Smart Living Weekly October 10, 2018

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • October 10, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Rockford IceHogs Open 20th Season

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Ready for Solar Energy?

Autumn Leaf Cookies Winter-Proof Your Vehicle Now What’s on Tap at Olympic Tavern?

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$25 Gift Card from Bravo Pizza

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Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

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Autumn @

the Arboretum

Sunday, October 14th 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Pumpkin Painting

Scarecrow Building Pickles the Clown Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Face Painting Petting Zoo The Magic of Brian Holt

Performances by Bob Kann Princesses & Super Heroes

Once Upon a Dream Performances

Sponsors Fall food available for purchase.

Klehm Arboretum Botanic Presented to the & community

by Garden

The Foundation 2715 S. Main St.DAO | 815 815-965-8146 8146 | klehm.org

Arboretum & Botanic Garden

2715 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61102 | klehm.org | 815-965-8146

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 IceHogs Take the Ice Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Light Up the Fireplace!

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 A Humble Heart Your Money .............................................. ......... 18 Tips for Finding Financial Aid for College Your Professionals ...........................................20 Attorney James Meason Your Auto ...........................................................21 Protect Your Car from Winter Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Treatment for Varicose Veins Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Your Tech ................................................ .......... 29 Tips for Avoiding Cyber Attacks

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen

Rockton, IL

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 Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes

Treat Yourself www.gemshop.jewelry

Jingle Bell ROCKton

Christmas Open Houses | Exclusive First Looks

Friday & Saturday | November 2 & 3 6

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Distribution Kelly Fairbairn 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.

An App for That B

y the time you read this, I’ll have returned home, God willing, from a wonderful adventure abroad with my husband.

I’ve traveled internationally before, but the preparation for this trip has been a real learning curve because of the new technologies designed to make our lives “easier.” I can’t tell you how many app passwords I’ve already forgotten. I know – there’s an app to manage passwords, too. I didn’t get that far yet.

The upside is that “necessity is the mother of invention” and I’ve been forced to learn some tech skills I put off for years. It’s sort of like the first moon landing. The object was to make a successful round-trip visit, but we got freezedried foods and memory foam, too. Travel forces us to learn, even before we go anyplace.

I now know how to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (and, as an added bonus, how to spell these proper nouns, both named for the scientists behind them). You multiply the Celsius degree by 1.8 and add 32, for a pretty close result. So 10 degrees Celsius x 1.8 = 18 + 32 = 50 degrees F. Most of us need a calculator to do this, which means we’ll pull out our smart phones anyway, which means we may as well just download a free converter app.

There are also free apps for instant conversion of dollars to euros; kilometers to miles; and clocks in the time zones of your choice.

There’re apps for every subway, airline and train we’ll use; translation apps for every language we’ll mangle; e-banking apps; and, of course, movie downloads for flight time.

God forbid we should lose our phones – but, of course, there’s an app for THAT, too.

I wonder how we ever traveled before the Internet. I recall guidebooks, paper maps and a beautiful concept called “travel agents.”

Smart living means embracing new technologies without becoming too dependent on them, right? Internet connections and electricity can fail. Hopefully that wondrous bio-machine between our ears won’t. Here’s to learning something every day.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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It’s Time to Light Up the Fireplace

By Jermaine Pigee

A

s autumn deepens, now is a good time to look around your home and prepare for cold days ahead. One thing that can put warmth and comfort in your home is a fireplace. Over the past decade, many homeowners have been switching to a gas fireplace.

“People haven’t been burning wood as much because it’s a lot of work,” says Kevin Obee, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “When I get home at night, I’m tired and the last thing I want to do is get wood and tend to it when I can get the same effect in a gas fire.”

Another reason for the switch is the creation of the direct-vent gas fireplace.

“That completely changed the way the fireplace industry went,” Obee says.

“Open-faced, wood burning fireplaces can now be converted into a sealed gas direct-vent fireplace.”

These are much more energy effi-

cient because warm air from your home is not swept up the chimney.

Obee also finds that using a gas fireplace is less stressful. Unlike wood fires, gas fires turn on and off with the flip of a switch or remote. Depending on the model, options like flame intensity, heat output and electric ambiance lighting can be adjusted by remote control.

“People have come in here and told me they haven’t used their fireplace in five years because they don’t have the time to babysit a wood burning fireplace and you have to clean it out,” Obee says.

“To burn a wood fire, you need four or five hours at the fireplace to enjoy and maintain the fire.”

