Smart Living Weekly - November 11, 2015 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

5 @ e c w ge pa No an e gs li Se in p av p tS A Ge er l Gu

n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Nov. 11, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Explore Updated Sapora Playworld By Sarah Soenke, deputy editor

hildren and parents alike have new reason to visit Rockford Park District’s Sapora Playworld, located at 4150 N. Perryville Road. After a complete remodel last fall, the indoor facility now boasts improved playgrounds, new structures and updated party rooms for young families to enjoy.

“We were able to infuse new elements into the same existing core structure to freshen it and make it more fun,” says Amy McIntyre, operations manager. “We really make sure it’s a clean, safe environment for everybody that comes through.” Continued on p. 20

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors Turkey Meatball Sliders • Tips for Winterizing Your Home • How to Treat Your Heart Right Maximize Your Employee Beneﬁts • A Local Holiday Market 2015 • Cannova’s Italian Cuisine

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ....................Cover & p. 20 Updated Sapora Playworld Your Home .................................................. ..11 Winterize Your Home Inspiration & Worship ..................................12 Who Was Rahab? Your Kitchen ..................................................15 Turkey Meatball Sliders Your Outing ....................................................17 RCCA Presents Benny Goodman Tribute Your Health ............................................. .......25 From FHN: How to Treat Your Heart Your Fun ................................................... ......27

Restaurant of the Week ................................29 Cannova’s Italian Cuisine Dining Locally .......................................... .....29

Tips ........................................................... ......31 Extend the Life of Your Carpet Your Money .............................................. ...... 33 Maximize Your Beneﬁts

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2015 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. 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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Helping Ourselves

was happy to find a press release from Winnebago Buy Local in my inbox, announcing the fifth year of the A Local Holiday Market 2015 on Dec. 5. (See story next week). This coalition of 200 locally owned businesses works to promote awareness about the advantages of spending more of our dollars at businesses owned by friends and neighbors rather than giant chain stores. The “We Buy Local” concept is one we’ve championed since Northwest Quarterly Magazine was founded 11 years ago. Why? For all the reasons listed on the Winnebago Buy Local website: 1. Protect Local Character and Prosperity. By choosing to support locally owned businesses, you help maintain local diversity and distinctive culture. 2. Community Well-Being. Locally owned businesses build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communities, linking neighbors, and by contributing more to local causes. 3. Local Decision Making. Local ownership means that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community. 4. Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy. Your dollars spent in locally-owned businesses have three times the impact on your community as dollars spent at national chains. 5. Job and Wages. Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and often provide better wages and benefits than chains do. 6. Entrepreneurship. It fuels economic innovation and is a key means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class. 7. Public Benefits and Costs. Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip malls. 8. Environmental Sustainability. Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers, which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution. 9. Competition. A marketplace of hundreds or thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and long-term low prices. 10. Product Diversity. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan, but on the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices. Have a great week and shop local! ❚

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

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Holiday Shopping Guide

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Y H  G

Winterize Your Home in the Fall F

all is the perfect time to take care of little things that can make a big difference to you and your home. Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services, Rockford, offers the following list of fall indoor tasks. Most are within the average person’s ability, but if you choose to hire a professional, you’ll save money, get the job done right – and avoid possible injury. • Furnace/Heat A furnace in good working order is vital during winter, so fall is a great time for maintenance. Change the filter, clean all debris and dust from the filter and motor areas, and test that it’s working properly. It’s best to hire a professional for this, so the unit can be inspected for cracks and carbon monoxide leaks. If you have radiated heat, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, bleed radiators and check for water leaks. Also check fireplaces and wood burning stoves each season prior to use. Hire a professional to inspect, clean and properly maintain your chimney and stovepipe, to help to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. This is also a good time to check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace battieries. • Attic Insulation Clear soffits and roof vents of any insulation, to ensure proper airflow in the attic. Insulation settles over the years and loses its effectiveness. As a general rule, add more if the insulation is even with or below the ceiling joists. Walk on the ceiling

joists to avoid drywall damage or falling through the ceiling. If you’re in doubt about the amount or quality of your insulation, contact a professional. • Windows/Doors Gaps in caulk and weather stripping mean high heating bills. Shut or install storm windows and check for problems. Close a door or window on a strip of paper, and if it slides out easily, replace your weather stripping. Carefully move a lighted candle around the frame to check for drafts. Fill any gaps with caulk or new weather stripping.

