Smart Living Weekly - October 19, 2016

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • October 19, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Nightmare on Chicago Street

See Page 20

Change Up Your Chili Treating Spinal Arthritis Why Credit Unions Matter Night of Symphonic Rock Scarecrows on Parade

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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Sept 21 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Lighting - ‘Jewelry for the Home’ Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 What to Pack Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Change Up Your Chili (Quack!)

Your Outings ................................................ 9, 17 Halloween Fun, RSO Symphonic Rock Outdoor Living ............................................. .....18 Extend the Life of Your Driveway Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treating Spinal Arthritis Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Your Money ................................................. ......33 Why Credit Unions are Special

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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Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

What’s Old is New

I

got a kick out of reading Steve Larsen’s Music Director’s Message on the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) website this week. Find it at Rockfordsymphony.com and prepare to chuckle. He ponders the somewhat “oxymoronic” nature of “A Night of Symphonic Rock,” the title of this Saturday’s RSO season opener at the Coronado.

Yeah, it’s a little unexpected to envision the formally trained orchestra rocking out to 1970s chart-toppers like “Hotel California” and “Dream On,” but RSO has demonstrated just how cool it is plenty of times before.

(Is “cool” even a word that people under 50 still use? If not, you younger folks can find out what it means by asking your middle-aged kin, the next time they invite you over to update their iPhones and “make the Xfinity TV movies stop broadcasting in Spanish.” With any luck, some good superband LPs will be on the stereo. “What’s an LP,” you ask?)

Appearing at the RSO concert Saturday will be John Elefante, former lead singer of Kansas, and Mickey Thomas, of Starship.

In his message, Larsen ponders the way music evolves, trends disappearing and resurfacing. He notes that rock ‘n’ rollers who once seemed so fresh, like Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney, are both 70-something (and knighted!) today.

Larsen also observes the way string sections and even small orchestras sometimes accompany up-and-coming bands on late-night TV shows, today.

Musicians aren’t alone in drawing inspiration from the past. I’m reminded of this each time I meet a newborn named “Cora” or “Vivien.” And each time I see a “new” movie adapted from some TV show I watched as a kid. And each time skinny neckties roll back around.

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun,” concluded King Solomon. (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

I think he was onto something. ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Y O

Some Local Options for Safe Halloween Fun The Harvest Festival

Join the fun at Life Church in Roscoe on Oct. 31, from 6-9 p.m., for a festive and safe night filled with food, carnival rides and games, entertainment and plenty of candy. The event is free. Pre-register by downloading a registration form and returning it to church offices. The church is located at 5910 Elevator Road. The Harvest Festival began 12 years ago and has grown to be a staple community event.

Scarecrows on Parade

Nearly 50 scarecrows have been “adopted” by local businesses, organizations, families, school groups, Scouts, and individuals in Cherry Valley. They’re dressed, decorated and displayed on lamp posts up and down East State Street and Mill Road.

Scarecrow viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite scarecrows at $1 per vote. Vote as many times as you wish, at the Cherry Valley Public Library or

other selected Cherry Valley businesses.

Winners will be announced at the village’s Halloween parade on Oct. 29.

Spooky Science at Discovery Center Museum

Enjoy Spooky Science at Discovery Center Musuem on Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m.

Fill your Trick-or-Treat bag with gobs of goodies as you concoct glowing slime and make creepy crafts.

Fill in a bingo card and gather facts from expired engineers and deceased scientists. Explore the park in the dark, pick up a prize from Alfred Nobel, enjoy the not-quite-right chemistry of Dorothy Hodgkin and practice science tricks that look like magic. Grownup ghouls, midsized monsters and little goblins will have an enchanting experience in this Halloween festival of fun. Come in costume. The cost is $4 for members, $9 for non-members.

All Hallow’s Eve – The Jungle Book

On Saturday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 8 p.m., trick or treat in the safety of Midway Village Museum’s Victorian Village, where more than 20 village buildings will be specially decorated for Halloween by local community groups. There will be other children’s activities, too, such as crafts, games and dancing.

