Smart Living Weekly - November 5, 2014

Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Nov. 5, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Holiday Treasures at Local Craft Shows

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

A

s the holiday season draws closer, craft shows begin to pop up everywhere – churches, community centers, clubs. Why are holiday craft shows so popular?

“I know exactly why,” says Barb Buck, a local Santa artist. “It’s all about getting that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling. For many people, going to a

holiday craft show jumpstarts the season and gets them in the Christmas mood.”

Buck, shown here with the one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality Santa figures she crafts, will host her 26th annual Barbara Buck Studios Santa Fest on Nov. 21-23. It’s held in her beautiful Victorian house at 1240 S. Walnut St. in Freeport.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Seasonal Decorating Ideas • Money-Saving Fall Home Repairs • Nonsurgical Orthopedic Treatments Preventing Painful Shingles • Avoid a Wet Basement • Say It With Cookies

Smart Living Weekly

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t s 8 wi n s ge al tio pa de lu e g Se in So al Se al ct e Du oS r Ae

iving n g Smart a r t L ivi ivin ng art Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .............................Cover & p. 20 Local Artisans Offer a Handmade Holiday Your Home .................................................. .......... 11 Seasonal Decorating Ideas Inspiration & Worship .......................................... 12 Overcoming Evil Your Kitchen ..........................................................15 Recipe: Hot & Spicy Mulled Cider Your Style ...............................................................17 Say It With Cookies Your Health ............................................. .............. 25 Preventing Painful Shingles Your Health ............................................. .............. 26 Nonsurgical Orthopedic Treatments Your Fun ................................................... .............. 27 Dining Locally .......................................... ............. 29 Tips ........................................................... .............. 31 Is Your Basement Wet? Your Money .............................................. .............. 33 Exterior Repairs to Winterize Your Home

Smart L iving Weekly ™

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

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Thank You, Veterans

V

eterans Day is next Tuesday, so let’s review what we know about it.

First observed in 1919 as Armistice Day, one year after World War I hostilities ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – November – the name was changed to Veterans Day (no apostrophe) in 1954. Its sole purpose is to recognize veterans of all U.S. armed forces, whether they served in times of war or peace.

By contrast, Memorial Day (last Monday in May) is a time to honor those who lost their lives during military service to our nation.

So just who are the 21 million veterans in our U.S. population of 316 million?

Most are 55 or older (64 percent) and 1.6 million are under age 35. About 1.6 million of them are women.

The majority, or about 7.3 million, served in the Vietnam War (1964-1975, depending on who you ask), the last U.S. war in which soldiers were drafted.

About 5.2 served in the Gulf War era (1990 to present). This group has the highest percentage of service-connected disability – 29 percent compared to 15 percent of all veterans – presumably because improved defense armor and battlefield medicine decreases the death rate among the critically wounded.

About 2.2 million of our veterans served in the Korean War (1950-1953), our first military action during the Cold War. Some 1.7 World War II veterans still live among us, but we’re losing them at a rate of about 550 per day.

Our last known World War I veteran died in 2011.

More than a million of our veterans served in two and even three wars.

We’re more indebted to these brave souls than we can begin to verbalize. But let’s try. Next Tuesday, let’s take time to say “thank you” to the bravest among us.

Have a good week!

Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Seasonal Decorating Ideas 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

S

easonal decorating is a great way to change up the décor of your home and give it a fresh look.

“I’m a firm believer in acknowledging the seasons with your décor, and it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg,” says Shirley Crawford, owner of Garden Arts, 102 N. Elida St., Winnebago. “You can easily update old arrangements and existing pieces to reflect the season.”

Garden Arts has been providing fresh and silk floral arrangements to the area for more than 25 years. Crawford also sells plants, seasonal items, antique and vintage pieces, home décor, jewelry and other gift items.

