Smart Living Weekly - September 27, 2017

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Sept. 27, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

‘Autumn at the Arboretum’ See Page 16

All About Mums It’s Apple Season Again!

Oktoberfest on Oct. 6 & 7 Upcoming Concerts in Midtown

FREE WIN!

$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

See Pg. 28 for Details

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

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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BLACK & WHITE CONCERT, DANCE, & MASQUERADE BALL AT KLEHM ARBORETUM Saturday 10/28 7pm to 11pm.

(Klehm address)

Roy Orbison’s Songs by Trinadora Rocks Tickets $15 online at www.klehm.org or phone 815-979-1949. $20 at the door.

2715 S. Main St. Rockford, IL

Costumes optional. Which celebrity will you be?

Light snacks and cash bar. 50% of net proceeds will be donated to Klehm.

Trinadora Rocks is Ron “Roy” Holm, Jannie Nelson, Tim Austin, & John Bishoff.

www.trinadora.com 815-979-1949 A few upcoming Trinadora highlights: 9/20 6:00pm UUC 4848 Turner St 9/22 5:30pm Stockholm Inn 9/24 3pm & 7:00pm Nordlof Center 9/29 7:00pm Pig Minds Brewing 9/30 7:00pm Betty’s Western Wear 10/6 6:00pm Gene’s Place 10/20 7:00pm Belvidere Moose Lodge 10/21 6:30pm Eagles Club 11/10 6:00pm Gene’s Place 11/17 6:00pm Lyran Society Hall *Many more at www.trinadora.com* 4

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Autumn at the Arboretum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 All About Mums Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Guarding Unity Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tips for Packing School Lunches Your Outings ............................................9, 19, 21 Midtown Concerts, Orchards, Oktoberfest Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New LASIK Treatments Your Technology .................................... .......... 20 Don’t Spend Too Much on Tech Services Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 GreenFire Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan 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, Steven Wysong 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 2017 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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Skin-Deep Beauty

H

ave you been to an apple orchard yet this fall?

I spent my weekend writing about this beloved ancient fruit and the people who grow it, for our next Northwest Quarterly Magazine (NWQ), which will be in your hands a few weeks from now. It’s just one part of the fall fun we have in store for you in that issue.

I’ve learned that apples often pop up across world cultures, not only in stores, but also in folklore, mythology and fairytales.

The computer I’m using right now is named “Apple” because Steve Jobs thought it was “fun, spirited and not intimidating.” He’d also just visited a local orchard.

The human relationship with the apple is complicated. We’ve associated it with wholesomeness and American patriotism – “As American as motherhood and apple pie.” But we’ve also besmirched its reputation without cause, by making it a symbol of evil temptation. (Spoiler alert: Genesis mentions fruit, but not apples in particular.)

Only through human effort was the apple cultivated into the large, sweet treat we know today instead of something closer to a crabapple. But humans also did the apple a great disservice when big U.S. commercial growers nearly bred the goodness right out of it. They traded in flavor for good looks and longer shelf life, during an era one journalist called “The Awful Reign of the Red Delicious.”

It was the smaller, local growers who came to the rescue, by reminding us, each autumn, just how wonderful an apple can be when it’s grown for quality, not quantity. Now big growers are responding to our rejection of tasteless apples, but their fruit will never be as good as that of our small, local growers.

A beautiful apple is nice, but it’s what’s inside that counts. Beauty is only skin deep.

Just ask Snow White.

At Smart Living Weekly and NWQ, we’re all about the value that local businesses bring to our community. How ’bout them apples? ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y O

Oktoberfest is Oct. 6 & 7 T

he German Society will present its 53rd annual Oktoberfest Celebration on Friday, Oct. 6, from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to midnight.

Sponsored by the German Society of Rockford, Advanced Machine and Hennig, Inc., the festival will take place at Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd.

Following a Bavarian tradition of beginning Oktoberfest by tapping a keg, Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury will break the keg’s seal at 7 p.m. Friday and declare the party underway with the cry of “O’zapt is!” which means “It is tapped!”

