Smart Living Weekly - December 7, 2016

Special Holiday Savings Inside!

Sm mart a L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Decemeber 7, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Plenty of Cheer At RSO’s Holiday Pops

See Page 20

Easy Holiday Brunch Ideas Victorian Christmas at Midway Village Prevent Winter Roof Damage Don’t Overpay for Tech Special Holiday Events

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Holiday Pops with RSO Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Avoid Winter Roof Damage Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who is Jesus?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Yummy Holiday Brunch Your Outings .................................................9, 17 Victorian Christmas, Holiday Events Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Know Your Risk Factors Your Fun .................................................... ......... 27 Dining Locally .............................................. ......28 The Butterfly Club Your Technology ...............................................31 Don’t Pay Too Much

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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Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

75 Years Ago ....

T

his issue happens to publish on Dec. 7, 2016, the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

As I look back on 2016, one of my dearest memories is an interview conducted with World War II veteran Dr. Allen Pang and his wife, Kay, for our spring issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine. The Pangs have lived in Rockford most of their lives, but Allen is a native of Honolulu. It was 75 years ago today that he woke up to the sound of gunfire, as a civilian, and went to bed that night as a new member of the U.S. military. He and many of his fellow ROTC students at the University of Hawaii signed up for duty that very day.

“We were very green, but they handed us rifles and said, ‘OK, you’re doing guard duty,’ or whatever the assignment was,” he told me.

His whole future changed that day. And for more than 2,400 other Americans at Pearl Harbor, there was no more future after Dec. 7, 1941.

Pang became a bombardier-navigator and flew 68 missions with Martin B-26 Marauder crews based in Italy and France. He loved the way U.S. soldiers from very diverse backgrounds quickly overcame their prejudices. “We got to know each other very well and became real good friends.”

I wish I could report that Rockford warmly welcomed this courageous young American, in post-war years, when he decided to open his dental practice here. But some folks had a problem with his Chinese ancestry and suggested he live elsewhere.

Thankfully, he and Kay saw past such smallmindedness. They built a life here and set an example of good citizenship that’s stellar by any kind of measure.

“We love Rockford,” Allen told me.

Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Pang, for your service to our country and to our city. We’re so proud that you’re part of Rockford’s story. ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

Local Holiday Events Abound this Month T here’s no excuse to be bored this month. Here’s a look at just a few upcoming holiday events you may want to check out.

A Local Holiday Market takes place On Dec. 10 at Rockford University. It offers a chance to support and shop at your favorite homegrown, grass roots businesses, all in one convenient location.

Victorian Holiday Celebration isDec. 10 & 11 at Midway Village Museum. Enjoy the sights of 1800s decora-

tions on several of the historic buildings in the Victorian Village and take a sleigh ride in the horse-drawn wagon.

On Dec 17, the 12 Bars of Christmas pub crawl will happen in downtown Rockford. Holiday cheer and a bit of revelry will be on display as you wind your way through 12 local bars and restaurants.

On Dec. 17 & 18, a Holiday Pops Concert will be performed at Coronado Performing Arts Center. Celebrate the holiday season as the Mendelssohn Chorale joins the Rockford Symphony Orchestra to bring you the best music of the season, from popular to traditional and sentimental to serious.

Christmas Heritage Exhibits will be on display through Dec 18 at the Ethnic Heritage Museum. See ethnic Christmas heritage traditions in six ethnic galleries: African American, Irish, Italian, Hispanic, Lithuanian and Polish.

On Dec. 31, Countdown to Fun will take place at Discovery Center Museum.

Design a party hat, create a noisemaker, and get showered with confetti. Find out where in the world it’s midnight, each hour, and countdown to fun.

New Year Around the World is Dec. 31 at Burpee Museum. Visit displays of authentic items from other cultures, watch performances of folk dances from different countries, and join the hourly countdown to ring in 2017.

Once the holidays are done, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in our region.

