Smart Living Weekly - October 22, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Halloween Fun at Burpee ‘Night Sounds’

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

O

ct. 24 is “Night Sounds,” the annual Halloween event at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford. Held from 6-9 p.m., the fun trick-or-treating event features activities and attractions on all four floors, and showcases pieces from the museum’s extensive collection that aren’t usually on display.

“Night Sounds is a great family event,” says MacKenna Atteberry, marketing coordinator at Burpee. “People come back every year, and we even have families that come in matching themed costumes. It’s creepy rather than scary, but there’s something for every age, toddlers to tweens. The parents always have a great time, too.”

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Find Local-Sourced Foods Year-Round • Relief for Lower Back Pain • 20th Annual Hopper’s Haunted House 5 Tips for Adopting a Dog • Waterproof Before Winter • Options for Cold-Weather Exercise

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Halloween Fun at Burpee Your Home ........................................................11 Prepare Your Lawn for Winter Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Good Stewards?

Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Local-Sourced Food Year-Round Your Outings ....................................................17 20 Years of Fright at Hopper’s Haunted House Your Health ...................................................... 25 Cold Weather Exercise Options Your Health ....................................................... 26 Relieve Pain with Radio Frequency Ablations Your Fun .......................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Adopting a Shelter Dog Your Money ...................................................... 33 Women Can Be Better Investors

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 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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Oct. 22

In It Together O

ur staff has been working hard to produce another giant issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine (NWQ), which is nearing its 10th anniversary. Our first issue was a skinny little thing of about 114 pages. Years later, when it reached 270 pages, we said “Whoa! This is thing is getting too heavy to carry, much less mail.”

What a wonderful problem!

That kind of growth in today’s print industry is rare and remarkable, especially in a very challenging national economy and in a region that’s been struggling to find its footing, economically, for decades.

The fact that so many readers and advertisers support us says a lot about the will of the people who live here. From the very first issue, NWQ has showcased the BEST things about our region. We’ve never said serious problems don’t exist here; we’ve said our problems do not define us.

We’ve said, “This is our home, and we love it for all of these legitimate reasons.”

And you’ve replied, “Yes! Me too!”

We’re one of just a few locally owned media companies in this region. We, and our children, live and work here. We want the very best for this place we call home.

I believe all of us instinctively know it’s up to us, as a community, to save ourselves. No knight in shining armor is coming. One very practical way each of us can help is by doing business with each other – with locally owned stores, restaurants and services – whenever possible. Keeping more dollars in the local economy truly makes our community healthier. It’s why we’ve championed the Buy Local movement for 10 years, now, and won’t stop.

Enjoy this issue of SLW and the forthcoming NWQ. To locate businesses that carry NWQ, go to northwestquarterly.com and click on “preferred providers.”

A very big thanks to YOU for supporting the advertisers who support us. Have a great week!

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

Oct. 22

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EDGEBROOK PROFESSIONAL BUILDING I 1639 NORTH ALPINE RD Smart Living Weekly S U I Oct. T E 22 400 I ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 61107

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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

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ou noticed it in spring – the wet spot in the corner of the basement. Could be a 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, Rockford. “About 95 percent of what we do is interior work,” he notes. “We can do repair work all winter long. Our products are the best in the industry. Most aren’t affected by temperature in the same way as consumer products, and they bond amazingly well.”

So well, in fact, that Goebel offers a lifetime guarantee on his waterproofing. “That’s the life of the house,” he points out. “It transfers to any new owners.”

The origin of water in the basement may seem hard to pinpoint for homeowners. “People need to be aware of four potential areas for problems,” Goebel says. “One is landscape grading. If the basement windows are below grade, the water comes over the wall.”

Another source of leaks is a crack in the foundation wall. “This can occur because of settling,” Goebel says. “Leaks can also form at intersections, where something’s been brought through the wall.

It might be a waterline, a conduit – a service line of some kind.”

Hydrostatic pressure can also cause leaks. “That’s 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. For instance, when there’s an early spring thaw, the ground is still frozen and the water has nowhere to go – except your basement.”

Still, it may be tempting to ignore that little puddle until the next spring thaw. Water expands and contracts as it freezes and melts, however, and that little puddle could turn into a big mess in the next few months.

“Problems may arise in win- Three of the four most common ter, and they can be fixed in win- problems: window below grade; ter,” Goebel says. “If you have foundation wall crack; hydrostatic an area you’re worried about, pressure forcing water up from the floor (bottom left). though, just give us a call and we can schedule on on-site inspection and estimate.” For more information on waterproofing, call Goebel at (815) 885-1491, or visit online at goebelwaterproofingsystem.com. ❚

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

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I  W

Good Stewards?