“You can decorate for fall and just switch a few things for winter,” Crawford says. “I love to change out ribbons on centerpieces or arrangements. If you have a container you like but the existing contents are bent and dusty or just old, update it with something new and seasonal. If you have a painting, replace it with one

that has a fall or winter scene. Not having something displayed all year makes it special and livens up your life when you bring it back out.”

Crawford also suggests adding festive elements to childhood memorabilia or keepsakes. “Some people still have a wagon, sled or ice skates they used when they were little,” she points out. “We can add seasonal touches and you can use them for home décor.”

Many people see the displays in stores and buy materials to do it themselves – and find they can’t. It’s either more complicated than they thought, or it just doesn’t look right.

“I’ve had folks bring in materials they purchased, and I finish the project and usually give them back half of the supplies,” Crawford says. “Most of the time, it’s less expensive to let a professional do it for you in the first place. It’s a form of art, and you have to have an eye for it.”

Folks can bring in photos of areas, or just the dimensions, and Crawford will help them to decorate it. She’s even available for house calls. For information on floral arrangements or home decorating, call Crawford at (815) 335-2787. ❚

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I  W

Overcoming Evil W

hen we’re treated very unfairly – whether by an employer or coworker, family member or friend – our natural reaction is to become angry and seek revenge. But God tells us to keep our emotions in check. Why? Because to let our emotions run amok is to risk behaving as badly as the person who offended us, or worse. And while we’re not responsible for the behavior of others, we are responsible for our own behavior, including our reactions to others.

“Be angry and sin not,” states Ephesians 4:26. So what do we do? Stand passively by and suppress our anger? No. We actively pursue peace and resolution; we try our best to overcome evil with good.

The pursuit of good should be our constant frame of reference, says the Apostle Paul.

It’s our mentality and lifestyle.

In Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) Paul writes to Christians living in Rome: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves ... Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [a positive thing in Paul’s culture]. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Such benevolence is easier said than lived … but God expects it anyway. Why? Because all of us are sinners; none of us deserves the great mercy God shows to us through Jesus Christ. To show others anything less than mercy is to offend God and hold His gift to us in contempt.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

– Janine Pumilia

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Spice Up Your Holiday Season W

hether you’re preparing for a big gathering or hosting a small dinner with loved ones, make any get-together a special occasion with a twist on delicious, seasonal classics.

Impress your guests with a Hot & Spicy Mulled Cider that will fill your home with enticing aromas and joyful memories.

Here are a few tricks to use when preparing a special holiday meal: • Ladle hot mulled cider into warm cups or mugs.

• Place extra bourbon and Tabasco Sauce on the side for guests who enjoy an added kick.

• Bring the mulled cider to the table by pouring it into a thermos. This will help to keep the cider warm and save you having to leave the table to top off your guests’ mugs. ❚

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Recipe: Hot & Spicy Mulled Cider Ingredients 1 1 2 4 3 ½ 2 1½ ¾ 1 5 2

gallon fresh apple cider stick cinnamon star anise cloves allspice berries cup sliced almonds, toasted tbs honey cups bourbon cup applejack cup honey liqueur dashes apple bitters tbs Tabasco Original Sauce, or to taste.

Garnish with apple slice, orange twist

Directions

In stainless steel pot, combine cider with cinnamon, anise, cloves, allspice berries, almonds and honey. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat; add bourbon, applejack, liqueur, bitters and Tabasco Sauce.

Store in refrigerator until ready to be enjoyed. Once ready, gently warm cider cocktail.

Garnish with orange twist, sliced raw apple, almonds and dash of Tabasco Sauce.

Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Servings: 18.

From the Kitchen of: Created by Chef Jonathon Sawyer, James Beard Award Winner.

For more delicious recipes for your holiday menu, visit online at tabasco.com.

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Seasonal Gifts That Are Always in Good Taste

By Peggy Werner

F

rom the first turkey leg and piece of pumpkin pie, to the final drop of eggnog and the last fruitcake crumb, food is a huge part of the holiday season.

That’s why, whether you want to send a gift or just let someone know you’re thinking about them, you should consider doing it with a bouquet of cookies.

