Smart Living Weekly - December 17, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Merry Music: RSO Holiday Pops!

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

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t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but it’s not really the holidays without the sounds of Christmas. One of the best places to experience the music of the season is at the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) concert, Holiday Pops!, this year on Dec. 20-21.

Featuring the Mendelssohn Chorale, the event has become a much-anticipated tradition, and includes all styles of holiday songs, from secular to sentimental, traditional to popular, and there’s an audience sing-a-long. It isn’t confirmed, but there may even be a visit from Santa.

Continued on p. 18

This Christmas Season, Get Super SAVINGS from Local Businesses Inside Improve Your Health While You Sleep • Keep Kids Busy on Holiday Break • Recycle Your Christmas Tree Should You Choose a Gas Fireplace? • Wisconsin Supper Club Recipes • Leave a Lasting Legacy

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ..................... Cover & p. 18 Merry Music at RSO Holiday Pops!

Your Home ....................................................... 11 All About Gas Fireplaces Inspiration & Worship .................................... 12 A Faithful Christmas Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Wisconsin Supper Club Recipes Your Outings ................................................... 17 Keep the Kiddies Busy Over Break Your Health ...................................................... 21 Sleep Positions Can Impact Health Your Fun .......................................................... 23 Restaurant of the Week .................................. 25 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Dining Locally ................................................. 25 Tips ................................................................... 27 Recycle Your Christmas Tree Your Money ..................................................... 29 Legacy Donations to Local Nonprofits

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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Dec. 17

The $64 Question

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f you’re anything like me, you’ve got two wrapped presents beneath your Christmas tree, about now, and you’re working to stave off full-blown panic. As usual, I’m kicking myself for not Christmas shopping months ago, when stores were uncrowded and I was less wild-eyed. I’m not alone. The National Retail Federation reports that only 11.3 percent of shoppers had all their gifts purchased

by Dec. 13. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that I’m a much more thoughtful shopper than I used to be. I try hard to purchase at least half of my gifts from locally owned stores, because it’s something I can do to strengthen our local economy. And I make a special effort to find American-made products. The National Retail Federation says that, on average, each of us spends $700 on holiday shopping. If all of it was spent on U.S.-made products, we’d create 4.6 million jobs here at home.

Sadly, that’s hard to do. But even if we spent just $64 apiece on American-made goods, the result would be 200,000 new jobs.

And that’s not hard to do. A case of locally made beer or wine, a few U.S.-made tools from Nicholson’s, a sock monkey or two from Midway Village Museum gift shop, a locally grown Christmas tree, a box of Wisconsin cheese, some hand-made products by local potters, chefs, artists ... and before you know it, your money is adding up to a new job for an unemployed American.

I’ve noticed that locally owned retail stores are making an extra effort to carry American-made and even locally made goods these days. Let’s encourage that trend!

Don’t be afraid to ask shop owners: “Do you carry American-made lines here?” Even if the answer is “no,” you just may inspire a change in next year’s inventory.

I’ve also noticed that many local shops are extending holiday hours. That’s very good news for procrastinators like me.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Smart Living Weekly!

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

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Smart Living

Holiday Shopping Guide

Smart Living

Holiday Shopping Guide

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All About Natural Gas Fireplace Options N

othing says “cozy” like a fireplace, and many homeowners are opting for natural gas. The three main kinds are vented gas logs, vent-free gas logs and direct-vent fireplaces. Each has unique benefits.

“It’s about finding the best fit with your space and circumstances,” says Kevin Obee, Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford.

Vent-Free Gas Logs/Stoves • no chimney needed • almost 100-percent efficient • smaller, less realistic flames: yellow in newer models, blue in older models “The fire throws off a large amount of moist heat, so this is a good option for warming up difficult-to-heat spaces, such as a chilly basement or a large room with vaulted ceilings,” says Obee.

These fireplaces must be placed in well-ventilated rooms, to avoid condensation. Any combustion by-products are released into the room’s atmosphere, since there is no vent. “This bothers only a few people who are very sensitive to chemical smells,” Obee says.

Vented Gas Logs • Attractive, heat-producing flames • Can go into an existing fireplace • Requires professional installation of gas line “The big disadvantage is that they draw warm air from other parts of the house and send it outside,” explains Obee. “Your furnace may run nonstop, and other rooms may become pretty chilly.”

This natural gas fireplace is one of many on display at Benson Stone Co., in Rockford.

Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces • On/off switch • Attractive, efficient fire • Glass doors protect room’s air quality • Double-chambered chimney keeps warm air inside • Free-standing or built-in; can be installed almost anywhere “One chamber draws combustion air into the fireplace and the other vents flue gas to the outside,” explains Obee. “And heated air from your house is not being sent outside.” ❚ For more ideas about fireplaces, visit the Benson Stone Co. showroom.