But gas fireplaces aren’t for everyone. “We still have people who love wood fires best,” Obee says. “They love the beauty of the flames and the scent of burning wood.”

No matter your preference, Benson Stone can accommodate your fireplace needs. “We have pretty much anything you’d want in the fireplace industry or anything to do with that,” Obee says. ❚

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I  W

A Humble Heart

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any things seem murky to us, in scripture, but some are very clear. One of the clearest is God’s view of arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him: “Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor. Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel

28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride

comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart,” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes

are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will

be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over

which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How should we view conceit? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Bring Autumn Colors to Spiced Sweets C

ooler temperatures, beautiful changing leaves and the familiar scent of pumpkin pie spice are all signs of fall.

“The crisp air seems to inspire us all to start baking again,” says McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter. “Create an autumn frosting palate with our new Color from Nature Food Colors, made from ingredients such as beets and turmeric.”

For more tips and recipes, visit McCormick.com or look for McCormick Spice on Pinterest and Facebook.

Glazed Autumn Leaf Cookies 2 3/4 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. McCormick Ground Cinnamon 1/2 tsp. McCormick Ground Nutmeg 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 egg 2 tsp. McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 2 tsp. McCormick Maple Extract

Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and maple extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed.

Roll dough on generously floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out leaves with 2- to 3-inch leaf-shaped cookie cutters.

Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute.

Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Prepare desired colors of glazes. Decorate cooled cookies with glazes.

Glaze Variations: Dissolve the designated amount of the Color from Nature Food Colors with water in small bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients until smooth.

To glaze cookies, hold a cookie by its edge and dip the top into the glaze or spoon the glaze onto cookies using a teaspoon.)

Place iced cookies on wire rack set over foilcovered baking sheet to dry.

Maroon Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 teaspoon Berry color 3 tablespoons water (plus additional to dissolve color), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.

Forest Green Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 teaspoon Sky Blue color and 1/4 teaspoon Sunflower, 3 tablespoons water 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.

Pumpkin Cookie Glaze: Use 1 teaspoon Sunflower color and 1/4 teaspoon Berry color, 3 tablespoons water and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.

❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

IceHogs Open 20th Season in Rockford

By Paul Anthony Arco ockey fans rejoice! The Rockford IceHogs are back for another season of thrills on the ice.

It’s been two decades since the IceHogs arrived in town and over that time Rockford has embraced this team like no other in recent memory.

“I think celebrating 20 years is significant because we’ve seen how hard it is to have longevity when it comes to our local sports team,” says Mike Peck, IceHogs director of business operations.

“The Rockford Lightning [basketball] lasted 20 years and we haven’t had a baseball team last that long. We hope this is just the beginning. We want to grow this thing and 20 years from now we’ll be talking about the 40th anniversary. That could happen if the community supports us like they do.”

The IceHogs, the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, kick off the 201819 season Oct. 6 at Cleveland. They come back home a week later with back-

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to-back games against the Texas Stars on Oct. 13-14.

The schedule is fan-friendly, according to Peck. “Last year we were heavy with home games in October, November and early December; most of our home games were done before Christmas,” he says. “This year, we have more home games in the second half of the season, when fans want more hockey. Early in the season it’s hard for fans because there are a lot of fall activities going on like football, apple orchards and festivals.”

To celebrate this significant milestone, the IceHogs have unveiled a 20th anniversary logo. The team will also hold a name your favorite all-time favorite IceHog player contest. “There will be a lot of reflection this season including the top moments in team history,” Peck says.

The IceHogs play in the American Hockey League. The league welcomes a new team, the Colorado Eagles, to the action this season. The AHL started play in

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1936 and is the top development league for all 31 National Hockey League teams.

According to the league’s website, 87 percent of the current NHL players once played in the AHL. Last year, the Toronto Marlies won the league’s championship by beating the Stars to win the Calder Cup. Rockford started out slowly last season, hovering around the .500 mark until they went on a late run, going 12-4 before clinching a playoff spot in the third to last game of the regular season. The team stayed hot in the playoffs, sweeping the Chicago Wolves and Manitoba Moose, before falling to the Stars in the Western Conference championship series.

“In the beginning we were very young with 12 rookies on the team,” says coach Jeremy Colliton. “It takes some time to learn what’s required to win at the professional level. We let some games slip away even though we played well.