Enter the enchanted woods and be transported into “The Jungle Book.”

Cost is $6 for adults and children, free to kids under age 2. ❚

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Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Lighting Gallery Offers ‘Jewelry for the Home’

By Lindsey Gapen

P

roper lighting plays an important role in the aesthetics of a home. In fact, lighting department manager Michael McGinty from Benson Stone Co., 1100 Eleventh St., Rockford, refers to lighting as “jewelry for the home.”

“You can spend a lot of money on paint, flooring, cabinets and furniture, but if your home is poorly lit, it will never look its best,” McGinty says.

“Proper lighting is essential for a beautiful and functional home.”

Staff members at Benson Stone Co. can assist you in picking out the proper lighting for your home. The expansive new lighting department on the fourth floor showcases chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, outdoor fixtures, landscape lighting and more. There’s a lighting style for everyone, from traditional to contemporary.

“Crystal is making a big comeback,” McGinty says. “It’s not your grandmother’s crystal chandelier anymore – we’re seeing a lot of contemporary pieces that I’ll call ‘lightly dressed.’ It’s not a heavy crystal piece, but it has a little accent of crystal on it.”

And there are other trends.

“On the opposite side of the spectrum, people are choosing the reclaimed urban-warehouse style,” says store owner Andy Benson. “You’ll see a lot of these Edison-style bulbs for a more industrial look.”

Benson Stone Co.’s showroom is organized around the style and finish of the fixture. Lights of all sizes and price ranges are available.

“Customers have a lot of options here,” Benson says. “I think this showroom helps to emphasize, more than ever

before, that we are a one-stop shop. You can discover a full breadth of products here. It’s convenient to be able to find the right lighting to go with your new kitchen, sofa or dining room table all right here in one store.” ❚

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

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I  W

What to Pack T

he walk of life is filled with unexpected cliffs, valleys and hilltops, and every kind of weather. But most of it plays out on unremarkable stretches of smooth terrain, under clear, if not sunny, skies.

How well we handle this journey has everything to do with what we pack. We must prepare ourselves not only for the unexpected, but also for the routine.

Christians often speak of “mountaintop moments” – those times our faith exhilarates us, often during a special event shared with other enthusiastic believers.

We also move closer to God during times of crisis, relying upon our faith to get us from one moment to the next. Too, religious holidays, with their warm and familiar traditions, may rekindle our faith.

But it’s often during our day-to-day routines that we stray furthest from likemindedness with Jesus Christ. Ironically, these are probably the times when our faith matters most. During each routine day, we impact the people closest to us – family members, co-workers, clients, schoolmates, friends, neighbors. The choices we make daily – to emulate Jesus Christ or not – impact others profoundly.

They also enrich or diminish the very fabric of our relationship with God. It’s been said that our character is revealed by what we do when no one is watching.

Likewise, the authenticity of our faith is evidenced by the way we live each ordinary day. (Is there even such thing as an ordinary day? Every day is made by God, belongs to God, and is therefore extraordinary, whether or not we view it that way.)

Ephesians chapter 4 is a great place to learn which character traits most matter to God. It reminds us of our extraordinary position in this world and God’s expections for us. Two chapters later, in Ephesians 6:10-20, we’re told how to best prepare ourselves for the long journey – which pieces of equipment to pack, and why they matter.

Life is a long walk, yet it seems to be completed in the blink of an eye. Here’s to making the most of every single extraordinary day. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

Change Up Your Chili: Use Ground Duck C

hilly nights are the perfect time to pull out your favorite soup recipe.

For chili connoisseurs, ground beef is usually the go-to meat, but try adding ground duck to your chili for something creative. Farm-raised white Pekin duck has less saturated fat than beef and a mild flavor that’s not considered gamey.

Find other duck recipes at mapleleaffarms.com.