For help with these and other home repair and improvement projects, contact Raymond at (815) 979-9016 or visit online at apshomepros.com. ❚ Source: All Property Services

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Who Was Rahab?

Scriptures: Joshua chapter 2

hile the harlot Rahab may not come to mind as a Biblical heroine, she is nonetheless listed among the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 11 and is remarkable for many reasons. Who was she? After Moses led the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob) out of Egyptian slavery and to the Promised Land (Canaan), he made Joshua the new leader. During the time the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt, many other groups had taken up residence in Canaan, including some who built the walled city of Jericho. Joshua sent two spies to scout Jericho; they hid from Jericho’s soldiers in the house of Rahab, a prostitute whose home was just inside the city wall. Probably because she knew many travelers, in her line of work, Rahab had heard about the miracles God did for the Israelites; she developed her own faith in God, even to the point of risking her life, by hiding the two spies on her rooftop beneath sheaves of grain. She then lowered them down through a window, to a safe location outside the city walls. First, however, brave and clever Rahab made the spies promise that, when Israel returned to destroy Jericho, she and her family members would be spared. They agreed, and instructed her to hang a scarlet cord from her window. In time, Israel destroyed Jericho but spared Rahab and her family, as promised. Rahab married Salmon, one of the two spies she had hidden. They parented Boaz, who also married a foreign woman with faith in God, named Ruth. They are all listed as ancestors of King David and Jesus Christ. In Rahab’s time, Israelites alone were called “God’s chosen people,” but occasionally there were exceptions. First by her faith, and later by marriage, Rahab became one of God’s chosen people. God’s willingness to judge Rahab by her heart, rather than by her sin, foreshadows the amazing Age of Grace in which we live. In fact, in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus Christ, only the foreign women in Christ’s ancestry are named, perhaps to emphasize that Jesus came to rescue us from our sins – and we all are sinners. ❚ This is the 8th in a series about major figures of the Bible. Sign up for your free digital edition of Smart Living Weekly at NWQSmartLiving.com. 12

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Non-Traditional Twist on Turkey T hey say that your friends are your chosen family. Although much is made about the traditional family gatherings that abound this time of year, some of your most anticipated events of the season may actually revolve around your closest friends. With everyone contributing a dish, friend-focused potluck celebrations are the perfect time to put a unique spin on traditional dishes for a modern approach to holiday dining.

pineapple and onion, the sweet and salty sauce also carries notes of onion, ginger and garlic for a perfectly seasoned dish every time. Soy Vay is certiﬁed kosher and does not contain preservatives, so it’s one ingredient you can feel good about using.

Turkey Meatball Sliders Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

A friendly holiday gathering, where you’re likely to encounter more adventurous palates, is a perfect opportunity to bring bold new ﬂavors. There’s only so much whole-roasted turkey one person can eat, so why not change it up with a ﬂavorful twist on a crowd pleasing dish— mini turkey meatball sliders.

•1 pound turkey, mix of light and dark meat •1/2 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, chopped •2 scallions, minced (white and green parts) •1/2 cup Soy Vay Island Teriyaki, divided salt and pepper, to taste •2 tablespoons olive oil •12 soft, sweet dinner rolls (such as Hawaiian rolls) •Lettuce for garnish (optional)

These mini sandwiches, made with Soy Vay Island Teriyaki, will bring a hint of the tropics to your party. Infused with

Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. In mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, water chestnuts,

scallions and half the teriyaki sauce. Add generous pinch of salt and pepper, and mix together with hands until all ingredients are incorporated. Roll into balls about two inches in diameter. Place meatballs in even layer in baking dish. Be gentle, as they will be very soft. Roast meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 F. Shake pan once during cooking to ﬂip meatballs. Toast buns and spread both sides with remaining sauce. Place one meatball on each bun and top with lettuce, if using. Serve with any leftover sauce on the side. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Benny Goodman Tribute Nov. 20 at Coronado T he Rockford Coronado Concert Association (RCCA) will host a Benny Goodman Tribute with British clarinet sensation Julian Bliss on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. The concert is the second in RCCA’s 2015-16 performance schedule of five concerts. The Julian Bliss Septet, comprising some of Britain’s top jazz musicians, honors the legendary Goodman’s influence in a program featuring the greatest tunes of the swing era. Recreating the exciting sound of swing from the 1930s and ’40s, this septet stays true to the authentic feel but with a modern twist. Bliss and pianist Neal Thornton will talk the audience through the music, sharing anecdotes and stories about Goodman’s life, delivered with humor, creating a special evening to remember. Bliss not only excels as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist and master class leader, but also as a tireless musical explorer. He has inspired a gen-

