Smart Living Weekly - January 21, 2015

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Jan. 21, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Local Gem Sparkles on National TV

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

“L

adies and gentleman, your next American Idol i-i-is ….” Television viewers by the millions have tuned in for the finale episode of “American Idol” for 13 seasons, hoping to hear host Ryan Seacrest speak the name of their favorite contestant.

For Season 14, several thousand area residents may join that group, to root for Dixon native Gina Venier, a performer who’s already a local favorite.

The 24-year-old musician/singer/songwriter’s audition aired Jan. 7, during the show’s two-night season premiere on Fox. Her performance of ZZ Ward’s “Put the Gun Down” earned a quick and unanimous thumbs-up from judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr.

Gina Venier jams with Dad Mike at the 2014 Dixon Petunia Festival.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Game Day Eats • Take Back Control with Bladder Pacemaker • Be Prepared for Winter Emergencies Get & Keep Good Credit • DIY Tips • Restaurant of the Week: Joey C’

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Dixon Performer Hits National Stage Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 4 Tips to Make Home Maintenance Easier Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Your Are Righteous Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Great Game-Day Eats Your Style ......................................................... 17 What You Need to Know About Buying a Fur Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 New Device Restores Bladder Control Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Joey C’ Cucina and Cocktails Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Winter Home Emergency Kit Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Achieving & Maintaining Good Credit

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 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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Jan. 21

Phil Phever O

ne of my favorite holidays is just around the corner … Groundhog Day. This is a fine holiday for several reasons. It’s the first time each year that we dare speak together of spring … oh happy thought! January is over and days are getting longer. On Dec. 21, 2014 – our winter solstice – daylight was about 9 hours and 5 minutes. By Groundhog Day we’ll be up to a whopping 10 hours and 4 minutes.

Also, Easter Bunny aside, Groundhog Day is the only holiday I can think of that centers around a cute little mammal. OK, he’s a rodent, but as a member of the marmot family, his close cousins are squirrels. And I just can’t say enough good things about squirrels. But that’s another column.

Another reason to love Groundhog Day? It’s low-stress. No gifts, decorations or Phil phuss required. Throw a big festive party ... or not. If the entire holiday slips your mind, no judgement. My niece Julia is in the festive camp and (pre-parenthood) was well known for her rollicking Groundhog Day parties, which often wound down with a screening of Bill Murray’s phamous philm about Phil.

Fully 15 locations in that movie were filmed in Woodstock, Ill., in 1993, and the little town has been celebrating faux fame ever since. (The actual setting is Punxsutawney, Penn.) There’s a plaque commemorating the 15 locations, from the town square gazebo to the Cherry Street Inn. Woodstock’s Groundhog Day Celebration is Jan. 29-Feb. 8 this year; phind exciting details at woodstockgroundhog.org.

Oh, and one more thing. While groundhog Punxsutawney Phil provides a darned good excuse for Phebruary phestiveness, don’t count on him for meteorological precision. The National Climatic Data Center states, “The groundhog has shown no talent for predicting the arrival of spring, especially in recent years.”

Killjoys.

Enjoy your week!

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

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• 2 Beloit International Film Festival GOLD Passes* • 2 Night stay at the Ironworks Hotel (BIFF Kickoff Weekend)** • $100 Gift card to Merrill & Houstonʼs Steak Joint * GOLD Passes give unlimited access to all films during the full 10-day festival, non-film events, and free admission to the BIFF Signature Event.

Find more information on BIFF at www.beloitfilmfest.org. * * Overnights are good for Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21st only. View hotel accommodations at www.ironworkshotel.com.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, February 13th.

Now in its tenth year, BIFF is a ten-day tribute to the power and excitement of independent film from around the world. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues in Downtown Beloit, ranging in size from 40 seats to 400 seats, to experience nearly 150 films and meet more than 100 filmmakers who come from as far away as Europe, Asia and South America! Individual tickets are available at www.beloitfilmfest.org.

