Smart Living Weekly January 9, 2019

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Jan. 9, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Thomas Comes to Discovery Center!

See Page 16

Time to Get Organized!

How to Eliminate Pet Odors Sharpen Your Financial Skills Understanding Heart Attacks Brighten Your Home with Plants

FREE WIN!

$20 Gift Card from Lino’s See Pg. 28 Details

Celebrating Our 300 th Issue!

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 Thomas Comes to Rockford!

Your Home .................................................. 11, 19 Time to Get Organized; Removing Pet Odors Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 A Fresh Start Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Healthful Soup and Crackers Your Indoor Gardening .......................... .......... 21 Brighten Your Home with Plants Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Understanding Heart Attack Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Dining at Lino’s Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26 Your Money .............................................. ......... 29 Sharpen Your Financial Skills

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, Anthony Franklin 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 2019 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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300 Issues Later …

T

uesday is “put out the trash can” day at our house and we’ve noticed that Tuesdays come around more often than other days of the week.

That’s how it is with weekly publication deadlines, too. I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure they come around more than weekly. I learned this while managing a group of weekly newspapers for 10 years.

So when Publisher Bill Hughes had the bright idea, in 2012, of adding a weekly publication to our product lineup, I wasn’t amused.

“It’s harder than you think, Bill,” I complained.

“But we can do it, Janine,” he answered, in his annoyingly cheerful Bill voice.

Our tiny editorial staff was already putting out quarterly magazines heavy enough to sink a barge – and by “quarterly” I mean six times per year in Rockford and five times per year in Chicagoland.

But anyone who knows “Can-Do Bill” understands his penchant for the impossible.

He saw a need for a Smart Living Weekly (SLW) and our team found a way to make it happen. Along with growing our company, Bill believed SLW would grow opportunities for locally owned businesses to compete against national chain stores. We’d provide blanket market advertising otherwise unaffordable to them.

He was right, of course, and I’m thrilled that he was. I’m old enough to remember how Rockford felt before big-box stores steamrolled into town and crushed our local identity. Locally owned restaurants and shops makes us a far more vibrant community and I’m glad SLW and our readers are playing a role in their renaissance.

And so, in this 300th issue of SLW, we say “thank you” to every reader, advertiser and shopper who supports local living. As one of the very few locally owned media companies in Rockford, we remain dedicated to serving you.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Start the New Year with Organization

By Janine Pumilia

W

hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 30 years ago, options were pretty limited.

“When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets.

Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motionactivated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold-out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains.

While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed. Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals.

“It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.”

Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room, home office and basement.

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“Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable,” he says.

Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers wireshelving systems by Rubbermaid, the No. 1 brand in the industry. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit SmartLivingWeekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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I  W

A Fresh Start T

houghts of making a fresh start come easily at the beginning of a new year, but the truth is that God allows us to start fresh every single day.

God doesn’t want us to wallow in regret and guilt. Yes, we should sincerely acknowledge our sins and correct our bad behavior. But we shouldn’t allow past screw-ups to prevent us from moving forward in God’s work. To wallow in guilt is to reject the mercy so hard won for us by Jesus Christ on the cross. It’s also a way of focusing on our own weakness rather than God’s goodness and strength.

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires,” writes Paul in Romans 8:1 (NIV).

Paul knew plenty about remorse. Before his conversion to Christianity, his daily life involved persecuting and killing Christians, as he details in Acts 22.

But he also understood the importance of looking forward, not backward. “… But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me …” he writes in Philippians 3:13-15.

“All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.”

When we’re caught up in our own shame, we turn inward. We try to hide from God, just as Adam and Eve did in the garden (Genesis 3:8). But when we accept God’s grace and mercy, we free ourselves to move closer to God; we’re then better able to listen to God and reach out to those who need God’s love.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage,” Paul admonishes the early Christians of Galatia, (Galatians 5:1, KJV.) A new year is a great time to clean house in our hearts and move forward in absolute freedom. It’s a time to recall that God’s love for us is unconditional because of Christ’s goodness, not our own.

