Smart Living Weekly - May 27, 2015

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • May 27, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Edgebrook Debuts Thursday Market

By Rhonda Mix

A

new farmers market is coming to Edgebrook, just in time for summer.

Edgebrook shopping center will host a farmers market from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, beginning the first week in June. The new market

will run through August and will be a welcome addition to Edgebrook’s popular Wednesday farmers market – Rockford’s longest-running farmers market – which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May though October.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

How to Love Your Toilet • Grilled Pork/Watermelon Kabobs • Klehm Garden Fair Diabetes and Your Eyes • Safety Tips for Traveling Women • Higher Ground

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................... Cover & p. 20 New Farmers Market at Edgebrook Your Home .................................................... ..... 11 Love Your Toilet Inspiration & Worship ........................................12 Perfect Weakness Your Kitchen .......................................................15 Pork/Watermelon Kabobs Your Outings ........................................................17 Klehm Garden Fair Your Health ............................................... .......... 25 Diabetes and Your Eyes Your Fun ..................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ..................................... 29 Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Dining Locally ............................................ ........ 29 Tips ............................................................. ......... 31 Travel Tips for Women Your Money ................................................ ......... 33 Saving Dollars

Smart L iving Weekly ™

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

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

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Account Executive Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2015 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

A New Thursday Farmers Market!

R

ejoice, fellow lovers of all things fresh!

One of my favorite things about warm weather is attending farmers markets, and the Edgebrook market has always been the most convenient mid-week market for me to shop. I love chatting with the people who grow our tomatoes, pick our fresh herbs and provide a good, outdoor life to animals before slaughter.

But, over the years, it hasn’t always been possible to tear myself away from work mid-day on a Wednesday. Even when I manage it, I have to lug all my fresh produce into the office afterward, since I can’t let it wilt in the hot car while I finish my workday. My co-workers will tell you it’s not uncommon to find a trail of cornsilk threads and freshbaked pastry crumbs leading to my desk on Wednesdays.

So, imagine my delight (and our cleaning staff’s) when I learned about the new Thursday afternoon/evening farmers market at Edgebrook!

Edgebrook is one of my favorite shopping centers in the city, anyway, because it contains all locally owned shops and eateries. And you know how much buying local means to all of us in the Northwest Quarterly/Smart Living family. We like to do business with merchants who live on our streets, frequent our community, and provide jobs where owners actually know the names of their employees. I detest sending my dollars to the out-of-state HQs of national chains.

It’s also been my experience that, if I’m unhappy with something regarding my purchase, local merchants will take time to talk to me and correct the situation. After all, they may run into me on the street someday.

On Saturday mornings, my hubby and I like to visit the farmers market at North End Commons, now run by the City Market folks. Or, if we’re up for the drive, the giant market in Beloit is a lot of fun, too.

Now I’m looking forward to a summer full of Thursday evenings spent dining, shopping and perusing fresh produce at Edgebrook. See you there! ■ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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Y H  G

Be Good to Your Toilet to Avoid Problems

By Peggy Werner

T

hroughout history, the toilet has answered to many names.

Whether you call it a lavatory, bog, pot, john, can, water closet, dunny or loo, its purpose remains the same.

With regular cleaning, the toilet requires very little maintenance, if used properly.

When a person has toilet trouble, it’s most likely because something went into the toilet that doesn’t belong there, says Don Howe, a licensed plumber and certified technician with Pearson, 2415 20th St., Rockford. “Using too much toilet paper is one of the main reasons people get clogged toilets,” Howe says.

He recommends using one-ply paper, which dissolves right away in water. If you have a septic system, it’s all you should use.

Those who prefer to use softer, double-ply tissue should understand that it absorbs water like a paper towel; in large amounts, it becomes too heavy to go through the trap.

If people have problems flushing even after they’ve consciously reduced paper usage, they might want to install a powerassisted toilet, which uses water and air pressure, rather than gravity alone, to flush, says Howe.

Hard water is also an enemy for all plumbing fixtures in the home. “With hard water, a good flushing toilet will lose flushing capacity in just a couple years because lime builds up quickly and can lead to clogs,” Howe explains.

Surprisingly, one of the most common reasons for calling a plumber these days is because a cell phone has been dropped down a toilet, says Howe.