“It looks good, smells good and tastes good, and everybody loves cookies,” says Tasha Nafranowicz, owner of Cookies by Design, 6415 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. “A cookie centerpiece is also a great way to dress up your Thanksgiving table or celebrate a fall birthday.”

Cookies by Design has 18 fall offerings of bouquets, boutrays and baskets, including Autumn Glow, filled with mum-shaped cookies in bright colors; Colors of Autumn Harvest, with pumpkin, oak leaf and Indian corn cookies; and Harvest Happiness, with sunflower, pumpkin and scarecrow cookies.

Folks can also choose a Harvest Happiness cookie cake – a chocolate chip cookie the size of a pizza, decorated with a scarecrow, sunflowers, pumpkins and crows.

With more than 350 cookie cutter designs and a staff of 14 that bakes from scratch, decorates and assembles, people can get just about any custom design and personalized message they wish.

“People bring in their own ideas, and we just make them come to life,” says Nafranowicz. “The only limits are their own imaginations.”

For those who aren’t sure what to send, the store is loaded with ideas and displays for inspiration.

Customers also have their pick of a dozen gourmet cookie flavors, from Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin to Coconut Macaroon and Lemon Drop.

Starting at $17.99, bouquets come in a range of price points for every budget. Special orders can usually be filled within 24 hours, and same-day delivery is available on select holiday arrangements.

Cookies by Design is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. ❚

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

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R  O R

Local Holiday Craft Shows Continued from Cover

“Anyone can go out to a chain store and buy a seasonal item that’s made overseas by the thousands,” says Andrew Rotolo, owner of Landro Productions. He and wife Laci are organizing the Rockford Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular, to be held Nov. 15-16 at the Indoor Sports Center (ISC), 8800 E. Riverside Dr., Rockford. “A craft show offers handmade, unique items that are one-of-a-kind, that no one else has.”

Buck does sell at some craft shows, but it takes valuable time away from crafting her Santas, which each take about two weeks to complete. She uses antiques and special-order, handmade props to outfit her figures, which range between 28 and 36 inches tall.

She sculpts the hands and heads and bakes them to hardness, using Primo, the best polymer clay available, to ensure optimum quality and durability. She uses glass eyes, and carves in and paints on the features that give each face its unique, lifelike character.

Buck builds the wooden armatures herself and stuffs plain cotton bodies with polyfill to wrap around them. After attaching the head and hands, she outfits the Santas: clothes hand sewn from vinBarb Buck’s Winemaker Santa tage materials and even designer

dresses; real fur trim; beards made of Tibetan, Persian or curly Mohair wool; antique and hand-picked props. They’re placed in special poses with other props, to create the specialty themed Santas that her customers clamor for.

In addition to traditional Handcrafted game table by Triple J a vendor at the Rockford Arts & Victorian and St. Nick styles, Inlay, Crafts Holiday Spectacular.

Buck has Bears and Packer Santas, a Grape Stomper, a Fisherman, a Fireman and more. Her Trapper Santa holds an antique trap and a bundle of real animal hides, and her Canoeing Santa is posed inside a four-foot birch canoe, that also carries a moose and a spotted fawn. This year, she has two new designs: Quilting Santa and Lodge Santa.

“I use vintage plaid woolen blankets to make Lodge Santa’s knickers, vest and robe, and I trim the robe in coyote fur,” she explains. “I make each one with love and care, because it’s going into someone’s home and will become a part of the family’s holiday traditions.”

To help to ensure a high level of quality and craftsmanship, the Rockford Arts & Crafts Spectacular at ISC is juried. “Everything must be 100-percent handmade and handcrafted,” Rotolo says.

“Potential vendors were asked to supply photos of their works in progress as well as of the finished product. No retail merchandise or third-party sellers.”

