Smart Living Weekly - August 27, 2014

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Right in Our Region

RSO’s 2014-2015 ‘Memorial’ Season

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

T

he upcoming season for Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is defined by anniversaries.

First, it’s the 80th continuous season for this community-based, award-winning orchestra, and the 24th under the leadership of Music Director and Maestro Steven Larsen.

Next, the concerts and music are centered on significant dates related to major war, which fall within a year of each other. Larsen takes great consideration and time in choosing a theme and

compiling the play list for each of the nine concerts held during the season.

“Music has the unique ability to make us feel and think, and I try to mix the familiar with new pieces that stretch both the musicians and the audience,” he says. “This year, in ‘War and Remembrances,’ we look to the anniversaries of wars. The music we’ll play examines these milestones and reactions of composers to these worldchanging events.”

Continued on p. 20

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Avoid Roofing Scams • A Grocery List for Cancer Prevention • Simple Skincare Tips ‘Meat’ the Team at IGA Foods • Beloit’s Festival on the Rock • Outdoor Grills

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 RSO’s Memorable 2014-2015 Season Your Home ........................................................11 Features of Ceramic & Pellet Grills Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Let’s Be Patient Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Experience ‘The Difference’ at Gray’s IGA Your Outings ....................................................17 Beloit’s Festival on the Rock Your Health ...................................................... 25 A Grocery List for Cancer Prevention Your Fun .......................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Simple Skincare Secrets Your Money ...................................................... 33 Beware Fly-by-Night Roofers

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 Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Steve Blachford, 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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‘War, War War’

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couldn’t resist the above headline, as I heard Scarlett O’Hara’s voice in my head from the opening of the film Gone With The Wind. “War, war, war; this war talk’s spoiling all the fun at every party this spring ...

Besides, there isn’t going to be any war.”

Scarlett was wrong; the Civil War came and forever changed her world. Fifty years later, some folks called the Great War “the war to end all wars,” but they were wrong, too. That war only laid the groundwork for a Nazi Germany and World War II. Important anniversaries for each of these terrible wars are upon us. The Civil War raged 150 years ago; World War I began 100 years ago this summer; and, by next August, 70 years will have passed since VJ Day – Victory over Japan – closing the door on World War II. Music played a hugely important role in each of these world-changing, life-extinguishing wars, a fact not lost on Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) Music Director Steven Larsen, who has shaped an entire season around “Remembrances of War.” How fortunate Rockford is to have a person of Larsen’s caliber and insight leading our remarkable orchestra – which, by the way, is celebrating it’s own 80th anniversary. Karla Nagy tells you more about Larsen’s thought process for the upcoming RSO season in her excellent cover article.

I’m glad to see that the Sept. 20 opening of RSO’s nine-concert season will recognize the International Day of Peace, with great musical pieces such as Procession for Peace,

by Andrzej Panufnik, an anti-Nazi composer in Poland during WW II. You can celebrate Peace at Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza on Sept.

19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more at keeling-puri-peaceplaza.com.

If you’re one of those folks who has never attended an RSO concert but thinks orchestra music is just too “high brow,” get yourself to one concert. You’ll likely be surprised at just how exciting RSO’s performances really are and kick yourself for not going sooner.

Enjoy your week and don’t forget to put “buy concert tickets” on your “to do” list!

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

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About Ceramic & Pellet Grills

By Rachel Shore

U

sed to be, an outdoor grill was metal, had one shape and one heating method. Nowadays, the options are numerous, and can seem somewhat complicated.

Grills can be oval, square, drum-shaped and more, constructed with everything from cast aluminum and steel to ceramic. Among the many ways to fuel a grill, charcoal and pellets can impart various flavors as well as cook the food.

The Big Green Egg grill looks exactly like its name implies – a big, green egg. As a ceramic cooker that runs on natural charcoal, it also serves as a pizza oven, baking oven and smoker.

“It’s an all-around grill,” says Heather Kraus, sales manager at Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., Rockford. “It uses one of the highest-quality ceramics, so it’s able to heat up really fast and hold consistent heat.”

