Smart Living Weekly September 5, 2018

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • September 5, 2018

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Right in Our Region

Canines Rule at Hot Diggity Dog!

See Page 16

Ready for Solar Energy?

How to Build a Rain Garden World War II Days Near School Lunch Ideas How to Learn English

FREE WIN!

2 Tickets to Sapora Playworld 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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Hot Diggity Dog Festival Sunday, September 16th 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Come Sit Stay!

ADOPTABLE DOGS | PET-RELATED VENDORS

Dog Training and Agility Demonstrations K-9 Unit Demonstrations

Most ORIGINAL Dog Costume Contests with Prizes Pet-Related AUCTION BILLY THE BALLOON GUY Face-Painting Food by Veebo’s Pizza Spirits by Prairie Street Brewing Co.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden 2715 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61102 815-965-8146 | klehm.org/DogFestival

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$5 Adults $3 Seniors, Kids under 18, & Members

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Hot Diggity Dog at Klehm Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Simply Amish at Benson Stone Co. Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Face of an Angel Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Back-to-School Lunch Ideas Your Outing .................................................19, 21 World War II Days; Fall Home Tour Your Outdoor Living .............................. .......... 20 Learn to Build a Rain Garden Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Family Fun Festival Your Community .............................. ................ 24 How to Learn English as a Second Language Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cucina di Rosa Your Technology ...................................... ......... 29 Ready for Solar Energy?

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

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

Copyright 2018 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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RSO & Team Spirit

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t’s hard to believe the last Rockford Symphony Orchestra concert of the season is upon us, but it will wrap up on Sept. 9.

The final event is “Farkle and the Wolf” at Starlight Theatre at 3 p.m. What a good way to end the summer.

If you’re not familiar with this story, here’s the scoop. It was written by stage/movie/TV star John Lithgow – maybe best known for “Third Rock from the Sun” or for his Trinity Killer character in “Dexter.” He also played Winston Churchill in “The Crown.”

I recently re-watched one of my favorite old movies, “The Pelican Brief,” in which Lithgow played Denzel Washington’s editor.

What a great movie about political corruption.

But I digress.

The music for “Farkle and the Wolf” is composed by Bill Elliott, a Tony Award-winning Broadway orchestrator.

In the plot, young Farkle McBride is a musical genius who plays the violin, flute, trombone and drum skillfully, but is never satisfied. He feels something is missing.

Farkle explores each instrument and eventually figures out how he can be part of a symphony – as conductor.

Before the concert, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., the orchestra musicians will host an instrument “petting zoo,” giving children the opportunity to interact with musicians and learn how to use the various instruments, which are kindly provided by Guzzardo Music. It’s a great chance to introduce young curious minds to the world of instrumental music.

I remember how much it meant to my son Blake when he began playing trumpet in middle school. It’s terrific learning to be part of a team that produces something beautiful for others to enjoy. It’s also a reminder that team spirit isn’t only for athletes.

Tickets can be ordered through the Starlight Theatre box office (815) 921-2160 or online at rockvalleycollege.edu. The price is $25 for adults, $10 for children (12 and under). ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Simply Amish Returns to City at Benson Stone

By Janine Pumilia

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any of us fondly remember a standalone Simply Amish store that sold heirloom-quality furniture in Rockford. After it closed, we had to travel for hours to find a Simply Amish showroom. Now the popular brand has returned to Rockford inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St. “We’re very proud to be the exclusive dealer in northern Illinois for Simply Amish,” says Andy Benson, third-generation owner. “Their nearest showroom outside of ours is north of Madison.”

Superior workmanship and a willingness to customize has made Simply Amish a rock star in its field, says John Otto, Benson Stone’s furniture manager.

“These solid wood, hand-finished pieces are some of the best in the entire furniture industry,” says Otto. “All Amish furniture is not the same. Even among the Amish, the Simply Amish brand is considered top quality.”

