Smart Living Weekly - November 26, 2014

Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Nov. 26, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Sublime Music, Exalted Message

By Peggy Werner

F

or the 69th year, the Rockford Choral Union will give its annual performance of George Frederick Handel’s Messiah, on Nov. 29-30, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford. For many, the performance marks the beginning of the Christmas season, and also brings into clearer focus its meaning.

“One of the signiflcant things about Handel’s Messiah is the impact it has on people’s lives,” says director Nat Bauer. “I’ve received notes and letters from people who tell me the event really sets the Advent season in motion for them. It puts the meaning of Christmas where it should be.”

Continued on p. 20

This Christmas Season, Get Super SAVINGS from Local Businesses Inside Thanksgiving Wines • Need-to-Know Snow Blower Info • Money-Saving Tips for Holiday Shopping Recipe: Dark Chocolate/Blood Orange Cake • Downtown Rockford’s Stroll on State

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .............................Cover & p. 20 Annual Messiah Concert Sets the Season Your Home .................................................. .......... 11 Get the Right Snow Blower for Your Home Inspiration & Worship .......................................... 12 Sleep Well Your Kitchen ..........................................................15 Recipe: Dark Chocolage/Blood Orange Cake Your Outings ......................................................... .17 Stroll on State in Downtown Rockford Your Health ............................................. .............. 25 Rockford Health System’s Remote Patient Monitoring Your Health ............................................. .............. 26 Outpatient Surgery Center Benefits Your Fun ................................................... .............. 27 Restaurant of the Week ........................................ 29 Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Dining Locally .......................................... ............. 29 Tips ........................................................... .............. 31 Wet Basement Tips & Info Your Money .............................................. .............. 33 IRA Changes Coming

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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Nov. 26

Why Shop Local?

A

s Black Friday looms, your friends at Smart Living Weekly and Northwest Quarterly Magazine encourage you to do at least some of your holiday shopping in locally owned stores rather than chain stores.

Likewise, when you’re planning a meal out, choose a locally owned restaurant over a chain. Why? Because it’s an important way for each of us to have a part in improving our local economy. Many studies show that a larger percentage of the dollars you spend at a locally owned business stay within our community and re-circulate, as opposed to a chain store that sends most of the dollars to a headquarters in another state.

The Winnebago Buy Local organization estimates that “dollars spent in locally owned businesses have three times the impact on your community as dollars spent at national chains. When shopping locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.”

And there are other reasons, too. It’s the locally owned businesses that give our communities their unique identities – not the big- box stores found in every U.S. city. The stronger our locally owned business sector is, the more we’re able to keep local decision-making in local hands. And, as a general rule, locally owned businesses tend to be better employers and pay better wages.

Locally owned businesses also tend to be better citizens. Think, for a minute, about the sponsor names you’ve seen on the backs of Little League uniforms, or about the companies that underwrite civic parades or festivals. They’re most often companies owned by people who live and and work here – people who truly care about our community.

Shouldn’t we prefer them to the anonymous mega-company whose owners don’t know or care a thing about our corner of the world? To them, we’re just one more profit center.

Happy Holidays, and lets’ make the season a Buy Local one! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 26

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Smart Living

Holiday Shopping Guide

Smart Living

Holiday Shopping Guide

Y H  G

What to Consider When Buying a Snow Blower

By Jim Killam

W

hen buying a snow blower, it’s important to get the correct model and size for your needs. Tim Kinney of Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales, 3110 Auburn St., Rockford, offers a few tips for buyers.

First, determine what size snow blower you need. They come in two basic types, single-stage and two-stage.

Single-stage: This model is ideal if you have a flat, midsized paved driveway and walks; it easily handles snowfall up to 8 inches. It’s fairly light, easier to handle than a two-stage, and takes up about as much space as a lawn mower.