Resolving the problem can cost hundreds of dollars. “Just paying more attention to what you’re doing can prevent toilets from clogging,” he says.

Small, everyday items can damage not just your own plumbing, but your neighborhood’s entire sewer system.

Objects like Q-tips, baby wipes, bandages, cotton balls, dental floss, tampons or diapers may remain in a sewer system for years. If a scrap gets caught on a nick, bump or bend in a pipe, it can lead to a snowballing build-up inside the plumbing system.

You can prevent problems like these by following one simple rule – only use your toilet to flush toilet paper or organic waste material. ■ Pearson has served the Northern Illinois area for nearly 60 years, and offers Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Pest Control and Remodeling services, among others. Call Pearson at (815) 398-8312, or visit PearsonGuy.com or Facebook.

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I  W

Perfect Weakness

I

t’s a fact of human nature that we most yearn for God during times of personal hardship. We long to hear His voice when we’re grief-stricken, sick, imprisoned, broken-hearted or otherwise in a position of weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” we read in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

Conversely, it’s all too easy to forget about God when our lives are going well.

We may give Him lip service or keep up appearances, but the heart-to-heart yearning to hear His voice is absent. At these times we may well miss something important that He wants to tell us.

Psalm 42 expresses the yearning for God that should fill us always.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, And from the heights of Hermon, From the Hill Mizar.

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me – A prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. ❚ 12

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Y Y K K

Celebrate Dad With Grilling and Golf T

his year for Father’s Day, plan an intimate family gathering with Dad’s favorite foods and a few special touches that reflect his other passions in life, such as golf.

Let dad savor some healthy, hydrating watermelon that’s the star ingredient of colorful skewers, which also includes marinated chunks of pork.

Add a low-calorie, fat-free side by serving watermelon balls in a fun golf ball-shaped vessel carved from a watermelon rind.

For more recipes and ideas, visit watermelon.org.

Pork and Watermelon Kabobs 6 Tb. brown sugar 6 Tb. soy sauce 6 Tb. diced red onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 Tb. lemon juice 1 Tb. olive oil 1/4 tsp. ground thyme

Pepper to taste 1 pound boned, lean pork chop, cut into 1-inch cubes (38-40 pieces) 32 cubes watermelon (1 inch each), plus extra for garnish 16-24 zucchini rounds (1/2 inch) 16 pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (1 inch each) 24 yellow or orange peppers chunks (1 inch each, 3-4 peppers) Cooking spray Sesame seeds for garnish Combine sugar, soy sauce, onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, thyme and pepper in mixing bowl. Pour into resealable bag and add pork pieces. Seal bag, mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, turning periodically.

Remove pork from bag and reserve marinade. Thread 5 pork pieces, 4 watermelon cubes, 2-3 zucchini rounds, 2 pineapple chunks and 3 peppers on each

of 8 skewers, alternating the order.

Spray cooking surface on heated grill and place kebobs on grill. Grill for 12-15 minutes, or until done, turning and basting frequently with reserved marinade.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chunks of watermelon. ■ Source: Family Features

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Help to Plant New Garden at Klehm June 13 A

giant planting effort will take place at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 100 volunteers are needed that day and a light lunch will be served.

Klehm received a grant of $23,500 to establish a 13,000-square-foot perennial floral display for visitors to enjoy. Grant recipients were chosen on the basis of criteria developed by America in Bloom. Criteria included planned positive outcomes in the community, community engagement and long term sustainability of plants.

The Contemporary Perennial Garden will be established on the hill directly behind the Klehm Visitor’s Center and in perfect view of the Gallery, a large banquet room for weddings and meetings. Renowned plantsman and designer Roy Diblik has planned the “Know Maintenance” site with 4,000 perennials, strategically placed for minimal weed invasion and optimal beauty.

Diblik will be present Saturday to lead the planting effort.

Diblik has spent more than 30 years studying, growing, and enjoying plants.

His passion for native plants and other perennials began with his work at the Natural Garden Nursery in St. Charles, Ill., and has been cultivated through his establishment of Northwind Perennial Farm, a nursery in Burlington, Wis. He believes in choosing and combining plants in a way that allows them to happily co-exist with very little maintenance. He’s the author of The Know-Maintenance Perennial Garden.

