Smart Living Weekly - November 2, 2016

Special Holiday Savings Inside!

Sm mart a L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • November 2, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Cannova’s Serves Up Holiday Fare See Page 20

The Best Time to Remodel Your Home Plant Spring Bulbs Now Don’t Be Scammed for Car Repairs Dining at Local Dough in Rockton Make an Apple Buttter Cake

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

Smart Living Weekly

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A downtown Rockford holiday tradition

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Cannova’s Holiday Dinner Your Outing ........................................................ 9 Freeport Art Museum Regional Exhibit Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Why Remodeling Any Time Makes Sense Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Remembering the Matriarchs Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Apple Butter Cake!

Your Tech ..........................................................33 Are You Paying Too Much?

Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 What to Know About Breast Cancer Outdoor Living ............................................. .....25 Plant Spring Bulbs Now Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 28 Local Dough in Rockton Your Money .................................................. ......31 Don’t Pay Too Much for Auto Repair

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes 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 2016 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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Let It Begin!

W

e’re about three weeks from Thanksgiving and seven weeks from Christmas. Does that idea strike fear – or joy – in your soul?

For me, it’s a little of both. I love the holidays. But when I think of all the decorating, cleaning, shopping, cooking and wrapping that I’ll do between now and Jan. 1, on top of an already-busy schedule, I get a little woozy.

I’ll bet you know what I mean.

There are ways to make the holidays less stressful, if you can afford to take a few shortcuts. (And maybe we can’t afford not to take some shortcuts.) For example, in very busy years, we’ve purchased our entire Thanksgiving meal as carry-out from Giovanni’s restaurant. By the time I buy all the groceries and put in the many hours it takes to cook them, the price of carry-out seems reasonable – and it’s delicious. There’s still cleanup to do, but no dirty pans to scrub. And I still cook a few of our family’s favorite sides, like Aunt Ginny’s Corn Casserole.

The first time we took that route, I felt guilty and somehow inadequate. Thanksgiving is such an important meal and I do enjoy cooking, when I have the time. But I soon ditched the guilt. It turns out my husband would rather have a rested wife than a homecooked turkey hefted into the oven by 5 a.m.

I’m lucky that way.

In our upcoming holiday edition of Northwest Quarterly Magazine, we offer 12 ideas for making the holidays easier. The issue is loaded with All Things Holiday, from decorating and shopping ideas to a look at the spirit of Christmas in action. You’ll soon be able to pick up your complimentary copy from one of our hundreds of NWQ advertisers.

For now, we’re still enjoying autumn leaves, pumpkin treats and the blessed end of a truly painful election season. Don’t forget to vote!

Also, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, Nov. 5, for Daylight Saving Time. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Y O

Freeport Art Museum Regional Exhibition F reeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., is preparing to open its 13th annual Regional Juried Exhibition, to run Nov. 11 through Feb. 18. The opening reception is Friday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The exhibition will feature work by artists living in the tri-state region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Created to encourage contemporary art, this show pro-

vides an opportunity for established and emerging artists to debut their latest work.

The Regional Juried Exhibition continues to build momentum each year and now attracts more than 200 submissions. A wide variety of media is accepted, from traditional materials, such as painting and sculpture, to conceptual and new techniques, including video, interactive media, performance and installation art.

FAM has earned a distinguished reputation of displaying a wide range of contemporary art and this exhibition has become a favorite among visitors. The invited juror selects works for inclusion and chooses recipients for cash awards for first, second and third place.

Winners will be announced at the

opening reception.

The juror for the exhibit is Chicago artist Sergio Gomez, whose work has been subject of solo exhibitions in the United States, Italy and Vienna. ❚

Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Home Upgrades Make Sense Any Time

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

T

he majority of today’s homebuyers are looking for homes that have been updated and they’re willing to pay more for them. “In fact, we find that if the home is not updated and fresh, it will always be reflected in a much lower selling price,” says Frank Gambino, owner of Gambino Realtors and Gambino Building and Remodeling.

And, those people who update their homes just for their own enjoyment reap a significant psychological benefit.

“They feel better and happier about their surroundings,” says Gambino.

For more than 90 years, the Gambinos have been leaders in selling real estate as well as building and remodeling homes in the region.

Recently, Gambino opened a new building/remodeling design center and showroom at 6114 E. Riverside Blvd.,

in Loves Park, to help customers have a better experience with the design and decision-making process.

“The advantage for our customers is that it’s more convenient and the showroom offers a wider sampling of kitchen and bath materials and ideas,” says Gambino. “People are very visual. It’s a lot easier to have something to look at before a plan is set in stone. We’re able to really talk and look over the options, so we feel we’re making the right decision.”