For example, the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition will take place Jan. 18 - 21 at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford.

Teams from around the state will compete for the right to represent Illinois in the 2018 U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition. So 'Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow'! ❚

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Prevent Ice Dams from Causing Leaks I

f snow and ice is not cleared from your roof, you could struggle with leaks in your home, says Toby Lask, executive vice president of Lask Roofing & Siding, 1101 22nd St., Rockford. The company offers assistance and advice on roofing needs year-round and recently added inhouse financing options for customers.

Ice dams form when water freezes in the eaves of your roof, preventing drainage. If left untreated, ice dams will continue to build up. Water backed up from an ice dam can leak into your house through the windows or ceiling. Cleared gutters allow rainwater and melting snow to drain properly.

“After a snowfall, try to use a roof rake to pull down snow along gutter edges to help water flow and help prevent ice damming,” Lask says. “Also, chop or chisel thicker ice dams to create drain

trenches along valley bottoms and gutter edges to help allow air flow.”

Ice dams may be removed by spreading roof friendly salt along the ice dams, Lask says, but be sure to choose the right ones. “Lots of ice melt salts on the market today are not roof friendly. Be sure to check prior to applying the salt.”

Homeowners should remove leaves, sticks and other debris from valleys, gutters and downspouts before the first snowfall, but should use extreme caution.

Never climb a ladder to reach a roof if you feel unsafe doing so.

“There are many dangers and risks involved in roofing and winter weather,” Lask says. “Personal safety is most important. Always seek a professional opinion prior to attempting any roof services.”

There are things that can be done to prevent such situations.

“Have a professional roofing contractor install a high-grade, self-regulating heat cable along sections of your home to help reduce build-up of ice and snow,” Lask suggests. “A roofing contractor also can install a gutter protection system that helps to prevent the buildup.” ❚

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

”

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I  W

Who is Jesus?

W

hen people asked Jesus who he was, he didn’t always provide a straight answer; he knew when they were trying to trap him rather than learn the truth. But to those who sought him sincerely, Jesus made no secret.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus’ first explains his identity shortly after he’s baptized by John, his cousin, and filled with holy spirit. After resisting Satan’s temptations for 40 days and nights in the desert, he returns to Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue where he grew up.

From the scroll of Isaiah he reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV) Jesus knew he would be killed for proclaiming himself the Messiah, but he also knew the timing of his execution had to be right. He had a ministry to carry out and disciples to train, before his departure from earth.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” he asked.

“Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “The Christ [Messiah] of God.” Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.

(Luke 9:18-21) Who do you think Jesus is? A character of fiction? Just one more prophet? The only perfect son of God and our Messiah?

For each of us, no other question matters more. ❚ -- Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Get ‘Home-Cooked’ Food on the Run

By Peggy Werner n the run, but want a good homecooked meal?

Stop in at 2nd Street Deli Grill and Catering, located in Main Street Meat Company, 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, to grab a cup of homemade soup, plus salads, sandwiches and desserts, while relaxing in the home-like setting.

“We have so much to choose from.

We just want to provide the community with different choices for quality meat and homemade products,” says Amy King, who owns the business with her husband, Jim. Their son, Matt, runs the store, and daughter Hannah also works for them.

Signature sandwiches can be purchased as a halves or whole, with chips or a deli salad and a medium fountain beverage – or design your own creation from a large selection of meats, cheeses, toppings, sauces, and breads.

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Some of the delicious tastes combinations include Little Italy, a sandwich made with prosciutto, capicola, pepperoni, and provolone cheese; Hononegah Indian Sub is made from smoked ham and smoked turkey, summer sausage and smoked Cheddar cheese. The Chicken Coup is made from homemade chicken salad, cranberries, pepper jack cheese and walnuts. Cold Corny Cow is made from slowly cooked in-house corned beef, with creamy cole slaw and Swiss cheese on a rye loaf.