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R  O R The Spectacular will feature more than 125 artisans and craftspeople, all selling original, handcrafted items that include jewelry, fine art, home décor, woodcraft, metalcraft, wearables, pottery, art glass, candles, bath & body products, toys, yard art and more. “This year, we were only able to book half of ISC, because of a soccer tournament,” Rotolo explains. “Next year, we’ll book the entire space, and we expect the number of vendors to at least double.”

This is the first craft show for Landro Productions, which produces the RV, Camping & Travel and the Boat, Vacation & Fishing shows held at ISC each year. The Rotolos, who grew up in Rockford and still have family here, recognized a gap in the craft show arena here.

“The Metro Centre used to host a huge holiday craft show, but that venue no longer holds those kinds of events,” Rotolo says.

“It’s been eight years since the last one, and people still remember it and miss it. In speaking to vendors, we knew that there was still a market for it. Most of the craft shows are smaller, run by churches, clubs, community organizations, with fewer than 20 booths, limited choices and limited attendance. Larger ones are part of a festival or some other larger event and often outdoors. Ours is all indoors, so weather isn’t a factor, and we’re featuring a huge variety that isn’t typically available in area craft shows nowadays.”

The Rockford Arts & Crafts Spectacular will feature hourly door prizes of items From Katie’s Krazy Krosupplied by vendors, and parking is free. chet Kreations, a Holiday Tickets are $4 for one day or $6 for both, Spectacular vendor.

and children 12 and under are free. Coupons offering $1 off admission will soon be available online at artsandcraftfair. com. ISC is handicap accessible and features SkyBox, a sitdown, a family-friendly casual restaurant and sports bar.

Rotolo anticipates upwards of 10,000 visitors at the Rockford Arts & Crafts Spectacular, which doesn’t surprise Buck.

“When you go to a craft show, you enter a magical fairyland, where everything is happy and Barb Buck’s Fisherman Santa cozy,” she says. “And you have the chance to buy something handmade that you won’t find anywhere else, something that was made with love, that someone put their heart and soul into. The artists do what they do because they love it, and they want to share it. I make Santas because I love Santa. Everybody loves Santa. He makes people feel good inside.”

Buck’s Santa Fest is Nov. 21-23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday It’s an open house format, with no admission and homemade pumpkin fudge and cookies. Call (815) 541-8890 for information.

The Rockford Arts & Crafts Spectacular is Nov. 15-16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to rockfordcraftshow.com. ❚

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Y H

Shingles: A World of Pain but Preventable

By Craig Schmidt

A

nyone who has suffered through shingles will tell you that it’s miserable beyond belief. Everyday tasks, whether putting on garments or climbing into bed, become painful propositions. The gentlest breeze can produce agony. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent shingles or ease its serious effects.

Remember that bout of chickenpox in kindergarten? The hundreds of itchy red spots, the fever, headache and sore throat?

After the symptoms disappear, you have lifetime immunity from chickenpox, but the battle against the cause – the varicella zoster virus – goes on. The virus hides in your nerve roots, where your immune system keeps it at bay.

For most people, it stays hidden. When the virus does reactivate, it causes herpes zoster, or shingles. About one in five former chickenpox sufferers develops shingles, usually after age 50.

Shingles often sets off burning, sharp pain or tingling on one side of your body or face. Later, small blisters erupt on reddened skin. The blisters turn yellow, then dry up and form scabs, and over the next several days to weeks, the skin heals.

Before 1995, when the varicella zoster vaccine became available, 4 million Americans contracted chickenpox every year.

Today, only about 250,000 people do. If you escaped chickenpox as a child, getting the chickenpox vaccine Varivax can help to thwart future infection.

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Zostavax vaccine for people 60 and older who have had chickenpox. In 2011, the approval was extended to include adults 50 to 59.

While you can’t get chickenpox more than once, shingles can strike again.

In such cases, Zostavax can still be very effective, although it’s recommended that you wait up to a year after the shingles episode to receive the vaccine.

People with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of experiencing shingles. Shingles is also common in people who are under prolonged stress. Some people develop shingles that never heals.