Only then will we be ready to say, without hesitation, as Isaiah did, “Here I am, (Janine Pumilia) Lord, send me!” ❚ 12

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Y K

Healthful Comfort Foods F ew things go together quite like cold weather and comfort foods, but dishes craved on blustery days aren’t always healthful.

With the right approach, though, you can put a better-for-you twist on favorite dishes like this Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

With 20 grams of whole grains per serving, these crunchy, robust baked crackers are cholesterol-free. For more seasonal recipes, coupons and tips, visit crunchmaster.com.

Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts Servings: 6

Soup 2 1 1 3 1 1/2

TB olive oil onion, chopped carrot, chopped cloves garlic, chopped tsp. salt, divided tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. paprika 1 pinch chili flakes 4 cups organic no-salt-added vegetable broth 1 can (28 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers 2 bay leaves 1/3 cup 35 percent heavy cream 2 TB finely chopped fresh chives 1 tsp. cider vinegar

Cheddar Cracker Melts 24 Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Fire Roasted Tomato Basil Crackers 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, carrot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika and chili flakes about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, roasted red peppers and bay leaves; bring to boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are

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tender. Discard bay leaves. Let cool slightly. Transfer to blender; puree in batches until smooth. Stir in cream, remaining salt, 1 TB chives and vinegar.

To make Cheddar Cracker Melts, heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven. Arrange crackers on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with cheese and broil 1-2 minutes.

Tip: Use mild, medium or aged cheddar cheese. Smoked mozzarella can be substituted, if desired. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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R  O R

‘Thomas & Friends’ Exhibit Opens Jan. 12

By Jermaine Pigee, assistant managing editor

A

n unmistakable blue train and his pals will steamroll into Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., this weekend, for a four-month stay. The Rockford appearance marks the first time the exhibit will be in Illinois.

“Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails” is a 1500-square-foot interactive exhibit that invites children to engage with familiar faces and enjoy playful opportunities while exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). It’s geared to children ages 2 to 7 and is presented in both English and Spanish.

“A popular children’s exhibit that is full of science content is a perfect fit for our museum,” says Ann Marie Walker, the museum’s marketing director.

The transportation adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine and his rail yard friends, including Percy, James and

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Gordon, have entertained children for decades through a TV show, books, movies and toys.

The fictional train characters deal with everyday obstacles, overcoming them through problem-solving, fair play, friendship and the help of children who visit the museum.

“For toddlers, there are simple activities like sorting colors and identifying shapes,” Walker says. “For the older kids, the exhibit has more complicated engineering obstacles and activities, such as completing a train track using track pieces with various levels of elevation.”

Sodor – where Thomas and his friends live – is brought to life throughout the exhibit. Children can climb into Thomas’s cab and explore the engine’s inner workings; they can flip levers and investigate movable parts that create train noises, including braking, whistles and

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steam; and they can fix Percy’s broken, wobbly wheel by removing and replacing parts and experimenting to find a mixture of wheels, rods and bolts that work.

“His wheels are a little shaky and kids are supposed to fix them and tighten them up so he can run down the track,” Walker says. “More importantly, it gets children thinking about the technology behind steam engines.”

Guests who explore the exhibit, which is staged in a 5,000-square-foot space, continuously find themselves surrounded by train parts.

“Every person has a purpose and, with a train, every part has a purpose,” Walker says. “We’ll have a 3-D wall with funnels, lanterns and buffers. It lets visitors know what each part is and how it’s used in trains. Children can take old parts off Percy and replace them with new parts.”

R  O R

Visitors can also explore various Sodor destinations, including the Sodor Search & Rescue Station on an oversized Thomas Wooden Railway train table.

“Kids can use that table to build train routes, using their problem-solving and engineering skills,” Walker says.

“Thomas & Friends” also gives children the chance to work with one another.

They can make new friends while loading luggage, livestock and other freight into the coaches of two train cars, loading coal into Percy’s coal box or filling his tank

with water.

Children can also suit up as train conductors to exchange money and sell tickets to other visitors riding the train, and set up a train schedule.

“Those activities are going to require some basic math skills,” Walker says. “This exhibit will definitely keep a little one’s minds and hands busy.”

Visitors can also explore measurements, conduct magnetic experiments and search for vocabulary words.

