, 2015 10AM–5PM

In partnership with

1639 N ALPINE ROAD, ROCKFORD IL

|

WWW.EDGEBROOKSHOPS.COM

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Y H  G

Tips for a Decked Out Party W

hether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue on your deck, or a summer holiday, these tips can help.

When prepping for a party, designate separate areas for relaxing, grilling, beverage service and socializing. Be sure to include a conversation center by facing sofas and seating together around a fireplace, large coffee table or other central point to keep conversation flowing.

Food and drink stations should be prominent and accessible to guests. Since people always follow the food, you also may want to set up food at the edge of your social space. Maximize your guests’ mobility with a buffet of easily edible appetizers and finger foods so friends and family can move around and mingle.

Kabobs are a mobile-friendly “grab-and-go” appetizer.

Offer guests beverages in a way that allows them to serve themselves.

Light the night. Keep the party moving long after the sun goes down with ambient candles, light strings in trees or hanging lanterns for the perfect mood and subtle lighting.

Set the stage for safety. Nothing spoils a deck party like a nasty splinter, a snag on a protruding nail or a trip over an uneven board. If your deck needs a facelift, replace old, rotting or warping wood boards with wood-alternative decking that combines superior durability and low-maintenance with long-lasting appearance. High-performance composite decking like Trex Transcend can withstand years of heavy foot traffic and severe

weather, as well as outdoor entertaining mishaps.

Create coverage. For maximum comfort, create a place where guests can get a reprieve from the sun’s heat and rays while still enjoying the great outdoors. A pergola can act as an extension of your house. Consider adding a waterproof, retractable canopy into the structure so your party can carry on rain or shine.

Grow vines to improve privacy.

Get more from your decor. When selecting furniture for your outdoor living space, think durability and versatility. Pieces made from composite materials will withstand use and environmental elements while maintaining their good looks. To keep your outdoor space looking festive and fresh each year, pick up brightly colored pillows or throws to make the whole space pop. Add extra punch and personality with flowers, flags, eyecatching tableware and seasonal plants. For more outdoor living (Source: Family Features) ideas, visit Trex.com. ■

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I  W

Search the Scriptures

I

t’s human nature to ignore a section of scripture that contradicts what we already believe or to loudly quote a scripture that backs up our personal opinion, whether or not we’ve studied it in context. While we may fool one another with scriptural distortions, we don’t fool God. And God takes a dim view of those who twist His word.

“Every man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts,” cautions Proverbs 21:2.

It’s our responsibility to make an effort to understand God on His terms, not ours, through eyes-to-page contact with scripture. Jesus set the standard for this, learning scripture as a boy and quoting it throughout his lifetime, as when he was tempted by Satan in the desert. “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God,” he told Satan. (Matthew 4:4 NIV) While the vast majority of scripture is pretty straightforward, some of it can be confusing. The Bible has been translated several times and ways, and few of us speak Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic. Still, God promises to help us as we earnestly seek truth through His Word, by “enlightening the eyes of our understanding” (Ephesians 1:18.) We don’t need a theological degree to open the Bible and read it for ourselves.

We do need a humble attitude, a prayerful mindset and persistence. It can be helpful to start small and read just a few scriptures a day and let them sink in, or even commit them to memory as Jesus did. Reading it in several translations – for example New International Version (NIV) and King James (KJV) etc. – can help us to gain a more well rounded understanding, too.

Our hunger for scripture increases as we stay with it day by day. The more we understand it for ourselves, the less vulnerable we are to those who pervert it or use it carelessly, and the more excited we become as we see how truth is a living thing.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Here’s to good reading. ❚

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Spice Up Your Grilling Routine Fast G

rilling is one of the great rites of summer and can be a healthful alterntive to other cooking methods. If you’re grilling recipe repertoire lacks excitement, the Olive Oil Experience and Spice Galleria in Rockford can help. Here are a few favorite recipes.

2. Preheat a grill for medium heat.

3. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes.

4. Garnishes, if desired, could be cilantro, thinly sliced red and yellow peppers, avocado slices, thinly sliced lettuce or cabbage.

