Smart Living Weekly September 19, 2018

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • September 19, 2018

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Right in Our Region

Fall for Rockford: A New City Festival

See Page 16

Autumn at the Arboretum What Causes Eye Floaters?

Get Your Fireplace Ready New Credit Union Location There’s an Apple for That!

FREE WIN!

Adam Doleac

$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!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Fall Into Rockford Your Home .................................................. .11,19 Find the Right Flooring; Light Up the Fireplace Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who was Rahab?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 There’s an Apple for That Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Treating Cataracts Your Community ............................................. ..24 Habitat for Humanity’s New ReStore Location Your Technology ............................................. ..21 Save Money with Solar Panels Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Ciao Bella Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Cornerstone Credit Union Expands Locations

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 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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What is Freedom?

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s always, I know Midway Village Museum will do a wonderful job of staging World War II Days this coming weekend. I love the way organizers make it entertaining but keep historical accuracy at the forefront.

At its core, WW II was a fight between dictatorship and free societies. WW II still impacts our foreign policy today.

A report issued this year by the German foundation Bertelsmann Stiftung concludes that, while the number of people living in democracies rose from 4 billion to 4.2 billion between 2003 and 2017, 3.3 billion people lived under dictatorship last year compared to 2.3 billion in 2003. If this is correct, dictatorship is steadily rising. Failed attempts at democracy in places like Russia and Egypt, and the very recent demise of democracy in Turkey, should concern us all.

Protecting our free society begins with understanding it. In an age of massive disinformation, this is easier said than done. Reading primary sources is always the best place to start because these sources speak for themselves – diaries, letters, reports, financial records and, in the case of American democracy, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution. (This isn’t to say a primary source could not intentionally deceive.)

As when reading the Bible, it can surprise us to see for ourselves what’s actually written, compared to what people say is written.

U.S. founding documents were carefully crafted by educated leaders who’d studied the pros and cons of governments throughout history. They studied philosophers like John Locke, a 1600s Engishman who advocated for separation of governing powers and believed religious tolerance was essential. He said every person had a natural right to defend “Life, Health, Liberty or Possessions.” Sound familiar? Our founders also revered the Magna Carta. Signed by English noblemen in 1215, it curtailed the absolute power of King John by holding him accountable to law. The idea that kings must answer to the rule of law was revolutionary!

More than 800 years later, some 3 billion people live under dictators accountable to nothing. Why is that?

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Find the Right Flooring for You

By Janine Pumilia

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hopping for flooring can feel overwhelming because of all the branding terms, competing products and continual innovations in flooring technology.

Remember that you don’t have to go it alone. The staff at reputable flooring centers can help you to narrow down your options.

“When I ask people questions about what they’re looking for, I can direct them to products that make the most sense for them,” says Kevin Rose, owner of Carpetland, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“How many people live in your home?

Are there children? Pets? Is the new flooring for a high-traffic family room?

A low-traffic spare bedroom? Is moisture is an issue?

“My four salespeople have more than 100 years of flooring experience among them. They know their products and keep up with changes by meeting fre-

quently with industry reps. Take advantage of that.”

So what are the latest flooring trends?

Luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVT and LVP) are all the rage due to their good looks, easy maintenance, durability and cost competitiveness.

Luxury vinyl marries the benefits of a man-made product with the look of natural materials like wood or stone. It’s used in homes of all price points. It gained traction in kitchens and laundry rooms, then migrated to larger living spaces in American homes nationwide.

It’s important to pay attention to quality when buying luxury vinyl. There’s no question that the 99-cent per square foot kind found at big-box stores is inferior to the $3 to $6 product, says Rose.

“It’s like everything else – you get what you pay for. Poorer quality LVT won’t look as good or have good emboss-

ing (texture). It may not be as thick and the finish will likely be inferior. For both hardwood and LVT, the finish is extremely important because it’s what protects the flooring over time.”

Recent headlines about lawsuits filed against cut-rate sellers like Lumber Liquidators remind us that every industry has bad actors and flooring is no exception.

“Quality LVT is produced in many places, but I have more confidence that industry regulations are upheld in the U.S.,” Rose says. ❚

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Who Was Rahab?