Single-stage models usually clear an 18- to 22-inch swath, with rubber paddles that contact the surface to sweep the snow up and out of a chute in one quick movement. The rubber parts are forgiving on blacktop and concrete driveways, Kinney says, but since its auger contacts the ground, don’t use it on gravel driveways.

Two-stage: This type is best if you have a long, wide, or hilly driveway. It can take on a lot more snow than a single-stage and clear a swath 24- to 32-inches wide. A metal auger funnels the snow backward inside the machine, where a spinning impeller throws it out of a chute at high velocity, typically 10 to 15 feet farther than single-stage machines.

“If you’re in an area with a lot of drifting, a two-stage is better,” Kinney says.

Metal skids can be height-adjusted, depending on the surface. Since the auger doesn’t contact the ground, a two-stage model is needed for a gravel driveway.

Next, decide what features you need.

Both types come in electric and gas models, and controls can vary. “Can you handle just a pull start, or do you need an electric start?” Kinney asks. “The electric

start doesn’t have a battery, so you do have to plug it in, but once it starts, you unplug it and you’re good to go.”

Engine type is another consideration.

Lincoln Rent-All sells only Toro snow blowers, which have four-cycle engines.

That means you don’t have to mix the gas and oil, as you would with a two-cycle.

If you just need a machine to clean off sidewalks, a deck, or even a very short city driveway, consider a smaller, all-electric model. They’re less powerful but convenient and require little maintenance. ❚

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I  W

Sleep Well

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. – Proverbs 3:24

N

early 9 million American adults use prescription sleeping pills to get their rest; millions more self-medicate.

Insomnia is caused by many things, from medical conditions to plain old stress.

When anxiety is the culprit, we Christians should remember that God wants us to sleep well, no matter what’s going on in our lives. Jesus even slept soundly in a storm-tossed boat, until his panicky friends woke him up. (Read Mark 4:35-41) Jesus never promised that following him would bring us easy lives; quite the opposite. But he did promise that choosing his ways over the world’s would bring us a kind of peace that only he could give. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” (John 16:33.) Claiming that

peace and resisting anxiety is up to us.

Kittens and puppies illustrate this beautifully. When well cared for, they play and romp, living life to the fullest, then drop into deep, restful naps.

They lose no energy to guilt or worry.

They don’t waste time wondering if their bowls will be filled the next day.

We people are far more complicated.

But we’re also the well-cared-for objects of God’s affection. He wants us to hand our cares over to Him. He doesn’t want us to flail around in a sea of worries, relying only upon our own strength and wits for survival. “... don’t worry about your life, what you’ll eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear,” said Jesus.

“Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they don’t sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:24-27) We can “reboot” our tired minds by truly accepting this invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28). ❚ Janine Pumilia 12

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Y Y K K

Olive Oil: It’s Not Just for Use with Savory Foods W Dark Chocolate-Blood Orange Cake & Blood Orange Ganache ith olive oil, most of us think of mixing a vinaigrette, sautéing vegetables, browning or coating meats and poultry or dipping bread.

Turns out, extra virgin olive oil is a great subsititute for butter in baking recipes. Good extra virgin olive oil adds a wonderful, nuanced flavor to cakes, tortes, brownies and bread. It’s also a good way to cut saturated fat.

When substituting olive oil for butter or margarine, the ratio is 3:4 – three parts olive oil equals four parts butter. For example, if a baking recipe calls for a stick of butter (8 tablespoons), you would substitute 6 tablespoons of olive oil.

This recipe for Dark Chocolate Blood Orange Cake uses Blood Orange Olive Oil and Tangerine Balsamic from The Olive Oil Experience, 6340 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.

Find more recipes online at theoliveoilexperience.com. ❚

Ingredients

½ cup cocoa powder 1 tsp. Spice Galleria vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ tsp. Spice Galleria sea salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 Tbs. Olive Oil Experience Tangerine Balsamic 2 large eggs

½ cup Olive Oil Experience Blood Orange Olive Oil 1 tsp. or as needed for greasing pans 1 tangerine, segmented, for garnish 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips or chunks ½ cup heavy cream 1 Tbs. Olive Oil Experience Blood Orange Olive Oil 1 pinch Spice Galleria sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two 9-inch cake pans, one muffin pan, or one 13x9-inch pan with Blood Orange olive oil.

Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Beat eggs with with enough cold water to equal one cup. Thoroughly mix liquid ingredients in a separate large bowl until smooth. Add the dry ingredients in to the wet and mix using a hand or stand mixer on low. Pour the mixture into the prepared pans.

Bake for 30 minutes (cupcakes will take about 15 min.) or until a cake skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool for 20-25 minutes before removing from the pans to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the cream in a sauce pan over medium heat until just about simmering. Pour the cream over the chocolate and allow to sit for five minutes. Gently whisk the chocolate and cream until smooth. Add the blood orange olive oil and whisk to thoroughly incorporate. Allow to cool until it’s at a spreadable consistency. Gently spread the slightly cooled ganache over the the completely cooled cake. Garnish with whipped cream and a tangerine segment. Yields 12 small but decadent servings.

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Y O

Stroll on State for Downtown Holiday Fun

By Peggy Werner

O

n Saturday, Nov. 29, 4-9 p.m., downtown Rockford will be filled with family fun, during the second annual Stroll on State.

“This is an event for the community, by the community, and is meant to unleash the Christmas spirit in the city of Rockford,” says Tana Vettore, director of destination development for the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB).

The downtown will be adorned with white lights, winter planters, lighted garland, ribbons, greens, oversized ornaments and dramatic largescale decorations. The free event features tons of holiday happenings: Santaland, an ice skating rink, a S’mores station, entertainment and more.

Watch flames flicker inside ice features at the Fire & Ice display. Get your picture taken with Hammy the Hog. Take in the sights during a horse-drawn wagon ride. Shop the Holiday Market, this year expanded to three locations. Beverages and food treats will be available.

Stroll on State has expanded this year to include locations west to Main Street, five times more outside vendors and indoor vendors. At FrostyLand, in the historic lobby of City Hall, buy original Christmas items by artist Lisa Frost, including banners,

wrapping paper, stockings, dolls, mugs and ornaments.

At 6 p.m., stroll from City Hall across the State Street Bridge to the PNC Bank Plaza, for the lighting of the city Christmas tree. On the 300 block of East State, watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, shown on the side of a building. Mail a letter to Santa. Then close out the evening by watching a fireworks display.

The idea for Stroll on State grew out of RACVB talks about how to decorate the city for Christmas. “It evolved into much more, as we talked to people about having a part in it,” Vettore says. “We wanted to create a holiday tradition, by creating great memories and moments.”

The first year, organizers expected about 7,000 people to attend; 30,000 showed up. “The night of the event, we had 28 pages of pictures and posts from people saying ‘magical,’ ‘amazing,’ ‘will never miss the joyous event,’” Vettore says.

“We were seeing all the words that described what we were trying to do, and it was overwhelming, in such a positive way.”

More than three dozen businesses are supporting the event.

Learn more at gorockford.com or visit Stroll on State’s Facebook page. ❚

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R  O R

Sublime Music

Continued from Cover

First performed in Dublin in 1742, the work has become one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in western music.

Its enduring appeal, according to most experts, is the sheer beauty of the music and the moving message of its text. Handel’s oratorio actually covers more than the birth of Christ; it tells a sacred story with voices and orchestra about man’s sinful nature and Christ’s redemption.

The libretto came from Charles Jennens, a literary scholar and admirer of Handel’s music, who had collaborated with him on earlier works. With 79 Scripture references from the Old and New Testament, Jennens compiled the text from the King James Bible and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer.

Part I begins with prophecies of Christ’s coming and the annunciation to the shepherds. Part II concentrates on the Passion and ends with the well-known and beloved “Hallelujah” chorus.

Part III covers the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s glorification in Heaven.