Headquartered in Arcola, Ill., Simply

Amish was founded in 1979 when two businessmen linked a modern distribution system with a network of Amish craftsmen living on 50 Midwestern farms.

Arts & crafts style is often associated with the Amish, but they also apply their skills to traditional, modern farmhouse, transitional and contemporary furniture styles, explains Otto.

“They can fully customize any piece, not only the style, wood species and stain options, but even the measurements,” says Otto. “Do you want a nightstand that’s 6 inches taller or shorter than standard?

That’s no problem for them.”

Turn-around time averages four weeks; some pre-made “quick ship” items are available, too.

Benson Stone’s 80,000-square-foot store offers one-stop shopping and design services for furniture and mattresses; flooring; kitchen and bath cabinetry; granite and quartz countertops; fireplaces; grills; landscaping materials and gifts. It

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also houses the region’s largest lighting gallery and Hearthrock Café.

Benson Stone Co. opened in 1930 as a stone fabrication shop. In 1999, it purchased and renovated the former Rockford Standard Furniture building.

“We bought this building for $250,000 and enjoy a low overhead,” says Benson.

“That allows us to offer very competitive pricing. We sell good, better and best brands to accommodate all budgets. The only thing we don’t sell is cheaply made stuff that nobody should be buying.”

Benson Stone Co. is open Mon. 9 a.m.8 p.m. and Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more at Bensonstone.com. ❚

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Face of an Angel

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any things spin out of control, in our lives, but our minds don’t have to be one of them. Even though we often can’t control what’s happening around us, we can control our reactions.

A breathtaking role model for this is Stephen, the first new leader chosen by the 12 apostles after the fledging Christian church began to grow (Acts 6:5). Stephen was “full of the holy spirit” (Acts 7:6) and performed great wonders and signs.

When angry Jewish leaders of Cyrene and Alexandria seized Stephen, they “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” (Acts 6:10). In time, they took him before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, on false charges that he was subverting the teachings of Moses. Neither Stephen’s faith nor his peace could be shaken. Acts 6:15: All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (The only other person in the Bible described as having the glory of God shining from his face was Moses.)

After Stephen gave a rip-roaring sermon highlighting the many times religious leaders had opposed God since the days of Abraham, the rulers lost their composure.

Acts 7:54-60: When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

When he had said this, he fell asleep.

How's that for grace under pressure? ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Make the Grade with Back-to-School Lunches

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ack-to-school time means it’s back to being busy before, during and after school. Look for fresh, make-ahead meal options your kids will enjoy. Mixing up the classic sandwich with a spin on sushi is a creative way to deliver nutritious, wholesome ingredients. No matter what meals you’re prepping, a store like ALDI can be your solution for packing tasty and betterfor-you choices for lunches and on-the-go snacks. Find more recipes and meal prepping ideas at aldi.us.

Bento Box Lunch “Sushi” Roll: 4

slices SimplyNature Knock Your Sprouts Off Sprouted Low Sodium 7 Grain Bread 4 slices Lunch Mate Never Any! Turkey 1 tsp. Burman’s Yellow Mustard 1/2 avocado, sliced 1 mini cucumber, cut into 3-inch-by-1/4inch sticks

Trim crust from bread. Using rolling pin, roll out bread slices to 1/8-inch thickness. Top with turkey, mustard, avocado and cucumber. Roll into cylinder, wrap with plastic wrap and cut in half.

Quinoa Salad:

1 C. SimplyNature Organic Quinoa, cooked 1/4 cup Southern Grove Sliced Almonds 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated 1/4 cup Southern Grove Dried Cranberries 3 bunches green onions, sliced 1 tsp. Carlini Pure Olive Oil Stonemill Iodized Salt, to taste Stonemill Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Combine quinoa, almonds, oranges, cranberries, green onions and olive oil; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Broccoli Salad

1 large head broccoli, chopped 1/4 cup Southern Grove Sliced Almonds 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries 1 tsp. Fusia Soy Sauce 1/2 cup Friendly Farms Vanilla Nonfat Greek Yogurt Stonemill Ground Black Pepper, to taste

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In medium bowl, combine broccoli, almonds, cranberries, soy sauce and yogurt; season to taste with pepper.