Grilled Chili Pepper Chicken

Italian Style Grilled Vegetables

Serves: 4 1/4 cup The Olive Oil Experience 100% extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp. Spice Galleria paprika 2 Tb. Spice Galleria crushed chili peppers 2 tsp. Spice Galleria allpurpose seasoning salt 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1. Combine the olive oil, paprika, crushed chili peppers, and all-purpose seasoning salt in a zip-top bag; shake to combine. Add the chicken breasts, and let marinate 1 hour.

Serves: 4 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced 1 red onion, sliced 2 sliced portobellos 2 Tb. 100% extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp. Spice Galleria oregano 1 tsp. The Olive Oil Experience traditional balsamic vinegar 1/3 tsp. Spice Galleria sea salt 1/4 tsp. Spice Galleria black pepper

1. Preheat grill to high and coat a grill-safe baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Toss vegetables with olive oil and oregano on the baking sheet. Place sheet on the grill and close the lid.

3. Grill for about 7 minutes, then open the grill and turn the vegetables over. Grill for 4 more minutes, until tender and browned.

4. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and serve. ❚ Source: Olive Oil Experience

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Blend Soccer and Golf to Play Footgolf

By Rachel Shore

C

hances are you’ve probably played footgolf, before, without even realizing it. A combination of soccer and golf, this sport is played by kicking a soccer ball toward a designated large hole. Like golf, the goal is to achieve the lowest score, kicking the ball as few times as possible.

“For golfers, it’s a new twist on an old game, and for soccer players, it’s a new way to add finesse to their skills,” says Jamie Johannsen, Winnebago County Forest Preserve’s director of marketing and community relations.

In 2014, multiple state footgolf organizations formed the United States Footgolf Association (USFGA). Through USFGA approval, a growing number of golf courses are becoming footgolf-certified as the sport gains popularity.

Atwood Homestead Golf Course, 8990 Old River Road, Rockford, recently became USFGA-certified. It will host monthly footgolf nights throughout the summer. These affordable, family-friendly

events will begin at 5 p.m. on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15. An 18-hole course will be set up on nine holes, so participants will travel the nine holes twice to play a full game. With both recreational and competitive categories, anyone is welcome to play, from first-time players to serious athletes.

“Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never played footgolf before,” says Johannsen. “We’ll provide a quick overview of the rules and etiquette, and we’ll help you discover the sport so that you can have a good first experience with it.”

Why play footgolf instead of separate games of soccer or golf? The answer is simple: this hybrid sport offers a new and exciting challenge for people of all ages. Especially with declining numbers of youth who play golf, this sport gives younger people a perfect opportunity to play a fast-paced game.

“Another one of the challenges in conventional golf these days is making

time to play all 18 holes,” Johannsen explains. “Footgolf is much faster – you can be done in an hour and a half.”

For more information about Atwood’s special footgolf events and to schedule tee times, call (815) 623-2411 or visit winnebagoforest.org.

For more information, visit edgebrookshops.com. ❚ Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Starlight Theatre Continued from Cover

Located on the campus of Rock Valley College in Rockford, Starlight Theatre has been known for exceptional musical theater for decades. And with a starstudded lineup featuring “Mary Poppins,” “The Last Five Years,” “Memphis” and “Young Frankenstein,” this season is no exception.

“I love the fact that all four productions are strongly casted,” Webb says. “With two big productions on either end – “Mary Poppins” and “Young Frankenstein” – it takes a lot of stuff to do them. Overall, I’m pleased with the mix of shows this season.”

All four productions are new to Starlight this year, which always creates a challenge for Webb and his crew. “Some productions are easier to figure out how to do,” he says. “But you have to work your way through things like set designs. The scale of the Mary Poppins’ production, for example, is huge. It’s a Disney spectacular and it’s overwhelming. Within three or four

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minutes on stage we visit seven locations.

One minute we’re on the roof, then in the nursery and then in the parlor. How do we do that? We just have to work our way through it until we master the thing.”

For the past three years, Samantha Owen has been working in New York in off Broadway productions. But the Rock Valley alum jumped at the chance to come home this summer to audition for the lead role. “Mary Poppins is a character I always wanted to experience,” she says.

“This gives me a great foundation with a character I can build on and hopefully do again.”

