Smart Living Weekly October 24, 2018

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • October 24, 2018

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Right in Our Region

Jingle Bell Rockton Rings in the Holidays

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How to Foil Cyber Attacks The Latest Trends in Flooring Preventing Falls Among the Elderly Salamone’s North Opens in Rockford Lots to do at Midway Village Museum

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Jingle Bell Rockton Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 The Latest in Flooring News Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Humility Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Tasty Orzo Your Outing .......................................................19 Lots to See and Do at Midway Village Your Technology .................................... .......... 21 How to Foil Cyber Attackers Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 How to Reduce Falls Among the Elderly Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Salamone’s North Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Home Equity Loans

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee

Smart Banking.

Financial Education.

Community Focused.

Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling

You’re focused on your future, your family, your dreams, and the goals you want to accomplish along the way...

We’re focused on helping you get there and save some money along the way.

In 2017 alone it’s estimated that our members saved over $1.6 million dollars by choosing to bank with us vs. area banks. Come see us and experience the MembersAlliance difference for yourself.

Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Anthony Franklin Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2018 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.

815.226.2260 . membersalliance.org Member savings information taken from 2017 CUNA Economics and Statistics membership benefits report.

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What is ‘Great’?

I

’ve been thinking about what makes a person, group, thing or country “great.” Is it size and strength, good or bad, like the Great White Whale or Alexander the Great or the Great Depression? Or is it something intangible and related to character and goodness?

And is it better to be great or good?

Those who define greatness strictly in terms of size, wealth or power speak a language very different from the language of love, ethics and advanced humanity.

While working on an article for Northwest Quarterly Magazine, I ran across a bit of Wisconsin history I felt was worth sharing.

It seems that the winter of 1842-43 was unusually long, cold and deep with snow. Settlers in southern Wisconsin reported horses floundering for dear life, often toppling over in drifts, bringing their team members and cargo crashing down with them. Sharp, icy snow crusts not only crippled horses, but many families’ odds of survival.

The resulting shortage of corn led to starvation among livestock and desperation among even the most hardworking settlers.

Before long, just three farmers in Rock County had corn left to sell. They sold it for 25 cents per bushel until one of them, “a very sanctimonious man,” tried to conspire with the other two farmers to double the price to 50 cents per bushel. According to records of Mrs. S.F. Chipman, the opportunist farmer was met with this response: “That may do for you, but, as for me, I have a soul to save and shall charge only 25 cents.”

Further, when speculators asked to buy all of his corn, the kindly farmer refused to sell anyone more than one load at a time, thus helping his neighbors to survive the winter.

Who was the “great” American in this true local story? The farmer who cleverly jumped on an opportunity to enrich himself when demand outweighed supply? Or the farmer who sacrificed the extra profit but kept his neighbors – and his internal values – alive?

Both? Neither?

There was a time when the answer would have been a no-brainer for most Americans.

Today, I’m not so sure.

What’s your definition? Oh, and have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Flooring: Learn the Latest Before You Buy

By Janine Pumilia

G

iven all the new products rolling out from the flooring industry, it’s a good idea to learn what you can from retailers who keep up with trends, says Andy Benson, owner of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. You may even save money by asking questions.

For example, when people come to the store looking for authentic stone floors, Benson is likely to point them to the luxury vinyl tile display instead.

“Speaking as someone who has been a stone guy most of my life, I can tell you there’s not much reason to install a natural stone floor anymore,” says Benson.

“Because of the great things that have happened in the evolution of flooring technology, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that looks like natural stone or wood is just as good – better in many respects – than natural stone flooring. And it’s a lot less expensive.”

LVT (or LVP if shaped like a wood plank) marries the benefits of a manmade product with the high-end look of natural materials. And although manmade products haven’t always been great at mimicking nature, today’s LVT is a very different story.

“Most people are hard-pressed to tell the difference between real wood or stone and LVT that looks like wood or stone,” says Benson. “Not only is the digital printing of the surface very realistic, but now the texture is, too. You not only see a knothole, you can feel that knothole. There’s nothing shiny or plastic-looking about it. The coloring and embossing is amazing.”

Benson was as surprised as anyone to find he prefers LVT to real wood.

“I swear by wood floors but now it’s LVT all the way – I love it,” he says.

“People immediately touch it when they

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see it, to try to figure out if it’s real wood or stone. It’s that convincing.”

LVT is the fastest-growing segment of the flooring industry.

