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iving n g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Jan. 14, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Enjoying Our Midwest Winter By Karla Nagy, associate editor

inter has arrived, in full force. Time to break out the overshoes, bulky coats, hats and gloves, and christen that new snow shovel. Once you’ve dug yourself out, however, don’t go back inside and hibernate. Instead of becoming snowbound, get out and enjoy the boundless opportunities for fun the snow provides.

Rockford and the surrounding region offer many winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding; sledding, ice skating and ice ﬁshing; hiking by moonlight, snow sculpting and more. And best of all, most facilities cater to all skill levels, from novice to expert. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Don’t Ignore Your Credit Score • Winter Travel Survival Kit • Know Your Fruits & Veggies Create a Bathroom Oasis • 19 Tips to Sidestep Cancer • Restaurant of the Week: Café Fromage

ight here in Winnebago County, we have access to more than 10,000 acres of green spaces, 42 forest preserves, four rivers and 100 miles of hiking trails. Residents can take advantage of these 53 as well Smart Living Weekly Issueon 1 their own, facilities and resources

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Enjoying Our Midwest Winter Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Money Saving Stoves & Fireplaces Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who Do You Really Trust? Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Terms to Know When Buying Produce Your Auto ..........................................................17 Winter Travel Safety Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 19 Tips to Sidestep Cancer Your Health ............................................. .......... 26 ‘You Mean I Have a Hernia?’ Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Café Fromage Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Keep Your Family Safe from Home Fires Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Achieving & Maintaining Good Credit

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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 Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Jim Killam, Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive 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 2014 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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Carpe Diem! O

K, I admit to being a bit of a fraud. We put out a “Cabin Fever” issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine each year, touting the benefits of getting outdoors and enjoying the winter landscape, which also is the subject of this Smart Living cover story. But I’m personally a cabin-loving kind of gal. I don’t mind staying cozy all winter long, gazing at the pretty snow from under a warm blanket. I never get bored in any season; there’s always something to read/clean/cook/play/ write/sort/watch/do. However, I’m also a nature lover, so when I read things like “Under the full moon, the wetlands and trails just sparkle, and there’ll be bonfires, hot chocolate and cookies,” as I did in Karla Nagy’s cover story this edition, even I get an itch to go wintertime exploring. The comfort lover inside me clashes with the nature lover/adventurer. I spent one winter of my life living in Gunnison, Colo., often the coldest spot in the nation, when I was 20-something. We had such fun skating, sledding, riding horses and hiking on winter trails that right now I can’t remember why I stopped playing outdoors in wintertime once I moved back home. For one thing, I don’t think we had many structured opportunities, much less rental equipment, in our local parks and forest preserves here, back then. Boy, has that ever changed for the better. A lot of folks are working hard, these days, to make it easy for us to enjoy the great outdoors in cold weather, whether at Nygren Wetlands, Hononegah Forest Preserve, Aldeen Park, Rock Cut or one of the other magical places in our beautiful region. And remember, most of them are owned by the public – you and me – and exist for our enjoyment. You don’t have to be a kid or a 20-something to take advantage of these local opportunities. Our winter wonderland is waiting for the young-at-heart of any age to get outside and seize the day. Carpe Diem! Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y H  G

New Stoves, Fireplaces Burn Cleaner, Better By Jim Killam

t’s no secret that an older fireplace isn’t the most efficient home heating method. Worse, it can serve as an unwanted air conditioner during winter. “An open fireplace can actually have a negative efficiency, because of the amount of air it sucks out of the home,” says Brad Vander Heyden, owner of Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., Rockford. “Some fireplaces consume 300 to 400 cubic feet of air per minute out of the house. That’s one thing when it’s 40 or 50 degrees outside … but it’s another thing when it’s zero or 10 below zero. You just suck so much air out that your furnace is working overtime.” Some of the old, noncertified wood stoves do better – up to a 50- or 60-percent efficiency range, Vander Heyden says. But new technology in wood-burning appliances brings a huge improvement. Newer, cleanerburning stoves are up to 80 percent efficient.

