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Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • October 4, 2017

™

Right in Our Region

Scarecrow Harvest Festival at Midway Village

See Page 16

Growing Beautiful Mums Oktoberfest in Loves Park Yes! There’s an Apple for That! Live Music Renaissance in Midtown

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Scarecrow Harvest Festival Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Growing Fall Chrysanthemums Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Getting Along Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Easy Apple Tart Your Outings ................................................19, 21 Oktoberfest; Music in Midtown Your Tech ..........................................................20 Don’t Pay Too Much Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 All About Eye Floaters Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Cannova’s Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Beware the Flood-Damaged Car

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

No, it’s not magic...

Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan 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, Steven Wysong Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com

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Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2017 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Yay for Science! I

believe in science and all the good it does. So I was excited to learn that Woodward is helping to fund a two-year grant for an Interactive STEM Education Program at Discovery Center Museum, and the “Great Balls of Fire! Comets, Asteroids and Meteors” exhibition. Discovery Center is a top asset in our region, run by savvy people who know how to partner with others to fund high quality programs that are especially relevant to our region. These programs expose children to interests they may never otherwise encounter. It’s one thing to do math in a textbook. It’s quite another to see the exciting results spawned by the application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This program will cater to third-graders in Rockford and Harlem schools. The $152,000 Woodward grant also pays for professional development workshops to help educators better teach STEM topics. Why is this important? According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17 percent, compared to other occupations at 9.8 percent. I imagine this is even more true in the Rockford region, given our aerospace hub. STEM careers transform communities. Introducing children to STEM opportunities and helping them to see a clear path forward through advanced schooling is really important to meeting future workforce demands. The “Great Balls of Fire! Comets, Asteroids and Meteors” exhibit was developed by the Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning.Visitors will learn about comets and asteroids and their relationship to the solar system. Woodward Exhibit Hall will host it for three months this fall and again in the fall of 2018. In addition to Woodward, funding comes from a $10,000 donation by the Kiwanis Club of Rockford and from Forest City Gear, which makes parts for NASA’s Mars rovers. The museum, and its supportive partners, make us proud. Have a great week! ❚

Pumpkin Painting Scarecrow Building Pickles the Clown Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Face Painting Petting Zoo Princesses & Super Heroes

Once Upon a Dream Performances

Girl Scout Day @ the Arboretum Hands-on activities all day

Sponsors

Klehm Arboretum Botanic Presented to the & community by Garden

The Foundation 2715 S. Main St.DAO | 815 815-965-8146 8146 | klehm.org

Arboretum & Botanic Garden

2715 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61102 | klehm.org | 815-965-8146

Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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It’s Apple Season at Ten Eyck By Lindsey Gapen

he Ten Eyck family has been nurturing apple trees all year long. Now it’s time for the public to enjoy the fruit of their labor. “We pick everything right before it’s ripe,” says owner Drew Ten Eyck. “The quality of our apples sets us apart – everything is fresh and delicious.” The woodlands, prairies and changing leaves make for a gorgeous ride out to the family farm, located on Highway 11 and 81, just 3 miles west of Brodhead, Wis., and 10 miles east of Monroe, Wis. Every year, visitors come to browse more than 50 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples with names both familiar and not-so-familiar, from Ambrosia to Winesaps. When it comes to cooking, Drew recommends Portland and Jonathon apples. For eating, Honey Crisp, Sun Crisp and Holiday apples are among his favorites. “Those are the best to bite into,” Drew says. “The Honey Crisp is sweet

and crunchy, while the Sun Crisp is a little more citrusy. The Holiday is very crisp and tart. All of them are delicious.” In addition to apples, the farm also offers pumpkins, gourds, pears, plums and a plethora of apple-infused treats. The Ten Eycks make cider, donuts and pies with their apples – and everything is made from scratch. “We have everything from handdipped caramel apples to weird, worty squashes,” Drew says. “It’s a great variety of products and everything is fresh.” Opal John, the orchard manager, has been working with the Ten Eyck family since she was a teenager. Now she manages the orchard’s beehives and makes treats with raw, unfiltered honey. Products from her Opalicious Honey line are also available in the selling shed. For the second year, the orchard has a 5-acre corn maze for visitors to enjoy. Drew Ten Eyck is the sixth generation to own and operate Ten Eyck Orchard. Last year, he returned to the

