Smart Living Weekly August 7, 2019

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • August 7, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Winnebago County Fair Fun Aug. 14-18

See Page 16

Spice Up Your Grilling Life Kitchen Updates Made Easier Learn About Birds, Bees and Trees Mendota Sweet Corn Festival!

Make Life Easier by Catering

FREE WIN!

4 Tickets to Public Skate See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Fun at the Winnebago County Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Home Updates Made Easier Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 No Matter What Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Grilling Your Outdoor Living .........................................19 Learn About the Birds & the Bees Your Life Hacks .................................................20 Entertainment Made Easier Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 A New Way To Do Chiropractic Your Technology .................................... .......... 24 Embrace Changing Technology!

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

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci Grill Your Money ........................................ .............. 29 Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

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 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 2019 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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Meeting Change “C

hange” is a neutral word colored by any perception we bring to it. If I’m being honest, however, I will tell you that the mere word sometimes scares the bejabbers out of me. I mostly prefer things to stay the way they are.

By definition, change is mysterious because it represents something different from what we know. It’s hard to trust in the unknown. We can’t read the future.

And yet, ironically, change is one of the few things we can count on in life. All of us.

No one leaves life unchanged.

This is a big week of change in my family. My ancestral home of 80 years has a For Sale sign in the yard for the first time ever, which makes my tummy do flips. Too, my brother Brad, a United Airlines 767 captain, is piloting his last commercial flight this week. He began flying 50 years ago at age 15. Too, one of our children recently moved to Washington state and another will soon move his family to Florida. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed by change right now.

We all hate bad change – disease, death, disaster. We all celebrate good change – romance, births, graduations.

But what about that vast landscape of the unknown in-between? All those changes that we can’t control and don’t know how to interpret? Do we flail against them? Embrace them? Laugh at them? Ignore them?

When we welcomed our new puppy, Gracie, a few months ago, our older dog, Brody, chose to deal with her by ignoring her existence for the first week. He simply turned his head away and pretended she wasn’t in the room, no matter how hard she tried to engage him in play. In time she became his new normal and now they’re pals.

Change is always in the room, like it or not, so we may as well make it our pal. That’s what I’m telling myself because I know it’s the truth.

A lot of change is beyond my control.

How I change myself to meet it is up to me.

“Change is inevitable.

Growth is optional,” says author John Maxwell.

I choose to grow.

Have a beautiful summer week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Decrease the Stress of Home Renovation

By Peggy Werner

M

acktown Construction, 9957 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, has made life easier for homeowners looking to renovate their homes. Its new 2,400 square-foot showroom carries a full line of cabinets, flooring, cabinet hardware, countertops and lighting for one-stop shopping, says President Tony Bonnet.

This can decrease the stress customers feel during a renovation.

“We want to create a better overall experience for our customers. In this business for more than 15 years, one thing that stands out is just how overwhelming and stressful it can be for people trying to make choices,” Bonnet says.

Macktown specializes in kitchens, bathrooms and other home renovations in the Stateline area and adheres to a sevenstep process to make sure every construction project runs as smoothly as possible and with minimal surprises.

“When it comes to remodeling, you can find a lot of buried headaches in the areas of plumbing, electrical work and framing that can’t be seen at first,” he says. “We want to make sure we have everything covered and there are no surprises,” he says.

Macktown Construction professionals offer a free consultation with customers inside their homes.

They also give advice, talk about goals and any fears a customer may have regarding the project.

Next, a pre-construction meeting takes place. When work is finished, a warranty is delivered and follow-up appointments ensure satisfaction.

When embarking on a home remodeling project, you’ll want to be able to

communicate an idea of how you want an area to look and what you’re willing to invest, Bonnet says.

“The first thing we always want to know is why someone wants to make a change, whether it’s to update an existing space, open up an area, or another goal,” he says. ❚

You Deserve Lan’s Unsurpassed Service Lan Vaughan, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Lan’s Customers Have to Say: “I really appreciate that Lan has helped me to find my ideal home. During the whole purchasing process Lan has demonstrated patience professionalism attention to details honesty kindness and politeness. Attentive to all of my questions anytime I needed her help. I can see she loves her career but she cares more about her clients. Again I am grateful for her hard work and her ability to get results.”

Guogiang Liu 815-608-6137 • lvaughan@gogambino.com.

