Smart Living Weekly - September 30, 2015

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n iving g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Sept. 30, 2015

™

Right in Our Region

It’s Apple Season at Ten Eyck Orchard

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor

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or the 176th consecutive year, Ten Eyck Orchard is ready for the autumn apple season. Surrounded by woods and prairies, and located on Highway 11 and 81, just three miles west of Brodhead, Wis., and 10 miles east of Monroe, Wis., this family farm sells more than 50 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through mid-November.

Six generations of Ten Eycks have operated the orchard since 1839, well before Wisconsin became a state in 1848. Current owners Rob Ten Eyck, his wife Annie Berssenbrugge and their son Drew Ten Eyck are welcoming this season’s visitors.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Fraud Alert for Local Small Businesses • Treating Sun-Damaged Skin • RAMP: Breaking Barriers Prevent Poisoning! • Ideas for Flavorful Grilling • Dining at Dos Reales • Lighting Your Home

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Apple Season!

Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Lighting Your Home Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who Was St. Francis of Assisi?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Flavorful Grilling Your Outing ........................................................17 RAMP: Breaking Barriers Luncheon Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Prevent Poisonings Your Health ............................................. .......... 26 Treating Sun-Damaged Skin Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Mobile Device Safety Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Fraud Alert for Local Small Businesses

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 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.

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A Very Feathery Cap

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ou know how we’re always blathering with pride about the greater Rockford region? Well, here we go again.

If you’ve ever met a local child, you’ve probably heard about a very fun place called Discovery Center Museum. The museum’s peers have called it one of the best children’s museums in the U.S. Now the website TripAdvisor has joined the throng of admirers by presenting Discovery Center with a Certificate of Excellence award, thanks to consistently great online reviews from visitors.

It’s one more feather in a very feathery cap, as Dr. Seuss might say.

So how did Rockford come by such a treasure?

Like many of our best organizations, it started with a group of (mostly) women who saw the need. The Junior League of Rockford and the Rockford Area Arts Council founded Discovery Center Museum in October of 1981, to provide a hands-on, “joyful learning environment” for children and families. The original director, Sarah Wolf, still leads Discovery Center today, a key factor in its consistently successful management.

In 1988, a plan was hatched to transform the former Sears store on North Main Street into a new home for Discovery Center and Rockford Art Museum, among other groups.

More than $6 million was raised to create Riverfront Museum Park, which opened in 1991. Thousands of volunteers turned out to build the nation’s first community-built outdoor science park … the Rock River Discovery Park, overlooking the Rock River.

In 2004, Discovery Center teamed with Burpee Museum of Natural History to build a shared exhibition space; both museums play a vital role in our downtown’s rebirth.

So how did Rockford come by such a treasure?

Volunteers dreamed it, planned it, funded it, sweated for it and publicized it. The first kids who used the museum are now in their mid30s, many of them involved in other efforts to improve the city. They’re “paying it foward.”

Way to go, Rockford! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

GO TO:

RHSInQuicker.org

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.

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

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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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Lighting Gallery Offers ‘Jewelry for the Home’

By Lindsey Gapen

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roper lighting plays an important role in the aesthetics of a home. In fact, lighting department manager Michael McGinty from Benson Stone Co., 1100 Eleventh St., Rockford, refers to lighting as “jewelry for the home.”

“You can spend a lot of money on paint, flooring, cabinets and furniture, but if your home is poorly lit, it will never look its best,” McGinty says.

“Proper lighting is essential for a beautiful and functional home.”

Staff members at Benson Stone Co. will be able to assist you in picking out the proper lighting for your home. The expansive new lighting department on the fourth floor showcases chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, outdoor fixtures, landscape lighting and more. There’s a lighting style for everyone, from traditional to contemporary.

“Crystal is making a big comeback,” McGinty says. “It’s not your grandmother’s crystal chandelier anymore – we’re seeing a lot of contemporary pieces that I’ll call ‘lightly dressed.’ It’s not a heavy crystal piece, but it has a little accent of crystal on it.”

But it’s not the only trend.

“On the opposite side of the spectrum, people are choosing the reclaimed urban-warehouse style,” says store owner Andy Benson. “You’ll see a lot of these Edison-style bulbs for a more industrial look.”

Benson Stone Co.’s showroom is organized around the style and finish of the fixture. Lights of all sizes and price ranges are available.

