Smart Living Weekly August 22, 2018

Sm mart a r L iving mar Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • August 22, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Cherishing Our Winged Wonders

See Page 16

How to Handle Credit Cards Recipes to Liven Things Up CASA Event Promises Laughs Questions to Ask When Furniture Shopping

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2 Tickets to Sapora Playworld 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!

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Dining Rooms Remodel yours in time for the holidays

spin We have the area’s best selection of dining rooms

spin

Taos Dining Room by Intercon

1100 Eleventh St. (just south of Charles) • Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000 Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays

Visit us online at: www.bensonstone.com

Furniture ❙ Flooring ❙ Fireplaces ❙ Kitchens & Baths ❙ Granite ❙ Lighting ❙ BBQ Grills ❙ Brick & Stone ❙ Landscape Products ❙ Home Decor & Gifts ❙ HearthRock Cafe

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Cherishing Our Winged Wonders Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 What to Ask When Buying Furniture Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Choosing Light Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Liven Up Your Cooking Your Outing ............................................. .......... 19 CASA Event Promises Laughs Your Community ...............................................21 Teach a Child to Read Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Treating the Whole Person Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Ciao Bella Changes Things Up Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Using Credit Cards Responsibly

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, Kendra Green 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.

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Bits of Magic W

e recently hosted several small children in our woodsy backyard during a family gathering. They loved tracking butterflies and moths, catching little toads and examining inch worms, caterpillars and grasshoppers.

I was impressed by the respect these miniAlbert Schweitzers showed the tiny critters and how much they knew about each one’s role in the scheme of nature.

After the kids were asleep that night, I figured out their source of inspiration. One of the young moms – our niece, Jessica – volunteered to catch and release outdoors a baby mouse that Daphne the cat had cornered in our foyer. Jessica also carefully removed to the outdoors a sizable spider from the guest bedroom wall.

I consider myself a nature lover, but if left to me, that spider would have met its doom. The baby mouse I would have spared – it was so cute. This caused me to rethink my own cavalier attitude about the disposability of living things. Neither spider nor mouse can help its birth identity and each has a role to play in nature’s scheme. I don’t want either in my house, but I should respect the right of each to exist.

My husband and I go through a similar debate each year when weeds overtake our yard. I hate chemical lawn treatments because I know they harm wildlife. But I also hate weeds. Does my desire for a pretty lawn justify further decline of wildlife? How pretty can a lawn really be, in the end, when birds and bees are gone?

It’s easy to be careless with the tiny things that keep we big things going. Most of us don’t notice the rapid decline of bees, butterflies, bats and fireflies – things that bring bits of magic to our lives and perform truly essential functions like crop pollination. We don’t really want to connect the dots between our behaviors and species decline. Yet we know that native species which once delighted our great grandparents here – like colorful wild native parakeets – live only in myth, now. Will our great grandchildren experience fireflies and monarch butterflies or only see pictures of them?

Our cover story is about people making an effort to help struggling populations of butterflies. Sometimes even small efforts can make a big difference.

Have a great week and enjoy the magic! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Questions to Ask When Buying Furniture

By Janine Pumilia

Y

ou get what you pay for when it comes to furniture and there’s a growing demand nationwide for better quality furniture, says Mitchell Johnson, a manager of the 6651 E. State St. Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress store.

“Both across the U.S. and here in our region, people are tired of cheap furniture that falls apart,” says Johnson.

Leather furniture remains popular, but Johnson cautions, “Be sure to ask questions about leather quality, since there are many imitations on the market.”

But leather isn’t right for everyone and Gustafson’s still sells many fabric sofas.

“There’s a trend toward more texture, with tweeds and corduroys and weaves,” says Johnson. “Today’s upholstery options are really wonderful – very durable but beautiful and comfortable.

Most of today’s upholstery fabrics are

made from PET, a highly durable polyester thread.”

Reclining furniture is very big with every age group, across all demographics, says Johnson. “Don’t be afraid of electric mechanisms in recliners,” he says. “People worry too much about the motors breaking, but that seldom happens. You’re more likely to break a recliner that has to be manually raised and lowered. And electric motors give you a full range of motion.”

When buying upholstered furniture, the important question is not how the surface looks but what lies beneath.

“Ask good questions when shopping,” advises Johnson. “Is the frame made from strong laminated wood or just plywood? Is there a reasonably good spring system that will distribute weight?

