Smart Living Weekly - September 24, 2014

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Right in Our Region

44th Annual Autumn on Parade

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

H

igh above the Rock River, the famous Blackhawk Statue will watch over Oregon, Ill., during Autumn on Parade, the annual Ogle County fall festival, held on Oct. 4-5.

The two-day, daytime-only event includes live entertainers, more than 100 fine arts, arts &

crafts and farmers’ market vendors, food vendors and a parade. There’s also a classic car/ tractor show; a 5K run; an Olde English Faire and tours at Stronghold, a nearby authentic castle; a kids’ Fun Zone; a Duck Dash; and tours of a restored one-room schoolhouse.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Lively Looks for Living Rooms • Flavors of the Season • About Ambulatory Surgery Go Keyless • Kids & Music • Edgebrook’s Cider N’ Cinnamon Fair

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Autumn on Parade in Oregon, Ill. Your Home ........................................................11 Liven Up Your Living Room Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Title Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Seasonal Tastes at Great Harvest Bread Co. Your Outings ....................................................17 Edgebrook’s 40th Annual Cider N’ Cinnamon Your Health ...................................................... 25 Stress-free, Convenient Ambulatory Surgery Your Fun .......................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Kids & Music Your Money ...................................................... 33 Keyless Door Entry: Security & Savings

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 Jim Killam, Rhonda Mix, 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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Sept. 24

Of Castles & Kings

R

eared to be good Presbyterians, in a family full of clergy, my siblings and I spent a fair amount of time at Stronghold Castle, in Oregon, Ill., after our denomination bought that fantastic property from the family of Chicago newspaper magnate Walter Strong, in 1963. Memories of it came back to me, after reading our cover story about Autumn on Parade and the corresponding Olde English Fair at Stronghold, this year on Oct. 4 & 5.

(Really. How amazing is it that a gorgeous stone castle is perched high on wooded grounds across the Rock River from Lorado Taft’s 1910 “Eternal Indian” – now called “Black Hawk” – statue?)

My much-older brothers, who worked as camp counselors at Stronghold, loved to tell me ghost stories, as they took me down the scary secret passageway that opened into a hidden chapel behind the library. In time, I became obsessed with all things royal and even threw Olde English slumber parties for my girlfriends, requiring them to wear “royal clothing” (our older sisters’ old prom dresses) and to design their own castles on paper.

Today, Stronghold speaks to me in a different way. Walter and Josephine Strong finished building this castle as a summer retreat for their five children, in about 1930. The following year, Walter unexpectedly died of a heart attack. Although Josephine and the children enjoyed their castle until her death in 1961, they did so without him.

It reminds me of a similar story that played out on Geneva Lake, when Chicago beer magnate Conrad Seipp built beautiful Queen-Anne-style Black Point cottage as a summer home for his family, only to died shortly after its completion, in 1890.

Even the “kings of industry” must obey the universal laws of mortality. Life is short.

Autumn is a great time to get out and enjoy our region with family and friends.

Both Stronghold Castle and Black Point are open to the public for tours.

Seize the day!

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

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Y H  G

Lively Living Room Updates

By Rhonda Mix

T

hinking about a living room makeover? A neutral backdrop is always in style, but the colors punctuating it are looking livelier these days.

“We’re seeing trends such as brighter colors now,” says designer Sheila Anderson, at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 808 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. “Some styles have become a little more casual, a little more relaxed. We’re starting to do away with the more formal living room.”

Comfort is the way to go in your family room. “The tried and true general wisdom is to purchase a good sofa set or sectional with a neutral-toned body and then dress up the room with more trendy things that can be changed out in a few years – pillows, lamps, even a fun ottoman or accent chair,” says Anderson.

Sea glass accessories, nail head upholstery, metal sculptures, faux cowhide pillows and furniture covered in fabric that looks like leather – but is 100

percent polyester – are in vogue, as are mixed geometric patterns and contemporary rugs.

Ottomans haven’t gone out of fashion, although people are using them a little differently now. Old, tired coffee tables are being replaced by high-function ottomans.

“Polyester is great for people with kids and pets,” Anderson says. “Bonded leather also is family-friendly. It’s not as expensive as true leather and is a mix of vinyl and leather. It’s a really good substitute if you’re in that busy time of your life with kids.”

Gustafson’s also features an American-made line of furniture, including a line of lift chairs and an adjoined husband-and-wife love seat lift with options for massage and heat. Buying American is a good option to offer, says Anderson.

