Smart Living Weekly - October 21, 2015

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n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Oct. 21, 2015

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Right Near Our Region

Zombie Apocalypse Party Time

By Sarah Soenke, deputy editor

M

any fall festivals aim for family fun, but Elgin’s biggest celebration of the season fully embraces the horrors of Halloween.

Get ready for a zombie apocalypse during the annual Nightmare on Chicago Street, set this year for the night of Oct. 24, when an en-

tire block downtown Elgin is transformed into a makeshift “safe zone” for those escaping the zombie plague. This one-of-a-kind event aims to spook the living – and the undead – for those 17 and over.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Know the Basics of Carpet • Women & Heart Disease • Myths of Social Security Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving • Dining at Bravo Pizza • Ideas for Family Fun

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Zombie Apocalypse in Elgin Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Know the Basics About Carpet Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Meet the Matriarchs Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Delicious Tuna Fish Recipes Your Auto ..........................................................17 Get Ready for Winter Driving Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Heart Health Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Bravo Pizza Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Credit Quiz Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Myths of Social Security

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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Zombie Savvy I

’m not what you’d call “up” on all things horror, so when I saw our cover story, I just had to ask the younger folk in our office: “So what exactly is a zombie?”

Since I’m technically their boss, they tried not to snigger too loudly, but I could tell they were astounded by my level of ignorance. I guess shows like “The Walking Dead” have made zombies en vogue.

Because I occasionally passed through the room as my husband watched “True Blood” episodes, I know a little bit about shapeshifters, skinwalkers, faeries and were-panthers. And we all know what vampires and werewolves are, sort of. But how do you define “zombie?”

“They’re undead,” a young co-worker explained.

Undead. “So they’re alive?” I asked.

“Not exactly.”

I was getting nowhere fast, so I turned to my friend Dictionary.com.

“The body of a dead person given the semblance of life, but mute and will-less, by a supernatural force, usually for some evil purpose.”

Oh, that makes it crystal clear. (Did you know “will-less” is a word? I didn’t.

Just try using it in a sentence.)

Other sites explained that zombies require rest, air and food, just like the living.

Oh, and they crave human brains to eat. Apparently zombies can infect living people through bites or scratches, turning them into zombies. (But wait. I thought zombies were, by definition, dead bodies to start with. Confusing.) At such time as zombies rise up and attack us en masse, we will have a “zombie apocalypse” on our hands.

I read on: “A drink containing alcohol may disguise humans and repel zombies ...”

OK. Now I’m starting to understand why some find zombie lore so appealing.

Enjoy your week and beware the zombies! ❚

Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y H  G

Carpet Shopping 101: Know the Basics

By Smart Living Staff

S

hopping for carpet can be very confusing, when so much of it looks the same to the untrained eye.

A good salesperson will first ask about your lifestyle as related to flooring. What’s the setting for which you’ll be using this carpet? How many children do you have?

What types of pets? Do you entertain?

“Everyone has specific needs,” says Kevin Rose, President of Carpetland USA, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“It’s nice to try to tailor the correct product for a customer’s needs – not pick something a salesperson thinks is going to fit into everyone’s needs.”

Next, think about fiber. The most expensive, softest and most durable carpets tend to be name-brand nylons, Rose says.

Then, the next level would be polyesters, made from recycled plastic bottles.

They’re extremely stain-resistant and durable, with softness that has improved vastly as plastics technology has changed

in recent years.

Three important factors help to measure carpet quality: Density: That’s the number of stitches per inch. More means the fibers will support each other better and resist crushing.

Twist: This is the number of yarn twists per inch, and perhaps the key consideration, Rose says.

The tighter a carpet’s twist, the springier and more resilient it will be.

Face weight: This refers to how many ounces of fiber are used per square yard of carpet.

Backings, also, can help to indicate a carpet’s quality, and especially its moisture resistance. If you have pets, Rose says, consider carpet with moisture-proof backing.

Also, realize the importance of good padding. Some carpet pads are even

topped with a moisture-proof membrane.

This is of special interest to pet owners.

“Pad is the best dollar spent in carpet,” Rose says. “It’s another vital element to the durability of the carpet. It takes the shock absorption, so it helps in resiliency of the fiber. If you’re going to save a buck or two, don’t do it in your pad.” ❚

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

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I  W

The Matriarchs

Primary scriptures: Genesis chapters 11 to 35.

B

ehind every great patriarch is a matriarch (or two).

Such was the case for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel), who loved their wives – Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel – very much.