Is the padding made of high-density foam

or cheap fluff?”

Reputable stores often have a cutaway model so you can see the materials below the surface.

Do business with people who are in it for the long haul, not fly-by-night chain stores with high turnover, suggests Johnson. “They have a real stake in making you happy and will deal with you more honestly.”

Gustafson's original location is at 808 Riverside Blvd. ❚

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I  W

Light Seekers W

hen we feel lost in the darkness of this world, we need only to open our spiritual eyes to see light and find our way. Darkness can’t dispel light but light always dispels darkness.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it,” promises John in John 1:5 (NIV).

Light is something we choose to look for, live in and reflect – or not. It’s our choice. Jesus tells us that light and truth are bound together. Those who run from light are hiding from truth.

Jesus told Nicodemus, a member of the corrupt Jewish ruling council: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3:16-21) God gives us eyes to see light and truth but we have to open our eyelids.

We find light in every good thing around us, because “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (I John 1:5) and all good things come from God. (James 1:17) How do we look for light as we’re stumbling in darkness? Paul gives some practical advice in Philippians 4:6-9: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Liven Things Up with Spicy Fiesta Flavors

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ake your next fiesta one to remember with mouthwatering recipes that bring guests back for seconds. Find more recipes at riolunapeppers.com/our-meals.

Tortilla Pizzas

Servings: 4 4 flour tortillas (8 inches) 1 can (15 oz.) refried black beans 4 fresh plum tomatoes, chopped 1 can (4 oz.) Rio Luna Organic Nacho Sliced Jalapenos, drained 1 1/3 C. shredded Mexican cheese 1 TB chopped fresh cilantro Chipotle-ranch dressing (optional) Heat oven to 400 F. Bake tortillas directly on oven rack 2 minutes. Cool. Spread 1/4 cup beans onto each tortilla. Top evenly with tomatoes, jalapenos and cheese.

Bake 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro just before serving. For added flavor, drizzle pizzas with chipotle-ranch dressing.

Jalapeno Brownies

Servings: 16 1/2 C. vegetable oil 1 C. sugar

2 eggs 1 can (4 oz.) Rio Luna Organic Diced Jalapenos, pureed 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 C., plus 3 TB, all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt Powdered sugar (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, jalapenos and vanilla until blended.

In separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture. Mix just until combined. Pour into greased 8-by-8-inch baking pan.

Bake 15-20 minutes, or until brownies pull away from sides of pan easily. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Tip: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for added flavor and enhanced presentation.

Coleslaw with Green Chile Dressing

1 1/2 C. mayonnaise 1 C. sour cream 3/4 C. Rio Luna Organic Diced Green Chiles, drained

6 TB apple cider vinegar 2 TB Dijon mustard 2 TB Sriracha sauc 2 TB agave nectar 2 C. shredded napa cabbage 1 C. shredded red cabbage 1 C. shredded carrots 1/2 C. thinly sliced white onions2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, to taste 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, chiles, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Sriracha and agave nectar until well blended. In large bowl, combine cabbages, carrots, onions.

Add mayo mixture; toss until well coated.

Season with salt and pepper. Coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated up to 1 day. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

Looking Out For Winged Wonders H

ave you checked for Gray Hairstreaks lately? Discovered an American Snout? A Dainty Sulphur? How about a Wild Indigo Duskywing?

We all know and love the Monarch butterfly. The media has been saturated with alarming reports of its sharp decline.

But there are nearly 100 other butterfly species, too, in our region, that are sought by researchers and citizen scientists who are gathering data to help save whole suites of them.

How Are Butterflies Doing?

The Monarch butterfly population has recently declined to dangerously low levels, thus becoming the “poster child” for the plight of butterflies in general. Dr. Doug Taron, president of the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network and chief curator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in

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Chicago, believes the primary cause of the declining butterfly population is habitat loss.

“If they don’t have a place to lay eggs, if they don’t have a place that offers the specific plants they need to eat, because they’ve been developed or degraded, then they’re going to disappear,” says Taron.

Many of our region’s butterfly species evolved to depend on prairie plants.

In the past 170 years, Illinois has lost all but one-hundredth of 1 percent of the 22 million acres of prairie that once covered the state.

The Value of Citizen Science

Citizen science is a very valuable part of butterfly conservation efforts.