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A Faith-full Christmas O

ur modern Christmas season reflects a broad melting pot of influences.

Some traditions, like the decorating of trees, date back to ancient pagan practices that were later adopted by European Christians; others, like our massive shopping frenzy, are driven by modern commerce but were inspired by Christian teachings about giving.

Even the date of Christmas may be the result of cultural compromise; many scholars think it unlikely that Jesus was born in December, when shepherds and sheep weren’t normally in fields.

Scripture is of little help on this question, not specifying a date, month or even a season for the holy birth. By contrast, the timing of Jesus’ death is clearly spelled out in all four gospels, coinciding as it does with the Jewish celebration of Passover.

One popular theory holds that Dec. 25 was selected as a way to appease the pagans in Rome, who were already celebrating the Feast of the Unconquored Sun (Sol Invictus) on Dec. 25. Why not celebrate the sun and the Son together? This would have been politically convenient for Emporer Constantine, who converted to Christianity in the mid-4th century.

Another theory involves a strong belief by some early Christians that Jesus was both conceived and crucified on the same day of the month. That date was the 14th of Nisan (Hebrew calendar) which equates to March 25 on the Roman calendar. A March 25 conception leads to a Dec. 25 birth nine months later.

In the end, the actual date of Christ’s birthday is far less important than the reason for his coming: to rejoin God and man through his death and resurrection.

Thanks to the endurance of scripture, we’re able to read for ourselves what the Bible does (and does not say) about Jesus Christ’s birth. Find passages about the Christmas Story in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and in the first two chapters of Luke. ❚ 12

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Wisconsin Supper Club Favorites T

he supper club is as much a Wisconsin legacy as the Packers and cheese curds. A fabulous salad bar, hearty helpings and great cocktails distinguish the supper club dining experience. We

hope these recipes will inspire a little supper club charm and nostalgia in your home this holiday season. ❚

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Chicken Liver Paté

Ingredients 2 cups stale bread crumbs Sauce 1 qt. scalded milk ½ cup butter ⅓ cup sugar 1 cup confectioner’s sugar ¼ cup melted butter OR 2 eggs ½ cup butter ½ tsp.salt 1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla or ¼ tsp. spice Flavor with dark rum

Ingredients 1 lb. chicken livers 1 small onion, chopped ¾ cup butter 1 clove garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Splash of brandy

Directions Heat oven to 300. Soak bread crumbs in warm milk, let cool; add sugar, butter, slightly beaten eggs, salt, flavoring; bake 1 hour in buttered dish. Serve with vanilla sauce.

Grasshopper Ice Cream Cocktail Ingredients 1 shot green crème de menthe 1 shot white crème de cacao

2 1

scoops vanilla ice cream mint spring (optional)

Directions Place creme de menthe, creme de cacao and ice cream in blender. Blend until thick and creamy. Pour into 12 oz. glass. Garnish with mint sprig, if desired.

Directions Place chicken livers and onion in a pan with ¼ cup butter. Cook on medium heat until livers are not pink inside and onion is soft. Remove from heat, let cool, and blend in blender until smooth.

Add remaining ingredients, mix well, place in serving dish. Cover and chill at least one hour before serving, with crackers, baguette slices or party-sized rye bread.

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Keeping Kiddies Busy Over Break O

nce Christmas Day is over, parents are left with almost two full weeks before their little ones return to school. Luckily, our area offers many ways to avoid the “I’m bored!” routine. Here are a few ideas for keeping the kiddies occupied over the holiday break.

Holiday Light Show: Through Dec. 28, 4:30-9 p.m. Fri-Sun. 330,000 lights, animated displays; large scale model train display; activities; more. $5/$3 ages 3-15. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.

Tallman’s Technologies Tour: Dec. 26-30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s 1872, and William Tallman shows his house to visitors and explains its 19th-century state-of-the-art amenities. Lincoln-Tallman House, 440 N. Jackson St., Janesville, (608) 756-4509 rchs.us.

Holiday Hoopla: Dec. 26-30, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fashion a snowflake, construct a kaleidoscope, find the hidden shapes. Discovery Center, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, discoverycentermuseum.org.

A Night at Burpee Museum: Dec. 27, 7 p.m.-midnight. Activities, storytelling, live creepy crawlies, more. $10. Burpee Museum, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Book Party: Dec. 29, 2-3:30 p.m. Book-related snacks, games, trivia. Ages 8-13. Beloit

Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd., beloitlibrary.info.