Scriptures: Joshua chapter 2

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hile the harlot Rahab may not come to mind as a Biblical heroine, she’s listed among the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 11 and is remarkable for many reasons. Who was she?

After Moses led the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob) out of Egyptian slavery and to the Promised Land (Canaan), he made Joshua the new leader. During the time the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt, many other groups had taken up residence in Canaan, including some who built the walled city of Jericho. Joshua sent two spies to scout Jericho; they hid from Jericho’s soldiers in the house of Rahab, a prostitute whose home was just inside the city wall.

Probably because she knew many travelers, in her line of work, Rahab had heard about the miracles God did for the Israelites; she developed her own faith in God, even to the point of risking her life, by hiding the two spies on her rooftop beneath sheaves of grain. She then lowered them down through a window, to a safe location outside the city walls. First, however, brave and clever Rahab made the spies promise that, when Israel returned to destroy Jericho, she and her family members would be spared. They agreed, and instructed her to hang a scarlet cord from her window.

In time, Israel destroyed Jericho but spared Rahab and her family, as promised.

Rahab married Salmon, one of the two spies she had hidden. They parented Boaz, who also married a foreign woman with faith in God, named Ruth. They are all listed as ancestors of King David and Jesus Christ.

In Rahab’s time, Israelites alone were called “God’s chosen people,” but occasionally there were exceptions. First by her faith, and later by marriage, Rahab became one of God’s chosen people. God’s willingness to judge Rahab by her heart, rather than by her sin or her bloodline, foreshadows the amazing Age of Grace in which we live. In fact, in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus Christ, only the foreign women in Christ’s ancestry are named, perhaps to emphasize that Jesus came to rescue ALL of us from our sins. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Yes! There’s an Apple for That!

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f you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle and wondered what apple to select among the many varieties available, you’re not alone. Apple varieties can differ greatly when it comes to taste, texture, cooking and storage properties.

Using the right apple can make or break your recipe. For example, some of the best baking apples are Granny Smith and Pink Lady because these apples hold up particularly well under high heat, retaining a firmer texture. The special Pinata apple by Stemilt Growers is particularly well suited for baking, as it holds up to heat and boasts classic apple flavor with a tropical twist.

For fruit platters, snacks and appetizers featuring fresh, sliced or chopped apples, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option because of its incredible fracturing crunch and a refreshing sweetness similar to fresh apple cider. For whipping up a classic chicken salad, try Fuji or Golden Delicious apples, which are among the

sweetest around – the extra sweetness contrasts with the savory ingredients for a more complex flavor.

For more recipes, visit appleforthat.com.

Two-Minute Apple Tart Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8

1 refrigerated, ready-to-use pie crust 1 pound apples, cored and sliced 2 TB cold butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon

Preparation

Heat oven to 425 F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Unroll crust and place it on large baking sheet.

Arrange sliced apples on crust, leaving about two inches of space around edge.

Chop cold butter into small bits and scatter over apples. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples. Fold two-inch section of open pie crust over apples – this will not cover apples, but contain them inside crust.

Bake 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are just soft. ❚ Source: Family Features

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New ‘Fall for Rockford’ Festival Sept. 22

By Janine Pumilia ne thing we know for sure about Rockford is that people love coming together to have a good time in their downtown. That’s why the River District Association is introducing a big new autumn family festival called Fall for Rockford, on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 2-8 p.m.

“We all love the sights and sounds and flavors of fall, so we thought it would be great to all celebrate it together,” says Sean Muserallo, board president of the River District Association.

Admission is free, including four live performances at the Veterans Memorial Hall parking lot, 211 N. Main St. National country music recording artists Adam Doleac and Jay Allen will perform, as well as reggae musicians Unity the Band and singer Julia Cole.

“Many of you are already in love with Rockford, just as I am,” said Muserallo, as he held 16-month-old daughter Clara

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during a recent Fall for Rockford press conference at Capital House restaurant.

“Clara is a lifelong Rockford resident who’ll be there Sept. 22 and wants you to invite your family and friends to be there, too. The whole point is to build community pride.”

The Muserallos moved their family here four years ago and plan to make their lives in Rockford.

Several restaurants will set up tents to sell their food and prices will be kept reasonable, says Muserallo.

