Smart Living Weekly January 23, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Jan. 23, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Charting a New Path at Klehm Arboretum

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Winter Safety for Pets The Latest in Orthodontics News Hone Your Money-Smart Skills A New Paradigm in Chiropractic Care Local History Series Focuses on Business

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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!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 New Chapter Begins at Klehm Arboretum Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 How is Your Air Quality?

Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Love Our Enemies?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 A Healthful Main Dish Your Health .............................................. ...19, 23 A Different Model for Chiropractic; The New Braces Your Outing .......................................... ............. 20 Midway Village Series Focuses on Business Your Pet ................................................ ............. 21 Protecting Pets from Winter Hazards Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Hearthrock Cafe Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Your Money Smart Skills

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, Anthony Franklin 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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Daily Victories I

t’s important that we face up to problems of our region and address them head on. But it’s just as important that we celebrate the victories happening here every single day.

One ongoing success story belongs to Discovery Center Museum, which served more than 275,000 people last year, a 4.5 percent increase over 2017. The museum recently reported the following.

– Discovery Center welcomed visitors from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and several foreign countries last year. Two-thirds of non-member visitors came from outside of Rockford.

– Of the 275,000 people served, almost 133,000 visited the museum itself, a 5 percent increase over the previous record-breaking year. Nearly 30,000 more people visited on field trips or attended classes and workshops.

– More than 500 people donated their time and talents to assist the museum, helping visitors to enjoy a clean, well-maintained environment. Many were groups from local businesses.

– Discovery Center education staff traveled to schools and libraries in suburban Chicago, southern Wisconsin and as far south as Interstate 80.

Of course, the best victory is the learning and fun that children experience, something that can’t be quantified.

Discovery Center continues to be recognized by national organizations, such as the 2018 Trip Advisor “Hall of Fame Distinction” for high visitor ratings for the past five years.

This local gem is a great example of what can happen when smart-working, highly focused volunteers see a need in the community and decide to fill it. That’s just what people from the Rockford Area Arts Council and the Junior League of Rockford did back in October, 1981.

My own children, born in 1989 and 1991, spent many, many happy hours at this museum. Now their generation is taking a new generation to Discovery Center.

Kudos to an organization that consistently shows both great vision and financial responsibility.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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How Dirty are Your Ducts?

Y H  G

By Janine Pumilia

M

ost people would be surprised to see how much dirt builds up inside the air ducts of their homes, but not James Wells. As owner of Air Quality Management, which specializes solely in duct cleaning, he knows the dirt on ducts.

“The main reason people have their ducts cleaned is to reduce allergens and dust in the home,” says Wells. “The furnace or air conditioner sucks air in through its lines, heats or cools it and distributes it back into the rooms. It’s the return ducts that are dirtiest. The pet dander and other debris build up and some of it gets redistributed throughout the home.”

Air Quality Management uses a 20-horsepower vacuum to pull debris outside the home as it cleans.

“It’s powerful enough to pick up a 16-pound bowling ball,” says Wells.

“That’s important because it means the

dirt is not going back into the home as we disturb it.”

Wells recommends cleaning ducts every five to seven years, depending on your allergy sensitivity and how many pets and people live in the home making dander and dirt.

“Sometimes owners of a newly constructed home will hire us to clean the drywall dust and other debris from a home before they move in, too,” he adds.

The cost of cleaning ducts in a typical ranch home is about $350 and requires 2 or 3 hours. A larger two-story home is $450 to $550 and takes 3 or 4 hours.

Air Quality Management also professionally cleans dryer vents.

“This is important because a plugged dryer vent is a fire hazard,” says Wells.

“Also, when a dryer hose is plugged, clothing takes a lot longer to dry and en-

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ergy costs increase.”

Air Quality Management cleans ducts in residential, commercial and industrial structures.

To get an estimate on cleaning your ducts, call Wells at (815) 962-9007. ❚

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Love Our Enemies?

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s flawed human beings, we tend to cling to scriptures that agree with our personal view of life and avoid those which challenge us. Such cherrypicking stunts our spiritual growth and robs us of the blessings that maturity in Christ brings. The more we make up our minds to conform our thinking to God’s thinking, the richer our lives will be in the ways that matter most. It’s folly to believe we know more than God does about how life is best lived – After all, He created life.

