Smart Living Weekly - November 18, 2015

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n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit

95¢ • Nov. 18, 2015

™

Right in Our Region

Holiday Fun at the Oregon Candlelight Walk

By Paul Anthony Arco, Senior Writer

T

he holiday spirit will be in high gear at the 29th annual Oregon Candlelight Walk, Saturday, Nov. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Sponsored by the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, the Candlelight Walk is a festive evening of food, entertainment, shopping and much more, designed to welcome the holiday season.

“It’s all about friends and family getting together and celebrating the kickoff to the holidays,” says Debbie Dickson, chamber executive director. “It has ambience, charm and a real small-town feel. It’s a throwback to the way it used to be. It’s not all about spending money. It’s a chance to see who we are as a community and what we have to offer.”

Continued on p. 20

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors Caramel Apple Slab Pie • How to Choose a Snow Blower • Santa Artist Open House Benefits of Outpatient Surgery • When to Buy What, This Season • Dining at Ciao Bella

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for the Holidays www.edgebrookshops.com

HOLIDA L I G H T I Y TREE O PEN H N G & O USE Fri., Nov . 20 Sat., No v. 21

1639 N. Alpine Rd • Rockford, Illinois • 815.226-0212

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Oregon Candlelight Christmas Walk Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 How to Choose a Snow Blower Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who Was Joshua?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Caramel Apple Slab Pie Your Outings ......................................................17 Barbara Buck Santa Open House

Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 The BeneďŹ ts of Outpatient Surgery Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Ciao Bella Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Choosing Anti-Virus Software Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 What to Buy When, This Season

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 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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Why Supporting Local Stores Really Does Matter

T

hree years ago this month, we launched Smart Living Weekly. Its dual purpose is to help you live smarter and better, and to strengthen locally owned businesses in Greater Rockford, Freeport and Beloit. In every issue, we present information and offers that save you money.

We also bring you brief, practical articles about your health, style, home and money, and highlight fun things to do right here in our region.

Being a cheerleader for our region is nothing new to us. For 11 years, we’ve produced Northwest Quarterly, a huge, glossy magazine that showcases the best of life in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

We sincerely believe that our region is a wonderful place to live, work and play, but we’re tired of seeing national chain stores take over our city. Did you know that about 80 cents of every dollar spent at a big-box store leaves our community?

Chain stores have a big advantage over local stores and restaurants, when it comes to volume-priced advertising. Each week, homeowners are assaulted by a barrage of massproduced newsprint ad circulars and TV ads that appear all over the U.S. It’s hard for locally owned businesses to get their messages heard in such an environment. We’re changing all of that by providing blanket regional coverage through Smart Living Weekly. We help you to connect with the ad messages of businesses that serve you best – the ones owned by your friends and neighbors, not multinational tycoons on the coasts or overseas.

Why do local businesses serve you best?

Because they’re accountable to you. Their owners live, work and play here. If you have a complaint, they can’t hide behind a remote 1-800 customer service number.

Also, they tend to spend their money right here at home, hiring local accountants, bankers, insurance agents, attorneys, website designers, caterers etc.

Sure, we all do some shopping at chain stores. But economists estimate that if we shifted just 10 percent of our dollars to locally owned businesses, our region would see more than $1 million in new economic activity and hundreds of new jobs.

What are we waiting for? (Not our state government, that’s for sure!) No one is coming to rescue us except ourselves.

Enjoy your week and shop local! ❚ 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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Y H  G

What to Consider When Buying a Snow Blower W hen buying a snow blower, it’s important to get the correct model and size for your needs. Tim Kinney of Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales, 3110 Auburn St., Rockford, offers a few tips for buyers.

First, determine what size snow blower you need. They come in two basic types, single-stage and two-stage.

Single-stage: This model is ideal if you have a flat, midsized paved driveway and walks; it easily handles snowfall up to 8 inches. It’s fairly light, easier to handle than a two-stage, and takes up about as much space as a lawn mower.

