Smart Living Weekly - August 19, 2015

Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Aug. 19, 2015

™

Right in Our Region

Family Fun at Cherry Valley Days

By Sarah Soenke, deputy editor

T

he 2,200 residents of Cherry Valley, Ill., have at least one reason to celebrate the end of summer: the 27th annual Cherry Valley Festival Days. From Aug. 28-30, families

are invited to enjoy a fun-filled mix of classic festival activities with a few oddities unique to the village celebration.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Paddle the Rock River • Back-to-School Saftey Tips • Health Updates from FHN Yummy Veggie Smoothie • Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint • Late Summer Fun Ideas

Smart Living Weekly

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? of k ge Ro s pa e w La Se Ne a ct ed a Ne nt Co

n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Cherry Valley Days Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Design Without Stress Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Pray in a Closet Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Healthy Snacks Your Outings .....................................................17 Paddling the Rock River Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 What is Physical Rehab?

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Back-to-School Emergency Tips Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Making Back-to-School Tech Gadgets Last

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

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

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2015 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Back to School W

e wrapped up our Summer-Fall issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine last week, so it’s in the printer’s hands now. Even after doing this for 11 years, I’m amazed at how much I learn about our region with every issue we complete.

I also learn a lot from Smart Living Weekly. For example, I had no idea how easy it is to enjoy paddling sports on the Rock River these days, thanks to Rocktown Adventures and its intentional coordination with events like City Market and Dinner on the Docks. To learn more, read the Your Outings story by Rachel Shore on p. 17.

Speaking of Rachel, our phenomenal summer intern, it’s back to school for her next week. Like thousands of other students, she’s returning to college, in her case for her senior year at Bradley University. We will miss her!

I’m thinking of all the parents who have freshmen students going off to college for the first time this month, too. It’s a very difficult moment of separation and yet the start of a wonderful new journey for both generations.

I cried all the way home after dropping son Blake off at ISU his freshman year. It was a little easier when daughter Rebecca went to Bradley U. because I had learned that your kids are still your kids and they do come home for visits.

Now all four of our kids are graduates working in Rockford in their fields of study.

College was a wonderful experience for all of them and our city is better for having them – and all of our other educated young professionals – live and work here.

Tragically, too many promising young people lack the opportunity for higher education. This needs to change!

There’s a lot of talk these days about whether or not a college education is worth the expense – and the cost IS ridiculous.

But I still believe in the power of education to change lives and lift people up.

Enjoy the week!

Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y H  G

Design Doesn’t Have to Be an Ordeal

By Peggy Werner

S

ometimes the idea of working with all kinds of businesses to remodel a room is just too daunting.

That’s why Gambino Building and Remodeling Design Center and Showroom, 3815 N. Mulford Road, offers a one-stop-shop for people who want to build a dream home or just improve the home they’re in.

“What sets us apart from our competition is that we handle and warranty every aspect of the remodeling process,” says Frank Gambino, owner of Gambino Building and Remodeling. “Because we handle the design, and supply many of our products as well as handle the installation of those products, our customers have only one point of contact for service and warranty work, if needed.”

Gambino opened its design center/ showroom about 10 years ago with cabinets and countertops for new construction

and for remodeling projects. It has since grown to include many more services and options for the homeowner.

It first opened in Machesney Park, but has since moved to the lower level of the Gambino Realtors building on Mulford Road. It’s is open to the public by appointment and is especially convenient for buyers and sellers who need to make some improvements to meet their goals while working with realtors.

The design center/showroom was recently updated to help customers choose color schemes, cabinets, flooring, and more while having some sample kitchen and bath displays to view.

“People are very visual. It’s a lot easier to have something to look at before a plan is set in stone. We keep the discussion going about what a customer likes and we research ideas to find out what will work best in their home,” he says.

Regardless of what’s happening in the housing market, people want to feel the satisfaction and enjoyment of an updated space.