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(Janine Pumilia photo)

Y O

Rob and Drew Ten Eyck

family farm with experience in ecological monitoring and prairie management. He’s working to modernize the business while holding tight to all that his father, Rob Ten Eyck, teaches him about growing quality apples and being good to his community. “My dad has stressed that quality is the most important,” Drew says. “We don’t have the largest quantity, but we do have a better tasting apple than anybody else. It’s the variety and quality of apples, combined with the friendliness of the staff, that keeps people coming back to Ten Eyck Orchard. ❚

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Y H  G

Bigger, Better Mums Add to Autumn Beauty By Peggy Werner

hrysanthemums are a No. 1 choice to brighten up the landscape and extend the beauty of nature during the fall season. The late-blooming flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors and research is always underway to offer an even wider selection each year. S & H Nursery, 5956 McCurry Road in Roscoe, specializes in locally grown hardy mums, which have proven to be a good choice for those wanting to plant the flowers into the ground for more years of blooms. The mums are known for their dense foliage and prolific large blooms. Plant size can be up to three feet wide. “It’s crazy how big they get. They are the nicest, fullest mums I have ever seen,” says owner Jamie Swanson. Although mums are not guaranteed to bounce back every year, there are some

steps you can take to help them thrive. The earlier you get the mums into the ground, the better, says Swanson. Don’t dig a hole too deep. Leave about a half inch of the plant soil above the ground to give roots a chance to breathe and adjust to new surroundings. Water and fertilize mums as you would other flowing plants, and deadhead (pinch off) tired blooms. As long as they’re well-maintained and weather permits, mums will keep blooming, she says. “I’ve seen mums still blooming outside at Christmas,” she says. S & H will continue to get mums through the month of October. It currently has a special running for eightinch pots offered at $7.50 each or three

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for $20. The mums are also available in 12-inch pots by themselves or mixed with fall grasses. Few things say “autumn beauty” as eloquently as beautiful mums. “They’re absolutely gorgeous,” says Swanson. ❚

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Oct. 4

I  W

Getting Along C

an’t we all just get along? If we view one another as God does, the answer is “yes we can.” There’s no hatred based on race, gender, age, health, wealth, etc., when we view one another through God’s eyes. Each of us is precious. The Book of Acts reveals how difficult it was for the early church to wrap its head around this concept of equality. In the Old Testament, God favored certain people. It wasn’t His ideal way to operate, however. God wanted to undo the damage done by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:19) and make peace with all who choose to believe. That universal reconciliation was made possible through Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18) The New Testament teaches that favoritism on our part is a sin. We’re to love all people and treat them well. (James 2:1-3, 9) Scripture also teaches that our views should never be shaped by cultural norms that are at odds with Christ’s. Kings, presidents, preachers and other cultural icons come and go and are fallible. Only Christ’s kingdom endures forever. In it, there’s no place for hatred. (Eph.4:31). We’re to imitate Christ. (Eph. 5:1 & 2). Each of us is made in God’s image, which is spirit. Spirit has no gender or race. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). God cares about whether we accept the Gospel and live it (Romans 10: 9 & 10), not about our superficial differences. He sees our hearts, not our looks. (I Sam. 16:7). Being reconciled to God through Christ binds us together as one family, but we must guard that precious unity. Jude warns of those who “slip in” and divide us for personal gain, in verses 17-19: “These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage … These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. Can’t we all just get along? Yes, we can. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Oct. 4

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

2715 S Main St, Rockford, IL

READING MENTOR As little as 20 minutes per week can drastically change and improve a child’s life. Visit: wevolunteer.org/IREAD Email: IREAD@unitedwayrrv.org Call: 815-963-7323

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

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

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Yes! There’s an Apple for That! I

f you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle and wondered what apple to select among the many varieties available, you’re not alone. Apple varieties can differ greatly when it comes to taste, texture, cooking and storage properties. Using the right apple can make or break your recipe. For example, some of the best baking apples are Granny Smith and Pink Lady because these apples hold up particularly well under high heat, retaining a ﬁrmer texture. The special Pinata apple by Stemilt Growers is particularly well suited for baking, as it holds up to heat and boasts classic apple ﬂavor with a tropical twist. For fruit platters, snacks and appetizers featuring fresh, sliced or chopped apples, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option because of its incredible fracturing crunch and a refreshing sweetness similar to fresh apple cider. For whipping up a classic chicken salad, try Fuji or Golden Delicious apples, which are among the

sweetest around – the extra sweetness contrasts with the savory ingredients for a more complex ﬂavor. For more recipes, visit appleforthat.com.

