Smart Living Weekly - October 29, 2014 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Right in Our Region

MJO: 40 Years & Still Having Fun By Peggy Werner

n the Rockford area and beyond, Moonlight Jazz Orchestra is been synonymous with quality entertainment. On Nov. 8, the group celebrates its 40th anniversary with dining, dancing and its signature “outrageous fun” performance style, at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

“Fun has been a big part of our success, and the audience picks up on that and has fun right along with us,” says Moonlight Jazz Orchestra Director Kent Ecklor. “Everyone is proficient at playing, but our main goal is to have fun, and, for that reason, what we do never feels like work.” Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Waterproof for Winter • Use Pumpkin Spices All Year • Beneﬁts of Daily Detox Drink Eyelid Surgery for Vision • Fall Yard Cleanup Tips • Save Money on Your Cellphone Bill

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Oct. 29, 2014

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .............................Cover & p. 20 Moonlight Jazz Orchestra’s 40th Your Home .................................................. .......... 11 Waterproof for Winter Inspiration & Worship .......................................... 12 No Need to Hide Your Kitchen ..........................................................15 Enjoy Pumpkin Spices All Year Your Auto ...............................................................17 All About Driving Habits Your Health ............................................. .............. 25 Try a Daily Detox Drink Your Health ............................................. .............. 26 Eyelid Lift Can Aid Vision Your Fun .................................................. .............. 27 Dining Locally ......................................... .............. 29 Tips ........................................................... .............. 31 DIY Fall Yard Cleanup Your Money .............................................. .............. 33 Save on Your Cell Phone Bill

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. 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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Need an Excuse to Go Roaming?

ne way we can “live smarter” is by taking advantage of wonderful places in our own backyards. And could there be a better few weeks for doing it than the ones we’re experiencing right now? Gorgeous fall color and sunshiny days are calling our names, begging us to break the normal old routine and go exploring before snow flies. Need an excuse? Well, it’s a great time to do a little “buy local” holiday shopping, ahead of the rush. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always envied (and never been one of) those people who brag, “I’m all done with my gift shopping” before the Thanksgiving turkey is even defrosted. (Be honest. You want to punch them in the nose just like I do, right?) But it would be great to enjoy the holiday season without the added pressure of crowded shopping malls. Why not combine what we have to do with an experience we’ll actually enjoy? Until we began working on Northwest Quarterly Magazine, nearly 10 years ago, most of our staff members had no idea just how charming our neighboring counties could be, even though most of us are natives of the region. Now our heads are filled with good memories of scenic drives, quaint main streets, pretty farms and vineyards, historic sites and loads of nice folks we’ve met while exploring little towns from the Mississippi River to the Chain O’Lakes, and from southern Wisconsin to Starved Rock State Park in Utica. And, we’ve discovered many favorite shopping hot spots along the way. It’s a lot more fun to do business with local shopkeepers than with the self-check-out machines at the big box stores, and certainly is better for our local economy. So rouse yourself from your normal routine. Spend a day or two driving from one little town to another, around our region. You’ll be amazed at all the treasures, sights, flavors and friends waiting to be discovered! Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living 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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Y H  G

Waterproof for Winter Now B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

ou noticed it in spring – the wet spot in the corner of the basement. Could be a foundation crack or leaky pipe seal. Then summer arrived, so you forgot about it. Now, fall is almost over, and with winter on the way, you think you’ll need to wait until next spring to have someone check the problem. Not so, says Jim Goebel, owner of Goebel Waterproofing Systems, Caledonia. “About 95 percent of what we do is interior work,” he notes. “We can do repair work all year long, even if the problem area is currently dry. Our techniques and products are the best in the industry.” The origin of water in the basement may seem hard to locate for homeowners. Goebel pinpoints the four most common areas for potential water leaks that people should know: • Landscape Grading: “If basement windows are below ground level – grade – the water comes over the wall,” he says. • Foundation Wall Cracks: “Cracks in the foundation wall can occur because of settling,” says Goebel. • Intersections: “Leaks can also form at intersections, where something’s been brought through the wall, like a waterline, a conduit – a service line of some kind,” he says. • Hydrostatic Pressure: “This is water coming up from the floor,” Goebel explains. “This happens when we have a high

seasonal water table or heavy rains that saturate the ground. When there’s an early spring thaw, the ground is still frozen and the water has nowhere to go – except your basement.”