“People take a lot of pride in the craftsmanship,” she says. “It’s the quality of the workers – a lot of the businesses have people that have grown up in the furniture industry and they run family businesses.” ❚

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

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I  W

September Light

B

enjamin Franklin was a genius. In the early 1700s, he believed electricity could someday become useful to our everyday lives. He even proved that lightning and electricity are made of the same stuff. More than a century passed before another genius perfected an incandescent light bulb dependable enough for everyday use. A little piece of Thomas Edison’s name remains on our ComEd light bills to this day.

And yet the intellect of these great men, when compared to God, is incomprehensibly tiny. Franklin touched lighting.

God invented lightning. Edison invented a lightbulb. God spoke light itself into being.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day. – Genesis 1:3-5 Humans don’t even have a word that describes the level of God’s genius. There aren’t enough alphabet letters in the universe to adequately place after His name to indicate His credentials. In fact, there’s not even an adequate name for Him. “I am Who I Am,” He said. (Exodus 3:14) Paul writes in I Cor. 1:25 that “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

And yet this brilliant God, through Jesus Christ, entrusted beloved fools like us to carry His spiritual light into the darkest of places. He didn’t ask us to invent light; only to reflect it, share it, spread it, use it to dispel darkness. And He doesn’t bill us for it, either.

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life,” Jesus promised in John 8:12.

In the beautiful golden light so peculiar to September, we’re reminded not only of God’s genius, but also of the trust He places in all who choose light over darkness, one day at a time. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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

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Enjoy the Flavors of the Season

By Peggy Werner

A

variety of fall flavors abound at Great Harvest Bread Company, 1668 N. Alpine Road in Rockford.

Rockford Great Harvest, celebrating its 18th anniversary this fall, held customer appreciation week in September, with daily specials, prizes and more.

The sights and smells of the season permeate Great Harvest as staffers bake up everything with a focus on apple and pumpkin. Apple Coffee Cake, Apple Cinnamon Bread, Pumpkin Cream Cheese bars and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread are among the many specialty items.

“Our purpose and passion is providing families with the freshest and most flavorful breads,” says Barbara Kaiser, who coowns Great Harvest with husband Steve.

Great Harvest uses premium wheat from family-owned farms in Montana and grinds its own flour each morning, blending it with other wholesome ingredients including yeast, salt, and honey. The breads

have no preservatives, dough conditioner, or any other additives. All breads are made from scratch and baked on site. The store turns out hundreds of loaves each day.

More than 500 loaves are made daily when cooler months and holidays roll around.

The staff is always thinking of new ways to tempt and tantalize the tastebuds.

“It’s fun to be a little creative and try new and different things,” Kaiser says.

Staff suggestions include ham sandwiches made with Cinnamon Raisin Bread or Apple Crumble Bread for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and Extreme Cinnamon Bread or Nine Grain Bread dipped in an egg batter for great French toast.

Certain breads are available every day, including Honey Whole Wheat, Dakota, Old-Fashioned White, Apple Crumble and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip. Other breads are featured only on certain days of the week, such as Oregon Herb, Potato Cheddar Chive, Cherry Walnut, Cheddar Garlic, and

Cinnamon Raisin Walnut. For a full listing of the daily specials and great recipes, visit rockfordgreatharvest.com.

Daily sweet treats include Cinnamon Swirl Bread Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls, Low fat grain muffins, scones, and Salted Caramel Cookies. Sweets featured once a week are also listed on the website.

Great Harvest is open Tues.-Fri. 7 a.m.6 p.m. and Sat. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. ❚

Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

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he merchants, restaurants and service providers at Edgebrook, 1601 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, the shopping boutique hosts several special events throughout the year. One of its most popular is its fall arts & crafts fair.

This year, the 40th annual Cider N’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair takes place Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event features more than 50 artists, crafters and vendors from the region will be on hand, exhibiting and selling a variety of handmade and refurbished items.

Edgebrook merchants will be open regular business hours, with all of their seasonal gifts and home décor on display, and all of the eateries will open for their regular business hours. In addition, The Notions Nook, a quilt shop specializing in reproduction fabrics, will display entries from its Fall Quilt Challenge. Quilters are required to purchase and incorporate into their quilts four fat quarter designs chosen by Notions Nook staff. Entries

are on display at The Notions Nook, where customers vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced during Cider N’ Cinnamon on Oct. 4.

Vendors will set up booths and tents and sell homemade packaged food items, handmade jewelry, clothing, candles, natural homemade skincare products, refurbished and vintage furniture, jewelry and home décor, garden art, mixed media art, pumpkin art. Others will be offering up cinnamon roasted nuts, cider, doughnuts and other tasty treats.

Live music will be featured each day of the event, from noon-2 p.m. On Saturday, Carl Cole & Company well perform, and on Sunday Paper Airplane will take the Edgebrook stage.