Two-Minute Apple Tart Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8

1 refrigerated, ready-to-use pie crust 1 pound apples, cored and sliced 2 TB cold butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon

Preparation

Heat oven to 425 F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Unroll crust and place it on large baking sheet.

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Arrange sliced apples on crust, leaving about two inches of space around edge. Chop cold butter into small bits and scatter over apples. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples. Fold two-inch section of open pie crust over apples – this will not cover apples, but contain them inside crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are just soft. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Oct. 4

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Scarecrow Harvest Festival at Midway Village By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

ll the fun that comes with autumn harvest season will be in full swing during the Scarecrow Harvest Festival at Midway Village Museum on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family -friendly event, which appeals to all ages, is sponsored by Alpine Bank. “This day is all about the things we think of as fall traditions – making scarecrows, taking horse-drawn wagon rides, playing games that involve pumpkins and apples, and so much more,” says Lonna Converso, director of marketing and social media. There will be special entertainment by Jon the Juggler, who not only juggles but also does magic tricks and balances spinning objects. The 1900-era village on the museum grounds will be decked out for a scavenger hunt. And cooking the way our ancestors did will be part of the fun.

Smart Living Weekly

“The museum’s mission of history collection, preservation and education resonates in all we do here,” says Converso. “A historical piece to our Scarecrow Harvest Festival is the demonstrations of antique farm equipment. This has been part of our event for years, and people always enjoy it.” Learning about farm equipment of yesteryear is especially fun when older generations attend and can share their memories with grandchildren. Doug Pripps, an engineer at Woodward, is part of a small group of volunteers who’ve been demonstrating a vintage binder and thresher for the past 10 years or so at the festival. They also keep the equipment, which was donated to Midway Village Museum, in good repair. “It’s a Scarecrow Harvest Festival and this is the harvest part,” says Pripps.

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“In the age when this equipment was used, around 1900 or so, the binder was used to cut and bundle the wheat shafts and the thresher was used to knock the grain off the stalk – to separate the wheat from the chaff. There are a lot of belts going around and there’s a lot of shaking, which is fun for people to watch. The wheat comes out one tube, the chaff out of another.” This operation once required huge threshing crews to gather and dry the wheat, bring it to the thresher and feed it into the machine, which sat stationary. “This was the method used until about the 1930s,” says Pripps. Today, a combine moves through a field and combines the binder and thresher functions – hence the name. One driver with one helper can now do what it once took a large number of people to accomplish.

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“We repeat the demonstration four or five times throughout the day and we even grind the wheat into a course flour,” says Pripps. “In a cooking demonstration, the flour is made into a loaf of bread. So people can see the end-to-end process of where food comes from, the way it used to be done, from wheat stalk to bread loaf.” Between the demonstrations of binder and thresher, vintage hay baling will be demonstrated. “Again, it used to be that people had

to gather the hay and bring it to the stationary machine and feed it into it,” Pripps explains. (See cover photo). “Today’s hay balers move throughout the field, gather the hay and make the bales on the spot. It was a lot of work gathering and moving the hay to the machine.” Pripps’ interest in old-time farm machines comes from his father, who has written many books on the subject. “A lot of people haven’t seen these machines before and they were a very common and important part of farm life here, not all that long ago,” he says. “This is a rare opportunity to glimpse that part of our heritage.” The demonstrations will be held inside the village near the red barn. The use of scarecrows in agriculture dates back to ancient times; farmers have long used them to discourage predators from plundering tasty crops. Visitors to the Scarecrow Harvest Festival will be able to take home the scarecrows they make during the event.