Since the ceramic captures the desired temperature, the food cooks evenly. The charcoal can be used over and over, which means less stress and fewer charcoal purchases. The original Big Green Egg company has been in business for more than 35 years. The Traeger Wood Pellet grill is also available at Advanced Chimney Systems. Unlike the Big Traeger Texas Grill & Smoker Green Egg, the Traeger is an auger-driven

system, and is known as the original pellet grill.

“You can still do conventional grilling, baking and smoking on it,” says Kraus. “It’s an electric plug-in, so it’s really easy to use. You just plug it in, set the temperature and go.”

More than 10 pellet flavors are available to contribute to the food’s taste; common flavors include apple, cherry, hickory and mesquite.

Big Green Egg Can’t decide between the Big Green Egg or the Traeger? Opt for the best of both worlds, with the Black Olive grill. “It’s a combination of the two – a pellet-driven ceramic cooker,” says Kraus.

With such a wide selection of grills available, you can easily find the one that will best fit your cooking needs. Be sure to ask plenty of questions when you go shopping. The experts at locally owned retail establishments are eager to help you learn the fine points of your options. ❚

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Let’s Be Patient H

ave you ever lost your temper while talking to someone, only to regret it later? Most of us have. It’s very human to indulge our emotions, when restraint would be a wiser, more mature response.

All of us want to prove we’re “right” in the points we make. But if our demeanor is unloving, then being “right” doesn’t much matter. The old saying, “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care” is true.

Anyone can hurtfully spew emotions; it takes a real “grown-up” to exercise selfcontrol. The more we mature in Christ, the greater our inner strength becomes. In fact, the ability to be patient, even when others provoke us, is one of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22. In the King James version, the Greek word “makrothumia” is translated “long suffering.” The word’s roots are the adjective makro (long) and verb thumeo (to act with passion, anger.)

It’s a word that means the opposite of “short-tempered” and is often used elsewhere in scripture to describe the kind of patience God Himself has exercised toward us.

Paul uses the same word to describe agape, the highest form of love, in I Cor. 13:4 & 5. “Love is patient (makrothumeo), love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

For Christians who care about the spiritual welfare of other people – including annoying or weak people – this Godly kind of patience is essential. Why? Because we’re to mimic God, who treats each of us with far more patience than any one of us deserves. Out of sheer gratitude, we should treat others likewise.

Paul asks fellow believers to do exactly that, in I Thessalonians 5:14. “ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient (makrothumeo) with everyone.”

When we condemn others, we ignore the patience God has shown to us.

Instead, God’s patience for us should inspire our patience toward others. It’s not easy, but He gives us the strength to do it anyway. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Experience ‘The Difference’ of Gray’s Foods 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 re you tired of warehouse-style grocery shopping at the super stores?

Prepackaged meats, all measured to the same weight; already cooked, already seasoned, flash-frozen chicken; ground meat that’s been piped into solid-color tubes.

Fear not. The old-fashioned personal service of the in-store butcher is alive and well. It’s all part of “The Difference” shoppers experience at Gray’s Foods, 1630 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“Our biggest difference is our people,” says owner Jeff Gray. “They’re smart about their areas and about everything in the store. They treat customers like family.”

Gray runs the family business his father started 46 years ago, following the same principles of quality, convenience and knowledgeable, friendly service.

“We have so many things that we do better than our competitors, but our meat is one of the stand-outs,” he says. “If we do it, we do it well, and our fresh meat is

never prepackaged, pre-ground or frozen. We cut, trim, grind and package in-store. Our meat department staff has more than 150 years of combined experience.”

Leading the team is Ricky Rhoads, certified butcher. “Our ground meat is made from all fresh trimmings,” he says. “We can answer questions about all cuts of meat, and we can special-cut and package anything Ricky Rhoads is Gray’s Foods’ certified butcher. a customer may need.”

“I want our customers to experience Gray’s upholds strict quality standards when purchasing meat from regional sup- quality, and that needs to carry through to pliers. “Quality is always the No. 1 prior- the kitchen table,” he says. “The final experience happens at home. That’s where the ity,” says Gray.

