Smart Living Weekly - February 5, 2014

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Right in Our Region

BIFF 2014 Bigger & Better than Ever B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

F

rom Feb. 14-23, Beloit will become the Midwest headquarters for all things film, when the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) screens nearly 100 regional, national and international movies.

For 2014, organizers have beefed up the ninth annual event, so that the film fest’s acronym should start with two more Bs, for “bigger and better.” The original four-day fest has

been extended to 10 days, with more screenings, expanded venues and added events.

“We’ve completely revamped BIFF for 2014 and have made sure that everybody will get a good laugh out of a great lineup of comedies,” says Executive Director Rod Beaudoin. “The number and quality of submissions for consideration by BIFF have increased, and it’s taken a lot of work to choose films this year.”

Continued on p. 20

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What’s New at FHN • Heat Up With a Gas Fireplace • Mom’s Homemade Meatballs Regional Dining Guide • Mind Your Car’s Fluids • The Future of e-Banking • 4 Pet Myths

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In This Issue Right in Our Region: Bigger, Better BIFF ................. Cover & p. 20 Your Home Know Your Gas Fireplace Options .............11 Inspiration & Worship ..............................12 Your Kitchen Slow-Braised Ragu and Fresh Meatballs....15 Auto Care Tips Watch Fluids in Cold Weather ....................17 Your Health News from FHN ..........................................25 Your Fun ................................................... 27 On the Town ............................................. 29 Your Money High-Tech but Human Banking ..................33 Tips Pet Myths ..................................................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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Feb. 5

Bigger, Better BIFF

W

ith a master’s in film study, our associate editor Karla Nagy has been our go-to BIFF reporter since Northwest Quarterly Magazine began its regular coverage of this important event, back when the festival was just a toddler.

Today BIFF, age 9, has expanded from a four-day event to 10 days, and Karla details this and many other improvements in our cover story. BIFF 2014 will screen nearly 100 regional, national and international movies.

One new highlight is the WisconsinIllinois Showdown, which will showcase dozens of films made by Wisconsin and Illinois filmmakers. Vote for your favorites at this event.

The new Sing-a-long Sound of Music sounds like a hoot, too. (Apparently it’s a much more wholesome version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show sing-a-longs I used to attend back in college.)

As an aside, it’s been a joy to witness not only the growth of this festival, but also the improvement of its surrounding community, over the years.

There’s much to be learned from the way Beloit has turned itself around from a low-confidence community to a darling of municipal success stories.

As with the recent story we brought to you about The Next Picture Show art gallery in Dixon, the arts community plays a major lead in this story of transformation in Beloit.

In our reporting over the years, we’ve observed what a difference it makes, to a community, when leaders march in the same direction to carry out an unwavering, long-range plan constructed with plenty of public input and the good of the ENTIRE community in mind. Sure, Beloit has enjoyed the leadership and generosity of the Hendricks family (ABC Supply Co.), but I’m certain they’d be the first to tell you that it takes more than one family to reinvent a city.

Enjoy BIFF! Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

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Know Your Options for Cozy Gas Fireplaces

By Janine Pumilia othing makes a home more cozy in winter than a fireplace, but only if it’s actually lit.

“I have people come into the store all the time and tell me they haven’t used their fireplace in years because burning wood is just too much trouble,” says Kevin Obee, Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford.

About 75 percent of the fireplace work done by Benson Stone relates to converting wood fireplaces to natural gas, says store owner Andy Benson. And if your home doesn’t have a chimney, you still have options.

There are three main kinds of natural gas fireplaces: vented gas logs, ventfree gas logs and direct-vent fireplaces.

Each has unique benefits.

• Vented gas log fireplaces offer attractive flames and faux logs, are relatively inexpensive, and can be added into an existing fireplace. “The disadvantage is that they draw warm air your

N

furnace has already heated, from other parts of the house, and send it outside,” explains Obee.

• Vent-free gas logs/stoves are a good option for warming up large, chilly spaces such as basements or large rooms with vaulted ceilings, says Obee. Since there’s no chimney involved, you can’t lose air warmed by your furnace. Newer models offer attractive yellow flames.

These units throw off a lot of moist heat and shouldn’t be used in small rooms, bathrooms or bedrooms.

• Gas direct-vent fireplaces give you a beautiful fire,with the efficiency of a furnace.

“The chimney has two chambers, one for drawing combustion air into the fireplace and one for exhausting the flue gas to the outside,” explains Benson.

“This sealed system prevents the whole problem of a fireplace drawing heated air from your house and sending it outside.

