Smart Living Weekly - September 2, 2015

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n iving g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Sept. 2, 2015

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Right in Our Region

67th Grand Detour Arts Festival

By Chris Linden, executive editor

D

ixon’s growing arts scene is sure to enhance the experience of this year’s Grand Detour Arts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the John Deere Historic Site.

Now in its 67th year, the celebration of serious artistic talent will attract more than 50 artists, mostly from the upper Midwest. Their works en-

compass a wide variety of talent, across many forms of media.

“It’s a juried fair, which means we’re only looking for true artwork,” says Lisa Gabriel, festival committee chairperson. “Nothing here is arts-and-crafts, and nothing comes from kits or patterns.”

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

FHN: Mentoring Makes a Difference • “Escaping Slavery” Exhibit Opens • Delicious Apple Recipes Know Your FICO Score • Easy Kitchen Updates • New Restaurant at Anderson Japanese Gardens • Shop the Block Returns

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Grand Detour Art Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Kitchen Updates Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Got Patience?

Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Delicious Recipes with Apples Your Outing ........................................................17 New ‘Escaping Slavery’ Exhibit Your Outing ............................................. .......... 26 The Return of ‘Shop the Blocks’ Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Why Mentoring Matters Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

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

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 How’s Your Credit Score?

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Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Saving Money with Hot Water Heaters

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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.

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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September: Savor its Golden Moments

F

or me, September is all about shades of yellow. First come the big yellow school buses carrying students whose backpacks spill sharp, yellow pencils. (Don’t you just love the scent of those new pencils?)

The buses roll through neighborhoods dotted with yellow Chrysanthemums; they zip past roadsides of Goldenrod and BlackEyed Susan.

Farmers pile golden produce onto their market tables – yellow squash, golden delicious apples, amber ciders and other fresh treats ripened by the sun.

Goldfinches dart from tree to tree more visibly now, as foliage dies back; like us, they’ll soon exchange perky summer garb for wardrobes of grey and black.

By the end of September, even the tree canopy sparkles in gold, like some mad French king reigning over his kingdom of red Sumac subjects.

But most peculiar to September is the saturated hue of sunlight that slants through trees, dappling lawns and football fields, prompting a feeling that things are right with the world, that there’s a pot of chili on the stove and a warm blanket on the bed.

With the possible exception of Spring, Autumn is the greatest show on earth. And as summer wanes, a new season of fun unfurls. Symphonies and playhouses kick off new seasons; Art fairs and fall festivals buzz every weekend; Midway Village Museum makes ready for World War II; and pumpkin farms, corn mazes and apple orchards promise a feast for all senses.

You can scan our Your Fun calendar for this week’s highlighted events, and pick up a copy of our newest Northwest Quarterly Magazine to find many more. (Just look for the golden butterfly on its cover.)

Enjoy your week. And be sure to watch for those big yellow buses and their precious cargo! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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More Options Than Ever for Kitchen Updates

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor

B

enson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford, is pretty much a one-stopshop for home interior design and decor.

As designer Kayla Hauch leads the way through the store’s four floors of products, it’s clear that she’s used to handling full remodel projects.

“Most people decide to just go for it and redo their whole kitchen,” Hauch says. “We tackle cabinets, countertops and everything in between.”

She stops in front of a model kitchen that’s built with Plato Woodwork custom cabinetry – one of Benson’s higher-end lines. This particular display has custom moldings.

“With this brand, you can pick everything that goes onto it aesthetically,” says Hauch. “You can also add more niches to store things.”

Hauch pulls out a cubby stocked

with an assortment of spices. This is just one of many organizational systems available. There are also spaces for builtin wine racks, full extension drawers and pullout towel bars.

The next display is anchored by an island countertop. “This can be a great focal point in your kitchen,” Hauch says.

This island has a slightly darker grey stain than the other cabinetry in the kitchen. Designers today frequently use a different stain or color on the island, as a way of drawing attention.”

The luxurious look is completed with a durable quartz countertop from Cambria. The hard surface is mostly white, with wisps of gray swirled throughout.

“It has a marble look, which is beautiful, but it’s much more durable since it’s made of quartz and not marble, which stains easily,” says Hauch.

The white-painted cabinet is a classic favorite. One reiteration has gray tints that create a more rustic look.

“I just love this style,” Hauch says.