“Mary Poppins,” everyone’s favorite nanny, takes the stage in this musical adventure, July 8-12, starting at 8 p.m.

Based on the books

by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” thrilled Broadway audiences for more than 2,500 performances and received nominations for seven TONY

June 10

Awards, including Best Musical.

Webb went to see “Mary Poppins” in London and returned home convinced it was right for Rockford. “It was everything you expected and more,” he says. “It’s got Disney magic sprinkled throughout the whole thing like people flying up chimneys. It’s a great piece for our first local production.”

“The Last Five Years” is an emotionally charged and intimate musical that follows two 20-something New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over a five-year period. The show’s unusual arrangement sees Catherine telling her story backwards while Jamie tells his story chronologically; the two storylines converge just once, as the characters exchange their “I do’s” in

R  O R the middle of the show. The musical runs from June 10-13 and July 15-19 at 8 p.m.; there’s an additional 2 p.m. performance on June 13.

“It’s a charming piece about a relationship between a man and woman and five years in their lives,” says Webb.

“It’s challenging work but it’s just a beautiful, heartwarming production.”

“The Last Five Years” features Karen Manley Kahler as Catherine and Matthew Myers as Jamie. With just two cast members, the production features the smallest cast ever to take the Starlight stage.

“Memphis,” a musical by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.

“It’s loosely based on this guy who drops out of school and can’t hold down a job,” says Webb. “He moves through a series of radio stations and takes over one studio and locks himself in the booth and plays this music. The station gets Photos provided by Marissa Webb-Tonkovic

tons of phone calls of approval. It’s the birth of rock and roll.”

“Memphis” runs from June 17-20 and July 22-26 at 8 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. performance June 20. The local production stars Ray Fanara as Huey Calhoun, John Stanford as Delray and Jayla WilliamsCraig as Felicia.

Rounding out the season is an electrifying version of “Young Frankenstein,” June 24-27 and July 29-Aug. 2 at 8 p.m., June 27 at 2 p.m. From the creators of the Broadway sensation “The Producers” is this monster new musical comedy as Mel Brooks adapts his legendarily funny film “Young Frankenstein” into a brilliant stage creation.

With the help of a hunchbacked side-kick, Igor, and a leggy lab assistant,

Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. He brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein is played by Charlie Rasmann and Nathan S. Forrester is The Monster.

“It’s a full musical,” Webb says.

“There are lots of expanded numbers and silliness that abounds. It’s great fun with Mel Brooks’ humor.” ❚

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FREE FAMILY FUN! SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ON THE RIVERFRONT IN BELOIT! 1160 RIVERSIDE DRIVE PRESENTING

MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR! THE EVENT WILL INCLUDE • Regional Church Choir Performances • Hispanic Dance Performances • Traditional African Mask Making • Ethnic Food and Expo Vendors AND SO MUCH MORE!

SCHEDULE • • • • • • • • • • 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:45 pm

New Restoration Christian Church Choir Iglesia Crosspointe The Gospel Music Workshop of America Rockford Chapter

3:20 pm 4:00 pm Questions? Contact Visit Beloit!

Tara Dunn @ (608) 313-1361 or visitbeloit.com

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Youth Talent Showcase Beloit’s Sundays Best Gospel Competition Multitalented Choir Showcase

Beloit’s Sunday Best Winner Announced Mississippi Mass Choir

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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Why Ringing in the Ears is Hard to Treat T

innitus is associated with surprisingly wide-ranging brain activity, researchers report, and this may be why the hearing disorder is hard to treat.

About one in five people have tinnitus, which is the sensation of a steady ringing or buzzing in the ears. A recent study included a 50-year-old man who suffered tinnitus in both ears, and hearing loss. Researchers monitored his brain activity when his tinnitus was stronger and weaker.

The results revealed that tinnitus causes markedly different brain activity than normal external sounds picked up by the ears, according to the study published April 23 in the journal Current Biology.

“Perhaps the most remarkable finding was that activity directly linked to tinnitus was very extensive, and spanned a large proportion of the part of the brain we measured from,” stated study co-author Will Sedley, of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. “In contrast, the brain responses to a sound we played that mimicked [the man’s] tinnitus were localized to just a tiny area,” he added.