Single-stage models usually clear an 18- to 22-inch swath, with rubber paddles that contact the surface to sweep the snow up and out of a chute in one quick movement. The rubber parts are forgiving on blacktop and concrete driveways, Kinney says, but since its auger contacts the ground, don’t use it on gravel driveways.

Two-stage: This type is best if you

have a long, wide, or hilly driveway. It can take on a lot more snow than a singlestage and clear a swath 24- to 32-inches wide. A metal auger funnels the snow backward inside the machine, where a spinning impeller throws it out of a chute at high velocity, typically 10 to 15 feet farther than single-stage machines.

“If you’re in an area with a lot of drifting, a two-stage is better,” Kinney says.

Metal skids can be height-adjusted, depending on the surface. Since the auger doesn’t contact the ground, a two-stage model is needed for a gravel driveway.

Next, decide what features you need.

Both types come in electric and gas models, and controls can vary. “Can you handle just a pull start, or do you need an electric start?” Kinney asks. “The electric start doesn’t have a battery, so you do have

to plug it in, but once it starts, you unplug it and you’re good to go.”

Engine type is another consideration.

Lincoln Rent-All sells only Toro snow blowers, which have four-cycle engines.

That means you don’t have to mix the gas and oil, as you would with a two-cycle.

If you just need a machine to clean off sidewalks, a deck, or even a very short city driveway, consider a smaller, all-electric model. They’re less powerful but convenient and require little maintenance. ❚

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I  W

Who Was Joshua?

Primary Scriptures: Book of Joshua

J

oshua lived during the late Bronze Age and figures prominently into Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy books. Moses appointed Joshua to be the military leader of the 12 tribes of Israel shortly before they entered Canaan, the Promised Land, after 40 years of wandering the desert and 400-plus years of Egyptian captivity.

By faith, Joshua and his armies claimed the land promised centuries earlier

by God to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel).

Like Caleb, Joshua had long been a faithful assistant to Moses. When Moses sent one man from each of the 12 Hebrew tribes to spy out Canaan, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who returned with encouraging words. The other 10 said the settlements that had spawned throughout Canaan (during Hebrew captivity) were too much for the Hebrews to overcome.

Joshua and Caleb, however, remembered how God had overcome mighty Egypt on Israel’s behalf. As a result of their faith, they were the only men of their generation God allowed into the Promised Land.

Over the years, Joshua led Israel to reclaim many areas of Canaan. He also oversaw the settling of the 12 tribes there.

He consistently urged people to follow the one true God and to resist the idolatry so rampant in cultures around them.

Toward the end of his life, Joshua gathered the people together one last time to remind them of all God had done on their behalf. He urged them to be faithful to the covenant God had made with them at Sinai.

Joshua famously tells the people: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) ❚ This is the 9th in a series about major figures of the Bible. Sign up for your free digital edition of Smart Living Weekly at NWQSmartLiving.com.

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Y K

Spice Up Your Holidays with Cinnamon W hen the house is filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon, it’s a sure sign the holidays have arrived. This signature flavor of the season can add warmth and nostalgia to everything from traditional baked goods to vegetable sides and cocktails.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes

• 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts), divided • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 TB. McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 8 cups thinly sliced and peeled Honey Crisp apples (about 8 apples) • 1 cup caramel topping, divided

Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring crusts to room temperature according to package directions. Unroll pie crusts. Line

bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass baking dish with two pie crusts. Press seams of overlapping crusts in middle of baking dish together to seal. Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl.

Add apples; toss to coat well. Spoon into pie crust. Drizzle with 3/4 cup caramel topping. Top with remaining two crusts.

Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping to serve.

Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Carrots Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours

• 2 pounds baby carrots • 2 TB. butter, melted • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp. McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 1/2 tsp. McCormick Ground Ginger • 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions: Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Add carrots and melted butter; toss to coat. Cover. Cook on high three to four hours or until tender.

Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and salt in small bowl until well blended. Toss cooked carrots with brown sugar mixture in slow cooker just before serving. Tip: Keep cooked carrots in slow cooker when transporting to a party. Bring brown sugar mixture in small resealable plastic bag. For best results, toss carrots with brown sugar mixture just before Source: Family Features serving. ❚

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Holiday Shopping Guide

Y O

Master Santa Artist Hosts Open House I

n the studio of her beautiful Victorian house in Freeport, artist Barbara Buck creates her nationally recognized masterpieces. She sells her work worldwide, and, for more than 20 years, has earned her living by following her passion: sculpting and building Santas.

On Nov. 20-22, Buck will host the 25th annual Barbara Buck Studio Santa Fest, at 1240 S. Walnut St. From 10 a.m.7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, visitors can view her gallery of themed Santas that include northwoods trappers, fishermen, Packers & Bears, winemaker Santas and more.

Her Santas are all one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality figures, made with first-rate materials, Old World craftsmanship – and lots of love.

Buck, who loves Christmas, has crafted thousands of Santas over the years.

They come to life in her workshop, on an old kitchen table, in her very Victorian-like basement. She uses mostly hand tools and elbow grease – no computers or

programmable sewing machines.

A seamstress and a woodworker supply much of the clothing and props, although Buck has made all of the pieces herself in the past.

Buck uses vintage fabric, antiques and special-order, handmade props to adorn her figures, which range between 28 and 36 inches tall. She sculpts the hands and heads herself from Primo polymer clay. Each head requires a four-step process, with baking between each. She uses glass eyes, and gives each Santa face its lifelike character by hand-carving and painting it. Buck builds each wooden armature herself, inserting heavy-duty wires into dowels that will become posable arms and legs.

For their portly physiques, Buck stuffs poly fill into plain cotton bodies and around the armatures. After attaching the head and hands, she then outfits them: hand-sewn clothes; real fur trim; beards

made of Tibetan, Persian or curly Mohair wool; antique and hand-picked props.

They are placed in special poses with other props, to create the specialty themed Santas for which her customers clamor.

Come to the open house and see these remarkable Santas for yourself. ❚ Get SLW Outings articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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R  O R

Candlelight Walk Continued from Cover

Nearly three decades ago, the Candlelight Walk started out as a small event held at Conover Square Mall, as a way for local businesses to thank residents for their support throughout the year. The turnout was so overwhelming that community leaders started brainstorming ways to expand the event.

“It’s really morphed along the way,” says Dickson. “In past years, we’ve had things like a bonfire, weenie roast, and entertainment on the street. It became more than just a holiday walk.”

The Candlelight Walk offers free horse and wagon rides, a chance to pet live reindeer, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive on the Courthouse Square courtesy of the Oregon Fire Department.

On the cover: Sheri Pearson and Stephanie Nelson, of Patchwork Inn Bed & Breakfast, welcome visitors during the Candlelight Walk.

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Nearly 75 local businesses participate in the Candlelight Walk, with the majority of activity taking place along Third and Fourth streets and Franklin Street, which is renamed Candy Cane Lane for the occasion. Festival goers can shop at the Conover Square Mall, and at a gift fair at the Oregon Coliseum, which is also home to a winter quarter carnival, hosted by local 4-H clubs.

There’s also a Hysterical Holiday Hunt – folks are invited to find hidden clues and answers by deciphering the jingles written for specific participating Red Bow businesses. Forms can be found at the Oregon Chamber booth inside the coliseum. Winners of the grand prize and second place receive generous prize packages.

People can also vie for a $250 grand prize by visiting businesses who serve as the Red Bow sponsors. “Whoever wins the grand prize will have 30 days to return to any of those sponsors and spend the money on anything from an oil change,

Nov. 18

fresh arrangements, dinner, an overnight stay and more,” says Dickson. “It really is a lot of fun.” Many businesses also take part in a storefront window decorating contest held that night.