Diblik’s recent work includes a planting of the new Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and a garden for the modern wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. He’s best known as the plantsman behind Piet Oudolf’s midwestern garden designs, including the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park in Chicago. He’s a sought-after speaker.

The grant was awarded by the CN

EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program in the U.S. For more details, contact Sarah Lambert, volunteer coordinator, at (815) 965-8146. Register at http://vols.pt/D6Cgdj ■ Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Edgebrook Market Continued from Cover

Although the Wednesday market has proven to be a favorite among Rockford residents, it’s only attended by those with non-traditional work hours or people who have the time available, says Darcy Hanson, marketing and event coordinator at Orput Companies, which owns of Edgebrook. The Thursday market will allow for more flexibility.

“During the past year, we were implementing a plan to host a farmers market that would be held later in the afternoon and into the evening,” Hanson says. “Our goal was to take the basics of the Wednesday market, which is already a well-established and successful event, and build another market that would suit the desires of visitors for an afternoon, after-work or after-dinner activity.”

Edgebrook has been a retail, dining and event destination within the Rockford landscape for more than five decades and is especially important to the area because

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it promotes locally owned businesses. In fact, all of the shops at Edgebrook are locally owned.

“Local businesses are the heartbeat to Rockford,” Hanson says. “[And] when you come out and put effort into shopping locally, your relationship with the business owners grows as you get to know them and they get to know you.

“Edgebrook is proud to be the home of many great locally owned businesses, and we extend this to the Edgebrook Farmers Market as well,” Hanson says. “Purchasing fresh produce from local growers, while strolling through the peaceful setting of Edgebrook, is the reason why the Edgebrook Farmers Market is a Rockford favorite. If you want fresh food, this is the farmers market for you.”

In comparison to other edible-and-plantonly markets in the area, the Edgebrook Farmers

May 27

Market holds the longest season and allows for the widest variety of items – from starter plants in the spring to jack-olanterns in the fall.

“The great thing about the Edgebrook Farmers Market is that it’s an everchanging market,” Hanson says. “As one month rolls into another, different produce and plants can be found. Visit the market in spring and you will find asparagus and strawberries. Visit in the summer and you will find so many varying items, you’ll

R  O R need more than one shopping bag. Come in the fall and get your pick of apples, cider and pumpkins.”

Shoppers can find high-quality vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, freshbaked breads, sweet treats, artisan cheeses, stuffed and marinated olives, maple syrup, honey, locally raised freerange meats, farm fresh eggs, jams and jellies, brick oven pizzas, and more. More often that not, Hanson says, produce has been picked within the past 24 hours.

About 25 percent of the vendors at the Edgebrook Farmers Markets sell produce that is organic. In addition to organic produce and herbs, organic baked breads are available.

Will the Thursday market differ from the Wednesday market?

Some of the customer-favorite farmers, growers and bakers from the Wednesday Farmers Market will join the Thursday market, but there also will be new vendors on Thursdays.

During and after the markets, special events with live music, discounts and Cover photo by Samantha Ryan

food & drink specials will take place inside Edgebrook’s shops and restaurants.

Other fun happenings this summer at Edgebrook include Music on the Mall, a summer concert series which takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays from May 15 through Sept. 18; the Artsy Arts & Crafts event, a free-admission, one-day arts and crafts exhibit supporting more than 50 local artists, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20; the Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days, from 11 a.m to 8 p.m.

Friday, July 17, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 18; and the Edgebrook Summer Sidewalk Sale, which will take place Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18.

“Edgebrook is more than just a day-time destination; it’s the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a summer evening,” says Hanson. “With eateries and select merchants open through the evening, shoppers can stroll through the new, later, Thursday Farmers Market, visit the Edgebrook shops and relax over dinner at Edgebrook’s excellent restaurants.

From shopping and dining to having an appointment at one of Edgebrook’s

service-orientated businesses, coming to the Edgebrook Farmers Market allows visitors to have a productive and entertaining outing. We love being a part of the lives and memories of area residents.”

For a full list of vendors at the Edgebrook Farmers Markets, or for information on upcoming events at the shopping center, visit edgebrookshops. com. ❚

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

RHSInQuicker.org

GO TO:

You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home.  Arrive at your projected treatment time.

