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n iving g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Oct. 7, 2015

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Right in Our Region

The ‘Great Pumpkin’ Returns By Chris Linden, executive editor

Rockford-area icon is back for its 33rd season, with a few surprises and some fresh faces. Lindberg’s Pumpkin Patch, 3178 Illinois Route 173, in Caledonia, is set on 16 rural acres between Machesney Park, Ill., and Poplar Grove, Ill., and opened in September under new

ownership. Stop by any day before Nov. 1 to enjoy some classic autumn activities, including picking pumpkins, riding through farm ﬁelds, riding ponies and exploring a “haunted house” for older kids. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Ideas for Autumn Curb Appeal • Avoid Lottery Scams • Coronado Concerts Announced Treating Sun-Damaged Skin • Dining at Bravo Pizza • Health Beneﬁts of Olive Oil • Smartphone Security

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Lindberg Pumpkin Patch Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Autumn Planting Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who Was Abraham? Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Health BeneďŹ ts of Olive Oil Your Outing .......................................................17 Coronado Concerts Announced Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Treating Sun-Damaged Skin Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Smartphone Security Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Beware of Lottery Scams

Smart L iving Weekly â„˘

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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Oct. 7

A ‘ n Apple a Day’

ur boss, Bill Hughes, also known around here as “Bill the Blur,” zips in and out of our office all day long. We often find him standing still outside in the sunshine, though, eating a fresh apple for his lunch. Not a sandwich, chips, cookie and an apple, like most of us eat, but just an apple. It turns out he’s onto something good. We all grew up hearing “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but new science shows this is more true than we knew. Even though they don’t come from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet like goji berries, or the rain forests of South America, like acai berries, apples are considered a “superfood” by those in the know. When you stop to think about it, we’re lucky they grow in our backyard. My brother from Florida says only a few appple types are available in his stores, all imported. For my money, locally grown food is always preferable to food that’s part of a huge carbon footprint and loses nutrients throughout its long journey. Apple attributes: • At about 95 calories, and high in soluble fiber, appples help us to feel full, which aids weight loss. Some of that fiber is pectin, which blocks absorption of cholesterol. • They’re high in vitamin C • Apple eaters tend to have lower rates of coronary artery disease, perhaps because the antioxidents in apples help to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol and decrease inflammation. • Apples skins, like onions, contain quercetin, an antioxident that helps the lungs to use oxygen more efficiently. • Apples help to prevent colon cancer. Perhaps best of all, apples are an “easy sell” to kids (and the rest of us) ‘cuz they taste great just as they are. (And no, an apple cider doughnut doesn’t count as a daily serving of fruit, though my husband has argued otherwise.) Have a healthy, happy week! ❚

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

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Oct. 7

B U L C S ’ R E Y A L P R E I M E THE PR

R E Y A L P H C I WH ? U O Y E AR WHICH PLAYER ARE YOU? Topaz is suave, without being too serious. Blackjack’s his game of choice, though he dabbles in slots every now and again. Learn more about our five-tier player’s club, featuring the best gaming and amenities in the Midwest, now with more smoke-free Tell them areas! you saw it in ...

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Jazz Up Your Home’s Autumn Curb Appeal By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

ooking to brighten up your home’s curb appeal? There’s still plenty of time to enjoy autumn color. Scott Gensler, of Gensler Gardens, offers these tips: Chrysanthemums (Mums) and Asters add instant, bright color. Classic fall hues include yellow, rust, deep red, gold and purple. Place them in pretty containers near your front door or plant in the landscape. Be aware, though, that even when garden mums are labeled “hardy,” they won’t necessarily survive the winter. “Even if you do everything right, there’s only a 50-50 chance that a hardy mum will come back in spring,” says Gensler. Plant them in August or September to allow roots time to establish and increase the odds of survival. You can skip the planting and simply enjoy them as potted, one-season wonders, but do keep them watered.