“If you have an old, inefficient, non-certified stove, you’ll easily save a third of your wood (by replacing it with a new one),” he says. “I’ve had some people come in and say they’re getting the same heat and burning half the wood.” That’s largely because some new stoves or fireplace inserts cause secondary combustion – basically, they burn up the smoke before it ever enters the chimney. That not only equates to better heat transfer, it also reduces dangerous creosote buildup. Fireplace inserts, either wood- or gasfueled, can transform an older, warmthstealing fireplace into an efficient heating option, Vander Heyden says. One big difference today is ceramic glass doors instead of tempered glass. The doors prevent warm air

from being sucked out of the room, but in the past, tempered glass also blocked ﬁreplace heat from entering the room. Today, homeowners get the ambience of a ﬁreplace … and it even heats the room. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. com and start your E-Edition today.

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I  W

Who Do You Really Trust?

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. – Psalm 118:8

urely these words ring true to any believer who has lived in the world for any time at all. Who is trustworthy in this life? Even the people we love the most and who love us best are frail and imperfect. We are not wholly honest with ourselves, much less with others. And none of us is truly wise, despite our best intentions. What of the institutions and organizations of this world? Has any of us failed to be disappointed by them? Governments, corporations, schools, hospitals, workplaces, churches, society in general. Each is comprised of flawed individuals, some trying their best, some serving only themselves, none perfect. In short, we love people but we trust only God. And yet how difficult it sometimes is to trust in One we can’t see. What does it mean to trust in the Lord? First, there is the Word of God. For all the ways people twist and turn scripture to suit their own ideas, the basic truths taught by Jesus Christ can’t be obscured. The greatest commandment is to love God fully and faithfully. The next greatest is to love others as much as we love ourselves. Those are trustworthy concepts that should keep us busy for a lifetime. Too, God’s trustworthiness and sheer brilliance is on display all around us every day; it’s in every sunrise and moonrise, every spring that brings new life, every inch of natural beauty, every miraculous interaction of the web of life which sustains us. It’s in the miracle of life itself, and in every breath we take. People didn’t create the Earth or the life upon it. God did. People who trust in people are always disappointed. People who love people and put their confidence in God find a peace that surpasses human understanding. ❚ -- Janine Pumilia 12

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Y Y K K

Getting Past the Jargon: Decoding Produce

hen it comes to produce, “local,” “seasonal,” “fresh” and “organic,” can mean a lot of different things. Jim Gallivan, Culinary Arts department chair, International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta, offers these definitions. 1. Local: This is defined as having been grown less than a day’s drive from where it’s purchased and generally, it’s preferable. It lasts longer, because it hasn’t spent days traveling to get to you, which also means less pollution and energy use. 2. Seasonal: Nowadays, you can get almost any kind of produce at just about any time of the year. Asparagus in December comes from Peru, where it’s in season. Apples in July are pulled from cold storage. But if it’s not locally in season, it won’t have the great flavor of you get with local fresh-picked produce. 3. Fresh: We tend to think fresh is better, and if it’s local and in season, it usually is. But sometimes, canned or frozen produce is a better choice, especially when serving them cooked and not raw. For instance, canned tomatoes – especially in winter when tomatoes aren’t in season – are probably best. Canned and frozen produce is typically picked and processed at its peak, so it’s going to taste better than fresh produce that’s been shipped or in cold storage.

Cream of Spinach Soup Ingredients 2 ounces butter, unsalted 2 ounces olive oil 1 leek, cleaned, trimmed, thinly sliced 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock 3 medium potatoes, peeled, quartered 2 cups fresh spinach, or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed and drained 2 cups half and half 1 tsp. sour cream per serving Salt and ground white pepper, to taste Freshly grated nutmeg

This creamy, colorful soup, made with fresh or frozen spinach, may be served hot or chilled.

Directions In saucepan over medium heat, sauté leek in butter and oil until soft. Stir in stock. Add potatoes, bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are soft. If using fresh spinach: clean and trim tough ends while bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath. Submerge all spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds, just until wilted and green. Remove with slotted spoon and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking, stirring to cool more quickly. Squeeze to remove the water. Add spinach and stock to a blender and purée until smooth. In a clean medium pot, over low heat, whisk in half-and-half. Salt and pepper to taste, garnish with sour cream and nutmeg. Serve hot or chilled. Servings: 16 From the Kitchen of: Jim Gallivan, International Culinary School, Art Institute of Atlanta

Fine Oils, Vinegars, & Now Spices!