“Customers have a lot of options here,” Benson says. “I think this showroom helps to emphasize, more than ever

before, that we are a one-stop shop. You can discover a full breadth of products here. It’s convenient to be able to find the right lighting to go with your new kitchen, sofa or dining room table all right here in one store.” ❚

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Who Was St. Francis?

In honor of the first U.S. visit by Pope Francis last week, we reprint this column from March, 2013, to shed light on why Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina chose St. Francis as his namesake when he became Pope. Both men were born to Italian parents, but Pope Francis was born and reared in Argentina, after his parents escaped the fascist regime of Mussolini. ope Francis chose his name immediately after his election, explaining that Saint Francis devoted his life to the poor and to missionary outreach. Also, he “loved and cared for creation – and in this moment we don’t have such a great relationship with creation,” said the new pontiff.

One of seven children, Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy, to an affluent cloth merchant and a French noblewoman. He ran with a pack of rowdy youths before taking up arms, at age 21, to unsuccessfully defend Assisi from Perugia. Like so many before and since, his spiritual transformation was strengthened by imprisonment and illness.

Once free, he spent days in prayer and relinquished rights to his family’s money, trying his best to live as Christ instructed.

During his late 20s, Francis and 11 followers received permission from Rome to found the Franciscan Order, which grew swiftly. When she heard Francis preach, Clare of Assisi realized her calling and Francis helped her to establish the Poor Clares. He also established the Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance, for men and women who couldn’t withdraw from the world or take religious vows, but who carried out Franciscan principles in daily life. He never sought ordination.

In 1219, Francis went to Egypt during the 5th Crusade, determined to attempt peace through dialogue with the Muslim Sultan, or to die trying. Although neither man converted the other, each came away impressed, Francis with the way Muslims structure each day around rhythms of prayer. Only Franciscan priests were later allowed into certain areas of the Holy Land.

Two books about the saint are Francis of Assisi: The Life and Afterlife of a Medieval Saint, by André Vauchez, and Francis of Assisi: A New Biography, by Augustine Thompson. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Guys, Grills & Great Flavor: Natural Allies

By Peggy Werner

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or whatever reasons – and there are many – grills and guys just go together.

“We stay pretty busy year round, but we know when it’s good weather because we see a lot more men in the store,” says Charles Ducharme, co-owner of The Olive Oil Experience and Spice Galleria, with his wife, Brandi. The store is located at 6332 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. A downtown location at 328 E. State St. in Rockford opened in February.

Whether it’s a family gathering, a special occasion, or just a great day to cook outside, men are traditionally the ones to gather around the barbeque grill, tongs in hand, ready to show off their skills. And as men and women both become more health conscious, they’re thinking more about what they put into their bodies, Charles says.

With more than 75 flavors of olive

oil and balsamic vinegar to choose from, grillers and other cooks can stick with tried and true basics or venture down the road of experimentation.

“There are no rules when it comes to flavoring,” says Charles. “Just decide what you feel like having that night and give those flavors a try. We see people getting more and more creative all the time, not only with their choices of olive oils and vinegars, but with our spices and rubs, too.”

When using olive oil and vinegar on the grill, brush the meat with olive oil first and then, while it’s cooking, add a few brush strokes of a balsamic vinegar.

It doesn’t take much, just enough to enhance the flavor, he says.

Sampling the oils and vinegars is encouraged. When purchased, the product is freshly bottled on the spot.

Other gourmet items for sale in the store include artisan pastas, pasta sauces, peppercorns, sea salts, hand stuffed olives

and body care products. Gift baskets are available and can be custom ordered.

Store hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The East State location hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. ❚

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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RAMP: Changing Attitudes, Breaking Barriers R

AMP’s 25th Annual Changing Attitudes Breaking Barriers Luncheon will be Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11:45 a.m., at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road in Rockford. Through entertainment and education, attendees will become more aware and supportive of RAMP’s mission, which is to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this year’s keynote speaker will be Ann Ford, executive director of Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) in Springfield. She’s one of the most significant advocates for Illinoisans with disabilities.

As a result of contracting polio at age 5, Ford has become a strong leader who’s overcome countless challenges throughout her life. She has served as the co-chair of the Illinois Disabilities Services Committee since it was formed

in 2003 to enhance state compliance with ADA. Ford has dedicated her life to empowering individuals with disabilities so they can be full participants in society.

The Luncheon provides RAMP with the opportunity to inform and update the community on current efforts and successes.

RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life. RAMP empowers people with disabilities to realize there are no limits to what they can do. This is accomplished by assisting them to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove the barriers that threaten their right to independence, and the pursuit of their dreams.

RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal

access. RAMP advocates for and serves people with disabilities out of four offices located in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. RAMP is a United Way member agency.

Purchase tickets or sponsor tables at the luncheon by calling RAMP at (815) 968-7467 or register at stayclassy.org/ rampluncheon. ❚

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Ten Eyck Continued from Cover

“The orchard is very important to the family because of our six-generation family history on this land,” Ten Eyck says. “Family farming is a lifestyle that is becoming less common every day. It offers many family benefits, as well as many challenges. We believe it’s each generation’s responsibility to be a good steward to the land through sustainable practices, while at the same time learning and adapting to customer needs, in order to continue to be a successful business.”

This year’s pickings from more than 40 acres of fruit trees include many customer favorites, all with different flavors, textures and ripening times. Popular sellers are Honeycrisp, Zestar!, Macoun, Melrose, Holiday and Arlett, along with classics such as Cortland, McIntosh, Jonathan and Idareds. Good cooking apples include Duchess and Wealthy.

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Customers can find unique antique varieties, such as Russet, Snow, Greenings, and Winesap.

These flavorful and nutritious apples eaten by our grandparents and great-grandparents are carefully maintained at Ten Eyck Orchard. Many of the newest apple varieties also are found at Ten Eyck Orchards, such as Crimson Drew and Rob Ten Eyck represent the 6th and 5th generations of Crisp and Snow Sweet.

Ten Eycks to farm this property.

“Our mission is to provide a wide variety of perfectly can take great care only to pick the apples ripe, handpicked apples directly to our at their flavor and texture peak, and sell customers,” Ten Eyck says. “We use our them within a few days.” generations of apple-growing experience Other special treats available at Ten to grow apples with the right conditions of Eyck Orchard include raw, unfiltered soil, sun and moisture, and have improved honey, homemade fruit hand pies, plums, our technique by experimenting with pumpkins, squash, cider, apple butter, various trellis support systems. Because Asian pears and hand-dipped taffy apples. we don’t ship or wholesale apples, we Ten Eyck Orchard encourages sampling of their apples before purchase.

Cover photo of Opal John by Samantha Ryan

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“That helps to ensure the right selection,” Ten Eyck says. “We strive to offer the widest variety of apples in the area, as there are many different flavors and textures that can be a personal preference.

In addition, we’ve upgraded and expanded our selling shed this year to make it a more attractive and comfortable buying experience.”

Behind the scenes, many employees have been helping the owners throughout the years. Opal John started as a teenager 15 years ago and is now the orchard manager, in addition to managing the farm’s beehives, and selling products from her own Opalicious Honey line in the Ten Eyck selling shed.

“We also have friendly and knowledgeable salespersons with an average of almost two decades of experience each, and pickers who have worked here for years and know how to gently handle the fruit,” Ten Eyck says.

“We’re very fortunate to have our great employees.”

In the early days of Ten Eyck Orchard, the farm simply sustained the family. Everything changed when A.M. Ten Eyck, the third-generation owner, graduated in the 1890s in the first class of the new College of Agriculture and Life Sciences department at University of Wisconsin-Madison. A professional agriculturalist, A.M. experimented in dairy, fruit and vegetables before his son, Albert Ten Eyck, focused specifically on growing high-quality fruit.

“Albert was the fourth generation,” Ten Eyck says. “He introduced the modern practice of using dwarf apple trees.”

Rob Ten Eyck, the fifth generation owner, focused primarily on apples and implemented new sustainable practices in growing. He also targeted direct sales marketing. Today, he operates the orchard with Berssenbrugge and their son, Drew Ten Eyck, who came back to the farm this year after gaining experience in ecological monitoring and prairie management.

“With so many years of growing this

(Samantha Ryan photos)

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business together, the orchard is very special to our family,” Ten Eyck says.

“It’s a beautiful, historic setting that also has generations of customers.”

The Ten Eyck family often recognizes customers who return here annually from other states.

“It’s a fun day, and a gorgeous ride in the country to look at fall leaves,” Berssenbrugge says. “We hope that you’ll come experience beautiful southern Wisconsin, as well as our delicious, sustainably grown apples.” ❚

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Protect Your Family From Poisonings E

We’re h ere , for you.

ach year, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) handles more than 80,000 calls via its toll-free, confidential hotline.