From the Grill, there is Perfect Pastrami, made with brown mustard, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye; the King Burger, a half-pound burger with onion rings, bacon, Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce. Squealler is made from the award-winning Pulled Pork – overflowing with juices and a smoky de-

Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

licious flavor.

The deli also will provide trays of meats, vegetables, fruits and other food for parties or as gifts.

Some of the extras include French fries, Parmesan potato chips, cheese curds, macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and corn dogs – all made on site.

The Deli is open during store hours from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday. ❚

Y K

Serving Up an Easy Holiday Brunch B

runch is best during the holidays, when friends and family gather together to celebrate the season. You’ll have plenty of time to join in the merriment with these simple ideas for a sensational brunch menu.

Keep things simple. A brunch spread doesn’t have to be elaborate. The key is to offer something for everyone.

Build your menu around crowd-pleasers and a few specialty items that personalize your spread. If there’s children around, include some kid-friendly items such as fresh fruit and pastries.

Don’t shy away from tried and true recipes. There’s a reason dishes like breakfast casseroles have earned a place on brunch menus for generations.

A hearty recipe like this classic Breakfast Casserole delivers a savory blend of flavors in every bite. The key ingredient: Borden Cheese, which is crafted with high-quality, wholesome ingredients and

made possible by more than 8,000 family-owned farms across the United States.

Sweeten the deal. ’Tis the season to indulge your taste buds. A crisp, refreshing salad and some sensible options will round out your menu nicely, but don’t be afraid to incorporate a few decadent desserts and other tasty treats to make your celebrating even sweeter.

Find more recipes to help plan your perfect holiday brunch at bordencheese. com.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients: Nonstick spray 1 pound pork sausage 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen potato rounds 10 eggs 1 cup milk 2 cups Borden Cheese Colby & Monterey Jack Shreds 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and drained

Preparation: Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add sausage to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned; drain and set aside. Place potato rounds in prepared baking dish. Arrange cooked sausage evenly over potatoes.

In medium bowl or 1-quart glass measuring cup, beat eggs with milk. Pour egg mixture over potatoes and sausage. Sprinkle cheese over eggs. Crumble bacon over cheese. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes, or until eggs are set and dish has cooked through. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer. ❚

Source: Family Features

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• Leggings • Tunics • Sweatts • Sccves

Y O

Victorian Holiday Celebration this Weekend M

idway Village Museum invites families of all ages to add a new tradition to the holiday season.

The museum’s Victorian Holiday Celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11, with the festive 1800s ambiance of Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Festivities will include horse-drawn wagon sleigh rides, dancing at the Christmas Carol Fezziwig Ball and 1800s Immigrant Holiday Traditions.

There will be Christmas carol performances by 2nd City Chorus at noon and 2 p.m.

Visitors can make holiday cards at the village print shop and enjoy storytime at Mrs. Cratchit’s Dinner Table, presented by Rockford Public Library.

There will be craft projects for chil-

dren, displays about 1800s decorations and traditions, and a visit from Father Christmas.

You can also get your holiday photos taken by professional photographer Kris-

ten Hoeker. Families receive 15-minute photo sessions for $10, with all photos digitally delivered the following week.

Register ahead of time by emailing kristen.hoeker@midwayvillage.com or sign up at the event.

Special snacks, food and beverages for the holiday season will be available for purchase.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children (4 to 17 years old). The event is free to ages 0-3 and to museum members.

Tickets for the Victorian Holiday Celebration are available in the Museum Gift Shop, and at the gate, on both days of the event.

Learn more by calling (815) 3979112 or go to midwayvillage.com. ❚

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

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Plenty of Cheer At RSO’s Holiday Pops T

he weekend before Christmas offers residents of Northern Illinois the opportunity to see more than 150 musicians on stage for the community’s largest holiday performance. Holiday Pops, presented by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, is Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

“There is no other time of the year so full of musical abundance as the Christmas season,” says RSO Music Director Steven Larsen. “Our Holiday Pops

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concert simply offers the chance to hear the best of the season’s music, in the comfort and grandeur of the Coronado Theatre, played by the award-winning Rockford Symphony Orchestra.”