Gambino’s contractors average 20 years or more of working for the Gambinos. “We believe in quality and trustworthy craftsmen,” says Gambino. “What sets us apart from the box stores and other remodelers is that we handle the pro-

cess from start to finish. Because we do the design work for the project, as well as supply all labor and many of the products, our customers only have one point of contact for all of their needs.Gambino Building and Remodeling’s showroom is open to the public and you can stop in anytime. In some instances, you can get a quote right there for your project.”

Call (815) 637-0113 to learn more. ❚

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I  W

Remembering The Matriarchs

Primary scriptures: Genesis chapters 11 to 35.

B

ehind every great patriarch is a matriarch (or two).

Such was the case for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel), who loved their wives – Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel – very much.

These six flawed people faced numerous hardships, some self-inflicted, but found grace in the eyes of God. Among the women, Rebekah and Rachel were prone to dishonesty, which came back to haunt them. But these three strong women also played important roles in God’s plan.

Interestingly, all of them struggled with infertility, but all produced one or more heirs after long waiting, Sarah at age 90.

We recall that Jacob worked seven years to earn the right to marry his pretty cousin Rachel (Rebekah’s niece), but was duped into marrying “weak-eyed” elder sister Leah, instead. A week later, Jacob took Rachel as his second wife.

Leah was sad to know her husband didn’t want her. She took her sorrow to God, who blessed her with six healthy sons and a daughter. From her son Judah’s line, Jesus would descend much later.

Rachel enjoyed the deep love of her husband, but watched with jealousy as Leah bore him the children she couldn’t produce. Rachel and Leah both sent their maids to mate with Jacob, and they gave him four more sons.

Rachel told God she would rather die than fail to present Jacob with children.

Eventually God “opened her womb” and she gave birth to Joseph, who became Jacob’s favorite son and the leader of Israel (of “many-colored coat” fame.)

When Jacob packed up his family to return to his father’s home in Canaan, Rachel secretly stole her father Laben’s valuable idols (statues made of precious materials). Not knowing it was she who had stolen them, Jacob pronounced a curse on the idol-worshipping thief.

Later, his beloved Rachel died in childbirth, when her second son, Benjamin, (Jacob’s 12th son) entered the world.

From Jacob’s 12 sons descended the 12 tribes of Israel. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Easy Potluck Dishes: Apple Butter Cake A

s the saying goes, sharing is caring, and nothing spreads a little love like a potluck gathering among family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or at a watch party for your favorite team, bring a simple make-andtake recipe for a tasty good time.

One sure bet for a crowd pleaser is the rich flavor of Musselman’s Apple Butter, a classic Pennsylvania Dutch spread made with apples and cinnamon that can add a special touch to your favorite sweet or savory recipes. Find more recipes just right for sharing at musselmans.com.

Apple Butter Gooey Butter Cake Cake Ingredients: 1 cup flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 TB milk 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1 egg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus additional for serving 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg whipped cream Preparation: Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 8-by-8-inch square pan.

To make cake: In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Whisk in egg, melted butter, milk and vanilla until moistened. Spread evenly in pan.

To make filling: In large bowl with electric

mixer, beat together cream cheese and apple butter until smooth. Beat in egg then beat in melted butter and vanilla. Scrape bowl then beat in powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and nutmeg.

Spread filling over cake; bake 45-50 minutes, or until center is set. Do not overbake as center should be slightly gooey. Cool completely before serving.

Garnish with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon to serve.

❚ Source: Family Features

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Cannova’s Serves Up Christmas Fare & Fun

By Chris Linden, executive editor

C

annova’s Italian Cuisine has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when founder Frank Cannova opened his restaurant. Today, that tradition is carried on by Linda and Patrick Beckman, Frank’s daughter and son-in-law.

For 30 years now, the pair have presented their special “Holiday Dinner Show,” which has become a holiday tradition in Freeport. Presented this year on Dec. 13-14, and Dec. 19-21, it includes a five-course meal, planned and cooked by Linda, and in between courses, Christmas songs and skits, performed by Patrick and some very talented friends.

“We started with three singers and a piano,” says Patrick, a classical pianist who used to teach in the music department at Highland Community College.

“We now have eight singers – what we

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call ‘the big choir’ – a piano and a jazz trio.”

The show will include ensemble, duet and solo vocal performances, accompanied by Patrick and the jazz ensemble, and a few original skits and characters. Music includes traditional and popular standards, silly fun songs and some classical tunes, all having to do with Christmas.

“We start the show with a few standards by the whole group,” says Patrick.

“In between courses, we do the funny songs and solos.”