Of the calls received, almost half involve children 5 years of age and younger, yet people of all ages are subject to accidental poisonings. The most serious cases include adults. Preparing yourself and your family is the best way to avoid a potential poisoning.

FHN Memorial Hospital, in Freeport, is one of 10 IPC education satellite locations, during Illinois Poison Prevention Month this March.

The IPC is staffed by trained experts who provide free, comprehensive, and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances to the public and health care professionals via a 24-hour hotline: (800) 222-1222.

The poison center receives a variety of calls that range in severity and sub-

stances, including medications, vitamins, plants, household cleaning products, insect bites or stings, lead, and carbon monoxide. Calls may be placed in the event of a poisoning or as a preventative measure, such as identifying the type of mushroom that grows in your backyard.

Here are a few tips to help you prevent poisonings around the home: • Store all food and beverages in a completely separate area away from cleaners, medicines, automotive, yard and health care products.

• Keep medicines and household products in their original containers with original labels.

• Always read labels before using medicines, cleaners and other products.

• Teach children to ask first, before eating or drinking anything.

• •

Never call medicine candy or make a game out of taking it.

Keep the IPC phone number, (800) 222-1222, near all phones in the house and store the number in your cellphone.

You can connect with the Illinois Poison Center online at illinoispoisoncenter.org, on Facebook, or on Twitter (@ILPoisonCenter).

Poison prevention educational materials and activities are available online to anyone living or working in Illinois.

To become involved in Illinois Poison Prevention Month this spring, call (815) 232-2121, ext. 236.

(Source: FHN Memorial Hospital)

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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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Patient-Specific Skin Care Now Available

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor

C

aring for your skin can take a lot of products. With moisturizers, creams, gels and washes, it’s easy to spend more than what you’d wish for a healthy glow.

Dr. Stanley Kovak of Kovak Dermatology and Laser Institute, 195 Buckley Drive, Rockford, thinks enough is enough. That’s why he released a new product line: Dr. Kovak Skin Care.

“We found that a lot of companies kept raising their prices to ridiculous levels, and it became more and more expensive to have patients receive good skin care products,” Kovak says. “So we designed our own line of products to benefit patients at a reasonable price. Instead of paying $450 for a moisturizer that lasts 30 days, I said ‘What about one that’s $80 that does the exact same thing?’”

Kovak didn’t want to carry generic products, since people have different skin

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conditions that require different kinds of treatments.

“Now we can focus on the individual issues a lot more easily,” Kovak says. “We can put more chemicals in one particular product to focus on a specific concern. It’s very helpful for the patient.”

For example, one of the washes in Kovak’s skin care line contains micro-beads that gently exfoliate skin.

“This would be an example of a good product for someone with blotchy or spotted skin,” Kovak says. “It has everything you want, from polyphenol to CoQ10 to green tea.”

Kovak would give liquid-based products to patients with more oily skin, and heavier creams to a patient with drier skin. Figuring out individual needs is an important step in the treatment process.

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“This is unique because we’re able to focus our treatment plan a little better than if we were using other products that are available,” Kovak says. ❚

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Celebrating the Freedom to Read Sept. 30, 7 p.m. Six Rock Valley College faculty members from literature, political science, sociology and the humanities will discuss the impact of banned books. Ages 18 and older.

The Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660.

28th Annual Fall ArtScene Oct. 2-3, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. Enjoy original works of art and purchase artwork at an event that nearly 10,000 people attend.

Discover the 40 event locations across Rockford at artsforeveryone.com.

Los Lonely Boys Live Oct. 2, 8 p.m. This grammy award-winning music group will perform hits such as “Heaven,” “Sacred,” and “Forgiven” at Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, Wis. Tix online at monroeartscenter. com.

Tour de Prairie Fundraiser Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. Bring your bicycles and spend the day visiting local establishments along the Pecatonica Prairie Path. Available tours include a family-friendly route and an adult route. $25 adults/$15 kids under 15. Register at 310 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., facebook.com/PecatonicaRotary-Club-3085-Dirstrict-6420.

Fall For the Forest Preserves Oct. 3, 12-3 p.m. This free celebration of autumn will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s crafts, games, treasure hunting, fly fishing and canoeing demos, marshmallow roasting and more. Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve, 8990 Old River Road, Rockford, (815) 623-2411.