Kids Day Out: Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Hiking, games, art activities, hot chocolate, marshmallows. Grades 1-5.

Free, registration req. by Dec. 26. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul party, Dec. 29 at Beloit Public Library.

Minecraft Winter Challenge: Dec. 30, 1-2:15, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Minecraft account/library card not needed. Registration req. Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-6585, hedbergpubliclibrary.org.

Countdown to Fun: Dec. 31, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Fun, art and music from Kantorei, the singing boys of Rockford. Discovery Center Rockford, discoverycentermuseum.org.

New Year Around the World: Dec. 31, 1 p.m. Welcome the New Year each hour as it occurs around the globe. Burpee Museum, Rockford, burpee.org. ❚

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Merry Music

(Rockford Symphony Orchestra photos)

orchestra’s official chorus. The 110-member group, comprised of singers from the greater Rockford area, includes the Continued from Cover large choir, a select chamber choir, and “I try to include favorites, and add an ensemble of 12, called Il coro piccolo.

“For the first half of the concert, the new pieces and arrangements to keep things fresh,” says Steven Larsen, con- small group, Il coro piccolo, will perform ductor and music director. “It will be a vocal arrangements for pieces from ‘The mix of old and new, traditional and con- Nutcracker,’” Larsen says. “Of course, it wasn’t written with lyrics, but the words temporary, sentimental and festive.”

RSO will be joined by the award- go well with the music, which includes winning Mendelssohn Chorale, choir-in- ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ and residence at Rockford’s Mendelssohn Per- ‘March of the Toy Soldiers.’”

The entire group takes the stage for the forming Arts Center and, since 1999, the second half of the concert.

“The chorale will perform Gustav Holst’s Christmas Day, which is a medley of English Christmas carols, including ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and ‘The First Nowell,’” says Larsen.

Concertgoers also will hear Concert Suite from the film The Polar Express, Steven Larsen, RSO music director and conductor, leads the a medley that includes string section during a rehearsal.

“Believe,” “The Polar

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RSO 2015 Performances The Genius of John Williams Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Memories from Times of War Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Symphony Saturdays Feb. 14, March 28, April 5, 11 a.m.

What a Wonderful World: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong March 7, 7:30 p.m.

An American Salute March 28, 7:30 p.m.

The Planets April 25, 7:30 p.m.

Express,” “When Christmas Comes to Town” and “Spirit of the Season.”

“We’ll also be doing ‘The 12 Days of Christmas,’ Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride,’ which everybody always enjoys, and Mel Torme’s ‘Christmas Song,’ or ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,’” Larsen says. “Every piece represents a special time or sentiment or memory to someone, either in the audience or

R  O R onstage. Each year, I try to choose one that has special meaning for me or that I particularly enjoy, and this year, it’s ‘Holiday Hoedown.’”

According to Larsen, it was commissioned by Garrison Keillor of “A Prairie Home Companion,” the popular live radio variety show most often heard on public radio stations.

“Keillor challenged arranger Daniel Kallman to put together a medley of as many Christmas songs as he could, and it includes ‘The Hallelujah Chorus,’” he says. “It has elements of a country fiddle playing, and it’s just lots of fun.”

Larsen makes a list of all songs included in the medleys, to avoid a lot of repetition. “We don’t want to hear ‘Silent Night’ or ‘Jingle Bells,’ too many times,” he says.

A new element to this year’s concerts involves food. On Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. before the evening performance, a Prelude Dinner is being offered, which includes appetizer, salad, entrée and live entertainment. At 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 21, prior to the 3 p.m. matinee, there’s a Prelude Brunch.

Guests will be served in the beautiful 3rd

floor lobby of the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Cost is $50/$25 ages 12 and under for dinner and $35/$25 ages 12 and under for brunch.

RSO’s Holiday Pops! concert has become a part of many families’ annual traditions. What better way to get into the spirit of the holidays than a program of beautiful music that celebrates the season? “Music has the ability to make us think The Mendelssohn Chorale performs each year with the RSO for the Holiday Pops! concert. and feel,” Larsen says.

RSO’s Holiday Pops! performances “This is one of my favorite programs to take place Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. put together each year.”

We all have our favorite carols or 21 at 3 p.m., at Coronado Performing Arts Christmas songs, familiar words and mel- Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford.

Purchase tickets online at rockodies that touch us – even orchestra conductors. “I’m most looking forward to fordsymphony.org or coronadopac.org, or ‘The Christmas Song,’” Larsen says. “It’s by phone or in person at the BMO Harsuch a beautiful piece, with lyrics that ris Bank Center Box Office, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595. ❚ convey beautiful sentiments.”

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Are You Sleeping in the Right Position?