Cinnamon Apples 1 1 1

Granny Smith apple, sliced TB Nature’s Nectar Lemon Juice tsp. Stonemill Ground Cinnamon

Toss apples with lemon juice and cinnamon.

Place in sandwich bags and wrap tightly.

Source: Family Features. ❚

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It’s All Things Canine at Klehm’s Hot Diggity T

By Peggy Werner he dog days of summer may be waning, but it’s always a day for dogs at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, especially during the annual Hot Diggity Dog Festival. It will take place from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, in the Fountain Garden at Klehm, 2715 S. Main St. Now in its sixth year, Hot Diggity Dog will feature dogs for adoption, therapy dogs and pet vendors selling dog identification tags, collars, clothing, treats and more. There will also be food treats for people, demonstrations, face painting, Billy the Balloon Guy and the popular Best Doggie Costume Contest, in which a “most original homemade costume” prize is awarded to a dog visitor.

“We always want new people to experience Klehm,” says Sarah Lorenz, marketing and administrative assistant

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at Klehm. “Our goal is to connect with every aspect of the community and dog lovers encompass a large portion. Klehm is a dog-friendly organization that always welcomes leashed dogs accompanied by their owners. Klehm is a Rockford gem and we want everyone to feel welcome.”

About 22 pet-oriented vendors and pet advocacy groups will sell items and provide information to the public.

Epi the arson dog, who works with the Rockford Fire Department, will make a debut appearance at this year’s festival.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 unit and therapy dogs from Caring Canines will make return visits.

Refreshments will include craft beer from Prairie Street Brewing Company as well as Veebo’s mobile wood-fired pizza.

WIFR Meteorologist Mark Henderson will serve as master of ceremonies.

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

Area adoption agencies at the festival will include Mending Hearts Rescue of Winnebago, Ill., Winnebago County Animal Services, Cause for Paws, Illinois Shorthair Rescue of Gurnee, Ill., and Free Spirit Siberian Rescue of Harvard, Ill. Every dog adoption done at the festival comes with a complimentary family membership to Klehm.

Larry Brodersen, a volunteer with Free Spirit Siberian Rescue, says his role

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at Hot Diggity Dog will be to find homes for huskies and to educate people about the breed.

“Huskies are like kids on sugar,” says Brodersen. “They’re high energy and always want to be doing something. They love to work and run. As a breed, they’re smart, fun, loving, outgoing, friendly and energetic. These dogs are not going to lie around or be lap dogs or watch dogs,” he says.

Brodersen adopted his first husky puppy about 30 years ago and has since adopted four more and fostered one dog from Free Spirit. Every morning, he takes

a 2.5 mile walk with the dogs before going to work.

The best husky owners are outdoor people who like to exercise and take their dog with them on walks and runs and/or have a fenced-in yard with plenty of room for the dog to run and play, he says.

Free Spirit Siberian Rescue is a nokill shelter that houses about 50 dogs at any given time. They come from other shelters, are strays, or have been abandoned, abused or surrendered by owners from a four-state area.

Klehm Executive Director Alex Mills says his first dog was a rescue.

“My first dog was adopted and I can’t think of a better way to make a friend for a lifetime,” says Mills. “We’re excited to help dogs find new homes, during this event, and to give people a chance to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds at Klehm.”

During the festival, free dog treats and doggie clean-up bags will be

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available at the Visitor’s Center.

Claudia Aschbrenner of Caring Canines of SwedishAmerican Hospital will bring several therapy dogs for people to meet at the Hot Diggity Dog Festival.

She’ll encourage dog owners to think about becoming volunteers.

