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Right in Our Region

Still the Greatest Story Ever Told

By Janine Pumilia, Executive editor

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he yearning to connect with our Creator is deeply ingrained within human nature, which is not surprising.

More difficult to comprehend is the fact that our Creator also yearns to connect with us. And that’s what Christmas is all about – celebrating the day that the long-awaited Messiah arrived on Earth, in the flesh, to close the space between man and God.

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Issue 1

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In This Issue Right in Our Region: Still the Greatest Story ............ Cover & p. 20 Your Home The Right Tool for the Job ..........................11 Inspiration & Worship ..............................12 Your Kitchen Hawaii-inspired Cookies ...........................15 .

Your Style Decor That Works All Winter Long ............17 Your Health Fit Enough to Handle Life Well ...................25 Your Fun ................................................... 27 .

On the Town ............................................. 29 Your Money Are Keyless Locks the Future? ..................33 Tips Holiday Safety for Kids ...............................31

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Contributing Writer Jim Killam General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2013 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. 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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Tips for a Merry Little Christmas

T

he Christmas season is so much fun when we’re young, and so much work when we’re older. It’s too easy to let things get out of hand and snowball into more work and stress than necessary. That’s why, this year, I’m giving myself the following “to do” list. It’s my concept for smart living. Feel free to borrow it.

1. Sip a glass of wine while soaking in a hot bubble bath at least twice a week.

2. Take frequent Christmas naps, preferably with someone or some pet you love. Holidays are exhausting.

3. Avoid TV dramas. Last year they killed off Sybil and Matthew in Downton Abbey; this year they killed off Homeland’s Brody just 10 days before Christmas. Is this nice? Is this fair? I think not. Go to No. 4.

4. Watch It’s A Wonderful Life at least once. The memorable lines are countless and no main characters are wantonly executed.

5. Adapt a “who cares about dust?” philosophy. Make sure there’s sufficient toilet paper in the bathrooms and call the holiday cleaning “done.”

6. Shop local. It’s more fun. (Read your holiday edition of Northwest Quarterly magazine to find 101 Buy Local gift ideas.) Buy something for yourself, too.

7. Avoid eating fruitcakes and poinsettia leaves. Everything else is fair game. Especially chocolate.

8. Be generous to the needy and always thank the bell-ringers.

9. Relax in front of the fireplace nightly.

10. Take time to contemplate the Christ in Christmas. Take a deep breath and be THANKFUL. All of us at Smart Living Weekly and Northwest Quarterly Magazine wish you and yours the most joyous of holidays!

Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor Smart Living Weekly

Dec 18

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Snow Blowing Methods Vary with Storm Types ByJim Killam

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o matter what type of snow blower you own, the best method for clearing a driveway depends on the type of snow that’s just fallen.

“If you have two inches of powdery snow, with either a single stage or two stage, you’re just going to be able to go as fast as you can walk. It will keep up with it,” says Tim Kinney of Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales, Inc., 3110 Auburn St., Rockford.

With heavy, wet snow, owners of single-stage snow blowers should take a half-swipe at a time to keep from overloading and plugging the machine. With a two-stage snow blower, a full swipe is usually OK … but operate in first or second gear and work slowly and patiently.

If you’ll be running the snow blower over a gravel area, or grass, a two-stage model works better, Kinney says.

“They have skids, or shoes, and you can adjust those to lift the snow blower

off the ground a little bit, so it’s not picking up the rocks and throwing them,” he says. “The paddles (on a single-stage model) will just grab everything.”

Once you’re finished and the snow blower is turned off, take a few minutes to brush excess snow and ice from the paddles or auger. And, a towel comes in handy for wiping off road salt that’s been picked up near the bottom of the driveway.

If you’ll store the snow blower in a garage, where more snow and ice will melt off, set the front edge on a scrap of 2x4 or an old rug. That will keep runoff from turning to stains on the garage floor.