“A direct-vent gas fireplace unit

can’t be beat for efficiency. We see a lot of folks using them for zone heating -they can turn down the thermostat during the evening, when they’re gathered in the room with the fireplace, and stay nice and toasty. Then they turn it off and go to bed. There’s no safety issue about leaving coals unattended.” ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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I  W

Prayerful Jesus T

hroughout the gospels, there are reports of Jesus regularly praying alone, with other people, for other people, and always with sincere effort. Perhaps no prayer is more poignant than the one prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus asks God to rescue him from the horrible ordeal he’s about to endure.

Three times he asks God to allow an easier path, but he also accepts God’s decision: “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39 - NIV) Luke 11:1 reads, “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’” Jesus set forth a beautiful example for prayer that we have since turned into a memorized ritual called “The Lord’s Prayer.” While it’s one thing to remember these words together, ritual must never replace the personal prayers that come from each of our hearts.

Jesus taught us to pray for the people of God’s family: “I [Jesus] pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given Me, for they are Yours.” (John 17:19).

Sometimes Jesus prayed with other people. Luke 9:2: “[Jesus] took Peter, John and James with Him and went up onto a mountain to pray.”

Jesus undoubtedly knew Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” He regularly sought out peaceful places and quiet moments for prayer.

It wasn’t a Sunday-only event. In Luke 5:16 we read: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Prayer was a habit for Jesus, integrated into all parts of his life.

The prayers of Jesus were never stiff, rote or memorized; they showed real love for God and real knowledge of Him, gleaned through careful study of scripture.

Clearly, God yearns for us to talk with him, just as Jesus did.

-- Janine Pumilia 12

Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 5

FUN AT CHURCH! Join us at Court Street United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. every Sunday to see what God has in store for you. Bring the whole family! There’s something for everyone to enjoy including: · Exciting music · Groups for all interests · Children’s activities · Taize services · Summer camps for kids · Much, much more!

The public is welcome to all of our activities and services at Court Street United Methodist Church!

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

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Slow-Braised Ragu and Fresh Meatballs F

lavor is a universal language. Chef Donatella Arpaia is partnering with McCormick to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The company’s Flavor of Together program seeks to ignite a global conversation asking people across the world to share their flavor story. For every story shared on McCormick’s brand websites or social channels, McCormick will donate $1, up to $1.25 million, to United Way to help feed those in need.

To share your own flavor story, visit FlavorofTogether.com.

Slow-Braised Ragu and Meatballs * 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil * 2 celery stalks with leaves, chopped * 1 medium onion, chopped * Salt & freshly ground black pepper * 1 1/2 lbs (6-8) meaty, bone-in-pork spareribs, rinsed * 1 1/2 lbs (6-8) sweet Italian sausage with fennel seeds, pierced all over with a fork * 1 garlic clove, chopped * 1 cup red wine * 3 (35 oz.) cans tomato puree * 1 handful fresh basil leaves

Ragu Instructions * Warm olive oil in a large, heavybottom pan over medium heat. * Add celery and onion, season with salt and pepper, and sautee, partially covered about 5 minutes until golden and soft. * Add meats and raise the heat to medium-high. Sautee, turning occasionally until browned all over. * Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until it evaporates, 5 minutes. * Add tomato puree, basil, salt and pepper. Partially cover, bring to a boil, and reduce heat. Let it simmer 1 1/2-2 hours. * For an extra kick of added flavor, sprinkle McCormick’s Italian Seasoning into the sauce.

Meatball Ingredients

* 1 small loaf stale Italian bread (about 8 thick slices) torn into 2 1/2” chunks * 2 lbs. 80% lean ground beef chuck, broken up * 5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped * 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

* 1 large egg, lightly beaten * 1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano * McCormick salt & black pepper * canola oil for frying

Meatball Instructions: * Put bread in a bowl and add enough warm water to cover. Let stand for 5 minutes, turning to moisten evenly.

Gently squeeze out excess water. * Add beef, garlic, parsley, egg and 3/4 cup of Parmigiano to the bread and

combine. Season with Salt and pepper.

Knead the mixture for at least 5 minutes with your hands, until uniformly combined and smooth. * Pinch a tablespoon of meat into your palms and shape into a ball. Place on a baking sheet and continue with the rest of the mixture. * Fill a 10” skillet halfway with canola oil and heat over high heat. When strands form along the bottom, lower 8-10 meatballs at a time into the oil. Do not overcrowd. They should be 3/4 of the way submerged in oil. Reduce the heat to medium and fry for 6-7 minutes each side, turning only once. * Remove the meatballs from the oil and turn the heat back up to high before starting the second batch. * 20 minutes before serving, add the meatballs to the simmering ragu.

