Smart Living Weekly - December 3, 2014

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iving n g Smartt L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Dec. 3, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Rock River Philharmonic Season Brings a Harmony of Old & New

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

C

hange, as well as music, is in the air this holiday season, when the Rock River Philharmonic (formerly the Beloit Janesville Symphony) presents its annual Holiday Pops Concert.

“We have nice surprises in store for the holiday concerts,” says Dr. Robert Tomaro,

conductor/music director. “The first is that we’re doing two concerts this year.”

The first is on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., at Craig High School in Janesville. The second is on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Eclipse Center in Beloit.

Continued on p. 20

This Christmas Season, Get Super SAVINGS from Local Businesses Inside Alternative Treatments for Pain • Seal Ductwork, Save Money • Great Holiday Beers Does Your Car Have the Right Tires? • Avoid a Holiday Spending Hangover

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Rock River Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Save Money & Energy by Sealing Ductwork Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who is Jesus?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Creamy Squash Soup with Shredded Apples Your Auto ..........................................................17 What You Need to Know About Tire Types Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Alternative Methods for Pain Relief Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Tavern on Clark Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Great Holiday Beer Choices Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Avoid a Holiday Spending Hangover

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 Writer Rhonda Mix General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com

Published by Hughes Media Corp.

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

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

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Dec. 3

A Christmas Eve Truce

I

was researching holiday events, recently, when I ran across this interesting item at Spring Creek United Church of Christ: “Christmas Eve Services at 5 and 10 p.m.

– To Shake the Hand of a Foe as a Friend – in remembrance of the soldiers in the German and British trenches who declared a momentary unilateral truce in the World War I slaughter at Christmas 1914. Both services will include readings from The Christmas Truce poem written by UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.”

I’d heard of this spontaneous, unofficial truce, but didn’t know if it was fact or an “urban legend” of war fiction. It turns out that Pope Benedict XV had in fact called for a temporary hiatus from battle, but British and German heads of war refused it. The soldiers, however, embraced it. Here’s what History. com has to say: “At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out ‘Merry Christmas’ in their enemies’ native tongues.

At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.”

Exactly one century has passed. The crisp images summoned by Duffy’s poem are a marvel and well worth looking up to read yourself. The last few lines: “And all that marvelous, festive day and night, they came and went, the officers, the rank and file, their fallen comrades side by side beneath the makeshift crosses of midwinter graves … beneath the shivering, shy stars and the pinned moon and the yawn of History; the high, bright bullets which each man later only aimed at the sky.”

May your Christmas season surprise you with treasures of all kinds!

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

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Smart Living

Holiday Shopping Guide

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Holiday Shopping Guide

Y H  G

Seal Leaky Ductwork to Save Money, Energy

By Rhonda Mix

N

o matter how many precautions you take each year, winter’s frigid air always seems to find its way into your home.

The problem could be leaky ductwork. It not only allows heated air to escape, but according to the Department of Energy (DOE), may keep much as 25-40 percent of it from reaching all of the rooms in your home.

Gaps in ductwork also can raise your energy bill by as much as 40 percent, by making your furnace (and AC) work harder and more often.

Luckily, a solution is at hand: Aeroseal Solutions in Rockford.

Sales director Joseph St. Pierre says that by sealing air ducts, his company can increase the efficiency of a home’s heating system.

“Ductwork in homes is often out of mind, since it’s out of sight, and people assume that all is well and in good working order,” he says.

The DOE estimates that Aeroseal’s treatment could save homeowners $300-$500 annually on utility costs. The patented technology, created in the mid-1990s at the UC-Berkley, won an Energy 100 award from the DOE for its energy-saving abilities.

Aeroseal guarantees its work for 10 years.

Aeroseal’s unique process seals gaps that are as large as fiveeighths of an inch in diameter, using a water-based vinyl polymer adhesive sealant. “The particles attach only to the edges of holes and cracks in the ductwork, and seal without leaving a coating

or lining inside the ductwork,” St. Pierre says.

Aeroseal’s trained and certified technicians use computerbased tools and reports to gather information about leakage and register airflows. Aeroseal’s exclusive system injects adhesive particles of water-based vinyl polymer into air Next, all vents in the ducts to seal leaks without leaving a coating. home are sealed off, as are certain areas in the AC and furnace. A pressurized machine system then sends the sealant through the ducts. Results are verified and provided to the homeowner. The entire process is closely monitored on a computer screen.

Aeroseal’s work is guaranteed for 10 years. For more information on heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions, call (855) 356-SEAL (7325) or visit aerosealsolutions.com. ❚

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I  W

Who is Jesus?

