Smart Living Weekly October 31, 2018

Sm mart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • October 31, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Enjoy Some Laughs, Help a Good Cause See Page 16

Spice Things Up with Pumpkin New Focus at Capital House Is Your Home Router Secure?

How to Maintain Your Pavement

FREE WIN!

$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Find your

WIN. ALL THE LATEST SLOTS & TABLE GAMES AWARD-WINNING DINING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LUXURY HOTEL AND MORE!

Get On THURSDAYS WIN A CARIBBEAN CRUISE!

Play with your Club card to earn entries Oct. 1–Nov. 15, with 3X entries on drawing days. Each Thursday night, 30 guests will win slot play and Caribbean cruise vacations!

Drawing Dates & Times: Thursdays, Oct. 4–25 and Nov. 1–15 at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

Learn more at paysbig.com/islandtime.

1721 WEST CANAL STREET | MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 | 1-800-PAYSBIG WINNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAXES MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS | GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-426-2535 ©2018 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Aug. 29

3

4

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

ALL

Recliners, Sofas, Dining Rooms, Home Office, Entertainment Centers, Youth Furniture, Bedrooms, Etc.!

ALL

Hardwood, Carpet, Luxury Vinyl & Tile

Furniture Flooring Lighting Select Fixtures

45 % 40 % 40

up to

%

OFF OFF

up to

OFF

Plus...Save on Fireplaces, Granite, Home Decor & More!

Sale through Monday, November 12

Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays

1100 Eleventh Street (just south of Charles) Rockford, Illinois 61104

www.bensonstone.com

815-227-2000

them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly Everything for a Tell Beautiful Home...All in One Place

Oct. 31

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Laughs for Literacy Your Outing .........................................................9 Jingle Bell Rockton Welcomes Holidays Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Why Pavement Maintenance Matters Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 No Hiding from God Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Life with Pumpkin Your Community .............................................. 19 Gustafson’s Celebrates 90th Your Money ....................................................... 21 Common Sense and Credit Cards Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 All About Lasik Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Capital House Your Technology ..................................... ......... 29 Is Your Router Secure?

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

6

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

The Worst October

W

e’ve seen some scary Octobers through the years. The 1962 Cuban missile crisis comes to mind. But no October was as gruesome as 100 years ago, in 1918, when up to 100 million people were snuffed out by a flu virus that attacked healthy young people in the prime of their lives. Thousands died in Rockford alone.

“The Spanish flu killed more Americans in a single year than died in battle in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined,” notes local funeral director Bruce Olson.

Just think about that statement. It’s huge.

Olson teaches classes about the Spanish flu and will present the topic to Rockford Women’s Club on Dec. 4.

Stroll through a cemetery here, or nearly anywhere, and you’ll notice the abundance of October 1918 death dates on tombstones. In one sense, these graves belong to the “luckiest” victims – those who didn’t end up in unmarked mass graves. So vicious and fast-moving was this flu strain’s death grip that local undertakers couldn’t keep up with the cadavers stacking up in their parlors like cord wood. A death wagon rumbled through Rockford’s streets collecting corpses door to door. Many flu victims were buried without ceremony in mass graves by necessity. Some had no surviving relatives to mourn them or to purchase a marker for their final resting place, says Olson. “Whole households were wiped out in Rockford.”

If there’s anything beautiful in this horror story, it’s the courage shown by ordinary Rockford citizens who risked their lives volunteering to care for each other and for sick soldiers at Camp Grant. About half of them who caught the flu died. I call that real heroism.

May God bless the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and protect its budget from shortsighted politicians. Our biggest threats sometimes arrive on the tiny wings of mosquitos or in other microscopic packages entirely oblivious to our military might.

Let’s be prepared on all fronts.

Happy Halloween! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

7

8

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

Jingle Bell Rockton Welcomes the Holidays

By Peggy Werner

I

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

Tell them you saw it in ...

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.

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

For a full list of participating businesses, go to the newly created Jingle Bell Rockton page on Facebook. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

9

10

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Why Pavement Maintenance Pays Off

By Peggy Werner

L

arry Lazzerini opened Premier Pavement Solutions, 5059 Contractors Drive, in Loves Park, 12 years ago. The full-service asphalt company specializes in sealcoating, infrared repairs, striping and other markings, asphalt maintenance, crack filling, pothole repair and repair of collapsed drains. The company also does snowplowing/salting, during the winter, for the City of Rockford and other customers.