Chef Tip: The best bread for this is the super market Italian bread that comes in a white paper bag. ❚ Sources: McCormick & Family Features

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Pay Attention to Fluid During Cold Weather

By Jim Killam

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xtreme cold weather is tough on your car’s fluids. Rod Ely, Service and Parts Director at Fairway Ford, 555 W. Meadows Dr., Freeport, offers a few winter maintenance tips.

Motor oil: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. For older vehicles that use 10W-30 oil in warm weather, a lighter oil like 5W-30 might be recommended for cold weather, to help the engine crank more freely. Newer cars typically use lighter oil all the time because they’re better engineered now for temperature fluctuations.

Antifreeze: Make sure it’s good to at least 20 degrees below zero. Use an inexpensive testing device or have your mechanic check it. If you do need to add antifreeze, use a mixture of half antifreeze, half water. One hundred percent antifreeze is not better; in fact, it will freeze more quickly than when it’s mixed with water, and it won’t transfer heat away from the engine efficiently. Antifreeze-water solution can be purchased pre-mixed, or you can mix it yourself.

Don’t neglect this. On a super-cold morning, if you start an unprotected vehicle, you’re courting disaster and major engine repair.

“By the time you figure out that your antifreeze is frozen, the heads may already be damaged,” Ely says.

Windshield washer fluid: In winter, it should contain alcohol so it doesn’t freeze. Frozen washer fluid represents more than an inconvenience. It could crack the washer pump and hoses … and it’s a safety hazard when you’re driving on sloppy streets and can’t clear your view.

It’s OK to mix winterized fluid with the fluid left in the reservoir tank from summer, Ely says. Just realize that the hoses still are filled with the summer fluid. You’ll need to run a few spray cycles through the pump, to circulate the winter blend throughout the system. ❚

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Beloit Film Fest

World Deaf Cinema Film Awards. His goal is to become a mainstream producer of ASL films.

from the Delavan-based SWIT – Southern Wisconsin Interpretive & Translation Services.

Venues, too, have increased to 12, located on both sides of the river, and festivalgoers will have more time between screenings. As always, maps are available at the BIFF Box Office, 500 Public Ave., and free shuttle service will be offered from all venues.

Here are a few highlights of what’s to come at BIFF 2014.

BIFF for the Deaf

Wisconsin-Illinois Show-

Continued from cover

Honorary Chair Mark Wood

As a deaf child growing up in a deaf family, BIFF 2014 Honorary Chair Mark Wood enjoyed telling stories in American Sign Language (ASL). In college, he studied acting at the California School for the Deaf, and later moved into producing and directing films for the deaf.

In 2005, he founded ASL Films with partner Amy Moore, and has since produced and/or directed nine featurelength ASL films; in 2010, Wood’s film Gerald was named best feature at the

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As this year’s Honorary Chair, Wood down brings a unique new feature to the fest, During the first three days of BIFF, Feb. BIFF for the Deaf. His most recent ASL 14-16, dozens of films by Wisconsin and film, In the Can, will be screened three Illinois filmmakers will be screened in times during the 10-day fest (see website the first-ever Wisconsin-Illinois Showfor days, times and venues). down, and audiences will be able to vote The deaf community is sorely unfor their favorites. derserved when it comes to cinema, but the deaf movie industry is growing as it provides high-quality feature films that cater specifically to the deaf community.

ASL films have no soundtrack at all. All dialogue is done in sign language with subtitles.

BIFF has always strived to make its films accessible to all moviegoers with the necessary adaptive services, includ- Scene from In the Can, the American Sign Language film ing ASL and other interpreters being screened as part of BIFF for the Deaf.

“The showdown offers great exposure for area filmmakers and contributes to BIFF’s efforts to build a filmmaker community in the region,” says Beaudoin. “I think that BIFF patrons will find great enjoyment in knowing what great cinematic art is created right in our backyard.”

Sing-a-long Sound of Music

A new and crazy night of audience participation at BIFF, as moviegoers are encouraged to dress as characters from the film, employ a bag of props and offer vocal commentary during the screening.

Lyrics are projected onto the screen so that no one misses a chance to belt out their favorite songs.

First, the host will guide audience members on proper use of items in their free prop bag, suggest appropriate noises and motions (like booing the countess or cheering for Maria), lead a vocal warmup, judge costumes and award prizes.

During the screening, viewers may mimick the actions on the screen, dance, skip – anything goes. The event takes

place Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at Eclipse Center, 1707 Riverside Dr., Beloit.