4. Organic: This is defined as having been raised using sustainable agricultural practices and with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. “Natural” isn’t the same as “organic,” nor is “additive free” or “no preservatives.” Also, there are different levels of USDA Organic Certification, so you need to read the fine print. The bottom line for buying produce: Know what’s in season, what’s grown locally, where it can be purchased, and how to determine if it’s really organic. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit artinstitutes.edu. ❚

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Y A

Travel Tips for Winter Storm Safety T

he time to prepare for a winter storm is before it hits. Use this checklist to make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency while traveling in winter. Winterize your vehicle or have your vehicle serviced by a reputable dealer, garage or mechanic. Maintain proper inflation in your tires for optimum traction. Check your wipers, lights and fluid levels regularly. Make sure the brakes and transmission are working properly. Lubricate door and trunk locks to prevent them from freezing. (Never use hot water to deice doors or windows.) Know your route, and be aware of current road and weather conditions. When driving in snowy conditions, slow down – experts recommend by 50 percent. Just as important: Don’t go too slowly. You need momentum to keep your car moving on steep grades. Don’t jam on your brakes on a slippery road; this will lock the brakes. If you start to skid, turn the wheel gently in the direc-

tion you want the front of your car to go, and don’t use the brakes. Prepare a winter storm survival kit: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cell phone and charger Windshield scraper and brush Booster cables Water and water container Shovel Sack of sand (or cat litter) Compass and road maps Tool kit Proper winterwear: hat, scarf, gloves that repel moisture (not cloth or wool) Snow boots Extra clothing to keep dry Tow rope with loops (avoid chains and hooks if at all possible) Blankets/sleeping bags Flashlight with extra batteries First-aid kit Knife High calorie, non-perishable food Tissues, paper towels and large empty can with lid, for sanitary purposes

• Smaller can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water Most importantly, if you get stuck, stay with your vehicle. Make certain the exhaust pipe is clear of obstruction, to avoid carbon monoxide build-up inside the car. ❚ Source: Illinois Emergency Management Agency courtesy of RockfordHealthSystem.org

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R  O R

Outdoor Winter Fun Continued from Cover

Rockford Park District and county forest preserve districts in the area always have several spaces dedicated to outdoor winter fun, from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to sledding and skating, even ice fishing. Recently, two facilities have opened in Rockford that provide residents with even more opportunities for snowy pursuits. At Alpine Hills Adventure Park, 4402 Larson Ave., a golf driving range has been transformed into a snowboarding, skiing and tubing park, with dedicated lanes and terrain features that include rails, boxes and jumps. A conveyer belt-style lift takes folks to the top of hill, and the shop offers free-style board and boot rentals. The place even manufactures its own snow. “We have a stateof-the-art snowmaking machine and a groomer for grooming the runs, which we do daily,” says Donovan Gruner, a staff member and one of the terrain park’s builders. The Rockford Park District obtained the ninehole Alpine Hills Golf Course a few years ago, and uses four of its par-3

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holes for its junior golf program. While it’s supplying the land and assisting with certain infrastructure needs, the terrain park is being built and run by Gateway Parks, a private entity owned by Ryan Neptune. Private lessons are available now, and Gruner says they plan to offer group lessons once they complete the terrain runs. “We’ve only been open a couple of weeks, and we’re still in the process of getting everything up and running,” Gruner says. “Once complete, it will be a top-notch terrain park, for beginners to the very highly skilled.” A lift ticket is $15, and once the park finalized, rental cost will be $20 for the board and $10 for the boots. “Right now, if someone comes out who wants to try for the first time, we’ll give them a board and boots for free,” Gruner explains. “The whole idea of the park is to get kids out here to try snowboarding, and give them a place to go in the winter that’s close by.” At Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., a 4,5000-squarefoot building that used to be a printing business now houses everything needed for pursuing outdoor fun, both summer and winter. “We concentrate on the ‘silent sports,’” says Rick Barton, retail