“Citizen Science empowers people and gives them the opportunity to contribute directly to scientific research,”

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says Taron. The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network (IBMN) is an award-winning citizen science program that assesses the long-term effects of ecosystem restoration activities on wildlife. The monitoring data collected by IBMN volunteers assists land managers in their efforts to achieve more effective conservation of Illinois’ butterflies and is a model for the rest of the nation.

In his role as IBMN president, Taron travels throughout northern Illinois,

(Samantha Behling photos)

By Jamie B. Johannsen

R  O R helping to recruit and train new citizen scientists. He has worked with staff at the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC) to design a butterfly monitoring program to document species on forest preserve routes that he helped to map.

IBMN now has 200 citizen scientists collecting quantitative data on butterfly populations at more than 100 sites.

Big Picture Solutions

Not all butterflies are trending in the same direction, explains Taron. Therefore, no single strategy to will aid all our local butterfly species. Some very precise restoration tactics must be implemented if we’re to avoid the loss of our more imperiled species.

“There are species that are adapted to human disturbance and suburban landscapes that are doing very well – Black Swallowtails, Eastern-tailed Blues, Common Sulfurs, Painted Ladies,” Taron explains. “Those that have specialized habitat requirements are really struggling,

such as the Regal Fritillary and Karner Blue.”

‘Remnant dependent species’ of butterflies require rare native plants found mostly in prairie or wetland habitats.

Taron’s research reveals that large-scale habitat restoration benefits some, but not all, butterfly species. He is most worried about species vulnerable to both habitat destruction and climate change, such as

the Karner Blue, Silvery Blue, and Silver-bordered Fritillary.

Taron sees a positive trend in public land management, as local forest preserves and conservation districts pay more attention to the plant species that some of these butterflies need. As ecological restoration brings back more of these places in northern Illinois, butterfly restoration can be expected to thrive as well. ❚

How to Join the Effort We can support butterfly conservation in a number of ways.

• Ecological Gardening: Landscaping with native plants complements and supports large-scale butterfly habitat restoration efforts. Planting milkweed for Monarchs, native plants for various caterpillars to eat, and breeding/nectaring sites for adults can make a real difference in the abundance of some of our favorite butterflies. Another way to improve backyard habitat is to leave vegetation standing throughout the winter so that butterflies can form chrysalises in the dead plant stalks.

• Citizen Science: Volunteer to become a citizen scientist for the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, or become trained to monitor at any of a multitude of sites in northern Illinois by registering with the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network.

• Support Conservation: Many organizations are working to improve butterfly habitat in public and private natural areas and in residential and business landscapes. Consider joining, volunteering or donating to your local conservation district, forest preserve district or Wild Ones chapter. ❚

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Y O

Law Enforcement Roast for CASA Aug. 30 B

elly laughs will be on the menu during a fundraiser for the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Winnebago County.

“Burning Bacon: a Night of Laughs,” with comedian Bob Zany, is Thursday, Aug. 30, from 6-9 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 Bell School Road, Rockford.

Local law enforcement leaders will go head to head in a roast battle. Guests will eat, drink and be zany as Rockford Police Chief Daniel O’Shea and Illinois State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) face off against Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana & Illinois State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport).

Captain Jack and Double T from 96.7 The Eagle will be on hand to keep things lively, with a panel of celebrity judges including WTVO news anchor Eric Wilson, Midday Michelle from 97ZOK, JB Love from Q98.5, Riley O’Neil from WROK

and Steph from 96.7 The Eagle.

Comedian Bob Zany will work the crowd and perform his own comedy show following the roast battle.

A $50 ticket includes gourmet bites created by Giovanni’s chefs. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Purchase your tickets at Winnebagocountycasa.org.

So just what is a CASA volunteer?

A judge can request that a CASA be assigned to a case in which a child is impacted.

The sole purpose is to gather objective information about the child’s situation and report it to the

court so that the judge can make a better-informed decision with regard to the child’s welfare. Unlike the attorneys representing the interests of adult parties in the case, a CASA advocates only for the child.

To learn more about becoming a CASA, go to winnebagocountycasa.org, or call the office at (815) 319-6880. If you live outside Winnebago County, find your local CASA organization at illinoiscasa.org/find-casa-by-county or wisconsin-casa.org/locations.