According to Bauer, Handel worked nonstop for three weeks composing the piece, because he was so driven and overcome with emotion with what he was doing. “Handel was a God-fearing man and a great composer,” he says. “What he wanted to do with Messiah is effectively communicate the story of who Jesus really is – fully God and fully human – and that he came to redeem fallen

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man and to forgive people for their sins. Messiah is a picture of what Jesus has done for us,” he says.

The Rockford Choral Union’s performance includes the 130-member choir, a 15-piece chamber orchestra, harpsichord, organ and four international soloists. For spectators and performers alike, the production has become a Christmas tradition.

“I do look forward to Messiah every year,” says soprano Debra Ganzel. “For me, it’s a great way to begin the Christmas season.

I’m drawn to the words, which are based on Scripture, and put to great music. As long as I have the ability, I will sing Messiah.”

So, while new singers are always welcomed, having veterans stick with the group is important.

“We do a phenomenal job, because about 85 percent of our singers have performed Messiah for at least eight years,” says Bauer. “If our performers were new every year, it would be

R  O R difficult to do. I always encourage people to stick with it. The first year is tough, but it gets better each year. It’s tough music to perform. Baroque music is very difficult for singers. It’s not your typical choral anthem.”

Ganzel can attest to the challenges Messiah presents, recalling how she followed the score as an audience member for a couple of years, before deciding to join the Rockford Choral Union. That was 20 years ago.

“I’ve memorized a lot of the music, so it’s very comfortable for me at this point,” she says. “The first year, though, I just prayed to get through it, because the music is so difficult. It’s not like singing with a church choir. What’s difficult is the range of the notes. Most of us don’t sing music like this any other time of the year. It’s very challenging.”

Rockford Choral Union is made up of volunteer members of all ages, representing more than 65 area churches, schools and organizations within a 65-mile radius of Rockford.

“Our performers are dedicated to the weekend, because they’re sold on what it is about,” Bauer says. “They feel it’s a significant contribution that they can be a part of, and they’re proud to do it.”

To prepare each year, they practice for two hours for the six consecutive Sundays preceding the performance weekend, and then have a dress rehearsal. There are no tryouts; before committing to perform, most choir members have sung Messiah, or parts of it, and also understand the importance of attending all practices.

“People know what they’re getting into,” Ganzel says. “It doesn’t attract the unprepared.” Volunteers can help out in other

ways, as well. “For those without musical ability, there are many jobs behind the scenes, which allow people to take part and enjoy the performance, without having to sing,” Ganzel says.

As familiar as some people are with Messiah, every performance is new in some ways, Bauer says.

“Every year, I try to refresh my own thinking, so I put my entire being into every performance. Every director has his or her own stylistic approach. Mine is to stress that the words spoken are highly articulated. People need to understand what words are being sung.”

The Rockford Choral Union was established in 1945, for the sole purpose of performing Messiah, as gift to the community, to bring a message of hope following the devastation of World War II. After this year, it will have performed the oratorio 185 times.

And yet, year after year, the house is packed.

“People feel encouraged and energized by the production,” says Bauer. “It’s a very emotional thing, dealing with the death and suffering of Jesus Christ, and the music communicates that in a most remarkable way.”

Performances will take place Saturday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford.

While the chorus is volunteer, there are still costs involved – upwards of $15,000 for the two performances. Even so, the group wants to continue the original spirit of the concert.

Admission is free, and freewill offerings will be accepted at intermission.

For more information, visit rockfordchoralunion.org. ❚ The Only Full Time ABA Certified Group of Interventional Pain Management Physicians in the Rockford area

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At-Home Monitoring by Rockford Health System A program at Rockford Health System, which aims to keep congestive heart failure patients out of the hospital, is now available to help more patients. A $30,000 donation from the Blazer Foundation to the Rockford Memorial Development Foundation is designated for the Visiting Nurses Association’s (VNA) telehealth monitoring program.

