Smart Living Weekly - September 9, 2015

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n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Sept. 9, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Greenwich Village Art Fair

By Peggy Werner

W

hen the expansive parking lot at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., turns into an art village for the annual Greenwich Village Art Fair, you know fall has arrived.

A Rockford tradition since 1948, the fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

19 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.

“This is the largest fundraiser for the Rockford Art Museum and helps fund educational programs at the museum, which has a direct effect on the quality of life in our community” says Scott Prine, art fair chairperson for 13 years and a trustee serving on the Rockford Art Museum board.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Safe Shredding • Experience Pasta Night • Bathroom Updates Avoid Medicare Mistakes • Relaxation Techniques • Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Greenwich Village Art Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Update Your Bathroom Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Bible Illiteracy: Why it Matters Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Enhance Pasta Night Your Outing .......................................................17 A Visit to ‘Little Switzerland’ Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Relax!

Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Safely Shred Documents Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Medicare: Avoid These Mistakes

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins 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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Plan Some Fall Fun

H

ow was your Labor Day weekend?

I labored in my yard. My plants don’t seem to know what to make of the cool summer and steamy September any more than we do and some look pretty scruffy.

This is a great time to plant most trees and shrubs and even some perennials. Bulbs for spring flowers should be going into the ground before it freezes, too. It’s also a great time to display mums, but not to plant them.

Most are florist varieties meant to live just one season. Even the hardy mums are better planted in springtime so they have time to establish roots. But who thinks about mums in springtime, right?

I have the best luck with plants purchased from locally owned growers such as J. Carlson Growers and Gensler Gardens in Rockford, and K&W Greenery in Janesville.

Staff members there actually understand plants and try hard to provide good advice.

Also, much of their stock is locally grown and well adapted to our climate, unlike that of big-box stores.

We gardeners have plenty to do before our yards are prepared for their long winter naps. Meanwhile, a little fall fun is in order.

Events like the Greenwhich Village Art Fair (profiled in our coverstory) are a fun way to welcome the season.

This fair has been happening annually for as long as I can remember. This year’s event is packed with a lot of live entertainment as well as great art. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather display and enjoy something original in my home than a massproduced art print from a discount store.

I love it that the fair is nestled against the Rock River at our wonderful Riverfront Museum Park, once the site of a Sears store my family often visited when I was little. It was fun to go there with my parents to pick up catalog orders. Little did we know then what a terrific asset to Rockford this location would become.

Enjoy your week and make time to plan and plant some fall fun! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y H  G

You Really Can Transform Your Bathroom

By Peggy Werner

W

hether you’re planning to sell your home or just want to enjoy it more, remodeling a bathroom can transform a space from useable to beautiful.

There’s never been a better time to update a kitchen or bath, says Frank Gambino, owner of Gambino Building and Remodeling, 3815 N. Mulford Road.

His company focuses on giving homeowners the best product for the best price in the shortest amount of time.

“We decided to focus on kitchen and bath remodeling because those are the areas most people are trying to improve, even in a bad economy,” says Gambino.

Unlike other areas of a home, a bathroom involves a lot of planning and labor to bring about change. That’s because so much is going on in what’s typically a small space and any changes with the bath, shower and vanity will most likely involve plumbing, electrical, flooring and walls, he says.

Some of the most common requests

in bath remodeling include changing a tub to a shower, installing more decorative tile, upgrading the flooring, changing out vanities, tearing down walls to enlarge a bath, and installing quartz or granite countertops.

One of the biggest challenges today’s homeowners face is converting a bath into a more user-friendly space for people who are aging and want to remain in their homes. An “aging in place” remodel usually means higher vanities, larger and more open showers, wider doorways, cabinets, grab bars and other conveniences.

What people want and what is possible takes time to figure out.

“Most baths we remodel are older and there’s not a lot of space,” says Gambino. “Most of the time, people have something in mind and our job is to explain to the customer what will and will not work.

“There are no bad ideas. It’s always

about cause and effect. If you do something in one area, it will have an impact on another area. It’s all about personal choice and what you want to do in the space you have to work with,” he says. ❚

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

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Bible Illiteracy: Why It Matters

V

irtually all scholars agree that the Bible is the most influential piece of writing in the western world and that Judeo-Christian tradition is the foundation of Western civilization.

Whether we read the Bible for spiritual guidance or simply to understand its historic significance, it’s important that we understand it for ourselves so as not to be misled by those who misrepresent it. The Bible is used to justify wars, laws, cultural movements and restrictions on personal freedoms in our society. Yet most Americans no longer possess even a rudimentary knowledge of scripture.