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Tempted to ignore that little puddle until next spring? Water 3 expands and contracts as it freezes and melts, and that little puddle could turn into a big mess by then. Three of the four most common “Problems may arise in winter, leak origins: 1-window below and they can be fixed in winter,” grade; 2-foundation wall crack; Goebel says. “If you have an area 3-hydrostatic pressure forcing you’re worried about, just give water up from the floor. us a call and we can schedule an on-site inspection and estimate.” For more information on waterproofing, call Goebel at (815) 885-4191, or visit online at goebelwaterproofingsystem.com. ❚ 

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I  W

No Need to Hide

od loves us and wants to be loved back. “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered,” Jesus tells us about God’s love for us. (Luke 12:7) Yet many of us believe that if God really knew us, He couldn’t possibly love us. Shame can cause us to “hide” from God, exactly the opposite of what He wants. Adam and Eve tried hiding in the garden, after sinning. It didn’t work. They only managed to distance themselves from God, to their great detriment. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he [Adam] said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’” (Gen. 3:8-10) No one hides from God. And not one of His children needs to. “Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:24) The good news is that God knows what we’re made of and loves us anyway. To ignore this is to ignore what Jesus Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Through Christ, the bridge between people and God was rebuilt. God doesn’t want us to be distant from him; He loves us and yearns for us to love Him back. Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7 NIV) ❚

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Y Y K K

Savor Pumpkin Pie Spice All Season F

all has arrived, and with it comes the king of all seasonal flavors – pumpkin pie spice. A versatile blend of comforting ingredients like nutmeg and cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice can flavor a lot more than Thanksgiving pie. Add it to a savory pasta dish, like Fettuccine Pumpkin Alfredo. “It’s the perfect dish for a chilly night,” says Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. “Pumpkin pie spice and chipotle chili pepper add a smoky warm taste to the alfredo sauce, which is easily made from canned pumpkin and milk. Bacon is the perfect crispy topping.” Try these other ideas for using pumpkin spice in everyday favorites:

• Stir into cream cheese for an autumnflavored bagel spread. • Sprinkle on coffee grinds for an athome fall-inspired coffee. • Mix with nuts and roast for a great party nibble or snack. • Blend with canned pumpkin and coconut milk for a delicious smoothie.

Recipe: Fettuccine Pumpkin Alfredo Ingredients 1 3 1 ½ 2 1 ½ ½ 8 1

package (16 ounces) fettuccine cups milk cup canned pumpkin cup grated Parmesan cheese tbl flour tsp McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice tsp McCormick Chipotle Chili Pepper tsp salt slices bacon, chopped small onion, chopped

Directions

Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well. Meanwhile, mix milk, pumpkin, Parmesan cheese, flour, pumpkin pie spice, chipotle chili pepper and salt in medium bowl until well blended. Set aside. Cook bacon in large skillet on medium-high heat until slightly crisp. Remove bacon. Drain on paper towels. Set aside. Remove all but 2 Tb. bacon drippings from skillet. Add onion; cook and stir three minutes or until softened. Stir in pumpkin mixture. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Place pasta in serving bowl. Add pumpkin sauce; toss to coat well. Top with crisp bacon. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Servings: 8.

For more recipes, visit McCormick.com. ❚ Source: Family Features

Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte Make this fall-favorite coffeehouse beverage at home.

Ingredients 2 2 2 ½

cups whole milk Tb sugar Tb canned pumpkin cup strong brewed coffee 2 Tb McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract ½ tsp McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice

Directions Bring milk, sugar and pumpkin to simmer on medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Carefully pour mixture into blender; add coffee, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice. Remove center of blender lid for steam escape; blend on medium speed until smooth and frothy. Pour into mugs. Serve immediately. Serving Size: 1 cup; serves: 3. Prep: 5 min. Cook: 5 min.

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Y A C

Home on the Road: America’s Driving Habits O

ur homes may be our castles, but as we spend more time in our cars, these four-wheeled chariots aren’t too far behind. We eat, talk, work and sometimes even dress in our vehicles. And we’re increasingly imposing the same standards on our cars that we do on our houses.