Over everything connected with autumn, there lingers some golden spell – some unseen influence that penetrates the soul with its mysterious power.

– Northern Advocate

T

his is one of those ultra beautiful weeks of the year that begs us to open our eyes and really look at what’s happening around us. When we do, we see that our planet moves from one season to another entirely without help from the human race. And every living thing moves with it, both plant and animal, from trees exploding in color to furry mammals preparing for winter.

Genesis tells us that God gave man dominion over the earth. Some people interpret this as permission to plunder it, forgetting that God also gave man responsibility to care for it. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” – Gen. 2:15 How well are we doing?

A recent report by the World Wildlife Fund warns that half of the animals in the world have disappeared since 1970 due to human activity. On average, reptiles, amphibians and fish have declined by 52 percent during the past 40 years.

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.” – Psalm 24:1-2 The beauty of the earth glorifies the One who created it. Do we have the right to undo God’s handiwork, banishing whole species of living creatures He has placed here?

Good people give opposing answers to this question, but perhaps all believers would agree that God knows more about making and sustaining life than man ever will. A peek outside the window, this week, is a great reminder.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

(I Cor. 1:25 NIV) – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y Y K K

Find Local-Sourced Food Year-Round E

ven though not much grows in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin during the winter, you can still take advantage of the local bounty. A variety of local farmers specialize in raising farm-to-table animals, produce and food products, which are distributed to local restaurants and through food coops and fresh markets.

In Sterling, Twin City Market, started as a farmers’ market in 2005, a project of the Northwest Illinois Ag Coalition, runs an indoor market all year. Offerings include locally grown beef, pork, free-range chicken and eggs; homegrown produce, organic herbs (fresh in summer, dried in winter), honey, jams, jellies, sauces, baked goods (pies, breads, cookies, cakes) and black walnuts; and soaps, soy candles, knitwear, home decor, art and crafts. Its Scarecrow Café serves breakfast and lunch, cooked with fresh ingredients, many of them donated by local vendors.

In Beloit, Bushel & Peck’s Local Market (B&P) is part of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, a locallybased economic model with a network of growers, suppliers and consumers. Its market stocks regional beer, wine, cheese, chocolates, honey, maple syrup, granola, pasta and mustard, and local eggs and meat and organic foods.

B&P staff members preserve the harvest by making pickles, jam, relish, salsa, sauces, soups and more. They dry herbs and peppers and grow their own herbal teas, and stockpile freezers with local foods for winter use in their restaurant kitchen.

In addition to local sourcing, B&P produces fresh and organic food at its Monroe, Wis., farm, called Grass is Always Greener Gardens.

The B&P Restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, and breakfast on weekends, made fresh with local and organic ingredients from local farms.

For more information about these local markets and a list of suppliers, visit twincityfarmersmarket.com and bushelandpecks.com. ❚

Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Recipe: Potato Dumplings Ingredients 1½ lb. potatoes 1 egg 2 cups flour ½ tsp. salt

Directions Peel and boil potatoes in salted water. Drain and mash. Let cool.

In large bowl, mix potatoes, egg and salt. Gradually add flour to dough, incorporating until dough is soft and no longer sticky.

Transfer dough to floured surface and knead until soft and pliable. Add more flour if dough is sticking.

Using your hands, roll chunks of dough into 1-inch wide snakes. Cut the dough snakes at an angle into half-inch pieces.

Add dough pieces to boiling salted water, not overcrowding pot. Once dumplings rise, cook three more minutes.

Remove from water and fry in oil or bacon fat until lightly browned.

The nice thing about this recipe is that one can get local potatoes nearly all year round.

For more recipes using locally sourced ingredients, visit bushelandpecks.com and click on the Food & News link.

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Y O

Hopper’s: Frightening the Rockford Area for 20 Years 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

F

or 20 years, Bill Hopper has spent his Octobers curdling blood and striking terror in the hearts of the willing visitors of Hopper’s Haunted House, 11576 Illinois 2, Rockford.

Hopper gets help from his son, Billy Hopper III, and the mayhem is pulled off with all-volunteer help. “We have 33 areas, inside and out, with 32 costumed and made-up characters,” Hopper says. “We have all kinds of scenarios – haunted forests, a dungeon, graveyard scenes, a torture chamber, a kitchen with a walk-in freezer, a doctor’s office, a castle.”