Scarecrow Harvest Festival Oct. 3, 12-5 p.m. Create-your-own scarecrow, square dance in a historic barn, take a horsedrawn wagon ride, participate in crafts and games. Live entertainment by Pint Size Polka.

Food available for purchase. $7 adult; $5 child; members free. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, Ill. (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

RSO: Tchaikovsky and Brahms Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. The RSO begins the season with the inspiring music of the masters including a salute to Shakespeare, a classic performance by pianist David Syme and a performance of the passionate last symphony of Brahms.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra opens its season on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. with music from masters Tehaikovsky and Brahms.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

24th Annual Pumpkin Pedal Bike Tour Oct. 4, 7:30 a.m. Bicyclists can choose from multiple available routes on the Great Western Trail. Proceeds support Special Olympics Illinois athletes. Rides begin at Sycamore Speedway, 50W086 IL-64, Maple Park, Ill., soill.org.

Autumn @ the Arboretum Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the beauty of fall, build a scarecrow, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, make a fall craft to take home, enjoy entertainment and activities for kids of all ages.

Free. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, klehm.org.

Avalon String Quartet: “Celebrating Russian Composers” Oct. 4, 3 p.m. Avalon is the quartet-in-residence at Northern Illinois University School of Music, and is described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites your ears, mind and spirit into its music.” $20 adult/$6 student.

Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

45th Annual Aquin Flea Market and More Oct. 4, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Indoor flea market including antiques, collectibles, crafts, glassware, books, farmer’s market items and more. $1. Aquin High School, 1419 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-3154.

Jazz At Emerson: SwingShift Oct. 11, 3 p.m. Enjoy jazz music and refreshments. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. ❚

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Y F

Celebrating the Freedom to Read Sept. 30, 7 p.m. Six Rock Valley College faculty members from literature, political science, sociology and the humanities will discuss the impact of banned books. Ages 18 and older.

The Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660.

28th Annual Fall ArtScene Oct. 2-3, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. Enjoy original works of art and purchase artwork at an event that nearly 10,000 people attend.

Discover the 40 event locations across Rockford at artsforeveryone.com.

Los Lonely Boys Live Oct. 2, 8 p.m. This grammy award-winning music group will perform hits such as “Heaven,” “Sacred,” and “Forgiven” at Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, Wis. Tix online at monroeartscenter. com.

Tour de Prairie Fundraiser Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. Bring your bicycles and spend the day visiting local establishments along the Pecatonica Prairie Path. Available tours include a family-friendly route and an adult route. $25 adults/$15 kids under 15. Register at 310 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., facebook.com/PecatonicaRotary-Club-3085-Dirstrict-6420.

Fall For the Forest Preserves Oct. 3, 12-3 p.m. This free celebration of autumn will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s crafts, games, treasure hunting, fly fishing and canoeing demos, marshmallow roasting and more. Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve, 8990 Old River Road, Rockford, (815) 623-2411.

Scarecrow Harvest Festival Oct. 3, 12-5 p.m. Create-your-own scarecrow, square dance in a historic barn, take a horsedrawn wagon ride, participate in crafts and games. Live entertainment by Pint Size Polka.

Food available for purchase. $7 adult; $5 child; members free. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, Ill. (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

RSO: Tchaikovsky and Brahms Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. The RSO begins the season with the inspiring music of the masters including a salute to Shakespeare, a classic performance by pianist David Syme and a performance of the passionate last symphony of Brahms.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra opens its season on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. with music from masters Tehaikovsky and Brahms.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

24th Annual Pumpkin Pedal Bike Tour Oct. 4, 7:30 a.m. Bicyclists can choose from multiple available routes on the Great Western Trail. Proceeds support Special Olympics Illinois athletes. Rides begin at Sycamore Speedway, 50W086 IL-64, Maple Park, Ill., soill.org.

Autumn @ the Arboretum Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the beauty of fall, build a scarecrow, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, make a fall craft to take home, enjoy entertainment and activities for kids of all ages.

Free. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, klehm.org.

Avalon String Quartet: “Celebrating Russian Composers” Oct. 4, 3 p.m. Avalon is the quartet-in-residence at Northern Illinois University School of Music, and is described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites your ears, mind and spirit into its music.” $20 adult/$6 student.

Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

45th Annual Aquin Flea Market and More Oct. 4, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Indoor flea market including antiques, collectibles, crafts, glassware, books, farmer’s market items and more. $1. Aquin High School, 1419 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-3154.