• Eating: The Hankook Tire Gauge Index reveals that 30 percent of Americans eat at least one meal a week in their cars. • Cleaning: Despite the potential mess from the occasional road meal, most U.S. drivers are keeping their little mobile homes in good condition – 71 percent, according to The Gauge Index. • Smoking: Much like in a house, Americans have a “no smoking” policy in their cars; 71 percent say smoking in a car is their biggest pet peeve. We do things we’re not supposed to do when driving, including reading, applying makeup, even shaving. Texting is one of

the most prevalent. According to TextingandDrivingSafety. com, in 2011, 23 percent of accidents – or 1.3 million – involved cell phones. Despite strict laws against it, not to mention the danger , the Gauge shows that 16 percent of Americans text while driving. Many of us are in our cars so much that it’s is no wonder we do other things during that time. But multitasking while driving can divert attention from the task of driving safely. Other factors regarding American driving habits involve simple things: distractions and automobile maintenance.

• Be Incommunicado: Mute the sound or turn off your phone every time you climb into your car. Chances are good that whatever the caller wants can wait. • Check Your Spare: Before embarking on any road trips, make sure your spare

tire is neatly packed in your trunk, inflated to its proper setting and in working condition. • Buy the Right Tires: Be sure to check to see if you’re using the appropriate tires. The new Hankook Ultra-High Performance Ventus V12 evo2 and High Performance All-Season Ventus V2 concept2 tires are perfect for handling varied road conditions. ❚

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Source: Brandpoint

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R  O R

Moonlight Jazz Orchestra Continued from Cover

The band performs throughout the stateline, at concerts and community festivals as well as private events, weddings, community fundraisers and more. This year also marks the 20th season of appearances by Moonlight Jazz for Rockford Park District’s Music in the Park summer concert series at Sinnissippi Park. It all began in 1974, when several Jefferson High School band members wanted to get away from the regimented classroom and practice sessions, and play music just for fun. Eventually, word got around about the band’s unique sound and style. “One of the things that really launched our career was a talent contest we won at North Towne Mall,” says trombone player Todd Johnson, one of the original members. “That’s what sent us on our way to becoming one of the area’s most popular bands.” Once established, the band’s popularity grew, until it was a top choice for many public, private and charitable events. The band has won nine RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) awards and was inducted into the RAMI Hall of Fame in 2000. Big Band music, which originated in the U.S. in the

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1920s, hit its peak between 1935 and 1945, with groups led by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, playing hits (still popular today) like “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “Take the A Train,” “String of Pearls” and “Moonlight Serenade.” A Big Band is made up of brass, woodwind and percussion/ rhythm sections, with 12 to 25 musicians. (It’s called a “big band” because typical Dixieland-era jazz bands had five musicians). Moonlight Jazz usually has 18 members and one sound manager. It was 35 years ago, in tiny Port Byron, Ill., on the Mississippi River, that Moonlight Jazz started playing some contemporary music, as well as the sound that gained it notoriety back home. Ecklor says the band’s music can be described as “anything you can dance to,” whether it’s from the 1920s or today’s Top 40. “We really want to play songs people recognize,” he says. “In general, and especially at weddings, we don’t play a lot of Big Band tunes, but we’re open to whatever people can dance to and whatever makes them feel lively,” he says.

R  O R Today, the band’s repertoire includes about 800 songs, but in general, it plays from a list of about 350 popular numbers. The band performs mainly around the greater Rockford area, but has also played in Chicago, Milwaukee, Peoria and St. Louis. Performances aren’t preplanned and the band always takes requests. Kathi Edwards is a longtime fan of Moonlight Jazz. She first saw the band perform 25 years ago at a wedding reception and most recently heard them this summer at Sinnissippi Band Shell. Her favorite song is “In the Mood,” and she says she’s never heard any band perform it better. “They’re so much fun, have so much energy, and each one of them is so talented,” she says. “They’re so upbeat, genuine and energetic. Their appeal spans generations.” More than 130 musicians have been part of Moonlight Jazz Orchestra, with an average stay of about 20 years. While Edwards