Gray is a hands-on owner who checks difference really comes through.” ❚ in with customers while they shop and Get SLW Kitchen articles every keeps a list on his smart phone about prodweek.

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Beloit’s Festival on the Rock 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

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estival on the Rock, Sept. 5-7, is part of an entire weekend devoted to everything that’s great about Beloit – and to making it even better.

Preservation Park, 3444 Riverside Dr., will be the site for carnival rides, bags and softball tournaments, live music, adult trike races, food vendors, a beer tent and more. All proceeds are put toward the upkeep and improvement of the park.

“The festival was created 15 years ago, after the township purchased 40 acres of property on the river at a very reasonable price,” says Bryce Patch, township resident and owner of Patch Products in Beloit, a major sponsor of the fest. “We needed to raise money to develop and improve the area for recreational use.”

Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Friday, with food, carnival rides and more. The fun continues until midnight, with live music and a bags tournament.

On Saturday, at 8 a.m., there’s a Crime Stoppers 5K Fun Run/Walk, new this

year. At 9 a.m., the carnival, vendors and beer tent open. Preliminaries for Rock Idol are at 11 a.m., with finals Sunday at 5 p.m.

Also, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. is the Patch Toys and Game sale. “We’ve been holding the sale for more than 10 years, as a fundraiser for the community, and to allow folks to buy our products at wholesale prices,” says Lisa Wuenneman, director of marketing at Patch. “All of the money from the sale goes into the park fund. Five years ago, we teamed up with Festival on the Rock.”

Other Saturday events include a softball tournament, the bags tourney, boat rides, kart racing, live music and fireworks at dusk. The fest closes at midnight, and reopens Sunday at 9 a.m., with all of the usual attractions, as well as a Corrugated Boat Regatta at 11 a.m. and adult trike races at 5 p.m. The fest closes at 6 p.m.

So far, improvements to Preservation Park from Festival on the Rock include a

play structure, gazebo, walking path and upgraded ball diamond.

“We have huge local support, ” says Wuenneman, who volunteers for fest PR and marketing. “More than 50 businesses donated this year.”

Also throughout the weekend, as part of Beloit Heritage Days, are special events, demonstrations and tours at Beckman Mill Park and other Beloit locations.

For more information about Festival on the Rock, visit festivalontherock.com.

Learn more about Beloit events and attractions, go to visitbeloit.com. ❚

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RSO’s ‘Memorial’ Season Continued from Cover

These milestones include July 28, 2014, which marked 100 years since the start of World War I. Then, April 9, 2015, is the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War, when Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. And on Aug. 15, 2015, 70 years will have passed since VJ Day – Victory over Japan – and the end of World War II. RSO’s opening concert on Sept. 20 celebrates the United Nation’s International Day of Peace, officially observed on Sept. 21.

Larsen was asked to take part by friend Jim Keeling, one of the founders of the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza, a 2.5-acre park along Rockford’s Perryville Path. A ceremony in honor of Peace Day will be held there on Sept. 19.

“What better way to open the season?”

Larsen asks. Among the pieces is Procession for Peace, by Andrzej Panufnik, a composer in Poland during the WWII Nazi occupation, who wrote for and took part in underground concerts, in defiance of the Nazi ban on music. Another is Make Gentle the Life of this World, by Louisville, Ky., composer Raymond Horton, who put to music the speech Sen. Robert Kennedy made on the day Martin Luther Pianist Jeffrey Biegel King was assassinated. Prokofiev’s Violin

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Concerto No. 1 in D major and Carl Nielsen’s Symphony No. 4 “The Inextinguishable,” finish the concert.

Following the Oct. 25 Halloween Pops concert, “Music that Goes Bump in the Night” is a premiere of Dreams of the Fallen, on Nov. 8, by Rockford native Jake Runestad. “He used poems by Brian Turner, a veteran of the Iraq war, who wrote about his experiences as a soldier,” Larsen explains. “Its subtitle is A Musical Response to War, co-commissioned by a team of 10 orchestras. It debuted in New Orleans, and we’re the fourth orchestra to perform it. We’ll be joined by pianist Jeffrey Biegel and the Mendelssohn Chorale.” Also hear Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 5 in F major.