eration of young players, as guest lecturer and creator of the Leblanc Bliss range of affordable clarinets, and introduced a large new audience to his instrument. Bliss has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and performed chamber music with Joshua Bell, Helene Grimaud, Steven Isserlis, Steven Kovacevich and more. Tickets range from $25-$35 and can be purchased online at coronadopac.org or by phone (815) 968-0595. A subscription to the entire performance series starts at $100 and can be purchased by phone (815) 489-8226. Student and group ticket prices are available by phone. For more information about the performance, go to rccaconcerts.org or contact Beth Howard at bhoward@coronadopac.org at the Rockford Coronado Concert Association (815) 847-6314.

Julian Bliss playing clarinet.

The Rockford Coronado Concert Association was established in 1936 as the Rockford Community Concert Association. It was part of a nationwide arts movement to bring high-quality classical performances to middle America during the Great Depression. ❚

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R  O R

Sapora Playworld Continued from Cover

Located inside Carlson Ice Arena, Sapora Playworld creates a secure, soft and colorful environment where children ages 5 to 12 can socialize, exercise and let loose. Parents can relax along the new benches and seating as kids explore the tunnels, triple wave slide, big-ball room, giant pogo sticks, sit-n-spin and more. A

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Tiny Tots play space, a smaller version of the main structure, allows little ones ages 4 and under to safely take part in the fun. “We made the facility as accessible as possible, so if a parent had a toddler and an older child, they could come in and see both kids playing in their age-appropriate areas,” says McIntyre. “It just makes it more open and inviting.” The revamp also included important modifications to the entire facility, such as new padding, rubber and tiled flooring, changing stations and a UV Air Purification System, the first installed in the Rockford Park District. Returning visitors might also notice a change in the Playworld’s logo. The logo of three dancing animal cartoon characters features a green, blue and orange color scheme. The same color scheme is implemented throughout the renovated facility, from the playground structures to the flooring and painted walls.

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“Each room has a specific color theme, including orange, green, purple and blue, that’s incorporated into the tile selection,” says McIntyre. “So, for example, when the kids walk in to go to a birthday party, they can actually follow the orange line on the tiled floor that leads to the orange room.” Sapora Playworld staff members are birthday party experts who help parents to create fun celebratory experiences for their children. Multiple party packages are available, but each includes one hour

R  O R of play and/or skating and one hour in a decorated party room. Staff members then take care of the essentials, providing party invitations, a sheet cake or cupcakes, drinks, plates and utensils and goodie bags. A special visit from Rocky the Bear, one of the Playworld’s logo characters, is part of the base package. Additional food and drink options are available for an additional charge. “We really try to do everything from beginning to end,” McIntyre says. “When you call to book a birthday party, we walk you through the whole process and take it from there. We make it so the parents get to sit back, relax and be a part of their child’s experience.” Private rental of the entire facility is available for big families or groups. Sapora Playworld opened in 1997 and was named in honor of Dr. Allen Sapora, a local advocate for recreation education and research. His strong belief in the value of recreational programming for community members helped to shape

the Playworld’s mission – to provide a fun physical space for kids to interact with each other and remain active, no matter the season. The renovations were completed 10 years after Dr. Sapora’s death in 2004. His family helped to celebrate the facility’s reopening on Nov. 8, 2014, says McIntyre. “As we’re getting into the cold season, everybody’s cramped inside or stuck at home, so this is an alternative location to go to that’s indoors,” she says. “A lot of kids just don’t get many opportunities to be this active because they’re sitting in front of computers, TVs and tablets. Sapora Playworld encourages that good old play and social interaction with other kids. I think that’s what’s most important in remembering what Dr. Sapora really stood for.”

Sapora Playworld is open daily, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission prices are based on age and residency, but Mondays and Wednesdays are $3 Buck Days. For more information, visit rockfordparkdistrict.org/playworld. ❚

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for the Holidays www.edgebrookshops.com