When it comes to sealcoating, ingredients matter, says Lazzerini. A specially formulated Seal Master Brand sealcoat is made exclusively for his company by a manufacturer in Streamwood, Ill., and comes with a letter of authenticity. Latex and sand are added to the product to make it more flexible and durable.

Sealcoating improves the appearance of a driveway and protects it from

the damaging effects of sun, water, salt and chemical spills like oil and gasoline from cars. The non-porous coating makes cleaning easier and provides a smooth surface for rain to wash away dirt and debris.

Regular maintenance can double the life of a new driveway, Lazzerini says, and sealcoating should be done between May and November.

What sets him apart from the competition is customer service, or the “Premier Difference,” says Lazzerini. He personally visits each home or other work site before and after a job is completed.

Repeat customers have priority on the schedule and get discounted pricing.

Being proactive about caring for your pavement can save you money in the long run, says Lazzerini. Watch for discoloration, the top of the driveway pull-

ing away from the garage, deep cracks and holes where water can seep in, loose rock and broken edges.

And beware of scam artists who offer this line of work. What sounds like a great deal may be just the opposite, if you’re not careful.

“You don’t know where they’re from, if they will be around, what’s in their product and how watered down it is,” he says. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

11

I  W

No Need to Hide

G

od loves us and wants to be loved back. “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered,” Jesus tells us about God’s love for us. (Luke 12:7) Yet many of us believe that if God really knew us, He couldn’t possibly love us.

Shame can cause us to “hide” from God, exactly the opposite of what He wants.

Adam and Eve tried hiding in the garden after sinning. It didn’t work. They only managed to distance themselves from God, to their great detriment.

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he [Adam] said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’” (Gen. 3:8-10) No one hides from God. And not one of His children needs to.

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:24) The good news is that God knows what we’re made of and loves us anyway.

To ignore this is to ignore what Jesus Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Through Christ, the bridge between people and God was rebuilt. God doesn’t want us to be distant from him; He loves us and yearns for us to love Him back.

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7 NIV) ❚

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

12

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

Yummy Pumpkin Can Spice Up Your Life C

ertain flavors are synonymous with fall, and pumpkin spice tops the list.

It’s easier than ever to whip up decadent pumpkin desserts at home.

Go for a delicious dessert such as a Pumpkin Pie Shake or a Pumpkin Creme Brulee with ingredients offered at ALDI. Explore more ideas for spicing up your fall dessert menu at aldi.us.

Pumpkin Pie Shake 6 sheets Benton’s Graham Crackers, broken into small pieces 15 ounces Baker’s Corner 100 percent Pure Canned Pumpkin 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Pumpkin Pie Spice 2 TB Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar 1 cup Sundae Shoppe Vanilla Ice Cream 1 cup Friendly Farms 2 percent milk 10 ice cubes Friendly Farms Whipped Dairy Topping Preparation: In blender, combine ingredients. Top with whipped topping and serve.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee 2 cups Friendly Farms Heavy Whipping Cream 2 cups Friendly Farms Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer 1/2 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Cinnamon 1/4 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Nutmeg 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Pure Vanilla 1/4 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Cloves 1/2 cup Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar 1 1/2 cups Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar, divided 16 Goldhen large eggs, yolks only 15 ounces Baker’s Corner 100 percent Pure Canned Pumpkin Friendly Farms Whipped Dairy Topping Preparation: Heat oven to 325 F. In medium saucepan, heat cream, coffee creamer, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir frequently to dissolve sugar. Bring to boil then immediately remove from heat. Set aside to rest 10 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until frothy. Slowly whisk in cream mixture then whisk in pumpkin puree.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Set 16 medium oven-proof ramekins in 13-by9-inch baking pan. Divide custard evenly between dishes. Add boiling water to baking pan halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake 40-55 minutes, or until center is set but still jiggles.

Remove from water bath; cool about 15 minutes then refrigerate 2-3 hours. When ready to serve, remove ramekins from refrigerator and dust tops with remaining granulated sugar. Caramelize sugar with kitchen torch or place under hot broiler 1-2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute and top with whipped dairy topping to serve.

❚ Source: Family Features

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

15

R  O R

Enjoy Some Laughs for Literacy on Nov. 8

By Peggy Werner

M

ost people would agree that right now is a great time to take a break and have a good laugh. A wonderful opportunity to do just that is coming up in Rockford.