If you can’t volunteer, consider donating to CASA, which receives no state or federal funding to support the children of Winnebago County. All funding comes from individual donors, fundraising efforts and grants.

There are typically hundreds more children in need of a CASA in Winnebago County than can be helped by the 100-plus trained CASAs here. ❚

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Y C

Volunteer: Help a Struggling Child to Read I

magine what a child feels like when they can’t read like their classmates.

Imagine a child among her peers who watches her classmates taking on chapter books when she is still struggling to sound out three-letter words. While the students next to her correctly spell that week’s vocabulary words, she spends her mental energy trying to look inconspicuous; her priority isn’t to learn but to avoid getting embarrassed. When fourth grade comes, she realizes this issue isn’t going away – it’s getting worse, because at fourth grade students stop learning to read and start reading to learn.

Perhaps you’ve heard that most young students in the Rock River Valley are below their reading level; remember that those children have faces, names, and need our immediate help.

That’s where the I READ Program comes in. How do we address this wide-

spread problem? One student at a time. At I READ, we recruit volunteers to read for just 30 minutes a week with kindergarteners who are struggling to read and we encourage them to meet with their students all the way through third grade. Members of our community are stepping up, giving their time and energy to help rescue students from the grim outcomes of illiteracy.

The I READ sessions give students a chance for extra reading practice in a one-on-one setting that can address their particular needs and strengths. If a student has a tough time with letter sounds but loves snakes, expect one of our volunteers to be practicing “sss” sounds with her very soon.

All of that extra reading practice adds up and gives students the opportunity to

learn to love to read. We make it easy by giving volunteers a brief orientation, supplies, and on-demand support throughout the year. It doesn’t take advanced degrees or training. All the students need is you.

To learn more about I READ or apply, contact Matt Hargrove at matt@ theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 9637323 ext. 14. ❚

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Y H

Treating the Whole Person is Important

By Peggy Werner

C

ircle of Wellness, 3626 E. State St., is observing its 10th anniversary by providing the Rockford area with a growing number of services to promote wellness and alleviate pain. It’s also planning to open another clinic in the stateline area within the next year.

Owner and founder Leila MacQueen is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist who has worked in her field for 17 years in Illinois and Florida. Born and raised in Rockford, she says that giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her.

“I want to offer a full ‘Circle of Wellness’ to people in our community,” says MacQueen. “The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way

through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford.”

For example, a deep tissue massage costs $44 an hour at Circle of Wellness, compared to $65 or more for the same service from most other providers.

“We’re not a spa, so you don’t have to pay for all the extras,” she says.

“We don’t want to price gouge people.

We just want to help people, to keep our business here and to have a good reputation.”

Circle of Wellness specializes in medical massage for people who’ve suffered auto injuries. It offers acupuncture, chiropractic services for all ages, reflexology, nutrition counseling and more.

MacQueen first opened her clinic on the corner of East State Street and Alpine Road and employed a staff of three people. Two years later, she hired a doctor

and added some medical services. Seven years later she hired another doctor and added pediatric services. Two years ago, she moved to her current location and business grew by 200 percent, she says.

Next spring, MacQueen will begin her search for a location in South Beloit or Beloit, Wis. She currently employs a staff of 21 massage therapists, one reflexologist, two doctors, four office staff persons and one personal trainer. Services are covered in network with most insurance companies and Medicare. ❚

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Aug. 22

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

Real. Original.

SM

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

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Music on the Mall – Edgebrook Most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair. 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Rockford, IL 61101

1.800.521.0849

gorockford.com

Rockford City Market Friday nights to Sept. 28, featuring music by Vince Chiarelli and Frank Calvagna on Aug. 24 on the Main Stage; Espinosa & Coffey on the Acoustic Stage.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

RAM Midwestern Biennial Show Now to Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

'The Realistic Joneses' Through Sept. 8, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. Meet the Joneses, two suburban couples with identical homes and shared last names. As their relationships begin to intertwine, they must decide between their idyllic fantasies and their imperfect realities. [usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center. rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Medicare for All Aug. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. Dr. Ed Weisbart will lead a community conversation about “Medicare for All: Simple, Prudent and Proudly American.” Dr. Weisbart screens his film “Big Pharma Market Failure” Aug. 22 at UIC-Rockford auditorium. Time TBA. Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, katiescup.com.