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* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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How to Treat Your Heart Right A

s we enter a season of holiday parties and general overindulging, let’s remember to be kind to our hearts, since our tickers are what keep us ticking. Here are some ways to do that. 1. Don’t use tobacco. Quitting immediately reduces your risk of heart disease, and your risk drops dramatically within a year. 2. Exercise 30-60 minutes daily. And it can include everything from housework to walking the dog to taking the stairs. 3. Reduce stress. Stress increases blood pressure, heart rate, hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and cravings for food or tobacco. Try deep breathing, guided imagery, or a brisk walk. 4. See your healthcare provider regularly. 5. Know your risk level for heart disease. Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels are all indicators. 6. Control diabetes. Monitor and keep blood glucose levels consistent. The National Institutes of Health report that two-thirds of people with diabetes die of heart or blood vessel disease. 7. Control high blood pressure. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your doctor to keep it under control. 8. Maintain a healthy weight. 9. Control portion size. Know proper serving sizes. Eat a little bit of everything, and include more healthy stuff. 10. Eat more vegetables and fruits. They’re low in calories and have lots of filling dietary fiber. Avoid vegetables that are fried

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or in creamy sauces and fruits with sugar added. Choose whole grains. Avoid refined grain products like frozen waffles and sweetened cereals. Try grains like quinoa or barley. Avoid unhealthy fats & cholesterol. Limit solid fats like butter, margarine and shortening in your cooking; use healthier fats like olive or canola oil, and eat lean meats with less than 10 percent fat. Reduce sodium use. Watch labels on canned soups and prepared meals and choose low-sodium options if you can. Use herbs and spices to flavor your foods instead of salt. Know the signs of a heart attack and seek medical help immediately if you experience: uncomfortable chest pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain; discomfort in one or both arms, or back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; breaking out in a cold sweat; nausea; lightheadedness. ❚ Source: FHN

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Holiday Shopping Guide

Y F

Festival of Praise Tour Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Award-winning gospel greats Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin unite on stage for the Festival of Praise Tour, an evening of soul-stirring music, featuring Hammond, McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, Zacardi Cortez and Marcus Wiley. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. AJG November Lecture Nov. 12, 7-8 p.m. Join Anderson Japanese Gardens Head of Horticulture and Garden Curator Tim Gruner as he discusses the many factors that inﬂuenced the Garden over the last year. $5/members free. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390. "Twentieth Century" Nov. 13-22. Witness one of the all time great screwball comedies of the 1930s in a new stage adaption. Broadway impresario Oscar Jaffe has only the time aboard a luxury train to New York to sign a Hollywood diva, Lily Garland, to a contract. Problem is, she’s his ex. $15 adults/$9 students. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Maddox Theater, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4000, artistensemble.org.

Shop for gifts at the Holiday Art & Craft Show Nov. 13-Dec. 4 at Womanspace.

Rockford Park District Arts for All, Rockford Dance Company, Discovery Center Museum and more. Free. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Paranormal Investigation Nov. 14, 7 p.m. Listen to scintillating tales from paranormal experts and enjoy a tour with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. $40. Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 964-2424, tinercottage.com.

Rockford’s Vietnam Veterans Nov. 14-15. Local Vietnam War veterans will share displays of photographs and artifacts and be available to talk with visitors about their experiences. $7 adults/$5 children. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, mmnh.org.

“Celebrating Russian Composers” Nov. 15, 3 p.m. Described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites you – ears, mind and spirit – into its music,” Avalon String Quartet’s live performances are frequently featured on Chicago’s WFMT-FM. $25 adult/$6 student. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Annual Yule Market Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-noon. The annual Yule Market has lots of Swedish goodies, food, crafts and specialty items. Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-4212, bethesdacovenant.com.

Music on Main: Jacques Saint-Cyr Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m. Experience beautiful music, mingle with artists, enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments and have fun with your friends. Emerson House, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

KSO: Music Through the Ages Nov. 14, 11:00 a.m. Enjoy many excerpts of music from artists such as Bach, Mozart, Brahms and Prokofiev. $5. NIU Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, kishorchestra. org.

Holiday Art & Craft Show Nov. 13-Dec. 4. Find gifts for everyone on your list, all made by local artists. Womanspace, 333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.

No Boundaries: Arts Day for People with Disabilities Nov. 14, noon-4 p.m. This afternoon of activities for all ages and abilities is presented by Rockford Art Museum in collaboration with

Family Night Hike Nov. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Explore the trails in the dark and learn more about our country’s top aerial predators: the owls. Severson Dells Forest Preserve, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915. winnebagoforest.org. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 11

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Cannova’s Fine Italian Cuisine