Jesus spends a great deal of time addressing two problem areas we humans prefer not to think about: our relationship to money and our relationship to other people, especially those we don’t like or those we look down upon. It’s well worth the time to study both subjects by reading all four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – with an eye for what Jesus instructs on both matters.

Human nature has not changed since he confronted these subjects about 2,020 years ago.

In Luke 6:32-35 (NIV), Jesus tells us, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Wow, this is scary. Who wants to love his or her enemies? Who are our enemies? How do we act on such a thing?

Finding practical application within our own lives requires diligent study of scripture and much prayer. But it’s an act of faith that brings its own reward.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

3 Tips for a Healthier You S

tarting a diet or diving headfirst into a workout plan may be the first steps to enhancing your personal health, but once you’ve started down the path to better fitness and nutrition, it’s important to find ways to stay on track.

Consider these tips from celebrity trainer and food coach Valerie Waters.

Bank Your Fitness. Interruptions in life happen frequently. Travel, for example, whether for business or pleasure, can disrupt workouts and access to nutritious food. To allow a little room for a missed workout or a special meal, put some fitness in the bank by tightening your diet a couple weeks ahead of your trip. You can also put some extra effort into workouts by adding intervals, additional weight or simply going a little longer.

Be Strtegic. While willpower is certainly part of maintaining a diligent healthy lifestyle, strategizing can be of even more importance. Planning a full day or even week of meals can help you curb cravings and avoid indulging in

extra, unnecessary calories. Instead of white-knuckling through afternoon cravings, try bringing a go-to snack like California Figs, which are filling, portable, rich in antioxidants and fat-free.

Eat Simply. Eating foods in as close to their natural state as possible can help you to avoid excess sugar and fat and eat fewer items loaded with preservatives or ingredients you may not even recognize.

Focus on lean protein, fruit, veggies and nuts available in recipes like this one.

Farro & Fig Salad with Arugula & Feta Servings: 6 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1/2 1/4 1/4

cup semi-pearled farro cups water TB lemon juice TB vinegar TB extra-virgin olive oil medium shallot, minced (2 TB) tsp Dijon mustard tsp kosher salt tsp black pepper tsp dried turmeric

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3/4 cup California Dried Golden or Mission Figs, stemmed and chopped (6-8 figs) 2 cups arugula 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup)

In medium saucepan over high heat, bring farro and water to boil. Lower heat to simmer, cover and cook until farro is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.

In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallot, mustard, salt, pepper and turmeric. Add farro, figs and arugula; toss well. Crumble feta over top and toss again. Serve warm or at room temperature. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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New Director Charts Klehm’s Future

By Peggy Werner

A

s the executive director of Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Alex Mills wants to care for the plants, shrubs and trees around him, but he also wants to plant seeds in the minds of visitors, young and old, to grow their appreciation for nature and what Klehm holds in store for them.

Mills, 32, holds a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois and is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. He most recently served as Neighborhood Services Manager and Community Development Director for the city of Freeport. Last summer he stepped into the position previously held by Dan Riggs, who retired in midJune after almost six years at the helm of the 33-year-old organization.

“I really feel I’ve spent my entire

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career preparing for this position,” Mills says. “Everything seems to have led me here. I feel ready and able to help take Klehm to the next level of awareness and bring even more people here to visit.

“I’d like to see more feet on the ground, day in and day out. Volunteers and others have worked so hard to make Klehm what it is today. I want to see more people here for visits and programs, returning again and again, becoming members and volunteers, realizing what a terrific resource and treasure the arboretum is for the community.” he says.

First on his agenda has been the completion of the large water feature at the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden, which will be celebrated with a grand re-opening this spring. Mills has also helped Klehm to secure several grants to help continue growth and improvement, expanding the

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unique collection of trees and plants while also extending outreach to the community.

One grant will support engaging volunteers and planting a large Alexander Mills number of trees on the property this upcoming Arbor Day, while another grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois will help Klehm improve its engagement with the Latino community.