•••••••••

Visit beloitfilmfest.org or complete the form below and mail to: Visit Beloit Attn: Film Fest • 500 Public Ave., Beloit, WI 53511 Name ___________________________________ Email ___________________________________ Phone ___________________________________ 8

www.visitbeloit.com Smart Living Weekly 608.365.4838

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*All forms must be postmarked by Feb. 9th, 2015

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Y H  G

4 Tips to Make Home Maintenance Easier

ome home maintenance jobs require a significant investment of time and specialized equipment, but there are many projects you can accomplish efficiently with basic tools and the right approach. Follow these tips to get started:

Update your toolbox. Take inventory to ensure you have everything you need, and replace damaged or rusted tools. This is also a good place to store common repair items like tape and glue. For quick, mess-free fixes with no dry time, ditch traditional glue for an adhesive like Glue Dots. The double-sided adhesives bond instantly to virtually any surface with no mess and no clamps.

Get ahead of potential problems. For example, have a plunger on hand to prevent clogged sinks and toilets from causing water damage, and keep gutters and filters clean to prevent structural damage or fire. You can also use adhesive to secure precious items from getting knocked over, and protect floors from traffic damage by securing rugs and felt pads to furniture.

Take a helping hand. Most phones have levels and flashlights that can help with minor jobs, and your phone’s calendar can be set with recurring reminders so that you’ll never miss a maintenance date. In addition, find creative ways to make tasks easier. It can be tough to keep items in place while nailing or screwing into walls or ceilings, or installing features such as under-cabinet lighting. Glue

Dots are a handy solution that won’t damage the surface, expand or make a mess.

Get organized. Daily tasks like cleaning are easier when you do them along the way, rather than allow them to pile up and create bigger jobs. Store items needed every day in each room, or on each floor. For maximum efficiency, keep cleaning supplies in the bath and the kitchen, and a broom and vacuum on each floor.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

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Making sure you have the right tools on hand and taking preventive steps to get ahead of potential problems will make minor home repair jobs quick and easy so you can get back to enjoying the comforts of your home. For additional DIY home repair tips, visit GlueDots.com. ❚ Source: Family Features

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I  W

You Are Righteous

O

ne of the biggest challenges we face each day as Christians is to view ourselves as God views us: as His righteous children. Most of us are very aware of all the bad decisions we’ve made. We forget that we’re righteous not because we’re good, but because Jesus Christ is good.

By dwelling on our failures rather than our righteousness, we become ineffective in doing God’s work. God wants us to fully claim our righteousness and walk boldly in the power of the holy spirit so that we can be His hands and feet on earth. The more we love God, the less we want to sin. The more we love God, the more we want to love people.

By the same token, if we think too highly of ourselves, rather than relying on God’s wisdom, strength and direction, we’re also ineffective. That’s because, even on our very best days, we’re still blundering idiots compared to God. None of us has designed a toad lately, much less created an entire universe. The apostle Paul said it this way: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

“God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” – I Cor. 1:26-31 (NIV) YOU are made righteous by God. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Score Big with Game Day Snacks T

he big game is on, and your home is filled with family and friends decked out in those familiar colors, ready to cheer their team to victory. Now there’s only one more thing you need to make this game day gathering great – a feast of delicious, easy-to-enjoy goodies.

Whether your gang of game-day guests consists of spice fanatics or sweets enthusiasts, a brand like Blue Diamond offers a huge variety of delicious snack almonds perfect for every preference or craving.

Complete your game day spread with delicious dips – and don’t forget the dippers. Add variety and color with sliced up carrots, bell peppers and broccoli to serve alongside tasty Blue Diamond Nut Thins, a perfect, crunchy dipper that’s also gluten-free.

Get in the game with these recipes and more, by visiting bluediamond.com. ❚ Source: Family Features

Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins Ingredients 3

1 1 ¼ ½ ⅓ ½ ¼

lbs. small russet potatoes cooking spray (olive oil or as preferred) cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese cup shredded rotisserie chicken cup buffalo wing sauce cup crushed Blue Diamond Hint of Sea Salt Nut-Thins cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds cup light sour cream cup sliced green onion tops

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F and line baking sheet with foil.

Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly.

Cut in half and scoop out potato, leaving ¼-inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.

Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with nut chips and almonds and bake for 5 minutes more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions.

Serve with additional wing sauce, if desired.

Servings: 6–8

Bacon Avocado Dip Ingredients 1

large avocado, peeled and mashed ½ tomato, seeded & chopped ⅓ cup Blue Diamond Jalapeño Smokehouse Almonds, chopped ¼ cup diced red onion 1 strip cooked bacon, roughly chopped 2 Tb. sour cream 1 tsp. minced garlic Juice of ½ lime Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients.

Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite flavor of Nut Thins.

Servings: 1 cup

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Hints for Selecting a Fur Coat

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

W

inter is a natural time to shop for fur, not just because it’s fashionable, but also because it offers warmth and comfort.

Whether buying your first fur or just looking to update your wardrobe, here are some helpful hints to assist you in making this allimportant purchase.

“The biggest thing people should know is that a fur coat doesn’t have to cost a lot of money,” says Chris Laird, owner of Fur Company Williams-Laird, located at Edgebrook, 1603 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “You can buy a fur coat from $1,500 and up, depending on what you want.”

Laird’s fur salon features everything from rabbit to chinchilla furs, as well as accessories such as pillows, purses and scarves.

In the 37 years since starting the business with his late wife, Eva, Laird’s seen it all when it comes to styles and tastes.

“The biggest trend I’ve seen in the past 10 or 15 years is the simplicity of the fur coat,” he says. “Furs used to have big shoulders and a certain fullness to them. Not anymore. We’re seeing an elegant, classic styling. People don’t wear fur just for dress-up anymore. They wear it for comfort.”

Laird strongly recommends finding a furrier, a professional who works with and is knowledgable about furs. “We love to teach people what to look for and how to make the right decision,” he says. “Someone may come in and say they have $3,000 to spend.

We show them styles that fit their budgets. The entire process is a learning experience.

Most people don’t know anything about fur before they walk into our store.”

Furriers provide a full range of product care services, from repairs and tailoring to cleanings and on-site storage in humidity- and temperature-controlled vaults.

Not sure what length to buy? It depends on your lifestyle. “There are so many styles to choose from,” says Laird. “It’s not just about fashion anymore. It’s also about warmth. A long coat can keep you warm. You can wear it all the time – to lunch or to the grocery store.”

To learn more about finding a fur to fit your lifestyle, visit the Fur Company at Edgebrook or call (815) 397-7778. ❚

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Local Gem

Continued from Cover

Venier immediately grabbed the judges’ attention, when she walked into the audition carrying a drum box called a cajón, a percussion instrument which none of the judges recognized. “I wanted to do an upbeat song and use my cajón, and try to be somebody different right away,” Venier says. “ZZ Ward has been one of my musical inspirations since I first heard her music, so that’s why I picked ‘Put the Gun Down.’”

Using her “lucky” egg shaker, and a drum pedal and her fingers on the cajón while she sang, Venier had all three judges keeping time with her rhythm, and they clearly enjoyed her performance.

“It was very interesting and cool for Harry, Jennifer and Keith to be surprised and not really understand me,” Venier says.

“I get a similar vibe at many of my gigs, and I’m used to it. The cajón is a non-traditional instrument. It’s a portable drum kit that I can take anywhere. It’s awesome to play – I knew could add a few extra finger rolls and get the judges to perk right up.”

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Parents Mike and Marguerite Venier own Venier Jewelers in downtown Dixon, a 70-year-old family business that’s now in its fourth generation. Venier says she comes by her musical talent naturally – her father played drums in a Blues Brothers cover band for more than 15 years.

“My musical drive definitely springs from him,” she says. “I watched him perform with his band when I was growing up, and he’s always been my inspiration. He taught me to play the drums when I was 6, and I started playing the guitar at 13. He’ll still play drums for me when I do local gigs, and we’ll just jam together. Music has always been a collaborative thing for my family.”

At Dixon High School, Venier participated in choir and softball and played in a band. She attended Elmhurst College, where she continued in athletics and graduated in 2012 with a degree in sports broadcasting. “I worked at a local radio station at school, and here in Dixon,” Venier says.

“I enjoy it, and I can always go back to it.

Jan. 21

Cover Photo: Jennifer Lubbs Photography

(American Idol photo)

R  O R

Venier performs during her Hollywood round, accompanying herself with her guitar and cajón, bottom right, which attracted the judges’ attention at the blind audition in Nashville. This episode will air on Fox during the first or second week in February. Contractually, of course, she’s unable to reveal if she’s moving on.

R  O R I think broadcasting has helped me with being onstage. It just became clear that I should put all of my efforts into music.”

Following college, she moved to Chicago to find gigs in clubs and other city venues. “Right out of the gate, Summer 2012, I entered a music competition in Chicago called Big Break, and I won,” Venier says. “I’ve pursued music full-time since then, playing anywhere that’ll have me and writing songs.”