Unlike laminate flooring, which is made with fiberboard that falls apart in moisture, LVT is made with layers of (mostly) PVC vinyl, making it far more stable and waterproof.

“We install it in homes of every price point,” says Benson. ❚

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A Humble Heart S

ome things in scripture are crystal clear.

One is that God despises arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns hubris and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arrogant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor.

Then I threw you to the ground in the presence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV) Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God referred to as “a man after my own heart” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed humility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my

eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over

which of them was greatest, Jesus told them:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How much clearer can scripture be? If anyone had the right to behave arrogantly, it was Jesus Christ. He chose instead to model the behavior he wishes us to follow. “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Rockton, IL

Treat Yourself www.gemshop.jewelry

Jingle Bell ROCKton

Christmas Open Houses | Exclusive First Looks

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Orzo Medley and Dessert Asiago and Bacon Orzo Medley Servings: 11 (about 1/2 cup per serving)

4 oz. bacon, chopped 4 oz. white onion, diced 1 tsp. garlic, minced 2 cups fresh asparagus tips 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup Holland House White Cooking Wine 1/4 cup chicken stock 3 cups orzo, cooked according to package directions 1/2 cup shaved Asiago cheese Salt & pepper to taste

In large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Add onions and garlic to pan with bacon and saute until fragrant and soft. Cook onions until translucent.

Add asparagus tips, cherry tomatoes, chicken stock and cooking wine to saucepan and deglaze. Add cooked orzo and Asiago cheese, stirring to combine. Cook 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Buttered Pound Cake with Sherry Mascarpone and Soaked Berries Servings: 10 (2 pieces per serving)

3/4 cup fresh raspberries 3/4 cup fresh blueberries 3/4 cup fresh blackberries 1/2 cup Holland House Sherry Cooking Wine, divided 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. lemon zest, grated 2 TB honey 1 cup mascarpone cheese 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 TB sugar 2 TB butter 1 pound cake, cut into 20 pieces

In medium bowl, combine raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, 1/3 cup cooking wine, lemon juice, lemon zest and honey. Cover bowl and marinate at room temperature 30 minutes.

In mixer, whip mascarpone by slowly adding heavy whipping cream, sugar

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and remaining cooking wine. Once thoroughly mixed, whip to stiff peaks.

Butter both sides of each piece of pound cake and add to saute pan. Over medium heat, brown both sides of cake until golden. Place two pieces of toasted pound cake in individual serving dishes and let cool.

Place dollop of whipped mascarpone on cake pieces. Garnish with berries. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Holiday Fun at Jingle Bell Rockton Nov. 2 & 3 I

By Peggy Werner

n its third year, Jingle Bell Rockton will see a record number of 19 shops and restaurants joining together for the annual downtown Christmas open house in which discounts, prizes, shopping and dining experiences are in the spotlight.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, and will feature holiday décor, vintage goods, antiques, primitives, jewelry, boutique apparel, gifts and decorations, candy, children’s clothing, artwork, handmade items, do-it-yourself projects, stocking stuffers and more.

Tamara Hendricks, owner of Rubies ‘N Rust Antiques, is the founder of Jingle Bell Rockton and says this is the first time businesses and the village have pulled together to offer bigger prizes and promote the event, which is expected to draw thousands to the downtown area.

“This is our largest weekend of the

year,” says Hendricks. “We started out with only two or three shops, but as Rockton storefronts filled up and many new businesses came to town, people liked the idea of the small-town atmosphere and decided to pull together to make a great experience for the customers.

“Also, this is a time of year when people are looking for events like this one, where they can get a lot accomplished in one place for holiday giving and entertaining,” she says.

New this year is the involvement of about half a dozen pubs and restaurants that will have lunch specials during the open house. For example, Scorchy Café Italiano normally opens at 4 p.m., but will have a limited lunch menu during the event.

A grand prize valued at more than $400, will include a basket of goodies and a $20 gift certificate from each par-

ticipating business. Two additional prizes, valued at more than $200 each, will include local gift items and a $10 gift certificate from each business. Stop in at any of the locations to register for the big prizes. Each business will also offer its own promotions, including drawings, special sales and gift cards during the open house.

The Village of Rockton helped advertise the event with the printing of signs, banners, flyers and paying for radio ads, Hendricks says.

Brian Capezio, owner of Village Loft of Rockton, 101 W. Main St., has been a part of Jingle Bell Rockton every year.