The Caring Canines program accepts any dog that has been through obedience training, is at least one year old, has been certified by a dog therapy organization, and passes an audition at SwedishAmerican. The audition consists of responding to certain commands and spending time at the hospital to get acclimated. The dog’s personality, not the breed, is what determines which dogs are good for therapy, she says. Teams are expected to volunteer for at least two two-hour sessions a month, but most volunteers give much more time, says Aschbrenner.

Admission to the festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for Klehm members and children 12 and under.

Learn more at Klehm.org. ❚

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WW II Days Sept. 22 & 23 at Midway Village

By Randy Ruef ave Fornell has been a World War II re-enactor for 28 years. His enthusiasm for the event that will unfold Sept. 22 & 23 at Midway Village Museum in Rockford is as high as ever.

“World War II has nostalgia about it that runs deep within the common population,” he says. “There are a lot of grey areas in so many things, but in World War II, there were pretty clear-cut lines of good and bad. We had genocide and people overtaking countries. And if not literally, they were economically putting people into states of servitude. Every corner of the world was involved. We try to help people understand the war from all sides. That’s part of why we do this – so history doesn’t repeat itself.”

These re-enactors are more than hobbyists; they’re teachers. And the expansive museum grounds serve as a grand classroom.

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This year’s event takes place over three days, with the “Behind The Lines Tour” on Sept. 21 before the main event.

“It’s the second-largest World War II re-enactment in the country,” says Lonna Converso, the museum’s director of marketing and social media.

Fornell, the overall coordinator of the event, says roughly 1,200 re-enactors will take part, from 35 states and Canada, Poland, Malta, Italy and Great Britain.

The Rockford event started 22 years

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ago with just 100 re-enactors.

“We also have at least 80 World War II vehicles,” Fornell says. “We have battles that take place in villages and in the woods.

The main battlefield is the size of several football fields, with entrenchments on both sides with professional pyrotechnics.

There are lots of explosions and smoke.”

The “Andrews Sisters” will come for a musical performance and World War II model planes will be flown.

Spectators are encouraged not only to watch, but to get involved and ask questions.

Daily tickets to World War II Days are $14 for adults, $12 for veterans and active-duty military, $8 for children ages 3-17, and free for kids under 3 as well as museum members and World War II vets.

Purchase tickets online at midwayvillage. com or at the gate. Parking is $2 for nonmuseum members.

Learn more at midwayvillage.com. ❚

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Rain Garden Workshop is this Saturday N

atural Land Institute (NLI) is partnering with HomeStart, Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church to hold a Rain Garden Workshop followed by installation of a rain garden on Sat., Sep. 8, 9 a.m.-noon.

The location is Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church, 318 N. Church St., Rockford.

The free workshop is open to anyone. Neighborhood groups are encouraged to send representatives to attend the training session and then stay to help with the installation of a rain garden at the church, which will include planting and mulching.

“This hands-on learning opportunity is being offered to give people a chance to see how it’s done and to be inspired to put one in their own neighborhood,” says Laura Sjoquist, Community Conservation Coordinator, Natural Land Institute.

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Conservation District and Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church.

What’s a Rain Garden?

Participants are asked to register for this free workshop and installation by calling NLI at (815) 964-6666. Tools and snacks will be provided. Bring a water bottle and gloves if you plan to stay for the installation.

This event is an initiative of NLI’s Conservation@Home program and is partially funded by a grant from HomeStart and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Support is also provided by Winnebago County Soil and Water

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During a heavy rain at a typical house in many municipalities, rainwater gushes out of downspouts, across yards treated with pesticides and fertilizers, into a dirty or oily street, and down a storm drain that dumps the rainwater and chemicals into a stream, river, or bay.

“Rain gardens are effective in removing up to 90 percent of nutrients and chemicals and up to 80 percent of sediments from the rainwater runoff,” reports the Groundwater Foundation, based in Lincoln, Neb. “Compared to a conventional lawn, rain gardens allow for 30 percent more water to soak into the ground.”