She moved to Nashville last year to hone her songwriting, and that’s where she auditioned for “American Idol.”

“I’d watched the show for years with my parents, and they’d ask if I should try for something like that, but the timing just wasn’t right for me,” Venier explains.

“When I was in Nashville, working as waitress, gigging at night and writing music every day like mad, I heard the show was auditioning in town and decided that this could be my ticket.”

During a meeting at ASCAP (a group that assists musicians, writers and performers with copyrights), Venier casually mentioned her interest in auditioning, and that led to her setting up a meeting with

“American Idol” producers. “The process is unbelievable – interviews, meetings, preliminary auditions, more interviews,” she says. “Even with all of that, I didn’t know for certain that I was actually going to sing for the judges until the last minute, so I hadn’t told my family at all yet. Once I had the confirmation, I called my parents, and they left immediately that night and drove down to Nashville to be with me.”

Then came the waiting – and waiting and waiting. “It was an all-day thing,” Venier says. “You wait in line outside, you wait inside. It’s nerve-wracking.”

How does a performer prepare for such a life-altering chance? “In an amazing, beautiful way, I think I’ve been preparing for that moment for years,” Venier says.

“It’s all the experiences, conversations with friends and family members. I give credit to a lot of people, over a lot of years.

It’s not the first time I’ve had to be fearless and sell myself. I’m ready to introduce myself to world.”

Venier’s Hollywood audition will air during the first or second week of February, and the rising star gives no indication of its outcome, good or bad. “I’m a firm

believer in living each moment,” she says.

“I’m not looking to the future. I just want to soak up every amazing moment of this unbelievable opportunity. My hope is that people hearing me for the first time will want to hear me again.”

Venier didn’t strategoze before her audition. “My strategy was to be myself, to be honest, confident and genuine, to be true to myself,” she says. “I’m very blessed.

One thing my dad has always told me is ‘Know your roots, toots.’ I’m a small-town girl with big-city drive.”

Fans can follow Venier’s progress on “American Idol,” on Twitter, @ginavenier, and learn more about her music on her Facebook page, GinaVenierMusic. ❚

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EVERY MOMENT MATTERS

G R OW I N G TO S E RV E YO U OSF Center for Cancer Care expansion - Summer 2015 completion date.

Throughout a patient’s cancer journey, every moment matters. Whether it be the moments spent living life and enjoying family and friends or the ones spent in treatment, those moments all make an impact on quality of life. That is why the team at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care puts the patient experience at the forefront of planning for the new cancer center expansion.

Center for Cancer Care Follow us on

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www.osfsaintanthony.org

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FHN Procedure Puts You Back in Control F

We’r e her e , for you.

HN urologist David DiDomenico, MD, DO, FACS helps patients experiencing bladder control issues to reclaim control of their urination – and their lives – with InterStim therapy.

“Some incontinence problems are caused by a communication problem between your brain and your bladder,” DiDomenico says.

“Your bladder isn’t getting the message to hold urine or to void urine properly. Interstim helps to correct those messages.”

With InterStim therapy, a small device is implanted near the tailbone, where it acts as a sort of pacemaker for the bladder. It helps to correct the information and signals received and acted upon by the bladder by stimulating the local bladder nerves. The result allows the patient to more effectively tell the bladder when to hold urine and when to “go.”

Patients are literally able to try out the device during a trial assessment period of a few days to a week, using an external version of the Interstim device. During a simple in-office procedure, the doctor inserts a tiny wire by the sacral nerves near the tailbone, which connects to a pager-sized instrument worn on the belt or waistband. If symptoms improve while wearing the test device, the doctor will recommend you schedule the permanent implantation.

Unlike medications, the InterStim device works immediately and can be tailored to the patient’s needs. Candidates have already

tried medications and other methods of relief, such as biofeedback, exercises, physical therapy and fluid and diet changes. “Having to go to the bathroom every half hour, or having to use a catheter to completely empty your bladder, will have a significant impact on your life,” DiDomenico says. “InterStim is certainly worth a try at that point.”