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“Scarecrow heads and clothing items are available for $2 each, or bring your own from home,” says Converso. Aside from the scarecrow clothing and food/drink sold during the festival, the cost of all activities is included with the admission price of $7 per adult or $5 for children age 3 to 17. There’s no charge to museum members or children age 2 or younger. Buy tickets before the event, at the museum gift shop, or at the gate. The museum will sell lunch items, cider, popcorn and Pepsi products. Along with the above-mentioned activities, there also will be dancing, storytelling and several craft projects. “It’s just a really good time and a nice chance to savor the simple pleasures of fall,” says Converso. “Last year, the attendance increased for this event, with more visitors than ever attending the Scarecrow Harvest Festival. This showcases the popularity of this special event.” ❚

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Y O

Oktoberfest is Oct. 6 & 7 T

he German Society will present its 53rd annual Oktoberfest Celebration on Friday, Oct. 6, from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to midnight. Sponsored by the German Society of Rockford, Advanced Machine and Hennig, Inc., the festival will take place at Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd. Following a Bavarian tradition of beginning Oktoberfest by tapping a keg, Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury will break the keg’s seal at 7 p.m. Friday and declare the party underway with the cry of “O’zapt is!” which means “It is tapped!” Miss Oktoberfest will be crowned at that time as well. A longtime German tradition, Oktoberfest will feature six German biers (beers) and various domestic options. Authentic German food, children’s areas, German-style bands and German-style

dancers will help provide a sampling of German culture. The German Society of Rockford will offer a Taste of Germany, with an expansive menu that includes German sausages, Jaegerschnitzel, Opa’s potato pancakes, German potato salad, red cabbage, spaetzel, sauerkraut and desserts. There will be all sorts of activities, indoors and out, such as the Wiener Dog Race, Bier Barrel Race for Charity, Barmaid Stein Race, Strong Arm Contest and karaoke. Registration is open for dachshund entries in the Wiener Dog Race and teams of four to six people for the Bier Barrel Race. Register at rockfordoktoberfest. org. Advanced tickets are $7 for one-day and $10 for two-day admission. Tickets can be purchased the day of the festival for $10 for one day or $15 for two-day

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admission. VIP party packs are available for $40 each. Buy tickets at Der Rathskeller, 1132 Auburn St. in Rockford; Advanced Machine, 2500 Latham St. in Rockford; or Hennig Inc., 9900 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Ill. Or call chairpersons Toni and Dorothy Beck, (815) 222-9937. Learn more at rockfordoktoberfest. org. ❚

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Oct. 4

Y T

Save Money: Choose Tech, Security Wisely By Peggy Werner

etting the best deal on tech services, including security services, isn’t always easy. “Most people pay too much,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park. “People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company, and they often pay too much for home security protection, too,” he says. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.” Sometimes people are tricked by promotional offers that may jump up dramatically in price after a special offer ends, he says. “You should know exactly what you’re getting so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of money down the road.”

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With all the crime happening in our area, Zambrano finds himself helping both residential and business customers to set up cost-effective but reliable security systems. He offers the highly rated Protect America home security service for as little as $19.95 per month. The family-owned business opened in 2011. It’s a full-service retailer for satellite TV and Internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, Zambrano decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same. “I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save.” EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized Dish network retailer and also

Oct. 4

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offers services from any other provider, using dish, cable, Internet or home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna and Vivint. Zambrano can help those who drop their TV cable service to set up Sling TV for $20 a month. Sling offers 30 channels of live TV including CNN and ESPN. Sometimes a customer simply wants a TV antenna set up in order to receive local TV station programming including Chicago Cubs baseball games through WGN. Zambrano is happy to help them. And, through DISH, he also offers the Amazon Echo Dot, a hands-free, voicecontrolled device that uses the same farfield voice recognition as Amazon Echo. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office ❚

Y O

A Live Music Renaissance in Midtown A

ll kinds of high quality live music events are taking place in Rockford’s Midtown District these days. Appreciative listeners and performance spaces with excellent acoustics have attracted nationally recognized talent and regional standouts. At the epicenter is the Listening Room at JustGoods Fair Trade Marketplace, 201 7th St., which hosts the Friday Listening Room series, and Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., which hosts the Second Thursday concert series and a less-formal but equally enjoyable music series Saturdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Another Midtown participant that’s helping to enrich the cultural scene is Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave. During the ArtScene celebration coming up this Oct. 6 and 7, and April 13 and 14 of 2018, the entire MidTown District bustles with music and visual exhibits. Concerts at the above venues typically occur without a cover charge; audiences

are encouraged to donate generously to the performers. If you’re interested in learning more about these concerts, contact the respective venues or call (815) 979-1949 or email vincentrecordsinc@gmail.com for one-stop information about all the venues.