Jazz At Emerson: SwingShift Oct. 11, 3 p.m. Enjoy jazz music and refreshments. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales D

(Samantha Ryan photos)

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since 1998, along with some American favorites and signature margaritas, in an intimate yet fun atmosphere.

Dos Reales features several Mexican signature items on its recently updated menu: burrito cheese steak, chimichangas and appetizers such as guacamole ranchero. Newer dishes include torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. There are nontraditional dishes, too, such as chicken wings, burgers and french fries.

“There’s a misconception that all Mexican food is hot,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. “All of our dishes are mild unless guests request them to be spicy.

We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources.”

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

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

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

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

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

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

Ebeneezer Brown Eatery & Pub E Casual. American classics.

4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe; (815) 270-1213. LD Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700.

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

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (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. $$.

Main Street Bistro E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat.

Dos Reales offers gluten-free options and has always used fresh, preservative-free corn tortillas, chips and vegetable oil in its cooking.

Recently, Dos Reales underwent a major renovation – its parking lot was repaved, the main dining room was repainted, new flooring and a new roof were installed and the kitchen received extensive upgrades. There’s a new bar, where customers gather for what Gonzalez calls the “best margaritas in town.”

Drink specials are popular on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Live music is featured every other Friday.

The main dining room seats 100, and the back dining area can be reserved for private events. Carry-out and catering are also offered. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

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

Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

C

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many 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. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian.

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

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(Blake Nunes photo)

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

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T  I

Smartphone Safety

W

hen using a Smartphone, take the following precautions: • Depending on the type of phone, the operating system may have encryption available. This can be used to protect ersonal data in the case of loss or theft.

• Review and understand the permissions you are giving when you download applications.

• Passcode protect your mobile device. Enable the screen lock feature after a few minutes of inactivity.

• Obtain malware protection. Look for applications that specialize in antivirus or file integrity.

• Be aware of applications that enable Geo-location. It can be used by malicious actors raising concerns of assisting a possible stalker and/or burglaries.

• Don’t allow your device to connect to unknown wireless networks.

• If you decide to sell your device or trade it in, make sure to wipe it (reset it to factory default) to avoid leaving personal data behind.

Source: U.S. Internet Crime Complaint Center

Mortgage Advisor Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

15 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.01%

3.84%

$985

$667

$671

3.39%

4.39%

5.02%

3.75%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Sept. 28, 2015) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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

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

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced Oct. 7 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $50 Gift Card Leombruni’s Italian Village

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

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Fraud Alert for Local, Smaller Businesses W

ire transfer imposter scams are more sophisticated than ever.

Rockford Bank & Trust would like local businesses to be aware that fraudsters are currently targeting local companies posing as executives to request fraudulent wire transfers via e-mail.

Fraudsters are using high tech methods to hijack e-mail accounts of CEOs, CFOs and other high level executives to monitor the activity of the organization and learn the patterns and behavior unique to the company over an extended period of time. Once they have gathered enough information to sound genuine, the fraudster poses as the executive to send fraudulent, yet highly plausible, wire transfer instructions to employees that are unaware that the e-mail account has been compromised.

These fraudsters have been very successful in their attempts and have defrauded U.S. companies out of millions of dollars. Rockford Bank & Trust is

aware of three attempts in the last 30 days of CEO e-mail fraud in our area.

As with other types of fraud, there are several variations and ways wire transfer imposter fraud is perpetrated. The best way to protect any business is to: • Educate staff about potential fraud situations.

• Enforce a strong accounts payable policy, wire transfer policy, and verification process.

• Monitor bank accounts for any suspicious activity.

The following are available for expert information and advice: • Information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), and the United States Secret Service: https:// www.fsisac.com/sites/default/files/news/ BEC_Joint_Product_Final.pdf

• Fraud prevention information for your home and business from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT): https:// www.us-cert.gov/home-and-business.

Rockford Bank & Trust is a fullservice bank offering a diverse range of products and services including commercial, personal and private banking as well as wealth management services.

For more information, visit rkfdbank. com. ❚

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B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P R E I M E R P E H T

R E Y A L P H C I WH ?

U O Y E AR WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU? Like the stone, Sapphire gets noticed.

Parties and freebies? Expected. Roll with her and don’t worry ’bout a thing. Learn more about our five-tier player’s club, featuring the best gaming and amenities in the Midwest, now with more smoke-free areas!

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