Make sure to arrive at the Candlelight Walk ready to eat. Patrons can buy Lincoln Highway Association’s fresh popped kettle corn, Cliff’s Apple Cider Donuts, s’mores by the Boy Scout Troops and Lion’s Club pork chop sandwiches.

Entertainment for the evening includes performances by the Oregon High

R  O R School madrigals and jazz band, and Dance with Angie, a local dance troupe.

The Candlelight Walk has welcomed as many as 4,000 people in the past, not bad considering Oregon is a town of 3,800. Visitors come from all over the area, including Sterling, Rockford, Winnebago, Rockton, Byron, Dixon and as far away as the Quad Cities.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” says Dickson. “It’s good exposure for the community and businesses, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate together. That’s what the holiday season is all about.”

New to the Candlelight Walk this year are decorative snowflakes and baskets with garland hung on light poles that the city recently installed along routes 2 and 64. “We will have a continuous string of live garland and red bows for all businesses who want to participate,” says Dickson. “We all know how important curb appeal is, especially during the holidays.” In addition, hand-painted signs that were created by a local volunteer will greet visitors from all four entry points into town.

The Candlelight Walk is planned and organized by six community volunteers, who put in countless hours year-round, plus dozens of helpers who lend a hand that night.

“It takes a village to put this event on,” says Dickson. “We get support from the Oregon Police Department, Oregon Fire Department and the Oregon Street Department. They go out of their way to make sure it’s a safe and fun event for everyone. People are pitching in. They’re

excited about the Candlelight Walk.”

The presenting sponsor of this year’s event is WOODS/BLOUNT. Other sponsors include First National Bank, Exelon Generation – Byron Station, Johnson Oil Company/Expresslane Shell and KSB Medical Group. The chamber received an anonymous $5,000 donation this year that will help to pay for the decorative snowflakes displayed downtown. “That’s huge,” says Dickson. “Everyone is working as a team to support our community.”

For more information, visit oregonil. com or call (815) 732-2100. ❚

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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Y H

The Benefits of an Outpatient Surgery Center I

t’s difficult to predict the future of U.S. health care, given the rapidly changing marketplace. However, a high-quality, low-cost provider is in the best position to thrive. Superior, affordable health services translate into satisfied patients – the goal of Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center (RASC).

Since 1994, the outpatient surgery center’s founders sought to give area residents an alternative choice to expensive in-hospital, one-day surgical care.

“Smart consumers want out-ofpocket expenses at the bare minimum,” observes CEO/Administrator Dr. Steve Gunderson. “We offer advances that reduce recovery time and provide services at the lowest cost Dr. Steve Gunderson

to patients in most instances. That’s a powerful combination.”

From its location at 1016 Featherstone Road on Rockford’s east side, RASC has performed more than 90,000 procedures in the past 20 years. The center’s multiple specialties include ear, nose and throat, general surgery, orthopedic, gynecologic, ophthalmology, pain management and podiatric surgery.

“We have a great, mature group of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and technicians who’ve served the community for years,” Gunderson notes.

The facility features five operating rooms, a large recovery area and two waiting rooms. Unlike hospitals, which have high capital, operating and maintenance costs, RASC enjoys a low overhead that saves patients money.

Visitors experience many comforts, such as a cozy fireplace, Wi-Fi, television and complimentary beverages. To younger and older patients alike, the atmosphere

is warm and friendly. Convenience is one reason why RASC consistently earns a near-perfect patient satisfaction rating.

“Most people want to spend as little time as possible in a health care setting,” Gunderson says. “We encourage family members to stay with patients until they are taken to the operating room and to be present when patients awaken. This creates a more relaxing environment.”

Excellent care remains the distinguishing characteristic after two decades.

The center meets standards set by the Center for Medicare Services and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, and strictly adheres to established protocols.

“Satisfied patients’ word of mouth is our best marketing tool,” says Gunderson. “Our staff members deliver the best outpatient care available and a level of safety that’s as high as in any hospital and an infection rate that’s much lower.” ❚ (Source: Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center)

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B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P R E I M E R P E H T

R E Y A L P H C I WH ?