Under the direction of Marti Bein, the MPAC Mendelssohn Chorale joins the Rockford Symphony Orchestra to bring powerful performances featuring songs like “Carol of the Bells,” “We Need A Little Christmas,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas” from the movie “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,”and the RSO traditional carol singalong.

Tickets for this concert are available on line at rockfordsymphony.com or by calling the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Box Office at (815) 965-0049. Ticket prices range from $22 to $60. Student tickets are available for $7.

As a bonus, this season the RSO is

Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Kristin Chenoweth

presenting “An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth,” on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Emmy- and Tony

R  O R Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth will join the RSO for an unforgettable evening under the stars of the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Known for her roles in “Pushing Daisies,” “Glee,” “The West Wing,” and “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,”

Chenoweth may be most remembered

by Broadway lovers everywhere for her origination of the role of “Glinda” the Good Witch in “Wicked.” Ticket prices for this special performance range from $40 to $70.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra

has been creating musical experiences for our community for more than 80 years, and today is the third largest orchestra in Illinois. Larsen has led the Symphony since 1991. Under his direction, the RSO has grown artistically, expanding the orchestra’s repertoire and attracting professional musicians of the highest caliber.

His accomplishments recently were recognized through the Illinois Council of Orchestras’ 2016 Conductor of the Year award.

The orchestra performs in the beautiful Coronado Performing Arts Center, originally constructed as a 1927 atmospheric movie palace. The state-of-the-art facility boasts a large stage and orchestra pit, 2,200 seats, a fully restored interior, acoustical enhancement system, and full accessibility for audience members with special needs. The RSO offices are located in the Riverfront Museum Park.

Visit rockfordsymphony.com for more details. ❚

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Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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.

While most women have some risk factors, most don’t get breast cancer. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, some risk factors are: • 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, meaning 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.

Guidelines and recommendations vary, with regard to when women should begin having mammograms and how often they should be repeated. Women should talk to their doctors about this.

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Find Your Inner Knitting Nerd Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m. Jeffrey Wall and Dennis Rinkenberger from Wall of Yarn lead a beginner-level knitting project and facilitate an enterRockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com taining discussion about the history of knitting, and their internationally known store. Wine and appetizers are provided. Wall of Yarn, 14 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Comfort Food Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Comfort Food performs at JustGood’s Friday Night Music Series. JustGoods Fair Trade Marketplace, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, justgoods.info.

Straight No Chaser Dec. 9, 8 p.m. This male a cappella group, made famous from YouTube, has a massive fan base, numerous national TV appearances and proven success with CD releases. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Winter Concert Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a celebration of the season featuring Rockford University’s Regent Singers, Women’s Ensemble and Vocal Collective.

Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2264000, Rockford.edu.

Reading the Signs of Nature Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn how to read the “signs” left behind by some of the wild residents of Big Hill Park by learning how to identify animal tracks and scat. Welty Environmental Center, 1201 W. Big Hill Road, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.

Adult DIY Holiday Crafting Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m. Do-it-yourself crafts allow creativity to shine. Make a DIY project for the holiday. Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Jazz for the Holidays with Emily & Tim Austin Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Celebrate the wealth of talented music professionals in our area with an intimate concert and light refreshments. Emerson House, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

The Harlem Globetrotters bring family-friendly entertainment to the BMO Center on Dec. 27.

Winter Orchestra Concert Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Join the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra for a winter concert featuring the full symphonic orchestra. Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, rockfordsymphony.com.

Rockford Christian Fellowship Band Concert Dec. 11 & 13, Sun. 4 p.m., Tues. 6:30 p.m.