“The whites and the greys are popular right now. I think it makes the kitchen look really clean and bright.” ❚

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Got Patience? It Isn’t Optional Equipment

H

ave you ever lost your temper, only to regret it later? All of us have. It’s so easy to indulge our emotions, even when restraint would much wiser.

We’ve all heard it said that “patience is a virtue.” Since the word “virtue” means “strength,” it follows that impatience is the opposite: a weakness. Anyone can hurtfully spew emotions; it takes a real grown-up to exercise self-control.

The more we mature in Christ, the greater our inner strength becomes, including our ability to be patient. In fact, the ability to be patient, even when we’re provoked and we’re certain we’re in the right, is one of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.

In the King James Bible, the Greek word makrothumia is translated “long suffering.” The word’s roots are the adjective makro (long) and verb thumeo (to act with passion, anger.) It’s a word that means the opposite of short-tempered and is used elsewhere in scripture to describe the kind of patience God Himself exercises toward us.

The Apostle Paul uses the same word to describe agape, the highest form of love, in I Cor. 13:4 & 5. “Love is patient (makrothumeo), love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Christians are meant to care about the spiritual welfare of other people – including annoying and weak people – which makes this godly kind of patience essential. It’s not optional. We’re to mimic God, who treats each of us with far more patience than any one of us deserves.

In I Thessalonians 5:14, Paul instructs: “ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient (makrothumeo) with everyone.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Autumn Trends Worth Falling For A

s the seasons shift from summer to fall, we can look forward to warm flavors and fresh inspiration. One source of inspiration for new takes on favorite comfort foods is the 2015 Baking and Decorating Trends list from the Wilton Test Kitchen. Check out a few fall favorites that feature flavor combinations to fall in love with. For more flavor and recipe inspiration, visit wilton.com/treatology.

Cinnamon and Aleppo Pepper Braided Loaf Filling: 6 Tb. butter, softened 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 Tb. all-purpose flour 1 Tb. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. crushed Aleppo pepper

Bread: 1 package (16 ounces) hot roll mix 1 cup warm water 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Hard Apple Cider Tart

Crust: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract 1/4 tsp. salt 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Filling: 1 Tb. granulated sugar 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon Pinch of salt 2 medium red baking apples, such as Braeburn, cored and sliced 1/8-inch thick Glaze: 1 bottle (12 ounces) hard apple cider 3 Tb. light corn syrup 2 Tb. granulated sugar Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare 9-inch tart pan with vegetable spray. In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla and salt. Add flour; stir until just combined. Evenly press into bottom and up sides of pan. With fork, prick dough all over. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove

tart from refrigerator; bake 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. In small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon and salt.

Arrange apples in tart pan in overlapping circular pattern, working from outside in. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake on cookie sheet 55-60 minutes until apples are soft and crust is golden brown. While tart bakes, make glaze. In large skillet, cook cider over medium heat until liquid has reduced to two tablespoons, about 10-15 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add corn syrup and sugar. Stir continuously until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Rewarm glaze over low heat, if needed, and brush on tart when it is removed from the oven. Cool tart completely in pan on cooling grid. ❚ Source: Family Features

Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with vegetable spray.

In a small bowl, stir together butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon and Aleppo pepper until well combined.

In a large bowl, stir together hot roll mix and included yeast packet. Add water, butter, egg and egg yolk; stir until dough forms (dough will be very sticky). Turn out onto well-floured surface and knead 1/2 cup flour in until smooth dough forms, about five minutes.

Cover and let rest five minutes.

Roll dough into 20-by-12-inch rectangle.

Spread filling evenly over dough surface.

Roll up from long end as for cinnamon rolls, pinching seam and ends to seal. Cut log in half lengthwise. Twist pieces together and place in prepared pan in “S” shape, tucking ends under. Cover pan and let rise in warm area 15 minutes.

Uncover loaf and bake 30-35 minutes or until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool in pan on cooling grid five minutes then turn out onto grid to cool completely.

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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“Escaping Slavery” Exhibit at Ethnic Museum F reedom for African Americans began with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Most people know about the Underground Railroad and how it enabled slaves to escape to freedom before 1863. Illinois was a “free state” and also played a vital role as part of the Underground Railroad. The Ethnic Heritage Museum’s newest exhibit, “Escaping Slavery,” examines the stateline’s role in assisting runaway slaves and the Freedom Movement.