From the beginning, he envisioned the open house growing in size and scope and becoming a yearly tradition.

“People like getting out and taking that first look at Christmas décor. We expect to generate a lot of excitement this

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year and to see a lot of customers we haven’t seen for years,” he says.

He is mainly referring to the end of a two-year multi-million dollar construction project on Illinois Route 75 that involved reconstruction, widening and resurfacing the roadway. It seriously interrupted the traffic flow in downtown Rockton and discouraged shoppers, he says, especially during the first year when Main Street was completely closed at times.

Village Loft, which is open Wednesday through Sunday, specializes in home décor and will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 31 and Thursday, Nov. 1 to get ready for the open house. Rubies ‘N Rust Antiques will be closed Tuesday through Thursday and other shops will have reduced hours the week before the event.

Capezio says Village Loft will undergo a total transformation in preparation for the holiday season. At the same time, he will get ready to debut a premiere collection of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paints. The paints are used on furniture, wood, metal, glass, ceramics and fabrics.

Village Loft will carry the complete line of 64 colors in all sizes, as well as stains, waxes and painting accessories.

Jill Rae Martin-Golden is owner of JR Finally Art Studio and Gallery, 210 W. Main St., and specializes in artwork from 17 local artists and commissions. She participated in Jingle Bell Rockton last year and said it’s a great way for people to learn about what the town has to offer.

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Painting since she was five years old, she always dreamed of being a full-time artist, but couldn’t afford the luxury until five years ago, when she made the brave decision to quit her job and do just that.

She and her husband, Mark, bought the building where she works and they are slowly renovating it.

During the open house, she will be giving out packets of homemade Christmas cards, gift cards and a 50 percent discount on a commissioned piece of artwork.

“I love meeting new people and there are so many who don’t even know I’m here,” says Martin-Golden. “Rockton is such a great town and this is a great kickoff to the holiday season. The open house creates a lot of positive energy, especially this year, with all the businesses working together. We want our town to be a destination place.”

Learn more by visiting the newly created Jingle Bell Rockton page on Facebook. ❚

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Lots to Do at Midway Village this Autumn

By Peggy Werner

V

isitors always find something interesting at Midway Village Museum, whether or not a special event is taking place.

“We have an ever-changing museum center that’s available to people yearround,” says Caitlin Treece, museum educator.

Museum Gallery Guided Tours take place on the third Saturday of most months. Upcoming tours will be at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 27 and Nov. 24. The 90-minute tours offer in-depth information about Rockford history and a chance to ask questions.

On Saturday, Nov. 3, the museum will present Evening of Illumination from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Costumed guides will take groups around the Victorian Village by lantern to explore stories about the buildings and visit activity stations.

Also on Nov. 3 is the All Aboard!

Model Train Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 12 trains will be on display and experts will share information and answer questions. The event is held in partnership with the Rock River Valley Division of the National Model Railroad Association, which meets the first Sunday of the month September through May at the museum.

The fourth annual Hometown Heroes: Rockford’s Vietnam Veterans event is at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Harlem High School students have interviewed Vietnam veterans and produced half-hour documentaries that will be shown.

Featured veterans this year include Thomas Morgan, who was part of a land clearing company, speaking on “Fear of Dying,” and Gary Kahler, a U.S. Marine helicopter co-pilot who was shot down during a resupply mission. The students will share what they learned from the vet-

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erans while making the videos.

“We’re taking this opportunity to thank our veterans and pay tribute to their experiences and sacrifices, and to let them know they’re appreciated,” says Laura Furman, the museum’s curator of collections and education. “They were not treated well at the time of the war, but they have important stories to tell and those memories need to be collected and preserved.”

Museum admission fees apply to most events, unless otherwise noted.

They are $7 for adults, $5 for ages 3-17, and free to infants and members. ❚

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Ways to Avoid Cyber Criminal Attacks

By Peggy Werner

B

eware of warnings on your devices.

If you get a pop-up message or a screen saying there’s a problem with your computer and that you need to call a number to fix the problem, don’t call it. No reputable company will ever announce to you there’s a problem with your computer, says PrimeTime Audio/ Video General Manager Dirk Dutton.

“Microsoft will never call you or give you a warning asking you to call a phone number,” he says. “If you see such a message, it’s coming from cyber criminals using ransom ware, which is software designed to block access to your computer until a sum of money is paid.”

