Smart Living Weekly - January 8, 2014

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • January 8, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Stomp Comes to Rockford

By Paul Anthony Arco

L

ooking for a jolt to shake you out of the winter doldrums? A night of Stomp might be just the ticket.

The internationally acclaimed, percussionheavy show comes to the Coronado Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The show lasts almost two hours with no intermission.

“Our show includes dance, percussion and theater, using everyday items,” says cast mem-

ber Guido Mandozzi. “We take things like brooms, trash cans, match boxes and make a show out of it. There’s no talking. It’s just mime and rhyme. And it’s fun.”

Making music by using objects like toilet plungers, Zippo lighters, plastic bags, rubber tubes and even newspapers, the cast members are constantly in motion, sweeping floors or swinging from above the stage, for example, as they bang on everything in sight.

Continued on p. 20

Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses Auto Care Tips: Check Your Battery • New Rules: Tattoos and Blood Donation • Softer, Greener New Carpets • New Film Series at The Lindo • Tips for Choosing a Contractor • Winter Recipe: Hearty, Nutritious Slow Cooked Chicken & Potatoes

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In This Issue Right in Our Region: Stomp .................................... Cover & p. 20 Your Home Softer Carpets ............................................11 Inspiration & Worship ..............................12 Your Kitchen Hearty Food Recipes & Wine Pairings .....15 .

Auto Care Tips Check Your Winter Battery .........................17 Your Health Tattoos and Blood Donation .......................25 Your Fun ................................................... 27 .

On the Town ............................................. 29 Your Money Tap the Hidden Job Market ........................33 Tips & Information Choosing a Contractor ...............................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 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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Jan. 8

Is This a Bad Idea?

N

ow that my kids are grown, I can admit it: reverse psychology was part of my parenting playbook, occasionally. “I don’t think you should wear that heavy pink parka,” I’d say. That was enough to motivate my stubborn 3-yearold to go for the parka instead of the inadequate purple windbreaker she adored.

It was a win-win for us both, right?

I thought about this on New Year’s Eve as I waited for the ball to drop in New York City. Should I try a little reverse psychology on myself this year?

(BTW, where does that “ball” live the rest of the year and why do those giddy half-frozen New Yorkers get so excited about something that happens every year?) Sure, I’d like to lose weight, save up $10,000 and spend more time with family and friends in 2014. But would I keep these resolutions? Hah! Not likely.

So, in a desperate plea for help from my subconscience, I have written the following resolutions and locked them in the ol’ mayonnaise jar stored beneath Funk & Wagnalls’ front porch: 1. I will strive to gain no less than 10 lbs. in 2014. I will especially monitor my every movement with a pedometer, so as not to exceed 300 steps per day.

2. I will start buying Lotto tickets, watch QVC religiously, eat lunch out every day (see No. 1) and otherwise strive to squander at least $500 per month.

3. I will turn down any and all offers for social fun, unless they contribute to the attainment of resolutions 1 & 2 (and don’t require taking too many steps.)

Do you think my reverse self-psychology will work? Or is it just another bad idea? I’ll tell you in 2015!

I wonder what it says about us that we have such a hard time staying true to our good intentions? Maybe only that we’re imperfect, which is hardly news.

All of us at Smart Living Weekly and Northwest Quarterly Magazine wish you a joyous and healthy 2014! Stay Warm!

Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 8

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Y H  G

Better Plastics Equal Softer New Carpeting

By Jim Killam

N

ext time you grab a plastic water bottle and get annoyed because it’s about as stable as a water balloon, think about walking barefoot across a soft carpet. There’s a direct correlation.

Many of today’s super-soft carpets are made from recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – the material used to make water and soda bottles. Mohawk Industries, for instance, claims 14,000 plastic bottles become carpet every minute at its facilities. Bottles are cut into chips, then ground into pellets, converted to carpet fiber and spun into yarn.

That process has been happening for a few years now. But as plastics technology changes and becomes greener, the quality of carpet is increasing, says Kevin Rose, President of Carpetland USA, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“The water bottles are getting thinner, through government restrictions and guidelines,” Rose says. “The old

water bottles were pretty dense. New water bottles are squishy. You almost have a hard time getting them in your cup holder.