Duck Chili 2 TB Maple Leaf Farms Rendered Duck Fat, divided (Vegetable oil may be substituted) 2 pounds Maple Leaf Farms All Natural Ground Duck 1 tsp. salt, plus additional, to taste pepper, to taste 3 TB ground cumin, divided 1 large red onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 jalapeno peppers, minced (remove seeds to reduce heat, if desired) 2 red bell peppers, cored and chopped 3 TB chili powder

1 TB dried oregano 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 24 ounces dark beer 2 cups chicken stock 6 ounces tomato paste 28 ounces canned tomatoes 24 ounces canned great northern beans, drained 8 ounces canned whole kernel corn, drained hot sauce, to taste sour cream (optional) shredded cheese (optional) chopped scallions (optional) fresh cilantro, rough chopped (optional)

Preparation: In large pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon duck fat. Add ground duck; sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste, and 1 tablespoon cumin.

Cook meat until just slightly browned, stirring occasionally to break into small pieces. Remove duck from pot and set aside.

Return pot to medium-high burner and add remaining duck fat. Add onion, garlic, jalapenos and red peppers to pot and saute 3

minutes, stirring so garlic doesn’t burn. Stir in chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt and remaining cumin. Saute 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add beer and stock to pot. Stir, scraping up bits from bottom of pot. Add tomato paste and mix well. Add tomatoes and duck then bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour.

Stir in beans, corn and hot sauce. Cook uncovered 30 minutes, or until chili is thick.

Serve in bowls with optional toppings: sour cream, cheese, scallions and cilantro.

❚ Source: Family Features

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RSO Kicks Off its Pop Series R

ockford Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2016/17 Pop Series with “Night of Symphonic Rock,” a night of classic rock hits, this Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Coronado Performing Arts Center.

The show features a hit parade of the greatest classic rock songs, including “Kashmir,” “Hotel California,” “More than a Feeling,” “Barracuda,” “Cold as Ice,” “Dream On,” “All of My Love” and more, with a full rock band with orchestra.

Lead singer of Kansas, John Elefante, will perform great Kansas hits like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son.” Also on stage will be Mickey Thomas, from the band Starship, performing hits from Led Zeppelin, Heart, Foreigner and more.

Ticket prices start at $22 and are available by calling (815) 965-0049 or visiting rockfordsymphony.com. Student

tickets are just $7 for students age 25 and under, with a valid school I.D. They’re available only by phone or at the RSO box office.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a regional, award-winning professional orchestra performing in the Coronado Performing Arts Center from October through April. It’s under the direction of Music Director Steven Larsen, who is the recipient of the 2016 Conductor of the Year award from the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

In his Music Director’s Message, Larsen lightheartedly ponders the “somewhat oxymoronic” phrase “A Night of Symphonic Rock.” Larsen writes, in part: “To quote another rock song, this one by Danny and the Juniors, ‘Rock and roll is here to stay / It will never die / It was meant to be that way.’ The song’s writer, David White, will turn 77 this year. Paul McCartney is 74, Mick Jagger is 73 (oh,

Y O

by the way, that’s Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Mick Jagger – are you feeling old yet?) ... There is no doubt: Rock and roll – and rock and rollers – are aging. With age comes maturity and mellowness, and an increased appreciation for ‘The Finer Things in Life.’ Speaking as one to whom advancing age has conferred (ahem) both of those virtues, among others, I would most enthusiastically nominate Symphony Music for that distinction.” ❚

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O L

Extend the Life of Your Asphalt Driveway

By Peggy Werner

T

here’s still time to make those needed repairs and sealcoat your asphalt driveway before the harsh reality of winter arrives, causing cracks, holes and other damage.

“The ideal time to sealcoat a driveway is between May and the end of October, while the ground temperature is above 50 degrees,” says Larry Lazzerini, owner of Premier Pavement Solutions, 5059 Contractors Drive in Loves Park. However, cracks and holes can be repaired well into December, when the cooler weather makes areas in need of repair more obvious.