When money is paid, the hackers put an icon on your computer that allows them to access all of your information, including the webcam.

Another common way hackers try to get information is through fake emails.

When you see an email from the name of someone you know, but it looks suspicious, don’t open it. Instead, click on the details and see if it’s actually from that person or another email address. If it’s not from the person you know, delete it and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov.

“The world of hacking is the fastest growing industry in the world, and it’s no longer only about getting your credit card information. What they want is to make money off of you and it’s only a click away,” says Dutton.

“In general, always be aware and never give out information or agree to pay money to ‘fix’ a problem. If you have a problem with your computer, you’ll be the first to know. If it happens, make a call to your computer specialist to have

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the problem diagnosed and fixed.”

Changing your username and password often is a good idea, especially if you’re using a default username and password on rented equipment. Also, update software and operating systems when updates are available.

“It’s amazing how many people are unaware of these safeguards,” he says. ❚

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How to Reduce Falls Among the Elderly A

ccording to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for Americans over age 65. Mercyhealth has partnered with the NCOA and the Falls Free Coalition to offer these suggestions: • Talk to your older loved ones about falling. If dizziness or balance is a concern, suggest they discuss it with their health care provider, who can do a fall assessment and suggest a prevention program.

• Make sure your older loved one has a current eyeglass prescription. Tintchanging lenses can be hazardous when going from bright sun into darkened buildings and bifocals can be problematic on stairs. Ask their optometrist for suggestions on ways to improve their vision.

• Holding onto walls and furniture when walking, or having difficulty getting up from a chair are signs that your loved one could use the help of a physical therapist to improve balance, strength and gait through exercise. A therapist

might suggest a cane or walker, and show the person how to use them safely. Poorly fitted or wrongly used walking aids can actually increase the risk of falling.

• Talk about medicines. If your loved one is having a hard time keeping track of medicines or is experiencing side effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and pharmacist. Beware of non-prescription medicines that contain sleep aids, including painkillers with PM in their names. These can lead to balance issues and dizziness.

• Do a walk-through safety assessment

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of their home. There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer, such as increasing lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs.

• Install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. Consider using a shower chair and a hand-held shower wand.

• Get rid of throw rugs, move extension cords out of walkways, pick up clutter and replace broken or unstable furniture.

Consider the use of a personal emergency response system, like Mercyhealth Safe Connect. It’s ideal for elderly and disabled individuals who want to stay in their own homes. With Safe Connect, there’s always a 24/7 connection to family members or friends to help your loved one get back on his or her feet after a fall.

To learn more about Mercyhealth Safe Connect, visit mercyhealthsafeconnect. org or call (608) 756-6784. ❚

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Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic

ILLINOIS, USA

Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

If You Only Knew

Through Nov. 3, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Through letters written by each artist, visitors discover what lies behind the Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com art on display. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Wings of Wonder: Lorikeet Exhibit

Through Nov. 11, Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Come face-to-beak with these curious and colorful nectar-feeding birds. Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

Spooky Science

Oct. 26, 6-9 p.m. Concoct glowing slime, make monstrous crafts, enjoy some hair-raising experiences and experiment with science tricks that look like magic. Come in costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Oaktober

Oct. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Discover how oaks shaped the Midwest and how people and wildlife learned to use them. Learn to identify the trees and their acorns; help plant acorns to grow oak savannas and more. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Dueling Pianos

Oct. 27 & Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. Two baby grand pianos, two professional rocking entertainers and audience requests make for an evening of clapping, dancing and singing along. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

RSO: 'Romeo & Juliet'

Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Featuring pianist David Syme, with music from Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Tippett and Paul Ben-Haim. Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO), Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony. com.

Rockford Wind Ensemble

Oct. 28 & Dec. 16, 3 p.m. Family-friendly concerts include popular favorites and concert band standards. Nordlof Center, Rockford.

Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

'Chicago'

Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Winner of 6 Tony awards,

Enjoy some Spooky Science Oct. 26 at Discovery Center Museum.

the Broadway musical is a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Avalon String Quartet

Nov. 4, 3 p.m. Lecture at 2 p.m. Returning for their eighth season, the quartet features works by Mendelssohn. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas' & 'Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus'

Nov. 9-11 & 16-18, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Join the Peanuts gang for a special Christmas celebration; then see the story of a newspaper writer who must answer a young girl’s question about Santa Claus. Main Street Players, Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 7412963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.