For the holidays, Dec. 6-7 is The Nutcracker, with the Rockford Dance Co., and Dec. 20-21 brings the annual Holiday Pops concert, with the Mendelssohn Chorale.

The Jan. 10, 2015, concert is “The Genius of John Williams.”

“He’s one of our great American composers, and his music for Saving Private Ryan, Lincoln and Schindler’s List certainly fits our theme,” Larsen says.

“We’ll also play a suite of selections from Star Wars, some of the less familiar but very beautiful and moving pieces.”

“What a Wonderful World” on March 7 is a tribute to jazz great Louie Armstrong (pictured right), with guest Byron Stipling on trumpet.

“Half a century after the end of Big Band music’s era, it’s still wildly popular,” Larsen explains. “Armstrong’s music did so much to forward the Civil Rights Movement. Whites flocked to hear black jazz. Music was integrated before any other place in the country, and Armstrong is a seminal figure in crossing the racial Rubicon. It’s great Soprano Amy Conn music first, and it fit the theme.”

On Feb. 14, “Memories from Times of War” includes a Suite from The Good Soldier Schweik, a satirical piece by Robert Kurka, and Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, in which each movement is dedicated to a friend who died in WWI. Soprano Amy Conn is featured in the other three works. Barber’s Knoxville, Summer of 1915, is a prose poem by William Agee set to music. In Flanders Fields the Poppies Grow was written by John Philip Sousa, based on a poem composed by WWI frontline physician Lt. Col. John McCrae, about a field where his unit buried its casualties. “John Philip Sousa, the March King, wrote a very simple and moving piece,” Larsen says. Rheinhold Glière’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano and Orchestra, a showcase for soprano, was written shortly after WWII. On March 28, “An American Salute” includes Morton Gould’s American Salute, variations on the Civil War song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” Steve Heitzeg & Amy Scurria’s We Are Met at Gettysburg, and Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, based on his Fanfare for the Common Man.

Larsen is especially looking forward to the last concert on April 25, featuring The Planets by Gustav Holst.

Completed in 1916, it wasn’t performed in public, in its entirety, until 1920. “Because of WWI, there weren’t enough musicians to fill an orchestra,” Larsen explains.

“Our performance includes photo choreography created by an astronomer at Adler Pianist Ji Planetarium.”

The concert includes William Walton’s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, written for the 1942 film The First and the Few, featuring the Spitfire, Britain’s most important fighter plane of WWII. Also, guest pianist Ji will perform Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand.

“The piece was commissioned by an Austrian pianist named Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm in WWI but wasn’t willing to give up his career,” says Larsen.

Larsen says it wasn’t difficult to find pieces to fit his theme.

“The music is meant to commemorate, not glorify, war, and I believe we’ve come up with a very uplifting season.”

All performances are held in Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Individual tickets are available for each concert, as well as a variety of subscription packages.

For more information about RSO, visit rockfordsymphony.com. ❚

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(Christian Steiner photo)

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A Grocery List for Cancer Prevention Nutrition Facts S Recipe: Sunshine Salad

ome risks for cancer are out of your control, but choosing a healthy diet is one way you can take action.

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans have been shown to help prevent some types of cancer. Whole grains can help to reduce risk of colon cancer. Check for the words “100 percent whole grain” on ingredient labels.

Strawberries and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, which have cancerfighting properties. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful plant compound that may protect against prostate cancer. Butternut squash, sweet potatoes and other redorange produce are rich in beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant to help protect cells from damage.

Kale, spinach, romaine lettuce and other green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, lutein and flavonoids, which may protect against oral cancers.

Even beverage choice of can have an impact. That morning cup of joe contains a variety of plant compounds that may help

ServingSize1/5ofrecipe(6.8oz) Servings per Recipe 5

Ingredients

5 cups spinach leaves, packed, washed, dried well 2 oranges, peeled, chopped into bite-size pieces ½ red onion, sliced thin ½ red pepper, sliced 1 whole cucumber, sliced 1∕3 cup of light vinaigrette dressing

Amount per Serving

Calories 70 FromFat5 Total Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 180mg Total Carbohydrate 16g Dietary Fiber 16g Sugars 9g Protein 2g

Directions Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss again. Serve.