Performers include John Webb, Amy Welk, Ashli Keith, Tim Conners, Allen Redford, Rick Roderick, Joy Hotchkiss and Tracy Bristow. The house band is made up of Rick Andrews on bass, John Hartman on guitar, Jon Watson on drums, and Patrick on piano.

Nov 2 To advertise call 815-316-2300

“John Webb is the former head of fine arts at Highland, and Allen is the current head,” Patrick says. “Amy comes from Madison, where she’s a popular jazz singer, and Tim Conners is the drama director at Freeport High School. Jon Watson plays in a Cajun band that’s been on NPR with Garrison Keillor. Everybody is very talented, with impressive musical credentials.”

Each singer will perform individually or in pairs, as well as with the ensemble. “Amy comes from Madison, where she’s a popular jazz singer, and she’ll be doing ‘The 12 Drinks of Christmas,’ and by the time she finishes, her character is drunk, and it’s very funny,” Patrick says. “Tim Conners, the drama director at Freeport High School, plays Louie Mostaccioli Vermicelli Piccarelli, a character he’s developed, who’s very full of

R  O R

himself, and Louie always has a big skit.”

Dinner courses include an appetizer, salad, pasta, an entrée of chicken or pork, and dessert. “Linda creates great food, with extra touches,” Patrick says. “It’s not just an ordinary salad, for example.

It’s a really special salad.” With some notice, the kitchen can accommodate guests with special food restrictions or allergies.

Patrick begins planning the show in September. This year, he plans to introduce several classic hymns that have been updated with Christmas lyrics.

Over the years, however, the ensemble has developed some special songs and skits that the audience not only looks forward to but also has come to expect.

“Rick and John do a duet,” says Patrick. “Rick sings ‘Mr. Tanner,’ a story song by Harry Chapin about a dry cleaner in a small town who dreams of being a singer. Behind that, John sings ‘O Holy Night’ in his deep baritone, and it’s really very moving. Well, we left it out one year, and people were very unhappy about that. So they perform it every year.”

While a few of the performers have changed, for the most part, the group has remained pretty constant over the past three decades. “John’s been in it every year, and Amy almost every year,” Patrick says.

For the performances, Cannova’s is transformed into a holiday dinner theater venue, complete with sound mixers, amplifiers, speakers and lighting. The main dining room, which usually seats about 60, is reconfigured to accommodate as many as 75.

“The restaurant is decked out in lots of wreaths and Christmas lights, with poinsettias under the piano and set out everywhere,” Patrick says.

Expect fantastic food along with the top-notch entertainers. Cannova’s has been named multiple times by Pizza Today as one of the top 100 U.S. pizza makers, and has been recommended by the Chicago Sun-Times in both its Food Review and Pizza Review sections.

Reservations are required for Cannova’s Holiday Dinner Show. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1, and typically sell out quickly.

Patrick says an additional show may be added on Thursday, Dec. 18, if needed.

To book your seat or table, call (815) 233-0032. ❚

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Y H

Health Advice All Women Need to Hear W ith all the caregiving women do for others, they often need a reminder to pay attention to their own health.

Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women. Each year, about 40,800 women died from it. Early detection greatly raises the odds of surviving cancer, which is why doctors urge women to have regular checkups and mammogram screenings, and to do breast self-checks.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average-risk women who are 50 to 74 years old have a mammogram every two years. Women 40 to 49, and younger women with higher risk factors, should talk to their doctors about when to start.

While most women have some risk factors, most don’t get breast cancer. According to the CDC, some risk factors include: • Getting older. Most breast cancers are

diagnosed after age 50.

• Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

• Early age at onset of menstrual period.

• Late age at or no pregnancy. Having the first pregnancy after age 30 and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.

• Starting menopause after age 55.

• Not being physically active.

• Being overweight or obese after menopause.

• Drinking alcohol.

• Having dense breasts.

• Taking hormones to replace missing estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five years.

• Taking certain birth control pills.

• Personal history of breast cancer.

• Personal history of certain non-cancerous breast diseases.

• Family history of breast cancer, mean-

ing a first-degree female or male relative.

• Radiation therapy before age 30.

• Women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), between 1940 and 1971, to prevent miscarriage, and women whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them.

Keep in mind that abnormal mammogram results don’t always mean cancer; they simply mean that further testing is required. Mammograms don’t take long and are covered by most insurance programs. Schedule yours at your hospital of choice. ❚

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O L

Now’s the Time to Plant Spring Bulbs S

horten the winter season with the help of spring flowering bulbs that you plant in fall. Whether you’re new or experienced, growing bulbs is an easy endeavor.