Sealcoating fills in small cracks that can become big cracks. This helps to prevent water from seeping into the asphalt and causing deterioration as it freezes and thaws.

Sealcoating also improves the appearance of a driveway and protects it

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from the damaging effects of sun, water, salt and chemical spills like oil and gasoline from cars. The non-porous coating also makes cleaning easier and provides a smooth surface for rain to wash away dirt and debris.

Most people choose asphalt for driveways because it’s more economical, at about half the cost of concrete. There are other benefits, too. Asphalt absorbs heat from the sun, causing snow and ice to melt faster, Lazzerini says.

Maintenance is the key to asphalt longevity. Sealcoating every other year can more than double the lifespan of your asphalt investment.

The “Premier Difference” is a specially formulated Seal Master Brand sealcoat made exclusively for Premier Pavement by a manufacturer in Streamwood, Ill. Latex and sand are added to make it stronger, more flexible and durable, and

Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

to give it a slip-resistant texture.

Premier Pavement Solutions, in business for more than 30 years, is a fullservice asphalt company, specializing in sealcoating, infrared repairs, striping and markings, asphalt maintenance, crack filling, pothole repair, collapsed drains and local snowplowing and salting.

Call Premier Pavement for a free onsite evaluation and estimate at (815) 6241144. ❚

O L

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R  O R

Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin B y To n i R o c h a rom those deliciously scary blackand-white movies like “Night of the Living Dead” to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” zombies have captured the imagination and tickled the backbones of horror movie fans. And with the popularity of the “Walking Dead” television series, the genre has truly come of age.

In the city of Elgin, the undead have a day that’s all their own, as monsters from around the region emerge from their crypts and celebrate Nightmare on Chicago Street, on Oct. 22 this year. Those who attend this adults-only festival should be prepared to spend an evening enjoying the zombie apocalypse.

“Nightmare on Chicago Street predates ‘Walking Dead,’ but we’ve been lucky in that there are a lot of zombie enthusiasts in the Elgin area,” says Barb Keselica, the City of Elgin’s special events

F

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coordinator. “Elgin launched Nightmare in 2011. Before that, we offered a variety of summer activities but faced stiff competition. At that time, no one was doing much about Halloween.

Nightmare is different, and has proven to be a winner.”

As nightfall creeps into Elgin on Saturday, Oct. 22, and the ghouls emerge, the safest place to shelter is downtown, around Chicago Street. The festival happens within a specially marked “Safe Zone” that will be under heavy “military” control this year, in order to keep everyone safe from the zombie infection. “Survivors” can enter the festival at checkpoints on Spring Street, Douglas Avenue and Grove Avenue.

Around those blocks in downtown Elgin, expect to see what looks like a

Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

zombie apocalypse movie set. Businesses will be boarded up, trash will be strewn about, burning tires will smolder, abandoned cars will litter streets and a few zombies will be caged up.

Within the “Safe Zone,” visitors will be surrounded by actors portraying military personnel, the undead and a group calling itself the Zombie Defense Initiative.

R  O R Some businesses in this area will be open and survivors can find food, shelter, medical treatment and many food and drink stations.

Surprises abound at this event, so it’s possible that visitors may spy protesters fighting for zombie rights and the occasional zombie march. It’s all in good fun.

Against this backdrop, the living can enjoy four stages of entertainment (not all of it musical), multiple vendors, live graffiti artists and special guests like Svengoolie, host of the self-titled TV program that airs classic B-level horror films.

“This year, we’re ‘raising the dead,’” says Keselica. “We’re bringing tribute bands and impersonators including Michael Jackson, Prince, Nirvana, The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Stone Temple Pilots.”

The festival’s three entertainment stages offer a variety of live DJs and tribute bands celebrating dead celebrities.

Music kicks off around 6 p.m. A separate entertainment area, at the Spring Street Parking Deck, hosts performers of the Cirq d’ Freak Show.