W

hen people asked Jesus who he was, he didn’t always provide a straight answer; he knew when they were more interested in trapping him than learning the truth. But to those who sincerely sought him, Jesus made no secret.

He invited them into his life regardless of the price he would soon pay for it.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus’ first explanation of his identity is given shortly after he’s baptized by his cousin John and receives holy spirit. After resisting Satan’s temptations for 40 days in the desert, he returns to Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue where he grew up.

From the scroll of the prophet Isaiah he reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV) While Jesus knew he would be killed for proclaiming himself the Messiah, he also knew the timing of his execution had to be right. He had a ministry to carry out and disciples to train, before his departure from earth.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “The Christ [Messiah] of God.” Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.

(Luke 9:18-21) Who do you think Jesus is?

For each of us, no other question matters more. ❚ 12

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Dec. 3

Y Y K K

Healthy Soup from In-Season Produce T

he health care professionals at Beloit Health System suggest this recipe, which provides a healthy dose of vitamins A and C with apples and butternut squash. ❚

Creamy Squash Soup with Shredded Apples Ingredients 2 2 1 ½ 2 ¼ ⅛

boxes (16 ounces each) frozen pureed winter (butternut) squash medium apples (try Golden Delicious or Gala) tablespoon olive oil teaspoon pumpkin pie spice cans fat-free evaporated milk (12 ounces each) teaspoon salt teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Place the frozen squash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely. Defrost in the microwave on medium power for 5-10 minutes, until mostly thawed. Meanwhile, peel then shred the apples using a grater or food processor, or peel and finely chop apples into thin strips. Set aside ¼ cup.

2. Warm oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add all but ¼ cup of the apples. Cook and stir until apples soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in thawed squash and pumpkin pie spice. Add the evaporated milk about ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir over high heat just until soup is about to boil.

3. Ladle into individual soup bowls. Top each with a tablespoon of the apples. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Servings: 4 From the Kitchen of: Recipe courtesy of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Nutrition Information: Per serving: 334 calories, 4g total fat, 7mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 62g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 18g protein, 1,142mg potassium. Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Dec. 3

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Important Tire Facts for Winter Driving B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

M

ost of us never think about our tires until we have a problem, and cold, snowy winter weather is prime time for tire trouble. According to Ryan Lovejoy, owner of Jack’s Tire Sales & Service, 4829 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, the first thing to check is the type of tire on your car. There are three basic styles.

Summer or Performance Tires: “These are designed for driving faster, in dry and wet weather,” Lovejoy says. “They have a different rubber compound and less tread, so more of the tire is in contact with the road. The tread pattern helps to channel water from under the tire.”

Cars today are being designed with larger wheels, and tire manufacturers can’t keep up with size demands in all-weather tires. This means that more car models are coming with summer or performance tires standard.

“They really do perform well in wet spring weather, actually better than all-season tires, but they just aren’t meant for winter driving,” says Lovejoy.

Snow Tires: “These have tread patterns specifically designed to dig down and bite into snow and ice, and are made of a more flexible rubber compound that holds up better in the cold,” Lovejoy says. “Anyone who does a lot of winter driving, or who’s less experienced with driving in winter, should get these. The difference in traction is night-and-day.”

You will need to change them for warmer weather. “They’re noisier, and they wear out faster,” Lovejoy says.

All-Season Tires: If you don’t want to invest in two sets of tires, this is your best bet. “These are actually kind of a compromise between the other two,” Lovejoy says. “For our weather, you really need to have at least an all-season tire on your car.”

Among the other variables that can affect tire performance in winter are treadwear and proper inflation. You don’t want to guess when it comes to safe winter travel, however.

“The best thing is to take your car in for a professional service check,” advises Lovejoy. “We’ll make sure you have the correct tire, adequate tread depth and proper inflation.” To schedule an appointment with Jack’s Tire, call (815) 389-9849. ❚

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

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R  O R

Rock River Philharmonic Continued from Cover

Listeners can expect to hear favorite holiday standards and classics as well as some new selections.

“In Janesville, the combined choirs of Craig High School and Parker High School will perform an arrangement for orchestra and voices of ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ as well as the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus from Messiah,” Tomaro says. “We used to play at this venue, and it’s very exciting to return. In Beloit, the Turner High School choir will perform a new and interesting orchestral version of ‘Jingle Bells,’ and also the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus.”

The wide variety of seasonal music ranges from a medley of Hanukkah favorites, arranged by a colleague of Tomaro’s, to excerpts from the soundtracks of Frozen, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Polar Express. There’s even a new original Christmas song.