These six flawed people faced numerous hardships, some self-inflicted, but found grace in the eyes of God. Among the women, Rebekah and Rachel were prone to dishonesty, which came back to haunt them. But these three strong women also played important roles in God’s plan.

Interestingly, all of them struggled with infertility, but all produced one or more heirs after long waiting, Sarah at age 90.

We recall that Jacob worked seven years to earn the right to marry his pretty cousin Rachel (Rebekah’s niece), but was duped into marrying “weak-eyed” elder sister Leah, instead. A week later, Jacob took Rachel as his second wife.

Leah was sad to know her husband didn’t want her. She took her sorrow to God, who blessed her with six healthy sons and a daughter. From her son Judah’s line, Jesus would descend much later.

Rachel enjoyed the deep love of her husband, but watched with jealousy as Leah bore him the children she couldn’t produce. Rachel and Leah both sent their maids to mate with Jacob, which gave him four more sons.

Rachel told God she would rather die than fail to present Jacob with children.

Eventually God “opened her womb” and she gave birth to Joseph, who became Jacob’s favorite son and the leader of Israel (of “many-colored coat” fame.)

When Jacob packed up his family to return to his father’s home in Canaan, Rachel secretly stole her father Laben’s valuable idols (statues made of precious materials). Not knowing it was she who had stolen them, Jacob pronounced a curse on the idol-worshipping thief.

Later, his beloved Rachel died in childbirth, when her second son, Benjamin, (Jacob’s 12th son) entered the world.

From Jacob’s 12 sons descended the 12 tribes of Israel. ❚ This is the fifth in a series about major figures of the Bible. To receive a free, weekly digital version of Smart Living Weekly, sign up at NWQSmartLiving.com.

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Delicious, Safe Tuna Recipes M

any of us love tuna fish, but worry about the level of mercury found in many canned varieties. The Safe Catch brand distinguishes itself by promising that every single fish is mercury tested before being packed. Tuna is full of protein and heart-healthy nutrients. Here are a few delicious ways to prepare it.

Safe Catch Spicy Tuna Cakes 1 (5oz) can Safe Catch wild albacore tuna 2 Tb. red bell pepper, finely diced 1 scallion, finely sliced 1/2 Tb. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. pink peppercorn lemon thyme seasoning 1/4 teaspoon salt Squeeze of lemon juice 1 egg 2 Tb. panko breadcrumbs Ghee for pan frying (or fat of choice)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix together until well combined, except ghee. Melt ghee in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.

Meanwhile, divide tuna mixture into three equal portions and roll into a ball and shape into a patty. When the ghee is hot but not smoking, carefully add your tuna cakes to the skillet and sear on each side until golden and cooked through, approx. 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with sriracha aioli and lemon wedges.

Sriracha Aioli: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1-2 Tb. charred sriracha, to taste. Combine both ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust heat level. Serve with tuna cakes.

Safe Catch Mediterranean Lettuce Wraps 2 (5oz) cans Safe Catch tuna, drained 2 Tb.Vegenaise or mayonnaise

1 Tb. extra virgin olive oil 1 Tb. Dijon Mustard 10 kalamata olives, chopped 2 tsp. capers, chopped 2 Tb. minced red onion 1 large rib celery, diced 2 Tb. fresh lemon juice Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Using a fork, flake tuna into a large bowl.

Gently mix in remaining ingredients except lettuce leaves until just combined.

Taste and adjust if necessary. Place 2 lettuce leaves on each plate. Place a 2 Tb. scoop of tuna mixture on each leaf so it looks like a dome or a football. ❚

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Winter Takes a Toll on Car Suspensions B

y the end of a brutal winter, drivers will start noticing problems with their vehicles’ front suspensions. Every rough road has taken a toll.

“The potholes around here are unreal,” says Scott Lawver, Service Manager at Bryden Motors, 548 Broad St., Beloit.

That’s a big safety issue. Suspension repair will keep auto repair shops busy this spring, often focused on two critical components: ball joints and tie rods.

Depending on the type of vehicle, each front wheel has either one or two ball joints. They work like the human hip’s ball-and-socket joint. Eventually they work loose, affecting wheel alignment and tire wear. If they break, the driver can lose control. Tie rods are part of the rack-and-pinion system that turns the wheels. If a tie rod breaks, you can’t steer the car.

While the weather is still warmer, Lawver suggests drivers pay attention to what they hear and what they feel.

“In the wintertime, people’s windows are always up, so you don’t hear things,” he says. “Summertime comes along and your windows are down and all of sudden you hear rattles. You hear your brakes squeal.

In the front end, you can start hearing ball joints go bad.”

The way the car drives will be an even bigger indicator.