That was one thing we got better at as the

R  O R

year went along. It’s a credit to our guys that we turned it up quickly after January and found ways to win.”

While there will be many new faces on this year’s team, the goal remains the same. “All the players are talented and have skills. But part of development is learning how to win,” Colliton says. “The Blackhawks are trying to win Stanley Cups and we’re trying to win too. Mistakes will happen. It’s all about what you learn from those mistakes and putting the team first. That’s what we demand.”

Six IceHogs made their NHL debut last year with the Blackhawks: Matthew Highmore, Collin Delia, Victor Edjsell,

Carl Dahlstrom, David Kampf and Jeff Glass. Fans can expect more of the same this season. “It’s nice to be close to Chicago; it’s convenient for guys to go up and down,” Colliton says. “The players know how involved the Blackhawks are with our team. They’re in the building every night. The players know if they play well they will get an opportunity.”

The Blackhawks organization hired Colliton to coach the IceHogs last year after he spent four seasons coaching in Sweden. He did well, taking the team to the playoffs after the IceHogs won only 25 games the year before.

“My goal down the road is to get back to the NHL as a coach,” Colliton says. “We all want to reach the highest level. The reason I came here was to work with people who have won at the highest level like (Blackhawks) coach Joel Quenneville and Scotty Bowman. I’m really enjoying it so far.”

Besides great hockey, fans can once again expect plenty of fun promotions.

On Nov. 23 the team will host Hockey Fights Cancer Night, a cancer awareness event that replaces Pink in the Rink. Au-

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tism Awareness Night is Sat. Jan. 26, and Dino Night, featuring a Jane the dinosaur bobblehead, is Saturday, March 16. The IceHogs are also helping the Greg Lindmark Foundation with the always popular jersey auction on Sunday, March 31.

The IceHogs have added a new technology corner in the lobby of the BMO Harris Bank Center, home to the team.

Fans will put on a headset and experience different aspects of a virtual hockey game, including shooting a puck, skating on the ice, participating in pregame introductions and listening to singer Jim Cornelison belt out the national anthem.

Season tickets are still available and start as low as $105 for a 7-game mini pack. Individual game tickets are $10.

And if you can’t get to a game, look for Hammy the Hog mascot and the players out in the community. The team makes about 125 community visits throughout the year.

“We had a taste of success last year and the town really came together,” Mike Peck says. “They remember the playoff run when our building was electric. We hope that carries into this season.” ❚

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Y M

Plan Ahead to Obtain Financial Aid

By Peggy Werner

F

inancial aid for the college-bound and trade school entrants is available for people of all ages, but you have to plan ahead, start early, and do your homework.

“There’s only so much money available, so the earlier you start, the better, and the more time you’ll have to fill in the gaps by getting aid from a variety of sources,” says Matt Lynch, marketing director for MembersAllliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “Most importantly, you need to be aware of deadlines and when the application process begins.”

Regardless of what type of aid you get and how much, the first order of business is to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form online to determine eligibility, he says. This Federal fund application for the 2019-2020 school year will become available midOctober 2018.

Filling out the form gives you access to types of aid you may not have to pay back and loans you won’t have to pay back until after you graduate. In addition, credit unions, banks and other lenders have private student loans, which, like any other loan, are based on the borrower and co-borrower’s ability to repay, and usually have favorable interest rates.

If you know what school you’ll be attending, you can also apply directly to the school for grants, scholarships and work programs. Most of these require a level of

Smart Banking.

Financial Education.

Community Focused.

You’re focused on your future, your family, your dreams, and the goals you want to accomplish along the way...

We’re focused on helping you get there and save some money along the way.

In 2017 alone it’s estimated that our members saved over $1.6 million dollars by choosing to bank with us vs. area banks. Come see us and experience the MembersAlliance difference for yourself.

815.226.2260 . membersalliance.org Member savings information taken from 2017 CUNA Economics and Statistics membership benefits report.

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academic excellence, number of completed credit hours, and require maintaining a certain grade point average.

There may be additional options for financial aid depending on your career path, which could also come into play when paying back student loans, whether or not you would be eligible to be placed on an income-based repayment plan.

Web site and mobile apps can provide information on scholarships and grants. It’s important to note that student aid is not limited to high school seniors.

It’s also available to people of any age who want to change careers, get promoted or attend certain trade schools.

“It’s a good idea to apply for as many scholarships and grants as you possibly can, and do so every year,” says Lynch.