See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/lvaughan

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I  W

No Matter What

T

he Bible is full of verses that tell us all things are possible with God. Yet we’ve all been disappointed by unanswered prayers. Why? Many Christians have grappled with this question and concluded this: We don’t truly understand God and never will, in this life. We can’t comprehend Him. But to give up just because we see only a tiny fraction of what He sees, is foolish.

“Ye have not because ye ask not,” says James 4:2-3.

Paul addresses this in his first letter to the believers at Corinth: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Corinthians 13:12) When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death, resurrection and the arrival of holy spirit, he encouraged them to bring their requests to God in his name.

“And in that day you will ask me no question. Truly, truly, I say unto you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:23-27) Praying to God, both to praise Him and to ask for what we need, is always a good thing to do. How should we do it?

Jesus provided an example. Notice how his prayer asks God for God’s will to be done in our lives; praises God; acknowledges God as the master of Heaven and Earth; and acknowledges our need for God’s forgiveness – something God later gives to us when Jesus is raised from the dead. Finally, Jesus asks God for protection from Satan.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13) Our prayers aren’t always answered in the way we wish. But we pray anyway.

No matter what. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Upgrade Your Summer Grilling Game Y

ou’re enjoying grilling season. But after several weeks of eating the same boring burgers and hot dogs, you’re looking for something a little more exciting. These recipes can help take your grilling skills to the next level and make your next party something to brag about.

Sweet Chili Ribs

2 full racks pork spareribs, trimmed (about 6 pounds) 2 Tb. fresh ginger, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bottle (12 ounces) Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided Heat grill to 250 F and prepare for indirect cooking.

Spread ribs with ginger and garlic.

Place ribs on rib rack or in foil pan. Cook on covered grill 2 hours.

Spread 6 oz. sweet chili sauce evenly over ribs; cook another hour, until tender.

Baste ribs with remaining sweet chili

sauce during last 15 minutes of cooking. If desired, at end of cooking time, grill ribs over direct heat to char slightly.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1 bottle (12 ounces) Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, divided 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing 4 hard rolls, split 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles Lettuce leaves (optional) Tomato slices (optional) Red onion rings (optional)

Marinate chicken in 6 ounces Buffalo wings sauce for 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.

Mix remainder of Buffalo wings sauce and dressing together. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Grill chicken 12 minutes, turning once, or until no longer pink in center.

Place 2 Tb. of mixed sauce on each roll half. Place chicken on top of roll half and top with 1 Tb. blue cheese crumbles.

Add lettuce, tomato and onion rings, if desired. Top with second roll half. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.

For more grilling tips and recipes, visit franksredhot.com/recipes.❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Winnebago County Fair Fun is Aug. 14-18

By Peggy Werner

T

here’s something for everyone at the Winnebago County Fair Aug. 14-18, in Pecatonica, Ill. The fair will take over every building and outdoor space on the 108-acre site with dozens of food booths, carnival rides, nightly concerts, rodeo action, farm animals, arts and crafts and much more.

“Our focus is on the family and our board of directors always has the

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community at heart when it plans the fair each year,” says Michelle McCabe of the Winnebago County Fair Association.

“All they want is for everyone to have a good environment where they can enjoy their family and friends.”

Deb Runte has been a part of the fair in one way or another for more than 50 years. Her dad, the late Floyd “Dobby” Anderson, was president of the fair when she was a young girl. Although the fair has evolved, one thing remains the same, she says.

“The county fair is a way of celebrating the people of the agricultural community, all the hard work they do and how important they are to all of us,” she says.

New this year is the 2019 “Bulls, Broncs and Barrels Tour” by Xtreme Roughstock Tour Rodeo of Brownsburg, Ind., with local barrel

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racing at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Grandstand, preceded by family hour from 5:30 to 6:30 to meet the cowboys and see the animals. The rodeo will include a 4-H calf giveaway, freestyle bull fight, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for those 9-12 and free for age 8 and under. Call the fair office at (815) 239-1641 to sign up for barrel racing.

Entertainers LetSinger of Rockford will perform a mix of country and rock music at 7 p.m. in the entertainment tent.

Also new this year is a Lumberjack Show, an interactive Lumberjack Camp, a Butterfly Encounter and an Inflatable Planetarium Wednesday through Sunday.