Maybe you need to shop for fall clothes, meet friends for lunch or catch up over coffee, decorate for fall hunt, do some early holiday shopping, or just get out and enjoy the season. Whatever your plans, figure the Cider N’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts

(MAUstudio photo)

Cider N’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair T

Fair and the great shops at Edgebrook into your schedule Oct. 4-5.

For more information, visit edgebrookshops.com. ❚ Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Autumn on Parade Continued from Cover

It’s a community affair, with many of the attractions centered around the historic town square and courthouse, but there’s action on both sides of the river.

“The crafts and food vendors set up all around the courthouse square,” says Marseyne Snow, AOP president and parade chair. “On Saturday, the tractor show is across the bridge at Oregon Park East, with the car, truck and motorcycle show next to it. Across the street, the Chana Schoolhouse, built in 1883, will be open for tours.”

About five minutes north is Stronghold, a castle built in 1928 as a summer home and now run as a conference center by the Presbyterian Church. During Autumn on Parade, it’s the site of an Olde English Faire, with knights, horses, minstrels, damsels and tours of the gigantic castle.

The festival theme this year is “Autumn of Superheroes.” At the Food Court, entertainment on Saturday

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includes shows by Wonder Woman and Capt. America, and the American Rhythm Cloggers from Colleen’s School of Dance in Sterling.

A Fun Zone for kids has inflatables, which include a Boot Camp Obstacle Course. “We have a juggler, and Cat Woman will be at a booth for face painting,” says Snow.

All food booths are run by nonprofit groups, including the Lions Club, with its pork chop sandwiches, Boy Scouts, Kiwanis and more.

“The food vendors give a small donation back to the fest, and then keep the rest,” Snow says. “They use the money for their own programs that help out the community.”

A 5K Run/1-Mile Fun Run on Sunday begins at Oregon High School and passes through a park and parts of the town.

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“The first 300 get a really nice tee shirt,” Snow says. “Last year we had a record number of runners and hope to have even a larger group this year.”

Also on Sunday is the Harvest Time Parade, beginning at 1 p.m., which not only attracts a large crowd of spectators but many great marchers. “We have more than 100 entries for the parade, and I’m still getting calls,” Snow says. “We have some favorites returning – the Jesse White Tumblers, the South Shore Drill Team,

R  O R and the Chicago Royal-Airs, a drum and bugle corps.”

Entries include more marching bands, the Bubble Buggy – “I’ve never seen it, but I guess it blows amazing bubbles,” Snow says – a Corvette club that plans to bring about 25 of the classic cars, and a Rocket Cycle. “It’s so fun, and so hard to explain,” Snow says. “It’s a huge wheel, a motorized monocycle, and the guy sits inside.” Also in the parade will be stilt walkers, jugglers, a circus train, vintage tractors and other vintage vehicles, and floats from local organizations and youth groups.

“We get some really great entries from the area 4H-ers,” Snow says.

Following the parade, the South Shore Drill Team has promised a postshow performance.

The entire enterprise is pulled together by fewer than a dozen people, an allvolunteer staff with jobs, families, and a fierce commitment to this endeavor. They travel from surrounding communities like Grand Detour, Mt. Morris and Polo, Cover photo by Karla Nagy

to attend monthly planning meetings in the Autumn on Parade (AOP) office, on the upper floor of the historic Oregon Coliseum.

“The community supports it, but the core group has dwindled,” says Snow.

“People come and go, but the die-hards are getting older, and we could really use some younger people to join the executive committee.” Snow first got involved with AOP four years ago, when she retired to be in charge of the Harvest Time Parade, and then became president two years later. “And here’s the best part – with the exception of the Olde English Faire, Fun Zone and 5K, there’s no admission charge for our events.”

Businesses donate money, food, advertising, materials, people – whatever they can. “Dollars used to support the festival come entirely from sponsorships, registration fees, food court commissions and the sale of promotional items,” Snow says. “We’re very fortunate to have such generous sponsors in the community.”

While the committee is small, people jump on board to make sure the weekend comes together and runs smoothly. “We get

South Shore Drill Team

all kinds of volunteers during the event, to empty garbage, set things up or take things down, help with the parade,” Snow says.

“We couldn’t do it without everyone who pitches in and volunteers their time. The community comes together to make some nice things happen for the festival.”

Autumn on Parade activities run from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., with the Farmers Market Arts and Crafts show open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more at autumnonparade.org. ❚

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Ambulatory Surgery: Convenience, Peace of Mind

By Craig Schmidt

G

oing to a hospital, even to visit someone, tends to create anxiety. For individuals who have never undergone surgery, stepping into a sprawling medical complex can be nerve-racking, whether you’re a child or an adult. Opting for ambulatory – or outpatient – surgery can help to calm those nerves.

