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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Aug. 26, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Ethnic Festival in Midtown Aug. 30

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

R

esidents from all walks of life will come together to celebrate Rockford’s diverse communities, during the second annual Midtown Ethnic Festival and Parade, Sunday, Aug. 30, from noon to 6 p.m.

Among the 30 ethnic groups represented this year are Swedish, Serbian, Italian, Polish, Karen, African American, Filipino, German, Vietnamese, Scottish/Irish and Latino.

This year’s event includes a parade, children’s Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Minimize Auto Repair Costs • Healthful Lunchbox Ideas • Fresco at the Gardens Save on Children’s Clothing • Why Granite Counters Make Sense • You Mean I Have a Hernia?

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Midtown Ethnic Festival Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Why We Love Granite Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Eyes of God Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Fresh Ideas for the Lunchbox Your Style ..........................................................17 Save Money on Children’s Clothing Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 You Say I Have a Hernia?

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Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Fresco in the Gardens Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

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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.

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Magic in Midtown

T

here’s always a lot of hate talk going on around us. It’s whispered, nuanced and communicated through code words within “polite” society. Since time began, one faction of people has believed itself superior to the next faction – even though not one of us had a choice about the spot of earth or the tribe of people into which we were born.

Politicians find it useful to exploit this toxic human instinct, and always have. An “us against them” speech turns out the vote.

Pointing a finger at one group of people and saying “It’s their fault!” is a lot easier for the politician than explaining his or her own failure to lead or unwillingness to find real solutions to actual problems. Examples reach around the globe and through the centuries.

America is no exception. Nearly every wave of immigrants has felt threatened by the next wave and questioned the newcomers’ right to be here. Certainly that’s been our history in Rockford, Ill., where many people worked hard to make better lives for their families only to turn their backs on the next wave of immigrants to arrive. But that’s changing.

We’re starting to figure out that our rich mix of cultural ancestry was a major factor in making Rockford one of the most successful places in the U.S., before the overseas flight of manufacturing commenced in the latter 20th century. Don’t take my word for it. Read a book on local history.

To me, it’s a sort of magical tipping point to see more than 30 ethnic groups come together for the Midtown Ethnic Festival.

What a sweet thing it is to embrace our fantastic mix of people, rather than fear it. More than 1,500 souls turned out last year; let’s swell that number this year and rejoice that yesterday’s toxic fears no longer control us.

I’m proud that our office is part of the Midtown District. And I will never vote for any politician who tries to separate me from my neighbor by playing an “Us versus Them” card. “They” are not the problem.

Enjoy your week!❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Granite Adds Beauty, Value to a Home

By Peggy Werner

W

hen remodeling a kitchen or bath, installing granite countertops is usually tops on a homeowner’s list of things to do to add value and beauty to a home.

“Granite is an attractive choice for countertops because it shows well, is a hard and durable surface, is easy to clean and maintain and gives an average kitchen a high-end look,” says Frank Gambino, owner of Gambino Building and Remodeling, 3815 N. Mulford Road.

“Our best and most aggressive pricing is our granite. In order to give you the best price, we are constantly buying in bulk the most popular colors of granite. We also strive to provide you with an easy and convenient quoting process. Just give us a call and we will come to your home to measure and give you a firm quote on the spot,” he says.

While other materials, such as quartz, ceramic, marble, laminate, glass and stainless steel, have their place in the remodeling market, granite remains the most popular choice in countertops throughout the home because of its price.

Although granite requires some maintenance such as cleaning and sealing, it is known for its durability, resistance to heat, elegance, and uniqueness. No two slabs are exactly alike, which adds to the attractiveness for homeowners.

The installation process is quick, too.

In most cases, old countertops can be removed in the morning and, within a few hours, the new countertops will be

installed and the kitchen is ready to use that night. ❚

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

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I  W

The Eyes of God

O

ne of the remarkable things about the New Testament is the lack of value judgment that its writers make about people, despite the wide mix of cultures around them.

To Paul, who penned many of the letters written to the early church, there were two main kinds of people: Those who’d heard the good news of Jesus Christ and those who hadn’t. He knew it was his job to increase the former and reduce the latter, regardless of anyone’s race, religion, gender or social class.

Jesus made fellow Jews the focus of his brief ministry, but spent time with a few folks outside the fold, something the Gospel writers carefully noted. He showed great kindness to people shunned, mistrusted or overlooked by society, including children, lepers, disabled people, widows, the mentally deranged, the poverty stricken and �lagrant sinners.