Beyond the West, versions of many Old Testament and Gospel stories arefound in the Quran, which regards people such as Abraham, Joseph, David, Elijah, Moses and Jesus as important prophets.

Biblical illiteracy in American is at an all-time high, according to pollsters and educators. This isn’t because Bibles are unavailable – most U.S. homes have three. And it’s not because our society lacks religious freedom. Most people, church-going or not, simply consider it a low priority to read or study the Bible.

“Both inside and outside the church, there is a problem,” writes Ed Stetzer in Christianity Today. “Non-Christians don’t have even the general idea of the Bible they once did. Christians are not seeing the life change that real Bible engagement brings.”

Many people view the Bible as irrelevant to their lives. Some reject it because they associate it with a U.S. political religious right that seems to reject science and reason. Yet by failing to understand the Bible firsthand, we have no basis from which to separate political rhetoric from scripture intelligently.

Smart Living Weekly will begin a series designed to teach basic information about important people in the Bible.

Why not read the related scriptures for yourself each week and improve your own Biblical literacy?

To receive Smart Living every week by email, sign up for our free digital version at NWQSmartLiving.com. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Enhance Pasta Night I

f you’re looking for new ways to enjoy the delightful flavors of veggies, you may find inspiration in unexpected places.

Pasta provides the perfect backdrop for a medley of your favorite garden flavors, but you can take those dishes to a whole new level with a little update to your everyday meal.

15 minutes or until brown around edges. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute or until corn is uniformly browned. Stir in 1/2 cup reserved cooking water. Cook two minutes, stirring to loosen brown bits.

Building your dish around flavored pasta allows you to instantly create layers of deliciously palate-pleasing tastes and textures. One way to brighten up your flavor is with new Buitoni vegetable-infused pasta, which is inspired by the abundant gardens of Italy.

Ravioli with Brown Butter and Asparagus

This unique style of pasta is created by folding real vegetables into the dough for a visually stunning pasta. For example, the pasta in this recipe for Red Pepper Ravioli with Pan-Roasted Corn features pureed sweet red pepper incorporated directly into the dough for a rich combination of color and flavor.

Red Pepper Ravioli with PanRoasted Corn Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Serves: 4

Pour corn mixture over pasta; toss gently to coat. Add remaining pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with basil. Serve with cheese.

Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Serves: 8

Ingredients: • 1 package (18 ounces) Buitoni Refrigerated Three Cheese Asparagus Ravioli • 1/2 pound thin asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces (tough ends discarded) • 4 Tb. unsalted butter -Sea or kosher salt to taste • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 Tb. Buitoni Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese • 2 Tb. chopped fresh parsley, chervil or basil Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus during last three minutes of cooking. Drain.

In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, whisking occasionally, until butter solids turn golden brown. Season with salt and red pepper flakes; add asparagus and cooked pasta.

Toss gently to coat.

Top with cheese and parsley. Serve immediately. ❚ Source: Family Features

Fine Oils, Vinegars, & Now Spices!

Ingredients: • 1 package (9 ounces) Buitoni Refrigerated Sweet Bell Pepper & Roasted Chicken Ravioli • 3 Tb. extra-virgin olive oil, divided •2 Tb. unsalted butter, divided sea salt and ground black pepper • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed • 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 Tb. torn fresh basil leaves • 1/4 cup Buitoni Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup cooking water. Transfer pasta back to saucepan; add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover and keep warm.

In large skillet over medium heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add corn; cook without stirring 10 to

6332 E. Riverside Blvd. Loves Park, IL 328 East State Street Rockford, IL Hours: Mon–Fri 11-7p Sat 11-6p Sun 12-4p

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$20 Purchase

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September 9 15

Experience Downtown Rockford

Y O

Plan a Visit to ‘Little Switzerland’ Oct. 11 T he New Glarus Historical Society will host its Harvest Fest at the Swiss Historical Village Museum in New Glarus, Wis., on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

This annual event provides families with opportunities to view and participate in many old-time craft demonstrations such as making cheese in a copper

kettle as big as a hot tub, rope-making, sausage and sauerkraut making.

Watch quilters, basket-makers and knitters create beautiful heirloom items.

Spend time with Civil War re-enactors and see an actual Civil War cannon.

Enjoy tasty food samples and consider taking some treats home from the bake sale.

Guides and other demonstrators will be available to answer questions about the artifacts displayed in the 14 buildings on the beautiful, decorated grounds of the museum. Buildings include a real settler’s log cabin, a log replica of the first church in New Glarus, a fire house, blacksmith shop, rural school house and a store filled with collectibles, fabric and lace.