The second annual Laughs for Literacy is a major fundraiser for The Literacy Council and will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

Thursday Nov. 8 at the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave. Two of Chicagoland’s best comics – Brian Hicks of Chicago and Gary Wheaton of LaGrange – will perform.

Executive Director Sheryl Thogerson says the event was a huge success last year.

“With all the serious issues going on in the world, it’s good to have a casual evening with laughter and fun, while meeting new people and old friends,” she says.

16

Smart Living Weekly

Laughs for Literacy will be catered

by Mary’s Market and will feature hor d’oeuvres, beer, wine and desserts. A Pickers Marketplace, 50/50 raffle, Mystery Wine Pull and door prizes will complete the evening. For sale at the marketplace will be homemade items, seasonal décor and holiday gifts with a Thanksgiving or Christmas theme.

Rockford’s Paper Airplane will provide the music. This acoustic and vocal duo of Noel and Amy Nickel plays favorites dating back to the 1960s and some original coffeehouse-style songs. Amy is a four-time female vocalist RAMI Award winner.

Master of Ceremonies Kevin Wood of Midwest Family Broadcasting will cohost with Lori Williams of “The Morning X Show with Lor and Kev” on WXRX 104.9 FM radio classic rock station. From

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Chicago, Wood also is a comedian, writer and producer.

Comic Brian Hicks, a native of Mokena, Ill., has been performing for 20 years, mainly in the Midwest. He got his start while working in management at a comedy club. One night he went up on stage for about 10 minutes between acts to test his comedic skills.

“I discovered I was more nervous than I thought I would be, but I got a lot of laughs, and so I decided I needed to do that again,” he says.

He describes his style as a dry, clean sense of humor, with a lot of twists and turns, focusing on the ordinary stuff of everyday life that people can relate to, while getting the crowd involved and energized.

He steers clear of politics and the state of the world because it’s depressing,

R  O R

Comic Brian Hicks

divides people and makes them feel uneasy, he explains.

Some of his topics are timely, but most of his material is timeless because it’s so personal.

“If I find something makes me laugh, I present it to others to make them laugh, too,” he says. “I’ve never been one to sit down and write jokes. I just get inspired by conversations I have, places I go, and the people I see while driving, shopping, and just being around others. I also poke fun at myself and need to be able to do that, to find humor in other things,” he says.

Laughs for Literacy will raise money

to help support The Literacy Council’s programs for adults, children and families in reading, writing and math skills, as well as English as a Second Language and basic computer skills.

Thogerson says, “Our mission is to empower people of all ages by helping them improve their reading and writing skills so they can advance in their jobs and careers, all at no cost to the learners.”

There’s a constant waiting list of learners of all ages, so volunteers are always needed, she says. A 12-hour training takes place each month and can be completed in person or online.

Adults 18 years and older receive one-on-one tutoring for basic academic skills and ESL classes. Children in Kindergarten through grade three who have difficulty reading benefit from the I Read program through a partnership of the United Way of Rock River Valley and The Literacy Council. Teachers also meet with families at Crusader Clinic and

Tell them you saw it in ...

Winnebago County Health Department to read to children and talk to parents about the importance of reading. Each child takes home a book.

“Our hope is that children will get excited about reading and parents will understand the importance of reading,” she says. “In everything we do, we work to be their stepping stone to achieving success in life,” she says.

The Literacy Council is a non-profit organization that receives state and federal funding for adult education programs.

Additional funding for Family Literacy programs and administrative costs comes from grants, foundations, businesses, individuals and fundraising events.

Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased online at laughsforliteracy18.eventbrite.com, by calling (815) 963-7323, ext. 11, or by mail at The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St., Rockford, IL, 61103. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 /$20. You need not be present to win. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

17

Rockton, IL

Treat Yourself www.gemshop.jewelry

Jingle Bell ROCKton

Christmas Open Houses | Exclusive First Looks

Friday & Saturday | November 2 & 3 18

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y C

Gustafson’s Celebrates 90th Year in Rockford

By Jermaine Pigee, assistant managing editor

I

t’s all about family at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., and it’s been that way for 90 years.

“We’ve been through it all,” says Dale Gustafson, president and owner with wife, Trina. “We’ve been through recessions, depressions and thefts. We’ve been through everything but a fire.”

Gustafson’s was founded by Dale’s father, Martin, a Stillman Valley, Ill. native. After Martin’s dad died of pneumonia, his mother raised her 10 children alone. Armed with just an eighth-grade education, Martin set off to help support his family at a young age. He started out selling mothballs and vacuums door-todoor. In 1928, he opened his business on Seventh Street in Rockford.