Monsters and ghouls are well hidden, and Hopper’s is one of the few wheelchair accessible haunted houses in the area. It’s self-guided, and Hopper allows groups that come together to go through together.

“If you come alone or with another person, I don’t group you with other people,” he says. “The only exception is large groups. If there are more than five or six,

the first people are scared, but by the time those in the back get there, the effect is lost. We space groups about 2 or 3 minutes apart, depending on the crowd, so that one group doesn’t catch up with the one ahead.”

Visitors are ushered to a walkway outside the front door, with scary music and scenery to keep them occupied; when given the OK, they open the door and begin their tour. The maze-like hallways hold hidden frights, like spiders brushing your face and ghosts behind doors. Monsters and ghouls chase groups down hallways, and the outdoor scenes are mixed in randomly.

Emergency exits are available for those who become overwhelmed. “Some folks get too scared and just want to get out, and we make sure they can,” Hopper says.

Hopper’s is open Sunday-Thursday, 7-10 p.m., and until midnight Friday-Saturday through Nov. 2, and on the following

weekend, Nov. 7-8, from 7 p.m.-midnight for Hell’s Weekend.

“This will be a very different, much more intense experience,” Hopper explains.

“The entire house will be in the dark and each person will get only a glowstick. All of the monsters will be out of their cages, and people won’t be able to see anything coming.”

For more information on Hopper’s Haunted House, visit online at hoppershauntedhouse.com. ❚

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Night Sounds Continued from Cover

The event features dimmed lights, sounds from predators and other creatures that roam the night, interactive stations and special displays.

“It’s all natural history, so it’s creepy, but it’s not scary,” Atteberry says. “We

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create different habitats in different rooms. We have a wolves’ den, with a stuffed wolf from our collection, things you would find in a wolf’s den and appropriate sounds.”

A biology station may include skeletons of different animals; a river station might showcase some of the animals that live in and around the water; a forest habitat may include some of the museum’s many examples of indigenous birds.

“We’ll be getting out all of our slippery and slimy critters for visitors to see,” says Atteberry. “Folks will be able to view pieces from our collections that we normally don’t display.”

In addition to special habitats, stations and displays,

Oct. 22

the entire museum is open to the guests.

There’s Jane, of course, the world’s most complete and best preserved juvenile T. rex, and Homer, a “teenaged” Triceratops, both found during Burpee archeological expeditions to Montana.

Depicting what Rockford may have looked like millions of years ago is The Ordovician Sea, where vistors can discover the ancient sea that covered this region and see fossils of the creatures who called it home long before we did.

The Carboniferous Coal Forest exhibit is a two-story tall prehistoric coal forest that encompasses the senses. State of the art technology provides the thrill of thunder and lightning from a sudden tropical rainstorm, as visitors explore Rockford’s local landscape, insects and amphibians as they existed 300 million years ago.

Visitors can take another journey through time in “The First People” exhibit, where a full-size wigwam, dugout canoe and American bison help

R  O R to demonstrate how the many Native American tribes lived. Stop at the video kiosk first to prepare for the experience.

The second floor shows how the earth was formed and has extraordinary displays of unusual rocks, gems and minerals, along with information about plate tectonics, land formations and more.

Visitors are encouraged to come in costume. “We’re having a costume

parade at 7:30 p.m.,” Atteberry says.

“Of course, the kids can trick-or-treat throughout the museum. In addition to candy, they’ll get fossils they can take home.”

The event is open from 6-9 p.m., and folks can come when they wish and stay as long they desire. “Our last admission is at 8:30,” Atteberry warns. Admission is $7, or $4 for museum members.

That’s not the end of Burpee’s Halloween hijinks. On Oct. 30, the Barnes Mansion will be the site of a tour hosted by Kathi Kresol of Haunted Rockford. The group specializes in the area’s rich history, in particular, locations associated with paranormal activity.

“Kathi has brought groups here before,” says Atteberry. “The mansion isn’t typically open to the

public, and on this tour, they visit all four floors. It’s a great opportunity to see this beautiful building and learn the history of the families who lived here.”

Tickets for “Haunted Rockford” must be purchased at its website, hauntedrockford.com.