Once inside an outpatient surgery center, you may notice important differences from traditional hospitals. You won’t see bustling emergency activity or hear insistent overhead pages.

“An ambulatory surgery center doesn’t look or sound like a hospital, even though we provide many of the same services and have the same equipment,” says Dr. George Arends, clinical medical director of Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Featherstone Road, Rockford. “It can make for a much calmer experience. With the smaller setting, nurses have more time to spend with patients as well.”

Demand for ambulatory surgery has soared in recent years.

Increasingly sophisticated procedures are performed in more convenient and comfortable venues.

“Outpatient procedures should be convenient for the patient,” says Arends, who oversees every aspect of the center’s surgical processes. “We emphasize starting every case on time. The surgery center has excellent time control, so there’s less waiting time once patients arrive.”

On any given day, surgeons from across the Stateline Area help patients to regain quality of life beginning as early as 7 a.m.

Oftentimes, the last patient leaves recovery as late as 5:30 or 6 p.m.

The center starts preparing patients by telephone, from two days to a week ahead of their scheduled procedure. Tests are rarely needed, since patients are generally healthy and medically stable.

Patients appreciate the simplified admissions process and discharge procedures. There is minimal paperwork during registration. The center offers free parking with a covered drive-up entrance and discharge area.

Typically, patients arrive one to two hours before surgery. The average procedure takes from 30 minutes to one hour, with local or general anesthetic. Patients spend about an hour in recovery, then leave to recuperate in the comfort of their own homes.

“Most people would rather go home on the day of the procedure,” Arends says. “It’s convenient for patients.” ❚

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BINGO the Musical Sept. 25-Oct. 4, see website for days/times.

During a blackout at the bingo hall, pals reminisce about a similar ominous night years earlier. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

Wine Tasting & Luminary Walk Sept. 26, 7 p.m. Stroll through illuminated paths; wine tasting; hors d’oeuvres; live music. $20/$15 members. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, klehm.org.

Ryan & Ryan Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. A dynamic father-son piano duo that blends classic and contemporary music, from Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

14th Annual SwedishAmerican Hospital Craft & Bake Sale Sept. 26-27, Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Proceeds benefit United Way. SwedishAmerican Hospital, Rockford, swedishamerican.org.

Fall Float on the Kish Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-noon. A morning outing that will showcase a new season. Dress accordingly.

Equipment, guides and shuttle, $20. Location/ details TBA. Info: Severson Dells, (815) 3352915, seversondells.org.

Light The Night Walk Sept. 27, 4:30 p.m. festivities; 7 p.m. (dusk) walk begins. Nationwide fundraising event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Teams carry illuminated balloons along a 2-mile route to show support. Info: Light The Night, (312) 651-7354, lightthenight.org. Event: Martin Park, 5600 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Murder Mystery Sept. 27, 6 p.m. Guests attending Rose’s first electric lights in Rockford party are unaware that a killer is in their midst. $25/$20 members.

Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 964-2424, tinkerswisscottage.com.

OCTOBER Kip Moore Oct. 2, 8 p.m. This country singer-songwriter scored platinum on his first album with the hit “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck.” Hits since then include “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty Girl.”

The legendary Bill Cosby comes to the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford on Oct. 3

CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac. org.

Bill Cosby Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Few have achieved the legendary status of this performer, whose comedy standup routine of the 1960s led to multiple gold records, best-selling books and hit television shows. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595.

Oktoberfest Oct. 4, 5:30-11 p.m. Uncle Julius’ German Band; Redneck Romeos. Beer tent, food vendors, more. Downtown Beloit, 400 Block of East Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis., downtownbeloit.com.

Gaelic Storm Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. Gaelic Storm broadens the musical horizons of Celtic music with compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and acoustic instrumentation. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.

Illinois Paranormal Conference Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Authors Rosemary Guilley and Chad Lewis; filmmaker John Borowski; paranormal investigators Melissa Tanner and Travis and Chad; psychics Cassidy Rae and Paul Smith; vendors from aspects of the paranormal. $20 /$25 at the door. Veterans Memorial Hall, Rockford, hauntedrockford.com.

50th Annual Oktoberfest Oct. 4-5, Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat. noon-midnight. Biergarten, two stages, polka bands & folk dancing, bier barrel race, running of the weiners, German food, kids’ activities, cultural tent, more. From German Society of Rockford. Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, rockfordoktoberfest.org. ❚

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Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants Legend: D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast, $ under $12.50, $$ $12.50-$25, $$$ $25+ 9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ abreo  Upscale-Casual. Tapas menu. 515 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 968-9463. D M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 6237171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American favorites, full bar. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun11am-10pm. $.