“You’ll feel it in your hand – in your steering,” Lawver says. “You’ll feel clunks. Potholes will do that. They’ll tear up ball joints and tie rods.”

When a vehicle goes in for an oil change and tire rotation, service techni-

cians often can identify suspension problems early simply by tugging on the tires.

If they’re loose, something’s wrong.

Even if there’s no damage, rough winter roads throw most cars out of alignment. That’s another thing to check soon.

“You can wreck your tires, and now you’re talking another $800 or $900,” Lawver says. “It doesn’t take long to wear a tire out the wrong way if the front end is off a little bit.” ❚

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Zombie Fest Continued from Cover

Now on its fifth celebration, Nightmare draws nearly 15,000 people to Elgin’s Chicago Street, from Douglas Avenue to Villa Court, where a safe zone under “military control” hosts a night of end-of-the-world activities. Survivors can explore the dismal landscape of boarded-up buildings, overturned cars and chaotic destruction amidst lively performance art, shopping, food, drinks and un-deadly viral infection control. From traditional Halloween costumes to headto-toe zombie getups, all attending are encouraged to participate in the evening’s costume contest for a chance to win special awards at 9:45 p.m.

Starting at 6 p.m., live entertainment is spread across four stages, with acts ranging from hip-hop and steampunk to cabaret and freakshow performances.

Mallrats and 97nine will bring the classic

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rock of the ’90s to the main stage, while acts Goodbye Hero and Hot Sauce Committee cover the decade’s hits in pop and hip-hop on the second stage. A side street sideshow stage will host a burlesque showcase, dancers and more. Visitors can also expect DJ sets from Howard Production, live art demonstrations and a Cirq d’Freak Show on the techno stage.

Many special guests will take part in the performances, including the Titano Strongman, a world-record holder and title competitor specializing in amazing and bizarre feats of strength. Svengoolie, host and namesake of MeTV’s B-level horror movie show, returns to this year’s festival for an hour-long meet-and-greet and to serve as a Master of Ceremony.

This year’s event features a few surprises, too – but you’ll have to visit to see what’s in store.

Oct. 21

“We’re doing a birthday party theme to celebrate five years,” says Barb Keselica, the city’s special events and community engagement manager. “You will definitely get to see some new elements at this year’s Nightmare.”

Amidst the apocalyptic mayhem, Nightmare also hosts live graffiti artists and an Oasis Hookah Lounge, located in the Spring Street parking deck. Food and

R  O R drink vendors will be on the street, along with 30 other vendors and street side businesses, some of which will stay open late. Prairie Rock Bar & Grill, Danny’s Pizza, A.R. BBQ, Taco Factory, K’s Funnel Cakes and Golden Eagle Hot Dogs will be selling food and non-alcoholic beverages, while Elgin Public House, Martini Room, Medusa’s and Al’s Cafe will provide the booze.

“This event is brilliant and fits quite

well in the community,” says Deirdre White, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. “It brings out thousands and thousands of people who may not otherwise come to downtown Elgin. Once people come out here and see our riverside promenade, with the light installations, they just love the city and it makes the community stronger as a whole.”

Nightmare first came out of a brainstorm (no pun intended) in 2011, when the City of Elgin paired with local business Acme Design Inc. to create a unique downtown festival.

“We talked about Elgin doing something around Halloween time that was unique to the area,” says Keselica. “Acme Design Inc. came up with the idea of flipping cars, boarding up windows and creating this

chaotic zombie takeover.”

Tickets are $12 in advance until Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. and can be purchased online or at several Elgin nonprofits, including the downtown association, the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and the Open Door Clinic. At the gate, tickets can be purchased for $15. All survivors can enter the safe zone at the intersection of Spring and Chicago streets or at the new entry point at Douglas and Highland avenues.

While the event takes about 200 volunteers for its “Zombie Defense Initiative,” White says more than 50 come from the downtown association to help execute the doomsday event, which is one of the most profitable for many local businesses.

“People come in from all over the country, which is very exciting for such a unique event,” says White. “There’s really nothing else quite like this.”

For more information and to view a complete schedule, visit nightmareonchicagostreet.com. ❚

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

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Understanding Cardiac Catheterization T

hanks to the inventive use of a long, flexible tube called a catheter, diagnosing and treating heart disease has nearly become an exact science.

Today, in fact, cardiac catheterization is a highly sophisticated, effective and safe procedure that helps doctors pinpoint the location of a blocked artery and take care of the blockage at the same time. It tells them how extensive a blockage is and a stent can be placed to expand the artery.