This exhibit highlights Underground Railroad Stations in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, and some of the abolitionists and runaway slaves they assisted. It spotlights Rockford’s involvement in the Freedom Movement and includes artifacts from that time period.

To help celebrate the opening of this exciting exhibit, the African American Gallery recently hosted a free per-

formance of “My Bondage and My Freedom,” a one-man play with music, written by local musician Dorothy Paige-Turner and performed by local actor David Causey as Frederick Douglass.

The Ethnic Heritage Museum is located at 1129 S. Main St. and is unique in its blend of ethnic groups: African American, Hispanic, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian and Polish. A visit to each gallery will enlighten visitors about that culture’s contributions to life in Rockford.

“Escaping Slavery” is on display every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. until mid-November. Admission is $3 for students, $5 for adults and $10 for families.

Find more information at ethnicheritagemuseum.org or arrange a tour by calling the museum at (815) 962-7402.

The museum is handicap accessible. ❚

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

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Grand Detour Continued from Cover

What you will find is an array of colorful, creative work on display, for purchase: paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic; handmade jewelry pieces; photography; 3-D sculptures; woodcarvings and more.

The majority come from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, but there are exceptions.

“One of the most interesting artists we have makes handmade canoes,” says Gabriel. She also points to artists who create woven fabrics, decorative gourds and other unusual artwork. “One of this year’s new artists makes baskets, and she weaves in deer antlers that become handles.”

Artists will compete for about $2,500 in prizes, including best of each medium and best in show. This year’s judge is watercolor painter Tony Armendariz, a Chicago native whose flowing style captures decaying urban landscapes in Chicago, Europe and Cuba.

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The festival is also a grand showcase for young artists in surrounding counties.

“We contact area schools – high schools, middle schools, elementary schools – and have the teachers submit artwork on behalf of their students,” says Gabriel.

“They share several pieces of 2-D and 3-D artwork. All of the student art is hung at the festival, and we’ve judged those works beforehand.”

Parents are encouraged to visit with their young artists, who together will receive about $1,500 in prizes.

As it has for many years, the festival will take place on the grounds of the John Deere Historic Site, a beautifully preserved farmstead where blacksmith Deere first built his famous self-scouring steel plow – a key innovation in cultivating the Prairie State and the Wild West. Though the manufacturing company he began is now headquartered downriver in the Quad Cities, his homestead looks much as it did in the 1830s.

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“Besides the fact that the site has a wonderful ambience for family events, it also has a blacksmith shop that operates,” says Gabriel. “When you get into the arts festival, you’re also able to see this and the rest of the homestead. The blacksmiths demonstrate their techniques, and their artistic creations are often found in the gift shop.”

Local musicians will be performing and you might spy performers circling the festival, roving the walkways as they play. Food vendors, too, will be on hand.

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“We have kettle corn, hot dogs and homemade sausage,” says Gabriel. “There will also be hamburgers, ice cream, and a local bakery comes with fresh-baked goods.”

The arts have long been ingrained in the culture of Grand Detour. Around the early 1900s, many Chicago-based artists flocked to the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony in nearby Oregon, Ill. Painters like Charles Francis Browne were known to paint and sketch along the town’s bending riverfront, often bringing students along.

The Grand Detour festival was

started by one of those students, Dixon native Charles Kested. At one time, the festival was tied into the Oregon Fields Project, which attracted artists of many media each summer. But for the past eight years, the fair has been coordinated by a group working with The Next Picture Show (TNPS) gallery and art center in Dixon. Gabriel leads the arts festival’s all-volunteer committee, which uses TNPS’ nonprofit status to collect local sponsorships from places like KSB Hospital and Sauk Valley Bank.

Thanks to the work of TNPS and other groups in the area, an arts renaissance is steadily growing in Dixon, and its followers are sure to be seen at this year’s Grand Detour arts festival.

“I see a lot of the same people here every year, and we see lots of families enjoying the art and the music,” says Gabriel. “Dixon has developed quite the arts

community, and the fact that we have an arts gallery downtown is amazing. Art is important in Dixon.”

Gabriel expects nearly 2,500 people to stop by Grand Detour’s arts festival – about six times the village’s population of 430. That may be a surprising turnout for this small town, but it’s only a short drive from Dixon, Oregon and Rockford.