He even invited a tax collector to be a disciple.

Just before his execution, Jesus told his disciples to take his message to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” Salvation was now open to all. Christ himself was every believer’s new identity.

Paul tells Christians in Galatia: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29 NIV) It’s man, not God, who magni�ies our differences. Both Jesus and Paul were students of scripture. They understood and believed what God told Samuel many centuries earlier: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:17 NIV.) ❚ 12

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Banish Lunchbox Blues With Grapes W

hen it comes to packing a school lunch, you know the drill: Lay out two slices of bread. Spread one with peanut butter, the other with jelly. Press together, slice diagonally and place in sandwich bag. Repeat. And repeat. And repeat.

unlimited possibilities for ingredient combos and the ability to customize to everyone’s liking. Plus, they’re a nutritious way to tide over tummies until dinner, or even start the day at breakfast, by providing an excellent source of protein.

Of course, good ol’ PB&J is a lunchbox staple, but who doesn’t crave something just a little different every now and then? Here are some quick and easy ideas that are sure to earn an A-plus with your kids:

Grapes and yogurt are a classic combination, and this great-tasting smoothie proves the point: creamy and naturally sweet, simple to make and easy to embellish as desired. Just whirl all the ingredients in the blender and you’ve got a delicious superfood smoothie.

• Add halved grapes to chicken salad for a refreshing take on this timeless sandwich filling. Pack it in a separate container, and provide crackers for a crunchy alternative to bread.

• Offer a mix of baby carrots and sugar snap peas with hummus for a smashing side.

For creative sandwich substitutes, think outside the bread box: • Create a bento-box-style, snackable lunch combo: include cheese and crackers, fresh grapes from California, and a small handful of nuts.

• Make a sandwich rollup, using flatbread or flour tortillas as the base, or stuff pita pockets with filling, as a fun replacement for sliced bread.

• Tuck whole-grain tortilla chips and salsa, a side of black bean and corn salad, plus cheese and grapes for a Mexican spin on lunch.

• Looking for a gluten-free alterative?

Try a cheese stick rolled with a slice of ham, with grapes on the side.

• Shape-shift familiar lunch items to add interest: offer cheese cubes, apple rings, carrot coins, and tortilla pinwheels.

• Tuck in a cluster of fresh grapes from California for an easy finger food that’s juicy and hydrating too.

After school, a good snack can revive and refresh your student for homework time and afterschool activities. Smoothies are a great-tasting option, offering

Grape Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt 2 cups red California seedless grapes 1/4 tsp. vanilla 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 banana (optional)

Place all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour and serve.

Note: To make a green smoothie, use green California grapes instead of red, and toss in a handful of spinach leaves.

Yield: Makes 1 3/4 cups. ❚ Source: BPT

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Save Money, Earn Money on Kids’ Clothing W

By Peggy Werner

hen it comes to back-to-school shopping for clothing, families don’t need to pay top retail prices.

Jenna Boeke, a mother of five, and owner of Bearly Worn Trading Post, the newly opened children’s resale and consignment clothing store at 7326 N. Cherryvale Mall Drive, knows the importance of good quality and good price.

With top name brands such as Justice, Abercrombie, Gap, Mini Boden, and Gymboree, Bearly Worn focuses on giving parents a selection of good clothing, shoes and toys for children ages infant through 12 years old. Designer clothes sell for $3 to $12.

“I just saw a need to be filled,” says Boeke. “There’s nothing else like it in Rockford, nothing exclusively for children. We want to offer people name brands, but quality clothing at affordable prices is more important.”

Most clothing sells for 50 to 80 percent off retail prices and consignors earn 40 to 50 percent on merchandise sold for their own profit, or they can choose to give the earnings to a favorite charity through the store.

The store is now accepting fall and winter items. Through Aug. 14, school uniforms and the exclusive brand Plae shoes are 15 percent off.

The store has received rave reviews from parents. Charlie Bear is the store’s mascot and the host of reading and craft events for young children.

The 3,500-square-foot space is clean and neatly organized with a North Woods theme and has a play area for children.

It’s located in the space formerly occupied by Let’s Learn, next to Petland in the strip mall next to the new Salvation Army Family Store, located in the former Toys ‘R Us building.

Boeke welcomes the competition.

“Thrift store shoppers are hoppers.

The hunt is part of the fun. It helps businesses to have more than one thrift store for people to shop,” she says. “We serve so many purposes, mainly giving parents a place to recycle clothing, find good quality clothing for their children, and earn a percentage of what they sell.”