Miss Oktoberfest will be crowned at that time as well.

A longtime German tradition, Oktoberfest will feature six German biers (beers) and various domestic options.

Authentic German food, children’s areas, German-style bands and German-style

dancers will help provide a sampling of German culture.

The German Society of Rockford will offer a Taste of Germany, with an expansive menu that includes German sausages, Jaegerschnitzel, roasted chicken, Opa’s potato pancakes, German potato salad, red cabbage, spaetzel, sauerkraut and desserts.

There will be all sorts of activities, indoors and out, such as the Weiner Dog Race, Bier Barrel Race for Charity, Barmaid Stein Race, Strong Arm Contest and karaoke.

Registration is open for dachshund entries in the Wiener Dog Race and teams of four to six people for the Bier Barrel Race. Register at rockfordoktoberfest. org.

Advanced tickets are $7 for one-day and $10 for two-day admission. Tickets can be purchased the day of the festival

for $10 for one day or $15 for two-day admission. VIP party packs are available for $40 each.

Buy tickets at Der Rathskeller, 1132 Auburn St. in Rockford; Advanced Machine, 2500 Latham St. in Rockford; or Hennig Inc., 9900 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Ill. Or call chairpersons Toni and Dorothy Beck, (815) 222-9937.

Learn more at rockfordoktoberfest. org. ❚

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Y H  G

Bigger, Better Mums Add to Autumn Beauty

By Peggy Werner

J

ust as summer colors are starting to fade and the season draws to a close, chrysanthemums are a No. 1 choice to brighten up the landscape and extend the beauty of nature.

The late-blooming flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors and research is always underway to offer an even wider selection each year.

S & H Nursery, 5956 McCurry Road in Roscoe, specializes in locally grown hardy mums, which have proven to be a good choice for those wanting to plant the flowers into the ground for more years of blooms. The mums are known for their dense foliage and fullness, prolific large blooms, and plant size up to three feet in width.

“It’s crazy how big they get. They are the nicest, fullest mums I have ever seen,” says owner Jamie Swanson.

Although mums are not guaranteed to bounce back every year, there are some steps you can take to help them thrive year after year.

The earlier you get the mums into the ground, the better, says Swanson. Don’t dig a hole too deep.

Leave about a half inch of the plant soil above the ground to give roots a chance to breathe and adjust to new surroundings. Water and fertilize mums as you would other flowing plants, and deadhead (pinch off) tired blooms. As long as they are wellmaintained and weather permits, mums will keep blooming, she says.

“I’ve seen mums still blooming outside at Christmas,” she says.

S & H will continue to get mums through the month of October. It currently has a special running for eight-

inch pots offered at $7.50 each or three for $20. The mums are also available in 12-inch pots by themselves or mixed with fall grasses.

Few things say “autumn beauty” as eloquently as beautiful mums.

“They’re absolutely gorgeous,” says Swanson. ❚

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I  W

Guard the Unity

C

an’t we all just get along?

If we view one another as God does, the answer is “yes we can.” There’s no hatred based on race, gender, age, health, wealth, etc., when we view one another through God’s eyes. Each of us is precious.

The Book of Acts reveals how difficult it was for the early church to wrap its head and heart around this concept of equality.

In the Old Testament, God favored certain people. It wasn’t His ideal way to operate, however. He wanted to undo the damage done by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:19) and make peace with all who choose to believe. That universal reconciliation was made possible through Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18) The New Testament teaches that favoritism on our part is a sin. We’re to love all people and treat them well. (James 2:1-3, 9) Scripture also teaches that our views should never be shaped by cultural norms that are at odds with Christ’s. Presidents, preachers and other cultural leaders come and go and are fallible. Only Christ’s kingdom endures forever. In it, there’s no place for hatred. (Eph.4:31).

We’re to imitate Christ. (Eph. 5:1 & 2).