“We put our focus on remodeling kitchen and baths because these are the areas most people want to see updated, even in a bad economy. And whether they’re planning on selling their home now or later, they have a nicer place to live in while adding value to their home,” he says.

Although no plans are finalized, ideas being considered that will expand the design center even more. For more information, call (815) 637-0113. ❚

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I  W

Pray in a Closet I

f there’s one thing that gives Christianity a bad name, it’s hypocrisy. When people wear the label chiefly to elevate themselves, they’re directly disobeying Jesus Christ. Further, such preening often includes railing against things rather than being a champion for what Jesus championed.

So what did Jesus champion?

Love, first of all. Unconditional and unfeigned love for people of every kind.

It is by this love (and not idle chatter) that people are recognized as his followers, he said.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 34 & 35 ESV).

The motivation should never be to make oneself look good, he said.

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2-6 ESV) We’re to be doers of The Word, not just talkers of The Word, writes James.

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

(James 2:14-16 NIV). ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Make Snack Time Count D

uring this busy time of year, it’s easy to let nutrition slide. That’s why it’s important to have healthy snacks ready to take with you so you can keep your energy up while you’re on the go.

Choosing wisely will let you get the most out of your snacks. For example, soy is a complete plant protein that contains all nine essential amino acids needed for human growth and health, and it’s lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber than other animal protein sources.

Beyond nutrition, choosing the right snacks can help keep hunger at bay so you can focus on shuttling from one activity to the next. Research has shown that soy fiber and protein – found in snacks such as edamame and many nutrition bars – keep you feeling full longer and help you avoid the temptation of sugary on-the-go foods filled with empty calories.

and they are great to throw in a baggie for a snack or add as a granola topping on yogurt.

• Raw veggies are easily carried in a baggie and taste great cold and crunchy, and at room temperature.

Experiment with different flavors for variety: zucchini, squash and broccoli are all tasty choices alone or dipped in lowfat dressing or hummus.

• For the kids, get creative and make snack time enjoyable. Serve little ones a variation of ants on a log, filling celery sticks with soynut butter before placing the raisins on top, which makes for a school-friendly option without nut allergens.

• Smoothies made with soymilk, soy yogurt or tofu are a fun way to get your protein and key nutrients on the go.

This smoothie takes five minutes to make and packs 12 grams of protein, along with a healthy kick of vitamin A, vitamin C and iron.

Go Green Soy Smoothie Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1

1 cup light or unsweetened vanilla soymilk 1/2 banana, cut into pieces and frozen 1/2 ripe pear, cored and chopped 2 cups baby spinach Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Serve immediately. ❚ Source: Family Features

“When my customers are looking for snack ideas, I advise them to layer protein, fiber and carbohydrates,” says registered dietitian Peggy Balboa, a supermarket nutritionist with Mariano’s grocery stores in Chicago. “This is key to feeling full longer, and soy has it all. For example, adding half a cup of soy nuts to trail mix can provide 4 grams of fiber, 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Choose ingredients from the grocery bulk section, add the mix to a snack baggie, and you’ll have a grab-n-go snack for a mid-afternoon energy boost.”

When every minute of your busy day counts, make your snacking count, too, with these nutritious ideas: • Make your own trail mix, filled with a combination of salty and sweet flavors and a blend of textures to satisfy your cravings. Pretzels and nuts, such as soynuts or roasted edamame, add a delicious crunch, while dried fruits and berries lend a softer sweetness.

• Protein-packed versions of your favorite cereals are now on the market,

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Experience Downtown Rockford

Y O

Summer Paddling Events at Rocktown Adventures

By Rachel Shore

I

n November 2014, the outdoor sports shop Rocktown Adventures opened its doors at 313 N. Madison St., in Rockford.

The store sells and rents winter and summer outdoor sports equipment, provides lessons, leads trips and more.

“Rocktown Adventures was formed to help the northern Illinois community take advantage of the many recreational opportunities that exist in our community,” says Kevin Versino, general manager.

“We want to help elevate Rockford as a great place to live, work and play.”