Guests who are unfamiliar with the characters, or who want to learn more, can wander through a “Thomas & Friends” retrospective, which features model train engines from the original live action series. There are also copies of the original drawings and manuscripts from the Rev. W. Awdry, who created the “The Railway Series” for his young son 70 years ago.

There’s also a collection of memorabilia documenting the history and evolution of “Thomas & Friends” through books, TV and toys.

As of 2014, the “Thomas & Friends” TV series reached 110 million U.S. households and an even larger audience through internet streaming, DVDs and toys. It debuted in the United Kingdom in 1984 and came to U.S. TV audiences in 1989. Rock star and Beatles member Ringo Starr originally provided the voice for Thomas on the series; in time American comedian George Carlin took over the role.

This exhibit was designed and developed by the Minnesota Children’s Museum with help from HIT Entertainment, a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. It will be in Rockford through May 12.

Admission is $11 for adults and children or $1 for museum members.

“It’s a fun, adorable exhibit and we think it’ll be very popular,” Walker says.

Learn more at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org. ❚

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Y H  G

Tackle Pet Odors Quickly and Completely

By Peggy Werner

T

here are a lot of reasons why pets will do their business in places they shouldn’t. Sometimes the solution is as easy as treating a pet’s physical problem, such as clearing up a urinary infection with antibiotics. Other times there are behavioral reasons that may take longer to resolve. Either way, the result is the same – soiled floors and carpets.

Once Fluffy or Fido has eliminated in an area of the home, chances are good they’ll return to that spot and do it again.

This may become a chronic problem, unless addressed completely and quickly, says Chris Picot, general manager of Advantage Kwik Dry, 11137 Bertram Road, Machesney Park, a full-service restoration and cleaning company.

And it takes more than surface carpet cleaning to eliminate the odor, he says.

Advantage Kwik Dry takes extra steps to deep clean the carpet, padding and floor.

“The better an area is cleaned, the less likely it is that a pet will return to that spot,” he says.

It’s important to note that in hot and humid weather, carpets take longer to completely dry. When carpets have been cleaned, homeowners should keep the air conditioner on and the furnace fan setting on at least medium to keep air circulating in the home to allow carpets to dry within the recommended 24 hours.

Advantage Kwik Dry is a familyowned business that has been in the Stateline area for more than 25 years. All technicians are certified, licensed, bonded and insured, and they guarantee their work. The company is also a member of the Carpet and Fabric Care Institute, taking advantage of educational opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

The company is experienced in all

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types of cleaning processes, wet and dry, for homes and businesses, including drapery cleaning, carpets, oriental and area rugs, upholstery, tile and grout, hardwood cleaning and recoating, fabric and fiber protection, pet odor removal, major odor treatment, water removal and sewage cleanup.

For more information, coupons, and to schedule an appointment, go to advantagekwikdry.com or call (815) 332-3299 in Illinois and (608) 758-2379 in Southern Wisconsin. ❚

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I G

By Melinda Myers

G

rowing colorful plants indoors can be a real mood lifter during the dark days of winter, but sometimes there are challenges like providing enough light.

Supplemental lighting may be the key to seeing repeat blooms. Grow lights, which provide bright, full-spectrum illumination, are an ideal solution. They include simple hanging lamps, DIY fixtures and metal stand lights. Or, if you want a light that looks nice enough to inhabit your living room, consider furniture-style light stands. They’re outfitted with special high-output bulbs that are tucked out of sight and provide more than twice as much light as most standard LEDs. So what kinds of plants bloom indoors? Common houseplants like violets, overwintering annuals and tropical plants. Here are some favorite tropicals.

Flowering maple (Abutilon) needs

bright light and cooler winter temperatures. Plants may be compact and upright or vining, while the flowers may resemble those of hibiscus or dangling lanterns.

Choose varieties known for year-round flowering.

The chenille plant (Acalypha) offers long, fuzzy, cascading flowers that resemble chenille yarn. Perfect in a hanging basket, it can also be placed in a plant stand or pruned into tree form. It needs high humidity and plenty of light to maintain its health and year-round beauty.

The shrimp plant (Justica brandegeana) offers coppery bronze flowers.

