Smart Living Weekly - October 11, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • October 11, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Trail of Terror Offers Fall Fun

See Page 16

Halloween on the Prairie Time to Light the Fireplace NEW Treatment for Glaucoma Live Music in the Midtown District Don’t Be Haunted by a Flood-Damaged Car

FREE WIN!

4 Rounds of Golf at Aldeen Golf Club See Pg. 28 Details

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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Trail of Terror

Use your Home’s Financial Muscle to Tackle your Money Struggles

Home Equity Loan Special + No Closing Costs! s3.50% APR*

Rates as low a

Your Outing ............................................. 9, 19, 21 Halloween on the Prairie; Ten Eyck Orchard; Midtown Concerts Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 It’s Time to Light the Fireplace Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Riches that Matter Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Colorful Autumn Cookie Glazes Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Treatment for Glaucoma

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Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Don’t Buy a Flood-Damaged Car

Smart L iving Weekly ™

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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 Writers 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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Half Full I

’m not one to put my head in the sand.

When there’s a problem, I like to look it in the eye and drag it into the light for closer inspection, even if it’s kicking and screaming.

That closer inspection requires fact-finding. Without gathering the facts, we waste too much time chasing emotion-driven theories.

That’s illogical, as Spock would say.

This is why I love daily newspapers. I’ve worked among news reporters for three decades now and I believe most of them honestly try to “just get the facts, ma’am.”

Is there fake news? Sure, but it mostly lives in the dark Wild West of social media, not fluorescent-light newsrooms where real reporters have real bosses who hold them accountable.

Newspapers sound the alarm when something is wrong, as they should. We all want to know about fires, crimes, fights, tax increases, traffic accidents. And as voters, we should all know what the arguments are about in city hall or at the school board.

Unfortunately, a by-product of bad news is the formation of a distorted and overly negative community self-perception. We start to believe that everything happening outside our own homes is bad, which just isn’t true. The glass is half empty but it’s also half full!

That’s why Bill Hughes founded Northwest Quarterly Magazine 13 years ago. Our vision is to “sound the alarm” about all that’s good in our region. There’s so much of it!

To that end, our 57th issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine (Old Northwest Territory edition) is hot off the press this week. Find a list of advertisers at northwestquarterly.com and go pick up a complimentary copy from one of them. As always, the issue brims with interesting articles, ads and photography that remind us why we’re glad we live here.

Embracing all that’s good here strengthens us to confront what’s wrong. We need to get out and enjoy what we have. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y O

Holiday Events at Byron Forest Preserve T

wo fun events are coming up at the Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 North River Road in Byron, Ill., home of the award-winning Jarrett Prairie Center Museum.

birds of prey show and tours of the new observation deck at the Jarrett Prairie Center Museum.

Learn more by calling (234) 8535 ext. 200.

Halloween on the Prairie

This event, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m., will offer lots of free fun, including family-friendly hayrides, tours of Weiskopf Observatory, a bounce house, a face-painting station, kids’ crafts, games, a free customer appreciation lunch, Native American hands-on activities, a live

26th Annual Holiday Gift Sale

This event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This annual event will feature about 30 vendors offering a variety of handcrafted items, including Christmas ornaments and decorations, candles, wreaths,

quilts, dolls, wood carvings, wooden furniture, baskets, birdhouses and much more.

In addition to these 30 vendors, owners of home-based businesses will be selling items from Avon, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One and more.

An affordable concession stand will sell hot dogs, barbecues and chili, along with hot apple cider, all day long.

Parents can shop while youngsters learn about their heritage in the newly remodeled Jarrett Prairie Center Museum. Visitors can check out the museum’s newly constructed 2,600-square-foot observation deck.

Admission is free and reservations are not required to attend the event. The Jarrett Prairie Center is accessible to the physically challenged.

To reserve a vendor booth or to learn more about the gift sale, call (815) 2348535 ext. 224. ❚

BLACK & WHITE CONCERT, DANCE, & MASQUERADE BALL At Klehm Arboretum Saturday 10/28 7pm to 11pm

2715 S Main St, Rockford, IL

READING MENTOR As little as 20 minutes per week can drastically change and improve a child’s life.

Visit: wevolunteer.org/IREAD Email: IREAD@unitedwayrrv.org Call: 815-963-7323

Costumes optional.