First, purchase bulbs that are dense and firm, and free of bruises or mold.

Combine several bulbs that bloom at the same time to double the floral impact plus bulbs that bloom at different times to extend color throughout the spring.

You can create your own combinations or look for prepackaged combinations prepared by experts like those a Longfield Gardens.com.

Plant bulbs in well-drained soil for best results. Avoid areas such as next to the dryer vent or against the south side foundation of your home that tend to warm up early in spring or experience a winter thaw. They often sprout too early

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and subsequent cold temperatures can limit or eliminate their bloom.

Increase growing success in poor soils by incorporating several inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter into the top 12 inches of soil.

Then be sure to incorporate a low nitrogen, slow release fertilizer.

Wait to plant your bulbs until the soil cools. This is any time after the night temperatures are consistently 40 to 50 degrees, but several weeks before the ground freezes.

Plant spring blooming bulbs three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and encourage fall root growth. Add a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and reduce the risk of early sprouting.

Break out your trowel and garden

Nov 2 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Longfield Gardens Photo

By Melinda Myers

gloves and get busy planting!

Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of gardening experience and is a contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens. ❚

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

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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

Day of the Dead Nov. 2, 5-7 p.m. "Day of the Dead" is a celebration of loved ones who have passed along. It's an honored event that includes traditional face paintRockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com ing, tissue paper flower making and concrete skull painting. Guests may leave memorabilia of loved ones at the altar during the ceremony. Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., (815) 962-7402, ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Visiting Writer Series: Kimberla Lawson Roby Nov. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Rock Valley College Department of Composition and Literature welcomes New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author and RVC Alumna Kimberla Lawson Roby. The lecture is followed by a Q & A session and book signing. Rock Valley College Student Center Atrium, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-3323, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Bacon Fest 2016 Nov. 3, 7-9 p.m., VIP entry 5 p.m. Celebrate bacon with an evening of bacon-themed dishes and drinks from Rockford's top restaurants and bars. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, rockfordbaconfest.com.

HCC Family Dodgeball Event Nov. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. Enjoy fast-paced family fun by playing Dodgeball - ages 6 to adult. Concessions available. Harlem Community Center, 900 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park, (815) 6335817, recdesk.com.

Wine to Water Wine Tasting Nov. 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m. This year's fourth annual Grassroots Rockford wine tasting includes a wine and beer tasting, hors d'oeuvres and dessert, plus live music from Starlite Radio and singer/songwriter Ron E. Rawhoof. Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rockford, (815) 494-6340, gorockford.com.

Monster Jam Nov. 4-5, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch the biggest performers on four wheels rip up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over, or smash through. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Veterans 5K Run & Walk Nov. 5, 9 a.m. Participate in a 5K run and walk to benefit the Veterans Drop-In Center in Rock-

Grammy winner Carrie Underwood performs at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Nov. 9.

ford. Cash prizes, post-run food, t-shirts and a kids fun run make this a great family event. Mercyhealth Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, (815) 289-8386, runsignup.com.

Evening of Illumination Nov. 5, 6-8 p.m. Journey by lantern light through Rockford's Victorian Village and visit various activity stations. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

RCCA: Havana Cuba All Stars Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. Cuba’s greatest musicians have created and maintained the songs and music of the rich culture of the Cuban people. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Smashing Pumpkins Nov. 6, 1-4 p.m. Turn your decaying jack-o-lantern into exciting science. Construct a mini-catapult, create a craft, fashion a bird feeder, design autumn artwork and celebrate the harvest with a smashing good time. When the launching ends, pumpkin pieces are collected for local livestock.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Carrie Underwood: The Storyteller Tour Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Grammy winner Carrie Underwood is bringing her tour to Rockford, featuring special guests Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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WDL

Local Dough in Rockton Builds Loyal Fan Base

By Peggy Werner

P

at Valenti of Rockton was in a hurry to get somewhere, when she dashed into Local Dough, 202 W. Main St., in Rockton, recently, to pick up a Pumpkin Maple Walnut muffin that had been set aside just for her.

“I’ve been in here three or four times to get one and they’re always sold out.

So, I called and asked them to save one for me,” she says.

Valenti discovered Local Dough last spring. She comes in several times a week to buy baked goods, have breakfast, or just relax with a cup of coffee.