“The thing about which I’m most excited is the premiere of ‘Don’t Open ’til Christmas,’ a Christmas pop song I’ve written,” Tomaro says.

“The title just popped into my head.

I was kind of dozing, and it came to Dr. Robert Tomaro me like a vision. It’s romantic, about

trying to revive a lost love, with a great holiday sentiment.”

“Don’t Open ’Til Christmas” is available for download on iTunes, Amazon and most digital music outlets, and concertgoers will have the opportunity to buy a CD of the single in the lobby for $5. “A portion of the sales will go to support the Rock River Philharmonic,” says Tomaro.

In addition, on Dec. 14, the Philharmonic welcomes ballet dancers from Miss Andrea’s Dance Factory in Rockton.

“They’ll be performing original choreography composed

by Andrea Mueller,” Tomaro says. “Their musical selections include five excerpts from The Nutcracker, and ‘March of the Toys,’ from Babes in Toyland.”

Tomaro has been the orchestra’s music director for 15 years, only the third person to hold that position in the group’s 61-year history. What began as the Beloit Civic Orchestra in 1953, made

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Dec. 3

R  O R up of 35 talented amateur musicians, grew quickly, both in talent and scope. Renamed the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra in 1971, it evolved into a professional orchestra of more than 80 experienced musicians. In April 2014, it became the Rock River Philharmonic, as part of a rebranding effort to expand the orchestra’s reach and musical appeal.

“We want to perform in a wider range of venues,” Tomaro says. “Even at the start, the orchestra played throughout the region, and we will do more of that. The new name also indicates expansion of our repertoire.”

The upcoming season offers three series options: Classical, Family Pop, and Explorer, which allow musicians and listeners alike to stretch themselves. The rebranding includes a season shift to the calendar year, and while the official concert schedule hasn’t been released, Tomaro shares some highlights.

“Our first concert, at the end of March, is called ‘I’m Just Wild About Harry,’ for the 100th birthday in 2016 of jazz leader Harry James,” he says. “Guests will be vocalist Lynn Roberts, who actually sang with Harry James, and trumpeter Tony Scodwell.”

In April, the Rock River Philharmonic will host violinist Rachel Barton Pine, who began playing at age 3 and debuted with the Chicago Symphony at age 10.

“This is her first time with us, and she’ll play Dvorak’s Violin Concerto,” Tomaro says. “She’s in great demand, and we’re very fortunate to get her.”

Amidst the changes, Tomaro assures listeners that it’s the same orchestra they’ve loved for the past 60 years. “We’re rebranding to expand our physical purview and musical scope,” he says. “The musicians haven’t changed. It’s going to be a wonderful first year for the Rock River Philharmonic.”

The Rock River Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert is offered on two days, at two venues: Friday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., at Craig High School, 401 S. Randall Ave., Janesville; and Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m., at the Eclipse Center, 3 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit.

Tickets for both performances can be purchased online at rockriverphil.org. ❚

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Alternative Methods More Accepted for Pain Relief

By Craig Schmidt

P

ain relief is not a one-method-fitsall proposition. Clinical research shows that some complementary and alternative medicine remedies that doctors once regarded with skepticism are beneficial.

• Biofeedback This involves controlling body functions like blood pressure and heart rate. Studies have found it helpful in managing headaches and fibromyalgia and other painful conditions.

• Tai chi Described as “meditation in motion.” When learned correctly and performed regularly, this ancient Chinese martial art decreases the stress and anxiety that accompany pain, while increasing agility and muscle strength. May alleviate joint pain.

• Deep breathing The Lamaze technique used by women in labor is a wellknown pain-reducing technique based on controlled breathing. Breathing exercises can be done anywhere and anytime.

• Yoga One large study found that yoga classes taken twice a week for 24 weeks helped to relieve lower back pain. Other studies

showed relief from arthritis symptoms, and good evidence that it helps with fibromyalgia and neck pain.

• Hypnosis Different techniques enable patients to visualize, realize and achieve goals.

A trained clinician or therapist presents a series of verbal instructions with the goal of helping a patient to enter a state of deep relaxation. Patients often are taught self-hypnosis.

• Exercise Regular physical activity is necessary for proper cardiovascular health, disc nutrition and musculoskeletal health. Water therapy, stretching, aerobic exercise and other routines increase flexibility and restore normal motion.

Integrating alternative treatments into an overall pain management plan can make sense, but don’t try these techniques without guidance or your doctor’s knowledge. ❚ Source: Medical Pain Management Services, Ltd.