From the Kitchen of: U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/ healthieryou/html/recipes.html.

to prevent some cancers. Laboratory studies have suggested that green tea may help to slow the development of colon, liver, breast and prostate cancers.

Limiting certain foods is also important. Red meat has been linked to colorectal and other cancers. Grilling meat over high heat can promote the formtion of cancercausing agents. Instead, opt for grilled vegetables, which don’t create carcinogens when exposed to high heat.

Vitamin A 70%  Vitamin C 100% Calcium 6%  Iron 6%

A dietitian at Beloit Health System can offer advice on healthy eating and other ways to reduce your health risks. Call (608) 364-5574 for more information or to schedule an appointment. ❚ Source: Beloit Health System

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Music & More: Dave Potter Trio Aug. 29, 7-9 p.m. Music followed by the Star Zenith Lighted Boat Parade at 9 p.m. Harry’s Place, Riverside Park, Beloit, friendsofriverfront.com.

(Visit Beloit photo)

Glenn Davis & Matt Goodwin Aug. 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Friday in the Park. Free. Get a $6 lunch from a different local restaurant each week. National Bank Plaza, State & Grand, Beloit, Wis., downtownbeloit.com.

Sept. 7, Beckman Mill, Beloit: See military equipment & demos; antique cars; tractors; craft items. Carriage rides; tours; live music; food. One of many events taking place throughout the weekend in Beloit, as part of Beloit Heritage Days, Sept. 5-7.

Friday Night Flix Aug. 29, 7 p.m. (dusk). Free showing of Monsters University. Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 489-8207.

Run, Walk, Wheel for RAMP Aug. 30, 7:30 a.m. Half-marathon, 5K run, 3K Walk/Wheelathon. All proceeds benefit RAMP, a local non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to live independently. Event: Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St., Rockford. Registration: runwalkwheel.com.

Illinois Budgerigar Society Fair Aug. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hand-fed birds for sale, including parrots, macaws, conures, parakeets, quakers, finches, cockatiels, lovebirds, canaries. $3/12-under free. Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 W. Lane Road, Machesney Park, (815) 218-0253.

Hot Fest for Hospice 2014 Aug. 31, noon-11 p.m. Iron Chef-style competition: two-person teams make two gallons of salsa from scratch. Live music. $10. Verdi Club, 782 N. Madison St., Rockford. Info: Concepts for Charity, (779) 324-2642, rockfordhotfest.com.

Rockford Labor Day Parade Sept. 1, 10 a.m. The 62nd Annual Labor Day Parade begins on 7th Street, turns west onto State Street, ends at Davis Park on Wyman Street. Downtown Rockford, 7th Street, (815) 968-1411.

Music & More: The Jimmys Sept. 5, 7 p.m. Free. Harry C. Moore Pavilion, Riverside Park, 1240 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Wis., friendsofriverfront.org.

Artale Wine Tasting Sept. 5-6, Fri. 5:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 p.m. More than 20 wines; hor’sdeurves. Benefit Womanspace. $15. Artale Wine Company, 6876 Spring Creek Road. Info: womanspace-rockford.org.

Festival on the Rock Sept. 5-7, Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 9 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Carnival rides, craft tents, bags tournament, food vendors, beer tent, live music and more. Fireworks Sat. 8:30 p.m. Packer Tailgate Party Sun. at noon. Free admission and parking. Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Dr., Beloit, (608) 362-4612.

Heritage Days Sept. 5-7, times vary. Tours of historic neighborhoods, Indian Effigy mounds at Beloit College, Beloit’s oldest cemetery; events at Beckman Mill & Angel Museum. Live music, craft demonstrations. Locations throughout Beloit, Wis., (608) 365-4838.

Patch Toy & Game Sale Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 200 toys, games, puzzles and educational aids at wholesale prices. All profits go back into Preservation Park improvements. Part of Festival on the Rock.

Preservation Park, Beloit, patchproducts.com.

Garden Art Auction Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.