Finally, keep track of how much time passes between snowstorms. Gasoline only stays good for about 30 days, so if necessary, run the snow blower out of gas so it’s stored empty and will start the next time it’s needed. ❚

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

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The Christmas Story

The following is a portion of the Christmas Story as told in Luke chapter 2.

I

n those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told ... ❚ 12

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Think Outside the Box for Cookie Exchanges H

osting a cookie exchange is a great way to expose your friends to a wider variety of cookie recipes this holiday season. But before sending out invitations and asking your friends to make their favorite cookie recipe, consider thinking outside the chocolate box for your party this year.

Directions: Melt chocolate in a microwave oven in 4 quart casserole at 70 percent power for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring periodically, until melted. Stir in peanut butter. Add corn cereal and marshmallows; stir. Pour into buttered 8-by-8 inch square pan or dish. When firm, cut into squares.

Here are a few excellent and unique recipes.

Hawaiian Host Milk Chocolate AlohaMac Butter Cookies

Hawaiian Host Whole Macadamia White Chocolate Crunch

Ingredients: 1 box, 7 ounces, 18 pieces Hawaiian Host Whole Macadamia White Chocolates 1 cup Rice Krispies 1 cup mini marshmallows 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Ingredients: 14 pieces Hawaiian Host Milk Chocolate AlohaMacs, chop into pieces 1/2 cup butter, unsalted 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar, granulated 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix butter and sugars in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat, then add vanilla

extract. Mix flour, salt and soda, and add gradually to butter mixture. Fold in chocolate pieces. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 8 - 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until light brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then place on a wire rack to cool completely. ❚ (Source: BPT)

Get SLW “Your Kitchen” articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Show Off Your Style with Seasonal Decorating A s the holidays roll around, it’s natural to want to spread good tidings and cheer with festive decorations like wreaths, candy canes and Santa Claus figurines. But this year, instead of digging out the same old holiday decorations, why not create some new looks that will last the entire winter season, even after you put away the gift wrap and ornaments?

Stimulate the Senses Nothing says winter like the fresh smell of pine and the soft, warm glow of candle light. Repurpose simple glass bottles into an outdoorsy candlescape with Krylon Natural Stone Textured Finish spray paint. Available in eight colors, like Olivine, it goes on easy and gives you the natural beauty of stone and an elegant, professional-looking appearance. Once dry, wrap artificial garland with pinecones around the bottle’s neck or let the garland cascade down the bottle. Place

pine tree-scented white taper candles in the bottle openings, light and enjoy for a fresh look and smell that will stimulate your senses well into 2014.

Color Works Wonders Another easy way to excite the senses during a drab, gray winter is with pops of color. For a decorative display that lasts all season, avoid the red and green color combination associated with Christmas and branch out with more contemporary choices like teals, blues, and pinks.

Metallics like silver and gold are also a great way to glitz up the season without looking like the North Pole in overdrive. Try Krylon’s ColorMaster Metallic in Gold to spice up old ornaments, vases, frames, centerpieces and more in no time at all. Group spraypainted ornaments or pine cones in a hurricane vase or glass bowl and display on the mantel for added ambiance to any living room.

Deck the Halls Looking for a way to display the abundance of holiday cards from friends and family? Repurpose an old window shutter to create a unique display. Start by spray painting it with a festive shade, which adds a touch of holiday spirit.

Once dry, hang the shutter in the kitchen or entryway. ❚ (Source: BPT) Get SLW Style articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Dec. 18

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Greatest Story Continued from cover

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,” God tells his people in Isaiah 66:13. God despises sin because it puts distance between Him and His people. “For just as, through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [the Messiah] the many will be made righteous,” says Romans 5:19.

The coming of that Messiah is predicted in detail, throughout the Old Testament, in books written up to 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth. Jews knew that the Messiah would enter the world as a baby born to a virgin, in Bethlehem, and would be a descendant of King David.

They knew he would be worshipped by shepherds; that a star would lead wise men from other countries to visit; and that the Messiah’s parents would hide him in Egypt to prevent his execution.