For more information about Night Sounds or the exhibits and programs at Burpee, call (815) 489-7970 or visit online at burpee.org. ❚

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Y H

Longer Pain Relief with Radio Frequency Ablation

By Craig Schmidt

P

ain management doctors are always looking for long-term solutions rather than short-lived interventions. For patients with chronic back, neck and joint pain, conservative treatment may be insufficient. A minimally invasive treatment is the next logical step.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA) delivers lasting relief for difficult-to-treat pain. “A multitude of chronic pain conditions respond to this treatment,” says W. Stephen Minore, MD, president of Medical Pain Management Services Ltd., 1235 N. Mulford Road in Rockford. “RFA works well with spinal arthritis, whiplash, pain after spine surgery and other conditions.”

The spine is composed of bones — vertebrae — stacked into a column. Between each vertebra is a cushion, or disk, that acts as a shock absorber. Every vertebra has two sets of bony knobs that meet at a point called the facet joint.

Facet joints allow the spine to flex forward or extend backward. Spurs of bone may grow near the joints, causing arthritis, swelling and pain. Nerves carry pain signals to the brain.

“When RFA is done on nerve tissue, pain can be reduced for six to nine months, although it may last as short as three months or more than 18 months,” Minore says.

RFA uses radio waves to create heat. A sterile, single-use probe is inserted into or near nervous tissue. Radiofrequency waves

travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second).

Heat generated from high-frequency alternating current prevents small sensory nerve endings from transmitting pain signals.

RFA is done either with the patient lying on the stomach or the back, depending on the nerves to be treated. Patients are monitored with an electrocardiogram, blood pressure cuff and oxygen-monitoring device. The procedure takes from 20 minutes to an hour.

RFA has proven beneficial for pain from degenerative disks and certain types of abdominal pain.

“Because RFA is not a permanent fix, it may need to be repeated when the effect wears off,” Minore points out. ❚ Source: Medical Pain Management Services Ltd.

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

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Oct. 22

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Y H

Options for Staying Active in Colder Weather W

Ten Reasons to Get Physical Aerobic exercise is a moderate level of activity for an extended period of time – jogging, biking, swimming, stair climbing, treadmill, etc. Whether it’s a fast walk, or a bike spinning class, it’s good to get moving. The following are great benefits of aerobic exercise.

• Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps with weight loss.

• Over time, you’ll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue.

• Exercise activates your immune system, leaving you less susceptible to colds and flu.

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• Aerobic activity reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer.

• Staying active lowers blood pressure and controls blood sugar.

• Exercise strengthens your heart, and a stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently.

• Aerobic exercise boosts your “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the “bad” (LDL).

• Exercise eases depression and Aqua aerobics (exercise in water) lessens joint strain, reduces tension. and swimming is a great exercise to boost your “good” • As you age, staying active and cholesterol (HDL) and lower the “bad” (LDL). independent helps to maintain and the water offers natural resistance for mobility and mental sharpness.

• Those who exercise regularly live lon- strengthening muscles.

NorthPointe Wellness offers many ger than those who don’t. options for indoor exercise, from two For those with joint pain, or other pools and a fitness center to classes, but issues that limit movement, aqua classes whatever option you choose to do, “keep allow exercise, where the natural buoy- moving.” ❚ Source: Beloit Health System ancy reduces strain on joints and muscles

Oct. 22

(Beloit Health System photo)

ith colder weather setting in, it’s time to figure out where you’ll get your daily exercise. Now that outdoor walks, golf and biking are getting more difficult, where do you turn?

The health professionals at NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus in Roscoe offer these motiving facts.

Y F

Burpee Night Sounds Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. Activities and stations on all four floors. Costumes encouraged for all; children’s costume parade at 7:30 p.m. $7/$4 members. Burpee Museum, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Family Discovery Night at Beloit College Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. an interactive evening of science, the arts, fun, prizes and food. Beloit College, Center for the Sciences, 700 College Ave, Beloit, Wis., beloit.edu.

Theresa Caputo Live!

Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. Psychic medium and star of “Long Island Medium” on TLC will read audience members and share personal stories. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Tom Chapin Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. This popular artist’s music engages the hearts, minds and imaginations of children and adults alike. Charlotte’s Web Concert Series. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Halloween Costume Parade & Party Oct. 25, 10 a.m. Costumed children parade down Grand Avenue and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses during the season’s last Farmers’ Market. Live music, carnival rides, kids’ activities. Start: Horace White Park, College Avenue, and Downtown Beloit, visitbeloit.com.

RSO: Music That Goes Bump In The Night!

Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. Classics and music from movies, video games and more. Come as your favorite zombie, Star Wars character or video game hero. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049.

Holidazzle Craft Show Oct. 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Talented artisans from the Midwest display and sell their handcrafted works. Concessions available. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica, winnebagocountyfair.com.