They’re having to make a better plastic – thinner, but stronger and cleaner. So the plastic bottles that the carpet manufacturers are getting are of a higher quality SmartStrand Silk super soft carpet by Mohawk. than what they were getting resistant. It all equates to what consumfive years ago. They’re able ers want: softer carpeting with tighterto do more things with them. You can get than-ever yarn twist, Rose says. a better fiber, which helps in the softness.

Recycled carpets can’t be recycled “As technology progresses, other into carpet again, but once discarded, industries affect our industry,” he adds. they’re being made into auto parts, in“Green is extremely prevalent in our insulation and furniture stuffing, among dustry now.” other uses. ❚ Today’s PET carpet fibers are about as thick as a human hair, but stronger and Get SLW Home & Garden articles more resilient and durable, thanks to the every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. improved plastic. They’re naturally stain com and start your E-Edition today.

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 8

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I  W

Back to Basics T

he joy of knowing God often starts with a longing for something “more,” in this life; a suspicion that what we see isn’t all that exists. We may sense that good and evil forces are in play, and yearn to align ourselves with the power of good. Christians believe God is the all-powerful, all-good creator of the universe and that He loves us.

They also believe God chose to bridge the gap between Himself (spirit) and people (flesh) through one divinely conceived human being: Jesus the Christ, or the Messiah. Just as divinely conceived Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, Jesus chose to obey God, rejecting the temptations laid before him by the evil “god of this world,” Satan.

The accomplishment and goodness of Jesus, our saviour, was sufficient to erase the sins of people who believe on him.

This means we don’t need to be perfect to enjoy a connection to God; we need only accept a perfect saviour. This concept is amazing grace, indeed.

Most world religions require people to earn their salvation through good works. Christianity requires only faith that Jesus Christ earned salvation for us.

His goodness, not our own, is the bridge to God, for all people of the earth, regardless of race, gender or class.

Christians believe that all of us are sinners (Romans 3:23); that eternal life is a free gift from God (Romans 6:23); and that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8).

Romans 10:9-13 (NIV): “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says [in Isaiah 28:16], ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ [Joel 2:32].” ❚ Written by Janine Pumilia Get SLW Inspiration & Worship articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Jan. 8

START YOUR BRIGHT FUTURE.

Claudia, RVC student

ENROLL NOW FOR SPRING CLASSES. Over 8,000 students chose to attend Rock Valley College (RVC) last year for credit classes to pursue a career. The following are just a few of the reasons why.

Dozens of Career Options Take credit classes at RVC and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away. Not sure what you want to study? No problem. We have Career Counselors to help you explore your interests to find the right path for you.

Best Value The cost to attend RVC for two years is less than what you would pay to attend a private college or university for just one semester. You won’t find a better value than RVC! Choose Rock Valley College and keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket!

To Get Started we invite you to call (815) 921-1100. Visit us online at RockValleyCollege.edu and click on “Get Started,” or click on “Top Ten Reasons to Choose RVC” to learn more of the many reasons Rock Valley College can help you get the career and life you deserve.

The Smart Choice | RockValleyCollege.edu Rock Valley College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, military status, genetic information, or any legally protected category.

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 8

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Y K

Pairing Hearty Comfort Foods with Wines K

eep warm with hearty dishes and lovely wines. Zinfandel pairs particularly well with the flavors of winter, with its raspberry and peppery flavors.

Find high quality wines at reasonable prices from up-and-coming wine regions like Amador County, Ca., in the rolling Sierra Foothills, home to Renwood Winery, renwood.com.

Quick & Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes Pair with Renwood Zinfandel, Fiddletown • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tsp. Herbs de Provence (or combination of dried thyme, fennel, basil and savory) 1 tsp. garlic salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup flour 1 Tb. canola oil 4 small (2 lbs.) bone-in-chicken breasts, skin removed 1 1/4 lbs. small Wisconsin red potatoes 3/4 cup frozen, thawed pearl onions 1 cup small baby carrots 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 8 oz. small baby bella or white mushrooms Chopped fresh thyme (optional)

• • • • • • • •

1 clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 beef bouillon cubes 6 large Wisconsin potatoes, washed, peeled and quartered 1/2 lb. small fresh mushrooms 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen green beans 1 can (16 oz.) peeled whole tomatoes, undrained

1. Dredge ribs in flour to coat; reserve leftover flour.

2. Heat oil in 8-quart Dutch oven on moderate heat.

3. Add half of ribs and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove ribs. Repeat instructions for remaining ribs.