U O Y E AR WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU? Topaz is suave, without being too serious.

Blackjack’s his game of choice, though he dabbles in slots every now and again. Learn more about our five-tier player’s club, featuring the best

Living Weekly Nov. 18with more smoke-free areas!

26 gaming Smart and amenities in the Midwest, now

Y F

Artist Lecture: Phyllis Bramson Nov. 19, 7-8 p.m. Learn more about exhibiting artist Phyllis Bramson and her prolific body of work in this engaging talk with the artist herself. Free. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

“Miracle on 34th Street” Nov. 20-Dec. 6. When Kris Kringle, a Macy’s employee, refers parents to other stores to find toys, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing for being seen as “deluded and dangerous” by a Macy’s vocational counselor. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pectonica, Ill., (815) 2391210, pecplayhouse.org.

RCCA Julian Bliss Septet: Benny Goodman Tribute Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Recreating the exciting sound of swing from the 1930s and 40s, this septet stays true to the authentic feel but with a modern twist. Julian and pianist Neal Thorton talk the audience through the music, sharing humorous stories about Goodman’s life.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 847-6314, rccaconcerts.org.

Edgebrook’s Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 20-21, Fri. 5-6:30 p.m., Sat. during store hours. Get in the holiday spirit in the Edgebrook shopping district, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m. Wear a holiday-themed costume for one of the largest holiday 5K race series. Sportscore Two Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 971-6380, kintera.org.

Kinetic King Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Witness Newton’s Laws of motion go bananas with the assemblage and launch of a room-sized sculpture formed from gazillions of popsicle sticks, plastic cups and assorted odds and ends. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Italian All Saints Day Celebration Nov. 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Create your own All Saints Day memento and learn more about Italian immigration to Rockford. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, mmnh.org.

Stroll on State happens Nov. 28 in downtown Rockford.

Rockford Rage Women’s Roller Derby Nov. 21, 6 p.m. Get ready for hard hits and fast feet in this roller derby extravaganza. Stay after for a party. $10 adult in advance/$15 at door/$5 kids 5-12. Sportscore Two Indoor Sports Center, Loves Park, Ill., (847) 894-8136, facebook.com/ pages/The-Rockford-Rage.

Charlotte’s Web – Neil Jacobs Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Neil Jacobs will perform 12-string guitar, featuring music inspired by his world travels. Emerson House, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Cheap Trick Nov. 21, 8 p.m. With more than 5,000 performances and 20 million records sold, this band from Rockford is frequently credited as being among the most influential in rock.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Family Night Dinner & Movie: “Free Birds” Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy pizza, a movie and a Thanksgiving craft. Registration required. The Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

3rd Annual Stroll on State Nov. 28, 3-9 p.m. Attend this spectacular holiday event with your family and friends to get you in the holiday spirit. There are plenty of activities to do, decorations to see and delicious foods to eat. Located in downtown Rockford along State Street. Info: strollonstate.com.

Make a Memory Day Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Take a family or group photo in the beautiful Victorian Village. Sessions $15-25. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, mmnh.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Ciao Bella Ristorante

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

T

alia Castrogiovanni smiles when she thinks back to her first five years as owner of Ciao Bella, 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. “We have a loyal group of customers,” she says. “And we’re enticing younger customers to experience Ciao Bella. Many things have helped to draw younger customers, including adding entertainment, and offering drink specials and free appetizers in the bar Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.”

Lunch and dinner specialties include pizza, pasta, salads and seafood, including seasonal dishes of halibut and sea bass.

There’s also salmon Izzabella, grilled and topped with a light lemon cream sauce, chopped asparagus, capers, tomatoes and a side of garlic allioli linguini.

“We serve home-cooked Italian food with deep red sauces, hearty soups and homemade pastas,” Castrogiovanni says. “Our tomato sauces start here in the kitchen.”

For lunch, Ciao Bella offers a $7 sandwich and endless soup.

“Business people can get their meal within 10 minutes and still make it back to work within the hour,” says Castrogiovanni.