Each of these things, and more, unfolded as predicted.

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While space doesn’t permit the reprinting of the Christmas Story here, you can easily find it in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Matthew traces the ancestry of Joseph, Jesus’ legal father, back to King David. It also tells of the miracles related to Jesus’ conception and the flight of Joseph, Mary and Jesus into Egypt. The Christmas story is told in Matthew 1:18 to 2:23.

Luke offers the ancestry of Mary back to David, and even further back to Adam. It opens with the miracles surrounding the conception of John the Baptist, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin. Luke 2 records the story of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem to register for the Roman census.

The couple lived in Nazareth but reported to Bethlehem, the city of David, because they were David’s descendants.

The first people to visit baby Jesus were humble ones – shepherds working in fields near Bethlehem. An angel and other heavenly beings proclaimed the joyous news of the Messiah’s arrival to them. “Glory to God in the highest, and,

on Earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests,” they cried, before telling the shepherds where to find the new baby (Luke 2:14).

This was neither the first nor last time shepherds would figure into the Messiah’s story. Jesus’ ancestor, King David, was a humble, faith-filled shepherd when, against all odds, he killed Goliath. God made David the second king of Israel and paid him perhaps the best compliment ever given to an ordinary mortal: “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart …” (I Samuel 16:1 and Acts 13:22). Throughout his ministry, others call Jesus the Son of David; Jesus refers to himself, in allegory, as a shepherd tending his sheep.

Like David, Mary loved God deeply. Scholars believe she was probably around age 12 when an angel told her she’d soon carry the Messiah in her womb.

“How can this be?” Mary asks, reminding the angel that she’s a virgin.

Mary knows fiancé Joseph will not be happy she’s pregnant and that she’ll be a target for ridicule in her community.

The angel asks Mary to lay aside her fears and focus instead on the honor God has given to her; Mary summons her inner strength and does just that. “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). Her eyes are focused on things above.

When he learns of her pregnancy, Joseph contemplates ending the engagement quietly, as a good Jewish man would. But again an angel intercedes and tells Joseph that the baby was conceived by holy spirit and is meant for a great work: to save people from their sins.

Like Mary, Joseph adjusts his thinking and does God’s will; he marries Mary and rears Jesus as his own.

Throughout the entire Old Testament, God asks people to do unconventional things that are beyond their comfort zones. It’s all part of his plan to keep generations of the Christ line moving forward.

During his time on Earth, Jesus demonstrates God’s compassion for people over and over again. By obeying God’s will perfectly, he fulfills the salvation plan and also extends God’s love beyond

Israel, making it possible for anyone on the planet to be part of God’s family.

Whereas God once provided kings, prophets, judges and laws to guide His people, Jesus brings to Earth a greater law: the law of love. He teaches people to use the gift of holy spirit to heal the sick and to help the weakest among us.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father,” Jesus says in John 14:12.

Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus disappears into a cloud. Before leaving Earth, he tells his closest followers to go to Jerusalem and await the coming of the holy spirit. On the Day of Pentacost (a Jewish holiday commemorating Moses’ receiving the law from God on Mt. Sinai), the holy spirit is poured out, just as Jesus had promised.

Peter, one of Jesus’ faithful disciples, stands up that day and and explains the impact of Jesus Christ this way: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ … Repent and be baptized, every one of you,

in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of holy spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

About 3,000 people follow Peter’s instruction that day, and the Christian church is born. Ever since, Christians have anticipated the return of Jesus Christ to Earth, not in humility, but in full glory. “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne,” (Matthew 25:31).

Meanwhile, as we celebrate Christmas, we focus not on presents, but on presence – the presence of holy spirit and restored fellowship with God, made possible by Jesus the Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ❚

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Getting Fit is About Handling Life Well

By Jim Killam

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f you run a marathon, but can’t do a chin-up, are you fit?