AS AN

The songs of Roy Orbison and many other musical greats by the Trinadora Rocks Band: Ron “Roy” Holm, Jannie “Patsy” Nelson, Tim Austin, John Bishoff www.trinadora.com 815-979-1949

Tickets $15 online at www.klehm.org or phone 815-979-1949. $20 at the door. **Light snacks and cash bar. 50% of net proceeds will be donated to Klehm** Upcoming Trinadora highlights: 11/10 6:00pm Gene’s Place (Rockford) 10/13 7:00pm JustGoods (Rockford) 11/17 6:00pm Lyran Hall (Rockford) 10/20 7:00pm Moose Lodge (Belvidere) 11/18 5:00pm Kegel’s Harley (Rk’fd) 10/21 6:30pm Eagles Club (Rockford) 11/19 4:00pm Franchesco’s – Special 10/27 6:00pm Starline (Harvard, IL) Four Icons Matinee (Rk’fd) 11/03 6:00pm Baci’s (Rockford) 12/01 8:30pm Big Al’s at Giovanni's 11/04 8:30pm Vito’s (Roscoe) – Special *Many more at www.trinadora.com* CD Release Party *Or phone 815-979-1979 for details*

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UWRRV-IREAD-NWQuarterly-091217-SixthPG-Horizontal.indd 19/12/2017 1:36:13 PM

Which celebrity will you be?

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Y H  G

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.”

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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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Riches that Matter

F

or some reason, it became popular in some circles of American Christianity to preach that we will grow rich in money if we seek out God and donate a lot of money to our churches.

Certainly scripture states that God will meet our needs and is capable of blessing us beyond what we can imagine. And there’s plenty of scriptural support for giving God our “first fruits” – the finest things reaped from our labor. In our culture, that generally means money rather than the fattest sheep or tastiest grapes.

That we should happily part with a share of our income makes perfect sense. After all, none of us would have anything without God – not even life or breath. The least we can do is return part of our income to God in gratitude, not because God needs the money, but because we need to be able to part with it. It’s also a way to obey his instruction that we take care of one another. Where we give and how we do that is something we prayerfully work out with God. But the desire for wealth is not in itself a reason to follow Christ, says the apostle Paul. There’s no guarantee that every devoted Christian will be wealthy or even comfortable.

To the contrary, hunger, persecution and pain are common experiences among Christians, through no fault of their own, and always have been.

The key, says Paul, is to be content and grateful to God, whether we’re in a state of poverty or plenty. Either one tempts us to lose our way. Wealth may inflate our human egos, feed our greed and scramble our priorities; poverty may cause us to resent God, hurt others or do evil things in our desperation.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty,” Paul writes to the Philippians, who have sent him a gift of money to support his ministry. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12 & 13 (NIV).

God makes us rich in all that matters most to Him. As we practice “putting on the mind of Christ” (Romans 12:12), we reap “fruit of the spirit” – love, joy, peace, forbearance (tolerance/patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

(Galatians 5:22 & 23 NIV). These are true riches. ❚ – 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 palette 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 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 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.

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.

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

Forest Green Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 tsp.

Sky Blue color and 1/4 tsp. Sunflower, 3 Tb. water, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 tsp. cocoa powder.

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

Source: Family Features

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Trail of Terror Offers Regional Fall Fun

By Peggy Werner

N

ow in its 20th year, Trail of Terror is a chance to celebrate all things autumn in small towns across nine counties in northern Illinois.

Fall festivals, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wineries and more are much more are on the trail. The Trail of Terror is a cooperative effort among Blackhawk Waterways Visitors and Convention Bureau (BWVCB) and five other tourism agencies, namely Freeport-Stephenson, Dekalb, Greater Galena, Henry and McHenry counties.

“People are always looking for something new and different to do and the more people talk about it, the more people want to be a part of it,” says Diane Bausman, executive director of BWVCB. “It all began when those living in Chicago and the suburbs drove to the country to see all the beautiful fall colors, and on the way they discovered all these fabulous

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small towns doing fun things.

“There’s nothing like a small town.

Everyone is friendly and hospitable and, for a lot of people, it reminds them of their past. There’s nothing like getting out of the city and going to an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch,” she says.

Bausman says interest in fall grows each year.

“We see the numbers increasing as people go to various websites looking for fall things to do. And with easy access to information through the internet, people are more spontaneous about going online when they’re ready to jump into their cars and go somewhere,” she says.

Upcoming fall festivals include the Oct. 14 Hay Day Festival in downtown Rochelle, Ill., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-friendly festival features a petting zoo, giant inflatables, rock climbing, hay rides, a pumpkin decorating contest

Oct. 11

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and more. Music will be provided by The Templetons, a 10-person family bluegrass band playing old-time favorites. The second annual Straw Sculpting Competition will be held during the entire festival.