The restaurant’s walls are finished in aux fresco and painted in rich gold and burgundy. Tables and chairs are cinnamon oak.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo's Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Fresh Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, (815) 765-1144.

LD M 11am-8pm; Tue-Th 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

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 Upscale-

Ciao Bella owner Talia Castrogiovanni, with dad Nick and brother Nikko.

Recessed, track and pendant lighting enhance the atmosphere, while soft music completes the soothing ambiance. “I wanted a place that was cozy and comfortable,” Castrogiovanni says.

Melody Roccaforte of Rockford has been going to Ciao Bella since it first opened. “They do so many things that are outstanding,” she says. “The staff is wonderful, and the bartenders are very personable. And the atmosphere is amazing. It’s like the Italian version of ‘Cheers.’ When someone walks in, they know almost everyone in the bar. They always look up and say ‘hello.’”

Ciao Bella is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-9 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight 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. $$.

Main Street Bistro E Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 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. $-$$.

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. $$. ❚

Tavern on Clark

T

his restauarant, at 755 Clark St., Rockford, offers top-quality food in a great atmosphere. Owned and operated by brothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai, it’s the kind of place where business partners, couples, families or friends can gather for all occasions.

A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include the Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib.

A private dining room, with a flatscreen TV and fireplace, seats 50 and is available for private events.

Tavern on Clark is open daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen serves food until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 p.m. on weekends.

The bar is open later. ❚

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Shop Oregon for that Unique Gift

T  I

Anti-Virus Software

B

isconti Computers, 3065 N. Perryville Road, suggests you consider the following when buying anti-virus software.

Effectiveness. Check the major certification agencies to see how the brands you’re considering fare, such as AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and NSS Labs, VB100%, Checkmark and ICSA Labs.

Ease of Use. Is it simple to use and does it come with a user guide?

Updates. Will this software automatically update itself and alert you to suspicious activity?

Thoroughness. It should scan all parts of your system in real time.

Light footprint. It should be effective without slowing down your system.

Tech Support. Does this company offer live chats and 24/7 call support?

Longevity of Manufacturer. A proven track record counts. “Good antivirus software should cover everything – viruses, worms, bots, and so on, all in one package,” says owner Bob Bisconti. ❚

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.10%

3.91%

3.75%

$990.95

$672.94

$671.49

3.48%

4.46%

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. 16, 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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e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

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Y M

How to Spread Cheer and Save Your Wallet T he holiday season is often dubbed “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many Americans, it can be an incredibly stressful time, financially.

The National Retail Federation predicts a 4.1 percent increase in sales this year, with the average American set to spend an estimated $786 in the following categories: • $459.87 on gifts for family • $80 on gifts for friends • $26.03 on colleagues • $30.43 on other people Wherever you’re shopping, there’s often a temptation to spend too much on gifts, leading to a case of buyer’s remorse come January. Regions Bank, one of the largest U.S. banks with 1,630 branches across 16 states, has advice for consumers on how to prepare financially for the holiday shopping season.

1. Begin with the golden rule.

Spending on gifts shouldn’t exceed more

than 1.5 percent of your annual income.

Use this rule as a guide to determine how much you should set aside to spend on gifts for your friends and family.

2. Separate and delegate. Consider creating a separate account to fund gift purchases and make regular contributions from your primary checking account in a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.

3. Only buy what you can truly afford. To prevent overspending, never leave home without a list of what you intend to buy, and be sure you have the money needed to cover your purchases.

4. Use timing to your advantage.

While things like airline tickets should be booked far in advance, other items – toys in particular – often drop in price during the first two weeks in December. Be sure to check for deals before you head out shopping.

As December nears, now is the time to start mapping out your shopping strat-

egy. Establish a benchmark based on your income; create a holiday savings account, and fund it regularly; be sure you’re purchasing within the parameters of what you can truly afford; and know when to buy and when to wait. And remember, the holidays are meant to warm the heart – not burn the wallet! ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1