DiDomenico’s patients have been using InterStim therapy for seven years, and it’s FDA- and Medicare-approved. If you’re dealing with bladder control issues, call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877600-0346) ext. 942 to make an appointment with one of FHN’s urologists. ❚ Source: FHN

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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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Exhibit: Savage, Ancient Seas Through Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. See skeletons of huge carnivorous sea creatures, touch kiosks, enjoy films, activities and more in this interactive, traveling exhibit.

Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Coal Mining of Illinois Exhibition Through March 7, Tues.-Fri. 10 See the 1964 Sidney Lumet Cold War thriller Fail Safe, Feb. 4 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Feaat the Lindo Theatre, Freeport. turing photos and artifacts from 1820-1990 which highlight the lives of coal min- Vince Chiarelli & Frank Calvagna ing families and the history of coal mining in the Jan. 31, 7 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned U.S. Location: Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 soda, bottled water, and popcorn are available N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, free- for purchase. Free admission; donations welcome. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, portartmuseum.org.

4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 8772576, springcreekucc.org.

13th Annual Civil War Symposium Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dr. George C. Rable, University of Alabama, author of award-winning Lena Brewing Co. Grand Opening book, Fredericksburg!, explores the battle’s so- Jan. 24, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The celebration will feacial and political causes and its aftermath. Also: ture free brewery tours from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Civil War Embalming: A Demonstration of Period (tours begin on the hour), free appetizers, raffle Technique by Jon Austin; The Election of 1864 giveaways, guest bartenders, special purchases presented by Prof. Bruce Allardice. $30/$20 and plenty of Lena Brewing Co. craft beer. Lena members/$17 students. Register by Jan. 21. Brewing Co., 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena, (815) Midway Village Museum 6799 Guilford Road, 369-2588, lenabrewing.com.

Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

44th Annual Aquin Flea Market and More Feb. 1, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This indoor flea market ofLights & Tights Dance Marathon Jan. 24, 6-10:30 p.m. Rockford Dance Company fers something for everyone, including antiques, presents the first annual Lights & Tights Dance collectibles, crafts, coins, stamps, farmer’s marMarathon. The theme is “USO Swing Style.” ket items and more. Operates the first Sunday Dance the night away raising funds for RDC of every month. $1. Aquin High School, 1419 S. scholarships and financial assistance. Riverfront Galena, Freeport, (815-291-4486) Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) Film Series: Fail Safe 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.

Feb 4, 1 & 7 p.m. American planes are sent to deliver a nuclear attack on Moscow, due to an 3-on-3 Charity Classic Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m. check in, 11:30 a.m. tip off. electrical malfunction. Can they be stopped All ages. Benefits Rockford MELD. Come out before it’s too late? Sidney Lumet directed this and watch the teams play, or call Eric Gnippe at classic 1964 film starring Henry Fonda, Walter (630) 805-2144 if you want to play. $30 a team, 5 Matthau and Fritz Weaver. The Cold War Film players maximum per team. Rockford University, Series; $5 per movie or $20 for the series of 4 movies and the bonus musical. Classic Cinemas 5050 E. State St., Rockford.

Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413, classiccinemas.com.

Copperstone Cup 2015 Jan. 30-Feb. 1, TBA. Pond Hockey Invitational.

Team fee $250; contact Rich Spanton, (608) 669- Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting 6745. All monies benefit St. Jude and Goldie Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m. Museum benefit. Sample a vaFloberg Center. Friends and family welcome. See riety of fine wines, gourmet cheeses, decadent website for more info. The Pavilion at Orchard chocolates. Silent auction. Freeport Art MuRidge Farms, 6788 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton, seum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815-2359755), freeportartmuseum.com. ❚ facebook.com/CopperstoneCup. Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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A TRUE PROMISE WILL NEVER BE BROKEN

Jan. 21

GRUNOS.COM

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails J

oey Canova is no stranger to the food industry. In the early 1990s, the Rockford native worked in management for various restaurants and then worked in sales at LaMonica Beverages. Then he decided to make a move. “I always wanted to get back into the business and open a restaurant and bar,” he says. “I left a good job with a steady income, but I didn’t want to be on my death bed one day saying, ‘I wish I had tried it.’ It was time to do it. My wife, Michelle, was very supportive.”

Three years ago, Canova opened Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails, 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, site of the former Angelo’s restaurant. “I wanted to open a small neighborhood restaurant and bar that appealed to a more mature crowd,” he says. “I wanted a place that offers quality food at affordable prices – a place where

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

everyone knows each other and feels comfortable.”