This long-blooming Mexican native performs best in bright light and high humidity. Use it as a hanging basket, prune into a small tree or set it on a plant stand, where the cascading blooms can be enjoyed.

The lipstick vine (Aeschynanthus) brightens fall and winter décor with its

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(Gardeners.com photo)

Brighten Your Home with Houseplants

Plant lights can be attractive, like this Bamboo LED Grow Light.

vivid red flowers that emerge from dark maroon structures, resembling tubes of lipstick. As always, check the plant tags for specific care instructions.

Incorporating plants into your home can boost your mood and reduce stress.

Learn more at Melindamyers.com .❚

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Y H

What You Should Know About Heart Attacks

By Mercyhealth Staff hen the coronary arteries are unable to deliver blood to the heart muscle for a prolonged period of time, a heart attack can occur.

A heart attack means that the heart muscle cells have been without oxygen long enough that the cells begin to die. It often means that permanent damage has occurred to the heart muscle.

Persons suffering from a heart attack may be able to prevent permanent damage if their treatment is started very early.

Heart attacks occur most often from blockages or plaque build-up in the coronary arteries that prevent oxygen from getting to heart muscle cells.

The plaque may build up until the coronary artery is completely closed, or the plaque may allow for blood clots to form which block the artery.

Heart attacks can also occur from a coronary artery spasm.

• Nausea or vomiting • Back pain

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Heart attack warning signs include: • Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure or a crushing feeling in the middle of the chest • Can last more than a few minutes or go away and come back • Burning sensation, like indigestion, that does not go away • Discomfort can also be felt in the arm, neck, jaw and upper back • Shortness of breath • Light-headedness • Dizziness • Breaking out into a cold sweat

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Sometimes women experience shortness of breath, nausea, back and/or jaw pain or fatigue.

Treatment must happen fast. If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 for assistance immediately. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital or wait for a doctor’s appointment.

Some risk factors for heart attack, such as age or heredity, are out of our control. Others can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Managing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress and using alcohol only in moderation can reduce the risk of heart attack.

Eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise are two of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease.

Learn more at Mercyhealth.org. ❚

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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

Macktown's Winter Sunday!

Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m. Learn what winter travel, work & fun were like for 1800s people of our region, at Macktown Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com event. 2221 Living History's 2nd Sundays Freeport Road, Rockton, (815) 624-4200, macktownlivinghistory.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

‘Dwellings’ Through Jan. 27, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Paintings, photography, sculptures and more by five artists, using houses and Learn how 1800s residents of our region enjoyed architectural forms that challenge our winter at Macktown's Winter Sunday! Jan. 13. notions. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmu- Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 16-19, sunrise-10:30 p.m. Teams compete seum.org. to represent Illinois in the 2020 U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Sinnissippi Park, Regional Juried Exhibition Through Feb. 16, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, noon-5 p.m. Featuring work by artists from ilsnowsculpting.com.

Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Jan. 17-18, Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m. Jerry 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Lee Lewis and rockabilly king Carl Perkins are recording together when Elvis and Johnny Stewardship Wednesdays Ongoing, Wed. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Work on nature Cash stop in. The four musicians make history restoration tasks all or part of the day. Nygren as they record together for the first and only Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, time in 1956 Memphis. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Rockton, Ill., (815) 964-6666, naturalland.org.

Mindfulness and Music Workshop Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. This retreat offers the opportunity to recharge, relax and renew with meditation, chant and song. William Reif Gallery, Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.

Comedian Ron White Jan. 12, 8 p.m. Ron “Tater Salad” White, best known as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon, returns with his new stand-up show. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

'Grey Gardens’ Movie Jan. 14, 6 p.m. The documentary explores the eccentric lives of two “high society drop outs.” RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Transforming Grief to Hope Jan. 15, 22, 29 & Feb. 5 & 19, 6-7:30 p.m. In a safe and confidential atmosphere, receive insights to tap your natural resiliency, courage and compassion after experiencing loss. (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.