If you’re facing this common, nonsurgical procedure, you probably have a few questions: What do they do in this test? Will I be awake? How long will it take?

How it Works You’ll be awake, albeit sedated, throughout the procedure, which takes place on a special X-ray table that moves back and forth.

Your cardiologist will use a local an-

esthetic to numb the spot where the incision will be made. He will then thread a catheter (usually about the diameter of thin spaghetti) through the blood vessel and into the heart.

Beloit Health System can now use a radial artery in your arm, rather than the groin. This allows patients to return to walking sooner (actually walking from the cath lab table) and reduces any bleeding complications.

A television screen shows X-ray images of the catheter as it is threaded through the artery and into the heart’s chambers. The images help the cardiologist to guide the catheter into position.

With the catheter properly placed, your cardiologist can then carry out necessary tests or procedures to improve blood flow.

A cardiac catheterization takes about an hour and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Discomfort will be minimal.

After the procedure, you’ll be moved to a

Dr. Haroon Chughtai and Dr. Leo Egbujiobi are interventional cardiologists in Beloit Health System’s Heart and Vascular Center.

recovery room, where pressure will be applied to the incision site, allowing it to seal naturally. Six to eight hours after undergoing the procedure, you’ll be on your feet again. To learn more, call (608) 364-5205. ❚ (Source: Beloit Health System)

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Night Sounds Oct. 23, 6-8:30 p.m. Trick-or-Treat your way through Burpee Museum of Natural History wearing a costume. Ages three and up. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3443.

Discover the Spirits Oct. 23, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Enjoy science demonstrations, a slient auction, free caricatures and psychic readings, live music and tasty tidbits.

Must be 21 or older. $45. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

4th Annual Nik’s Home Run Oct. 24, 8 a.m. registration. Participate in a 7k race, 1.5 mile fun walk and silent auction.

Rockford Aviators Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., nikolasritschelfoudation. org.

All Hallows’ Eve Trick or Trot 5K Run & Family Walk Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. 5k, 8:40 a.m. family walk.

Come in costume to participate in this familyfriendly event. $10 per person. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Robin Hood’s Enchanted Woods Oct. 24, 2-8 p.m. Trick-or-treating through the Victorian Village, crafts, games. Tour scenes and meet characters from Robin Hood. $6/ members free. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

RSO: Cirque de la Symphonie Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. The RSO Pops Season begins with this exciting production of amazing acrobats, aerial flyers, dancers and jugglers beautifully choreographed to classical masterpieces and popular contemporary music performed by the RSO. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Nancy Kerrigan’s Halloween on Ice Oct. 25, 5 p.m. One of the longest running shows in all of figure skating, a new story with a star studded cast of Olympic, World and U.S. National medalists will help celebrate Halloween. BMO Harris Bank Center, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

317 Studio and Gallery: Loaded Brush Night Tell them you saw it in ...

Learn how to paint with acrylic at 317 Stuido and Gallery's Loaded Brush Night on Oct. 27.

Oct. 27, 6-8:30 p.m. Go from beginner to artist in one night! Bring your own refreshments to this exciting workshop and learn how to paint with acrylic on canvas. Ages 21+. $30. 317 Studio and Gallery, 317 Market St., Rockford, (815) 315-7000, 317studiogallery.com.

Build a Glass Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30. Build a polymer clay fall leaves wine glass – the perfect glass for enjoying wine on a cool fall evening. All materials will be provided. Ages 18+. $30. 317 Studio and Gallery, Rockford, (815) 315-7000, 317studiogallery.com.

Horrors!

Oct. 28, 6 p.m. Join Paul Dale Anderson, Rockford’s very own creep-tastic author, as he talks about his writing followed by a screening of the movie “Psycho.” Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Why Do Songs Have Bridges?

Oct. 29, 7 p.m. Dr. Bruno, an award-winning music critic, explores the history and role of “the bridge” as an element of song form, and how prevalence in genres from 1930s jazz and 1960s rock to recent chart hits distinguishes the American popular song from other musical forms. Tickets required, but free of charge.

Fisher Chapel, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, Rockford. edu/artslectures/performingartsseason/.

The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 29-31, 7:30 p.m. This humorous tribute to science fiction and horror films of the late 1940s through early 1970s is a classic. $20 adults/$15 students. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 South Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

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Mary McNamara Bernsten Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Commissioner Spending time with family and friends, beautiful views, crisp air hikes and taking in the changing colors are highlights of the fall season.