Each of us is made in God’s image, which is spirit. Spirit has no gender or race.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).

God cares about whether we accept the Gospel and live it (Romans 10: 9 & 10), not about our superficial differences. He sees our hearts, not our looks. (I Sam. 16:7).

Being reconciled to God through Christ binds us together as one family, but we must guard that precious unity. Jude warns of those who “slip in” and divide us for personal gain, in verses 17-19: “These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage …

These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

Can’t we all just get along? Yes, we can. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Six Ways to Build a Better Lunchbox C

oming up with fresh ideas every day to keep kids’ lunches exciting is no small task. Step up your game this school year with these ideas.

Get creative. Transform sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or make tiny heart- or star-shaped, bite-size pieces of cheese for a fun finger food.

Another fun idea: thread sliced and bitesized vegetables on a wooden stick for a no-cook kabob.

Skip the packaging. Little fingers can struggle to open pre-packaged foods, so instead opt for fresh ingredients that fit into a bento-style box.

Keep it simple. Opt for delicious, flavorful foods that deliver nutrients kids need and the taste they want without any extras. An option like Hidden Valley Simply Ranch makes for a rich and creamy complement to carrot sticks, cucumber and other lunchbox staples.

Rely on the familiar. Avoid try-

ing out new foods at lunchtime.

Save the new flavors for meals at home.

Go for variety. Representing multiple foods groups is not only a good way to deliver nutrition, but the variety in colors and textures can also make the meal more interesting and encourage kids to eat more.

Add a treat. Whether it’s a favorite fruit or yogurt, a single piece of candy or even a simple note that says “I love you,” find a way to add something sweet to every lunch.

Look for more kid-friendly meals at hiddenvalley.com.

Portable Veggie Kabobs with Tangy Veggie Dip 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cup broccoli florets 2 carrots, sliced

8 cherry tomatoes 6-8 wooden skewers Hidden Valley Simply Ranch Gently thread cucumber slices, broccoli, carrot slices and cherry tomatoes on skewers, placing 2-3 pieces of each veggie on each skewer to make a rainbow of colors.

Serve ranch dressing with veggies for dipping. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Autumn at the Arboretum: A Gift of Fun

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor Clown will entertain with her balloon crene of the most enjoyable family-oriations. Papa’s Doghouse will sell funnel ented events of the season returns to cakes, warm cider, hot chocolate, grilled Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, on brats, burgers and more.

Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., “There are still a lot of people in presented free of charge as a gift to the our region who haven’t discovered how community by the DAO Foundation. wonderful this place is,” Wojtowicz says Autumn at the Arboretum offers all of the arboretum. “They don’t know that of the traditional fall activities you can there are 155 acres to explore, all fenced think of – pumpkin decorating, scarecrow in and secure, with 2 miles of paved paths building, face painting, horse-drawn and 3 miles of wood-chip paths. And wagon rides, interaction with petting they don’t know that they can bring their zoo farm animals and more. Hay bales, friendly dogs along, so long as they’re pumpkins and cornstalks will adorn the leashed. Events like this one are often grounds. peoples’ first encounter with the arbore“This is a really fun event for all ages tum and once they discover its serenity, to enjoy together, set against the beautithey keep coming back.” ful fall-color backdrop of the arboretum,” Autumn at the Arboretum is held says Jim Wojtowicz, landscape architect in conjunction with Girl Scouts Day @ and event coordinator at Klehm. the Arboretum, which offers Girl Scouts Superheroes and storybook princessfrom northern Illinois a fun-filled day of es will stroll the grounds, and Pickles the

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nature activities. At each of several stations, Girl Scouts can learn about and complete an activity related to a specific topic. The stations are open to other children as well. Girl Scouts can come alone or in troops and must be with a parent, chaperone or troop leader. Download a parental consent form from Klehm.org to bring to the event, one per Scout. Participation in Girl Scout Day is completely free.