Attractive planting beds around your home or commercial building work like a filter to clean the water by letting it sift slowly into the soil and aquifers. ❚

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Tour 5 Beautiful Local Homes on Sept. 15

By Peggy Werner he Rockford Woman’s Club is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its building at 323 Park Ave. by putting the spotlight on beautiful and outstanding homes in the Rockford area.

Five elegant, dramatic, high-end homes will be featured in the Fall Home and Garden Tour open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. The tour is a continuation of the event that featured five other homes in June.

“We were so pleased with the attendance and reaction from people during the spring tour; we hope even more people will come to see the next five homes. Each home is unique, one-of-a-kind, and meant to inspire,” says President Nancy Whitlock, a long-time member of the Rockford Woman’s Club.

Homeowners will be available to answer questions and provide information.

Otherwise, the tours are self-guided and

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people can go through them at their own pace, in any order.

A home at 3475 Westminster Drive (pictured above) is a stately 1923 English Tudor style that has been totally remodeled to preserve original parts of the home but also create a new look.

The spacious home at 9544 N. Second St. in Roscoe was designed by local architect Gary Anderson and is situated on a bluff overlooking the Rock River.

The property at 12822 Ashfield Road

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in Caledonia, exudes luxury. The 2004 Parade Home is filled with custom millwork moldings, Brazilian cherry flooring, soaring ceilings and expansive windows.

Built to replace a home that burned in 2002, the hyperbolic paraboloid structure at 5635 Nebeshonee Lane is the brainchild of late businessman John R. Martin. A unique steel and glass construction is used to carry out the theme of a rising Phoenix.

Breathtaking views can be seen from 7042 Kinnikinnick Dr., in Roscoe, a fully exposed ranch situated on the third hole of the Ledges Golf Course on a 1.29-acre wooded lot.

Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at rockfordtheater.com or at Crimson Ridge, 735 N. Perryville Road; Poska, 2213 E. State St.; Possessions, 1642 N. Alpine Road (at Highcrest Centre) Shear Renewal Salon, 2209 E. State St.; and both locations of Village Green Nursery at 6101 E. Riverside Blvd. and 2640 N. Main St. ❚

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Festival at Circle of Wellness Sept. 18

By Peggy Werner

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ircle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St., is putting the spotlight on locally owned businesses and healthful, painfree living, while celebrating its 10th anniversary with a Fairview Family Fun Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the clinic.

All-day prize giveaways, free chair massages, discounted massage packages, food, kids’ activities, health seminars and demonstrations, music and a raffle to raise money for a terminally ill child will be the highlights of the event.

Certified Massage and Bodywork Therapist Leila MacQueen says, “We’re not only celebrating our 10th anniversary, but we’re also promoting other businesses in Rockford and celebrating our community.”

A main focus is raising raffle money for a 9-year-old Roscoe boy suffering

from Batten Disease, a fatal childhood disease of the nervous system. The child gets medical massage at Circle of Wellness.

“This disease is rare and no one has heard of it and there is no non-profit organization to help these people,” says MacQueen. “I wanted to do something for someone in the area.”

MacQueen was born and raised in Rockford and is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Her passion, she says, is to provide affordable massage to people suffering from pain and to give back to her community.

Food for Fuel, Olive Branch, Downtown Fancy Franks, Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ and LaFiesta Candies will sell refreshments during the festival. Activities for kids will include face painting, a Lollipop Pull, bouncy house, bike safety checks, free bicycle helmets (while they last), and music by Crazy Moon DJ.

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Yoga, Qigong and reflexology demonstrations will be presented, as well as talks on lymphatic drainage through massage and better breathing techniques.

“Medical massage works with the body’s lymphatic, muscular and skeletal systems to help people heal from injuries, disease and surgeries, and to alleviate pain,” she says.