“We think it should be affordable.

Most menu items will cost between $2 and $8. You’ll be able to feed your whole family on a $20 bill.”

Among participating eateries are Baker Street Burgers, Big Papa’s BBQ, The District, Lucha Cantina, Sugar Jones, Wok N Roll Bamboo, Tacos Don Chato, Pino’s Pizza, Bella Luna Bakery,

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Rockford Roasting Co., Pizza on Earth, Thdocta’s Jerk & Soul and Cantina Taco.

There’ll be a fun Kid Zone and local shops and businesses will be open.

During the press conference, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara noted more than $700 million has been invested in downtown Rockford in recent years.

“It seems like the River District Association is always working to take things to the next level so that Rockford residents and visitors have even more to look forward to,” he said, motioning to the toddlers in the room. “All these younger kids coming up right now will never know anything different but that Rockford had these fun family festival traditions as they were growing up.”

People from all parts of the city have been turning out for downtown events like the wintertime Stroll on State and summertime City Markets on Friday nights.

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Jay Allen

“Creating a new family experience in the fall is ideal,” says John Groh, executive director of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s a great time to fall in love with Rockford all over again.”

The River District is especially proud of the musical talent it’s attracted for this first-time event.

Mississippi native Adam Doleac is a self-taught singer/songwriter who plays guitar and drums and is best known for

“Whiskey’s Fine.” In 2014, SiriusXM’s The Highway selected “I Put It On Ya” as an On The Horizon track. Doleac released a self-titled debut EP last summer and everal of his songs have earned a place on Spotify-curated country playlists.

Country musician and Iowa native Jay Allen has attracted national attention for “Blank Stares,” a song he wrote to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease.

He released it to iTunes and pledged that profits from the song will go to Abe’s Garden, a memory care community in Nashville. His mom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

“My mom is my rock,” says Allen.

“She sacrificed everything to make sure I was loved and taken care of. Now it’s my turn to be there for her.”

Allen recently signed a development deal with Sony/ATV publishing and released a five-song EP, which produced his first hit single, “Sounds Good To Me.” His parents raised him on rock and country music and he got his musical

start in church.

Unity the Band is an award-winning group from Wisconsin known for getting crowds on their feet. It performs rock, reggae and old roots favorites along with original blends of blues, funk, rock, roots and reggae. It’s released five albums and its fan base has global reach.

Houston native Julia Cole began playing piano at age 5 and soon learned songwriting, guitar and the Texas country music scene. Now age 23, she’s opening for for the likes of Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Hunter Hayes and more.

Those who want to up their fun at the festival are encouraged to volunteer.

“The best way you can show your love for Rockford is to volunteer some time helping us to put on this great new festival,” says Missy Minaert, executive director of the River District Association.

“We’ll be awarding small grants to volunteer groups who sign up together.”

Learn more at RiverDistrictAssociation.com/fall-for-rockford/. ❚

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Y H  G

It’s Time to Light Up the Fireplace

By Jermaine Pigee

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ow is a good time to look around your home and prepare for cold days ahead. One thing that can put warmth and comfort in your home is a fireplace. Over the past decade, many homeowners have been switching to a gas fireplace.

“People haven’t been burning wood as much because it’s a lot of work,” says Kevin Obee, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “When I get home at night, I’m tired and the last thing I want to do is get wood and tend to it when I can get the same effect in a gas fire.”

Another reason for the switch is the creation of the direct-vent gas fireplace.

“That completely changed the way the fireplace industry went,” Obee says.

“Open-faced, wood burning fireplaces can now be converted into a sealed gas direct-vent fireplace.”

These are much more energy efficient because warm air from your home

is not swept up the chimney.

Obee also finds that using a gas fireplace is less stressful. Unlike wood fires, gas fires turn on and off with the flip of a switch or remote. Depending on the model, options like flame intensity, heat output and electric ambiance lighting can be adjusted by remote control.

“People have come in here and told me they haven’t used their fireplace in five years because they don’t have the time to babysit a wood burning fireplace and you have to clean it out,” Obee says.

“To burn a wood fire, you need four or five hours at the fireplace to enjoy and maintain the fire.”