JustGoods - Fridays

Door open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 - Kelly Zullo/ The Solo Quartet Oct. 13 - Blues Boys Reunion Concert Oct. 20 - Cheryl and the Down Home Boys Oct. 21 - Concert Choraleers (special 3pm Sat. concert) Oct. 27 - Earth To Clark Nov. 3 - Mark Stuart Nov. 19 - Michael Johnathon Nov. 17 - The Matchsellers Nov. 24 - Ernie Hendrickson (special 8pm start) Dec. 1 - Anna Stange Dec. 8 - Greg Herriges - World Winter Holiday Music Dec. 15 - Dave Rudolf’s Cracked Christmas Dec. 22 - Christmas Benefit Program

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Katie’s Cup – Second Thursdays

Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 - Jodi Beach and Jim McDowell Nov. 9 - Georgia Rae Fiddle Champion - A Girl and her Loop Dec. 14 - Trinadora’s Holiday Frolic Jan. 11 - Acoustic Neil Diamond Legacy by Denny Diamond Feb. 1 - Mike and Sue Blair - Special Concert Feb. 8 - Daniel Watkins and the Ninestring Singer March 8 - Emily Hurd April 12 - Truman’s Ridge Bluegrass May 10 - Chip Messiner

Katie’s Cup - Saturdays Oct. 7 - Groovewheel

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Nov 4 - CAS-MHA Combined Chorus Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 - Denny Diamond, Spenser Svehla, and Trinadora Acoustic Holiday at 3 p.m. Jan. 6 - Community Sing-along led by Mark Dvorak and Ron Holm at 7 p.m. April 22 - Earth Day hootenanny-concert-fundraiser at 3 p.m. ❚

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Y H

Treating the ‘Little Insects’ in Your Eyes By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

loaters aren’t usually a serious problem, but they can be annoying. “They look like little insects flying around in front of you,” Yavitz says. “It bothers people – they think there’s something in front of them when there’s not. It’s actually a problem inside the eye.” People often complain of floaters after they get cataract surgery, Yavitz adds. Floaters are also more common in people who are nearsighted or who have had inflammation in their eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that float inside the vitreous of your eye. These tiny clumps

looking at something plain, like a blank wall or blue sky. Though floaters tend to fade away over time, ophthalmologists can remove severe occurrences by surgery. Yavitz removes floaters at his office, saving patients up to $500 in comparison to going to a surgery center. “I use a laser to remove them,” Yavitz says. “I can see them by shining a light into the eye under a lens. They look like little white specks floating around, and I use the laser to disintegrate them.” ❚ (Paid Advertorial) look like small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. They deceivingly appear to be floating in front of you, and are easier to notice when

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Want a second opinion? We give you one at every visit! The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community. We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original. SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

“Making God Laugh” Through Oct. 7, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Follow one typical American family over the course of 30 years’ worth of holidays, family Rockford, 61101 the 1.800.521.0849 ritualsIL and occasional gorockford.com flare-up of old tensions. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Fall ArtScene Oct. 6-7, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. The Rockford Area Arts Council presents the 30th Annual Fall ArtScene, showcasing original works of art at 40 locations across Rockford. Enjoy works in varied media of watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, furniture, jewelry, photography and multimedia. Various locations, Rockford. Info: Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 963-6765, artsforeveryone.com. Nellie’s Barn Sale Vintage Extravaganza Oct. 6-7, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This hip vintage market is set in a two-acre field with 60 vendors peddling the best vintage loot in the region. Find authentic vintage décor, fun jewelry, boho clothing and funky tees. Live music both days and beverages available. 10985 Main St., Roscoe, nelliesbarnsale.blogspot.com. German Society Oktoberfest Oct. 6-7, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat. noon-midnight. The German Society of Rockford hosts the 53rd annual Oktoberfest celebration, featuring German food, biers and entertainment. Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 914-6296, rockfordoktoberfest.org. "The Legends" at Coronado Oct. 6, 8 p.m. "The Legends" tour brings together 10-time gold/platinum recording artist Too $hort, hip-hop icon DJ Quik, Chicago born and Billboard Hot 200 rapper Twista, and "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper" Scarface. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Scarecrow Harvest Festival Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Make your own scarecrow for your front porch using clothes from home or purchased on site; straw provided. Watch antique threshing and bailing demonstrations, learn to square dance, take a horse-drawn wagon ride and play old-fashioned games. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Stephen Toyoda will speak about a Japanese martial art on Oct. 10 at the Anderson Japanese Gardens, in Rockford.