The free festival is sponsored by Transformation Plastic Surgery; Boost Mobile by Ramos Wireless; and Don Carter Lanes. ❚

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English as A 2nd Language: How to Learn It D o you have a neighbor, close friend or co-worker who needs help speaking or reading the English Language? Do they or you struggle daily with reading simple instructions, prescription bottles, job applications, a child’s homework or today’s newspaper?

“The Literacy Council exists to help,” says Sheryl Thogerson, executive director. Its mission is to provide adult education that includes English as a Second Language [ESL]. Instruction is offered to adults in small classes with a choice of day or evening classes and in two locations, Belvidere and Rockford.

Lessons cover real life language skills needed to communicate on the job, at the doctor’s office, at a child’s school and in other everyday situations.

“Our learners are adult men and women of all ages, nationalities, economic and social backgrounds,” she says.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve helped

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adults representing 37 languages in the task of speaking, listening, reading and writing English. Along with English literacy, our basic computer courses are critical components in helping our learners adapt and function in today’s society.”

The high quality instructors provide an encouraging and supportive learning environment and guide learners to success.

A recent ESL learner told Thogerson, “The best thing I have learned is how to pronounce words I could only read before. I am a better grandma because I understand my grandkids more. Studying at The Literacy Council is important to me because it has helped me to learn idioms and common expressions that are very useful in my daily life.”

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These foundational skills open doors to employment and the ability to take a more active role in the community, says Thogerson. They also strengthen families and therefore the communities in which they live.

The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St., Rockford, offers these classes and all programs at no cost to the learner. Learn more by calling (815) 963-7323. ❚

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.

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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

Music on the Mall – Edgebrook Most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. On Sept. 7 Ken Curtis performs. Bring your own chair.

1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com edgebrookshops.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

RAM Midwestern Biennial Show Now thru Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Rotary Gardens will host a plant sale Sept. 7-9.

Rockford City Market Fridays thru Sept. 28. On Sept. 7 featuring Mr. Ed on the Main Stage and Adem Dalipi in the Acoustic Area.

ment, beer tent, live music. On Saturday, a cardboard boat regatta and fireworks.

Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Dr., Beloit, festivalontherock.com.

Tunes on the Terrace: Reed & Waddy Most Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. On Sept. 12, Reedy & Waddy, best known for playing light rock, classic pop and blues. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

Beattie is…Back Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A family-friendly festival with an artist market, art demonstrations, a make-and-take creative zone, live music and specialty food vendors. Rockford Area Arts Council, City Market Pavilion, 100 Water St., Rockford, artsforeveryone.com.

AE: 'Women in Jeopardy' Sept. 6-23, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. In this comedy, Liz has a new man in her life and her friends want to be supportive, but suspect that he's a serial killer. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford U., 5050 E. State St., (815) 3945004, artistsensemble.org.

Coffee with the Curator Sept. 7, 10 a.m. A behind-the-scenes look into the process of curating the Rockford Midwestern Biennial exhibit. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., rockfordartmuseum.org.

Fall Plant Sale Sept. 7-9, Rotary Botanical Gardens Horticultural Center, 825 Sharon Road, Janesville, Wis., rotarybotanicalgardens,org.

'The Realistic Joneses' Thru Sept. 8, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. Meet the Joneses, two suburban couples with identical homes and shared last names. As their relationships begin to intertwine, they must decide between their idyllic fantasies and their imperfect realities. [usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center. rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Festival on the Rock in Beloit Sept. 7-8, events daily. Festivities include carnival rides, food vendors, bags tourna-

Magic & Music Sept. 8, 7 p.m. Arch Smith is back with finely honed magical skills; John Lindhorst rounds out the evening with his ukulele melodies.

Spring Creek UCC, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. A tribute to the four men who stood at the center of the advent of rock and roll. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

RSO: Farkle and the Wolf!