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id you know you can actually improve your health while you sleep? It’s true. Your sleep position – whether you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper – not only affects the quality of your sleep, also can help to alleviate or aggravate certain conditions, like sleep apnea, acid reflux and more.

“While there’s no ‘right’ way to sleep, sleeping on your stomach generally isn’t recommended because of the position’s effects on your neck and back,” says Dr. Sushrut Patel, board certified pulmonologist and sleep specialist with Beloit Health System. “If you find it hard to sleep in another position, though, place a pillow under your pelvis to help reduce strain. Avoid putting your neck at an awkward angle by using a very soft pillow under your head or sleeping without a pillow.”

Snoring not only disrupts your bed partner’s rest, but can prevent you from getting restorative sleep. “If you snore or have obstructive sleep apnea, back sleeping may worsen the problem,” Patel says. “Sleep on your side, instead. Some mild sleep apnea sufferers may report improved symptoms.” If you’re not able to change position, Dr. Sushrut Patel a wedge pillow to elevate your head may help.

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

It can also help to relieve acid reflux, insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation in some people.

Your sleep position can help to alleviate back, neck and shoulder pain. Pillows can help to lessen back pain in most positions. If you sleep on your back, a pillow under the knees or a rolled towel under the small of your back helps to maintain the body’s natural curve.

If you’re a side sleeper, a pillow between your knees can provide extra support while helping hip and knee issues, too. If you have spinal stenosis (pinched nerves in the lower back), bending your knees may also help to ease discomfort.

For side sleepers with shoulder pain, avoid sleeping on the affected side. Instead, sleep on the opposite side and hug a pillow. Or sleep on your back with a small pillow beneath the injured shoulder. For neck pain, use a pillow that fills the space between your neck and shoulders, positioned around your neck.

To schedule an appointment for a sleep study, please call Beloit Health System or NorthPointe’s Sleep Solutions at (608) 364-5481. ❚

Source: Beloit Health System

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Mutts & Martinis Dec. 18, 6-9 p.m. Appetizers, specialty drinks, great time with friends, all to help the lost and homeless pets of the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, (608) 752-5622, petsgohome.org.

Event: Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St, Beloit.

Rockford Festival of Lights Through Dec. 28, 5-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. View more than 50 lighted holiday displays created by local businesses and groups. Free/donation box at end. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 494-2569, rockfordfireandice.com.

All Aglow Holiday Display Through Jan. 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday light and floral displays, live holiday music, and family fun activities. Included with admission. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

Christmas with Kantorei Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Celebrate Christmas around the world in a festive program of familiar carols and songs of the season performed by Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford. $20/$15 students. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford, (815) 963-2544, kantorei.com.

Christmas Cabaret Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Featuring holiday-themed movie and musical theater songs performed by Rock County’s greatest vocal talents in a jazz club atmosphere. Complimentary champagne (21+) and holiday desserts. Limited seating. JPAC, Janesville, janesvillepac.org.

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play Dec. 19-21, see website for times. Classic holiday tale of miserly Scrooge’s redemption. Marley’s dead, but everything else is live in this recreation of an old-time radio broadcast of the Dickens classic. Cheek Theater, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, artistsensemble.org.

Kishwaukee Christmas Bird Count Dec. 20. Southern Winnebago and northern Ogle counties. To participate call Barbara Williams, (779) 537-3352.

Dave Rudolf!

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. Celebrate the holidays with a different Rudolph – the entertainer shares hilarious songs and stories in this interactive Christmas show. Nordlof Center, Rockford, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Artists’ Ensemble presents A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play, Dec. 19-21 in Rockford.

Holiday Benefit Concert Dec. 20, 7 p.m. An unforgettable concert by nine favorite acoustic musicians of the Midwest.

Free. Donations accepted for Rockford Urban Ministries. JustGoods, 201 17th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, justgoods.info.

RSO: Holiday Pops!

Dec. 20-21, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Steve Larsen, conductor. Mendelssohn Chorale. The best music of the season, from popular to traditional and sentimental. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Holiday Hoopla Dec. 26-30, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Deck the halls with boughs of jolly and merge hands-on arts and crafts with amazing math. Vote for your favorite cookie, fashion a snowflake, more. Included with museum admission. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

A Night at Burpee Museum Dec. 27, 7 p.m.-midnight. Special activities include storytelling, astronomy with Gary Soper of the Dark Sky Society and his telescope, movie, live creepy crawlies, more. $10. Burpee Museum, Rockford, burpee.org. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

New Year Around the World Dec. 31, 1 p.m. Welcome the arrival of the New Year each hour as it occurs around the globe.