“If you don’t try, you’ll never know what money is available. Most people will qualify for some type of loan. It takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it.” ❚

Y O

Klehm’s A ‘ utumn at the Arboretum’ Oct. 14

A

utumn at the Arboretum is a free gift to the community and another opportunity for everyone to get outdoors and enjoy all the sights, sounds and scents of this much-loved season.

This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Activities will include a scarecrow building contest, pumpkin decorating, face painting, horse-drawn wagon rides, magic shows, a petting zoo and live storybook princesses and superheroes roaming the grounds.

Executive Director Alex Mills says it’s one of the most popular times of the year at Klehm.

“We love being able to have families throughout the grounds enjoying the many festival activities along with our beautiful fall colors and decorations as the backdrop,” he says.

Sarah Lorenz, marketing and administrative assistant at Klehm, says the staff also is hoping people will want to

join Klehm as members and volunteers.

Most volunteers work in the spring and summer months to plant, weed, water, feed and maintain plants and paths for the not-for-profit organization. The property is owned by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County.

Materials will be provided for the scarecrow and pumpkin decorating events, but people can also bring their own supplies. Brian Holt will be walking the grounds performing magic tricks and Bob Kann will entertain with storytell-

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ing, juggling, magic and audience participation at 11 a.m. and noon. Storybook princesses and superheroes will roam the grounds and there will be a petting zoo with live farm animals, including goats.

Sidewalk chalk will be available for kids and adults to create their own unique masterpieces on the Sidewalk Chalk Gallery.

Fall-themed refreshments will be served including taffy apples, apple cider, doughnuts and hot dogs.

The free annual event is open to everyone, thanks to the Dean Allen Olson Foundation. Dean and his wife, Nancy, were among the original contributors and supporters of Klehm. The Children’s Garden is named and funded by the Foundation, in Nancy’s honor.

Klehm is also an educational institution that offers classes, workshops, lectures and events throughout the year to teach people about horticulture, nature, environmental issues and gardening.

Learn more at Klehm.org. ❚

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Y P

Being Legally Proactive Can Save You Money

By Janine Pumilia

A

ttorney James Meason has practiced law in some of the largest cities of the country. But opening his own practice in Rockton, Ill., in 1997, was one of the best decisions he ever made.

“By being a small-town attorney, I can really help people,” he says.

His services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law, mediation and environmental law. He takes pride in providing what clients need – and not selling them what they don’t need.

“I grew up in a working class neighborhood of Chicago, went to public school and was the first person in my family to attend college,” he says. “I know how hard people work. I hate to see how some attorneys complicate things in order to charge more money. Sometimes they build you a lunar module when all you need is a minivan.”

Before coming to Rockton, Meason

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Attorney James Meason

was a top attorney at the national firm Hinshaw & Culbertson, where he defended companies charged with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violations. Before that, he worked as a federal attorney prosecuting companies for EPA violations.

Meason earned his Master’s in International Relations from Georgetown University and was working 13-hour shifts at the Pentagon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Naval Intelligence when he decided to earn his law degree by attend-

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ing night school at American University.

He discovered that he loved the law.

“People can save a lot of money if they’re proactive about consulting an attorney at key times in their lives,” he says. “You wouldn’t believe the messes people find themselves in because they didn’t do this when setting up a business or closing a real estate transaction, for example.”

There are simple things people should know, but don’t, he says.

“Many people own homes valued at more than $100,000 but don’t realize that an estate of more than $100,000 will go through Illinois probate unless a trust has been set up,” he says. “Or they think that being married automatically gives the spouse power of attorney. It doesn’t.”

Meason’s office manager is Elizabeth “Tess” Whitaker, who is a mediator and paralegal.

The practice is located at 113 N. Main St., Rockton. Learn more at measonlaw.com. ❚

Y A C

Prevent Vehicle Trouble with Maintenance

By Peggy Werner

I

f you drive a car, truck, recreational vehicle, have a fleet of trucks, or any other motorized transportation, chances are you can find everything you need at Scott’s RV, Truck and Auto Repair at 3301 American Road.

Owner Scott Adkins started out in a shop like his own, and when it closed he saw an opportunity to continue to service people in the way he was used to doing.

“I wanted a fair, honest repair shop where people could get everything done in one place. We’re pretty diversified in what we do, and it’s especially convenient for customers with more than one vehicle,” he says.