The program, which began in 2008, allows high-risk patients to remain at home and avoid hospitalization, by providing them with a device that allows remote monitoring of their medical conditions.

In November 2012, VNA and the RHS Heart & Vascular Center recognized that a significant number of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients could benefit from the program even though they weren’t eligible under Medicare. They worked collaboratively to establish a pilot program to monitor these patients.

Thanks to the Blazer Foundation grant, VNA purchased 20 additional monitors, for a total of 82 monitoring devices.

“Using the successful telehealth program model we already had in place allowed us to leverage an existing platform to create the Heart & Vascular Program in conjunction with our health system and its staff of cardiologists,” says David Taylor, Supervisor of Telehealth Services. “Through it, we were able to address the CHF patient population that didn’t qualify for certified home health care, yet stood to benefit from its extra medical oversight.”

The telehealth nurse uses the monitors to observe a patient’s vitals while the patient remains at home. If necessary, video calls allow the nurse to visibly see the patient. If the vitals are outof-range or the nurse has other concerns, he or she alerts the patient’s cardiology staff, which then contacts the patient to address any health issues or schedule an appointment.

Since the pilot began, overall re-admissions at Rockford Memorial Hospital have dropped from 25 percent to 15 percent.

Re-admission rates for those patients in the Heart & Vascular program have dropped to 7 percent.

By reducing length of hospital stays, the system helps to open more room in ICU for other patients, and by providing instant access to medical staff, helps to minimize complications and mortality for critical-care patients. ❚

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Outpatient Surgery Center Benefits

I

t’s difficult to predict the future of U.S. health care, given the rapidly changing marketplace. However, a high-quality, lowcost provider is in the best position to thrive. Superior, affordable health services translate into satisfied patients – the goal of Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center (RASC).

Since 1994, the outpatient surgery center’s founders sought to give area residents an alternative choice to expensive in-hospital, one-day surgical care.

“Smart consumers want out-of-pocket expenses at the bare minimum,” observes CEO/Administrator Dr. Steve Gunderson.

“We offer advances that reduce recovery time and provide services at the lowest cost to patients in most instances. That’s a powerful combination.”

From its location at 1016 Featherstone Road on Rockford’s east side, RASC has performed more than 90,000 procedures in the past 20 years. The center’s multiple specialties include ear, nose and throat, general surgery, orthopedic, gynecologic, ophthalmology, pain management and podiatric surgery.

“We have a great, mature group of surgeons, anesthesiologists, Dr. Steve Gunderson nurses and technicians who’ve

served the community for years,” Gunderson notes.

The facility features five operating rooms, a large recovery area and two waiting rooms. Unlike hospitals, which have high capital, operating and maintenance costs, RASC enjoys a low overhead that saves patients money.

Visitors experience many comforts, such as a cozy fireplace, Wi-Fi, television and complimentary beverages. To younger and older patients alike, the atmosphere is warm and friendly.

Convenience is one reason why RASC consistently earns a nearperfect patient satisfaction rating.

“Most people want to spend as little time as possible in a health care setting,” Gunderson says. “We encourage family members to stay with patients until they are taken to the operating room and to be present when patients awaken. This creates a more relaxing environment.”

Excellent care remains the distinguishing characteristic after two decades. The center meets standards set by the Center for Medicare Services and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, and strictly adheres to established protocols.

“Satisfied patients’ word of mouth is our best marketing tool,” says Gunderson. “Our staff members deliver the best outpatient care available and a level of safety that’s as high as in any hospital and an infection rate that’s much lower.” ❚ Source: Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

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Holiday Gift Expo Through Jan. 4, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

More than 100 vendors with one-of-a-kind gifts made in the county or that highlight local history or culture. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Hwy. 20 East, Freeport, (800) 3692955.