Activity associated with tinnitus was seen in nearly all of the auditory cortex, along with other parts of the brain.The findings help to explain why it’s so difficult to treat tinnitus, and may lead to new therapies, the researchers said.

“We now know that tinnitus is represented very differently in the brain to normal sounds, even ones that sound the same, and therefore these cannot necessarily be used as the basis for understanding tinnitus or targeting treatment,” Sedley stated.

According to study co-author Phillip Gander, from the University of Iowa, “The sheer amount of the brain across which the tinnitus network is present suggests that tinnitus may not simply ‘fill in’ the ‘gap’ left by hearing damage, but also actively infiltrates beyond this into wider brain systems.”

The Freeport Health Network Audiology Department services the greater Freeport area and is committed to not only helping patients hear better, but also addressing needs on an individualized basis. It offers the latest in hearing device technology and is happy to provide a selection that makes better hearing both affordable and simple.

Source: FHN, Current Biology, news release, April 23, 2015

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Rockford City Market Enhances Downtown

By Rachel Shore

T

housands of local residents are gathering every Friday at the popular Rockford City Market. Located at the intersection of Water and Market streets, the event offers a wide variety of food options, retail shops, kids’ activities and live music performances.

The weekly event began in 2010, in hopes of creating a positive experience in downtown Rockford and increasing visitation to the beautiful area along the river.

“We also wanted to have a venue where people could incubate businesses by starting at a low cost and trying out different ideas,” says Cathy McDermott, administrator of the Rock River Development Partnership. “Then, hopefully they can move on to open their own storefronts.”

The sixth season started on May 22 with more than 8,000 visitors, and will run

every Friday through Oct. 2, from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Thanks to a state grant, a new pavilion was added this year, covering about half of the vendors. The upgraded lighting and water supply have greatly benefited both the vendors and guests.

With so many food choices, visitors can stuff themselves full with pizza, pasta, falafels, ice cream and more. Some of the vendors this year include Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza, Bamboo Asian Noodles & Tapas Bar and Zammuto’s. Many local growers also sell goods, such as vegetables, fruits and flowers.

Musicians provide excellent live entertainment throughout the night. Upcoming performances include Jodi Beach, Vince Chiarelli, Kelly Steward and Starlite Radio.

MEET ME AT THE MARKET! Fridays | May 22 – Oct 2 | Downtown Rockford 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. (3:30 – 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day)

rockfordcitymarket.com

Don’t miss the North End City Market!

Saturdays | May 16 – Oct 31 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Auburn & Main St. 26

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Overseen by the Rock River Development Partnership, the market features 65 unique vendors. Since the event started, each succeeding year has brought more vendors and visitors. Over the 20 weeks of the 2014 season, 75,000 people attended the market.

“It’s become a community gathering place every Friday night,” says McDermott. ❚

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Starlight Theatre: The Last Five Years June 10-13, July 15-19, 8 p.m.; June 13, 2 p.m. Two 20-something New Yorkers fall in and out of love over the course of five years. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

Starlight Theatre: Memphis June 17-20, July 22-26, 8 p.m.; June 20, 2 p.m. The story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ol’ boy with a passion for R&B music, and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer who’s ready for her big break. RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

AE: The Spitfire Grill, A Musical June 12-28, check website for dates/times.

In this tuneful tale, Percy Talbott, a young girl fresh out of prison, heads to the small town of Gilead, Wis., where she hopes to make a fresh start. Recommended for middle school or older. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Info: AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

German Print Making June 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Join Midway Village Museum for a monthly hands-on workshop geared toward children ages 5-12, this month focused on Germany.

All materials included with regular museum admission. The workshops are open throughout the day and meet in the new Many Faces, One Community exhibit.

6799 Guildford Road, (815) 397-9112.

Midwayvillage.com.

Symphony Saturdays: Bodacious Brass June 13, 10-11 a.m. A family-friendly introduction to the woodwind, percussion, brass and string sections of the orchestra.

Includes hands-on activities. Symphony Saturdays Series at AJG, Rockford, (815) 229-9390. Rockfordsymphony.com.