R  O R manager and “the winter guy,” as he puts it. “Silent means ‘no key in the engine’ sports, those using no motors or lifts.” This time of year, those are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. (In warm weather, it’s paddlesports.) Open since Nov. 1, Rocktown offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing equipment, a complete line of outdoor apparel from leading brands, and a full complement of ski preparation services. Given its specialties, the store is very community-oriented and focused on introducing these sports to the public. Currently, for a fee, kayak enthusiasts can take advantage of pool sessions at the Boylan Aquatic Center, as well as lessons taught by Rocktown staff. “We offer group classes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but most have been cancelled because of the weather,” Barton says. “Now that the snow is here, we’ll be able to do more.” Private lessons are also available. Cross-country skiing has two styles, classic and skating. “Classic is what most think of as cross-country skiing – you just slide along,” Barton explains. “Skating involves specialized equipment, and the skier shifts from one ski to other, in a skating motion.” Rocktown Adventures is teaming with the Natural Land Institute for a full moon cross-country ski/snowshoe hike at Nygren Wetlands, on Feb. 3. “Under the full moon, the wetlands and trails just sparkle, and there’ll be bonfires, hot chocolate and cookies,” says Barton. “Rocktown will be on hand for snowshoe rental. Half of the proceeds benefit Natural Land Institute.” Then, on Feb. 14, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District and Rocktown Adventures are hosting a Valentine’s Day ski/snowshoe hike at Hononegah Forest Preserve, from 4-7 p.m.

Again, Rocktown will offer snowshoe rentals. For both events, people may bring their own cross-country skis or snowshoes. Also, the new Aldeen Winter Touring Center celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 10, and is offering cross-country ski and snowshoe rental, lessons and groomed trails. “People need to get off the couch and get outside, and enjoy our park system and forest preserves,” Barton says. “Also, you get a full-body toning and cardiovascular workout, by playing in the snow.” More groomed trails can be found at Sinnissippi Golf Course and Rock Cut State Park, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are allowed at Lockwood Park and several Winnebago County forest preserves, but these are multi-use trails and are not groomed. For more winter fun, folks can sled at Twin Sisters, Sand and Aldeen parks, and ice skate at the Eclipse Lagoon at Nicholas Conservatory, weather permitting. Call the park district rainout line, (815) 889-2001, for ice conditions. For more information about enjoying our Midwest winters, visit gatewayparks.com, rocktownadventures.com, rockfordparkdistrict.org, or winnebagoforest.org. ❚

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19 Tips to Help You Sidestep Cancer T

hink there’s nothing you can do to stop cancer? Think again. Often, it can be stopped, especially if found at an early stage. Best of all, there are things you can do to reduce your risks of cancer; here are 19 tips, from the experts at Beloit Health System. Tobacco and Respiratory Cancer 1. Don’t use tobacco. This is your most controllable risk factor. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t, don’t start. 2. Smoking one cigar can be equal to smoking 20 cigarettes. 3. Chewing tobacco causes mouth, gum and throat cancers. 4. Include regular clinical monitoring with a nicotine patch when kicking the habit, to improve your odds of success. Sun and Skin Cancer 5. Use sunscreen and lip balm rated SPF 30 or higher. 6. Avoid sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7. Wear wide-brim hats and dark sunglasses outdoors. 8. Protect youngsters from sunburn. Kids who burn frequently have a greater risk of melanoma than adults. Nutrition and Cancer Prevention 9. Excessive intake of salt-cured and pickled foods may promote cancer in the digestive tract. 10. Get five daily servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies. 11. Take care when barbecuing. Cooking meat at high heat creates compounds linked with some gastrointestinal cancers. 12. Green tea may reduce the risk of some cancers.