What doesn’t sell is donated to community crisis centers.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tue.- Fri. and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. ❚

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Ethnic Festival Continued from Cover

activities, food booths, beer garden and much more. Most of the activities will be held at 501 7th St., in the street and in parking lots of the Rockford Public Schools headquarters and BMO Harris Bank. Admission is free; there is, however, a cost for food and entertainment.

“It’s a celebration, really,” says Dori Kearney, event founder and director of development of Midtown District Association. “It’s an opportunity to learn about the diverse groups of people who make up our community. Did you know, for example, that 200 Serbian families live in our area? That’s what makes this event so special. This is who Rockford is. We should embrace it. We’re so far ahead of other communities who haven’t come as far as we have.”

A couple of years ago, Kearney came up with the idea to hold an ethnic parade

and festival, even though many of the groups hold their own annual celebrations. She was surprised when so many groups were represented at the initial planning meeting.

“I was overwhelmed by the turnout,” she says. “All these groups have their own festivals, but they saw a need to come together once a year to celebrate as a whole. It’s a very diverse community; we should celebrate that, be proud of it and make people feel welcomed. This idea jelled into 30 cultures coming together. It’s been kind of cool.”

The community thinks so, too. Despite inclement weather, last year’s event drew 1,500 people to the Midtown District. Kearney is expecting a much larger crowd this year, thanks to a partnership with the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, who is handling most of the publicity for this year’s celebration.

The community response to the parade and festival went beyond Kearney’s expectations. “I just thought we’d get

some groups together for a little event,” says Kearney, who operated JustGoods, a not-for-profit fair trade store located in the Midtown District, before joining the Midtown District Association staff. “I had no idea it would be as big as it was.”

This year’s event include children’s activities with two bouncy houses, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, arts and crafts and plenty of games hosted by the Rockford Park District.

Hungry festival goers can feast on a variety of ethnic foods including Swedish desserts; Polish sausage; German brats and pretzels; and Laotian crab Rangoon and egg rolls, as well as Israeli, Serbian, and Native American dishes. The beer garden will sell both ethnic and domestic beers. Other highlights include a carving booth, a walking labyrinth and a genealogy area staffed by the Rockford Public Library.

The parade will step off at 1 p.m., starting at the Rockford Public Library and winding its way to the Midtown

est . 1948

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R  O R District. There are 20 ethnic groups signed up for the parade – including Scottish and Irish dancers – who will perform special dance routines and stay around to explain their traditions to the crowd.

“When I saw the different groups coming down the street last year, I got teary eyed,” says Kearney. “Some of them have never been recognized or celebrated. They’ve never felt welcomed before. It’s exciting for them and for the community.”

Event sponsors include Midtown District, SwedishAmerican Health System, Nicholson Hardware, Suburban Patrol Service, Warren’s Auto & Truck Repair, RACVB, Rockford Park District, Ethnic Village Museum, Midway Village Museum and the Northern Illinois Community Foundation.

The festival also has provided a boost for the Midtown District Association, an organization of business owners, building owners and residents. The association promotes economic, social and cultural

development from the boundaries East State Street to 9th Avenue and from 11th Street to Kishwaukee Street.

The Midtown District contains many historical buildings, including the old train depot and the Lantow building. The area has many locally owned businesses including Nicholson’s Hardware and Guler Appliance, plus SwedishAmerican Health System and the Rockford Public Schools main office.

Recent upgrades to the area include new street lighting and landscaping. New businesses continue to move in; streetscape banners will soon be hung up and the Midtown District Association is undergoing a rebranding, complete with a new logo and marketing material.

“There’s so much happening right now,” Kearney says. “We’ve been working on this for years, and now we’re finally getting over the hump. Everyone is working together. This festival brings people down here to see all the new things going on. It’s exciting.”

Volunteers are still needed to help with the festival and parade. For more information, call the Midtown District Association at (815) 997-5888. ❚

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‘You Mean I Have a Hernia?’

By Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

I

t’s not always easy to diagnose a hernia. You can suffer from a hernia almost suddenly. Or you might not even know it. A doctor usually can tell by your symptoms.

A hernia forms when the abdominal wall muscle weakens or tears. Pressure pushes abdominal organs and surrounding tissue through the wall. This creates the soft swelling or bulge that characterizes most hernias.