Pumpkins are a simple, cheerful fall accent, whether or not you carve them. “We grow 30 acres of them, in all shapes and sizes,” says Gensler. Make an interesting display by grouping various shapes or paint faces on them. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale comes in several varieties and adds long-lasting beauty to a container or landscape. These ruffled beauties will hold up for months to come. “They still look nice in 10-degree weather, right up to the first snowfall,” says Gensler. Keep in mind these veggies feed your soul, not your body. “They’re bred for beauty, not for flavor.” Most trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses can be planted during autumn. “The major advantage to fall planting is that you don’t have to spend a great deal of time watering them, like you do if you

plant in summer weather,” says Gensler. “The plants are dormant anyway, so you can put them in the ground right up until it freezes. This is also a better time to pick them out, since you can see what they look like after a season of growth.” Gensler Gardens is located at 102 Orth Road in Loves Park, Ill. and 8631 11th St. in Davis Junction, Ill. Learn more at GenslerGardens.com. ❚

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Who Was Abraham? Primary scriptures: Genesis 11:26-25:10

ike Noah, Abraham was a man whose strong faith was deeply tested and richly rewarded. He was considered a “patriarch,” or the father figure of his tribe. From his grandson Jacob sprang the Hebrew nation, God’s chosen people. Abraham is described as generous, hospitable, compassionate and courageous. Abraham figures prominently into Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions as an example of faithfulness to the one, true God (monotheism) at a time when many worshipped multiple gods (polytheism). Abraham lived about 2,000 years after Adam and 2,000 years before Christ. Narratives involving him are rich with geographic detail, since God instructs him to leave his homeland in Chaldea (today Iraq) and journey to Canaan (today Israel). God promises to make a great nation from Abraham’s offspring. Obedient Abraham packs up wife Sarah and nephew Lot, leaves the familiar behind and encounters challenges along the journey to Canaan. God keeps His promise to Abraham, although He takes His time. Lovely but barren Sarah miraculously bears a child, Isaac, when she is age 90. From Isaac descends the Hebrew nation into which Jesus is born much later. In Genesis 22, one of the least popular chapters of the Bible, God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Grief-stricken but faithful, Abraham prepares to do God’s will, but God spares Isaac’s life just in time. Sarah lives 37 years after Isaac’s birth, dying when she’s 127. Abraham dies at age 175, but not before helping Isaac to find a good wife, Rebekah, from among his kinsmen. Abraham wants his grandchildren to be raised by a woman who will teach them to worship the one true God. “Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.” (Gen. 25:8) He is buried in the cave he once purchased for Sarah’s burial, in Hebron, Israel. Many references to his stellar faithfulness are made throughout scripture. ❚ This is the third in a series about major figures of the Bible. To receive a free, weekly digital version of Smart Living Weekly, sign up at NWQSmartLiving.com. 12

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The Benefits of Olive Oil By Peggy Werner

he health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are well known, but researchers keep finding more and more ways in which the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet is helping people everywhere. Using olive oil instead of animal fats and other highly saturated fats has been linked with the prevention of disease and the reduction of signs of aging. Studies have shown that replacing bad fats with olive oil helps to lower bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol and reduce overall risk factors of coronary heart disease. Other properties in olive oil are thought to reduce inflammation and some cancer risks. “Olive oil is linked with health benefits because it’s so high in unsaturated fats,” says Charles Ducharme, co-owner of the Olive Oil Experience and Spice

Galleria with his wife, Brandi. The store is located at 6332 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. A downtown location at 328 E. State St. in Rockford opened in February. “It’s not a fad. It’s been around a long time and is here to stay. Olive oil is also great for the hair and skin,” Charles says. He recommends that people consume two tablespoons per day. One report says the powerful bonebuilding antioxidant Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is increased and better absorbed when cooked with olive oil. Brandi reports that an Olive Oil Experience customer lost 14 pounds and got off of her blood pressure medicine just by switching to olive oil when cooking. She picked up a sampler pack of the olive oils at the store, and was soon hooked.