4. Stir in the reserved flour. While stirring, add 1 cup water and wine and stir until thickened.

5. Return ribs to the pan.

6. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper and bouillon and bring to a boil.

7. Cover and lower heat to simmer for about 1 hour, or until ribs are tender.

8. Remove ribs with slotted spoon and cover with foil to keep warm.

9. Add potatoes, mushrooms and beans.

Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

10. Add ribs and tomatoes with liquid, and heat through.

11. Use slotted spoon to remove meat and vegetables to large serving platter.

12. Remove gravy to serving container and serve with ribs. ❚ Source: Family Features/Renwood Winery/ Wisconsin Potatoes

Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start

1. Combine Herbs de Provence, garlic salt and pepper on a dinner plate.

2. Spoon flour onto a second dinner plate.

3. Coat each chicken breast with herb mixture, then dredge in flour.

4. Heat oil in a large skillet.

5. Add chicken and cook over mediumhigh heat until chicken is golden brown on both sides (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). If necessary, cook chicken in two batches so as not to crowd the pan.

6. Once browned, place chicken in large slow cooker and add all remaining ingredients, except fresh thyme.

7. Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.

8. Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving, if desired.

Country Stew

Pair with Renwood Zinfandel, California • • • • • •

5 lbs. bone-in short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 cups water 1 1/3 cups Renwood Zinfandel 1 medium onion, chopped Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 8

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Y A C

Battery Test Gives Peace of Mind in Cold Snaps

By Jim Killam

A

subzero winter morning brings dread that today will be the day your car battery fails.

That’s a very preventable worry, says Rod Ely, Service and Parts Director at Fairway Ford, 555 West Meadows Dr., Freeport.

First, realize that a slow-cranking engine on a cold morning is not a sign of battery failure. It’s normal. Think of trying to stir a milkshake.

“It’s not so much that the temperature is below zero,” Ely says. “It’s that the engine oil is so thick that it’s tougher to crank the engine.”

Batteries fail when they can’t generate enough cold-cranking amps, and that problem can occur without warning.

“You could start your car three or four times during a cold day and everything is fine,” Ely says, “and the next morning you turn the key and hear click, click, click.”

Here’s the preventative medicine: Every time you have your car serviced, have the battery checked. The electronic test will reveal its cold-cranking amps, and your mechanic can advise whether you’re good for the winter. That test is the only sure indicator, Ely says.

If you do need a new battery, you’ll see an array of warranty choices, from 24 months to 72 or even 84 months. Don’t skimp.

“I never would recommend a 24-month battery on any vehicle,” Ely says. “Usually, one winter will do it in. Actually, I never recommend less than a 48-month battery.”

Drivers also can minimize hard, cold starting by parking strategically.

“If you’ve got a garage, you’re fine,” Ely says. “My garage doesn’t have a heater in it, but it’s still 15 to 20 degrees warmer than outside. If you park a car outside and into the wind, the wind-chill factor is the true temperature going into that car through the radiator.”

If you do have to park outside, an engine block heater can help. It’s permanently connected to the bottom of the engine and warms the oil for easier cranking and starting. A power cord runs through the vehicle’s grill and can be plugged into a wall outlet. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 8

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Stomp

Continued from cover

Stomp was formed in London in 1991 by Luke Cresswell, a self-taught percussionist, and Steve McNicholas, who worked as an actor, singer and writer. The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world.

Since then, Stomp has become a theatrical sensation, having been performed before millions in more than 50 countries. “This is their baby,” Mandozzi says about the co-creators. “They’re geniuses. They’re always thinking of ways to keep the show fresh.”

Mandozzi, who previously drummed as a hobby, was born in England and trained as an actor at MountainGuido Mandozzi view Academy

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Jan. 8

of Theatre Arts in London. He earned a spot in the British cast of Stomp in 2005, when he was one of five people selected from an audition group that included 1,500 hopefuls. Three years later, he joined the American tour.

“I was totally surprised when I was picked,” says Mandozzi, the only European on the American tour. “You don’t have to be the world’s best drummer.