What if you can bench-press twice your weight but can’t jump over a mud puddle? Or, what if you walk a mile every day but can’t lift a bag of dog food?

In any of those scenarios, you would not be considered functionally fit. Functional fitness is one of those trendy terms tossed around at gyms, but it simply means the ability to handle real, everyday situations without exhausting or injuring yourself. That could mean anything from lifting a child into a carseat, to hefting a suitcase into an overhead bin on an airplane, to climbing several flights of stairs if an elevator’s out of order.

Those basic abilities are being addressed through cross training, says Nick Dal Pra, Fitness Director, Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Dr., Loves Park.

A cross-training program is designed for overall, balanced fitness.

“It’s less about weight loss and muscle,” he says. “People are starting to realize that fitness is about more than looking good. It’s how your body operates. You’re talking about more than just cardiovascular endurance. You’re talking about strength, power, speed, stamina, agility, balance, coordination. It’s an overall thing.”

But not even running a marathon classifies a person as fit?

“Not to take anything away from marathon runners. I’d say they can endure a lot of punishment and they may be really good runners,” Dal Pra says. “But if that person only has a vertical leap of three to four inches and they can’t press their body weight or can’t pull their body weight, I wouldn’t classify them as fit.”

Generally, extreme distance runners wind up with joint problems from the repeated impact, he adds.

“That’s where I’ll say you’re crossing the line on fitness. If it’s breaking your body down, we’re going against what fitness is all about. We want to protect the body.” ❚ Get SLW Health articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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BIFF Year Round Dec. 18, 6 p.m. “Date America, a comedy/ documentary that looks at the dating scene of a 34-year-old man from Milwaukee. Bushel & Peck’s, 328 State St., Beloit.

Cannova’s Holiday Dinner Show Dec. 18. 5-course meal with songs & skits between courses. Hour-long show follows. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032.

Charlie Brown Meets the Grinch Dec. 19, 7 p.m., The Janesville Performing Arts Center Radio Players present an eventing of Christmas radio drama. JPAC, Janesville, Wis., (608) 758-0297.

Cool Yule: Christmas Jazz at The Rock Dec. 20, 8 p.m. The New Standard Quartet performs at The Rock Bar & Grill, 101 Maple Ave., Beloit.

A Cash & Carter Christmas Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. In this tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter, Neil and Jamie Morrow tell the couples’ story through songs, backed by a live band. Janesville, janesvillepac.org.

Dave Rudolf Holiday Songs Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Fun, interactive Christmas show featuring funny songs and stories. All ages.

Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-6731, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Kishwaukee Christmas Bird Count Dec. 21, southern Winnebago and northern Ogle counties; To participate, call Barbara Williams, (779) 537-3352.

Harlem Globetrotters Dec. 28, 7 p.m. For 87 years, this team has entertained with hilarious hijinks and amazing basketball skills. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

RSO: Holiday Pops!

Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. Featuring pianist Richard Ridenour in his original arrangements of Carol of the Bells, Billy Joel’s Egg Nog Rag, Christmastime is Here, Nutcracker Rock and more. coronadopac.org.

AE: The Gifts of the Magi Thru Dec. 22. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford U., 5050 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 3945004, artistsensemble.org.

A Cash & Carter Christmas, Dec. 20.

25th Annual Festival of Lights Viewing Thru Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m. Rockford’s annual holiday light display in Sinnissippi Park, available for drive-thru viewing. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordfireandice.com.

S. Wis. Mid-Winter Antique Show & Sale Jan. 4 & 5, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fine furniture, jewelry, glassware, primitives, pottery, books, postcards, more. Pontiac Convention Center, 2809 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville, (608) 531-0284, pontiaccc.com.

Bald Eagle Bus Tour Jan. 11, Feb. 8 & 27, 8 a.m. A 4-hour bus tour of five bald eagle wintering communities. $70/$50. Reservations req. (815) 594-2306, eaglenature.com. Departs from Stoney Creek Inn, 940 Galena Square Dr., Galena.