In the Rockford region, you’ll be In Good Company as you explore 42 forest preserves chock-full with 10,000 acres of adventure or hike along or kayak on one of our four rivers. Add in Rock Cut State Park’s trails and vistas and the region’s endless areas of open and protected lands, and you’re sure to have fun this fall.

To help you plan your “Fall into Fun” getaway, check out gorockford.com/fall.

There, you’ll find ideas for your getaway, including the best places to see fall colors and information on special seasonal events.

Smart Living Weekly Oct. 21 | #gorockford 28 gorockford.com | @gorockford

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Italian Dining at Bravo Pizza W

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic Italian dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining classic Italian fare with all the comfort and flavors of a home-cooked meal.

“We work in quality, price and service – those are our three main ingredients,” says Ocello. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, so we know how to maintain a consistency for our customers. There’s no price that pays for that.”

Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant has two locations – one in Poplar Grove, the other in South Beloit – and each provides a genuine escape for patrons. You’ll find large wooden tables, warm golden lighting

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Ebeneezer Brown Eatery & Pub E Casual. American classics.

4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe; (815) 270-1213. LD Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700.

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

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

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

and murals of Italian scenery, inspired by Ocello’s Sicilian heritage. Diners can choose from a vast array of Italian classics, from pizza and calzones to pasta and sandwiches.

There are American classics, too, such as the Bravo Burger.

Most items are made from scratch in the Bravo kitchen, ensuring a home- Managers Richard Owens and Heather Intravaia with Joe Ocello. made meal with fresh ingredients. The Ital- they’re huge, too,” says Ocello. “'Bravo' in ian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat Italian means good, and I think we are very sauce, was named Best in the Stateline good. We have a menu we’ve been perfectby MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers ing for forever, so we know how to do it include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettuc- well.” cine Alfredo and fish specials.

Both locations offer a full-service bar, “We make it all ourselves. Each meat- catering, carry-out and delivery services. ball is about a quarter pound apiece, so Bravo Pizza is open daily at 11 a.m. ❚

In the Spotlight 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

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

Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

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

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Sisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2294545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $.

Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

L

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks, along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and and sea food selections.

Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history.

Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel.

Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

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

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Oct. 21

29

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Sarah Soenke, deputy editor

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 21

T  I

Credit Quiz

1. Your credit score is based on five factors. Which is the largest, accounting for 35 percent of your score? a. How long you’ve had a credit history b. The kinds of credit you have (mortgage, car loan, credit card etc.) c. Your payment history d. Your reputation as a nice person 2. Which statement is not true? a. Closing all of my credit cards will raise my credit score. b. I can get a free copy of my credit report every year. c. I must pay to get a free copy of my credit score. d. I will pay more interest overall if I maintain a poor credit score.

Answers: 1. c. Your payment history 2. a. It may seem odd, but keeping credit lines open but paid up is the best action, since closing a card will negatively affect your debt-to-credit ratio. ❚

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

2.88%

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment* $1,049.51 3.258%

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.78%

3.625%

$741.93

$1,130.71

4.325%

4.657%

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 Oct. 19, 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.

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

Oct. 21

31

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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 21

Y M

Time to Address the Myths of Social Security A mericans may have faith in the Social Security system, but many still don’t really understand how it works.

According to a survey by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), 63 percent of respondents said they do believe Social Security benefits will be available to them when they retire. However, many were confused about who qualifies for benefits, how much they’ll be eligible to receive, and when they can start drawing benefits without penalty.

The survey results illustrated a significant lack of knowledge about Social Security, including: • Although 75 percent of those surveyed thought being an American citizen is a requirement to receive Social Security retirement benefits, this is not the case.

Non-citizens lawfully living in the U.S., and who have permission to work here, can obtain a Social Security number, pay

into the Social Security system and draw benefits.

• More than seven in 10 respondents mistakenly thought that 65 is the age when everyone can begin drawing full retirement benefits. Actually, your full retirement age depends on what year you were born.

• About 55 percent incorrectly believed they could continue working during retirement while collecting full Social Security benefits, regardless of their age. If you have not yet reached your full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if you earn too much. Once you reach full retirement age, those withheld benefits will be repaid over your lifetime.

“Perhaps the greatest Social Security deficit in this country is the lack of education around the retirement benefits of the program,” says Michael R. Fanning, executive vice president, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual. “With millions of

Americans nearing retirement each year, many may be at risk of underutilizing a critical component of their retirement income stream.”

Still, some good news emerged from the survey. Americans seem aware that Social Security should be only one component of their overall retirement savings plan.

You can test your Social Security knowledge by taking the MassMutual quiz online. ❚

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Source: Brandpoint

Oct. 21

33

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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