Whether people want to get away from it all and have a quiet walk among the trees or need to plan a large celebration in recognition of a milestone, Klehm is a great option, he says. Mills also intends for there to be a strong focus on programming in 2019 and beyond, with more classes and educational

R  O R opportunities offered consistently.

Klehm is maintained as a 155-acre living museum with gardens and rare trees for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all. It’s a private non-forprofit membership-based organization, supported through dues, donations, sponsorships, grants, fundraisers and subsidies, in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. Landscape architect William Lincoln Taylor established the site as a nursery around 1910, which explains the many rare, now-mature trees on the property. His experimental plantings include trees found nowhere else in Illinois, some of which were never expected to thrive in our climate but have defied the odds for more than a century.

The Klehm family bought the nursery in 1968 and maintained it until 1985.

Because they understood its horticultural value, they generously donated the land to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District with the stipulation it be maintained as an arboretum.

Mills made his first visit to Klehm about 10 years ago. He was in Rockford helping to conduct an inventory of trees on city streets, making note of tree species, ages and sizes, in anticipation of the arrival of the destructive Emerald Ash Borer.

On a side trip to Klehm, he discovered the uniqueness of the arboretum. On another trip, he was able to spend even more time, paying more attention to the people of all ages walking around, enjoying the grounds.

Mills grew up in Georgetown, Ill., and remembers being outdoors most of the time, roaming the woods and taking part in conservation programs at a nearby forest preserve. While in college, he owned his own forestry business creating management plans for landowners, and

he later started his own tree care company that focused on tree health, rather than just tree removals.

Mills’ wife, Jessie, is a veterinarian practicing in Orangeville, Ill. The couple has two children, John, 6, and Samantha, 1.

“We have a lot going on here at Klehm, and I want to build on that. I’m ready to raise our profile to the next level and invite even more people here to explore what a special place this is,” he says. ❚

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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.

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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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Rydell: ‘The Challenge of Globalization’ T

he Connecting With History Series 2019 will begin with the lecture titled “Bergstrom Inc., and the Challenge of Globalization” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

This year’s lecture series will focus on economics and business as it relates to Rockford history.

Mr. David Rydell, Chairman of Bergstrom, Inc. will discuss how customer demands resulted in the company’s expansion to many countries around the world. He will also talk about how, ironically, moving operations to many different countries allowed Bergstrom to remain a source of employment for local workers.

The history of Rockford is heavily impacted by the businesses that have grown here, creating jobs and attracting people to our community. This Connect-

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ing With History Series will look at the history of the past 50 years and how Rockford businesses have adapted to the changes in modern business.

During the past four decades, technological and social changes have changed all aspects of business.

All attendees will receive a complimentary excerpt of “50/50: The 50 Biggest Changes in the Last 50 Years,” focusing on the Top 10 business challenges of the 21st Century, published by American Heritage.

Admission cost is $7 for adults; $6 for students; and $5 for Midway Village Museum members. Purchase your admission and learn more by calling the museum at (815) 397-9112. Early registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Winter is also a great time to visit the Main Museum Center, which offers visitors the opportunity to engage and explore history through interactive exhibits in the more than 20,000 square feet of gallery spaces.

In addition to the acclaimed “Many Faces, One Community” exhibit that showcases the turn of the last century immigrant experience in America, the Main Museum Center houses six exhibition galleries and the Museum Gift Store. ❚

Y P

Protect Your Pet from Winter Cold & Hazards W hen temperatures drop, humans know to bundle up and avoid excess time outdoors. The same approach should be taken when it comes to pets.

“Hypothermia is a real danger for pets in the wintertime, and despite pets’ natural fur coats, it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in and cause serious problems,” says Jennifer Freeman, DVM, PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert.

Freeman recommends keeping an eye out for the initial signs of hypothermia, such as skin that’s cold to the touch, pale skin and gums, intense shivering and lethargy. In addition, she offers these tips to help protect your pet from a blustery winter: Outdoor access: Limit walks in extreme cold weather and monitor your pet’s behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Never leave a pet outside during

a winter storm. Do not let your dog off its leash after snowfall. Snow masks familiar scents and your pet may become lost and disoriented.