has seen musicians come and go, the commitment to playing good music and interacting with the audience is always the same. Band members sometimes hold up signs asking for audience participation, come out into the crowd and use different props for certain songs. “They’re definitely not just standing there, but performing, moving around and making jokes,” she says. Good showmanship and musical entertainment have been the band’s signature qualities. “Our goal was to be that perfect wedding band,” Ecklor says. “We’re at our best when we get to let loose and just be who we are. We dance around, talk Celebrate with the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra at its 40th Anniversary Bash, on Nov. 8 at to people, and just try to create a fun atmosphere. Once any Giovanni’s in Rockford. Choose from three packages. musician has the ability to ‘let go’ and involve the audience, • Dine & Dance: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar. Dinner will be served at 7 the crowd really responds to that connection.” p.m. and dancing takes place from 8 to 11 p.m. $50 per person. Band members today include Amy McIntyre, Eric • The VIP Special: Includes early admission at 5:30 p.m., a special meet-and- greet with Archer, Lynne Olson, Maurice Alberty and Tony Vecchio band members, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, VIP parking, wine with dinner and other special touches. $75 per person. on saxophone; Dan Southard, Mark Nelson and Mike Dzik • The Dance Special: Admission at 8 p.m. For those who can’t make it for on trumpet; Curt Peterson and Todd Johnson on trombone; dinner but want to join in the fun. $35 per person. Dave Timmcke, Ed Pawelski and Rich Ross on Rhythm; Dinner packages include a main course of chicken and beef or vegetarian and Kent Ecklor as the band’s director. pasta, with sides, salad, bread, dessert and coffee or tea. For more information or to contact the band, call (815) For reservations, call Giovanni’s at (815) 398-6411 or visit giodine.com. 636-BAND or visit moonlightjazz.com. ❚

MJO's Anniversary Bash

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Consider a Daily Detox Drink for Overall Health B y D r. E m m e t t B l a h n i k

e live in an increasingly toxic world. Each day, Simple Daily Detox Drink our bodies combat pesticides Ingredients and herbicides on produce; 1 glass of water (12-16 oz) fluoride and chlorine in water; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar preservatives from processed ⅓ c freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice 3-5 cloves fresh garlic foods; chemicals on carpets, ½-inch fresh ginger furniture and clothing; carcino1 tsp cinnamon gens in cosmetics and body 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional) care products; and environstevia to taste mental pollutants. Directions This Simple Daily Detox Blend all ingredients together and enjoy. Drink, which takes two minTotal Time: 2 minutes Serves: 1 utes to make, not only adds to your hydration but also floods your system lower blood pressure up to 6 percent. with foods that assist your body’s detox It can also help eat up starches if you processes. eat grains in your diet. I use and recHere are the ingredients and how they ommend Bragg Organic Apple Cider help to cleanse your body: Vinegar. • Lemon Juice has Vitamin C and helps • Apple Cider Vinegar is full of ento balance blood sugar and regulate ph. zymes and good bacteria, as well as • Ginger and Garlic are believed to acetic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cinnamon is one of the best antioxidants on the planet, and it’s the No. 1 herb/spice for balancing blood sugar. • Cayenne Pepper has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase metabolism. • Stevia is an all-natural sweetener made from the stevia plant. It’s a great replacement for any artificial sweeteners. ❚ Emmett Blahnik, owner of Next Level Health, 2835 McFarland Road, Rockford, is a doctor of chiropractic and certified nutrition counselor, a speaker, author and radio show host.

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Eye-Opening: Eyelid Surgery Aids Vision By Craig Schmidt

agging eyelids not only age a person’s face; they can impair vision, too. A functional blepharoplasty – eyelift surgery – can help to restore your ability to see clearly. Because eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on your face, it’s the first area to show signs of aging, through bags under the eyes or wrinkled folds of skin on the upper eyelids. Heredity and sun damage accelerate these changes. Many people have excess skin, fat and muscle removed to create a more alert, youthful appearance. However, if loose eyelid skin droops low enough, it can rest across the eyelashes, blocking vision and producing eyestrain. Some patients complain of having to elevate the flaps of skin with their fingertips to see well enough to drive. Baggy upper or lower eyelids also interfere with wearing glasses and contact lenses. Other medical conditions that would require functional eyelid surgery include inflammation caused by bacteria and debris trapped underneath the folds of tissue, and forehead discomfort from overused muscles that strain to lift sagging eyelid skin. Most often, blepharoplasties are performed by ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia alone or combined with a light sedative. Incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelid, in the crease of the upper eyelid and just beneath the lashes or