13. More than one alcoholic drink a day for women and two for men increases risk for breast, liver and certain other cancers. 14. Read nutritional labels and switch to whole-grain products high in fiber, which in one major study cut colon cancer rates. Environmental Risks and Screenings 15. Test your home for radon, a gas that causes lung cancer. 16. Wear gloves and a mask when using home-repair materials containing asbestos. 17. Women ages 20–39, get breast exams every three years; ages 40 and older, get annual mammograms and breast exams. Don’t ignore changes. Everyone: Examine your skin monthly from head to toe using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. 18. Talk to your doctor about screenings you need and get them. 19. Share your family’s cancer history with your physician. To learn more about cancer prevention and treatments, contact Beloit Health System’s Cancer Center, (608) 364-5253 or visit beloithealthsystem.org. ❚ Source: Beloit Health System

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‘You Mean I Have a Hernia?’ By Craig Schmidt

t’s not always easy to diagnose a hernia. You can suffer from a hernia almost suddenly. Or you might not even know it. A doctor usually can tell by your symptoms. A hernia forms when the abdominal wall muscle weakens or tears. Pressure pushes abdominal organs and surrounding tissue through the wall. This creates the soft swelling or bulge that characterizes most hernias. The bulge is seen when you stand, walk, cough or lift heavy objects, and disappears when you lie down. At this stage, the bulge can be pushed back into the abdomen. If the hernia becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall, it may feel hard and painful. That can turn into a problem requiring immediate attention. Hernias can be present as a congenital defect or develop later from a muscle strain, such as improper weightlifting. Hernias occur in different areas, including

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the groin between the abdomen and thigh (inguinal hernia), navel (umbilical hernia), top of the thigh (femoral hernia) and where the esophagus and stomach join (hiatal hernia). Men are more susceptible than women to hernias. Small, painless hernias may never need to be repaired. Surgical intervention is used in more severe cases. If not repaired, a hernia may prevent you from enjoying normal activities. Hernia repair is among the 10 most frequently performed procedures at Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Featherstone Road. Surgery returns the protruding organ to its original position and prevents the hernia from becoming pinched so that the blood supply is cut off. Typically, repair of inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernias involves an incision over the hernia site. The hernia is moved back into the abdominal cavity, and the muscles around the hernia are sewn

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together. If the hernia is large or in the groin, a piece of mesh is inserted beneath the hernia defect. If you have a hernia, contact your doctor right away if the hernia becomes very painful, if it can’t be pushed back into your abdomen, and if you feel sick to your stomach, vomit or run a fever. ❚ Source: Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

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Y F

Annual Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 14-18, daily to 11 p.m. Nearly 30 teams from around the state shape 5-ton blocks of snow into works of art, for a chance to compete in the 2016 U.S. National contest. Sinnissippi Park, Rockford, ilsnowsculpting.com. “Ageless Symbols in Choral Music” Jan. 16, 7:30-9 p.m. An a cappella concert by community chamber choir Camerata Emanon, featuring Gjeilo’s Unicornis Captivator narrated by Bill Scarpaci. Directed by Rulee Stallmann. Free will offering. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-5514, emmanuelrockford.org.

See more than 50 skeletons of gigantic marine reptiles that filled the seas over 70 millions years ago, when Rockford’s Burpee Museum hosts the exhibit “Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep,” Jan. 17-Sept. 7.

Snowshoeing 201: Over Hill and Dale Jan. 17, 10 a.m. Increase your knowledge of this fast-growing winter sport. Though not a prerequisite, this class builds off the techniques learned in 101. Rentals available. Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 636-9066, rocktownadventures.com. Gospel Night With Harlan Jefferson Jan. 17, 7 p.m. Pizza, canned soda, bottled water, popcorn available. Free-will donations. Spring Creek UCC, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org. Traveling Exhibit: Savage Ancient Seas Jan. 17-Sept. 7, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 50 skeletons of 70-million-year-old massive marine monsters. Touch kiosks, interactive displays, activities. Not incl. with museum admission. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets Jan. 18, 2 p.m. With high-powered, energetic vocal performances and clever comedy schtick, this quartet delivers a hyper-velocity musical cabaret of ‘50s and ‘60s music. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis., (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. Rick Nielsen: Teaching “Cheap Tricks” Jan. 18, 3 p.m. Watch as Cheap Trick band member teaches tricks of the music business to Music Academy and RAMI students. Opening performance by Miles Nielsen. Proceeds benefit Music Academy Foundation. $25 adults; $12 students under 12. The Music Academy Auditorium, 226 S. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 986-0037, musicacademyinrockford.com.