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North Atlantic Music Ensemble Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Traditional material from Ireland, the U.S. and beyond. Tes Slominski, director. Eaton Chapel, College and Chapin streets, Beloit, (608) 363-2755.

(Severson Dells photo)

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

Dec. 5-6, take part in the 25th Anniversary Luminary Walk at Severson Dells in Rockford, with live music and refreshments inside the Nature Center. Free.

It’s a Wonderful Life Dec. 4-6, 12-13, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7 & 14, 2 p.m. Staged version of the classic film. From Stage One. Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis., (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Holidazzle Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. Artists and craftspeople with unique art and one-of-a-kind gifts in 30-plus locations. Live music, Santa visits, children’s events, free trolley rides. Downtown Beloit, State & Grand, Beloit, visitbeloit.com.

25th Anniversary Luminary Walk Dec. 5-6, 6-9:30 p.m. Stroll the hard-surfaced trail lit by hundreds of luminaries. Live music and hot cocoa inside. Free; donations accepted.

Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org.

A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play Dec. 5-21, see website for days/times. Marley’s dead, but everything else is live in this recreation of an old-time radio broadcast of the Dickens’ classic. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Info: AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

30th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk Dec. 6, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Candy Cane Craft Fair, carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, more. Traditional events: Lighting of the Park 4-6 p.m.; Lighted Parade 7 p.m. Downtown Rockton, (815) 624-7625, rocktonchristmaswalk.com Christmas at the Mack House Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m. Traditional 19th century holiday with wassail, warm apple cider, cookies, sweetbreads; Christmas and winter songs with bagpipers, native flutes, fiddles, more. Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, (815) 624-4200, macktownlivinghistory.com.

David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic Dec. 6, 2-3 p.m. This nationally acclaimed magician presents a holiday magic show with a delightful blend of mystery, humor and charm for the entire family. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

RSO: The Nutcracker Rockford Dance Company Dec. 6-7, Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Guest dancers from nationally renowned dance companies join the Rockford Dance Company and the RSO to present this holiday tradition. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Downton Abbey Style Holiday Tea Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m. Tea, sweets & savories, entertainment, party favor. Victorian attire encouraged. $35/reservations req. Chamberlain Hotel, Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-8058 ext. 104, midwayvillage.com.

RBG: Holiday Light Show Dec. 12-28, 4:30-9 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Annual attraction featuring: 330,000 lights, 90 specialty displays; animated displays; Santa visits; live reindeer; local musicians; large scale model train display with 200-plus feet of track; activities; holiday shopping; more. $5/$3 ages 3-15. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.

An Evening with Kantorei Dec. 10, 5 p.m. cocktails, 5:45 p.m. dinner seating. A traditional candlelight Christmas dinner with Christmas carols performed by Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford. Dinner by Chef Al Castrogiovanni of Giovanni’s; cash bar. Limited seating; reservations required. $50/$45 members. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-3306, andersongardens.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Tavern on Clark

By Peggy Werner

S

am Sabani and Dan Isai, brothers-in-law, each grew up in families that were in the restaurant business. Together, they decided to create an eatery and bar with top-quality food and a great atmosphere, where business partners, couples, family and friends could gather for all occasions.

The result is Tavern on Clark, 755 Clark Dr., in the former Damon’s Restaurant building, which has been transformed inside and out. “We didn’t cut corners on the building renovation,” says Isai.

Adds Sabani: “We were very intentional in creating Sam Sabani and Dan Isai have opened a classic American tavern with a familiar, yet what we describe as the classic American tavern, with a fresh and creative, menu. fresh, new, clean look, where there’s something for everyone.” and craft ale beer-battered sidewinder sea-salted French fries, A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine served with a Wisconsin Cheddar beer sauce. Desserts include carlist, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. rot cake, chocolate cake, New York cheesecake and more.

Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salThe space is open and inviting, with plenty of natural light ads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta, and ribs. Lunch and dinner spe- to showcase the quality décor of dark woods, stone walls, earthcials include the Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib, as well as toned granite countertops and porcelain tile. Large booths seat six regular Ahi tuna, mahi mahi and surf-and-turf deals. comfortably, and a private dining room, with a wall-mounted flat “We spent a lot of time researching what people wanted,” says screen TV and a fireplace, seats 50 and can accommodate business Isai. “We offer quality you can’t find elsewhere.” meetings and presentations.