They want members who have personality, too. That’s what makes it such a great show.”

Stomp runs continuously in New York and London in addition to its American and European tours. The cast travels extensively from September through June before taking a summer break. The shows are intense. The tour includes 12 cast members – eight perform during each show – who perform 5 to 8 shows a week.

“It’s high energy,” says Mandozzi. “It’s very physical, so everyone rotates and plays a different part. The show is 75

percent rehearsed and 25 percent improvised. We feed off audience participation and feedback.”

The production has performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial; at the Academy Awards; and in the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. Stomp has even been parodied on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.

Stomp has received several awards, including an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award); an Obie Award; and a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience.

Amber and Rob Salley attended their first Stomp performance more than 10 years ago. Now the Belvidere residents are eager to share the experience with their young children. “There’s so much energy to the show,” Amber says.

“It’s really cool how they use so many objects to make music. They sounded so good in sync, whether they were using garbage cans or brooms. I know my kids would love it.”

Touring the country is also a treat for cast members, and Mandozzi has explored many cities through his work. He totes his camera along, capturing photos of people and places and later posting them on Facebook. Cast members have been known to frequent local nightclubs, grabbing pots and pans from the kitchen to jam with the house band. “When we walk in, the music stops and people turn around,” Mandozzi says. “We’re a fun bunch.”

Mandozzi has toured 48 states and Get SLW Right in our Region articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. com and start your E-Edition today.

will hit his mark of all 50 when Stomp reaches Delaware and New Hampshire later this year. “I’m visiting cities, like Rockford, that I probably would never have seen, otherwise, in a country I wouldn’t be in if it wasn’t for Stomp,” he says.

The return of Stomp to Rockford includes new routines and plenty of surprises. The show features new props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.

“Even if you’ve seen our show in the past, it’s always different,” Mandozzi says. “We change up the routine often.

It’s even new to us.”

Before joining the cast of Stomp, Mandozzi once worked as a door-to-door salesman for a London gas company. “It wasn’t exactly my dream job,” he says.

It’s all the more reason to relish his role in Stomp.

“The best part of the show is having that interaction with audience,” he says.

“This is what I’m trained to do and what I love to do.”

Tickets start at $29.50. Visit ticketmaster.com, the bmoharrisbankcenter. com, or call (815) 968-5222. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 8

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Jan. 8

Y H

Tattoos Don’t Disqualify Blood Donors

By Jim Killam

N

W e’ r e he r e , fo r yo u.

ot long ago, getting a tattoo or piercing disqualified a person from donating blood for up to a year. That’s no longer the case in most states.

“In the state of Illinois, if you’ve gotten your tattoo at a place that follows all the rules, because it’s licensed and regulated, there is no waiting period after that,” says Jennifer Bowman, public relations and marketing manager for the Rock River Valley Blood Center, headquartered at 419 N. 6th St., Rockford.

Past delays grew out of concern for hepatitis C infection from unsterile needles or ink. It wasn’t that the reputable shops were dangerous. There just wasn’t a standard.

“The reputable places were following all those rules voluntarily beforehand,” Bowman says. “It was just that we couldn’t quantify it. Now there’s a list.”

“If you and your buddies do it in the basement, that’s a whole other gig,” Bowman says.

With piercings, no waiting period is required for blood donation as long as the piercing has been performed with single-use equipment. If not, then the donor must wait 12 months.

Blood centers were among the most active lobbyists in favor of licensing and regulating tattooing and piercing. The reason is demographic.

“The average American blood donor is an older, white person,” Bowman says. “As we look at trying to replace the

Baby Boomers, and you look at the millennials, the most recent statistic I know is that 25 percent of people under 40 have a tattoo.”

So, a cultural trend was potentially costing lives because of a diminished supply of eligible blood donors – even when most of those people had perfectly healthy blood.

A 2012 Harris Poll showed that one in five American adults reported having at least one tattoo. Here’s the age breakdown: Age 18-24, 22 percent; Age 25-29, 30 percent; Age 30-39, 38 percent; Age 40-49, 27 percent; Age 50-64, 11 percent; Age 65 & up, 5 percent. ❚ Get SLW Health articles every week.