Mason Rivers Country Band June 18, 7 p.m. This high-energy country band covers today’s favorites and many classics. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Blue Horizon Band featuring Lee Murdock June 13, 7-9 p.m. Food and soft beverages for sale. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.

Jurassic Park June 19, dusk. Steven Spielberg’s classic tale of an island inhabited by dinosaurs run amok. Free. Friday Night Flix, Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

AJG: Bottle Rockets June 16, 5:45 p.m. This St. Louis-based group mixes underground rock with country. Opening act: Micky Rosenquist. Food and beverages for sale, picnics OK but no carry-in beverages. $5 non-members.

Anderson Japanese Gardens Evening in the Gardens series, Rockford, (815) 2299390, andersongardens.org.

Owl Prowl June 19, 8 p.m. Look for and listen to owls on this night hike at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve, 16999 Comly Road, Seward, Ill., (815) 335-2915, winnebagoforest.org.

Rockford Concert Band: The Symphonic Sounds of Summer June 16, 7 p.m. Free. Enjoy a relaxing summer night under elegant oak trees at the Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Old Settlers Days June 18-21, Thu.-Fri. 4-11 p.m., Sat. 12:30-11 p.m., Sun. 1:30-9:30 p.m. Food vendors, beer tent. Sat. 5k run/walk; Sun. fireworks; live music including Thomas Rhett, Chase Rice, Big 7 Rich, Sam Hunt.

Settler’s Park, 200 Hawick St., Rockton.

(815) 206-8525, oldsettlersday.com.

Jazz on the Rock June 20, 7-11 p.m. This masquerade-

Prowl for owls on June 19.

themed event supports critical programs delivered by the Children Home + Aid Northern Region. $75 per ticket includes dinner, cash bar, live and silent auctions and themed activities. Dance to After5 Jazz. Rockford Country Club. childrenshomeandaid.org/jassontherock.

Garden Explorers Through Aug. 13, Thursdays 9-10 a.m.

A new interactive children’s program at Anderson Japanese Gardens features themed storytime at 9 a.m. and interactive programs. andersongardens.org.

Stephenson Co. Historical Society 62nd Ice Cream Social June 18, 5-8 p.m. Featuring ice cream, homemade pie, coffee, lemonade. 1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport. (815) 232-8419.

Jurassic Park June 19, dusk. Steven Spielberg’s classic film about dinosaurs run amok. Friday Night Flix, Davis Park, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Jazz on the Rock June 20, 7-11 p.m. This masqueradethemed event supports critical programs delivered by the Children Home + Aid Northern Region. $75 for dinner, cash bar, live and silent auctions and themed activities. Dance to After5 Jazz. Location: Rockford Country Club. Learn more at childrenshomeandaid.org/jassontherock.

Summer Gospel Jam June 20. Gospel music, kids’ activities, Hispanic dancers, African mask making, ethnic food, more. Beloit riverfront, VisitBeloit.com. ❚

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June 10

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Rockford Brewing Co. T

he Rockford Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer, and a view of the Rock River.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating line-up of 16 craft beers on tap, all brewed on-site.

The restaurant and brewery are located inside the 85,000-square-foot Prairie Street Brewhouse, a multi-use venue that was home to the original Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939.

The brewery is a backdrop to the bar, which is made of reclaimed materials from the 1849 building. Restaurant decor features exposed original brick and ductwork. “It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president of Rockford Brewing Co., and co-owner of the business with Reed Sjostrom and Dustin Koch.

The menu features daily specials, and appetizers such as shrimp & avocado ceviche, truffle fries, a hummus plate and Poutine, made with Yukon gold fries, screw city light braised pork belly, cheese curds and her- Reed Sjostrom, Chris Manuel and Dustin Koch. bed bacon gravy.

“Handhelds” are sandwiches like pulled curried cauliflower and peas and cucumber pork, screw city light corned beef, turkey mint yogurt. For dessert, there’s a root beer club, and a BLT, which can be served with float, pie in a pint, cheesecake of the day or a half-pound beef patty, cherrywood bacon, crème brûlée. and/or duck bacon. In addition, there are This summer, Dinner on the Dock will soups and salads, sides like house-made be offered each Thursday from 5-10 p.m., chips with sea salt and build-your-own piz- with a special sandwich menu and live zas. music from 6-9 p.m.