All steaks and hamburgers are made from USDA-certified “Rockford needs a place like this, where people can come and Black Angus beef and all menu items are made-to-order from fresh just hang out or get business done,” says Isai. produce, locally grown when possible. Tavern on Clark’s signature Tavern on Clark is open daily at 11 a.m. Dinner is served until dishes include 10-ounce certified Black Angus beef hamburgers 10 p.m. on weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends. The bar is open later. ❚ Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

9 East Coffee E Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ Amici Italian Grill E 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 E 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 E 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 E Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods. 431 E. Grand, Beloit, Wis., (608) 207-3094. $.

Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine E 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 E 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 E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th, Sun 11am-10pm; F-Sat to 10:30pm. $.

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

Main Street Bistro E Fine dining, bar, live music Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E Casual/American. Tavern-style fare, big burgers, steaks, fries, flatbreads. Full bar; banquets. 755 Clark Dr., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery E Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Vito’s Ristorante E 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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Holiday Beers

By Anthony Artalé Artalé Wine Co.

L

ooking for the perfect beer for your holiday table? The craft beer renaissance in America means that we have an assortment of special brews with flavors to complement every course of your seasonal spread.

Table • Smuttynose S’Muttonator: This Double Bock beer displays smooth toffee, caramel and nutty notes with a clean lager finish. A perfect all-around beer for the dinner table.

• Blaugies La Moneuse Saison: Traditional rustic Southern Belgian farmhouse ale. Subtle earthiness balanced with sweetness that finishes dry with a peppery/herbal snap. Incredibly versatile with a wide range of food.

Side Dishes • B. Nektar Black Fang: A carbonated Mead with blackberries, orange zest and cloves, its combination of berry tartness, sweet orange and spice proves a perfect match for hearty stuffing or wild rice.

• Jolly Pumpkin Maracaibo Especial: A brown ale brewed with cacao nibs, cinnamon and orange peel, aged in oak for a tart, funky complexity, that goes with the rich, hearty flavors of the holiday dinner table.

Main Course • Avery Ellie’s Brown: A rich, chocolaty brown ale rich enough to stand up to roasted meats and caramelized vegetables without overwhelming the flavors.

• AleSmith Decadence 2014: A strong ale brewed with a high proportion of wheat that creates big, complex flavors that’s lighter than an all-barley. Imparts bready malt notes with stone fruit, honey and spicy grain character.

Dessert • Rockmill Cask-Aged Tripel: Aged in Middle West Spirits whiskey barrels to impart rich vanilla atop the warm spice, banana and stone fruit character. An incredible match for warm apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

• Pipeworks Obscura Batata: An imperial porter brewed with sweet potato, coconut, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and clove. A natural pairing alongside a slice of pumpkin pie. ❚

For more beer advice, or to find the perfect beverage for your holiday event, visit Artalé Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, or call (815) 877-9463.

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How to Avoid a Holiday Spending Hangover D

oes holiday shopping leave you with a spending hangover when the bills arrive? It doesn’t have to, if you apply the rules for avoiding a real hangover: know your limitations, and use common sense.

“Simple planning can make the holiday season more carefree and enjoyable, when you know you’re in control of your budget,” says Theresa Wendhausen, branding and communications officer of First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) in Beloit.

FNBT offers the following holiday spending tips:

• Develop a budget before you start shopping. Be sure to cover all of your normal monthly expenses first. If you use a credit card, think about what you can afford to pay when the bill arrives in January. Don’t forget to consider costs like postage, gift wrap, greeting cards, food and travel.

• Limit your list to family and close friends. Note on the list how much you want to spend on each person and stick to it.

• Start early to avoid the rush. Shopping while rushed under pressure can lead to overspending. Comparison shop online first, or download a barcode-scanning app that allows you to compare prices in the store. Add up what’s in your cart before you check out, to make sure you’re staying on budget.

• Avoid traps. Finding a spectacular sale on something you’ve been wanting can easily throw you off course. And don’t apply for unneeded store credit cards just to get a one-time discount.

• Limit the use of credit for holiday spending.

Use only one card, preferably with the lowest interest rate, and leave the rest at home.

Commit to • paying off your holiday credit card bills by a specific date, and stick to it. Check statements for unauthorized charges and report them immediately.

• Save your receipts, not only for possible returns, but to track what you’ve spent and compare to your credit card statement.

• Be creative. Consider simple, handmade gifts instead of store-bought ones. Homebaked goods, simple crafts or handmade gift certificates for your time or talents are often less expensive and more appreciated.

FNBT is a family-owned, community bank chartered in 1882, For more sound financial advice, visit bankatfirstnational.com. ❚ Source: First National Bank and Trust

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