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

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

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

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

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

as high or higher as

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

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

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

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

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

Smart Living Weekly

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Y F

www.classiccinemas.com

LINDO THEATRE

115 South Chicago Ave. • Freeport • 815.233.0413

Hollywood and WW II at the Lindo Jan. 8, 1 and 7 p.m. Highland Community College and the Stephenson County Museum partner with the Lindo Theatre to present this film series of World War II movies. A brief introduction before each movie and a discussion will be led by Ed Finch, museum director, and Alan Wenzel, former college instructor, following the movie. Jan. 8: Casablanca (1943). Rick’s Café in Casablanca is a center for war refugees awaiting visas for America, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Coming up: Feb. 5: 30 Seconds Over Tokyo (1944); March 5: Run Silent, Run Deep (1955); April 2: Pride of the Marines (1945). April 30: Hollywood Canteen, (1943). Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport. Per Movie: $5; Entire Series plus Musical: $20. (815) 233-0025 or (815) 232-8419.

www.classiccinemas.com Valid with Zip code

Expires 1/30/14

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.

Legendary Loves Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m. Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents music that ignites your passion, with this collection of music inspired by romance, featuring Lee Chin on violin.

Helen of Troy, Romeo & Juliet and Tristan & Isolde are among the figures who’ve inspired great music. At Coronado Performing Arts Center, downtown Rockford. Tickets: RockfordSymphony.com .

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

WomanFest 2014 Jan. 15, 7-8:30 a.m. Breakfast and inspirational stories from Womanspace members. Registration required. Contact Kathy Flanagan at (312) 659-2789 or KathyWomanspace@aol.com. Radisson Hotel, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford.

28th Annual Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 15-18, 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 U.S. National contest in . Sinnissippi Park, Rockford, (815) 987-1636.

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in Casa Blanca, Jan. 8, part of the “Hollywood and WW II” series at the Lindo Theatre, Freeport.

Luminary Night Hike Jan. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Exciting winter night family hike with luminary-lit trails for all ages and abilities, a bonfire to warm up by, hot cocoa to enjoy, and wonderful views of the Mississippi River, at Casper Bluff. Rental of snowshoes and skis are available with advance reservations through Fever River Outfitter, (815) 776-9425. Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, 870 S Pilot Knob Road, Galena, Carrie Haas Email: educator@jdcf.org, (815) 8589100.

Bald Eagle Days Jan. 25-26, 8 a.m.-noon; 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

View eagles with powerful scopes along the Mississippi River outdoors in the morning; attend educational programs all day at Cassville High School. Riverside Park Observatory, 100 W. Amelia St., Cassville, Wis. (608) 725-5855, cassville.org.

U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 29-Feb. 2, daily. In its 19th year, this snow sculpting competition brings together the nation’s best snow artists. Also music, magic, refreshments. Riviera Park, Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 248-4416, usnationals.org.

Monster Jam Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Friday 7:30 p.m., Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam stars the biggest performers on four wheels. The 12-feet-tall, 10,000-lb. machines will bring you to your feet, as they rip up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through. These larger-than-life beasts capture the hearts of both young and old. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. ❚ 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: Live bands every Fri. and Sat. night.

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. 1/18 Cylinder; 1/25 Dueling Pianos, 8 p.m.

Onyx Bar & Grill, 1001 W. Lane Road, Machesney Park, (815) 904-6842. 1/10: Southern Charm. 1/25: X51; 2/7: Stevee Nix. 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. 1/11: Mr. Big Stuff; 1/18: The Sensations; 1/25: Men of Our Times.

Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek, Rkfd., (815) 229-0800. 1/11: Jimmy Walker 9 p.m.; 1/17 Lucrezio; 1/18 Dueling Pianos; 1/25 Clutch Cargo.

Restoration Café, 625 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 977-4361: Free live music every first Friday.

Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. 2nd, Loves Park, (815) 977-8585.

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

JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rkfd., (815) 965-8903: 1/10: Larry Rand; 1/17: Empty Pockets; 1/24: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell; 1/31: JustGoods Showcase Concert; 2/7: Ry Petermann; 2/14: Poetry & Music with Trinadora and Swanberg; 2/21: Mark Dvorak.

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

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

Open Mic Night every Thursday night. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Kryptonite, 308 W. State, Rkfd., (815) 965-0931.