The store opened just four years ago but has almost quadrupled in size. The owners also opened Spice Galleria, and sell specialty foods, sauces, gifts and condiments in Be A Casual Gourmet. “We didn’t know what to expect when we first opened, but we knew we were passionate about what we were doing ,” says Brandi. “Our business is all about giving people healthy food alternatives that taste good. The health benefits are clear when you see people’s lives change. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.” For more information, including store hours at both locations, and recipes, go to theoliveoilexperience.com or call (815) 904-6120. ❚

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Experience Downtown Rockford

Y O

Coronado Concerts Announced by RCCA T he Rockford Coronado Concert Association (RCCA) has announced its 2015-16 performance schedule of five concerts to be held at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. “This year’s scheduled performances are among the one of the best lineups we’ve ever had,” says Beth Howard, RCCA Executive Director. “We strive to bring in ‘big city’ concerts to Rockford – at a fraction of the cost to patrons – and this year is no exception.” Tickets range from $25-$35 and can be purchased online at coronadopac. org or by phone, (815) 968-0595. A subscription to the series starts at $100; call (815) 489-8226. • Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. Giordano Dance Company. Named America’s original jazz dance company, the Giordano Dance Company lights up the stage with its power, elegance, athleticism, and unparalleled energy.

• Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Benny Goodman Tribute featuring the Jilian Bliss septet. Step back in time. Recreating the exciting sound of swing from the ’30s and ’40s, this septet stays true to the authentic feel but with a modern twist. Julian and pianist Neal Thornton talk the audience through the music, sharing anecdotes about Goodman’s life. • Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. The Band of the Royal Marines & The Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers of the Scots Guards. Enjoy the military precision combined with classic and contemporary sounds. Excelling at musical quality, visual grandeur and precision drill, the Band’s repertoire includes popular classics, Big Band, contemporary works and solo features. • March 6, 3 p.m. Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra. Lean into one of Europe’s most acclaimed orchestras. After its founding in 1945 on the heels

of Polish independence, the Polish Baltic Philharmonic became the largest music institution in northern Poland. • April 23, 7:30 p.m. Five Vocalists from the Ryan Center, Lyric Opera. This exciting recital provides a unique opportunity to hear five exceptional artists as they prepare to launch international careers. RCCA was established in 1936 as the Rockford Community Concert Association. It was part of a nationwide arts movement to bring high-quality classical performances to middle America during the Great Depression. ❚

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Pumpkin Patch Continued from Cover

While enjoying classic fall cuisine (apple cider and doughnuts, anyone?), visitors to this family-friendly farmstead can get their fill of sweet corn, shopping in the century-old barn and gift shop, and searching for treats inside the Candy Patch. Kids also enjoy inflatable attractions, a corn maze and craft time with Wanda the Witch. Longtime Rockfordians know this place best for its founder, Frank Fiorello, a children’s author and illustrator who first filled the property with colorful plywood cutouts of Halloween characters. His fun signs, though weathered, still decorate the Pumpkin Patch. “We came here as little kids; since we were two or three years old, our parents would bring us here,” says Michelle Becker, part of the Pumpkin Patch’s new family ownership. “We have kids now,

and they enjoy coming here, looking at the signs and doing the same stuff we did.” Becker, along with her mother, Cheryl Lindberg, brother Ryan Lindberg, and sister-in-law Amber Lindberg, took over the property last December and spent the summer months making modest improvements. No strangers to the region, the Lindbergs currently farm about 2,000 acres nearby, on land maintained for five generations. They’ve been connected with the Pumpkin Patch for many years. “When Fiorello owned the place, we rented him some land for wagon rides, off to the north,” says Ryan Lindberg. “We cut some corn off the land and used the pathways for carriage rides. After Fiorello sold The Pumpkin Patch, we started growing pumpkins.”