Admission prices are reduced for this special event: Adults $5 and children $3.

Historical Society Members are admitted free of charge. Sorry, no credit, debit or other discount cards on this day. ❚

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

Rockford Art Museum at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N Main Street, Rockford, IL 8 15.9 6 8. 2787 | w w w . r o c k f o r d a r t m u s e u m . o r g $3 advance tickets | $5 at the gate, 12 and under FREE Available at any Alpine Bank or Rockford Art Museum Store Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum

est . 1948

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R  O R

Greenwich Continued from Cover

The art fair features 135 artists from across the country, live music, a gourmet marketplace, children’s art activities and much more. Types of artwork represented will include paintings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, ceramics, textiles, photography, wood, mixed media and more.

Artist Rick Cortez of LaGrange Park, Ill., has displayed his work at Greenwich Village Art Fair for two years and won “Best of Show” both times. This year, he’ll return with a whole new line of creations – about 30 3-D multi-media clocks made from recycled metals and folk art.

One series of nautical-themed clocks, called “Liquid Dreams,” is made from the hubcaps of classic cars.

Cortez is a graduate of the Art Institute in Chicago and owns Cortez Design, Inc., with his wife, Becky. He also designs, fabricates and maintains animal

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exhibits at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. He has participated in art fairs for about four years and is very selective when deciding where to show his work.

“I apply to very few art fairs, but I like Greenwich Village because it’s affiliated with an art museum, it’s an event for artists by artists, and it’s a very well run event,” he says.

The clocks he has created for the past four years are “very personal,” he explains, adding that the one-of-a-kind timepieces are a satisfying way to memorialize his father, who passed away several years ago. Rick and his Dad shared a love of clocks and anything mechanical.

“I’m trying to demystify and explain things like death, politics, love and gender through the mixed media,” says Cortez. “Every piece of art work has to look good, but it also needs to say something to someone. I love the reactions I get when people look at my clocks. They’re something fun and cool to look at, but depending on what a person has experienced, the

Sept. 9

clocks can say so much more.”

Greenwich is unique in that it’s a juried art fair, meaning artists must apply and be accepted to show their work. It’s also a judged art fair, where artists compete for cash prizes. Rockford native Thad Duhigg, a sculptor and art professor at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, will judge the exhibits.

Greenwich is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. Alpine Bank has been the main sponsor for 22 years and other major sponsors include the Blazer Foundation, Dean Alan Olson Foundation and “The Rock River Times.”

Admission to the art fair is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.

Advance tickets are $3 and are available at any Alpine Bank location and at the Rockford Art Museum Store. The ticket price includes free admission to the Rockford Art Museum, where the featured exhibit is “Printmakers Ball,” on view through Sept. 27.

Local musicians will perform on the

R  O R Cacaocuvee fine chocolates, Wind Ridge Herb Farm, Dip’n Good Dips, Annette’s Italian Cookies, Etim’s Beauty, Candle Crest Soy Candles, Soap of the Earth, Cellar Door Designs, The Beaded Zoo, Redesigned Relics and more.

Located near the Kryptonite Music Stage, Fairgoers examine artisan clocks made by Rick Cortez.

Bud Light Village Pub will Kryptonite Music Stage both days. The serve grilled fare, sodas, teas, Budweiser lineup includes Taboo Blah Blah, Pink brands and more. Food and beverage Beam, Austin Karr, Ron Rawhoof, Yvendors throughout the fair include CarKnot, Fresh Hot Fritters, Echo Beach, Jelyle Brewing Company, Woodfire Brick romy Darling and the Richard Douglass Oven Pizza, JavaMania Coffee Roastery, Band. There will be special performances Hey Ice Cream, and We-B-Popp’n Kettle

by Rockford Dance Company and demKorn. onstrations by Discovery Center MuseKortman Gallery Point Bar will proum. vide signature cocktails, mixed drinks and Gourmet Marketplace offers handfine wines, and will host several activities made favorites from local and regional including Greenwich After Hours from 6 vendors, including Maytag Dairy Farm, to 8 p.m. Saturday. Bistro Breakfast will

feature made-to-order crepes on Saturday and omelets on Sunday, both days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking is available in public lots and along side streets, and the Rockford Mass Transit District Trolley bus will shuttle fairgoers to and from off-site parking lots at no charge.

Children can make their own takehome art, based on this year’s theme, “Under the Sea,” sponsored by Children’s Medical Center at Rockford Health System and Blick Art Materials. The handson art activities are $1 each or $5 for all six.