“When he started out, he sold Maytag washers and appliances,” Dale says.

“He added furniture in 1930. He sold the first deep freezer in town, and later the

first microwave oven.”

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Dale joined the furniture business and took over the company when he was just 26.

Martin struggled with various health problems for several years before he died in 1985. Dale says the biggest piece of advice Martin passed along to him was the importance of customer service.

“He told me the No. 1 thing you have to do is satisfy the customer,” Dale says.

“Second, you have to build your business, and the third thing is to see No. 1.

“You have to treat others like you want to be treated. Corporate America is short on integrity today and short on trust.”

Now that Dale is nearing retirement, sons David and Chris are assuming larger roles in the business. David oversees marketing/social media, while Chris deals with operations and human resources.

Tell them you saw it in ...

“Mattress firms come and go and other big-box stores come and go, yet here we are celebrating 90 years,” David says. “I’d feel in safe hands if I was a customer purchasing from here because I’d know this place will be around for a while.” ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

19

20

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

Resist the Urge to Max Out Credit Cards

By Peggy Werner redit card usage is the most common loan activity and the No. 1 thing that affects a person’s credit score.

Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, says there are more than 364 million open credit card accounts in the United States and the main reason is pure convenience.

“Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases, but they’re still loans, and depending on how you handle them, you can drastically improve or impair your ability to borrow more money when you really need it,” he says.

A rule of thumb for getting the most benefit from credit cards is to keep a low number of them and to pay off the balances in full each month. Pay attention to how much you are charging; if you can’t pay off the balance at the end of the month, do your best to stay under 30 per-

C

cent of the total credit limit. The lower your credit card balances are in relation to your card limits, the more positively they will affect your credit score.

Having too much debt in relation to your income, opening up or closing too many cards in a short time, frequent credit report requests, balances going to collections, and making late payments are all factors that hurt your credit rating.

A good credit score is important to getting the lowest interest rates and maximizing your borrowing power when you need a loan. If you don’t trust yourself with credit cards, request a lower credit limit and pay off the balance each month.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Resist efforts to lure you into opening up a store or bank charge account, especially around the holidays, when you don’t need extra bills, advises Lynch. ❚

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

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H

Positive Feedback for LASIK Surgery

By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor

W

hen it comes to advertising, wordof-mouth recommendations have a high credibility. The free opinion of a trusted friend or family member carries more weight than any paid-for commercial.

Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, Dr. Edward Yavitz, an ophthalmologist, attracts patients from across the Midwest for LASIK eye surgery – a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea in order to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.

“I have 10,000 happy LASIK patients, which creates quite a sales force,” Yavitz says. “All you have to do is go to the Internet and see the comments.”

With such positive word-of-mouth feedback, Yavitz spends less on advertising and keeps fees for LASIK up to 50 percent less than other offices.

“People like to go to someone who has a lot of experience,” Yavitz says, “And I’m operating on second and even third generations of family members now since I began. That’s real experience.”

Yavitz completes three steps during a LASIK procedure. First, he precisely creates a flap and folds back a thin layer of the cornea. Second, using an excimer laser, he removes an exact amount of corneal tissue in seconds. Finally, he folds the corneal tissue back into place, allowing it to adhere without the need for stitches.

Yavitz performs more than 100 LASIK eye surgeries per month and has taught LASIK around the world. He even has several patents for devices used to

Tell them you saw it in ...

make LASIK a safer, more predictable surgery.

To schedule a free consultation regarding LASIK, call (815) 395-8338 or visit Yavitz Eye Center at 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. ❚ (Paid Advertorial)

Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

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

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

'Chicago'

Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Winner of 6 Tony awards, the Broadway musical is a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz. Coronado PAC, Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

NWQ_fall.indd 1

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

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 art on display. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

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.

Guitar & Drum Show

Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Buy, sell or trade instruments. RAMI, Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 877-9678, rockfordguitarshow.com.

All Aboard! Model Train Show

Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Model train enthusiasts showcase a variety of model train sets and talk about collecting, preserving and assembling sets. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Evening of Illumination

Nov. 3, 6 p.m. Tour the village by lantern and hear the stories behind the buildings; visit various activity stations. Call to reserve. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

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, (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, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.

Visit the Lorikeets at Nicholas Conservatory before they leave Rockford Nov. 11.

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.