But gas fireplaces aren’t for everyone. “We still have people who love wood fires best,” Obee says. “They love the beauty of the flames and the scent of burning wood.”

No matter your preference, Benson Stone can accommodate your fireplace needs. “We have pretty much anything you’d want in the fireplace industry or anything to do with that,” Obee says. ❚

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Y T

It’s a Good Time to Install Solar Panels

By Peggy Werner

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Z Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, is known for helping people to save money on TV, phone, internet and home security services. Now it’s also helping them to save even more money by getting off the power grid.

Owner and general manager Charles Zambrano has partnered with Aeos Energy in Franklin Park, Ill., to form another branch of his business called EZ Solar Energy, which will provide savings to homeowners who make the switch to solar energy.

“This is the time to do it because there are incentives with deadlines by the federal and state government to help people save on the cost of producing their own energy,” Zambrano says. “Most people don’t have the cash to install solar panels, so our goal is to make it affordable to all.”

EZ Solar helps a customer every

step of the way, with permits, applications and obtaining a fixed-interest loan, for those who qualify. The product has a 25-year warranty and takes only one day to install.

Paperwork takes several weeks to process.

The savings is made possible through federal Investment Tax Credits (ITC), which allow homeowners to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system. The deadlines for the tax incentives have been extended many times and currently expire in 2022.

State laws require utilities to produce a specific percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. Right now, for a limited time, the state is offering a rebate for homeowners who have installed solar panels, rewarding them for helping the

state to meet its goals.

The federal government is requiring states to reduce carbon emissions or be fined. Illinois’ goal is to produce 25 percent of its electricity through renewable energy sources by 2025. Currently, most of the state’s electricity is produced by nuclear power, natural gas and fossil fuel, including coal.

Learn more by calling Zambrano at EZ Solar at (815) 200-9075. ❚

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A New Cataract Treatment

By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance.

Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

“I discovered that by putting a singlefocus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the nondominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚

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Habitat ReStore in New Location

By Peggy Werner

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abitat ReStore settled into new digs at 7141 Harrison Ave. this year (the former MC Sports building) and now has three times more space.

The store accepts new and used building materials, fixtures, working appliances and more from individuals, retailers, businesses and contractors. These are sold to the general public at 50 to 90 percent off the retail price, with all proceeds going to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is in its 30th year in Rockford and builds about five new homes per year and repairs just as many.

Donations can be picked up, depending on the location, and are tax deductible. Purchases cannot be delivered.

New items come to the store every day.

The move has

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been a major undertaking for an organization mostly staffed by volunteers, but the generosity of local residents has made it possible.

“Rockford is nothing short of incredible,” says Keri Nelson, executive director of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. “This city is an unusually generous community. There are far more thoughtful, compassionate and kind people than most people give it credit for, and for that reason I fell in love with this city. The number of people who really care about this city is amazing.”

Volunteers do cashier work, research and price items, stock shelves, pick up donations, receive and unload items, and provide customer service.

In addition to kicking off the new ReStore location, Nelson and crew are focused on building and maintaining more local Habitat for Humanity homes and

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working with other organizations to provide affordable housing to those in need.

“There’s a significant number of people who own homes but can’t afford to repair them,” she explains. “We also want to get into the area of neighborhood revitalization, so we aren’t just building homes, but are also building communities, so people can get to know their neighbors and watch out for each other.”

Volunteer training sessions are conducted regularly to acquaint people with the work of Habitat for Humanity and what needs to be done at ReStore.

If you’re interested in volunteering or donating items, call ReStore at (815) 713-3184. Habitat for Humanity also accepts vehicle donations. Learn more at rockfordhabitat.org. ❚

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 Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

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

Wings of Wonder – Lorikeet Exhibit Thru Nov. 11, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet these always curious nectar-feeding birds known Rockford, IL 61101 playful 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com vibrant for their personalities, coloration and ability to mimic words and sounds. Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict. org/ncg.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Listening Room Concerts Thru Dec. 21, Fri. 7 p.m. Sofia Talvik, Rupert Wates, Blues Boys, Emily Hurd, Marques Morel and Andrew Holm are some of the upcoming performers. Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.