Manager Ryan Vawter of Modern Midway will bring about 30 rides to the fair, including the brand new Dragon Coaster, an LED-lighted roller coaster made in Czechoslovakia and one of only

R  O R

a few being used in the U.S. The HyperLoop, the most popular ride last year, will be back. Riders are seated in a fourlegged pendulum that spins, swings and rotates around the base structure.

“It is not for the weak-hearted,” Vawter says.

Gates open at noon each day. On Wednesday, get one free admission with two non-perishable, non-expired food items to benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission.

Carnival rides, The Butterfly Encounter and an Antique Tractor Display begin at noon; the lumberjack show

begins at 1 p.m. and an interactive Lumberjack Camp is at 3 p.m. K-9 demonstrations are at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., and at Moss Hall see Magic Mike at 2 p.m., Los Moralitos Circus at 2 and 6 p.m.; inflatable planetarium at 1:30, 3:30 and 4 p.m.; Queen and Junior Miss Pageant at 6 p.m.

The 2018 Winnebago County Fair Queen, Alexi Bladel, was crowned Miss Illinois County Fair Queen in January.

This is the first time a queen has won from Winnebago County, McCabe says.

On Thursday, many of the previous day’s activities will repeat and the Kindschi pedal pullers will perform at 5 p.m.

There’s an Antique Tractor Parade at 6:30 p.m., Little Miss Pageant at 6 p.m.; Truck Races at 7 p.m. in the Grandstand and Soul 2 Soul, a classic ’70s band, performs at 8 p.m.

Friday highlights include the 4-H Fashion Review at 6 p.m. in Moss Hall; 4-H Performing Arts Contest at 7 p.m. in Moss Hall; Badger State Hot Rod Tractor Pulls at 6:30 p.m. in the Grandstand; and

Audio Drive, an ’80s rock band, at 9 p.m.

Saturday includes a 4-H Livestock Auction at 1 p.m. in the Cattle Barn; Mexican Dance Performance called “Dance of the Elders” at 4 p.m.; Hoo Haven at 5 p.m.; 4-H Family Fun Night at 5:30 p.m. in building 2; and the Illini State Pullers truck pull at 7 p.m. in the Grandstand. Country Band Blue Steel will perform from 4 to 8 p.m. and fivetime RAMI award-winning Sunset Strip, an ’80s Glam/Hairband tribute, will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sunday’s events will conclude with a Demo Derby at 2 p.m. in the Grandstand. The Midway closes at 6 p.m. All other nights, the Midway closes at about 10 p.m, weather permitting.

General admission is $5 Wed., Thurs. and Sun.; $7 Fri. and Sat. Wed. is Senior’s Day; Thurs. is Kid’s Day (12 and younger). Age 8 and younger are admitted free to the fair and grandstand events daily. Learn more at winnebagocountyfair.com. ❚

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O L

Learn About Woody Plants for Pollinators L earn about the wide array of woody plants that can thrive in our region during a program at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Physical Education Center, The program will showcase the rich diversity of woody plants native to the upper Midwest. Incorporating them into your home landscape helps to attract and

sustain a diversity of bird and pollinator species.

Pollinators are struggling right now due to pesticide use, habitat loss and other man-made causes. Yet one in every three bites of food we eat requires a pollinator’s involvement. Pollinators include birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and small mammals that pollinate plants. They sustain our ecosystems and produce natural resources by helping plants to reproduce.

Speaker David Stevens is curator of Longenecker Horticultural Gardens, the collection of woody ornamental plants at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. This arboretum is home to the largest and most diverse collection of woody plants in Wisconsin, with more than 2,500 plant types.

Stevens holds a B.S. in horticulture from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With more than

33 years of experience in the horticultural field, he has been involved in vegetable production, greenhouse management, botanical garden supervision and plant breeding.

When not at the Arboretum, he and his wife run a 130-acre certified organic farm near Baraboo, Wis., producing specialty herbs, vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and maple syrup.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (779) 537-8939. ❚

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L H

Catering Options Make Party Fun Easier

By Peggy Werner arm weather brings many good reasons for getting together – and everyone wants good food to eat.

So, when planning a wedding, birthday, shower or grilling party this summer, the first person you want to call is the caterer.

Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, Rockford, has always been in the business of catering and can provide everything you need – including the grill and the cook – or you can pick up the food and do it yourself.

Julie Edwards, catering manager at Countryside, says the most important thing is to set a time and date, even before deciding the number of people and what’s on the menu.

Edwards’ specialty is helping people to plan events and to know how much food to order. Numerous factors must be taken into consideration.

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“You just have to make an educated guess and it’s always better to have too much food than not enough. Our food is made fresh to order, so leftovers will be good in the refrigerator for a few days,” she says.

Cheesy potatoes, barbecued pork, Italian beef and a variety of pasta and vegetable salads are among the best sellers, but people have a nearly endless variety of foods from which to choose at countrysidemeat.com.

There’s a breakfast/brunch menu with egg, sausage or French toast casseroles, a choice of quiche, an assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, bacon and a sausage apple ring.

Buffet menus feature roast beef, hickory-smoked ham, baked chicken, turkey breast, Italian beef, lasagna, mostaccioli, meatballs, six varieties of potatoes, beans and vegetables. There’s a hot and

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cold hors d’oeuvres menu, a wide choice of party trays with meat, shrimp, vegetables, sausage and cheese, relishes, and fresh fruit, in various sizes. The dessert menu includes cookies, brownies, turtle bars, lemon bars, cheesecake and carrot cake squares, and dipped strawberries. There’s also an assortment of picnic packages for outdoor fun.

“We love what we do and always try to be as accommodating as possible,” says Edwards.

For more information, call Countryside at (815) 399-8660. ❚

Y O

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival is On!

By Peggy Werner

T

he unusually wet spring caused the corn crop to be planted late or not at all, prompting Mendota Chamber of Commerce President Kate Fox to wonder if there would be a sweet corn festival this year.

Thanks to a better corn crop south of the Rockford area, the 72nd Mendota Sweet Corn Festival will take place as always, on Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 8-11, and will feature local musicians, a beer garden, amusement rides, food vendors, craft booths, a fitness run and walk, a blood drive, tennis tournaments, a king and queen pageant – and lots of corn.

“We’ll be getting the corn from the DelMonte fields in Peoria, lll., which will be mature in time,” says Fox. The festival usually goes through about 50 tons of corn. Freshly picked corn will be sold for $4 a dozen on Saturday and Sunday during festival hours.

Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, while supplies last, hot boiled corn will be given away. The Mendota Optimist Club will sell roasted corn Friday through Sunday.

In addition to all the corn, more than 50 food vendors will line two city blocks providing classic favorites.

The festival will begin with a “Special Afternoon for Special Kids” from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday for any individual with special needs and their immediate families.

Friday’s events will begin with a youth division tennis tournament at 10:30 a.m.

Cornapalooza kicks off Saturday’s lineup with a 5K/10K Run and 5K Fitness Walk at 8 a.m., beginning and ending at Lake Mendota. Register online at sweetcornfestival.com.

More than 200 vendors will be at The Crafters Market and Flea Market from 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. A local art show and sale will be from 10 to 8 p.m. at Setchell Studio, 723 Washington St. Sunday’s events will include the craft show and flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free.

Daily unlimited ride passes can be purchased throughout the weekend. Learn more and find the complete schedule at sweetcornfestival.com. ❚

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Y H

A New Concept in Chiropractic Care

By Peggy Werner hen Jon Chesak woke up one day with a sharp pain shooting down his leg, he sought help from his chiropractor and got relief after just a few adjustments.

“That experience made a big difference in my life and changed my life. I was able to break the debilitating cycle of pain and am now able to do the things I enjoy, like exercising and living a healthy lifestyle,” he says.

The former restaurant manager is now the new franchise owner of The Joint at Forest Plaza, next to Kohl’s, at 6139 E. State St. The business is one of 440 locations nationwide that does chiropractic work differently – and better, according to Chesak.

The Joint offers more affordable and more convenient adjustment appointments by not accepting insurance and

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passing those savings along to the customer. The Joint accepts walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Chesak says when people are in pain they want immediate relief and don’t want to wait around for an appointment that doesn’t fit into their schedule because an office isn’t opened evenings or weekends.

“I’m passionate about The Joint’s business model because we are providing something people need and will help the quality of life for so many,” he says.