You can protect your immune system by controlling stress, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. ❚ Source: Medical Pain Management Services, Ltd.

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Treating Orthopedic Issues Without Surgery B y To n i R o c h a

J

oint pain, joint stiffness or impaired range of motion, whether from injury, arthritis or other muscle disorders, can impact every aspect of a person’s life.

Fortunately, advances in orthopedics are helping to lessen discomfort and restore impaired movement, often without surgery.

“Sprains, strains, muscle disorders – anything that affects the musculoskeletal system – can be successfully treated without surgery in many cases,” says Dr. Brian Michalsen, a board-certified sports medicine and family practice physician at Rockford Health System. “Treatments can include anti-inflammatory medicines, such as steroids, or a home exercise program or physical therapy.”

Treatment plans must take into consideration a patient’s age, weight, and health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, neuropathy and heart disease.

“Some patients are skeptical about home exercise,” Michalsen says. “They’ll tell me they already exercise or that they

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don’t feel they need physical therapy. They might belong to a gym or have a self-designed program that promotes strength and endurance. What they need to realize is that these hospital-designed exercise and physical therapy programs focus on the pain and its underlying cause. They pinpoint the smaller muscles in the affected area and help to alleviate pain, as opposed to a general exercise agenda.” Dr. Brian Michalsen uses many nonsurgical treatments to help In more serious cases, to relieve joint pain and other orthopedic issues for his patients at Rockford Health System. short-term, nonsurgical solutions are used to postpone surgery. “For improve on its own. The end goal is restorexample, knee replacements traditionally ing full motion and function without pain. last for 10 to 15 years, but because sur- “Pain pretty much dictates the course of gery is so involved, physicians try to delay treatment,” Michalsen says. ❚ knee replacement as long as possible,” Get SLW Health articles every says Michalsen. week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and Judicious use of short-course medistart your e-Edition today. cations allow time for the condition to

Nov. 5

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An Evening with Third Day Nov. 6, 7 p.m. A Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Ga. in the 1990s. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, coronadopac.org.

Tournées French Film Festival: Breathless Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, In the House; Nov. 15, The French Minister; Nov. 21, GrisGris; The wildly theatrical and popular Blue Man Group brings its unique Dec. 5, Blue is the Warmest combination of comedy, music and technology to the Coronado Color; Dec. 6, On My Way. Performing Arts Center in Rockford, on Nov. 15-16.

Room 150, Center for the SciMiddletown ences, Beloit College, (608) 363-2261.

Nov. 13-22, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. A comedy about a small American town full of off-kilter The Boys Next Door Nov. 7-16, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Janes- characters trying to make sense of the universe ville Little Theatre. Funny, touching play about and the runaway who settles there. Beloit Colfour mentally handicapped men in a communal lege, Neese Performing Arts Center, 700 College residence and their sincere but despairing so- St., Beloit, Wis., (608) 363-2755, beloit.edu. cial worker. Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis. (608) Chastity Brown Nov. 14, 7 p.m. This singer/songwriter has 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. roots in indie, R&B, soul, rock, blues & country, but performs with a style that’s all her RSO: Dreams of the Fallen Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Steven Larsen, conductor; own. $15. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Jeffrey Biegel, piano; the Mendelssohn Cho- Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, serale. Barber: Adagio for Strings; Jake Runestad: versondells.org.

Dreams of the Fallen; Dvořák: Symphony No. 5 in F major, op. 76. CPAC, Rockford, rockfordsym- In This Moment Nov. 14, 7 p.m. The American alternative metal phony.org. band will perform with special guests 12 Foot Ninja, Starset and 3 Pill Morning. CPAC, Rock33rd Annual Wonderfest Art & Craft Expo Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 70 vendors ford, coronadopac.org. with handmade items including ornaments, jewelry, home decor, yard art, clothing art, holi- Armory Fall Wine Festival day decorations and ready-made gift baskets. Nov. 15, 5-9 p.m. Dozens of wines available for Food available; free parking. Beloit Jr. Women’s tasting and purchase. Reservations required.