Regional Juried 11th Exhibition Through Jan. 10, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon5 p.m. Art from up to 160 emerging and established The Dickens Carolers from Portland, Ore., perform in Freeport on artists in the tri-state region Dec. 13. in a variety of media. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, from East Troy to Mukwonago aboard heated (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org. decorated Pullman cars with caroling and a visit

by Santa. East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, The Annual Christmas Show 2002 Church St., East Troy, Wis., (262) 642-3263.

Nov. 28-30, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Enjoy dessert amidst your favorite holiday tunes All Aglow Holiday Display and seasonal skits. $20. Mighty Richland Players Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday light & floral disDessert Theater, 203 W. High Street, Orangeville, plays, live music, activities, all in the warmth of (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.com. the tropics. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nichoPicture Day at Midway Village Museum lasconservatory.com.

Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Four locations decorated for the holidays, with scenic backdrops and Light Up the Parks Holiday Parade props for photo opportunities. Midway Village Nov. 30, 4:45 p.m. parade start; 7 p.m. tree lightMuseum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) ing. Moved from Nov. 23. Parade: Begin Schnei397-9112, midwayvillage.com. der Electric, 1354 Clifford Ave., north on Elm, end Roosevelt Road. Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Drop & Shop Machesney Park Village Hall, 300 Machesney Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations required. Road. (815) 633-3999, parkschamber.com.

Drop off your child with a sack lunch, for a funfilled day of holiday gift making, stories and Rockford Festival of Lights games. $12 per child/$11 members. Midway Vil- Nov. 30-Dec. 28, 5-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. View more lage, Rockford, (815) 397-9112. than 50 lighted holiday displays created by local businesses and groups. Free/donation box at Stroll on State end. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, Nov. 29, 4-10 p.m.. Holiday activities, decora- (815) 494-2569, rockfordfireandice.com. tions and delicious food. Celebrate the season downtown. Free. Downtown Rockford along Greetings!

East State Street, gorockford.com/strollonstate.

Dec. 5-6, 11-13, 7 p.m. A young man brings home his Jewish atheist fiancée to meet his very 69th Rockford Choral Union Messiah Catholic parents on Christmas Eve, with the inNov. 29-30, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Four interna- evitable family explosion and a holiday miracle. tional soloists, 130-member chorale, chamber Winneshiek Playhouse, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, orchestra, pipe organ and harpsichord. Free/ (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org. freewill offering. Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford, rockfordchoralunion.org.

Dickens Carolers Dec. 7, 3 p.m. This popular group performs seaEast Troy Electric Railroad Christmas Express sonal and Christmas music. FCCA, Masonic TemNov. 29-Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. A jaunt ple, Freeport, (815) 232-4214. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Restaurant of the Week

Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

C

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant – a pizzeria in the back of the grocery store they ran at 607 E. Winneshiek St., in Freeport. After son Frank returned from World War II, he took over and moved Cannova’s to its current location in 1964.

Today, Linda and Patrick Beckman, Frank’s daughter and son-in-law, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many of Frank’s original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian filet marinated in olive oil and red wine, Italian-style baked cod, and seafood Alfredo. Desserts include Linda’s madefrom-scratch tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

“Cannova’s is a wonderful place,” Pat Beckman says. “It gives people a great place to go. It’s not overly expensive, and we have great food and great music.”

Then there are the pizzas: the Classic, with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach and sweet basil; the New York, with olive oil on the crust, fresh garlic, mozzarella and diced tomatoes with a house cheese; the double-crusted

Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the a Sicilian, with sliced Italian sausage and pepperoncinis, voted “best traditional pizza” by Pizza Today in 2001. Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany pizza Pat and Linda Beckman earned a silver medal at the 2005 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

The friendly rapport among staff and customers is another reason for the restaurant’s success. Many employees have worked there for 10 to 25 years.

“This business is interesting because of all the people that you meet. Being in a smaller town like Freeport, you know everyone,” Beckman says. “We have people who grew up working here and are still here. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of people. It’s like a family.”

Cannova’s is home to jazz quartets, folk musicians and musical theater groups throughout the year. For two weeks in December, it hosts a popular holiday dinner theater.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 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 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. $$.