One of the store’s most popular summer events is bi-weekly paddling on the Rock River. During your visit to the Rockford City Market downtown, you can also participate in this family-friendly event from 5:30-7 p.m. The last trip for the summer is on Aug. 28.

“It’s a social event that includes an instructional component, so you not only

learn about paddling but you also meet new friends in a socially engaging setting,” says Versino. “For those who are new, we give pointers before getting into the water, and you have the opportunity to have your paddling technique evaluated during the trip.”

Another summer event runs in connection with the popular Prairie Street Brewhouse Dinner on the Dock. Every Thursday night, visitors can board a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle at the Rockford Park District ramp located between the Brewhouse and Riverview Ice House for an hour-long trip on the river. Rocktown staffers accompany these trips.

“A lot of people’s first thought when they hear about paddling is that it’s dangerous, but paddling can be as adventurous as class IV rapids or as easy as a leisurely float down the river,” Versino says.

“Don’t judge the difficulty of the activity until you try it.”

Private paddling trips are more popular once summer ends. The store also provides teambuilding events for businesses.

Versino invites anyone interested in either private or public trips to sign up by calling the store at (815) 636-9066 or visiting rocktownadventures.com.

Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. to 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ❚

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They're Back in School...

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R  O R

Cherry Valley Continued from Cover

The expected 10,000 attendees can anticipate the traditional festival food, entertainment stages, pie-eating contest, carnival rides and fireworks show over the three-day weekend. But the annual festivities within Baumann Park, 300 S. Walnut St., have become known for more eccentric traditions. Athletes don their kilts to compete in Celtic games, children and adults dig through mud for cash prizes and scavengers hunt through the city for a golden skeleton key.

It’s all a part of the festival’s aim to create an environment of family fun on the last weekend of the summer. “It’s a good overall festival to have a great time and enjoy yourself,” says Dan Eyster, festival committee president. “There’s a lot of delicious food to eat, you meet a lot of new people and everyone can spend time with friends and family.”

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Eyster has been a part of the festival team since 1995 and is serving as president for the second time. Every year, nearly 40 Cherry Valley residents, often husband-and-wife teams, volunteer to work on the committee. It propels the family focus and ensures the festival reflects the community’s interests and needs.

“We’ve paid a lot more attention to the details of what families want to do,” says Larry Gray, committee member for nearly 15 years and head of food ticket sales. “We listen to the feedback we get every year.”

Although the festival hasn’t grown much in size since starting in 1988, Gray says its organizers have made improvements each year for it to better serve the community that hosts it. This year’s entertainment, performed on the Main Stage and Shade Tent Stage, is a mix of local rock, country, pop, blues and hip-hop groups recommended from around the region. Headliners include Stache, Too White Crew and Back Country Roads.

Aug. 19

Friday also kicks off the three-day Golden Key Hunt, a city-wide competitive search to win a $50 cash prize. Any age can participate and no registration is required.

“The key is hidden somewhere within the city before Friday, and the clues get posted at different times starting Friday night and all day through Saturday and Sunday until somebody finds it,” says Eyster. “Unless it’s found within the first three clues, another key hunt will start.”

R  O R Children of all ages have plenty to do beyond the carnival rides and entertainment. Cherry Valley’s Firefighters Association will return with its Children’s Nickel Scramble on Friday at 7 p.m., when ages 1-12 can collect coins from straw piles. The Home Depot of Rockford Kids Workshop will expand to two days this year, Saturday and Sunday. Children can build their own wooden projects from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday; however, there’s a limited number of kits available.

Saturday’s highlights include the

ninth-annual Scottish Highland Games from noon to 6 p.m., which invites members of the North American Scottish Games Athletics to compete in distance and height events, a Sheaf and Caber Toss, and more Celtic games. One of the festival’s most popular events, the Muddy Money Mud Pit, begins at 1 p.m. Attendees 10 years and older can dive into the 16-by-24 foot mud pit to hunt for golf balls awarding cash prizes; totals reach $500. Registration is limited and begins Friday at 6 p.m.; organizers recommend arriving early to secure a spot.