Current specials include a $29 new patient offer for a consultation, exam, and adjustment, as well as a “wellness package” of four visits per month for $59 – good at any location. New patients may call to schedule an appointment, but follow-up visits are walk-in only.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can help relieve neck and back pain as well as pain caused from arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, stress, sciatica, and other specific areas of the body like the knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, and elbow, he says, adding that routine visits can also help in early detection of other problems.

The Joint staff includes Clinic Owner and Director Dr. Dan Cammarano of Aurora and Illinois Board Certified Chiropractors Dr. John Staranko, and Dr. Kory Spear.

For more information, visit thejoint. com or call the clinic at (815) 977-4316. ❚

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Y T

Face Your Fears: Embrace Technology

By Peggy Werner

B

arbara Reynolds, 68, is living proof that it’s not only healthy, but also empowering, to face your fears.

Not long ago, she was well aware of all the technological advances around her but wasn’t willing to take the leap of pursuing them. However, when rising costs to use her “bundled” telephone, television, internet and home security systems were getting out of control, she had no choice but to go look for a better way.

That’s when she sought out the services of Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., who has built his business around helping people save money, time, and energy.

Reynolds cut her bills in half. A year later, she bought a Nest programmable thermostat and video doorbell with motion activated alerts, and an Alexa, which is an Amazon echo voice activated

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device – all of which can be monitored and controlled from her Smartphone.

It was a lot of change for her, but with Zambrano’s help, she found out just how much better life can be.

“So many people are afraid of change, but they don’t realize how easy it is to make a change, save money, and live a more comfortable life,” says Zambrano.

“We take our customers by the hand and walk them through the whole process.”

Reynolds admits it was a frightening

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experience, at first.

“I was very nervous, but these upgrades have made my life so much better,” she says. “The Nest thermostat learns your comfort levels, the video doorbell lets you know when a package is delivered and you can talk with someone at your door when you’re not home.

Alexa tells me the weather forecast, can order online and make phone calls, plays music, finds a recipe, and reminds me to give my dog his medicine.

“All I can think of now is just how amazing it is and everything works together. I feel so much more in control of my life and I don’t worry as much.

Once you learn what you need to know, it’s easy.”

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized DISH network retailer and is licensed to offer services from a long list of other providers. For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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

Summer Fun

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.

Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

'Man of La Mancha' Through Aug. 18. See website for times. In the musical of the classic Cervantes novel, an aged nobleman believes he's agorockford.com knight. (815) 244Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

The New Odyssey Guy at White Pines Aug. 7, 1 p.m. Gary Todd, a founding member of Chicago’s New Odyssey. Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

Starlight Theatre Aug. 8-10, "Madagascar," a special children's show. RVC, (815) 921-2160. See full schedule at rockvalleycollege.edu.

Randy Sabien Aug. 8, 7 p.m. The internationally recognized violinist plays bluesy, rockin', swingin', funky, jazz. Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St..

Rain site: Guilford High School.

Enjoy traditional Polish food, dance and other fun at the 38th Polish Fest Aug. 18.

'Urinetown (the Musical)' Aug. 16-31, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. The poor and downtrodden rise up against the corporation controlling a drought-stricken town. [usual] Suspects, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Aug. 8-11. Music, food, craft shows and much more. See related story.

The Lone Canary Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Folk/Americana duo and Rockford natives Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Concerts on the Creek – Mark Dvorak Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Entertainment by Chicago’s master folk artist, storyteller and songwriter. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Klehm Woodsong Concert: Ernie Hendrickson Aug. 18, 6 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. This Wisconsin native brings Midwestern openness to a Nashville experience. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

'Noises Off' Thru Aug. 11. The audience goes behind the scenes in this play-within-a-play, to see flubbed lines, missed cues and mounting friction among cast members. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.

38th Annual Polish Fest Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A Polish/English mass opens festivities, followed by live music, games, children’s fun, traditional dance performances and, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a Polish sausage and sauerkraut dinner. Polish pierogi, potato pancakes, sausages, pastries and beer sold all day. Free entrance. St. Stanislaus Church grounds, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford, (815) 965-3913, St-Stanislaus.org.

Art in the Park - Lake Geneva Aug. 10-11, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m.