On Oct. 28, the Mount Carroll Pumpkin Fest is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Halloween activities will include the Kids & Critters Costume Parade, Halloween Story Time and Crafts in the library, a Decorate-aPumpkin contest, pumpkin sling shot and the Kunes Country Pumpkin Races at 2 p.m., featuring race cars made from real pumpkins. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Also on Oct. 28, there will be a onenight showing of the classic 1975 cult film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll. A Halloween Costume Contest, Rocky Horror Costume Contest and a Time Warp Dance Contest

R  O R

will begin at 8 p.m. The show will begin at 9 p.m. Interactive prop bags can be purchased in advance for $10. Concessions, beer and wine will be served. The production is R-rated and no children under 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.

Also at Timber Lake Playhouse is The Haunted Experience at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, 21, and 28. Enter the Horror Escape Room, where teams of six must solve a puzzle to escape from a haunted cabin. Three escape experiences are available each night and participants must preregister to play. Purchased tickets online.

Other haunted happenings include Haunted Haven in Rock Falls. It’s open every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 28, plus Oct. 29 and 31, at the corner of U.S. Route 40 and Grennan Road.

Promising you’ll “feel fear like you’ve never felt it before,” the Hopper’s Haunted House will be open through Oct. 31 at 11576 IL Route 2, south of Rockford in Ogle County. Admission is $15.

Raven’s Grin Inn, 411 N. Carroll St. in Mt. Carroll is a hotel-turned-hauntedhouse that’s open year round. Take a tour and explore a labyrinth of hallways, corridors and underground rooms, including a wine cellar, to experience scary moments. Admission is $13 for children and $15 for adults.

On Oct. 28, the Savanna Spook Walk will be from 7 to 10 p.m. in Old Mill Park in Savanna, Ill.

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Pumpkin patches and corn mazes on the Trail of Terror include Anderson’s Pumpkin Patch, 670 U.S. Hwy 52 in Amboy, where visitors can pick pumpkins every weekend through October and enjoy a bounce house, vendors, train rides, face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Byron Cornerstone Church Corn Maze will be open from noon to 9 p.m.

Saturdays and from 1:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays at 205 N. Peru St. in Byron every weekend in October. Fridays can be reserved for groups by calling (815) 2348737.

Selmi’s Pumpkin Patch, 1206 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls, will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 29, selling pumpkins, apples, cider, squash, gourds, straw and canned goods. Carriage rides, an all-new haunted house, a corn maze and Cliff’s donuts will be offered every weekend. Admission to the farm and play yard is free.

For a complete list of activities, go to Illinoistrailofterror.com. ❚

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It’s Apple Season at Ten Eyck

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

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(Janine Pumilia photo)

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 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.

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

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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

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

New Treatment for Glaucoma Available

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

O

n May 2, Dr. Edward Yavitz became the first stateline surgeon to perform a new procedure to treat glaucoma.

Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, conducted the painless 10-minute procedure called “canaloplasty” at Yavitz Eye Center, 4105 N. Perryville Road.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is an eye disease that usually results from fluid building up in the front part of your eye.

The extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this damage can lead to blindness. In fact, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over age 60.

By performing canaloplasty, Yavitz restores the eye’s natural drainage system by threading a tiny tube through blocked channels and clearing them.

“The procedure is similar to angioplasty – where you treat a heart that’s blocked,” Yavitz says. “Basically, all the fluid in the eye drains out through a circular channel.”

With this procedure, patients are often able to stop taking one or more of their expensive glaucoma eye drops – the usual method for controlling glaucoma. Canaloplasty adds to the broad repertoire of glaucoma procedures Yavitz offers, including iStents, ECP laser, trabeculectomy and shunts.

Yavitz urges people to not take their eye health for granted. Glaucoma is an especially stealthy disease, as there’s no way to notice that your eye pressure is above normal.

“Your brain fills in the holes in your vision,” Yavitz says. “You may have vision like Swiss cheese, but your brain fills

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in the blank spots so it appears that your visual field is full, even though it isn’t.”