Rockford Christian Fellowship Band consists of dedicated Christian musicians who are noted for rousing marches and inspirational music.

Broadway Covenant Church, 3525 Broadway, Rockford, (815) 222-7856, rcfband.org.

Spectacular Saturdays: Rockford’s Own Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In the final Spectacular Saturday of the year, parents can help their children create unique projects and learn about the cultures in the Rockford community. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

RSO: Holiday Pops Concert Dec. 17-18, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Start off the holiday season with Rockford’s largest holiday musical celebration featuring traditional and sacred music performed by the RSO and the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s Mendelssohn Choral. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Harlem Globetrotters Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Celebrating 90 iconic years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions, The Harlem Globetrotters are a worldwide icon, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills.

BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. ❚

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Dec. 7

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

The Butterfly Club

By Sarah Soenke hether you’re coming off Interstate 43 or taking advantage of the scenic drive through the back roads, The Butterfly Club, 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, is the perfect place to enjoy the picturesque hills and valleys of southern Wisconsin.

This nostalgic fine dining establishment celebrates the longheld traditions of the Wisconsin supper club. Diners can socialize in the spacious lounge, sip on classic cocktails and enjoy live entertainment surrounded by historic Wisconsin decor of decades past. Large green plush chairs, green walls and mirrored ceilings preserve the vintage, laid-back feel. And singer Mike Williamson, known for his pop and jazz standards, performs every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., except on the last Friday of every month.

Since 1994, brothers Mike and Hektor Sala have co-owned The Butterfly Club and overseen its continued success. The restaurant opened as the Butterfly Tea Room in 1924, and has gone through several owners and structural changes. Today, it mixes modern amenities with a traditional supper club menu.

“Late summer is a wonderful time to stop by The Butterfly Club because diners can take advantage of our outdoor deck and

W

Hektor and Mike Sala, owners of The Butterfly Club.

perhaps enjoy a popular ice cream drink, such as a brandy Alexander or grasshopper,” says Mike.

Beyond its extensive drink list, The Butterfly Club serves upscale American fare. Ribs and seafood are favorites, as is the 8-oz. prime rib, served with three Honduran shrimp and a side of au gratin potatoes, and the shrimp de jonghe, a puff pastry filled with shrimp, butter, sherry, mushrooms and onions, topped with bread crumbs. Daily specials include a Friday fish fry and prime rib on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We feel we have the best lounge within 100 miles,” Mike says. “The layout is beautiful – large windows with great views and comfortable, oversized chairs. It’s the way a supper club should be.” ❚

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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Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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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Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Reduce the Cost of Monthly Tech Bills

By Peggy Werner

W

hile thinking about all the money you have to spend this holiday season, why not also think about ways to save money on your monthly tech bills?

EZ Satellite & Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Suite B, in Loves Park, can help with that.

“People are paying too much for phone, internet, and television services by using just one company,” says Charles Zambrano, owner. “You don’t have to choose just one company to save money.

People get excited when they see promotions because they’re just looking at the price, which will jump up dramatically after the special offer ends. Plus, they don’t always know exactly what they’re getting – and what you don’t know can hurt you.”

When you purchase TV and internet service through EZ Satellite & Wireless, you’ll get a $100 gift card when you share the news with someone else.

EZ Satellite &Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer and also 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.

EZ Satellite specializes in helping people make the right choices based on what they need and where they live, so they can save money.

The family-owned business opened in 2011, in Roscoe, and moved to a larger, more visible location in Loves Park last May, adding a new bill-paying center for customer convenience. EZ Satellite & Wireless is a full service retailer for satellite TV and internet, and can also help people to acquire cable services. About 80 percent of his business is working with residential customers in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The

company also works with businesses.

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

“I love to see people’s faces when they find out how much money they can save,” he says.

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

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Type in Gambino Realtors and download.

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Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

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Dec 7 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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till Christmas Eve 12/24/16

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