SCWBA Parade of Homes Sept. 6-14, Fri. 2-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit new and remodeled homes in Rock County area. $6/$7 at event. Various locations, Janesville, Wis., (608) 752-8075, scwbaonline.com.

Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 13-14, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m. More than 120 juried artists in a variety of media display and sell their work. Children’s activities, live music, food & drink. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. ❚

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Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants Legend: D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast, $ under $12.50, $$ $12.50-$25, $$$ $25+ 9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ abreo  Upscale-Casual. Tapas menu. 515 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 968-9463. D M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

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 Road, South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun11am-10pm. $.

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 Italian Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily. D Sun-Th 4-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

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, Rockford, (815) 639-1200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm $.

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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. $.

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 Sun.-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. $$.

Mulligans  Casual/American. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight. $ Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, desserts. Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. Sun-Th11am10:30pm, 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. $$. ❚

Visit online to see our Expanded Dining Guide at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining.

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Skincare Tips P

(Getty Images photo)

roperly caring for your skin means more than simply washing your face twice a day. Moisture, exfoliation and diet also play key roles in your skin’s overall wellbeing.

Following these simple tips will help you to achieve an all-over healthy glow.

Healthy Living • Drink plenty of water, get adequate sleep, take a daily multivitamin and eat a wellbalanced diet.

• Always use sunscreen when outdoors, even when it’s overcast, and reapply regularly if in the water or active and sweaty.

In the Shower • Avoid hot and cold water, which dry out skin. Lukewarm water is best for preserving natural oils. Use a slightly cooler rinse on your face to help close pores.

• Use a moisture-rich body wash such as Softsoap Coconut Island Quench, enriched with coconut oil, to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

• Use a loofah sponge in the shower to gently exfoliate dead skin.

Spa-like Indulgence • Remove makeup, bacteria and dirt naturally, with coconut oil or olive oil, followed by a cleanser and moisturizer.

• Exfoliate and renew your skin’s surface with a body scrub that also helps to retain natural moisture, such as Softsoap Body Butter Coconut Scrub with jojoba butter and crushed coconut extracts.

• Use a hand-held massager on your arms and legs to give your skin – and your spirits – a welcome boost.

For more skin care tips, visit SoftSoap.com. ❚ Source: Family Features

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

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Beware Fly-by-Night Roofing Companies

By Jim Killam

F

amily-run Lask Roofing & Siding, 1101 22nd St., Rockford, cautions consumers to beware of disreputable and flyby-night companies that may appear following a major windstorm or hailstorm.

So-called “storm chasers” prey on homeowners by knocking on their doors and offering to repair the “damage” done to their roofs by these storms.

“We’ll get calls from customers to do an estimate, because they’ve been told by storm chasers that they need repairs,” says Lora Lask Matthews, company president. “In most of these cases, we’ve gone up and inspected the roof and have not found any hail damage.”

Many times, these companies will begin a repair and then desert the job before it’s done. “A year or two later, we get calls such as ‘We had this company out, and now we can’t find them and they won’t come back to finish the job,’” says Lask Matthews. “We really feel bad for people victimized by these storm chasers.”

Lask, and most other reputable local roofers, won’t knock on doors following storms. “We wait for calls,” Lask Matthews says. “We’ve never really coldcalled at all. We don’t try to push anything onto the consumer.”

She advises customers to verify that a firm has a state roofing license, before accepting bids from any roofing contractor.

Also, ask to see a certificate of insurance, with your name as the holder, before signing a contract. “If they can’t do that, they may not be insured, and that makes you liable in case of an accident,” she says.

Sometimes, these disreputable people ask for access to the roof, supposedly to make a closer inspection. Homeowners should decline, because once storm chasers are up there, they might cause damage themselves, or tear off undamaged shingles to present them as “proof” of damage.

Instead, call Lask or any other reputable local service provider. “We’ll give

free estimates, meet with your adjuster – whatever’s needed,” says Lask Matthews.

“And don’t use cost as the only consideration. Saving a few dollars now may end up costing a lot more in the long run, if the contractor is less than reputable.” ❚ Get SLW Money articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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