Entrées include fish and chips, MediRockford Brewing Co. is open Sun.terranean beer chicken, ribeye steak, black- Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. to midnight; ened bone-in pork chop, and Grilled Jail and Fri.-Sat. to 2 a.m. For reservations, call Island Salmon, served with coconut rice, (815) 227-9427. ❚ (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. $$.

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

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

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

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

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

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

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

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

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

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  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  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  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  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  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  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  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  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight

C

Cannova’s

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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(Blake Nunes photo)

By Peggy Werner

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June 10

T  I

This Tip is Sure to Save You Money

By Peggy Werner

S

pring is in the air, but so is a lot of other stuff, like pollen, dust, and debris.

Now that temperatures are heating up outside, it’s a good time to think about your home’s inside air quality.

Regularly changing the air conditioner/ furnace filter is easy and is the single most important thing to do to keep energy costs down, air quality high, and to keep equipment working properly, says Don Howe, a licensed technician with Pearson, 2415 20th St., Rockford.

“The biggest problem we see is that people forget to change their furnace filter or don’t think it’s that important. When we show a customer the dust and dirt build-up on a filter and explain why it’s harmful, they usually understand,” he says.

Howe recommends using a thinner, less expensive furnace filter and changing it more often. The thicker filters not only cost more, but also trap more particles and make your furnace work harder to filter the air.

Most homeowners should change the filter every three months, but in homes where there’s a lot of activity or residents suffer severe allergies, the filter may need to be changed as often as every month.

Having pets, large families or indoor smoke, leaving doors and windows open, or living near a heavily wooded area can increase air particles.

Changing the air filter will not only reduce unwanted indoor particles, but will also save on energy consumption and the life of your heating and air conditioning system. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates an average of 5 to 15 percent energy cost savings can be realized when a home air filter is regularly changed.

An excessively dirty filter decreases the furnace’s airflow and stresses the equipment, causing it to work harder and demand more energy, resulting in higher utility bills.

Excessive dirt and dust also damages equipment and causes it to fail sooner, requiring money to be spent on repairs, service, parts and labor.

For nearly 60 years, Pearson has provided quality and friendly service to the Northern Illinois area. Learn more at PearsonGuy.com or on Facebook. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y M

How Seniors Can Protect Their Nest Eggs H

ealth concerns have a way of punching a heavy dent in our retirement savings.

“As we age, usually our medical or long-term care expenses increase, sometimes depleting our assets to a level of crisis,” says financial advisor Jake Lowrey, president of Lowrey Financial Group. “It’s important for retirees, and anyone planning for retirement, to become educated about what the pitfalls are and what they need to do to avoid losing their life savings.”

In 2012, for example, nursing home care averaged $74,800 a year, according to a report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

Meanwhile, assisted living facilities averaged $39,500 per year, and homehealth services averaged $21 per hour.

More than 10 million Americans need some sort of long-term care.

Certainly, being able to maintain good health is a key factor in protecting savings and making retirement enjoyable.

But life doesn’t always work out that way.

Fortunately, there are strategies seniors can use to lessen the impact of expenses brought on by long-term care needs: • VA benefits. Military veterans may be able to offset nursing home or assistedliving expenses through benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

A veteran’s eligibility for long-term care services would be determined based on his or her need for ongoing treatment, personal care and assistance, as well as the availability of the service in the area where the person lives, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Other factors, such as financial eligibility, a service-connected disability, insurance coverage, and/or ability to pay may also come into play.

• Medicaid compliant SPIAs. A SPIA is a single-premium immediate annuity.

Typically, a SPIA is a contract with an insurance company where you pay the company a sum of money up front (the premium), and the company promises

to pay you a certain amount of money periodically for the rest of your life.

A Medicaid compliant SPIA is a specially designed annuity that pays out over the person’s “life expectancy” and has other specific characteristics. A couple who puts money in a Medicaid annuity is able to avoid having the income from that annuity count against the financial assistance a spouse receives for nursing home care.

• Setting up a trust. Trusts can help shelter wealth from the look-back periods in Medicaid requirements and assist in qualifying for VA programs. Learn more at lowreyfinancial.com. ❚

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Issue 1