“It’s easy to get here, because everything is located right off Illinois Route 2, between Oregon and Dixon,” says Gabriel. “This is a gem that not a lot of people are familiar with.”

The 67th annual Grand Detour Arts Festival runs one day only, on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. Admission is $3 for everyone over 12 and includes access to the historic site. Admission is free to those who bring a canned food item, which will be donated to a Dixon food pantry. For information, contact Peggy Renne at (815) 652-8663. ❚

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

RHSInQuicker.org

GO TO:

You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home.  Arrive at your projected treatment time.

ROCKFORD HEALTH PHYSICIANS CONVENIENT CARE Rockford – 3401 N. Perryville Road M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat-Sun: Noon to 8 p.m.

Rockford – 2300 N. Rockton Avenue M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat: 8 a.m. to noon

Belvidere – 1747 Henry Luckow Lane M-F: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roscoe – 5000 Prairie Rose Drive M-Th: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

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

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Sept. 2

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Mentoring – It Makes a Big Difference T hink back; do you remember the person who took the time to listen or encourage you to do your best?

Having support and motivation from someone you looked up to didn’t just make you feel special; it helped make you the person you are today.

You can become a mentor to a child in our community and help shape him or her into a person with goals, values and respect. Being a mentor may sound like a daunting task to some people, but it really just involves being a friend and reliable resource for a child. Expose him to new activities, help her work through difficult situations at home or school, and always be there for him.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northwest Illinois, a program of FHN Family Counseling Center, knows just how important these one-to-one relationships are. Working with local youth (known as “Littles”) and adult volunteers

(known as “Bigs”), the BBBS staff has seen firsthand how a child can improve his or her grades, behavioral problems, and future by being involved in a mentoring match. There are two main types of matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters – site-based (at school) or communitybased.

Site-based matches provide individualized time and attention on a consistent basis at the child’s school. Matches meet regularly, one-to-one, during the school year for one hour a week. During the summer, they may exchange letters, e-mails, or phone calls.

Community-based mentoring allows Bigs and Littles six to eight hours a month of individualized time and attention outside of school, in the community.

Together, they can explore new interests and expand a Little’s experience base beyond his or her family and neighborhood.

Mentees are not the only ones to benefit

from these matches. “Bigs” get the satisfaction of helping a child grow into a productive citizen; it makes them feel young again and they develop new friendships.

If you’re interested in being a Big to a child in your community, please contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northwest Illinois at (815) 599-7344. ❚ (Source: Freeport Health Network)

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Shop the Blocks Returns Friday, Sept. 4 T

he River District Association (RDA) announces the return of “Shop the Blocks – Downtown Rockford,” on Friday, Sept. 4, from 3 to 9 p.m. on East State Street from the river to 3rd and 1st streets. Once again, retailers and restaurants will bring their businesses outside to offer sidewalk sales and dining areas.

A few parking spaces, on 1st Street and in parking lots, will be turned into temporary interactive open-air “parklets,” offering visitors a space to kick back and relax, connect with old friends or even play a game of bags.

Wired Café will host the Holsingers father/son music duo in the alley from 6-8 p.m. (kitchen closes at 7 p.m.); Salvaged by Sonya will provide outdoor vintage seating; Rockford Art Deli will offer mini putt, bike parking and a seating area; Bee’s Knees will host bean bag games; 317 Studio and Gallery will present an “Open Studio” evening with a 6x6-foot canvas for $12; Bath and Body Fusion will offer kids a chance to make free bath bombs (inside if too humid); and Yolo’s will celebrate its anniversary with complimentary samples and refreshments from 5-7 p.m.

The Olive Oil Experience will host magician Johnny Silver from 5-8 p.m., and Lucette will be doing festival hair

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(ala Coachella or SXSW music festival).

Shop the Blocks is a joint venture of the RDA, The Element Rockford, and The City of RockfordCommunity and Economic Development department.

“Our first two events were very successful,” says RDA Director Leah Tuneberg. “Our restaurants and retail shops were full of new and repeat customers and their reaction was very positive.”

“This is an excellent opportunity to support the businesses in the area while testing some of the tactical efforts of the Downtown Implementation Plan,” says Todd Cagnoni, director of Rockford’s Community and Economic Development Department. ❚

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

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

Firelight Dimmers Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. Unique lounge styling. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.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.