Making possible this fun, no-charge day at the arboretum is the DAO (Dean Allen Olson) Foundation. The late Dean and Nancy Olson were among original supporters of Klehm and its Children’s Garden is named in her honor. The couple did much to make Rockford a better place and their children and grandchildren are continuing that tradition in their honor.

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R  O R

community,” says Wojtowicz. “It’s important for all of us to connect to nature.

Kids today often don’t have that opportunity on a daily basis.”

Nearly every tree species that exists in Illinois can be found at 155-acre Klehm, along with many that shouldn’t be able to grow here, but do. The arboretum began as a private nursery planted by

landscape architect William Lincoln Taylor in 1910. Today we have the privilege of seeing Taylor’s plantings full grown.

The Klehm family bought the property in 1968 and cared for it; realizing its uniqueness, they donated it to Forest Preserves of Winnebago County in the early 1990s. A professional inventory made in 1991 found that the property has an assortment of plant life unlike any other natural area in the United States. More than 500 species and cultivars of trees, shrubs and vines are labeled. Among the specialty gardens are peonies, daylilies and hostas.

Together, the Klehm Arboretum Board of Directors and Forest Preserves of Winnebago County have made many improvements to the site, working from a master plan. The newest is the Garden Pavilion and Terrace, a semi-permanent, elegant white structure open May to October each year for wedding receptions and other special events, with seating up to 400. It’s near the Fountain Garden, a

popular site for wedding ceremonies.

“The new pavilion is already booked through 2018, mostly with people from the Chicago suburbs,” reports Wojtowicz.

Improvements to the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden and a plan for better signage are in development.

Klehm offers many classes, workshops, lectures and events that teach people about nature, horticulture, gardening and environmental issues. It also welcomes volunteers who would enjoy working special events or helping to tend the grounds. Learn more online and find an event schedule there.

Regular arboretum admission costs $6 for adults; $3 for seniors age 62 and up, students age 18 with ID and children.

Children under 2 enter at no charge.

Klehm Arboretum is located at 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all year long, with longer summertime hours. Learn more by calling (815) 965-8146 or going to Klehm.org. ❚

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By Lindsey Gapen

T

he Ten Eyck family has been nurturing apple trees all year long. Now it’s time for the public to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

“We pick everything right before it’s ripe,” says owner Drew Ten Eyck.

“The quality of our apples sets us apart – everything is fresh and delicious.”

The woodlands, prairies and changing leaves make for a gorgeous ride out to the family farm, located on Highway 11 and 81, just 3 miles west of Brodhead, Wis., and 10 miles east of Monroe, Wis. Every year, visitors come to browse more than 50 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples with names both familiar and not-so-familiar, from Ambrosia to Winesaps. When it comes to cooking, Drew recommends Portland and Jonathon apples. For eating, Honey Crisp, Sun Crisp and Holiday apples are among his favorites.

“Those are the best to bite into,” Drew says. “The Honey Crisp is sweet

and crunchy, while the Sun Crisp is a little more citrusy. The Holiday is very crisp and tart. All of them are delicious.”

In addition to apples, the farm also offers pumpkins, gourds, pears, plums and a plethora of apple-infused treats.

The Ten Eycks make cider, donuts and pies with their apples – and everything is made from scratch.

“We have everything from handdipped caramel apples to weird, worty squashes,” Drew says. “It’s a great variety of products and everything is fresh.”

Opal John, the orchard manager, has been working with the Ten Eyck family since she was a teenager. Now she manages the orchard’s beehives and makes treats with raw, unfiltered honey.

Products from her Opalicious Honey line are also available in the selling shed.

For the second year, the orchard has a 5-acre corn maze for visitors to enjoy.

Drew Ten Eyck is the sixth generation to own and operate Ten Eyck Orchard. Last year, he returned to the

(Janine Pumilia photo)

It’s Apple Season at Ten Eyck

Y O

Rob and Drew Ten Eyck

family farm with experience in ecological monitoring and prairie management.