John Denver Tribute

Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Chip Messiner’s vocals are a remarkable match for the legendary singer/ songwriter. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

'Mulan, Jr.'

Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Based on the Disney film, this one-act musical is a celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. Children’s Theater Project. Nordlof Center, Rockford.

Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

RSO: Old War Poems Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. John Borling, Maj. Gen., USAF (ret.) narrates to the music of Copland and Hyden; with the Mendelssohn Chorale.

RSO, Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com. ❚

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Salamone’s North: Italian Cuisine with a Twist

By Mika Doyle

R

ockford residents don’t have to drive to Cherry Valley to get their Salamone’s fix anymore. The family-run establishment has opened a second location called Salamone’s North, tucked inside the shopping plaza on the corner of Mulford and Spring Creek Roads in Rockford.

The new location is owned and operated

by Phil Salamone (twin brother to Benny, the owner of Salamone’s Downtown Cherry Valley) and Phil’s wife, Brieanna.

Phil helped to manage the Cherry Valley location for 11 years and decided it was time branch out and run his own restaurant. He’d been looking for a good location for about a year when this spot became available. Many residents will remember it as the former Angelo’s Restaurant and, later, Joey C’s.

“I wanted to create a family experience where people could come and have great food with a great atmosphere and

just have a nice night out,” says Phil.

The menu is mostly the same as Salamone’s Downtown Cherry Valley but there are some items you won’t find on the Cherry Valley menu, including a prime rib special on Saturdays and Sicilian baked chicken.

The North location also uses a sweeter sauce in the chicken marsala and a sesame seed bread for the bruschetta.

The most popular pizza on the Salamone’s North menu has been the Mediterranean pizza, which features pesto, mushroom, spinach, onion and black olives.

“We want everyone to feel the love we put into the restaurant,” says Brieanna. “Our whole family runs it. We

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen E Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar E Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Capital House E Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante EUpscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa E Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 26

Smart Living Weekly

always come out and interact with our guests. We meet such great people.”

Salamone’s North is open at 11 a.m. seven days a week. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m., but the bar is open late.

It’s best to make reservations on weekends if you want to make sure to get a table. If you don’t want to dine in, Salamone’s North also delivers. ❚

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire E Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; and 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Olympic Tavern E Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Rock Cut Concessions E Casual American. BkLD. Daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m., open to 9 p.m. on Friday for fish fry.

Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.

Union Dairy E Ice cream treats, grill food. Locally sourced.

126 E. Douglas, Freeport. LD Daily 11am-10 pm. Grill closed Sundays and after 8 pm. $$. ❚

Oct. 24

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Higher Grounds

F

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

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

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

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

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Need Cash? Consider a Home Equity Loan

By Peggy Werner

P

eople agonizing over how to pay expenses may be overlooking a solution in their own backyard.

“Your home may be an untapped source of funds you could use to your advantage,” says Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. “Most people are aware of home equity loans, but many don’t think of them as an option when they need money.”

Home equity loans can be used to pay for home renovations, debt consolidation, college or wedding expenses, vehicle purchases and more.

The advantages of home equity loans, in most cases, are lower interest rates and closing costs, with fewer regulatory restrictions and fees. This is because the homeowner is not making a new purchase so the regulatory environment is not as cumbersome.

People often make the mistake of thinking what they’ve already paid on the home figures into the equation, but that’s not necessarily the case. What you can borrow depends on the current value of your home versus what you still owe.

Every financial institution has different types of home equity offerings, interest rates and repayment plans. Rising home values are good news for people who want to access extra cash without paying prohibitively high interest rates.

When borrowing money using a home equity loan, you receive the money in a lump sum and have a fixed interest rate, explains Lynch. This type of loan is not to be confused with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which is an available maximum amount you can draw money from multiple times whenever you need it. Unlike a home equity loan, a HELOC usually has an adjustable interest rate. It’s a revolving loan, operating similarly to a

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credit card in that you only repay based on what you choose to spend at any given time. The interest rate is much more favorable than a credit card’s interest rate.

Learn more by going to membersalliance.org or any MembersAlliance Credit Union location. MembersAlliance has Rockford locations at 2550 S. Alpine Road, 6951 Olde Creek Road, and inside the Wal-Mart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and the Wal-Mart on Rockton Road. Experienced loan officers are available at all locations.

Preapproval applications are available online. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 24

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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