Smart Living Weekly - May 13, 2015

s 5 @ n ge re e pa e he rd Se is a g G rin r Sp le ns Ge

iving n g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • May 13, 2015

™

Right in Our Region

We’re All Young at Heart in May

By Peggy Werner he 44th annual Loves Park Machesney Park Young at Heart (YAH) Festival, known for its pageants, fishing derby, parade, rides, food, contests, fireworks, music and more, will run Friday through Monday on Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25, on the grounds of Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd. Opening ceremonies are at 5 p.m. Friday,

T

with the festival running until midnight. It will be open noon to midnight both Saturday and Sunday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday.

The festival is a much-loved tradition for Parks families and their neighbors, says Diana Johnson, YAH festival chairwoman and executive director of the Parks Chamber.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Best New Plants! • Spring-Summer Beauty Trends • Hearty Summer Salad When to Talk Back to Your Doctor • Nominate a Veteran • Credit Card Traps

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 6

3

4

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................... Cover & p. 20 Young at Heart Festival Your Home .................................................... ..... 11 Best New Plants Inspiration & Worship ........................................12 The Treasure of Pentecost Your Kitchen .......................................................15 A Hearty Summer Salad Your Style ............................................................17 2015 Spring-Summer Beauty Tips Your Health ............................................... .......... 25 When to Talk Back to Your Doctor Your Fun ..................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ..................................... 29 Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Dining Locally ............................................ ........ 29 Tips ............................................................. ......... 31 Nominate a Veteran for AirFest Honors Your Money ................................................ ......... 33 Step Carefully When Choosing a Credit Card

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 Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh Street, 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.

6

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Still Young at Heart

F

ew things fuel my sense of nostalgia like the Young at Heart Festival does. I enjoyed it as a kid, back when it was held at muddy Martin Park along the river; I enjoyed it as a boy-crazy teen, flirting my way through the midway; I enjoyed it as a mom, introducing my children to their first carnival rides; and I enjoyed covering it as a journalist, when I was editor of the Loves Park newspaper.

I’ve witnessed plenty of changes in the festival. Ostrich burgers caused quite a stir one year – but didn’t compare to the ruckus raised another year, when the parade was cancelled because nobody wanted to organize it. (Let’s face it, it’s a pretty thankless job.) Later, some good souls resurrected the parade. Kudos to the folks who keep it going every year, knowing full well that their hard work could be all washed up by a hard rain.

There’s always a lot of hubbub about whether the queen and princess pageant sends the wrong message to youths; I confess I’m not big on beauty contests. But when I was a freshman at Harlem, a junior named (so appropriately) Sharon Hart won the queen title.

She was my role model, not because she was queen, but because she was kind, pretty, hardworking and a very talented actress. I grew my hair long, like hers, and performed in every school theater production, like her. I earned a title of my own, my senior year, that was very important to me at the time: Most Dramatic of the Class of ’79. Thanks, Sharon.

I later swapped my dream of being an actress for my dream of being a journalist, but the point is that someone – maybe a lot of someones in my community – inspired me to dream and to work hard for those dreams. I thought about this when I read our cover story about this year’s winning festival button designer, age 16. Young people need opportunities to stretch their wings and excel. Good for him for daring to go for it, and good for his teacher for presenting the challenge.

Dreaming new dreams is part of being Young at Heart at any age. Enjoy your week! ■ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

7

8

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

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

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

9

10

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Y H  G

A Green Thumbs Up for Caliope Geranium, Calibrachoa

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

T

he time to plant has come, now that frosty weather is behind us. Which plants are most worthy of our time and attention this season? Scott Gensler, of Gensler Gardens, has a few suggestions.

“It’s hard to go wrong with calibrachoa, which have come a long way in the past 10 years or so,” says Gensler. “The Proven Winner line has about 30 or so varieties and only about six have had any problems. The series is very good and we only carry the ones that are trouble-free because we want customers to be successful growing them.”

Also known as million bells, calibrachoa are profuse bloomers that look like tiny petunias. They have a nice mounding and trailing habit, which makes them ideal for containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. They come in dozens of color combinations and bloom continually until fall frost, with no deadheading required.