Sept. 9, 3 p.m. A family-friendly matinee concert cleverly explores the instruments of the orchestra, told through John Lithgow’s “The Remarkable Farkle McBride” and Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale “Peter and the Wolf.” RSO, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Illinois in 2218 Sept. 11, 7-8 p.m. What might the Prairie State look like in 200 years? Hear about the latest findings in climatology, biology and geology, as Ray Wiggers analyzes the possible futures for our state & beyond.

Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., register at seversondells.com. ❚

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WDL

Good Food & Folks at Cucina di Rosa

By Peggy Werner

R

ose Mary Leggio believes in celebrating each day with good food and good people and that’s just what she does at Cucina di Rosa in Rockford.

Sicilian born, Leggio began her restaurant career in 2006 after friends who tasted her cannoli begged her to start selling the creamy, crunchy Italian dessert made from a 100-year-old family recipe. She opened Cannoli Café at 1620 N. Bell School Road and in 2016 opened Cucina di Rosa (Rosa’s Kitchen) in the same location.

“It’s my kitchen, and that allows me to be creative and prepare food as I would for my own family,” Leggio says.

Leggio serves craft beers and Italian wines, some made with grapes grown only in Sicily. Her daily specials are much anticipated by regular customers eager to see what she’s cooked up.

The core menu consists of soups, salads, panini and entrees such as fried

rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese and ham or meat sauce and peas. Favorite entrees include eggplant Parmigiana, ravioli, tortellini and a special Sicilian lasagna made with peas and slices of hard-boiled eggs.

Leggio offers an array of desserts, including 16 flavors of homemade gelato, cannoli, cannoli cake, eclairs, cream puffs, bisconti, croissants with various toppings and an assortment of Italian cookies.

“I love to hear people say how happy they are that I’m back in business and I love to see their reactions to the foods they recognize as what their grandmas used to make,” says Leggio. “I feel so appreciated and I feel that I’m offering something unique to Rockford.”

Leggio’s staff members interact like family, which some of them are. Her

daughter, Leandra Sandahl, helps run the business and will someday take it over.

Leggio’s sons, Joe and Eric, also assist in the business effort.

Cucina di Rosa is available for private parties on Sundays and Mondays and also caters special events.

Regular hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There’s live entertainment every Saturday and most Friday evenings. ❚ ❚

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

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

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

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

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$

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

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

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

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

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

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

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

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

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

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-

Thrive Café  Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚

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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 T

It’s a Good Time to Install Solar Panels

By Peggy Werner

E

Z Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, is known for helping people to save money on TV, phone, internet and home security services. Now it’s also helping them to save even more money by getting off the power grid.

Owner and general manager Charles Zambrano has partnered with Aeos Energy in Franklin Park, Ill., to form another branch of his business called EZ Solar Energy, which will provide savings to homeowners who make the switch to solar energy.

“This is the time to do it because there are incentives with deadlines by the federal and state government to help people save on the cost of producing their own energy,” Zambrano says. “Most people don’t have the cash to install solar panels, so our goal is to make it affordable to all.”

EZ Solar helps a customer every

step of the way, with permits, applications and obtaining a fixed-interest loan, for those who qualify. The product has a 25-year warranty and takes only one day to install.

Paperwork takes several weeks to process.

The savings is made possible through federal Investment Tax Credits (ITC), which allow homeowners to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system. The deadlines for the tax incentives have been extended many times and currently expire in 2022.

State laws require utilities to produce a specific percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. Right now, for a limited time, the state is offering a rebate for homeowners who have installed solar panels, rewarding them for helping the

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state to meet its goals.

The federal government is requiring states to reduce carbon emissions or be fined. Illinois’ goal is to produce 25 percent of its electricity through renewable energy sources by 2025. Currently, most of the state’s electricity is produced by nuclear power, natural gas and fossil fuel, including coal.

Learn more by calling Zambrano at EZ Solar at (815) 200-9075. ❚

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