While the festival’s activities are sure to entertain, the weekend also contributes to the enrichment of the community. This will be the third year organizers partner with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB), a nonprofit organization that works to improve the local environment and educate residents. The nonprofit will be one of six organizations within the community service tent on Sunday.

“Cherry Valley Days uses the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Recycle On the Go! containers to collect recyclables such as water bottles and pop cans, diverting hundreds of pounds of reusable materials from landfills,” says Martha Byrnes, community relations coordinator for KNIB. Festival proceeds then fund improvements to the Cherry Valley park district, including the installation of playground equipment at Baumann Park, new fencing at the ball diamond and a handicapped accessible fishing pier on the park’s lake.

“We do whatever needs to be done to help out the park system to keep it looking good and up-to-date,” says Eyster.

Festival buttons for admission can be purchased at a variety of Cherry Valley businesses through noon on Aug. 28 and are $6 in advance.

For a list of locations and to view the entire festival schedule, visit valleydays. com. ❚

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

GO TO:

RHSInQuicker.org

You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home. 

Arrive at your projected treatment time.

ROCKFORD HEALTH PHYSICIANS CONVENIENT CARE Rockford – 3401 N. Perryville Road M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat-Sun: Noon to 8 p.m.

Rockford – 2300 N. Rockton Avenue M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat: 8 a.m. to noon

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

Roscoe – 5000 Prairie Rose Drive M-Th: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

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Y H

FHN Rehab Services: What is a Physical Therapist?

M any people think of physical therapy in regard to rehabilitation following a stroke or heart attack, a car or workplace accident or surgery.

However, a physical therapist (PT) also acts independently of a traumatic situation, offering effective nonsurgical, drug-free options for conditions ranging from back pain and muscle tears, to degenerative bone conditions like osteoarthritis, and diseases such cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.

“We work to understand what’s important to the patient, not just to ensure that they can manage their regular everyday activities, but also to help them get back to the things they enjoy,” says Karen Christen, PT and director of FHN Rehabilitation Services, Occupational Health, Pain Clinic and Orthopedic Service Line.

“It’s our job to find out what’s important to them, and then do everything we can to get them there.”

One of the most important aspects of physical therapy is defining your challenges and goals. Your PT will examine you and talk to you about your symptoms and your daily activities. Then, you’ll work together to determine if you need help with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination and/or balance.

If you’re experiencing pain or swelling, getting those issues under control will be the first order of business. This may require manual therapy (massage or manipulation), educating you about how your body works, or techniques such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and aquatherapy (exercising in water).

Physical therapy almost always includes exercise, which might be stretching, weightlifting, or movements like walking or swimming that are specific to your injury, illness, condition, or that can help to prevent future health problems. Your PT will probably teach you how to exercise on your own, so that you can continue to improve once your course of therapy is complete.

Some PTs are board certified in areas such as orthopedics, sports and neurology, or may offer more specialized care such as cardiac rehabilitation or treatment focused on children, the elderly or women’s issues. Some physical therapists also use devices such as prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics (braces and supports) or other equipment.

For more information or to arrange treatment, visit fhn.org or call (877)-600-0345, ext. 940. ❚ Source: FHN

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Y F

Winnebago County Fair Aug. 18-23. Carnival, midway, 4-H judging/ exhibits, semi-tractor pull, pro rodeo. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica, Ill., winnebagocountyfair.com.

Dave Timmcke & Friends Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series.

Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

Japanese Aesthetics: Art of Tea Ceremony Aug. 20, 7-8 p.m. Professor Kimiko Gunji on the features of traditional Japanese culture and arts that have influenced daily life and industry, performance of a tea ceremony. $5/ members free. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Spencer Tracy Film Festival Aug. 21-23. Four classic Spencer Tracy films over a three-day period: “San Francisco,” “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,” “Without Love” and “Father of the Bride.” Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill., stephcohs.org.