“I needed a new cozy spot for cof-

goods, such as muffee and came into Local fins, cookies, cakes, Dough with two friends, scones, cannoli and one Sunday, after Mass. I bars. There’s also a full loved it. What really won menu of hot and cold me over were the amazcoffee drinks, breakfast ing owners, the great foods, smoothies, ice coffee, food, service, the cream and gift items music, and the overall Owners Jules and Jeremy Cook – all in a comfortable, cleanliness,” she says. classic-but-contemporary Local Dough is owned setting with seating for about 75.

by Jeremy and Jules Cook, who purAs a frequent patron of Local Dough, chased the building and renovated it two Valenti appreciates the punch card that years ago.

“We wanted to create something offers customers a free coffee after the purchase of 10 drinks. new and different and offer a service not “I’ve never heard of anyone not provided anywhere else,” says Jules. “We wanted a place we would like to come to, liking Local Dough. I hope they stick around for a long time.” a place where people can meet for a cup Fall and winter hours are from 7 a.m. of coffee or breakfast, or grab something to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. on the run. We’re trying new things all Breakfast and lunch are served only on the time.”

Saturday and Sunday. Local Dough is Fans of Local Dough have discovered its wide variety of fresh-baked closed on Monday and Tuesday. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am- (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rock- Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262. ford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

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

Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/American. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11a.m.-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$.

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Alchemy

T

his trendy restaurant inside Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience in a big-city atmosphere.

“Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” says Al Castrogiovanni, chef and founder. “I always had a vision and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and customize everything.”

The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Pizzas made from handcrafted dough, with names like Chicago Dog and Thai Pie, are baked in a wood-fire oven. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a special twist, and daily specials.

Alchemy serves lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.; and dinner 4-10 p.m. Mon.Thurs. and 4-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. The bar is open later. ❚

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Y M

How to Pay the Best Price for Auto Repair D o you take your car’s “health” for granted?

Only when the check engine light comes on do most of us realize how important a fully functional vehicle is to our daily lives.

“According to Mintel, on average, drivers spend nearly $1,000 per year maintaining their cars,” says Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com.

“Even more important, a recent survey

by Cars.com and Toluna found that one in three drivers don’t trust that the prices mechanics quote to them are fair.”

Knowledge is power, but for many consumers, car maintenance can be shrouded in mystery. Here are a few expert tips, resources and busted myths: 1. You probably don’t need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Due to technology advancements, many auto manufacturers recommend changing oil at 7,500 miles or more for new cars.

2. A clogged air filter won’t significantly affect fuel economy, but it can reduce acceleration from 6 to 11 percent, according to a U.S. Department of Energy study. For that reason, it’s a good idea to periodically visually check the engine air filter.

3. Cars.com has launched a new “Service & Repair” feature that provides a fair price estimate for different types of services, helping to ensure that drivers never overpay. The online tool also helps drivers find local service providers and offers reviews from actual customers to help them find a quality mechanic.

4. Drivers expect the tires that come with their new vehicle to last a long time, but tire life depends on many factors, including the quality of the tire, its treadwear rating, whether it’s an all-season, summer performance or winter tire, the type of vehicle and where and how it is driven.

5. If the check engine light comes on and has a steady illumination, that indicates a possibly serious issue that should be dealt with quickly by a mechanic. If the check engine light is flashing, find a place to park the vehicle and turn the engine off as quickly as you safely can. Ignoring your check engine light increases the likelihood of additional problems. ❚

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Source: Brandpoint

Nov 2

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Y T

Are You Paying Too Much for Tech?

By Peggy Werner

I

t’s easy to complain about prices, especially when paying for what you don’t need or want. EZ Satellite & Wireless, a family-owned business at 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, is aiming to change that for local customers.

The business is an authorized dish network retailer and is licensed to offer services from any other provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, such as Comcast, Frontier, HughesNet, DishNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, and Vivint.

“People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company. I can help people save money by finding out what they need and paying only for those services, having the best from each company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner of EZ Satellite & Wireless.

Zambrano opened his business in 2011, in Roscoe, and in May moved to

a larger, more visible location in Loves Park, with a new bill-paying center as an added service. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people acquire cable services. About 80 percent of Zambrano’s business is working with residential customers, and the remainder is commercial. He services homes and businesses in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

After working for many years as a satellite dish installer for one of the local providers, he decided to go out on his own to be more in control of his life and to help others do the same.

“It get’s very confusing. People end up unhappy because they’re driven by price and don’t really know what they’re getting,” he says.

EZ Satellite and Wireless offers custom-tailored packages for each customer.

The person who lives in a rural area

and is limited by what services are available has a whole different situation than the couple with five kids, with everyone on the internet and their own cell phones, and a television in every room.

“I find out what people need before they sign up for anything. Instead of shopping around, I can show you all the options. We’re in the business of providing solutions,” he says.

For more information, contact EZ Satellite & Wireless at (815) 957-4335 or stop by the office. ❚

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