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behind the lower eyelid. Tissue is removed using scalpels, surgical scissors, radiofrequency cutting devices, or sometimes, cutting lasers. Sutures or tissue adhesives then are applied, to smooth and reconfigure areas around the eyebrows and eyelids. Incisions are virtually unnoticeable after they’ve healed. As we age, the the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid stretches, and the eyelid falls, a condition called ptosis (toh·sis). When the edge of the eyelid falls so low that it covers part of the pupil and restricts vision, it can be corrected with surgery. Ptosis repair requires going deeper into the soft tissue of the upper eyelid and tightening the muscle to raises the position of the upper eyelid, providing a less obstructed field of view. ❚ Source: Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

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Y F

Haunted Rockford: Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m. A paranormal tour of Burpee’s Barnes Mansion with a member of Haunted Rockford, to hear about its former residents – and possibly some who linger. Tickets: hauntedrockford.com. Burpee Museum, 737 Main St., Rockford, (815) 9653433. Coronado Theatre Spirited Ghost Tours Oct. 30-31, 7-9 p.m. First-hand accounts of unexplained noises, Watch and discuss In the Heat of the Night Nov. 5 at Freeport’s scents & sightings, by The Land Lindo Theatre, part of a classic film series on Sidney Poitier. of Lincoln Theatre Organ SociSing-a-Long Sound of Music ety. $10; reservations req. Coronado Performing Nov. 1, 11 a.m. The classic film with subtitles, Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, vocal warm-up, supplied props, costume com(815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. petition. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.

NOVEMBER

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Nov. 1, noon-1:30 p.m. Celebrate this traditional Hispanic celebration that remembers our deceased with a display altar. Games, refreshments. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Annual Fall Pancake Supper Nov. 1, 3:30-7 p.m. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce, cheese and beverage, plus pies, cakes, cookies, breads for sale. $7/under 12 $3. Silvercreek Museum, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport, (815) 235-2198, (815) 235-7329. Union Dairy Last Day of the Season Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Hurry in for your favorite burger and ice cream before Union Dairy closes for the season. Union Dairy, 126 E. Douglas, Freeport (815) 232-7099. Holiday Remodeling & Home Expo Nov. 1-2, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ideas to prepare your home for the winter, plan winter remodeling projects, do a little holiday shopping and catch a few holiday clinics. Free. Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 W. Lane Road, Loves Park, (815) 871-7469 showtimeproduction.net Avalon String Quartet Nov. 2, 3 p.m. One of the country’s top string ensembles in its 4th MPAC season,with “Brahms: Traditionalist & Innovator.” Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Chicago Chamber Choir Nov. 2, 3-5 p.m. This 32-member ensemble’s repertoire is culturally diverse and international. Free/donations accepted. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 282-1500, westminsterrockford.org. November Wanderings Nov. 3, 5-6:30 p.m. Explore the oak/hickory forest with guide Greg Keilback. $3/members free. Please register. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 3352915, seversondells.com. Bill Breakey, Motivational Speaker Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Hear this motivational speech on discovering our purpose. Tickets free but required; box office (815) 226-4100. Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, rockford.edu. Classic Film Series: Sidney Poitier Nov. 5, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.. View the 1967 classic In the Heat of the Night. Intro/discussion before screening. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413, classiccinemas.com. An Evening with Third Day Nov. 6, 7 p.m. A Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Ga., in the 1990s. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org. Trinity 50th Craft Show Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Many vendors; bake sale; lunch available; door prizes. Trinity UMC, 2600 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, (815) 233-0057. ❚

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WDL

Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants Key: D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast

Price: $ under $12.50, $$ $12.50-$25, $$$ $25+

9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 6237171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American favorites, full bar. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Butterfly Club  Upscale-Casual/Fine Dining. 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, Wis., (608) 362-8577. LD T-Th 5-9:30pm, F 4:30-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$. Cafe Fromage  Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods. 431 E. Grand, Beloit, Wis., (608) 207-3094. $. Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine  Casual. Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$. Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. Dos Reales  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th, Sun 11am-10pm; F-Sat to 10:30pm. $. Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment, weddings, Sinatra Lounge, Benny’s Bar. 7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$. Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Pasta, deep-dish pizza, specialties. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD 11 a.m.-midnight $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale-Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (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. $$. Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 2583 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, (815) 639-1200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm $. Leombruni’s Italian Village Pizza & Restaurant  Casual. 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat to 11pm, Sun to 10pm. $.