Chemical hazards: Snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze and salt can cause skin irritations and, if ingested, can be fatal. If you live in an area where these products are used, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and belly after a walk.

Adding extra layers: If your pet is small and short-haired, he or she is likely sensitive to the cold. The same goes for older pets and those that may be frail or ill. You can’t take your pet’s temperature by touching its nose, but a shivering body means he or she needs a sweater.

Larger and long-haired pets can usually tolerate cold weather for longer periods of time. Just remember paws get cold and sharp objects may be hiding under

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the powder – consider putting booties on your pet’s paws for added comfort.

Skin-saving solutions: Many pets get dry skin during the winter season.

When they do need a bath, try using a petfriendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep their skin healthy and pH-balanced.

Pack a pet emergency preparedness kit for use in the event of emergency.

Find more tips at PetSmart.com. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Y H

Clear Aligners Offer an Alternative to Braces B y To n i R o c h a ntil relatively recently, just the word “braces” was enough to make people frown. Now clear aligners are an innovative way to realign teeth gently and flexibly while keeping smiles on patient faces.

In its clinic at 5051 E. State St. in Rockford, Orthodontic Experts is one of the leading Midwest providers of Invisalign and similar products. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, owner of the Rockford location and nearly a dozen locations in the Chicago area and Colorado, says the clear aligner advantage is, well, clear.

“They are more esthetic and comfortable than metal braces,” Yarmolyuk says.

“Patients used to need adjustments every six to eight weeks, but now they change trays every week, slowly easing teeth into proper position. Patients are given 12 to

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16 trays so the number of appointments are reduced.”

Patients can remove clear aligners to eat, floss and brush their teeth, which helps to keep their mouths hygienically cleaner.

And the more gradual correction causes less discomfort than traditional metallic braces. Yarmolyuk says it takes six months to a year or more for the process to be completed, depending on how much alignment is necessary.

“Plus there are no dietary restrictions,” he adds. “They can eat anything they want because their braces are removed for meals.”

Other benefits of this new alignment system include compatibility for patients with less than perfect oral hygiene or a higher risk of dental decay. Appointments are shorter and less frequent, giving pa-

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tients more scheduling flexibility. Also, Yarmolyuk says patients involved in active sports can remove their aligners during practice and games.

For more information about clear aligners or other orthodontic needs, call Orthodontic Experts at (815) 918-4427 or visit orhodonticexperts.com. ❚

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

Real. Original.

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

‘Dwellings’ Through Jan. 27, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Work by five artists, using houses and other architectural forms as subjects Rockford, IL 61101 gorockford.com that challenge1.800.521.0849 our notions.

Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 9682787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Transforming Grief to Hope Jan. 29 & Feb. 5 & 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Receive insights to help tap your natural resiliency, courage and compassion to build the life you want on the other side of loss. Womanspace, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.

The Coronado Performing Arts Center will welcome "The Wizard of Oz" on Feb. 28.

‘Catch Me if You Can’ Jan. 24-Feb. 1, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 26-27, Feb. 2, 3 p.m. A light whodunit, with plot twists and murder. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 3621595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

Comedy on Main Jan. 25 & Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Nationally acclaimed comedians and up-and-comers perform in an intimate setting. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 7580297, janesvillepac.org.

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Jan. 25-27, Feb. 1-3, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The hit musical chronicling the legendary 1956 recording session in Memphis that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Byron Civic Theater, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.

Lake Geneva Winterfest Jan. 26-Feb. 3. During the two-week festival, watch 15 teams of sculptors and artists create works of art out of huge snow blocks in the national snow sculpting competition, enjoy live music, food, a human dog sled race, live magic and illusion show, helicopter rides, tours of Maxwell Mansion, a chili cook-off and the Cocoa Crawl. Various locations in Lake Geneva, visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest.

RAM @ RAM Art Show & Sale Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Assemblage art, block printing, ceramics, illustrations, jewelry, photography, paintings and more. Proceeds support the museum. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Winter Walkabout Jan. 26, 1-3 p.m. See what critters are active during the winter, make paper snowflakes and s’mores, and warm yourself at the fire. Nature at the Confluence, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 2006910, natureatthteconfluence.com.