The only way to be sure that you don’t have glaucoma is to have a routine annual checkup with an eye care professional, Yavitz says. Blindness can be prevented with early treatment. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)

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

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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

Misfits Oct. 13-Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A survey of 1960s biker subculture through film, literature and a photography portfolio, exploring the Rockford, IL 61101the1.800.521.0849 influence movement gorockford.com made on filmmakers, authors and artists. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9682787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Felix’s Cabaret Fundraiser Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. Step into a 1920s speakeasy with hors d’oeuvres and desserts, a silent auction, casino-style games and cabaret acts. Proceeds benefit MPAC. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Rockford Listening Room Concert Series Oct. 13, 7 p.m. Experience a Blues Boys reunion concert in a relaxed, intimate setting. Light refreshments and snacks are available. JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 210 7th St. Rockford, (815) 9658903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

Vince Chiarelli and his band perform music authentic to the Italian-American culture on Oct. 14 at Spring Creek United Church of Christ.

Spectacular Saturday - Mongolia Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Travel to the far off land of Mongolia by making a Dark Old Man mask, which is used to scare away the bad spirits in traditional Mongolian folklore. All materials included with admission price. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112 ext. 106, midwayvillage.com.

Sip, Sample, Support Fundraiser Oct. 13, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Enjoy tastings from local restaurants and an extensive array of spirits from around the world, live music and science demonstrations. Age 21 and up. Discovery Center, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Concerts on the Creek - Italian Night Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a night of live music from Vince Chiarelli and his band. Refreshments available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 8772576 ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.

Fall Foliage Float - Canoe Paddle Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-noon. Enjoy the colors of fall during a morning canoe paddle. The exact location will be determined based on water conditions. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Italian Night: Vince Chiarelli Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Join Rockford’s own Vince Chiarelli and his band for an evening of music that is truly authentic to the Italian-American culture. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Nik's Home Run 7K Race, 1.5 Mile Walk Oct. 14, 9-11 a.m. The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation hosts a fundraiser to further its mission to enrich the lives of young cancer patients between 18-24 years old. In addition to a 7K run and 1.5K walk, more than 100 silent auction items will be up for bid. Rockford Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 262-8825, runsignup.com.

Train of Terror Through Oct. 21, Sat. hourly 6-9 p.m. Ride the rails into a surreal realm haunted by ghosts, ghouls, vampires and zombies. Silver Creek Museum & Depot, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport, (815) 235-2198.

Midway Village: Spectacular Saturday Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m. Head to Mongolia to look at its culture, religion and traditions. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, (815) 3979112, midwayvillage.com.

'Dirty Dancing' Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Great music and sensational dancing surround the story of Baby and Johnny, teens who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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Oct. 11

25

WDL

Real Italian Gelato Right Here in Rockford

By Peggy Werner

I

f you feel like you’ve just walked into an Italian café when you enter Cucina di Rosa, 1620 Bell School Road, it’s because you have. The first things you’ll see are pans heaped full of creamy swirled gelato, in a variety of flavors and colors.

Owner Rose Mary Provenzano was born and raised in Sicily and learned the art of making gelato in Italy. She still buys her ingredients for the delectable dessert in Italy.

“Italy is where it all started,” she says. “You can’t walk two feet there without seeing gelato being sold.

“A lot of people who have been to Italy walk into my restaurant and are drawn right to it because they know how good it is.

“I learned about the basic calculations and formulations for making gelato.

It’s a lot like chemistry, having to know what to do and when. Once you know the

basic process, you can make any flavor, but it’s very time consuming,” she says.

Up early every morning, she heads to the restaurant to whip up one batch at a time, before the ovens heat up for breakfast and lunch entrees.

Among the most popular gelato flavors are hazelnut, pistachio and salted caramel.

Some of the more unusual favorites are basil and strawberry balsamic.

Gelato is milk-based but has less air and fat than ice cream, Provenzano says.

Gelato is about 4 percent fat, and because it’s denser, it’s more flavorful, creamier and better tasting than ice cream, she adds.

In addition to gelato, desserts served at the Italian café include homemade sorbet, Italian cookies, eclairs, cream puffs, cannolis, cannoli cake, biscotti and fresh croissants served with fruit preserves, custard, or Nutella. ❚ ❚

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

Oct. 11

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza

W

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining its classic Italian fare.

Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a home-made meal with fresh ingredients. The Italian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat sauce, was named Best in the Stateline by MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettucine Alfredo and fish specials.

“We make it all ourselves. Each meatball is about a quarter pound apiece, so they’re huge,” says Ocello.

Bravo has locations in South Beloit and Poplar Grove. Both offer a full-service bar, catering, carry-out and delivery services.

Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚

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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

Tell them you saw it in ...

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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Oct. 11

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