He’s working to modernize the business while holding tight to all that his father, Rob Ten Eyck, teaches him about growing quality apples and being good to his community.

“My dad has stressed that quality is the most important,” Drew says. “We don’t have the largest quantity, but we do have a better tasting apple than anybody else. It’s the variety and quality of apples, combined with the friendliness of the staff, that keeps people coming back to Ten Eyck Orchard. ❚

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Y T

Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely

By Peggy Werner

G

etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy.

“Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.”

Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says.

“You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”

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With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems.

He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month.

The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

“I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.”

EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also

Sept. 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300

offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint.

Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them.

And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office ❚

Y O

A Live Music Renaissance in Midtown A

ll kinds of high quality live music events are taking place in Rockford’s Midtown District these days. Appreciative listeners and performance spaces with excellent acoustics have attracted nationally recognized talent and regional standouts.

At the epicenter is the Listening Room at JustGoods Fair Trade Marketplace, 201 7th St., which hosts the Friday Listening Room series, and Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., which hosts the Second Thursday concert series and a less-formal but equally enjoyable music series Saturdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Another Midtown participant that’s helping to enrich the cultural scene is Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave. During the ArtScene celebration coming up this Oct. 6 and 7, and April 13 and 14 of 2018, the entire MidTown District bustles with music and visual exhibits.

Concerts at the above venues typically occur without a cover charge; audiences

are encouraged to donate generously to the performers.

If you’re interested in learning more about these concerts, contact the respective venues or call (815) 979-1949 or email vincentrecordsinc@gmail.com for one-stop information about all the venues.

JustGoods - Fridays

Door open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 - The Shufflers Oct. 6 - Kelly Zullo/ The Solo Quartet Oct. 13 - Blues Boys Reunion Concert Oct. 20 - Cheryl and the Down Home Boys Oct. 21 - Concert Choraleers (special 3pm Sat. concert) Oct. 27 - Earth To Clark Nov. 3 - Mark Stuart Nov. 19 - Michael Johnathon Nov. 17 - The Matchsellers Nov. 24 - Ernie Hendrickson (special 8pm start) Dec. 1 - Anna Stange Dec. 8 - Greg Herriges - World Winter Holiday Music Dec. 15 - Dave Rudolf’s Cracked Christmas Dec. 22 - Christmas Benefit Program

Katie’s Cup – Second Thursdays

Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 - Jodi Beach and Jim McDowell Nov. 9 - Georgia Rae Fiddle Champion - A Girl and her Loop Dec. 14 - Trinadora’s Holiday Frolic Jan. 11 - Acoustic Neil Diamond Legacy by Denny Diamond Feb. 1 - Mike and Sue Blair - Special Concert Feb. 8 - Daniel Watkins and the Ninestring Singer March 8 - Emily Hurd April 12 - Truman’s Ridge Bluegrass May 10 - Chip Messiner

Katie’s Cup - Saturdays

Sept. 30 - Michelle Stephenson Oct. 7 - Groovewheel

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Nov 4 - CAS-MHA Combined Chorus Concert at 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 - Denny Diamond, Spenser Svehla, and Trinadora Acoustic Holiday at 3 p.m.

Jan. 6 - Community Sing-along led by Mark Dvorak and Ron Holm at 7 p.m.

April 22 - Earth Day hootenanny-concert-fundraiser at 3 p.m. ❚

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Y H

Positive Feedback for LASIK Surgery

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

W

hen it comes to advertising, wordof-mouth recommendations have a high credibility. The free opinion of a trusted friend or family member carries more weight than any paid-for commercial.

Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, Dr. Edward Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, attracts patients from across the Midwest for LASIK eye surgery – a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea in order to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.

“I have 10,000 happy LASIK patients, which creates quite a sales force,” Yavitz says. “All you have to do is go to the Internet and see the comments.”

With such positive word-of-mouth feedback, Yavitz spends less on advertising and keeps fees for LASIK up to 50 percent less than other offices.