ROCKFORD HEALTH PHYSICIANS CONVENIENT CARE Rockford – 3401 N. Perryville Road M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat-Sun: Noon to 8 p.m.

Rockford – 2300 N. Rockton Avenue M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat: 8 a.m. to noon

Belvidere – 1747 Henry Luckow Lane M-F: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roscoe – 5000 Prairie Rose Drive M-Th: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

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About Diabetes and Eyesight D

iabetes can cause complications with the eyes and is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Blood vessels within the eyes can be damaged by diabetes, which may eventually lead to loss of vision. Diabetes will also cause a cataract at a younger age than normal. Any bleeding or swelling in the retina can only be detected with a dilated eye exam. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative.

Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Microaneurisms, which occur in the earliest stages, are balloon-like swellings in the retina blood vessels. If fluid leaks out of the blood vessels into the center part of the retina (the macula), it can cause blurred vision because of macular edema. If untreated, severe vision loss and even blindness can occur. This vision loss can occur whether you are a Type I or a Type II diabetic. As the diabetes disease progresses, blood vessels to the retina are blocked and the retinal tissue can die.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Blood vessels grow along the retina due to advancing diabetic retinopathy. These new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile, so they break open, filling the eye with blood. This leads to further scarring, retinal detachment, and severe loss of vision.

Treatment Options: One option is medication, which can be injected into the eye in an office setting to treat macular edema caused by diabetic retinopathy.

Focal Laser Treatment: This is an office procedure in which small laser burns are placed in the areas of retinal swelling surrounding the macula. This laser slows the leakage of fluid and reduces the amount of fluid in the retina. It may be done more than once.

Panretinal Laser Treatment: This is an office procedure in which up to thousands of laser burns are placed throughout the retina but away from the macula. This causes the new and fragile blood vessels to shrink, thus preventing bleeding. This procedure usually takes more than one treatment.

Both focal and panretinal laser treatments have good success rates, but they are not a cure for diabetic retinopathy.

Vitrectomy: Very small instruments are placed through the white of the eye to remove scar tissue, repair retinal detachments, and remove blood. The new “stitchless” vitrectomy surgery is available at Miller Eye Center to speed your recovery. ■ Source: Miller Eye Center

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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 (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org Blue Monday, Dave Potter & The Alley Kings Weekly on Mondays, 6-10 p.m. Live blues with special guest weekly. Boundaries Bar and GrillBirch Room, 3807 S. Riverside Dr. (Hwy 51), Beloit, visitbeloit.com.

Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens June 2, doors open at 5 p.m., music begins at 5:45 p.m. Anderson Japanese Gardens presents Harlan Jefferson, “a smooth helping of contemporary jazz, gospel and poetry” with opening act by Vince Chiarelli Band. Free to members; $5 adults, $3 teens, 12 & under free.

Picnic dinners welcome, carry-in beverages not permitted. Food vendors include DiTullio’s, Woodfire Pizza, Fresco, Zammuto’s, Chai Town Tea. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockord. (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.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 showcase flowers, yard art, gardening tools, vintage furniture, more. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 965-8146. Presented by Klehm and BMO Harris Bank. Advance Tickets $5. $8 at the door. Members free. Get tickets at Klehm Visitor Center, klehm.org and garden centers.

Edge of the Rock Plein Air Event June 3-12. Join regional artists to paint architectural treasures en plein air from the rooftops if you desire; capture the natural beauty of riverfront, historic downtown and Beloit College campus in sunshine or night glow.

Workshops, paint-out day, artists’ receptions.

Beloit, Wis. More details at friendsofriverfront.com.

Animal Adventures une 10, 1-4 p.m. Kids will help feed and care for animals. They will explore specimens from the museum’s biology collection and learn about animals in the Permanent Collection.

Ages 9+. Registration and pre-payment required: $24/$18 members. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Historic Auto Attractions Now through Labor Day, Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See more than 75 historic autos displayed in 36,000 square feet, including the world’s largest collection of presidential and world leaders limousines, John Dillinger’s getaway car, Elvis Presley’s personal car, Indy cars, TV Land cars and movie cars such as the Batmobile. Also one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy & Kennedy Family artifacts & memorabilia

Harlan Jefferson will perform at Anderson Japanese Gardens this Tuesday, June 2.

in the country. Admission $13 adults, $8 students and $25 for season pass. 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe, (815) 389-7917.