Joey C’ is warm and cozy. There’s a main dining room with one big-screen TV and a bar area with eight more TVs. The restaurant seats 125 comfortably.

The environment is fun at Joey C’, but it’s the food that sets it apart. Canova recruited Chef Bernie Harding, former owner of Cafe Greco, to head up his kitchen. “He’s means the world to this place,” Canova says. “The recipes he’s brought over – from his salad dressing to his Sicilian steak – have been staples in this town.”

Canova also brought his own recipes, including his parents’ and grandparents’ favorite dishes. The menu includes signature items like Lemon Pepper Grouper and Steak Sicilian, along with an assortment of sandwiches, salads, fresh seafood,

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. $$.

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Leombruni’s Italian Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Italian.

Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$.

11pm, Sun 10pm. $.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

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

Butterfly Club E 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. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatSun 8am-5pm. $.

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. 10pm. $$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD Sun-Th11am10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$.

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. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. 7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

(Samantha Ryan photo)

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

Joey Canova and Chef Bernie Harding.

lasagna and various pastas. Most importantly, the food has to be fresh.

Joey C’ has daily specials including tacos on Tuesday, Sicilian night on Wednesday, all-you-can-eat fish fry on Friday and slow-roasted prime rib on Saturday.

Save room for desserts like salted caramel cream puff or a giant, warm chocolate chip cookie with spumoni.

Joey C’ welcomes birthday parties, rehearsal dinners and other special events.

Hours: Sun.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. ❚

In the Spotlight Higher Grounds

F

or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches.

Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes.

Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

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Jan. 21

T  I

Winter Home Emergency Kit

A

winter storm can knock out heat, power and communications services, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.

The time to prepare for a winter storm is before it hits. Use this checklist from the State of Illinois Illinois Emergency Management Agency to make sure you and your family are prepared for any emergency.

• Blankets/sleeping bags • Matches • Water – at least five gallons per person, for drinking and sanitation, bottled or purchased ahead of time, in case pipes freeze or burst • Food – at least three-days’ worth of nonperishable food that requires no cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods, and dried fruits • Battery-powered or handcrank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit and instruction manual • Whistle to signal for help • Dust mask to help to filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Identification – social security card, passport, photo ID, driver’s license • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Manual can opener for food • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger • Prescription medication, infant formula, pet food or other unique needs Careful planning and preparation will help to get you and your family through the worst winter storm. ❚ Source: Illinois Emergency Management Agency courtesy of RockfordHealthSystem.org

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Y M

Achieving & Maintaining Good Credit

By Peggy Werner

T

here’s no reason to be in the dark about where you stand in terms of credit, and even less reason to be afraid of the dark.

Being aware of your current financial situation and the resources available to help you to maintain – or regain – good credit is the best route to financial health.

“The good news is all three credit bureaus are looking at people’s history a little differently these days and adjusting the scores accordingly,” says Lorna Cote, director of marketing at MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford. “It’s not just about your debt and earnings anymore. They look at your bill paying history and how you’re currently managing your finances.”

Paying your bills on time and not overextending credit cards is the best path to a good credit score. A good rule is to use only 25 percent of your available credit. Don’t open or close accounts in a short period of time, which can shorten your credit history and reflect poorly on your use of available credit. Even if you’re dropping a credit card, don’t close the account before applying for new credit. Get a free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com, not only to check your score, but also fraudulent activity.

Cote recommends regular monitoring of all your accounts, whether by telephone or online, to see if any fraudulent activity is taking place, even if it’s a credit card you haven’t used recently.

Check your credit card statement as soon as it arrives and make sure that the numbers agree with your receipts.

Among the financial tools MembersAlliance provides its members is “CreditBuild,” a secured personal loan to help to build or rebuild credit.

At membersalliance.org, non-members can access SavvyMoney, a free, safe and anonymous debt management site. It only takes a few minutes to answer a few questions about income and debt to receive an analysis of your financial situation.

With its full array of products and services, coupled with financial education and consultation, MembersAlliance gets members on the road to good financial management.

With branches on Alpine Road, at 6951 Olde Creek Road, and within Wal-Mart stores on West Riverside, Rockton Road and Walton Street, MembersAlliance is open to anyone living or working in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties.

To become a member, visit any of the five locations and ask to meet with a member service representative. ❚

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Issue 1