The Lindbergs became even more involved when the property’s second owners, Mark and Jean Coons, maintained The Pumpkin Patch for about 14 years, before selling it last year. “We didn’t want to see this place close,” says Cheryl Lindberg, the family matriarch. “They were just going to close the doors if they couldn’t find a buyer. We thought, well, we’ve got to keep it going, so let’s give it a try.”

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PEARSONGUY.COM Oct. 7

R  O R The family also saw plenty of potential – and improvements they’re eager to introduce. For example, Ryan talks of adding a giant spider web for climbing. “Mark and Jean did a good job, but they didn’t live around here, so a lot of stuff they wanted to do, they couldn’t do,” says Becker. “They had to drive an hour to get here, so they stayed during the busy season. We felt like there were many things we could do with the place.” Returning visitors will notice a big change upfront: there’s no admission charge. There is, however, a charge for food and some attractions. New to the farm is an interactive hay-and-corn playground, where younger children can climb bales of hay, ride the slides and crawl through giant tubes. Two “sandboxes” are filled with dry corn kernels. Inside the Barnyard Petting Zoo, kids can get close to a variety of Midwestern farm animals, including piglets, calves, rabbits, a miniature horse, ducks

and an alpaca (careful, he spits!). The Lindbergs hope to infuse the Pumpkin Patch with an even bigger taste of the country lifestyle. Look for bonfires and campfire stories this year, as well as the Witches’ Ball, on Oct. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. Youngsters and their parents are encouraged to show up in costume for a night of special activities and holiday surprises. This Halloween, the family plans to host a “Trick or Trunk” event in the parking lot, during local Trick or Treat times. “It’s for rural families that don’t get a lot of Trick-or-Treaters,” says Ryan. “They can sign up, bring their car and some candy. My grandparents have never gotten a trick-or-treater – besides our family. So, now they can come out and see the kids’ costumes and have a great time.” Ryan’s wife, Amber, grew up as a city kid in Roscoe and has discovered many joys of living in the country during the autumn harvest.

“It’s just so peaceful and quiet, and it’s very calming, compared to the busy city life,” she says. “Roscoe’s not very hopping, either, but it’s a lot more quiet out here. And the sunset out here is so beautiful. The kids love all the open space.” Most activities at Lindberg’s Pumpkin Patch take place around the old home, a barn and some outbuildings. The paved walkways are stroller- and wagon-friendly, but be prepared to park your car on the lawn, west of the home. Lindberg’s Pumpkin Patch closes for the season on Halloween. For more information, visit thegreatpumpkinpatch. com. ❚

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Oct. 7

Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

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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.

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

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Oct. 7

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Repairing Your Skin After Sun Damage By Lindsey Gapen, assistant editor ow that summer is over, it’s time to self-assess your skin. Sun damage can lead to a host of problems, says Dr. Stanley Kovak from Kovak Dermatology and Laser Institute, 195 Buckley Drive, Rockford. “Ultimately sun damage does two things,” Kovak says. “It ages you very quickly and it can lead to skin cancer – the most common form of cancer out there.” Ultra-violet light from the sun can injure our DNA, which then leads to aging of the skin. Kovak can help patients who notice little fine lines, blotchiness, brown spots, or just an overall lack of luster and glow. “My goal with treatment is to minimize the effects and try to reverse them,” Kovak says. “I can’t make someone who’s 50 look 25 again, but I can offer a variety of products and

procedures that repair your skin.” Kovak recommends using an exfoliating wash or scrub with hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the skin and diminish irregular color on the skin’s top surface. Antioxidants in these exfoliating products can help to reverse the aging process. Kovak also insists that patients use sunblock to prevent continual damage. “Sunblock is the best wrinklereduction device there is,” Kovak says. “Don’t ever believe that SPF 15 is high enough, because it’s not. I would recommend SPF 30 if you’re going to be indoors most of the day, and SPF 50 if you’re going to be outside. Make sure to reapply several times.” As for laser treatments, Kovak can reverse sun damage with a few procedures. Resurfacing treatments remove the top layer of skin and renew it, while a lighter procedure, microdermabrasion, gradually exfoliates skin over time.