1/10: Matt Pryor; 1/17: Rick Monroe; 1/19: The Toasters; 1/24: Bloodlines 1neOFmani.

Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison, Rkfd., (815) 9627944. 1/9: Paul Collins Beat; 1/10: Henhouse Prowlers; 1/11: Independent Ear Productions; 1/24: Eric Lambert & Friends; 1/25: Neo Soul Night; 1/31: Hilly Jones. Karaoke on Wednesdays.

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

1/10 Shifty Shafer; 1/11: Prime Time.

Shooters North 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, (815) 6543900. Live Band Sat. Splitters, 5318 N. 2nd, Loves Park, (815) 877-6051.

Whiskey’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, 3207 N. Main St., Rockford, 1/10: The Smokes, 9 p.m.; 1/11: Bullet.�

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.

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Ask Questions When Choosing Your Contractor

C

hoosing a home-improvement contractor can be a lot more precise than just opening the phonebook and randomly stabbing a finger.

In fact, smart homeowners become part job recruiter and part investigative reporter to conduct tough interviews with potential contractors, says Dan Starry, president of S & R Custom Homes and Remodeling, Inc., of Rockford, and also president of Associated Construction Group Northern Illinois.

“Listen to your intuition when you talk to him,” Starry says. “Does he appear to know what he’s talking about? Are you comfortable with him? That makes a big difference.”

He suggests a few starter questions: How long have you been in business?

Being new in town doesn’t necessarily disqualify someone, but it does mean they may not be a track record.

How long have you been doing this kind of work? With new home construction barely moving, “Now, everybody’s a remodeler,” he says. “It’s a whole different game than new construction.”

Do you have references I could call or visit? This might be the best way to confidently choose a contractor, yet few homeowners do it, Starry says. “Any company that’s worth its salt and has been around a while has a list of people.” And don’t hesitate to ask someone if you can drop by their house. If the contractor did good work, those people become their best marketers.

Finally, educating yourself about the type of work you want done enables you to ask key questions and see if the contractor offers the right answers. If you’re doing, say, a home addition, even watching a TV show or finding online articles or videos can give you the basics.

“Just get a little education on what it takes to do this stuff,” Starry says. “The Internet’s an amazing thing to give you some basic knowledge.” ❚ Smart Living Weekly

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Tap the Hidden Job Market T

he process of finding employment has quietly undergone an evolution.

Job seekers are discovering that many positions are not posted to the public. In fact, the online career guidance resource Quintessential Careers reports that only 15 to 20 percent of available jobs post to newspapers, online job boards or employment agencies.Why is the hidden job market so huge?

“Recruiters want to minimize the amount they spend on advertising,” says Dr. Cynthia Scarlett, chair of the Graduate Business and Organizational Leadership programs at Argosy University, Denver. “If they can get a recommendation, it puts them one step ahead in the vetting process.” Hiring managers are more likely to hire a person who has been recommended by a co-worker or trusted associate.

Recharge Your Networking Efforts Networking is not a new idea. It is simply building relationships with people.

Attending networking events may seem

daunting to some, but each experience tends to increase confidence. A little preparation goes a long way toward building a professional network. Dr. Scarlett advises everyone to think about ways to open conversations. “Brainstorm questions about what to ask those in your industry. And, of course, have your resume prepared and ready to go,” she says.

Manage Networking Expectations Few people are likely to attend a single networking event and come away with a job. “Don’t go to a big professional meeting and hand out hundreds of business cards. Try to come away with two relevant contacts,” says Scarlett. “Focus on quality, not quantity.”

Network by Keyboard with Purpose Many people are tapping LinkedIn, the popular business social network, to connect with professional groups and find work. “This is a tool that should be used in a professional way,” says Rinsky. “It is not a Facebook equivalent.”

Don’t Overlook Serendipity You never know when the person next to you at the grocery store, or sitting behind you in a restaurant, is a hiring manager with a position to fill. “Networking can happen anywhere, in a bank or at volunteer events,” Dr. Scarlett says. “Every now and again, someone lands a job by way of a chance encounter.” It pays to be prepared in how you present yourself, and the questions you might ask of people you meet in your everyday life. ❚ (Source: BPT) Get SLW Money articles every week.

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