This year, Gensler is closely watching new Frostfire and Strawberry Punch varieties of calibrachoa. Frostfire has a true white petal with a yellow and scarlet throat. Strawberry Punch is a two-toned pink and red beauty with a yellow eye.

Gensler’s already a big fan of recently introduced Lemon Slice and Grape Punch calibrachoa, “which look great together.”

Lemon Slice has alternating white and yellow stripes. Grape

Punch is a two-tone light and dark purple bloom with a yellow throat.

Calibrachoa does best in a sunny location.

Gensler also recommends Caliope geraniums, a cross between ivy and zonal geraniums.

“This is a phenomenal plant,” he says. “It’s been out about five years now, so we know how well it performs.” So far, it comes in shades of rose, dark red, burgundy, scarlet fire and hot pink.

“I try to stock the most heat-tolerant geraniums I can find,” says Gensler. “Even when it’s 90-degree weather, the Caliope does well and outperforms other geraniums. I try to talk anyone I can into buying these because I know they’ll be successful with them.” Geraniums like full sun but not extreme heat.

Gensler Gardens is located at 102 Orth Road in Loves Park, Ill., and 8631 11th St. in Davis Junction, Ill. Learn more at genslergardens.com.■

Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

11

I  W

The Treasure of Pentecost

PROUD TO BE THE FIRST CARPET CLEANING SERVICE CERTIFIED

S

ometimes we lose sight of the most important things we have. But much like finding old treasure in an attic, the rediscovery can be magical. So it is with the gift of holy spirit, first given to Christian believers on a Jewish Pentecost holiday more than 2,000 years ago.

Today, Christians celebrate the Day of Pentecost 50 days after Easter, this year on May 24. It marks the day God chose to equip His children with the spiritual power and courage they need to carry Christ’s message to the world.

In Acts 1:4-5, just before he ascends to Heaven, the resurrected Christ tells his apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift his Father has promised them.

“For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy spirit.”

By Acts 2:1, when the day of Pentecost had come, miracles commenced. After receiving holy spirit and witnessing the miracles, Peter boldly quoted the prophesy of Joel about the coming of this day, then boldly preached Christ. (Not long before, he had been denying Christ and hiding in fear of authorities.) “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41).

It’s significant that God chose the Jewish holiday of Pentecost to bestow the gift of holy spirit on mankind. Also known as the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost (“penta” means five) commemorates the day Moses received the law (Torah) on Mt. Sinai, 50 days after death “passed over” the firstborn Jews in Egypt who painted their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb to escape the 10th plague wrought by God through Moses.

Hence, the Age of Law began at Sinai 50 days after Passover; the Age of Love began in Jerusalem 50 days after Easter, when holy spirit was given to those who believe in Jesus Christ, “our Passover lamb” (I Cor. 5:7b), who spilled his blood, causing eternal death to “pass over” those who believe, even to this day.

Start your treasure hunting in Acts chapters 1 and 2. ■ – Janine Pumilia 12

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

BEYOND CARPET CLEANING CARPET | TILE & GROUT | HARDWOOD UPHOLSTERY | WATER RESTORATION

$

1-800-STEEMER

®

stanleysteemer.com

15 OFF

ANY CLEANING SERVICE ORDERS OF $120 OR MORE

Cleaning Completed By 5/31/15

Promo Code: SPRING

asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification applies to carpet Cleaning service only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Residential only; cannot be used for water emergency services. Must present promotion code at time of service. Combined living areas, L-shaped rooms and rooms over 300 sq. ft. are considered 2 areas. Baths, halls, large walk-in closets and area rugs are priced separately. Offer does not include protector. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details. Only Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaning has been Certified asthma & allergy friendly.™ ASTHMA & ALLERGY FRIENDLY and ASTHMA & ALLERGY FRIENDLY LOGO are Certification Marks and Trademarks of ALLERGY STANDARDS LIMITED. The ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA is a Registered Trademark of AAFA.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Y Y K K

It’s Time for Hearty Summertime Salads W

hether it’s a quick side for the weeknight family dinner or a picnic or potluck, this Southwestern Bean & Quinoa combination is a delicious, goodfor-you choice that’s as easy as 1-2-3.