Royal Winter Ball Jan. 18, 4-7 p.m. Full gourmet dinner, dancing, special activities for children, on-site professional photography. All invited, young and old, boys and girls. Formal attire recommended for all, reservations req. Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farm, 6786 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton, (815) 621-6907, OnceUponaDreamPerformances.com. MLK Day Skate Jan. 19, 11 am-3 pm a special four-hour public skating session on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. $5.50/$5, $4.50/$4 resident ages 3-17, free ages two and under, skate rental $2. Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park, (815) 969-4069, rockfordparkdistrict/iceskate. Birds & Climate Change Jan. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Discussion hosted by Jen Kuroda, president of the Sinnissippi Audubon Society chapter. Free. Khlem Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, 608) 354-2540, audubon. org/chapters/sinnissippi-audubon-society. Guys & Dolls Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m. Classic Damon Runyon Broadway fable about the “oldest established, permanent floating crap game in New York,” with hits “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Broadway at the Coronado. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. A Talent for Murder Jan. 29-Feb. 7, see website for days/times. An internationally successful mystery novelist’s relatives wouldn’t mind killing her for her extensive art collection. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org. ❚

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Jan. 14

WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Café Fromage/The Cheese People B y To n i R o c h a

“O

pening a restaurant was not at all in our plans,” says Darren Larsen. He and wife Judith own Café Fromage, a coffee shop and restaurant, and The Cheese People of Beloit, a cut-toorder cheese shop, both located at 431 E. Grand Ave., in an historic building in downtown Beloit. The Larsens began selling Wisconsin artisan and farmstead cheeses at local farmers’ markets in 2009. They purchased the twostory, 101-year-old building in Fall 2011, and opened the cheese shop in May 2012. Café Fromage came about differently. “We initially had a tenant operating the coffee shop side when we opened,” Larsen says. “We bought out his company in August 2013, did extensive remodeling, and opened Café Fromage in early November. “What we offer our diners is a fresh, new menu, featuring all made-to-order entrees,” he says. “We use only the best quality ingredients. So far, the response has been positive.” "Fromage" is French for cheese, so naturally, many menu items feature cheese. Quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads are all made-to-order, in-house, like the house-roasted turkey sandwich, topped with apple-cranberry preserves, a special three-cheese blend and apple slices; and the Mindoro apple salad, with sliced green

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

apple, Mindoro blue cheese and toasted walnuts, on greens dressed with raspberry vinaigrette. Morning items include brioche breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit and yogurt, Umpqua oats and more. Fresh-baked goods include scones, French baguettes and cookies, and gooey cinnamon Darren Larsen, owner with wife Judith rolls served every Saturday of The Cheese People of Beloit and Café Fromage, in downtown Beloit. morning. A variety of hard ciders, wines and beers, many from regional vintners and brewers, are available for dine-in or carry-out. At any given time, the Cheese People has at least 40 regional artisan cheeses on hand: Sweet Cream Havarti, applewood-smoked baby Swiss, Texochile cheddar and a variety of goats’ milk cheeses. Folks can shop in person or online at thecheesepeoplebeloit.com. Winter hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Breakfast until 11 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. ❚

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  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. $$.

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Leombruni’s Italian Restaurant  Casual/Authentic Italian. Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$. 11pm, Sun 10pm. $. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

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

Butterfly Club E Upscale-Casual/Fine Dining. 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, Wis., (608) 362-8577. LD T-Th 5-9:30pm, F 4:3010pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatSun 8am-5pm. $.