Wander the Wetland Jan. 31, 4:30-8 p.m. Enjoy a snowshoe hike under the full moon at Nygren Wetland.

Register by Jan. 30. Free. (815) 964-6666.

Naturalland.org.

Orchesis & Rockford City Dance Concert Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Produced in collaboration with various local artists under the direction of Panna Broman. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Rockton Yeti Fest Jan. 31-Feb. 3, daily. Watch snow sculpting and vote for your favorite, help make a giant community snow fort, hunt yetis; enjoy ice skating, a chili lunch, pub crawl and a sled dog mushing demonstration. Downtown Rockton and Settlers Park, 200 Hawick St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 624-7600.

Schubertiad Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Some of the area’s finest musicians come together in celebration of Schubert. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org .

'Wizard of Oz' Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center will welcome this beloved musical, with its breathtaking special effects and classic songs like "Over the Rainbow," next month.

Learn more at wizardofoztour.com. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 23

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WDL

New Tasty Fare at Hearthrock Café

By Peggy Werner n his second year as head chef of Benson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café, Todd Cooper is realizing his goal of taking the restaurant to the next level of quality. He’s ensuring customer satisfaction while regularly introducing new food and beverage items.

“I’m always inviting customer input and want to cater to their ideas, as well as my own ideas and those of my staff,” he says. “I explore possibilities and try new things while providing the best food at affordable prices.”

Recent menu changes include using all free-range grain-fed chicken in recipes, using more smoked meats in some

I

tasty new sandwiches and adding specialty seasonal coffees like Salted Caramel Pumpkin Latte, Cinnamon Roll Latte, Caramel Macchiato and Cinnamon Dulce Latte are all on his radar.

New sandwiches include a Double Bacon BLT, made with fresh guacamole, Roma tomatoes, shredded Romaine lettuce on toasted marble rye; and an apple wood smoked boneless baby back rib sandwich topped with homemade barbeque sauce.

Among the most popular menu items are the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, made with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese, red pepper and portabella mushrooms; a Mutated Reuben sandwich, made with a homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage; and traditional signature dishes such as the BBQ pulled pork, which is smoked in-house, and the tender, savory pot roast sandwich.

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. 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 $-$$.

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

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

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

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. $-$$.

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

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

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)

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

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Cooper is following the farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

New dishes are first introduced as specials. A computerized menu boards above the café counter displays daily and weekly features.

Fresh hot apple cider will be served from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday in December at Benson’s, 1100 11th St., and a local band will play seasonal tunes. ❚

In the Spotlight

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.

Todd Cooper

Jan. 23

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

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ocated at 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and and seafood selections.

Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history.

Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historical photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel.

Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 23

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Jan. 23

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Credit Union: Learn Good Money Habits

By Peggy Werner

C

redit Unions and banks are similar in that they offer financial products such as savings and checking accounts, loans and mortgages, online and mobile banking convenience and other services.

They’re both held to many of the same regulations and they both insure accounts. But there are also some notable differences.

Unlike banks, credit unions are notfor-profit and owned by an entire group of account holders called members. Credit unions tend to offer financial products at more favorable repayment terms, lower loan rates, reduced fees, and other discounts, says Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road.

“Credit unions are about people, not profit,” he says. “We know our customers and have a history with them, which fig-

ures into what we can do to help them.”

MembersAlliance also is focused on community involvement, partnering with and supporting other organizations to promote financial literacy and sponsor local events.

The credit union, which services Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties, recently wrapped up events for Money Smart Week. It partnered with other community organizations to offer a variety of seminars and classes on Medicare, retirement planning, budgeting for both English- and Spanish-speaking adults and youths and tips for avoiding identity theft.

At any time of year, high school teachers can offer free online financial education classes for students through MembersAlliance.

“We want students and adults alike to develop good money habits and use credit

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responsibly,” says Lynch. “We want people to learn about money, how to budget, how to manage money, and to understand what credit is and how you can repair it.”

Learn more at membersalliance.org or visit one of the Rockford locations at 2550 S. Alpine Road, 6951 Olde Creek Road and inside the Wal-Mart supercenters at 7219 Walton Road, 3849 Northridge Dr., and at 4781 E. Rockton Road in Roscoe, Ill. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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