First, cook up some quinoa; it’s simple and will be ready in about 15 minutes.

While it cooks, chop and slice the vegetables and whisk up the dressing. Next comes READ Southwestern Bean Salad, the secret ingredient that adds great flavor and saves time in the kitchen. Combine the zesty Tex-Mex seasoned mixture of black beans, kidney beans, corn and hominy with the quinoa and veggies, add the aromatic dressing, toss and go.

Serve it as a meatless main dish, or to accompany grilling favorites like chicken or pork. It’s versatile, too. Easily double the recipe for a large gathering, or change up the vegetables for other favorites that are in-season or on-hand in the fridge.

Visit ReadSalads.com for additional recipes and serving suggestions. ■

Southwestern Bean & Quinoa Salad With Cilantro-Lime Dressing Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

1 can (15 oz.) READ Southwestern Bean Salad 1/2 cup red cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup chopped tomatillos 1/2 cup thin bell pepper strips 2 cups cooked quinoa Dressing: 1 1/2 Tb. canola oil 1 Tb. fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp. shredded lime peel 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste) 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Drain bean salad. Discard liquid or save for another use. In large bowl, combine bean salad, tomatoes, tomatillos and bell pepper.

For dressing, whisk together oil, lime juice, peel and cayenne. Stir in cilantro. Toss with quinoa. Add to bean salad mixture; toss lightly to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled. ■ Source: Family Features

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

15

16

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Y S

Spring-Summer 2015 Beauty Tips T

his is a time for experimentation, says Rosanna Roberts, director of color trends at The Color Association of the United States for the past five years. “Color application is becoming more liberal and spontaneous, moving to unexpected places like the brows, earlobes and at the roots of hair,” she says.

Peachy hues emerge as a fresh, color-tinted spring neutral.

These nectar-inspired hues provide a luminous, girl-next-door glow on skin with a dash of innocence, capitalizing on a growing desire for a simple, lighthearted approach to beauty – and daily life. Cheeks and lips flush apricot with a touch of gold, while nails take on more intense tangerine hues that channel a playful, happy-go-lucky vibe.

Hues of blue continue to shine for Spring-Summer 2015.

Most coveted for their fresh, cool appeal, these shades are at once tranquil and energetic. Recent seasons have seen deniminspired tones adorning nails, using the hands as a safe zone to experiment with such an unconventional palette. As a result, blue has catapulted to popularity in other areas of beauty.

From aquamarine to deep cerulean, strong focus is on the eyes, which shimmer in smudged, smoked, winged and washed applications. Matte, gloss and pearl finishes meet in various combinations, emulating nature’s most luminous, iridescent influences.

Subtle, muted hues emerge as a counterpoint to the deep saturates of Fall-Winter 2014-15.

These nouveau pastels are not the sweet tints of seasons past. Texture is paramount, with chalky finishes updating the look. This next generation of soft hues employs a dirty pretty edge, with hints of shadowy grey undertones.

Pale dusty blue and lilac are favored varieties.

There’s an undercurrent of 1980s nostalgia this season. Leading the movement is the re-emergence of red.

This classic hue signals power and strength, a theme that has grown in importance over the past two decades. On lips, the color takes on a slightly blue cast, evolving from warmer incarnations of seasons past. Cheeks also veer cool. Nails take on the timeless hue with a sense of novelty, after the rainbow of polishes in recent years. ■

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Source:Beautypress.com

May 13

17

FLOOR

MODEL

Mon & Fri 10am-8pm • Tues-Thur 10am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 12-5pm

Open 24 hours on the web

Find us on Facebook

1699

Reclining Sofa and Loveseat was 2379

Bryant Sofa and Chair was 2019

1299 Sofa was 1199.99

1299

Norvell Sofa and Chair Was 1938

699

2999

Leather Sofa and Loveseat was 4697

B619 Leather Sofa was 2765

1899

1799

CLEARANCE SALE Sofa Loveseat and Chair- was 2509

Save 20% to 70% Storewide!

Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

THERE’S NO CREDIT CHECK YOU PAY AS YOU GO PAY IN PERSON, BY PHONE OR ONLINE

808 W. Riverside, Rockford, IL | 815.636.8608 | www.gustafsonfurniture.com

OVER 3,000 IN THE STORE!

Mon & Fri 10am-8pm • Tues-Thur 10am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 12-5pm

Open 24 hours on the web

Find us on Facebook

MATTRESS SELECTION

FREE BOXSPRING SALE BUY A

QUEEN

BUY A

KING

179 298 FOR

FOR

RECEIVE

RECEIVE

FREE

boxspring

FREE

boxsprings

Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right not to honor any incorrect pricing.

ULTRA COMFORT

599 LIFT CHAIR

North Main

Gu sta fson 's

I-90

Rock River

Riverside Blvd

QUEEN POWER BEDS

899 STARTING AT

Furniture

Bypass 20

THERE’S NO CREDIT CHECK YOU PAY AS YOU GO

PAY IN PERSON, BY PHONE ORthem ONLINE Tell you saw it in ...

808 W. Riverside, Rockford, IL | 815.636.8608 | www.gustafsonfurniture.com

R  O R

Young at Heart Continued from Cover

“Our chamber likes to do things for the communities, especially for families,” says Johnson. “Young at Heart has something for everyone. I love to see everyone having a good time, enjoying the food, music and everything the festival has to offer.”

Trickie Enterprises is the leading sponsor of this year’s festival, and 14 other sponsors are supporting the event as well. Buttons can be purchased for $7 in advance or $9 at the door for all four days.

Children under six are admitted free.

Buttons are available at more than a dozen locations, including all Kelly Williamson Mobile gas stations, all Schnucks locations, North Suburban Library, Loves Park City Hall, Machesney Park Village Hall, and many banks and credit unions.

Check the complete listing at parkschamber.com and find a schedule of events .

Rides and food are an additional cost. Discounted family packs of buttons and ride coupons are available at Loves

20

Smart Living Weekly

Park City Hall, Machesney Park Village Hall and Schnucks in Loves Park.

Highlights this year will include a Saturday Young at Heart Idol contest at 3 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. followed by music headliners Love and Theft. Monday will bring the traditional queen and princess pageants.

Some new amusement rides are in the works, and after a two-year hiatus, elephant ears are back, says Johnson.

Thirteen food vendors will provide funnel cakes, cotton candy, sweet corn, pizza and other fair food, along with the famous Loves Park Fire Department pork chop sandwiches and hamburgers.

The 44th annual YAH parade will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday from Woodward Governor Company, 5001 N. 2nd St., and end at the reviewing stand near Theodore Street, where winners of the float contest will be announced.

“Celebrating Small Businesses” is this year’s parade theme, an effort to draw attention to the people and places

May 13

that make up the Parks area, says Barb Schwengels, parade chairwoman.

The current YAH queen and princesses, vintage cars and military vehicles, stock cars, new cars, music by Bluus Brothers DJs, commercial and community floats, church groups, youth groups, Scouts, martial artists, clowns, dogs for adoption, the Team Fur Bandit Bicycle Group, Twisted Crypt Haunted House, Rockford Ski Broncs, fire trucks, police cars, and city and village elected officials will all play a role in this year’s parade.

“The goal is to get a lot of diverse groups together having fun while pro-

R  O R moting their businesses and what they’re doing for the Parks region,” says Schwengels.

Schwengels, Kim Massetti and Lori Fay make up the parade committee and they, along with 35 volunteers, oversee set-up and organize the event.

“Every year, thousands of people line the parade route,” says Schwengels.

“Candy will be tossed out to kids and lots of business cards and other helpful information will also be handed out.”

Harlem High School Art Teacher Barb Kurilla challenges her students each spring by assigning them to come up with a YAH button design.

“I make it a mandatory part of the curriculum because it’s for a really good cause and they learn a lot,” Kurilla says.

The only requirements for the button are to include a

picture of a heart, the name of the festival, and the date, place and year. The school’s art department chooses finalists, and the YAH committee selects the winner.

“Every year, I’m amazed at the creativity the students have and the variety of designs they come up with,” says Kurilla.