“People like to go to someone who has a lot of experience,” Yavitz says, “And I’m operating on second and even third generations of family members now since I began. That’s real experience.”

Yavitz completes three steps during a LASIK procedure. First, he precisely creates a flap and folds back a thin layer of the cornea. Second, using an excimer laser, he removes an exact amount of corneal tissue in seconds. Finally, he folds the corneal tissue back into place, allowing it to adhere without the need for stitches.

Yavitz performs more than 100 LASIK eye surgeries per month and has taught LASIK around the world. He even has several patents for devices used to

make LASIK a safer, more predictable surgery.

To schedule a free consultation regarding LASIK, call (815) 395-8338 or visit Yavitz Eye Center at 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)

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Sept. 27

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

“Making God Laugh” Sept. 28-Oct. 7, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Follow one typical American family over the course of 30 years’ worth of holidays, family Rockford, 61101 the 1.800.521.0849 ritualsIL and occasional gorockford.com flare-up of old tensions. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Rockford Listening Room: The Shufflers Sept. 29, 7 p.m. Enjoy music from talented artists. JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Celebrate Coronado Theatre's 90th Birthday Sept. 29-30, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. noon-4 p.m.

Celebrate the 90th birthday of the Coronado with a roaring '20s party on Friday night and a family-friendly party on Saturday. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Stone Bridge Half Marathon and 5K Sept. 30, 8 a.m. The Stone Bridge half marathon is a fast, out-and-back course set up on the scenic Stone Bridge Trail in Roscoe. Presented

by Stateline Family YMCA. Leland Park, Broad St., Roscoe, runsignup.com/Race/Events/IL/ Roscoe/StoneBridgeHalfMarathonand5k.

Great Balls of Fire Grand Opening Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hold a comet in your hand, put the solar system in your pocket and get ready for galactic fun. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Dog Days of Summer: Adopt a Pet Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary has furry friends that need a home.

Find your new best friend. Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques, 6329 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, call (815) 962-2767 for more information.

Pipe Organs of Downtown Rockford: A Walking Tour Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m. Walk from one concert venue to the next and hear organists perform. Start at Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church, 318 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Natural Resource Management Oct. 3, 7-8 p.m. Mike Groves, the Natural

The Coronado Theater is turning 90 this year.

Celebrate with a roaring 20s party on Sept. 29 and a family-friendly party on Sept. 30.

Resource Manager for the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, teaches about natural resource management efforts for the 10,500 acres of Forest Preserve property in Winnebago and, more specifically, Severson Dells. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Nellie’s Barn Sale Vintage Extravaganza Oct. 6-7, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This hip vintage market is set in a two-acre field with 60 vendors peddling the best vintage loot in the region. Find authentic vintage décor, fun jewelry, boho clothing and funky tees. Live music both days and beverages available. 10985 Main Street, Roscoe, nelliesbarnsale.blogspot.com.

German Society Oktoberfest Oct. 6-7, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat. noon-midnight. The German Society of Rockford hosts the 53rd annual Oktoberfest celebration, featuring German food, biers and entertainment.

Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 914-6296, rockfordoktoberfest.org.

"The Legends" Oct. 6, 8 p.m. "The Legends" tour brings together 10-time gold/platinum recording artist Too $hort, hip-hop icon DJ Quik, Chicago born and Billboard Hot 200 rapper Twista, and "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper" Scarface.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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Sept. 27

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WDL

Dreamy Desserts at GreenFire Bakery

By Peggy Werner

P

astry Chef Nancy Bedows of GreenFire Restaurant, Bakery and Bar, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., is the master mind behind creations that are as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.

The display case is filled with cakes, cupcakes, pies, cheesecakes, muffins, cookies and more that reveal her creativity, artistry and dedication to her work.

She credits two people for who she is today; her mom, Delores, and her former boss, the late Philippe Forcioli, who owned Café Patou and later opened GreenFire.