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Lucha Cantina  Casual/Mexican. Fresh ingredients, no MSG, steaks, mac ‘n cheese, burgers. 1641 N. Alpine, Rockford, (815) 977-4319. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat 2am. $. Main Street Bistro  Fine dining, full bar, live music Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pmmidnight. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, dinners, desserts. Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD Sun-Th11am-10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$. Prairie Grass Pub  Burgers, wraps, pork chops, steaks, pasta, daily fish fry. Craft beer, wine, signature cocktails. Deck, banquets. Prairie View Golf Course, 6734 German Church Rd., Byron, Ill., (815) 234--8535. LD daily 10am. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. Riverside dining, handcrafted beers, banquet rooms, marina. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. Tavern-style fare, big burgers, steaks, fries, flatbreads. Full bar; banquets. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. This Is It Eatery  Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $. Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. White Pines Inn  Home-style dining in log cabin atmosphere. Area’s largest buffet Sunday. 6712 White Pines Rd., Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817. BkLD M-Th 8am-8pm, F-Sat to 9pm, Sun to 7pm; Br Sun 8am-2pm. $$$. ❚

Find more great local restaurants. See our Expanded Dining Guide at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining

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Oct. 29

T  I

Fall Yard Cleanup Tips F

all is the perfect time to give your yard the extra attention and care it needs. These tips will help you get your lawn ready for winter. • Rake: This is one of the most effective ways to clear leaves, twigs and small debris from your yard. Raking leaves onto a tarp allows you to drag and dump them easily. An ergonomic rake can help to reduce pain experienced by the repetitive motion. • Split logs: Leaving large tree branches or limbs in your yard can compact soil and weaken grass. Rather than an axe, clear your yard by using a log splitter, like the Yard Machines 21-Ton Log Splitter, to quickly and efficiently split wood. • Clean gutters: Leaves, dirt and other debris can fill downspouts and gutters, preventing them from draining properly and causing them to overflow. This may lead to a flooded landscape, foundation or roof leaks and slick walkways, so be sure to thoroughly clean your gutters. • Fertilize: Apply fertilizer to give grass the strength it needs to survive the winter. This will also help to establish strong roots and improve soil richness for the coming spring. • Weed: Weeds start to store food in their roots in fall to prepare for winter, so it’s best to remove as many as possible – including the roots – to prevent regrowth. Afterwards, cover landscape areas with mulch or rock to deter growth. For more yard cleanup tips and information about equipment to help you achieve a better lawn, visit mtdproducts.com. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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Y M

Save Big Money on Your Cell Phone Bill C

ell phone plans these days can top $100 or even $200 a month, once you include the cost of data. That’s a lot of cash just to stay connected. Fortunately, consumers can take a few easy steps to slash their bills, without sacrificing quality. 1. Switch to a no-contract provider. This can cut your phone bill in half, or more. Consumer advocates point to nocontract plans as a smart option for consumers that offer competitive quality at substantial savings. Don’t worry about service quality. Many no-contract providers use the same networks as the big carriers. Language like “uses the world’s largest GSM network” means they route calls over the same towers as one of the big networks. No-contract plans are soaring in popularity; nationwide, one in four cell phone owners has one. 2. Rely on Wi-Fi for data usage. Cost of data is the biggest reason for huge

cell phone bills. Chances are, you can cut down on how much data you’re using each month by using Wi-Fi wherever it’s available, which won’t count against your monthly data allotment. People love to stream music and video on the go, and many are paying big bucks for the privilege. 3. Ditch unlimited talk and text plans. Many cell phone users who pay for this don’t really need it. Check your cell phone bill to see how much data you use each month, and try limiting your minutes and texts. You may be able to get by on a less expensive plan. Apps such as Skype and GroupMe let you chat with friends using WiFi and send messages for free. 4. Stop using 411. Using 411 and other paid directories add up quickly, costing a couple of dollars for each call. Instead, look up information on your phone’s Internet browser with WiFi. Leading search engines like Google and Bing also offer free directory services.

5. Consider a family plan. It’s Economics 101: Buying in bulk saves money. This holds true for phone service. Most carriers offer some kind of family plan with discounts for getting the entire clan on the same calling plan. Some even offer shared data packages. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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Smart Living Weekly

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1