STOMP Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. Explosive and provocative percussion that appeals to all ages. Coronado Performing Arts Center, coronadopac.org.

28th Annual Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 15-18, daily to 11 p.m. Up to 30 teams from around the state shape 5-ton blocks of snow into works of art; winners compete in the U.S. National contest. Sinnissippi Park, Rockford, (815) 987-1636.

Winterfest & U.S. National Snow Sculpting Jan. 29-Feb. 2, daily. In its 19th year, this competition brings together the nation’s best snow artists. Music, magic, more. Riviera Park, Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 248-4416, usnationals.org. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

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2nd Cousins Bar & Grill, 6246 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 637-2660: Fridays 9 p.m., Country Nights; Saturdays 9 p.m., DJ Jes One. Big Al’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rkfd., (815) 398-6411: 12/20: The Sensations, 9 p.m.; 12/21 Missing Links; 12/27 Too White Crew, 9 p.m.; 12/28 The Classix; New Years Bash at Alchemy, with Chicago video DJ Lee Michaels with giant video screens and live dancers, plus The Stevee Nix. Butterfly Club, 5246 E. County Road X, Beloit, (608) 362-8577: Monthly 1st-2nd Fri.-Sat. Mike Williamson; 4th Fri.-Sat. Phil Ramsey; all 7 p.m.

Cannova’s, 1101 W. Empire, Freeport, (815) 233-0032: Live Pianist Fri.-Sat. 6-9 pm.

District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 977-4524. 12/20 Wedding Banned, 10 p.m.; 12/21 The Sensations, 10 p.m.; Dec. 27 Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, 10 p.m.; 12/28 Dueling Pianos, 8 p.m.; 1/4 Audio Drive; 1/18 Cylinder; 1/25 Dueling Pianos, 8 p.m.

Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek, Rkfd., (815) 229-0800. 12/21 Dueling Pianos; New Year’s Eve Bash, Mr. Big Stuff and DJ Special Kay, $60 general admission.

Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. 2nd, Loves Park,

(815) 977-8585. 12/19 Nutcracker comedy with Keith Kelly and Friends; 12/20 Firelight Dinner Christmas Show; 12/21 Sons of Many Bitches; 12/28 The Blue Olives.

JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rkfd., (815) 965-8903: 12/20 Bittersweet Christmas Band; 7 p.m.; 12/27 Heather Styka.

Jax Pub, 4160 N. Perryville, Loves Park, (815) 877-0600: Wed., Fri., Sat., music.

Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rkfd., (815) 986-0628.

Monthly 1st & 3rd Tues. Open Mic Night 6:30.

Kryptonite, 308 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 9650931. 12/21 Clark Kelly.

Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison, Rkfd., (815) 962-7944. Wed. Karaoke; 12/21 Miles Nielsen.

Murphy’s Pub & Grill, 501 S. Perryville, Rkfd., (815) 986-0950. Weekly Wed. DJ Sandy Monster; Thurs. DJ Aaron Hodge; Fri. DJ JES-ONE; all 9 p.m.

On State Bar & Restaurant, 4002 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 708-6306. 12/18 Frank Calvagna 7-10 p.m.; 12/20 Tim Quartet, 7-10 p.m.; 12/21 Soundscape, 7-11 p.m.; 12/27 Between Planes.

Onyx Bar & Grill, 1001 W. Lane Road, Machesney Park, (815) 904-6842. 12/21 2-Year anniversary party w/ The Personnel; 1/10 Southern Charm.

Oscar’s Pub & Grill, 5980 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 399-6100: Wed., Fri., Sat. music.

Poison Ivy, 5765 Elevator Road, Roscoe, (815) 623-1480: Live DJ Fri.-Sat. 9 p.m.

Rascal’s Bar & Grill, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park, (815) 636-9207. 12/19 3GM; 12/21 Mr. Big Stuff; 12/28 X51; all 9 p.m.