Wildflower Walkabouts Now through June 23, 6 p.m. The Natural Land Institute (NLI) and Severson Dells Nature Center (SDNC) leads weekly 90-minute guided hikes throughout the north central Illinois area.

There’s no fee, but membership in NLI and/or SDNC is encouraged. For a full Wildflower Walkabout schedule, contact NLI at (815) 964-6666, info@naturalland.org, naturalland. org or contact SDNC at (815) 335-2915, don@ seversondells.org or seversondells.com.

Laurent House Public Tours Now through Sept. 10. First full weekend and third weekend of each month on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. See Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Little Gem” in Rockford and learn its story of function and beauty.

Tours begin at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2952. $15.

More info at laurenthouse.com.

Savage Ancient Seas!

Now through Sept. 7. Explore the world of the late Cretaceous period of 70 million years ago, filled with huge carnivorous marine reptiles with double-hinged jaws and teeth, huge sea turtles, flying reptiles and humongous flesh-eating fish. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

YWCA Symposium: Cultural Competency & Beyond June 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Three-track workshop on racial and social justice, exploring the intersections of implicit and explicit bias, individual and institutional racism. Lunch provided. $75-$125. Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-9681, ywca-rockrord.org. ❚

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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 a 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. $.

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

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

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

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

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

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

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

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

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

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight Higher Grounds

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or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches.

Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes.

Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

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T  I

Safety Tips for Traveling Women

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ore women travel alone these days. Barbara Foster, a globetrotter and author of The Confessions of a Librarian: A Memoir of Loves, offers these safety tips: • Steer clear of the most dangerous locales. Simply put, some places just aren’t worth the risk, so avoid “no go” neighborhoods, cities and countries.

• Connect with friendly contacts. Make yourself known not only to the U.S. embassy or consul, but also to people in your field.

“During my travels, I wrote articles about libraries I visited. My fellow librarians were a protective group.”

• Learn the language or at least useful phrases. Even if it’s just a few key words, speaking the language can come in handy if you need to seek assistance. Understanding what others are saying also can alert you to potential dangers.

• Dress wisely, pay attention to manners and spend money in moderation. Essentially, don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

“On a visit to Istanbul, I watched horror-struck as two Turkish men slapped a young British woman for wearing a miniskirt on the street.”

For added protection against thieves, carry money and identification in a pouch under your shirt.

• Travel in the USA. If the thought of traveling abroad holds too much stress for you, it might be better to stick closer to home. Foster says two of her favorite U.S. cities are New York and New Orleans, both great places to explore. ■ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Simple Steps for Saving Money

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utting money in a savings account seems simple enough, yet it’s a struggle for many. The average U.S. family’s savings account held a balance of $3,800 in 2014. We can do better. Defining a clear course of action helps.

Know how you’ll use the money. Set an attainable goal, such as paying off a credit card, funding a down payment or making an extra mortgage payment.

Challenge yourself to save. If you need a little extra motivation, tackle a program that lets you gradually step up your savings game, such as the 52 Week Savings Challenge. The challenge is simple: start off saving $1 the first week, $2 the second week, and eventually $52 in the final

week of the challenge. If you save each week throughout the year, you will be $1,378 richer.

You may find it helpful to set a weekly reminder to stay on track. You could save more if your budget allows.

Ditch the money jar. By opening a savings account, you’ll be far less likely to “borrow” from yourself. It also makes it easier to arrange for automatic recurring transfers that move money from your checking account into your savings account on a regular schedule.

Use accounts that give you a boost. If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible to open a highinterest savings account to grow your savings even higher. Another

route is to choose a savings account that imposes penalties for excessive withdrawals.

Treat your savings contribution like a bill. Create a budget that outlines all your expenses, and includes a line for savings. Thinking of your savings account as a debt to be paid will help hold you accountable for making regular deposits. For more tips, visit Lexingtonlaw.com. ■ Source: Family Features. Getty Images photo.

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