Make traditional New Year crafts from around the world, see displays of items from other countries. Burpee Museum, burpee.org, (815) 965-3433. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

O

ne look around Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St., and Beloit’s rich history comes alive. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.”

The restaurant is named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill and Houston Iron Works in 1858. Their company was later named Beloit Ironworks in the 1880s and eventually renamed the Beloit Corporation.

With its rustic feel, leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls, the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past. The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works. “I walk around the restaurant on a Friday night, and I can hear people saying, ‘I remember that night or that car or that store,’” Braasch says. “The stories evoked by the photographs are amazing.”

As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and seafood selections. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch.

Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip.

If you prefer a smaller portion, there’s the petite filet, Manhattan steak, and rib-eye mignon, each half the size of larger selections.

All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and

Jayme Braasch, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint general manager

crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak.

Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.”

Merrill & Houston’s opens daily at 4 p.m. ❚

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

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) 623-7171. 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 11am-10pm, 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 4:3010pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Coffee, homemade baked goods, sandwiches, soups, regional cheeses. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm. $.

Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine  Casual. Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 2330032. 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. $$.

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 11am10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Authentic stuffed pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts. Pick-up/ delivery available. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 3985700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  UpscaleCasual. 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. $$.

Leombruni’s Italian Restaurant  110 W. 2nd St., Byron, (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat 11pm, Sun 10pm. $.

Main Street Bistro  Fine dining, bar, live music Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

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. Family friendly, vast beer selection, great burgers, beer garden. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. Riverside dining, handcrafted beers, banquet room marina. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, 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 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. $$. ❚

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T  I

Recycling Your Christmas Tree

R

eal Christmas trees are a recyclable and renewable resource. So why send them to landfills at the end of the season, when the City of Rockford offers curbside tree pickup for residents?

For those outside of Rockford or living in apartments or condos, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) offers 13 collection sites to receive your tree in Winnebago County between Jan. 1 and 15.

Each year, KNIB collects in excess of 36,000 Christmas trees, and turns them into mulch, which is then made available to local residents and businesses, at no charge, on a first-come-first-served basis. Pine mulch is excellent for acid-loving plants such as roses, lilacs, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and evergreens. Other uses include ground cover for walkways and fence rows.

Bring your own shovels and bags for transporting, and gather as much free mulch as you can personally use at your home or business.

It’s usually gone by March 1, so come early.

Sites for tree drop-off and mulch pick-up in Winnebago County: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Don Schmid Youth Sports Center Blackhawk Park Levings Lake Andrews Park Gambino Park Alpine Park Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve Baumann Park Valley View Farm Rockton Boat Ramp Parking Lot Williams Tree Farm Machesney Park Village Hall Martin Park

Remove all ornaments, lights and stands.

If you transport the tree in a plastic bag, be sure to remove the tree and take the bag with you, as it is not recyclable. Also not accepted: artificial trees, flocked trees or wreaths.

For more information on Christmas tree recycling and other programs, visit knib.org. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Dec. 17

Give Big to Small Organizations

Y M

By Gretchen Barry

W

hen it comes to where they leave their mark, more people are making a conscious choice to donate to one of thousands of smaller charitable organizations rather than larger, more popular nonprofits.

Consider the story of a “modest” gentleman from a small town who bequeathed nearly $250,000 to a small music program in the mountains near his home. Or that of Oseola McCarty, who worked all of her life in a laundry and left $150,000 – her entire life savings – to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Small Charities. Big Impact.

These smaller organizations will benefit more deeply from what we leave behind than those with resources to run national – or international – fundraising campaigns. Think of this: $100,000 won’t go very far in a big organization with hundreds of staff members and multiple expenses. But imagine what that amount could do for a local school or food bank.

Your Legacy Field Guide 1. List some organizations to consider. Ask friends, family, coworkers; check your city’s website, or even contact local law enforcement or social service agencies for ideas.

2. Next, pinpoint organizations that can benefit the most from your gift, typically those with operating budgets less than $1 million.

3. Identify the causes on your list that are important to you: animal

welfare, education, the arts, homelessness, support organizations for people with various diseases.

4. Narrow your list to those you believe are most beneficial to your community.

5. Add the organization to your will or trust, with any special directives on how the funds will be used. Don’t request that funds be prohibited from being used for administrative purposes.

Technology upgrades, building upkeep, monthly finances, even recognizing staff and volunteer efforts all fall under “administrative purposes.”

We must plan carefully when choosing where to leave our legacy. We can still provide for family and larger organizations, and include at least one community-based nonprofit. It’s one of the last things we do, and it can be one of the most impactful. ❚ Source: NonProfitEasy

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