RAM Midwestern Biennial Show Now thru Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Rockford City Market Fridays thru Sept. 28. On Sept. 14 featuring Post Facto on the Main Stage and Su in the Acouszy in the Acoustic Area.

Tunes on the Terrace Sept. 19, 6-8 p.m. The final concert of the season is tonight and features Trinadora Rocks. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ ncg.

Fall Into Rockford Sept. 22, 2-8 p.m. in downtown Rockford.

A new family festival from the River District Association featuring nationally known country recording artists Adam Doleac and Jae Allen, Unity the Band and Julia Cole; a Kids' Zone; local restaurants setting up food tents and more. Free admission. Learn more at RiverDistrict.com/fall-for-rockford.

AE: “Women in Jeopardy” Thru Sept. 23, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. In this comedy, Liz has a new man in her life and her friends want to be supportive, but suspect that he's a serial killer. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford U., 5050 E. State St., (815) 3945004, artistsensemble.org.

Sons of Serendip Sept. 20, 7 p.m. These four friends launched

Country music artist Adam Doleac will headline the downtown Fall Into Rockford festival Sept. 22.

their quartet after a successful appearance on “America’s Got Talent.” Sauk Valley Community Concert Association (SVCCA), Dixon High School, Lincoln Statue Dr., Dixon, Ill., (815) 288-2501, svcca.org.

Olivia Dvorak Sept. 22, 7 p.m. Dvorak’s country style combines blues, folk, rock and Celtic. Spring Creek UCC, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

BJSO: Matt Pickart Sept. 22-23, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Special guest violinist Pickart plays romantic masterworks. Beloit Janesville Symphony (BJSO), Eaton Chapel, Beloit College, College and Chapin Streets, Beloit, (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.

Apollo Trio Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m. Woodwind music for flute, clarinet and bassoon. MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

'You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown' Sept. 27-30 & Oct. 4-6, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Charles Schulz’s comic strip comes to life in this musical, with Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, Linus and of course Charlie Brown. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 3621595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

Dueling Pianos Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. Two professional entertainers play and sing audience requests; dancing and beverages round out the evening. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. ❚

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Ciao Bella: Both Casual and Elegant Fare

By Peggy Werner

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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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Y M

New Credit Union Location in South Beloit

By Janine Pumilia ocally owned and managed Cornerstone Credit Union is focused on providing the latest e-services to members, but it also knows some folks like to bank in person. For that reason, it maintains four staffed locations.

On Sept. 20, it will open its relocated South Beloit, Ill. branch in an extensively remodeled building at 640 Blackhawk Blvd. A grand opening celebration will be held the week of Oct. 22, with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 23. Visitors will be met with specials, gifts and warm greetings from branch manager Barbi Ortiz and her staff.

Anyone who lives or works in one of nine northwestern Illinois counties or in Rock or Green counties in Wisconsin can join member-owned Cornerstone Credit Union, the only financial institution in South Beloit.

“This new location is larger and more convenient for customers,” says David Hoffert, vice president of operations.

It features three drive-up lanes; a

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sunny, welcoming lobby and coffee area; a pod-style layout with stand-up and sitdown customer service representative stations; management offices and a selfservice coin-counting machine.

There’s also a conference room for community workshops, something Lorna Cote, marketing director, appreciates.

“Helping people to find the right financial solutions is important to us,” she says. “And it’s a service the credit union provides that online banks just can’t offer.”

Hoffert likes the way the new facility’s design maximizes efficiency.

“The better we do, the more we’re able to pass it along to members in the form of lower loan rates and better dividend returns,” he explains.

While Cornerstone offers old-fashioned in-person service, it also caters to tech-savvy customers. Mobile check deposits, transfers and online applications are among its offerings.

“Members also have access to thousands of ATMS throughout the nation and can conduct business in person at many credit unions because of our participation in Shared Branching,” says Hoffert.

Because it’s member owned, Cornerstone can provide services like mortgages, personal and small business loans and investment products like IRAs and CDs, at less cost. All deposits are federally insured.

“We pride ourselves on making safety and security a priority,” adds Hoffert.

PG Architecture led the extensive remodeling effort. Stop by the new branch or learn more at CornerstoneCU.org. ❚

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