Straight No Chaser Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. This 10-member male a cappella group, which originated at Indiana University, performs classics, movie themes and more. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Moscow Ballet

Nov. 15, 7 p.m. The Great Russian Nutcracker: Dove of Peace tour brings the Christmas spirit to life with world-class Russian artists, handpainted sets and a dove with a 20-foot wingspan. Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., (800) 320-1733, rockfordtheater.com.

'Five Women Wearing the Same Dress'

Nov. 15-18, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.

Having survived an elaborate wedding ceremony, five bridesmaids seek refuge from the reception. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, artistsensemble.org. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

25

WDL

Capital House Expands Dinner Offerings

By Peggy Werner

C

apital House, 308 W. State St., is known for quality food at affordable prices and a cozy urban atmosphere.

“We’ve listened to the community and made adjustments based on what they wanted to see,” says corporate chef Ted Brothers, a partner in the business with owner Robin Young.

The restaurant no longer serves lunch but is focused on an expanded dinner menu.

“Most of our clientele see us as a dinner spot, so that’s where we’re going to put our emphasis,” says Brothers. “About 90 percent of the people come to Capital House for dinner because they love the menu and the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.”

The menu changes daily but always offers freshly flown-in seafood and high quality meats.

A recent menu included a variety of

salads and homemade soups plus entrees featuring Atlantic diver scallops with lobster cream sauce, heirloom tomatoes, herbed butter and seasonal accompaniments for $28; a 16-oz. prime New York strip with hand whipped potatoes, demi glaze and seasonal accompaniments for $34; seared Ahi tuna steak with peppercorn, Asian slaw, risotto and fresh lemon for $34; and filet mignon, shrimp scampi, Alaskan wild salmon, pan-seared pacific halibut, salt-crusted Chilean sea bass and New Zealand rack of lamb.

Young says the menu is dictated by getting the best quality food at the best prices, so she can avoid shocking customers with steep increases because of changing market values.

“I love to try new things,” says Young. “A dish served one weekend may not be on the menu the next weekend. For our regulars, this means there’s always

Baci’s Kitchen  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.

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

Backyard Grill & Bar  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.

Hearthrock Cafe  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. $-$$.

Capital House  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 Upscale-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. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

26

Smart Living Weekly

something new and fresh to try.”

She describes the atmosphere as upscale but comfortable, with “a low key vibe that awakens the senses.”

Capital House is located in a renovated space formerly occupied by Kryptonite bar.

Capital House is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tues. through Thurs. and 5 p.m. to midnight Fri. and Sat. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  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  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  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.

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

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

Oct. 31

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. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

27

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

Save Smarter • Live Better • Every Week

Get Started at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Contest

Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! Become an E-Subscribers Today! Visit northwestquarterly.com!

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced

November 7 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $25 Gift Card

GreenFire

Enter Now At: www.northwestquarterly.com/contest Contest Giveaway may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

28

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Routers Play Key Role in Data Security

By Peggy Werner

M

ost people are careful not to give out personal information over their phone, yet they work every day on computers with inadequate security, says Primetime Audio Video General Manager Dirk Dutton.

He says people pay attention to what they see and can hold in their hands, like cell phones and credit cards, but pay less attention to what they can’t see.

“Their fears are in the wrong place,” says Dutton. “Smart devices are the most vulnerable items and hackers are working every day to find new ways to phish for information.”

People spend thousands of dollars on phones, Ipads, laptops, computers and other electronics, but they rely on outdated and inexpensive routers that don’t have security updates, he says.

The router takes the signal it gets

from a modem and delivers it to Wi-Fi, so people can see information on their devices, he explains.

Especially in rental units, you don’t know the age of the equipment. It comes with a default username and password that should be changed right away to be made more secure.

“The router is the foundation of a wireless system and should be as good

Tell them you saw it in ...

as the devices connected to it. Network security has been around as long as the internet has existed and is at the forefront of people’s minds in hospitals, banks, and other businesses, but the amount of security people have at home has been largely ignored. Everyone knows what Wi-Fi is and how to use it, but they don’t know much about it,” he says, adding, “Good network security and good Wi-Fi go hand in hand. Why have great service, but have equipment that slows you down and is unprotected?”

Dutton recommends working with technology experts to upgrade equipment that will do security updates. People should expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a good router because as manufacturers learn about safety measures and implement them for the consumer, there is a cost for that technology, he adds. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 31

To advertise call 815-316-2300

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1