JPAC’s One Act Festival Jan. 17-19, 7:30 p.m. Showcasing a variety of short plays produced by local playwrights, directors and actors. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Tito Cevallos Trio Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. Cevallos returns for an evening of Latin American sounds in this Charlotte’s Web series concert. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Elvis Tribute Jan. 18, 8 p.m. A concert celebrating the music of Elvis, era by era. Coronado PAC, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Beloit Winterfest Jan. 19-21, see website for times and locations.

Sleigh rides, movies, ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe instruction, bingo, volleyball and euchre tournaments, log-rolling demonstration, scavenger hunt and birding activities. Welty Environmental Center, 1201 Big Hill Court, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, beloitrecreation.com/winterfest. ❚

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WDL

Lino’s: ‘Home-Away-from-Home’ Dining

By Peggy Werner

F

or almost 50 years, Lino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 5611 E. State St., has been a favorite option for people celebrating special occasions. But it’s also a “home away from home” for folks who just want a great meal any night of the week.

The Lino’s experience is consistent and that’s by design.

“We try very hard to stay the same,” says Charlie Schweinler, co-owner. “As the world changes and other restaurants try to keep up with the latest trends, we try to remain that place where people can connect, get homemade food and enjoy us because we are who we are.”

Schweinler is married to the founder’s granddaughter, Celeste, whose dad, Joe Battista, is co-owner with his brother, Jim. The name “Lino’s” conjures images of homemade pizza, cheesy lasagna with

a thick red sauce and daily specials like veal or chicken parmagiana or deep fried cod, accompanied by a special salad topped with egg, sausage and a special dressing.

The secret is simple. All recipes are made from scratch with top quality ingredients, Schweinler explains.

“Italian food is not complicated. It is a few simple ingredients done right that give people a warm and good feeling,” he says.

Lino’s founder Michael Battista came to the U.S. at age 19 and earned an engineering degree. He worked for the Sunbeam Corp. before he met wife Pasqua in Rockford, also an Italian immigrant. They used her family recipes to launch their business and, one by one, her siblings came to America and contributed

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.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. 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. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. 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. $-$$.

Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. 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. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

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

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)

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

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to the success of Lino’s.

Many of the 100 or so Lino’s employees have worked at the restaurant since it opened in 1972.

Lino’s is open from 4:30 to 10 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For reservations or carryout, call (815) 397-2077. ❚

Jan. 9

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

L

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and and seafood 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 historical 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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Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 9

27

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Jan. 9

For contest rules go to NWQSmartLiving.com

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y M

How to Improve Your Money Management

By Peggy Werner

F

inancial education and real-world money management skills are important topics that don’t get much focus in the classroom. That’s why MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, offers online financial education resources. It also sponsors classroom financial courses that teachers can use.

“You can never learn too early about the value of money and how much it makes a difference, for better or worse, in peoples’ lives,” says Matt Lynch, director of marketing at MembersAlliance. “The credit union periodically offers in-person financial education workshops for teens and adults in budgeting, investing, Medicare, understanding and improving credit and how to avoid financial scams.”

BanzaiDirect is a free interactive online financial literacy tool made available through the MembersAlliance website, membersalliance.org, under “Planning &

Education > Financial Education.” The program allows people of all ages to go through the courses, make money decisions and learn from their choices. The 15-minute self-paced lessons allow children and adults to answer questions and shape perspectives about money. MembersAlliance also sponsors an in-school classroom version for teachers. Learn more about it at https://membersalliancecu.teachbanzai.com/.

“BanzaiDirect makes it fun for children to learn and gets their parents involved,” says Lynch. “It’s important for parents to talk to kids about money. Even if they have their own money issues, they need to communicate the right way to handle money. Parents often don’t teach children about money because they aren’t confident or were never taught some of the necessary tools themselves.”

The version for educators includes lesson plans, workbooks, quizzes, tests

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and other resources to teach and measure progress. Last year, about 40 teachers in the Rockford area used the program.

MembersAlliance representatives also travel to schools, businesses and other organizations to teach students and adults about money management.

“Understanding money is an ongoing struggle for people everywhere,” says Lynch.

MembersAlliance has Rockford locations at 2550 S. Alpine Road, 6951 Olde Creek Road and inside the West Riverside, Walton Street and Rockton Road Wal-Marts. ❚

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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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