Kovak assesses each individual patient before proceeding with treatment. “You can’t treat patients with a cookie-cutter method,” Kovak says. “You have to determine the best course for each patient.” ❚

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Locktoberfest Through Oct. 31. Lockwood Park presents this family fun festival every weekend in October featuring carinval rides, games, wagon rides, seasonal food and more. Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford, (815) 987-8800. Witness For the Prosecution Oct. 7-17. Witness Agatha Christie's most celebrated courtroom drama - Leonard Vole stands trial for the murder of his beneficiary, and even his wife insists he is guility. Rock Valley College Studio Theater, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Call (815) 921-2160 for tickets. 25th

Annual Changing Attitudes RAMP's Breaking Barriers Luncheon Oct. 8, 11:45 a.m. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, keynote speaker Ann Ford will entertain and educate attendees to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities. Giovanni's Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 968-7467. Nellie's Vintage Extravaganza Oct. 9-10. Discover fun junktiques and vintage furniture from more than 50 vendors. 10985 Main St., Roscoe, Ill., facebook.com/ nelliesbarnsale. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. The MSO returns to Whitewater to showcase a variety of musical favorites from the American stage and screen. Tickets $19.75 and up. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, 903 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis. (262) 4722222, www.uww.edu. Randy Sabien and the Fiddlehead Band Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. A bluesy, rockin’, swingin’, funky jazz violinist with a band featuring three violins. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. Head of the Rock Regatta Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Witness 17 Collegiate teams compete in rowing on the Rock River. The race begins at Martin Park, 5600 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park, Ill., headoftherock.org. Swiss Historical Village Harvest Fest Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A re-creation of 19th century cheese making, blacksmithing, yarn spinning and basket weaving. Talk to Civil War Tell them you saw it in ...

Enjoy picking out a pumpkin at the 28th annual Autumn Drive on Oct. 16-18 in Woodstock, Ill.

re-enactors and enjoy live music. Swiss Historical Village Harvest Fest, 612 7th Ave., New Glarus, swisshistoricalvillage.org. Jazz At Emerson: SwingShift Oct. 11, 3 p.m. Enjoy jazz music and refreshments. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Let’s Make a Deal Live! Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Based on the hit CBS TV show, an interactive on-stage experience gives audience members the chance to make deals for big cash and prizes just like on TV. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org. Women’s Art Board Luncheon: Barbara Rinella Oct. 14, 11 a.m. This popular fundraising luncheon features an entertaining performance by Barbara Rinella, who brings to life personas from current bestselling books. Silent auction, raffle, gift shop. $45. Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. The Four Seasons of the Gardens Oct. 15, 7-8 p.m. John Powell on the famed Adachi Museum of Art located in Yasugi, Japan. $5/members free. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. 28th Annual Autumn Drive Oct. 16-18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tractor rides, petting zoos, hay rides, apple and pumpkin picking, craft vendors, more. 16105 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock, Ill., autumndrive.net. ❚

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October 7

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Oct. 7

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Italian Dining at Bravo Pizza W

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic Italian dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining classic Italian fare with all the comfort and flavors of a home-cooked meal. “We work in quality, price and service – those are our three main ingredients,” says Ocello. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, so we know how to maintain a consistency for our customers. There’s no price that pays for that.” Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant has two locations – one in Poplar Grove, the other in South Beloit – and each provides a genuine escape for patrons. You’ll find large wooden tables, warm golden lighting

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Ebeneezer Brown Eatery & Pub E Casual. American classics. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe; (815) 270-1213. LD Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Main Street Bistro E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat.