Butterfly Club  Upscale-Casual/Fine Dining. 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, Wis. (608) 362-8577. LD T-Th 5-9:30pm, F 4:30-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$.

Cafe Fromage  Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods. 431 E. Grand, Beloit, Wis. (608) 207-3094. $ Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine  Casual.

Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Costa’s Italian Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily. D Sun-Th 4-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

Dos Reales  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th, Sun 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment, weddings, Sinatra Lounge, Benny’s Bar. 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Pasta, deep-dish pizza, specialties. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700, LD 11 a.m.-midnight $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale-Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails  Upscale-Casual/Italian.

2583 N. Mulford, Rockford, (815) 639-1200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm $.

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

Lucha Cantina  Casual/Mexican. Fresh ingredients, no MSG, steaks, mac ‘n cheese, burgers. 1641 N. Alpine, Rockford, (815) 977-4319. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat 2am. $.

Main Street Bistro  Fine dining, full bar, live music Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pmmidnight. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700 Sun.-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. $$.

Mulligans  Casual/American. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight. $ Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, desserts. Takeout/delivery.

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

Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$.

Prairie Grass Pub  Burgers, wraps, pork chops, steaks, pasta, daily fish fry. Craft beer, wine, signature cocktails. Deck, banquets. Prairie View Golf Course, 6734 German Church Rd, Byron, Ill. (815) 234--8535. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

Riverside dining, handcrafted beers, banquet rooms, marina.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. Tavern-style fare, big burgers, steaks, fries, flatbreads. Full bar; banquets. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery  Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $ Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

Visit online to see our Expanded Dining Guide at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining.

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T  I

How Music Benefits Kids L

earning to play a musical instrument helps children in many ways. While they may grumble about practice time and lessons, they’re gaining skills and sensibilities that will serve them throughout their lives. Here are just six of those many benefits.

• Improves Academic Performance A 10-year study indicates that students who study music achieve higher test scores, regardless of socioeconomic background. Little wonder. The very act of playing requires math, memorization, rhythm and interpretation.

• Fosters Creativity & Problem-Solving A two-year study at UC-Irvine indicates that 3- and 4-year-olds who were given weekly music lessons over one year improved puzzle-solving skills by 34 percent over their peers.

• Builds Self-Confidence Overcoming the challenges of learning a musical instrument can boost a child’s sense of pride and accomplishment.

• Teaches Discipline By practicing regularly and working on the difficult sections rather than the fun, easy ones, students experience personal satisfaction and learn about the rewards of commitment and perseverance.

• Promotes Social Skills Playing an instrument provides opportunities for students to develop relationships based on a shared interest.

• Relieves Stress Making music has the power to soothe, refresh and invigorate mind, body and soul.

Explore musical options through instrumental rentals and music lessons. Randee’s Music, 4116 Morsay Dr., Rockford, specializes in piano and guitar, and has several instructors who can provide expert guidance in choosing and pursuing a musical interest. ❚

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Y M

Keyless Door Locks Save Time, Money & Worry

By Jim Killam

H

ouse keys soon could go the way of the rotary telephone or film camera.

Guy Spinello is a big believer in keyless door locks for homes. His store, I. Spinello Locksmiths, 225-B South 6th St., Rockford, sells several brands at various price ranges. Spinello says these newer locks may also save homeowners money in the long run.

“I’m very fond of Schlage,” he says.

“I’ve had four of them on my home for five years and they’ve been trouble-free.”

Keyless door locks let the owner set a four- or five-digit, push-button code. They also usually have a key option, in case the batteries go dead, but today’s batteries can last for several years, he says.

If you work it more than three times it will lock the lock out for a period of time

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– anywhere from one to five minutes, so that you have to start all over again. So it eliminates somebody trying to bypass the combination to get in.

Rather than sharing and potentially losing keys, homeowners can just share the digital combination.

“You can give somebody the number – a family member who maybe has been traveling or something – and they can get in even if you’re not home,” Spinello says. “Or if you have someone taking care of an animal while you’re on vacation, you give them the combination, and then when you come back you can change the combination, and you don’t have to call somebody out to do it. So although the lock is a little higher priced in the beginning, it saves on service.”

Lock manufacturers even have begun to introduce keyless models that users can control over the Internet via a smartphone or tablet. Users can create multiple codes for multiple users, and allow access to the lock only at certain times.

Keyless door entry saves time and money, and secures peace of mind. ❚

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