The bulge is seen when you stand, walk, cough or lift heavy objects, and disappears when you lie down. At this stage, the bulge can be pushed back into the abdomen. If the hernia becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall, it may feel hard and painful. That can turn into a problem requiring immediate attention.

Hernias can be present as a congenital defect or develop later from a muscle

strain, such as improper weightlifting.

Hernias occur in different areas, including the groin between the abdomen and thigh (inguinal hernia), navel (umbilical hernia), top of the thigh (femoral hernia) and where the esophagus and stomach join (hiatal hernia). Men are more susceptible than women to hernias.

Small, painless hernias may never need to be repaired. Surgical intervention is used in more severe cases. If not repaired, a hernia may prevent you from enjoying normal activities.

Hernia repair is among the 10 most frequently performed procedures at Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Featherstone Road. Surgery returns the protruding organ to its original position and prevents the hernia from becoming pinched so that the blood supply is cut off.

Typically, repair of inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernias involves an incision over the hernia site. The hernia is moved back into the abdominal cavity, and the muscles around the hernia are sewn together. If the hernia is large or in the groin, a piece of mesh is inserted beneath the hernia defect.

If you have a hernia, contact your doctor right away if the hernia becomes very painful, it can’t be pushed back into your abdomen, and you feel sick to your stomach, vomit or run a fever. ❚

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Vibes (Anthony J. Houston) Aug. 26, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

Hayride in the Park Aug. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a scenic tour of Riverside Park while riding on a hay wagon, and eat s’mores at a campfire. $3. Riverside Park South Pavilion, 2600 Parkside Dr., Janesville, (608) 757-3171, janesvillecvb.com.

Cherry Valley Festival Days Aug. 28-30. Food, fireworks, Scottish games, more. Bauman Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 332-2152, valleydays.com.

2015 Mosaic World Film Festival Aug. 28-30. More than 80 films will be screened.

The Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.

The Groove Hotel Aug. 29, 7-9 p.m. Uptempo funky and soulful jazz. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.

Crossroads Blues Festival Aug. 29, noon-9 p.m. The talent includes Mike Wheeler Band, Albert Castiglia, Terry Quiett Band and Stormcellar. $5. JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, justgoods/info/ events.

Westgate Block Party Aug. 29, 4-8 p.m. Games, food, music, fireworks at dusk. Bond Park, 201 N. Oakhill, Janesville, (608) 757-3171, janesvillecvb.com.

Twilight in the Garden Aug. 29, 5-10 p.m. Enjoy local food and wines in a beautiful setting. Benefits Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Jodi Beach Sept. 2, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace. Free.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

166th Walworth County Fair Sept. 2-7, daily. Food, carnival, bull riding, truck and tractor pulls, demo derby. Charlie Daniels Band, Cheap Trick. Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, Wis., (262) 723-3228, walworthcountyfair.com.

Cherry Valley Festival Days, Aug. 28-30, will include Celtic games.

Iowa County Fair Sept. 3-7. Carnival, 4H judging/exhibits, more.

Iowa County Fairgrounds, 900 Fair St., Mineral Point, Wis. (608) 987-3490, iowacountyfair.org.

Wilhelm Tell Festival Sept. 4-6. More than 200 local volunteers in a theater presentation. Yodeling, pageant, ethnic food, outdoor art fair. Wilhelm Tell Grounds, W5199 Hwy W, New Glarus, wilhelmtell.org.

Mike Epps Sept. 5, 8 p.m. Stand-up comedian, actor, film producer, writer and rapper will perform at BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., (815) 968-5222.

Labor Fest Sept. 6-7. Mud volleyball, rock climbing wall, bounce house, live music, beer garden, craft fair, car show. Parade on Monday at 1 p.m. from Milwaukee Street to Main Street. UAW Grounds, 1795 Lafayette St., Janesville, (608) 352-0330.

Festival on the Rock Sept. 11-13, Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 9 a.m.midnight, Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Carnival rides, craft tents, bags tournament, food vendors, beer tent, live music, softball, boat rides, fireworks.

Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Drive, Beloit, (608) 362-4612.

Heritage Days Sept. 11-13. Tour historic neighborhoods, Beloit’s oldest cemetery, Indian Effigy mounds, Beckman Mill and the Angel Museum; enjoy live music, old-fashioned crafts. Free admission to most events. (608) 365-4838. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Fresco in the Gardens

By Chris Linden, executive editor

F

ranchesco’s Ristorante in Rockford has long been known for its classy interior, culinary artistry and evening entertainment.