This year’s winning design is by Stephen Cain, 16, a junior at Harlem High School who has celebrated the end of a school year and the beginning of summertime for many years with friends during the annual Young at Heart Festival.

“Stephen’s design struck me because of the vivid colors and because so much is going on in the illustration,” says Kurilla. “There’s a focal point, yet the design encompasses everything the festival means to people.”

The button shows fireworks, musical notes and a Ferris wheel in the “0” of 2015. The bright shades of aqua blue, yellow, purple and red convey the happy mood of the festival.

Stephen says, “When I look at the button, I see all the things I feel are really special about the festival and I want people to see the same thing. Young at Heart

is about the community coming together to have fun.”

He started with three designs, which were narrowed down to one that he persistently worked on until getting the final result. The color scheme “just happened” as he experimented with colors that look good together, he says.

Winning was something he had thought about, but didn’t expect.

“There are so many good entries,” he says. “And there are so many cool buttons from past years. When I won, I was ecstatic and couldn’t believe it.”

The only unanswered question about this year’s festival is “Will it rain?”

Young at Heart has known a rainsoaked day or two in years past.

“Last year we didn’t have much rain and we’ve had many good years without rain,” says Johnson.

“This year, the festival is on the fourth of five weekends in May, so maybe that’s good luck. With four days of festival planned, we will hopefully have good days. I never worry about the weather because I don’t have anyone in charge of that department.” ■

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Y H

When to Talk Back to Your Doctor

By Craig Schmidt

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surgery in a freestanding surgery center is less expensive because

this type of facility has lower overhead than a hospital does.

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

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

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

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

25

26

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Y F

Dinosaurs Before Dark May 15-17, Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 1, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun 1 & 4:30 p.m. Children’s Theater Project presents this tale about siblings Jack and Annie, who discover a treehouse full of books.

Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (920) 412-7151. $11 for adults, $9 for students and seniors.

Spring Arts & Crafts/Farmers Market Expo Through May 17 at Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Hwy. 20 East, Freeport. Shop for locally made gift items like birdhouses, jams & jellies, garden art & more.

(815) 233-1357.

53rd Annual FOOD-A-RAMA May 20, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. at Temple Beth-El, 1203 Comanche Dr., Rockford. Lunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Delicatessen, bakery and a drive-through window for bag lunches.

Buffet or bag lunch $11. Free delivery of bag lunches for 10 or more delivered to a single address. Order by Monday, May 18. More info at (815) 398-5020.

Koi & Culture May 21, 7 p.m., Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG) Lecture by Peter Ponzio, author and founder of The American Goldfish Association. $5 non-members. Reg. requested but walk-ins welcome. Learn about the significance of koi in Japanese culture and the requirements for a healthy koi habitat. AJG Visitor Center, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Macyn Taylor and Basement Blues Band May 23, 7 p.m. Spring Creek UCC Church presents Macyn Taylor and Basement Blues Band, two of the region’s favorite blues and acoustic acts, as part of its Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Refreshments including Mamma Mia’s pizza for sale. 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Learn more at springcreekucc.org, (815) 8772576.

Will Rogers: An American Original Through May 24, Thurs.-Sun. Presented by Artists Ensemble at Rockford University’s Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St. “A fool and his money are soon elected,” observed the laconic cowboy, who virtually invented standup comedy. Kevin McKillip performs a tour de force about a gentle man whose folksy charm and razor wit frequently took aim at

John Mellencamp will perform in Rockford May 30 at Coronado Performing Arts Center.

politics. Thursday tickets are $19. All other performances are $30, $28 for seniors, and $10 for students. See artistsensemble.org.

Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens Weekly beginning May 26, doors open at 5 p.m. Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG) presents Kelly Steward in its first Tuesday night concert. Members free; $5 adults, $3 teens, 12 & under free. Beer, wine, soda and bottled water for purchase. Picnic dinners are welcome but not carry-in beverages. Food vendors include DiTullio’s Italian Deli, Woodfire Pizza, Fresco, Zammuto’s, Chai Town Tea. AJG, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390.