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

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD Sun-Th11am10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  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. $$. Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. 7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight

Ciao Bella

his authentic Italian restaurant, 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, has been family-run since it opened in 2008. “We serve home-cooked Italian food with deep red sauces, hearty soups and homemade pastas, and it all starts in the kitchen,” says owner Talia Castrogiovanni. Heading up the kitchen is brother Nikko, who joined the business about two years ago. The bar features drink and appetizer specials Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. Menu specialties include pizza, pasta, salads and seafood. For lunch, Ciao Bella offers an express lunch of sandwich and endless soup, for $7. “Business people can get their meal within 10 minutes and still make it back to work within the hour,” says Castrogiovanni. Dinner prices are $12 to $25. Ciao Bella is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sat. 5-9 p.m. ❚

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Jan. 14

EVERY MOMENT MATTERS

G R OW I N G TO S E RV E YO U OSF Center for Cancer Care expansion - Summer 2015 completion date.

Throughout a patientâ€™s cancer journey, every moment matters. Whether it be the moments spent living life and enjoying family and friends or the ones spent in treatment, those moments all make an impact on quality of life. That is why the team at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care puts the patient experience at the forefront of planning for the new cancer center expansion.

Center for Cancer Care Follow us on

E X PA N S I O N PROJ E C T

www.osfsaintanthony.org

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Jan. 14

Certified

Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence

T  I

Protect Against Home Fires I

n 2013, the National Fire Protection Association reported 387,000 home fires in the U.S., and most of them occurred in the winter months. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Unfortunately, while 96 percent of homes have smoke alarm, not all of them work. Almost three out of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, mainly due to dead, missing or disconnected batteries. In a recent survey conducted by ORC International on behalf of Kidde Fire Safety found that nearly 50 percent of Americans spend 15 minutes or less shopping for new smoke alarms. Kidde’s Worry-Free alarms are the first UL-listed comprehensive line of smoke, CO and combination alarms containing a sealed, lithium battery that lasts 10 years – eliminating low battery chirps and providing nonstop protection. To protect your family during peak fire season, take a few minutes to review and follow these five simple home fire safety steps: 1. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Consider installing smoke alarms with a 10-year sealed-in, tamper-proof battery, such as Kidde’s Worry-Free alarms. 2. Place fire extinguishers within reach on every level of your home. 3. Install UL-listed CO alarms on each floor and near bedrooms. 4. Create and practice an escape plan with your family. 5. Commit to being a safety hero. Staying fire safe helps to keep your family safer, and reduces the risk of injury and death to firefighters. For more information on how you can protect your home and family from fire during the winter months, visit Kidde.com. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

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Jan. 14

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Achieving & Maintaining Good Credit By Peggy Werner

here’s no reason to be in the dark about where you stand in terms of credit, and even less reason to be afraid of the dark. Being aware of your current financial situation and the resources available to help you to maintain – or regain – good credit is the best route to financial health. “The good news is all three credit bureaus are looking at people’s history a little differently these days and adjusting the scores accordingly,” says Lorna Cote, director of marketing at MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford. “It’s not just about your debt and earnings anymore. They look at your bill paying history and how you’re currently managing your finances.” Paying your bills on time and not overextending credit cards is the best path to a good credit score. A good rule is to use only 25 percent of your available credit. Don’t open or close accounts in a short period of time, which can shorten your credit history and reflect poorly on your use of available credit. Even if you’re dropping a credit card, don’t close the account before applying for new credit. Get a free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com, not only to check your score, but also fraudulent activity. Cote recommends regular monitoring of all your accounts, whether by telephone or online, to see if any fraudulent activity is taking place, even if it’s a credit card you haven’t used recently. Check your credit card statement as soon as it arrives and make sure that the numbers agree with your receipts.

Among the financial tools MembersAlliance provides its members is “CreditBuild,” a secured personal loan to help to build or rebuild credit. At membersalliance.org, non-members can access SavvyMoney, a free, safe and anonymous debt management site. It only takes a few minutes to answer a few questions about income and debt to receive an analysis of your financial situation. With its full array of products and services, coupled with financial education and consultation, MembersAlliance gets members on the road to good financial management. With branches on Alpine Road, at 6951 Olde Creek Road, and within Wal-Mart stores on West Riverside, Rockton Road and Walton Street, MembersAlliance is open to anyone living or working in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties. To become a member, visit any of the five locations and ask to meet with a member service representative. ❚

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Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 14

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1