Now, this local favorite is stepping up to the breakfast and lunch table with a new venture, Fresco at the Gardens, set inside Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Fresco combines Franchesco’s dedication to quality with a focus on fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients in scratch-made dishes. “Local and organic meals are trending topics around the nation and the world,” says Jake Ziegler, Fresco general

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

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

manager.

“We’ve designed our menu around the freshest ingredients possible.”

The fresh produce comes mainly from area farms; some Franchesco's owner Benny Salamone, Franchesco's geningredients are supplied by eral manager Michelle LaMay and Fresco general manager familiar local businesses. Mary’s Jake Ziegler. dishes like Chicken Corn Chowder, a Market provides fresh-baked Caprese flatbread, the Fresco burger, bread and Rockford Roasting Co. supplies a crab cake BLT and an apple walnut fresh coffee. chicken salad (shown left).

Breakfast and lunch menus are In-and-out diners can pick up coffee crafted by head chef Robert Phillips, a Le or a FrescoFit Healthy Thirst Quencher, a Cordon Bleu graduate who’s spent a few healthful homemade smoothie. decades cooking throughout America.

The restaurant is open year-round and His breakfasts put a flavorful spin on the offers a prime view of one of the highestmorning meal. The Green Eggs and Ham rated Japanese gardens in North America. omelet, for example, combines pesto, Hours are Mon.-Fri. from 7 a.m. to 3 Asiago cheese, pancetta and eggs.

The lunch menu offers flavor-packed p.m. and Sat.-Sun. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ❚

(815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

In the Spotlight

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

Café Fromage

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

I

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

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

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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T  I

FICO Scores Matter

O

ne of the main factors lenders use to determine the rate of interest we pay is our FICO score. All of us have one and keeping it in good shape is very important to our financial wellbeing.

A FICO score is a 3-digit number immediately available to lenders that describes how creditworthy each of us is, based on reports compiled by Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Scores range from 300 (very bad) to 850 (very good.)

The current median U.S. score is 713.

Maintaining a good FICO score means you will enjoy significantly lower interest rates on mortgages and other loans. It also means you’re far more likely to obtain a mortgage or other loan.

Also, it is legal for prospective employers to check your score to form judments about your character.

Learn how to receive a free credit report and get other advice at ftc.gov.

Look for “Tips & Advice” at the bottom of the page and click “For Consumers.” ❚

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

2.94%

3.80%

3.75%

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

$979.97

$663.99

$682.09

3.015%

3.843%

3.790%

MembersAlliance Rate Credit Union Mo. Payment*

3.125%

3.750%

3.875%

$1,044.91

$694.68

$717.70

3.386%

4.155%

5.500%

Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 226-2260

membersalliance.org

APR*

Please Call

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 Aug. 24, 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. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution.

* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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

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Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced Sept. 2 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $50 Gift Card The Cheese People of Beloit

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Y M

How to Pay the Best Price for Auto Repair D o you take your car’s “health” for granted?

Only when the check engine light comes on do most of us realize how important a fully functional vehicle is to our daily lives.

“According to Mintel, on average, drivers spend nearly $1,000 per year maintaining their cars,” says Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com.

“Even more important, a recent survey

by Cars.com and Toluna found that one in three drivers don’t trust that the prices mechanics quote to them are fair.”

Knowledge is power, but for many consumers, car maintenance can be shrouded in mystery. Here are a few expert tips, resources and busted myths: 1. You probably don’t need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Due to technology advancements, many auto manufacturers recommend changing oil at 7,500 miles or more for new cars.

2. A clogged air filter won’t significantly affect fuel economy, but it can reduce acceleration from 6 to 11 percent, according to a U.S. Department of Energy study. For that reason, it’s a good idea to periodically visually check the engine air filter.

3. Cars.com has launched a new “Service & Repair” feature that provides a fair price estimate for different types of services, helping to ensure that drivers never overpay. The online tool also helps drivers find local service providers and offers reviews from actual customers to help them find a quality mechanic.

4. Drivers expect the tires that come with their new vehicle to last a long time, but tire life depends on many factors, including the quality of the tire, its treadwear rating, whether it’s an all-season, summer performance or winter tire, the type of vehicle and where and how it is driven.

5. If the check engine light comes on and has a steady illumination, that indicates a possibly serious issue that should be dealt with quickly by a mechanic. If the check engine light is flashing, find a place to park the vehicle and turn the engine off as quickly as you safely can. Ignoring your check engine light increases the likelihood of additional problems. ❚

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