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 Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian.

Authentic stuffed pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts.

Pick-up/delivery available. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to 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. $$.

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 Ave., 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

Wines for Thanksgiving

By Anthony Artalé Artalé & Co.

T

he big question: Which wines to go with the variety of tastes, textures and aromas that uniquely present themselves on Thanksgiving Day? The choice is entirely up to you, but here are some options to get you started.

Best Thanksgiving White Wines • Riesling: Flavors of apple, apricot, honey and its clarifying acidity give it a significant pairing edge with the likes of sweet potatoes, turkey meat and spice-laden or herb-filled stuffing.

• Gewurztraminer: This wine tends to have the aromatic gusto and spicy palate appeal that give it a solid standing with turkey and gravy.

Top Red Wine Thanksgiving Options • Pinot Noir: This red wine is a traditional favorite for Thanksgiving. Pinot Noir’s subtle earthy undertones surround the fruit features of the wine and show well with the traditional flavors of turkey and stuffing.

• Zinfandel: A great pick for those looking for a heartier red wine with the capacity to accommodate spice, bitter and sweet flavor profiles.

• Dry Rose: Perfect for those that are not firmly camped in either the red or white wine trenches. It’s light enough to not overpower the turkey, but flavorful enough to complement everything on the table.

There are no hard and fast turkey pairing rules, just plenty of pairing options to explore. When it’s all said and done, choosing a Thanksgiving Day wine is truly about what you prefer and what your guests will enjoy. ❚ For more advice or to find the perfect wine, beer or other libations for your holiday events, visit Artalé & Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, or call (815) 877-9463.

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How ‘myRA’ Accounts May Alter Your Planning

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mportant changes are coming for what’s become one of the biggest concerns of the era: affording retirement.

Those who are saving for retirement and troubleshooting tax obstacles may want to restructure their plans. The Obama administration is preparing to roll out “myRA” savings accounts – IRA accounts for those who don’t currently have access to one.

When the “myRA” account reaches a certain amount, fledgling savers can roll it into a regular IRA account; different states will have their own guidelines. However, some of the benefits of existing savings options could be in peril, says financial advisor Jake Lowrey, president of Lowrey Financial Group, lowreyfinancial.com.

Those include some of the tax advantages of retirement accounts currently enjoyed by higher-income workers. “There will be many people who’ll be unhappy about the changes and that’s understandable, but some may help our country avoid an avalanche of retirees

facing poverty,” Lowrey says.

In just 15 years – 2030 – the last of the baby boomers will have reached 65. That means one of every five Americans will be of retirement age, according to the Pew Research Center.

Lowrey offers guidance on choosing between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA as a retirement savings vehicle.

Traditional IRAs and Deductibility: For either traditional or Roth IRAs, it’s all a matter of how one prefers to be taxed. Generally speaking, the money you deposit into a traditional IRA isn’t taxed that year, and whatever earnings you have on your contributions won’t be taxed until you withdraw that money as a retiree.

So, if you earn $40,000 in one year and put $3,000 of it in an IRA, your taxable income drops to $37,000. The deposit will grow tax-free through the years. If you

withdraw any before age 59½, you’ll face a penalty. After that, withdrawls will be taxed as earned income.

Roth IRAs, Exemptions and No RMDs: Roth IRA contributions are never deductible. You pay taxes on the money when you earn it, just like any other income. The benefit of a Roth is that when the owners decide to withdraw from it after age 59½, they will not be faced with any taxes. In other words, the Roth offers tax-exempt rather than tax-deferred savings.

Naturally, IRA owners want to chart a path in which they’re penalized with taxes the least. “Converting to a Roth will make sense for many people, and if you’re eligible to contribute to both types of IRAs, you may divide contributions between a Roth and traditional IRA,” Lowrey says. “But total contributions can’t surpass the limit for that tax year.” ❚ Jake Lowrey is a financial consultant and president of Lowery Financial Group.

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