Restoration Café, 625 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 977-4361: 1/3: Tania Nicholson, 6 p.m. Free live music every first Friday.

Shooters (inside Don Carter Lanes), 4007 E. State, (815) 399-0314. Live Band Sat., 9 p.m.

Shooters East (inside Cherry Bowl), 7171 Cherryvale Blvd., (815) 332-5229.

12/20 Missing Links; 12/21 Bitter Sweet; 12/28 Epic Electric; 12/31 Vintage Vinyl; 1/10 Shifty Shafer; 1/11: Prime Time.

Shooters North 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, (815) 654-3900.

Live Band Sat. Splitters, 5318 N. 2nd, Loves Park, (815) 877-6051.

12/20 South Bound; 12/21 Raised on Radio (a Journey tribute); 12/27 & 28: Audio Drive; 12/31 Four Wheel Drive. ❚

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Keep Kids Safe This Holiday J

T  I

ennifer Chung, co-founder of Kinsights, shares important safety tips to help keep your family safe and happy this holiday season: • Avoid decorating with poisonous plants/flowers, such as mistletoe, Jerusalem cherry plants, and holly leaves.

• Don’t leave alcohol unattended during holiday parties.

• Holiday outings are perfect places for children to get lost or separated from their family. Talk to your children about staying with an adult and not wandering off. Remind them not to go anywhere with a stranger and set a meeting spot should you become separated. If the outing is overcrowded and your children are small, keep them in a stroller.

• Make sure your Christmas tree and other large decorations are secured – people are injured every year by falling Christmas trees.

• Be sure to clean up after yourself when putting up decorations. Safely stow ladders, saws, staple guns, hammers and other dangerous items.

• Be sure your children know they can talk to you if they are uncomfortable. Relatives and friends they don’t know may get “too close” to them. Make sure they understand proper adult/child interaction.

• Malls, parking lots, churches, and other gathering places become extra busy and dangerous during the holidays. Be sure to hold your child’s hand in parking lots and watch out for distracted drivers who are not looking for pedestrians.

• Double check the age recommendations on toys, especially if you have a toddler who could choke on small pieces.

• Keep a path clear throughout the house for walking/running/playing. Consider keeping one room “decoration free” where your child can still be a child. Make sure they won’t be tripping over extension cords and holiday lights!

• Avoid putting decorations near a fireplace, especially if they look like “toys.” ❚ Get SLW Tips & Information articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Y M

Keyless Locks Offer Convenience, Cost Savings

By Jim Killam

H

ouse keys soon could go the way of the rotary telephone or the film camera.

Guy Spinello is a big believer in keyless door locks for homes. His store, I. Spinello Locksmiths, 225-B South 6th St., Rockford, sells several brands at various price ranges. Spinello says these newer locks may also save homeowners money in the long run.

“I’m very fond of Schlage,” he says.

“I’ve had four of them on my home for five years and they’ve been troublefree.”

Keyless locks let the owner set a four- or five-digit, push-button code.

They also usually have a key option, in case the batteries go dead. But today’s batteries can last for several years, he says.

If you work it more than three times it will lock the lock out for a period of time – anywhere from one to five min-

utes, so that you have to start all over again. So it eliminates somebody trying to bypass the combination to get in.

Rather than sharing and potentially losing keys, homeowners can simply share the digital combination.

“You can give somebody the number – a family member who maybe has been traveling or something – and they can get in even if you’re not home,” Spinello says. “Or if you have someone taking care of an animal while you’re on vacation, you give them the combination, and then when you come back you can change the combination, and you don’t have to call somebody out to do it. So although the lock is a little higher priced in the beginning, it saves on service.”

Lock manufacturers even have begun to introduce keyless models that users can control over the Internet via a

smartphone or tablet. Users can create multiple codes for multiple users, and allow access to the lock only at certain times. That’s similar in concept to the key-fob systems used by many businesses. ❚ Get SLW Money articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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New York City

San Francisco

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