Cider n’ Cinnamon Oct. 7-8, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. A Rockford art and craft tradition for more than 40 years. Vendors display a variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage decor and more. Enjoy food and live music both days. Edgebrook Shops, 1601 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com. Train of Terror Oct. 7-21, Sat. hourly 6-9 p.m. Ride the rails into a surreal realm haunted by ghosts, ghouls, vampires and zombies. Silver Creek Museum & Depot, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport, (815) 2352198. RSO: The Universe at an Exhibition Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. A science and symphonic production featuring the work of renowned astronomer and filmmaker Dr. José Francisco Salgado. Coronado PAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. Head of the Rock Regatta Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. This decades-old race draws more than 2,000 rowers from across the country and more than 5,000 spectators to the banks of the Rock River. Watch along the river from Martin Park to the YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford, rockriverymca.org. AJG: Aikido: The Art of Peace Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Stephen Toyoda, president of the Aikido Association of America, speaks about this Japanese martial art. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine

By Paul Anthony Arco

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. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, 9 East Coffee  Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaArturo’s Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Big Papa’s Barbecue  BBQ Specialties. 5811 Forest Hills Road, Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, Rockford, (815) 904-6612. LD M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11 am- breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., 10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. $. Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- 3pm. $-$$. loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authen- Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak & cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 312-5080. D M-Sat 4pm. $-$$. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 26

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tavern on Clark

his restauarant, at 755 Clark St., Rockford, offers top-quality food in a great atmosphere. Owned and operated by brothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai, it’s the kind of place where business partners, couples, families or friends can gather for all occasions. A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include the Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib. A private dining room, with a flatscreen TV and fireplace, seats 50 and is available for private events. Tavern on Clark is open daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen serves food until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 p.m. on weekends. The bar is open later. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

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Y M

How to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car S ometimes residents of a flooded area aren’t the only victims. Sadly, dishonest sellers sometimes hide a car’s flood damage history by “title washing.” “After the owners of damaged cars settle up with their insurance companies, vehicles are sometimes refurbished and resold in states unaffected by the disaster,” explains Rob Montoya, senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. “Electrical and mechanical problems can potentially surface later, long after the seller is gone, leaving the buyer with an unreliable car and no recourse.” In the wake of disasters like hurricanes Harvey and Irma, state motor vehicle registries change titles of flooddamaged cars to a salvage or junk title, which alerts future buyers that the car was declared a total loss by an insurance agency because it sat in flood water deep enough to fill the engine compartment, says Montoya.

But about half of cars with salvage titles are resold in other states, most often through private-party sales or disreputable dealer lots. Reputable dealers use vehicle history reports to check cars and individuals can do the same. A good, low-cost starting point is the free flood title check from Carfax, says Montoya. “It will not only answer whether the vehicle had flood damage reported, but it also provides a link to buy the full-fledged vehicle history report. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, operated by the Department of Justice, has a number of reports you can buy from third-party companies, but they do little beyond what the free Carfax check provides.” In addition to getting a vehicle history report, the National Automobile Dealers Association recommends: 1. Be alert to unusual, musty odors and be wary if strong air freshener or

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cleaning product odors are present. Run the air conditioner to see if a moldy smell comes out of the vents. 2. Look for discolored carpeting or brand-new upholstery in a used car. 3. Examine the exterior for foggy inside headlights and stained wheelwells. 4. Inspect the undercarriage for rusty and flaking metal. 5. Note dirt buildup in unusual areas such as around seat tracks or the upper carpeting under the glove compartment. Have an independent mechanic look for caked mud or grit in under-hood crevices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 4

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1