The 39th annual show includes more than 80 artists. Flat Iron Park, Lake Geneva, Wis. Tuesdays at Anderson Japanese Gardens Aug. 13, 5:45 p.m. Terra Lightfoot of Waterdown, Ontario, with opening by Rockford's Kelly Steward. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food & drink for purchase or BYO food (but not drink.) AndersonGardens.org.

Winnebago County Fair Aug. 14-18. Tons of fair fun and special events.

See our cover story.

Russell Watson & the Chicago Philharmonic Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Watson performs pop, classical and Broadway favorites from “Les Misérables,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “West Side Story.” Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 2458501, musicbythelake.com.

Tunes on The Terrace - Nicholas Conservatory Each Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., through Aug. 28.

1354 N. 2nd St. Find performance schedule at nicholasconservatory.com. ❚

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August 7

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WDL

Baci’s Kitchen Serves Up Tasty Fare

By Peggy Werner

N

ikko Castrogiovanni sees his business as constantly evolving to give people what they want from his full -service, all-day offerings of Italian and American cuisine. These include many health-conscious and vegetarian options.

“We offer great customer service, fresh foods and a great atmosphere,” he says. “People are pleasantly surprised when they come here and they make plans to return. And many people are still trying us out for the first time.”

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads. It offers carryout, catering, delivery and full table service, with reservations highly encouraged. It also has a private gaming corner, a sit-down bar, daily specials and live music most Fridays and Saturdays.

Among favorite items on the menu are 10 oz. burgers, such as a mushroom

burger with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms and bacon; the avocado burger topped with lettuce, tomato, black beans, avocado, American cheese and onion; and the Baci Blue, with bleu cheese, bacon and purple onion.

Also beloved is Baci’s Mac and Cheese, made with corkscrew pasta that’s baked and lightly topped with panko crumbs. There are many options, like Alfredo Mac and Cheese with shrimp, peppers and broccoli.

For breakfast, waffles, omelets, skillets and ala carte items are available as well as breakfast pizza starting at $14 in three sizes, made with scrambled eggs and a choice of sauces, cheeses, toppings and meat. There are also breakfast bowls like Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey or sweet potato and egg with avocado and kale. Costs range from $4.50 to $8.

Lunch/dinner options include sand-

wiches, soups, panini, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet for $22 or lasagna for $14.95.

Among Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls is the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamane and shredded carrots for $14.

Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon.Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Learn more at baciskitchen.com. ❚ ❚

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.

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. $-$$.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS.

Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. 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. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

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

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Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. 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. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn  Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis.

2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

August 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

One of his most popular new creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms.

There’s also a new Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage.

Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon.

Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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August 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

By Peggy Werner

I

dentity theft affects millions of Americans each year and is a growing problem. One only need look at recent data breaches that have occurred through retailers, financial institutions and medical providers to know this is true, says Matt Lynch, marketing director for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road.

Identity theft and data breaches go well beyond financial theft or fraud. Identity theft is not only related to credit and finances, but also to personal information that can be used to falsify medical and criminal records or to create or use online or social media profiles, emails and more.

“You could be pulled over by the police for a minor traffic violation and find out there is a warrant out for your arrest for something you didn’t do,” says Lynch.

“Or, someone could use your information to apply for a job, loans, or to get medi-

cal treatment. This could cause income tax issues for you, which you might not know about for quite some time after the actual fraud has taken place.”

If you’re not doing anything to protect your identity, you should consider changing that, says Lynch.

“Your information could be sold and used by a criminal tomorrow or years later, and that’s not a good feeling,” he says.

To combat the problem, MembersAlliance Credit Union has partnered with LegalShield to offer members identity protection called IDShield, which focuses on monitoring, protecting, repairing and restoring people’s identities.

“What sets IDShield apart from other monitoring systems is its employment of licensed professional investigators who will take care of problems, should any arise, minimizing the time and effort spent by you,” says Lynch.

“Whether or not people choose to

use this product, it’s really important to consider some form of identity protection service. At a minimum, look at your accounts and monitor your credit on a regular basis,” he says.

Learn more at membersalliance.org or visit any of the five locations, including the main branch at 2550 S. Alpine Road; 6951 Olde Creek Road; or locations inside Wal-Marts at West Riverside and Walton Street in Rockford, and at 4781 E. Rockton Road in Rockton. ❚

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August 7

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August 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Issue 1