Costumes are encouraged at this event, and the wilder they are, the more you can win. Judges at the YWCA, 220 E. Chicago St., will select winners among the best entries for horror/zombie costume, fantasy/sci-fi/superhero, best couples/group and overall costume. In particular, judges will look at the quality of costume craftsmanship, creativity of the character/theme and overall

appearance. Finalists will compete on stage starting at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased online at nightmareonchicagostreet.com, or at the entrance gates.

Regular admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. VIP Parking is $20. Free parking will be available in several lots downtown.

Because this event is for adults, children under the age of 17 will not be admitted without a parent or guardian, and strollers are not allowed. No weapons, either fake or real, are allowed inside the festival.

Don’t be caught unawares when the zombie apocalypse hits our region.

“Last year, we had more than 14,000 attendees,” Keselica says. “Nightmare is not only extremely popular with the fans, but also with our businesses. It’s one of the biggest events of the year, one which showcases Elgin’s businesses for those who seldom, or have never, come to the downtown area.” ❚

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The Biggest Halloween Event in the Midwest er 22, 6-11 Pm Saturday, Octob Elgin Downtown

The city of Elgin invites you to the “Safe Zone,” the only place where the Zombie Defense Initiative (ZDI) team can protect you from the zombie outbreak.

4 Stages of Entertainment | Bands | Graffiti Artists | Costume Contests | Freak Show Hookah Lounge | Vendors | Food | Drinks | TV Horror Host Svengoolie

Visit NightmareOnChicagoStreet.com for tickets, information, photos and much more.

Find us on

www.Facebook.com/NightmareOnChicagoStreet

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Y H

Caring for Our Spines As We Age B y To n i R o c h a

P

atients almost always seek chiropractic or orthopedic treatment after they’ve been injured or developed muscular or skeletal pain.

But Dr. Jacob Caraotta, a chiropractic and orthopedic specialist at Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics, advises that much suffering can be avoided if we recognize the effects of aging and practice consistent wellness care.

“Junior and high school athletes often get away with little to no warm-up prior to participating in athletic events,” says Caraotta. “When we advance into our 20s and 30s, we remember this and fail to recognize that what we once got away with may not apply to the present conditioning state. We set ourselves up for athletic injuries.”

Lifting injuries are among the most common causes of slipped disc pain that can result in surgery, he adds.

“Once we were used to baling hay, or lifting air conditioners and heavy items with ease, but as we age we may need to consider lightening the load, getting help or altering our approach,” Caraotta says.

“The old adage, ‘an ounce of prevention,’ applies. This is one reason we recommend that individuals practice good ergonomics, exercise, and come into our office for occasional treatments to maintain maximum joint mobility and health. We have four great doctors in our office who advocate this.”

In some stages of life, individuals are more susceptible to slips and falls, Caraotta says. “There’s nothing wrong with using a cane, a walker and grip bars in bathtubs. In our society, we’re used to having our cholesterol checked and blood pressure monitored, and we schedule dental and eye exams, but we’re not as likely to obtain spinal and joint check-ups. We tax our skeletal systems continuously

with improper bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and sleeping in awkward positions. We often over-exercise and use poor posture when gardening, shoveling snow, doing yard work, playing sports and the list goes on.”

Caraotta concludes, “We put so many demands on our skeletal system, having routine spinal and joint check-ups to early detect and correct problems is wise for young adults, athletes, and people of all ages.” ❚

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

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A downtown Rockford holiday tradition

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 | 3 – 9 PM strollonstate.com | #strollonstate Brought to you by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

STROLL ON STATE SPONSORS Partner Organizations

Presenting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors EST. 1988

Media Sponsors

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Oct 19

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

Japanese-Inspired Woodblock Printing Oct. 20, 7 p.m. James Bier, who oversees the Japan House & Dry Garden at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, demonstrates the tools, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com materials and techniques to make a print. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-3307, andersongardens.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Twilight Live Music Series: Password & Slatertrain Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy music from Password & Slatetrain rain or shine. Food and drink service available. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.com.