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since 1921, when Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant – a pizzeria in the back of the grocery store they ran at 607 E. Winneshiek St., in Freeport. After son Frank returned from World War II, he took over and moved Cannova’s to its current location in 1964. Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many of Frank’s original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough. House specials include a Sicilian filet marinated in olive oil and red wine, Italian-style baked cod, and seafood Alfredo. Desserts include Linda’s made-fromscratch tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake. “Cannova’s is a wonderful place,” Pat Beckman says. “It gives people a great place to go. It’s not overly expensive, and we have great food and great music.” Then there are the pizzas: the Classic, with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach and sweet basil; the New York, with olive oil on the crust, fresh garlic, mozzarella and diced tomatoes with a house cheese; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the a Sicilian, with sliced Italian sausage and pepperoncinis,

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Ebeneezer Brown Eatery & Pub E Casual. American classics. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe; (815) 270-1213. LD Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Main Street Bistro E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat.

voted “best traditional pizza” by Pizza Today in 2001. Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany pizza earned a silver medal at the 2005 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. The friendly rapPat and Linda Beckman port among staff and customers is another reason for the restaurant’s success. Many employees have worked there for 10 to 25 years. “This business is interesting because of all the people that you meet. Being in a smaller town like Freeport, you know everyone,” Beckman says. “We have people who grew up working here and are still here. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of people. It’s like a family.” Cannova’s is home to jazz quartets, folk musicians and musical theater groups throughout the year. For two weeks in December, it hosts a popular holiday dinner theater. Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Sisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2294545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

Ciao Bella

his authentic Italian restaurant, at 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, has been family-run since it opened in 2008. “We serve home-cooked Italian food with deep red sauces, hearty soups and homemade pastas, and it all starts in the kitchen,” says owner Talia Castrogiovanni. Heading up the kitchen is brother Nikko, who joined the business about two years ago. The bar features drink and appetizer specials Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. Menu specialties include pizza, pasta, salads and seafood. For lunch, Ciao Bella offers an express lunch of sandwich and endless soup, for $7. “Business people can get their meal within 10 minutes and still make it back to work within the hour,” says Castrogiovanni. Dinner prices are $12 to $25. Ciao Bella is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sat. 5-9 p.m. ❚

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Nov. 11

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 11

T  I

Vacuum Up Savings

arpet is a big-ticket item, and there are things you can do to lengthen its life, says Paul McCann, owner of Stanley Steemer, 9958 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park. 1. Vacuum more often. Carpet warranties advise once daily, which few of us do. The more people, pets and activity in a home, the more often it should be done. 2. Vacuum more strategically. One pass won’t do it. Make a cross pattern going both ways so fibers stand up and more dirt comes out. 3. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner and change the filter often. Check a consumer website for recommendations. 4. Supplement the vacuuming with regular professional cleaning to extend the life of your carpet. Stanley Steemer uses highpressur water heated to about 200 degrees that is suctioned out with far stronger suction than household vacuums can provide. “Dirt has an abrasive impact on carpet fibers. When it damages the fibers and they lay down, that’s where you see traffic patterns,” says McCann. ❚

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

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30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.15%

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3.75%

$994.39

$677.03

$671.49

3.54%

4.51%

4.79%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Nov. 9, 2015) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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Nov. 11

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Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 11

Y M

Make the Most of Your Employee Benefits M

ost American workers say they understand the importance of employee benefits and personal finances, yet two out of five admit they know little to nothing about them, new research finds. As employee benefits season begins, most people seem to have their financial houses in order, saying they prioritize having enough medical insurance (74 percent) and are on track to retire comfortably (65 percent), according to the 2015 MassMutual Employee Benefits Security Study. Yet, 38 percent say they know little or nothing about their employer-provided benefits, such as health care, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plans and other benefits, the study finds. “Personal finances continue to bedevil many Americans, especially when it comes to understanding and making the most of their employee benefits,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services

and Worksite Insurance. “Fortunately, there are resources for people to get help in prioritizing and managing both their benefits and finances.” As workers are required to pay more or share more of the cost for their benefits, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize their benefits to fit their individual needs and budget. Follow these tips to prioritize your employee benefits: • Health care coverage is the most important benefit unless you are already protected by a spouse’s medical plan. • If you are married – especially if you have children – securing life insurance and disability insurance are critical to your family’s well-being. • Save as much as you can as early as you can to take advantage of the longterm benefits of compound earnings. At a minimum, contribute enough to your employer’s 401(k) or other retirement plan to obtain any matching contributions.

• It’s less critical for lower-paid employees earning the minimum wage or close to it to save for retirement because Social Security will replace a relatively high percentage of your pre-retirement earnings. Other benefits such as health care and insurance protection are likely more important. • Take advantage of employer-provided wellness benefits to boost your physical and financial health. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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