“Toy Story 3” Aug. 21, dusk. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends are back. Free. Friday Night Flix, Davis Park, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Bill Engvall Aug. 21, 8 p.m. This comedian will perform and film his new special at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Wildflower Walk Aug. 22, 9-10 a.m. Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.

Saturday Spectacular: Here We Go to School!

Aug. 22, 11-11:45 a.m. Listen to adventures about starting school with a new teacher and classmates, sing and make a craft. Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., (815) 9657606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Polish Name Day Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Food, festivities and a kid-friendly workshop on Wycinanki – folk art paper cutouts. $7 adult; $5 kids; members free.

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

The Winnebago County Fair, Aug. 18-23, will include a demo derby for family entertainment.

7th Annual South Beloit Firefighter’s Association Corn Boil & Street Dance Aug. 22 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Live music, a sand volleyball tournament, mechanical bull, hole-inone golf tournament and a fire truck on display.

South Beloit Municipal Park, 400 Winnebago St., (815) 389-3097, southbeloitfire.com.

Victorian Murder Mystery Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments included.

Registration req., $25. Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 964-2424, tinkercottage.com.

Mike Williamson Aug. 22, 7-9 p.m. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext.

103, springcreekucc.org.

Japanese Summer Festival Aug. 22-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cultural performances, exhibits, demonstrations, Taiko drummers. AJG, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Nicholas David Aug. 25, 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Concert Series. Singer/songwriter 2012 finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.” $5 adults; $3 teens; members/12 and under free. AJG, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Vibes (Anthony J. Houston) Aug. 26, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

Cherry Valley Festival Days Aug. 28-30. See our cover story. Bauman Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 3322152, valleydays.com.

Twilight in the Garden Aug. 29, 5-10 p.m. Enjoy local food and wines in a beautiful setting. Benefits Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

B

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.”

Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past.

The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works.

Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel.

As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch.

Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available.

All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak.

Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

(815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

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

Main Street Bistro E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

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

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

Café Fromage E Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro E Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

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

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

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

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.”

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

In the Spotlight

C

Cannova’s

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

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough.

House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

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

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

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Gear Up to Save Money on School Supplies F amilies are working to stretch their back-to-school shopping budgets further this year, according to a recent survey by the National Retail Foundation.

But saving money isn’t just about how much you spend on supplies; it’s also about making school supplies and equipment last as long as possible.

Here are some tips for protecting your students’ school gear to help stretch your budget – and their gear: • Talk with children about handling tech devices. Kids will be kids, and sometimes that means they’ll be tough on their stuff. Unfortunately, their school-mandated tech devices – such as calculators, tablets and laptops – can’t always take the beating. To reduce the risk of accidental breakage, talk to kids about proper handling and storage of their devices and the potential risks for breakage when drops, spills and hard impacts occur.

• Lighten the backpack load. Between books and laptops, students tend to pack a lot of heavy items in their backpacks during the course of a school year.

As the load increases, backpack zippers may break, and seams may tear from the daily stress. Reduce the wear by ensuring your kids don’t over-pack their bags.

• Consider a protection plan. Research shows that some school essentials – such as backpacks and laptop batteries – break or stop functioning within the first 1-2 years of use. To help keep costs down, many retailers offer reputable protection plans, which can help repair or replace the equipment for free or a fraction of what you’d normally pay on your own.

• Sharing isn’t always caring.

Even if your child handles his calculator or laptop with care, his friends might not. Establish guidelines with your kids at the start of the school year about what items can be shared with others at school

and which cannot. Consider encouraging your child to establish ground rules when sharing with friends.

• Don’t forget about bikes. Kids who ride their bikes to school can be just as hard on their bikes as they are on their school supplies. A tune-up at the start of the school year can keep the bike running smoothly and help catch wear and tear, such as damaged spokes or worn tires and brake pads. ❚ Source: Family Features

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