The annual Art Raffle will allow fairgoers to buy raffle tickets for $5 each or three for $10, to have a chance at winning original art work donated by five exhibiting artists. Raffle tickets will be available in advance at the Rockford Art Museum Store and on site during the event. The drawing will be held Sunday, Sept. 20 and ticketholders do not have to be present to win. ❚

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

GO TO:

RHSInQuicker.org

You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home.  A rrive at your projected treatment time.

ROCKFORD HEALTH PHYSICIANS CONVENIENT CARE Rockford – 3401 N. Perryville Road M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat-Sun: Noon to 8 p.m.

Rockford – 2300 N. Rockton Avenue M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat: 8 a.m. to noon

Belvidere – 1747 Henry Luckow Lane M-F: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roscoe – 5000 Prairie Rose Drive M-Th: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

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Easy Relaxation Techniques That Really Work D

eep breathing is one of the easiest stress management techniques to learn. The best thing about it is it can be done anywhere! When we become stressed, one of our body’s automatic reactions is shallow, rapid breathing which can increase our stress response.

Taking deep, slow breaths is an antidote to stress and is one way we can “turn off” our stress reaction and “turn on” the relaxation response. Deep breathing is the foundation of many other relaxation exercises.

Steps: • Get into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.

• Put one hand on your stomach, just below your rib cage.

• Slowly breathe in through your nose. Your stomach should feel like it’s rising and expanding outward.

• Exhale slowly through your mouth, emptying your lungs completely, letting your stomach fall.

• Repeat several times until you feel relaxed.

• Practice several times a day.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Our muscles often respond to stress and thoughts of perceived threats with tension. Too much tension can cause stiffness and

may result in headaches, stiff necks and backaches.

One way to relieve this tension is through Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). It involves systematically tensing, then relaxing the body’s muscles from head to toe.

Steps: • Wear lose, comfortable clothing.

• Assume a comfortable position and slow your breathing • Begin with your facial muscles. Contract the facial muscles for 5-10 seconds then release the muscles and relax.

• Repeat this sequence with each muscle group, moving from head to toes.

• Suggested muscle groups include, but are not limited to: neck and shoulders, upper back, abdomen and lower back, upper extremities, and lower extremities.

Source: NorthPointe Wellness

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Tom Mac Group Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, (815) 9878858, nicholasconservatory.com.

2nd Annual MELD on the Rock Sept. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. An evening of casual dining, music by Three Good Men, a 50/50 raffle and a chance to win a “rock” donated by Mincemoyer Jewelry. $15/person or $20 at the door. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewhouse.com.

Ken Stein Jazz Quartet & Cipriano String Quartet Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. Local jazz musician, professor and woodwind clinician Ken Stein performs with his jazz quartet along with the Cipriano classical string quartet. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssophnpac.org.

Martina McBride & Loretta Lynn Sept. 11, 8 p.m. Country music stars. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Folk and Blues Festival 2015 Sept. 11-13, 8 p.m. Live music on Pearson’s Lawn.

Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, beloit.edu.

Festival on the Rock Sept. 11-13, Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 9 a.m.midnight, Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Carnival rides, craft tents, bags tournament, food vendors, beer tent, live music, softball, boat rides, fireworks. Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Drive, Beloit, (608) 3624612.

“Jeeves at Sea” Sept. 11-27. Bertie Wooster and Jeeves set sail for the jolly old Riviera. All is smooth sailing until Bertie’s talent for trouble leads to stormy seas with mischievous Lady Stella, dithery Miss Pilbeam and the twins, Percival and Alfred Crumpworth. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Native Plants of the Midwest Sept. 12, 10-11 a.m. Alan Branhagen on Midwestern native plants and how to incorporate them into your landscape. His new book will be available for purchase. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Kelly Steward Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m. Original acoustic rock and folk artist-songwriter. Concerts on the Creek series. Free.

Loretta Lynn performs with Martina McBride on Sept. 11 at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.

RSO’s Symphony Saturday Sept. 12, 10-11 a.m. This family-friendly program introduces children and their parents to the woodwind, percussion, brass and string section of an orchestra. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Main Street Market Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 120 vendors selling vintage, re-purposed and handmade goods. Live music and food available. $8 adult; $5 child; members and children under 8 free. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, Ill. (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Jazz at Emerson: The Groove Hotel Sept. 13, 3 p.m. The Rockford-based quintet plays original plays original compositions and a wide range of jazz classics ranging from Irving Berlin’s “Putting on the Ritz” to John Scofield’s “Do Like Eddie.” Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-2238, mendelssohnpac.org.