Dry Creek Tasting Room Opening Oct. 25-26, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Live music, canvas painting by Studio 317, to celebrate the grand opening of this local vineyard’s tasting room.

Dry Creek Estate, 8925 Stateline Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 871-5667.

National Acrobats of People’s Republic of China Oct. 26, 3 p.m. Direct from Beijing, one of the

The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China come to the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford on Oct. 26.

most acclaimed acrobatic troupes in China since its founding in 1951. From RCCA. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 847-6314, rccaconcerts.org.

Jim Post & Randy Sabien Oct. 26, open 6 p.m., concert 7 p.m. These Americana troubadours play original and favorite folk hits. Free; donations welcome. Concessions available. Spring Creek UCC, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, springcreekucc.org.

All Hallows Eve Oct. 28, 2-8 p.m. Trick or treating and children’s activities and crafts, with Midway Village buildings decorated and waiting for young trick-ortreaters. $5/members free. midwayvillage.com.

Music with Friends Oct. 30, 5 p.m. Rock River Philharmonic kick-off event. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks, prizes, 2015 season reveal. Tickets (608) 313-1200. Rotary River Center, 1160 S. Riverside Dr., Beloit.

Haunted Rockford Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m. Take a paranormal tour of Burpee’s Barnes Mansion with Haunted Rockford, to hear about its former residents – and possibly meet some who linger. Tickets: hauntedrockford.com. Burpee, Rockford, (815) 965-3433.

Fright Fest Oct. 31, 7-11 p.m. Scary movies, haunted house, costume contest, dramatic readings, “Thriller” line dancing, food and cocktails. $5 donation/ kids free. The Castle, 501 Prospect Ave., Beloit, thecastlebeloit.com. ❚

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Oct. 22

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5 NEW reasons to celebrate!

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Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

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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. $.

™

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. 22

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Oct. 22

T  I

Tips to Adopt a Shelter Dog

O

ctober is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. According to the SPCA, of the approximately 3.9 million companion dogs that enter shelters each year, about 1.4 million are adopted, and about 1.2 million are euthanized. Adopting a pet from a shelter can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be tricky. Here are five tips to help you along.

• Be sure that everyone who lives in your household wants to have a pet.

• Your personality and lifestyle, the amount of time you spend at home, space restrictions and the needs of various breeds should be considered carefully. Research breeds and ask shelter staffers for their advice – they’re experts at making perfect matches.

• Bring the entire family to the shelter and observe how the dog interacts with your children and how they interact with the dog. The same is true for an elderly or infirm parent or relative who lives in your home or visits frequently.

• Be prepared to spend 1-2 hours getting acquainted with the dog you’re considering for adoption and completing the adoption paperwork.

• Be certain that you can afford to care for a dog’s health and safety over its lifespan.

Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, 10 to 15 years, depending on breed and age when adopted.

Among the area shelters: PAWS Humane Society, Rockford; Winnebago County Animal Services, Rockford; Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Rockford; Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin, Janesville; One At A Time Pet Rescue, Beloit. ❚ Sources: ASPCA, Winnebago County Animal Services

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Oct. 22

Y M

Why Women Can Be Better Investors D

espite the earning power of today’s women, many still shy away from investing and long-term planning. A 2014 report by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that half of women say they are not confident about the ability to retire comfortably.

Among several factors that should encourage women when they think about their finances and investing for retirement: • As of 2009, women controlled as much as 70 percent of household purchases and $20 trillion in consumer spending worldwide.

• Women may be less likely than men to be overconfident investors. They may also be naturally more risk averse and more likely to hold investments for the long haul, which many financial professionals and academics see as incredibly valuable when investing for long-term goals like retirement.

Whether married or single, women can and should view retirement planning and investing as well within their abilities. Some advice to help women who still may not feel quite confident: • If planning as a couple, try to complement each other. Both spouses should attend meetings with a financial planner and allow an approach to evolve from both of your differences.

One spouse may pick up on a nuance the other misses. One may be the voice of reason when the other is tempted to rush into a decision.

• With a DIY approach, take advantage of free tools and information.

TD Ameritrade offers a variety of free investor education and third-party research reports on a variety of topics.

• Use technology. You use mobile apps and push notifications to monitor your career and family, so use them to keep a close eye on your investments as well.

“Women already analyze the landscape of products they need for their families to make purchasing decisions and get the best possible product and value,” says Nicole Sherrod, managing director for TD Ameritrade’s Active Trader group. “So they should be able to apply those same principles to investing decisions.”

For more resources on investing, visittdameritrade.com/up. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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