AE: Mystery Theater Oct 21-22, 7:30-9 p.m. Mysteries are recreated as a radio broadcast. The actors switch hats at the microphone as they become new characters, while live sound effects intensify the action. Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Octonauts Live!

Oct. 21, 6 p.m. The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure features brand new and fan favorite songs. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Discover the Spirits Oct. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. A popular spirit-tasting fundraiser orchestrated by Artale returns with tasty tidbit samplings from area eateries.

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

On Tap in the Garden Oct. 22, noon-4 p.m. Join this craft beer tasting event featuring local and regional breweries. Local vendors have food available for purchase. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Charlotte's Web: Honest Monday Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Spawned out of decades of numerous musical endeavors, Honest Monday is a unique collaboration of singer-songwriters.

Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

All Hallows’ Eve: The Jungle Book Oct. 22, 2-8 p.m. Bring your family to trick or treat in the safety of Midway Village Museum’s

Theresa Caputo brings her unordinary gift to the Coronado on Oct. 23.

charming Victorian village. Participate in additional children’s activities such as crafts, games and dancing. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

A Night of Symphonic Rock Oct. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Rockford Symphony Orchestra brings a night of classic rock featuring a "hit parade" of songs. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

All Hallows' Eve Trick or Trot 5K Oct. 23, 8:30 a.m. 5K run, 8:40 a.m. family walk.

Wear a Halloween costume. Proceeds support the award-winning education programs at Rockford's history museum. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Caputo stars in a highly-rated show, "Long Island Medium," which follows her life as a typical Long Island wife and mom with one big difference…she says she can communicate with the dead. Since she cannot “turn off ” this gift, messages from departed loved ones can come through at any time, which can lead to spontaneous readings. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

The Moody Blues Oct. 26, 8 p.m. With a legacy that spans the late 60s to the present, The Moody Blues have generated hit songs regarded as some of the most innovative music of our time. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles

By Paul Anthony Arco

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.

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

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican.

107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $.

Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, 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; Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $.

Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262.

LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

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

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

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

GreenFire � Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

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Oct 19 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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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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Y M

What Makes Credit Unions so Special?

O

n Oct. 20, 2016, credit unions around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day (ICU Day).

“Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that offer the same services as other financial institutions, but with a people-first philosophy,” says Lorna Cote, marketing director at Cornerstone Credit Union and chairman of the Rockford Area Chapter of Credit Unions.

“The Authentic Difference,” this year’s ICU Day theme, zeroes in on what makes credit unions different from banks, “fintechs” (financial technology startups) and other financial institutions – their founding principles.

Cote explains that credit unions have operated according to the same core principles since the 1850s, when a group of weary German workers, tired of being exploited by loan sharks, formed the world’s first credit union, by banding together to provide affordable credit to each other.

The following are those core principles:

• Democratic Control. One member equals one vote. Whether you have $5 or $5 million, your voice is equal.

• Open and Voluntary Membership.

Members are connected by a bond of association, fostering a sense of community.

• Non-Descrimination. Credit unions are open to all, without regard for race, orientation, nationality, sex, religion, gender or politics.

• Service to Members. Credit unions are ranked No. 1 in service in numerous surveys, because they exist to serve members, not profit.

• Distribution to Members. Credit unions return all profits to their members through dividends, lower fees, better savings rates and improved services.

• Financial Stability. Credit unions are historically stable organizations. They’re owned by the people they serve, so they don’t take unnecessary risks.

• Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

Credit unions and cooperatives share the same principles. Together, they amplify each other’s good works.

8. Social Responsibility. Credit unions strive for social justice by committing to strengthening their communities and helping people of modest means.

9. Ongoing Education. Credit unions prioritize financial education for their members, employees, and communities as part of their pursuit of social justice.

“This is why we celebrate ICU Day,” says Cote. “Because putting people before profit, prioritizing social responsibility and offering financial education, improves lives.” ❚

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