and murals of Italian scenery, inspired by Ocello’s Sicilian heritage. Diners can choose from a vast array of Italian classics, from pizza and calzones to pasta and sandwiches. There are American classics, too, such as the Bravo Burger. Most items are made from scratch in the Bravo kitchen, ensuring a home- Managers Richard Owens and Heather Intravaia with Joe Ocello. made meal with fresh ingredients. The Ital- they’re huge, too,” says Ocello. “'Bravo' in ian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat Italian means good, and I think we are very sauce, was named Best in the Stateline good. We have a menu we’ve been perfectby MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers ing for forever, so we know how to do it include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettuc- well.” cine Alfredo and fish specials. Both locations offer a full-service bar, “We make it all ourselves. Each meat- catering, carry-out and delivery services. ball is about a quarter pound apiece, so Bravo Pizza is open daily at 11 a.m. ❚

In the Spotlight 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$. Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$. Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Sisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2294545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

ocated at 500 Pleasant St., inside the Ironworks Hotel, the restaurant features mouth-watering steaks, along with a full-service menu of ﬁsh, chicken and and sea food selections. Named after the men whose 1858 foundry became Beloit Corp., Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint celebrates Beloit's rich industrial history. Many of its components are constructed with repurposed materials salvaged from historic buildings. Leather seats, hardwood ﬂoors and many historic photographs lining the walls give the space a rustic feel. Merrill & Houston's is available for private and corporate events. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚

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Oct. 7

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Sarah Soenke, deputy editor

Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 7

T  I

For Richer & Poorer

hen it comes to finances and young love, it’s easy to fall into pitfalls that can haunt couples long after the wedding day. Check off these money to-dos before you marry: • Discuss debt. Especially with the high rates of college tuition debt owed by today’s youths, it’s important to understand each others’ finances and agree on a financial plan. This will reduce stress on the relationship; keep in mind that financial turmoil is a top reason for divorce. • Control wedding spending. Create a budget and stick to it. If using credit, don’t borrow more than you can pay back in a reasonable timeframe. There’s no correlation between a lavish wedding and a solid marriage; in fact, it’s quite the contrary. • Shop carefully for rates if you do borrow money. • Take a quiz together. Go to CreditScoreQuiz.org to see how well you understand how credit works. ❚ Source: BPT

Mortgage Advisor Lenders Byron Bank

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(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

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Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Oct. 5, 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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Smart Living Weekly

Oct. 7

Y M

Know the Warning Signs of Lottery Scams Y ou think this is the happiest day of your life. Before you is a letter, email or text message informing you that you’ve just won the lottery. It seems too good to be true. That’s because it is. Thousands of people each year fall victim to lottery scams and scammers are constantly altering the ploy to keep it new, in the hopes of tricking people just like you. The good news is there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from falling victim to a scam. Keep these tips from Western Union in mind: • Never hand over your personal information. If the message starts asking for personal information, this should be your first clue that it might be a scam. • Never send money to someone you have not met in person. You can be at risk of becoming a victim of fraud if you do not know the person you are sending the money to.

• Look for unprofessionalism. Many scammers give themselves away with the nature of the mesage they send. If the message is poorly written, contains typos or sentences that lack professionalism, it has the red flags of a scam. • Always avoid foreign lotteries. Playing legitimate foreign lotteries via the mail or over the telephone is illegal under Federal law. • Look for that personal touch. If the letter, email or text claims you’re a winner, then they should know who you are. Look for the personal touch in the correspondence. • Remember the rules of the lottery. You will never have to pay money in advance if you’ve won a legitimate lottery. If you deposited the check into your bank account, never send those funds until it officially clears. Lastly, always remember that in order to win a lottery, you must enter in the first place.

• Call for help. If you fear you have been scammed, take action immediately. Contact authorities and other applicable financial institutions and notify them. Good, smart people across the country fall victim to scams every single day because they get swept up in the excitement of the message in front of them. If you receive a claim of lottery winnings, take a step back and look at the situation rationally; if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. ❚

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Source: Brandpoint

Oct. 7

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