John Mellencamp at Coronado May 30, 7:30 p.m. This Grammy-winning rock singer-songwriter-musician has sold more than 40 million albums across the globe and has had 22 Top 40 hits in the U.S. He’s also a founder of Farm Aid, a group that raises awareness about the loss of family farms. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

22nd Annual Klehm Garden Fair June 5-7, Fri. noon-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 50 vendors showcasing plants, yard art, tools & furniture, reclaimed wood products, soaps and more.

Advance Tickets $5; $8 at the door. Members free. Find tickets at Klehm Visitor Center, klehm.org & local garden shops. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146. ■

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

27

28

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

C

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

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. $.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatSun 8am-5pm. $.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm, F-Sat to midnight. $.

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, Ill., (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. $$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

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

Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Sisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2294545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $.

Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

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 Tavern on Clark

T

his restauarant, at 755 Clark St., Rockford, offers top-quality food in a great atmosphere. Owned and operated by brothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai, it’s the kind of place where business partners, couples, families or friends can gather for all occasions.

A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include the Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib.

A private dining room, with a flatscreen TV and fireplace, seats 50 and is available for private events.

Tavern on Clark is open daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen serves food until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 p.m. on weekends.

The bar is open later. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

T  I

Nominate a Veteran for AirFest Honors T

he Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) will recognize veterans at AirFest 2015: Things are Looking Up for the sacrifices they have made for our country as part of the “Honoring Veterans” appreciation program. Nominations are due

by May 20.

In addition to participating in commemorative activities during AirFest, honorees and/or their families will receive up to four complimentary one-day tickets to the festivities, general parking or ADA parking and shuttle to the Veteran’s Chalet located on the flight line. They will also receive complimentary food and beverages and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with the performers.

Nominations are open to any veteran or fallen military member. A veteran is defined herein as: “Any person who has served honorably on active duty in any branch of the armed forces of the United States of America for a period of not less than 180 days. This definition applies especially to those who served in this capacity during wartime and/ or within any combat zone or theater of war in which the U.S. was or is participating.”

Nomination forms are available online at rockfordairfest.com and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 20. Nominees must reside in RFD’s service region of northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa.

“RFD is proud to provide a program that recognizes veterans for their patriotism and service to our country,” says Mike Dunn, RFD executive director. “We’re honored to host these individuals at AirFest 2015 and look forward to meeting and personally thanking these individuals for their dedication and loyal service to this country.”

Selected nominees will be recognized during AirFest on June 6 and 7 at RFD. ■

Get SLW Tips & Information articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

31

e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced May 20 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $50 Gift Card

Advantage Kwik-Dry Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

32

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

Y M

Step Carefully When Choosing a Credit Card

By Jim Killam

Y

ou can’t do better than zero percent interest on a credit card, right?

Be careful with those special offers, advises Christine Erickson, Vice President of Lending at MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. The rate usually lasts six months, or maybe a year.

And time flies.

“That’s an area where people get tripped up,” she says. “They lose track of when that zero percent is going to end, and then all of a sudden it gets put into a much higher interest rate.”

Losing track can prove especially expensive for people who carry heavy credit-card debt and move balances in and out of those zero-percent offers.

Get SLW Money articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Credit card companies simply buy mailing lists from credit bureaus, listing people with a certain credit score or higher.

Let’s say your credit score is 700, but you’re recently unemployed.

The card company doesn’t know that, so it may offer you a “preapproved” card with a high credit limit and a low interest rate. Step carefully.

“If somebody’s unemployed, they might go ahead and accept that preapproval and then they get into that cycle of dependence on using those credit cards as a supplement to their income,” Erickson says. “That becomes a pattern and then it becomes a cycle and it’s hard to get out of that sometimes.”

Other tips: • Study the disclosure portion of any credit card application. Is there an annual

fee? If you make a late payment, is there a charge, and will it cause your interest rate to rise? What’s the grace period between date of purchase and getting hit with a finance charge?

• Cash advances are expensive loans.

There’s no grace period; you’ll start paying interest immediately, from the day of the cash advance. Interest rates on cash advances often are much higher than on purchases. ■

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 13

33

34

Smart Living Weekly

May 13

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1