‘Private Eyes’ Aug. 24-Sept. 9, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

A comedy of suspicion in which nothing is ever quite what it seems. Pec Playhouse Theatre, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

Beekeeping as a Hobby Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Join Bob Arevalo as he shares some of his adventures in beekeeping. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Amazing Migrations Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Why do so many animals and insects migrate great distances in search of ideal weather for their species?

Discover the answers, then enjoy music from Animal Farm band. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 3352915, seversondells.com.

Rockord City Market runs through Sept. 28

Tom Mac Group Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Music ranging from Classical and Jazz to Rock, Blues and Folk. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Guitarzapalooza Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The lineup for this year’s Crossroads Blues Festival includes Toronzo Cannon and The Monster Mike Welch/Mike Ledbetter bands. Lyran Park, 4791 South Bend Road, Rockford, (779) 537-4006, crossroadsbluesfestival.com.

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Aug. 28 with Harlan Jefferson. Gates open at 5 p.m., 5:45 performance. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Tunes on the Terrace: Kevin Earlywine Aug. 29, 6-8 p.m. Singer/songwriter Earlywine brings familiar classics from the ’50s & ’60s. Nicholas Conservatory, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg Foraging: Eat Local, Drink Local Aug. 29, 6-7 p.m. Hear about the importance of native plants, pollinators and water conservation, and how they tie in to what we like to eat and drink. Register online. Natural Land Institute, Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., (815)964-6666, naturalland.org.

Barb City Stompers Sept. 1, 7 p.m. From DeKalb, the birthplace of barbed wire, this group has a jazzy style described as Hot-Swing-Traditional with a dash of New Orlean’s sass. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. ❚

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WDL

Ciao Bella: Both Casual and Elegant Fare

By Peggy Werner

C

iao Bella Ristorante, 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, is keeping pace with food trends and making sure it appeals to people of all ages, whether for an elegant, leisurely evening meal or a quick and affordable lunch on the run.

Ciao Bella has expanded its carryout offerings, added new menu items, posted new hours, widened its selection of beer and wine, come up with a separate bar menu, added slot machines and created new food specials as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

A new lunch menu features panini, wraps, flatbread pizzas, specialty salads and an $8 express lunch menu. For dinner, chicken Parmesan is an everyday special at $13 and another special is buyone-pizza and get another for half price.

New pizza selections include a spaghetti and meatball pizza. All carry-out orders are 20 percent off, if not already discounted.

“We just want more people to experience what we have to offer and we’ve taken the restaurant in a new direction by trying new things to attract those who haven’t been here and to keep others coming back,” says owner Talia Castrogiovanni.

Ciao Bella continues to offer an endless bowl of homemade soup; a lunch Chicken Caprese with grilled vegetables & basil pesto. punch card that, after 12 meals, gets you one meal free; and the scallop or shrimp pappardelle, which is choice of buying full or half salads. Drink egg noodles tossed with spinach, tomaspecials include house wines and draft toes, garlic and olive oil; the classic beer for $3 on Mondays and Wednesdays, Caesar salad; A spinach salad served with $2 house wines on Thursday, and a warm bacon dressing; and the jumbo bar menu that features boneless chicken Asiago shrimp appetizer. wings, quesadillas, tacos, burgers and Ciao Bella is open from 11 a.m. to 9 wraps. p.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 Other popular food items include to 9 p.m. Saturday. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 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.

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

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. $$

3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

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. $-$$.

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. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

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

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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

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.

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. $$.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 316-

Thrive Café  Casual. Healthful food & drinks. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy, Loves Park. BkLD M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ❚

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Taco Betty’s

ocated at 212 E. State St., next to the Rock River, this trendy, casual kitchen serves up innovative tacos with signature twists like pork and pineapple or crispy fish with roasted corn, dried chiles, cilantro, onion and avocado-lime mayo. The tacos come in pairs for lunch and threesomes for dinner. Recipes are subject to change with the seasons or whenever the chef feels like it.

Other items on the menu include chicken verde nachos, chicken taquitos, taco salad and guacamole with chips.

Margaritas and other bar drinks are made with fresh juice squeezed daily.

The entrance to Taco Betty’s faces State Street and the restaurant has large west-facing windows that offer natural light and front-seat views of Rockford City Market on Fridays and the river.

Taco Betty’s opens daily at 11 a.m. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and at 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. ❚

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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.

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. ❚

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