He opened his business 11 years ago and quickly outgrew the small shop located just a half mile from his current location. In 2009, he bought a lot and put up a building that underwent a major expansion in 2014, bringing the number of

work bays to 15. He employs five certified technicians in automotive services and diesel mechanics and a total of 11 employees.

Adkins says it’s not too early to think about avoiding trouble down the road.

“So many problems with vehicles can be prevented with routine maintenance. Oftentimes, what people think is the main problem is really a symptom of something else gone wrong,” he says.

To get ready for winter, it’s a good idea to have the tires, battery, coolant, wipers, brakes and other moving parts checked.

“Cars don’t need tune-ups as often as they used to, but it’s still a good idea to have a fall inspection. Everything works harder in the winter and you don’t want to have a breakdown on the coldest day,” he says.

His business services every type of

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foreign and domestic vehicle, warranties its work for 12 months or 12,000 miles, has the latest diagnostic equipment and a waiting area with WI-FI, provides free shuttle rides within a limited area and does Illinois and federal DOT inspections. Learn more by calling (815) 8740800 or visit scottstruckandauto.com. ❚

Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Y H

What You Should Know About Heart Attacks

By Mercyhealth Staff hen the coronary arteries are unable to deliver blood to the heart muscle for a prolonged period of time, a heart attack can occur.

A heart attack means that the heart muscle cells have been without oxygen long enough that the cells begin to die. It often means that permanent damage has occurred to the heart muscle.

Persons suffering from a heart attack may be able to prevent permanent damage if their treatment is started very early.

Heart attacks occur most often from blockages or plaque build-up in the coronary arteries that prevent oxygen from getting to heart muscle cells.

The plaque may build up until the coronary artery is completely closed, or the plaque may allow for blood clots to form which block the artery.

Heart attacks can also occur from a coronary artery spasm.

• Nausea or vomiting • Back pain

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Heart attack warning signs include: • Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure or a crushing feeling in the middle of the chest • Can last more than a few minutes or go away and come back • Burning sensation, like indigestion, that does not go away • Discomfort can also be felt in the arm, neck, jaw and upper back • Shortness of breath • Light-headedness • Dizziness • Breaking out into a cold sweat

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Sometimes women experience shortness of breath, nausea, back and/or jaw pain or fatigue.

Treatment must happen fast. If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 for assistance immediately. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital or wait for a doctor’s appointment.

Some risk factors for heart attack, such as age or heredity, are out of our control. Others can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Managing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress and using alcohol only in moderation can reduce the risk of heart attack.

Eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise are two of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease.

Learn more at Mercyhealth.org. ❚

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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

Wings of Wonder – Lorikeet Exhibit Thru Nov. 11, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet these always curious nectar-feeding birds known for Rockford, 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com theirIL playful personalities and ability to mimic words and sounds. Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 9878858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Listening Room Concerts Thru Dec. 21, Fri. 7 p.m. Sofia Talvik, Rupert Wates, Blues Boys, Emily Hurd, Marques Morel and Andrew Holm are some of the upcoming performers. Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 9658903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Inherit the Wind Oct. 12-21, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In the 1920s, a Tennessee schoolteacher is put on trial for violating the Butler Act, a state law that prohibits public school teachers from teaching evolution instead of creationism. Two leading lawyers go head-to-head.

Stage One, Janesville, janesvillepac.org.

Alabama Oct. 12, 8 p.m. This classic rock band brought country music to the mainstream and charted 43 No. 1 singles, including “My Home’s in Alabama,” “Tennessee River,” and “Forever’s as Far as I’ll Go.” BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

KSO: Romantic Legends Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.; pre-concert talk by the music director at 6:30 p.m. Featured are works by Saint-Saens, Wagner and Dvořák.

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, NIU Boutell Concert Hall, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 7563728, kishorchestra.org.

Alabama comes to Rockford Oct. 12.

'Chesapeake' Oct. 18-Nov. 10, Thu.-Sat., see website for times. When a conservative candidate's criticism of Kerr’s government-sponsored performance art lands him a Senate seat, Kerr seeks revenge. [usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

John Lindhorst Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. The musician portrays the history of the ukulele through song.

MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Frenchman's Frolic Historical Event Oct. 20-21, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. See and hear blacksmithing, black powder shooting, rope making, historical persons and more. Free.

Macktown Historic Site, Macktown Forest Preserve, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill., macktownlivinghistory.com.

A Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper Oct. 24, 8 p.m. The architect of “shock rock” brings to the stage dark and horror-themed theatrics. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Grand Tour Fall Festival Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ride in a covered wagon, visit with farm animals, bob for apples and decorate pumpkins. John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour, Ill., (815) 652-4551, deere.com.

'Jekyll & Hyde' Oct. 24-Nov. 3, see website for times. Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of a London lawyer who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., stagecoachers.com.

The Antitones Oct. 14, 3 p.m. The jazz-fusion band from Rockford draws on musical styles ranging from blues and funk to swing and AfroCuban. MPAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

RSO: Romeo & Juliet Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Featuring pianist David Syme, with music from Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Tippett and Paul Ben-Haim.

RSO, Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com. ❚

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Oct. 10

25

WDL

Baci’s Kitchen Serves Up Variety of Fresh Fare

By Peggy Werner

I

n his second year of owning Baci’s Kitchen, Nikko Castrogiovanni sees his business as constantly evolving to give people what they want from his full -service, all-day offerings of Italian and American cuisine. These include many health-conscious and vegetarian options.

“We offer great customer service, fresh foods and a great atmosphere,” he says. “People are pleasantly surprised when they come here and they make plans to return. And many people are still trying us out for the first time.”

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. It offers carryout, catering, delivery and full table service, with reservations highly encouraged. It also has a private gaming corner, a sit-down bar, daily specials and live music most Fridays and Saturdays.

The newest items on the menu are

10 oz. burgers, such as a mushroom burger with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms and bacon; the avocado burger topped with lettuce, tomato, black beans, avocado, American cheese and onion; and the Baci Blue, with bleu cheese, bacon and purple onion.

Also new is Baci’s Mac and Cheese, made with corkscrew pasta that’s baked and lightly topped with panko. Among many options is Alfredo Mac and Cheese with shrimp, peppers and broccoli.

For breakfast, waffles, omelets, skillets and ala carte items are available as well as breakfast pizza starting at $14 in three sizes; it’s made with scrambled eggs and a choice of sauces, cheeses, toppings and meat. There are also breakfast bowls like Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey or sweet potato and egg with avocado and kale.

Costs range from $4.50 to $8.

Lunch/dinner options include sand-

wiches, soups, panini’s, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet for $22 or lasagna for $14.95.

Among Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls is the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamane and shredded carrots for $14. Baci’s kitchen opens every day at 8 a.m. and closes Sundays at 8 p.m., Mon.-Wed. at 9 p.m., and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m. For a complete menu visit baciskitchen.com. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Capital House  Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

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

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 26

Smart Living Weekly

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Olympic Tavern  Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Rock Cut Concessions  Casual American. BkLD. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry.

Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.

Union Dairy  Ice cream treats, grill food. Locally sourced.

126 E. Douglas, Freeport. LD Daily 11am-10 pm. Grill closed Sundays and after 8 pm. $$. ❚

Oct. 10

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms.

There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage.

Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon.

Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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Y T

Ways to Avoid Cyber Criminal Attacks

By Peggy Werner

B

eware of warnings on your devices.

If you get a pop-up message or a screen saying there’s a problem with your computer and that you need to call a number to fix the problem, don’t call it. No reputable company will ever announce to you there’s a problem with your computer, says PrimeTime Audio/ Video General Manager Dirk Dutton.

“Microsoft will never call you or give you a warning asking you to call a phone number,” he says. “If you see such a message, it’s coming from cyber criminals using ransom ware, which is software designed to block access to your computer until a sum of money is paid.”

When money is paid, the hackers put an icon on your computer that allows them to access all of your information, including the webcam.

Another common way hackers try to get information is through fake emails.

When you see an email from the name of someone you know, but it looks suspicious, don’t open it. Instead, click on the details and see if it’s actually from that person or another email address. If it’s not from the person you know, delete it and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov.

“The world of hacking is the fastest growing industry in the world, and it’s no longer only about getting your credit card information. What they want is to make money off of you and it’s only a click away,” says Dutton.

“In general, always be aware and never give out information or agree to pay money to ‘fix’ a problem. If you have a problem with your computer, you’ll be the first to know. If it happens, make a call to your computer specialist to have

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the problem diagnosed and fixed.”

Changing your username and password often is a good idea, especially if you’re using a default username and password on rented equipment. Also, update software and operating systems when updates are available.

“It’s amazing how many people are unaware of these safeguards,” he says. ❚

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