67th Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 19-20, Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Up to 155 juried artists, live music by local musicians, a gourmet marketplace, children’s art activities, food and drink. $5/12-under free.

Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. See cover story.

Community Shred Day Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to noon. MembersAlliance Credit Union and the Better Business Bureau will offer this event at 2550 S. Alpine Road (corner of Alpine and Harrison). Open to anyone wishing to dispose of personal documents in a safe, secure way. Learn more at membersalliancce.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Sizzling Fare at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

B

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.”

Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past.

The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works.

Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel.

As the name implies, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch.

Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available.

All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak.

Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.”

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

(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. $$.

In the Spotlight

Main Street Bistro E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Café Fromage

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Café Fromage E Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro E Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

I

n May 2011, husband and wife Darren and Judith Larsen opened The Cheese People, 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit. Their original intent was to extend their farmers markets sales of regional artisan cheeses to a retail space.

They now also operate the adjacent Café Fromage, a coffee shop and restaurant. Along with gourmet coffees and teas and specialty coffeehouse drinks, the cafe offers pastries, baked goods, sandwiches and lunch and breakfast fare. Items are made fresh daily with local sourced ingredients when available.

The Cheese People has at least 40 regional artisan cheeses on hand, including Sweet Cream Havarti, applewood smoked baby Swiss, a variety of goats’ milk cheeses, along with artisan and regional brews and wines, jams, honey and more.

Café Fromage opens Mon.-Fri. at 7 a.m. and Sat.-Sun. at 8 a.m. ❚

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Sept. 9

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Sept. 9

T  I

Free Shred Day

M

embersAlliance Credit Union and the Better Business Bureau will offer a free Community Shred Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at 2550 S. Alpine Road (corner of Alpine & Harrison). Anyone is welcome to take advantage of this free service to dispose of personal papers and unwanted documents in a safe, secure way. Paper Recovery Service Corporation of Loves Park will be providing the on-site shredding at the credit union’s drive up parking lot area on Sept. 19. A limit of two boxes per car is requested so that everyone can be helped. Enter off of South Alpine Road or Harrison Avenue into the shopping center and drive south to the credit union’s drive up area.

MembersAlliance Credit Union is this area’s largest locally owned credit union serving Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. Learn more by calling (815) 226-2260 or go to membersalliance.org, or visit Facebook & Twitter. ❚

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

3.03%

3.88%

3.75%

$986.14

$670.50

$659.94

3.15%

3.95%

3.82%

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 Sept. 8, 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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Sept. 17

9

Y M

Costly Mistakes to Avoid with Medicare E ach day, thousands of people in the U.S. turn 65 and enter the Medicare program. Unfortunately, missteps can mean paying too much for healthcare coverage.

“A study published by Health Affairs, a peer-reviewed healthcare journal, estimated that more than 20 percent of people are paying at least $500 too much each year for their prescription drug Part D plans,” says Tricia Blazier, director of the Allsup Medicare Advisor. The study found that only 5 percent of Medicare beneficiaries chose the lowest-cost Part D plan.

If you’re a baby boomer, here are three common mistakes you might be making with your Medicare coverage.

• You make hasty choices because you’re employed. “Often people automatically signed up for Medicare at 65 even if they were still working,” says Blazier. More baby boomers are using

high-deductible health plans (HDHP), which carry restrictions for people who want to use Medicare. There are penalties for improperly delaying enrollment in certain parts of Medicare.

“Making choices quickly can carry some unexpected costs,” says Blazier.

• You sign up for traditional Medicare for convenience. Traditional Medicare includes Part A, hospital services, and Part B, medical services. Many first-time enrollees also buy a prescription drug Part D plan and supplemental insurance, or Medigap. “You may think it’s easier to just enroll in the traditional package of Medicare benefits, but your costs can really add up.”

• You look for shortcuts by choosing a family member or friend’s Medicare plan. “It’s easy to enroll in Medicare,” says Blazier. “Maybe a little too easy.” But it’s not uncommon to have buyer’s remorse once the coverage begins

and it’s clearer how much or how little the plan covers.

Some of the biggest mistakes happen when individuals turn 65 and enroll in Medicare for the first time. It can be challenging to find accurate, up-to-date information in order to make fair comparisons among all the options. But doing some research, especially with the help of a Medicare specialist, can mean big savings that more than makes up for the extra effort. ❚

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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

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U O Y E AR WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU? Ruby is the life of the party. Sassy, yet sophisticated. Her guilty pleasures: Glow Bingo, penny slots and ’80s rock shows. Learn more about our five-tier player’s club, featuring the best

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