Club. Beloit Memorial High School Field House, The Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville, Wis., (608) 741-7400.

1225 4th St., Beloit, gfwc-bjwc.org.

Straight No Chaser Nov. 9, 7 p.m. This popular male a capella group sings everything from holiday tunes, Michael Bublé and ’50s hits to Madonna, Dishwalla, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queen. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.

Red Tail Ring Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. This duo performs traditional and original folk music on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, jaw harp. Charlotte’s Web Concert Series.

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

Behind the Brew: Beer Nov. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Explore various beers and the brewing process, and try tasty samples.

Presented by Rockford Brewing Co. Ages 21 & older. Info: Rockfordbrewingco.com. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, burpee.org.

Blue Man Group Nov. 15-16, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. This group is best known for wildly popular and theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a unique form of entertainment. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org. ❚

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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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Wet Basement Facts & Tips

H

ere are some tips and useful facts for homeowners, to help to prevent – or identify – water problems in their basements.

Sump Pump Because the sump pump moves water from a drain tile system and out of the house, its upkeep is vital to keeping your basement dry.

“It’s a pretty basic piece of equipment, but it’s still important to make sure it’s functioning properly,” says Jim Goebel, owner, Goebel Waterproofing Systems, Caledonia.

“It should be plugged into a three-pronged outlet that’s about 18 inches off the floor.”

Sump pump check list: • Unplug the sump pump.

• Make sure the basin is clean and free of obstruction. “This is anything that might impede the impeller or float – the float is what turns the sump pump on and off,” explains Goebel. “And you don’t get just silt and dirt in the basin. We find ping pong balls, doggie chew toys, socks.”

• Make certain the exit or discharge point is clear.

• When you finish, plug the pump back in.

Not certain if you have a water problem in your basement?

Consider these questions: • Are there intermittent or permanent traces of moisture or mold on the floor or walls?

• Is there a persistent musty odor in clothing and other objects that are stored in your basement?

• In the walls or floor, are there cracks that appear to widen or shrink?

Any of these conditions indicate water leakage, or the potential for leaks in the future. Call a professional, one who specializes in waterproofing such as Goebel, and schedule an inspection. “Problems may arise in winter, and they can be fixed in winter,” says Goebel. ❚ Source: Goebel Waterprooflng Systems

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Avoid Costly Problems with this Fall Repairs List F all is the perfect time to take care of little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services, Rockford, offers the following list of tasks. Most are within the average person’s ability, but if you choose to hire a professional, you’ll save money, get the job done right – and avoid possible injury.

Gutters • Make sure to clean leaves out of gutters. Leaves left in gutters during winter months will cause excessive snow and ice buildup at the base of your roof, known as ice dams. As these thaw and freeze, water flows up under your shingles into the attic and soffit areas.

Also, gutters may collapse under the weight of the snow and ice, causing damage to the roof and home’s exterior.

Outside Faucets/Irrigation Systems • During the winter, outside faucets and irrigation systems can freeze, bursting

the pipes and causing excessive water use and interior and exterior water damage. To prevent this, close any shut-off valves to outside faucets, then open outside faucets to drain the lines. To empty the irrigation system, follow manufacturer’s instructions for draining and winterizing. All the water must be drained from the system. If you’re not sure how to do this, hire a professional.

Window/Door Frames • Inspect window and door frame areas for cracked and missing caulk and rotting wood. Fill gaps with new caulk or weather stripping and replace rotting boards.

around skylights, vents and chimneys and fill gaps with new tar.

For help with these and other home repair and improvement projects, contact Raymond at (815) 979-9016 or visit online at apshomepros.com. ❚

Roof • Inspect your roof for wear-and-tear and replace any curling, buckling, cracked or missing shingles. Check the flashing

Source: All Property Services Get SLW Money articles every week.

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