3rd Annual “Cruisin’ to the Dairy” Car Show Sept. 5, 3-8 p.m. Old-fashioned ice cream parlor with 1950s and ’60s music, cars and more. Music by 3-D Sound. Union Dairy, 126 E. Douglas St., Freeport, (815) 232-7099.

8th Annual Art in the Park Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fine art displays, performing arts, demonstrations of various art media, children’s hands-on activities.

Food vendors on site. Krape Park: 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, Ill., (815) 235-9755, artintheparkfreeport.com.

Tom Mac Group Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series.

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

The 8th annual Art in the Park happens Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy fine art displays, performing arts and demonstrations of art media.

for the jolly old Riviera. All is smooth sailing until Bertie’s talent for trouble leads to stormy seas with mischievous Lady Stella, dithery Miss Pilbeam and the twins, Percival and Alfred Crumpworth. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., (815) 3945004, artistsensemble.org.

Native Plants of the Midwest Sept. 12, 10-11 a.m. Alan Branhagen on Midwestern native plants and how to incorporate them into your landscape. His new book will be available for purchase. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

2nd Annual MELD on the Rock Sept. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. An evening of casual dining, music by Three Good Men, a 50/50 raffle and a chance to win a “rock” donated by Mincemoyer Jewelry. $15/person or $20 at the door. Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewhouse.com.

Main Street Market Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 120 vendors selling vintage, re-purposed and handmade goods. Live music and food available. $8 adult; $5 child; members and children under 8 free. Midway Village Museum, Rockford, Ill. (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Martina McBride & Loretta Lynn Sept. 11, 8 p.m. Country music stars. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Grand Detour 67th Art Festival Sept. 13. See our cover story. The Next Picture Show, 113 W. 1st St., Dixon, Ill., (815) 2854924, www.thenextpictureshow.com.

Lena Lions 65th Annual Fall Festival Sept. 11-12. Carnival rides, games, food, stage entertainment, 5k run/walk, parade Sat. at noon, raffle for new car and other prizes. Downtown Lena, Ill., (815) 369-5351.

67th Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 19-20, Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Up to 155 juried artists, live music by local musicians, a gourmet marketplace, children’s art activities, food and drink. $5/12-under free. Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9682787, rockfordartmuseum.org. ❚

“Jeeves at Sea” Sept. 11-27. Bertie Wooster and Jeeves set sail

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Fine Oils, Vinegars, & Now Spices!

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815-904-6120 theoliveoilexperience.com

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5 OFF

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WDL

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 with Fresco general managfamiliar local businesses. Mary’s er 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

How is Your Credit?

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 Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

3.01%

3.84%

3.75%

$984.76

$667.24

$659.94

3.13%

3.91%

3.82%

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. 31, 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.

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Cut Energy Costs With Your Water Heater W ater heaters are energy-intensive appliances. In fact, they’re the second-largest energy user in the home, and as they age, they become less efficient, requiring even more energy.

If you don’t know the age of your water heater, or think it may be reaching the end of its life span, it may be time to make a switch, says home improvement expert Danny Lipford, host of “Today’s Homeowner” TV and radio show.

Waiting until a current water heater fails will likely cost more in the long run. According to U.S. Department of Energy estimates, the average family spends $400 to $600 each year on water heating costs, and as an older unit ages, its efficiency continues to erode. By switching to a new energy-efficient water heater or a new energy source, you could save hundreds of dollars each year.

A tankless water heater could drastically lower your annual water heating

costs compared with electric storage tank models, which are working to heat water even when it’s not needed.

The size and cost of water heaters have increased dramatically. In April of this year, the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act went into effect, increasing minimum energy efficiency standards for water heaters in your home.

This means manufacturers are required to make more energy-efficient models, which ultimately saves homeowners money. However, these standards also mean tank sizes must increase.

Figuring the long-term value on your next water heater is important.

Most water heaters should be replaced every 10 to 12 years. To make the right choice for replacement, you should factor in the annual cost of ownership, which is the cost of original equipment, installation and expected annual energy costs divided over the unit’s lifetime.

A water heater upgrade is an opportunity to downgrade your carbon footprint. U.S. Department of Energy data suggests the new manufacturing guidelines will prevent as much as 172.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, about the same as taking 33.8 million vehicles off the road. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model means you’re helping with that effort. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Issue 1