“My mom could just pull things out of the cupboard and make something out of nothing. I just can’t say enough about her. Philippe taught me to never give up and to experiment with flavors,” she says.

Today, she’s always thinking about what to bake next with the freshest of ingredients and seasonal items.

“I start out with one flavor, like a raspberry, and then I start thinking about what other flavors will go with it,” she says.

The results are amazing.

To name just a few, Cookies and Cream Cake is a chocolate layer cake with mascarpone cookie filling; Blackberry Lemon Cake is vanilla cake made with fresh blackberries, lemon custard and blackberry Italian meringue butter cream; Silky Bliss is a chocolate chip cookie cup filled with a Belgium chocolate mousse; and Peanut Butter Bomb is a chocolate cake with a salted caramel center topped with peanut butter mousse and nuts. Then, there’s Prickly Pear Wonder Cake, made with a vanilla cake soaked in prickly pear liqueur and layered with

fresh mixed berries. This recipe took three years to perfect, she says, and was inspired by her sister, who has a gluten allergy and is vegetarian.

GreenFire Owner Shendet Ismajlaj says the prickly pear cake is popular with everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.

“When she makes it, it’s gone.

Nancy is a hard worker and I’m lucky to have her on my staff. Our desserts are about flavor and texture and are not made with a lot of sugar,” he says. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee  Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Big Papa’s Barbecue  BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $.

Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

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

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm.

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

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Sept. 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300

T

Ciao Bella

his authentic Italian restaurant, at 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, has been family-run since it opened in 2008.

“We serve home-cooked Italian food with deep red sauces, hearty soups and homemade pastas, and it all starts in the kitchen,” says owner Talia Castrogiovanni.

Heading up the kitchen is brother Nikko, who joined the business about two years ago.

The bar features drink and appetizer specials Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. Menu specialties include pizza, pasta, salads and seafood.

For lunch, Ciao Bella offers an express lunch of sandwich and endless soup, for $7. “Business people can get their meal within 10 minutes and still make it back to work within the hour,” says Castrogiovanni. Dinner prices are $12 to $25.

Ciao Bella is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sat. 5-9 p.m. ❚

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Sept. 27 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

How to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car S ometimes residents of a flooded area aren’t the only victims. Sadly, dishonest sellers sometimes hide a car’s flood damage history by “title washing.”

“After the owners of damaged cars settle up with their insurance companies, vehicles are sometimes refurbished and resold in states unaffected by the disaster,” explains Rob Montoya, senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com.

“Electrical and mechanical problems can potentially surface later, long after the seller is gone, leaving the buyer with an unreliable car and no recourse.”

In the wake of disasters like hurricanes Harvey and Irma, state motor vehicle registries change titles of flooddamaged cars to a salvage or junk title, which alerts future buyers that the car was declared a total loss by an insurance agency because it sat in flood water deep enough to fill the engine compartment, says Montoya.

But about half of cars with salvage titles are resold in other states, most often through private-party sales or disreputable dealer lots. Reputable dealers use vehicle history reports to check cars and individuals can do the same.

A good, low-cost starting point is the free flood title check from Carfax, says Montoya. “It will not only answer whether the vehicle had flood damage reported, but it also provides a link to buy the full-fledged vehicle history report. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, operated by the Department of Justice, has a number of reports you can buy from third-party companies, but they do little beyond what the free Carfax check provides.”

In addition to getting a vehicle history report, the National Automobile Dealers Association recommends: 1. Be alert to unusual, musty odors and be wary if strong air freshener or

cleaning product odors are present. Run the air conditioner to see if a moldy smell comes out of the vents.

2. Look for discolored carpeting or brand-new upholstery in a used car.

3. Examine the exterior for foggy inside headlights and stained wheelwells.

4. Inspect the undercarriage for rusty and flaking metal.

5. Note dirt buildup in unusual areas such as around seat tracks or the upper carpeting under the glove compartment.

Have an independent mechanic look for caked mud or grit in under-hood crevices.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. ❚

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