Silent Film Showcase

This BIFF hallmark takes place the next evening, Feb. 22, at the Eclipse Center, with a 6 p.m. reception followed by the film presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Since it began, the Silent Film Showcase has grown to BIFF 2014 Honorary Chair Mark Wood become the most popular event of the festival, with a classic silent film BIFF is screening a documentary about accompanied by live music, as it was BJSO, Sixty Years of Symphony, to mark first shown to moviegoers, performed the Diamond Jubilee.

by Maestro Rob Tomaro and the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra (BJSO).

For more information on the 10-day This year, they provide a live soundtrack festival and to purchase tickets, visit beto three classic Charlie Chaplin short loitfilmfest.org. “Like” BIFF on Facefilms, playing the original soundtrack of book to find up-to-the-minute details on composer Carl Davis. festival developments. ❚ An opening reception to the Silent Get SLW Right in our Region articles Film Showcase features a silent auction, every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving. with proceeds benefiting the BJSO, this com and start your E-Edition today. season celebrating its 60th anniversary.

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Protect Your Family From Poisonings

E

W e ’ r e h e r e , f o r yo u.

ach year, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) handles more than 80,000 calls via its toll-free, confidential hotline.

Of the calls received, almost half involve children 5 years of age and younger, yet people of all ages are subject to accidental poisonings. The most serious cases include adults. Preparing yourself and your family is the best way to avoid a potential poisoning.

FHN Memorial Hospital, in Freeport, is one of 10 IPC education satellite locations, during Illinois Poison Prevention Month this March.

The IPC is staffed by trained experts who provide free, comprehensive, and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances to the public and health care professionals via a 24-hour hotline: (800) 222-1222.

The poison center receives a variety of calls that range in severity and

substances, including medications, vitamins, plants, household cleaning products, insect bites or stings, lead, and carbon monoxide. Calls may be placed in the event of a poisoning or as a preventative measure, such as identifying the type of mushroom that grows in your backyard.

Here are a few tips to help you prevent poisonings around the home: • Store all food and beverages in a completely separate area away from cleaners, medicines, automotive, yard and health care products.

• Keep medicines and household products in their original containers with original labels.

• Always read labels before using medicines, cleaners and other products.

• Teach children to ask first, before eating or drinking anything.

• •

Never call medicine candy or make a game out of taking it.

Keep the IPC phone number, (800) 222-1222, near all phones in the house and store the number in your cellphone.

You can connect with the Illinois Poison Center online at illinoispoisoncenter.org, on Facebook, or on Twitter (@ILPoisonCenter).

Poison prevention educational materials and activities are available online to anyone living or working in Illinois.

To become involved in Illinois Poison Prevention Month this spring, call (815) 232-2121, ext. 236.

(Source: FHN Memorial Hospital) 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 as high or higher as FHN

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

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

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

the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

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

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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Have a ball -- fur ball, that is -- at the Giovanni’s Paws Humane Society’s Sixth Annual Fur Ball Dinner/ Dance Feb. 8.

Lindo: “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” Feb. 5, 1 and 7 p.m. This 1944 film is based on the true story of the Doolittle Raid. This is part of a WW 2 film series at the Lindo sponsored

by FHN, HCC and the Stephenson County Museum. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport. Per Movie: $5; Entire Series plus musical: $20. (815) 233-0025 or (815) 2328419.

Lunch and Learn: Managing Facebook Feb. 7, noon-1 p.m. Instead of hoping Facebook is helping you, how about learning how to verify that it IS working for you? Bring your bag lunch and learn the power of Fb analytics. Nordlof Center, Rockford Public Library, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Sky Rangers Night Sky Program Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Look to the sky and see things like Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, double stars, comets and so much more. Join Rockford Amateur Astronomers members at various forest preserves. Session 1: Severson Dells.

Call for reservations and to confirm weather is OK for sky viewing. Severson Dells, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 3352915, seversondells.com.

Freeport Community Concert Feb. 8, 3 p.m., Cor Cantiomo Chamber Choir performs at the Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport. Call (815) 232-4214.

Fresh and Local - Grocery Gardening Feb. 8, 2-4 p.m. How can anyone eat fresh and healthy in the middle of winter? Meet with a local food expert for tips and tricks to finding the ‘good stuff.’ Rockford Public Library (RPL), East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford (815) 965-7606, press 2, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Paws Humane Society Fur Ball Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m. Giovanni’s Paws Humane Society’s Sixth Annual Fur Ball Dinner/Dance Fundraiser. Silent auctions, live auctions, raf-

fles. Benefits community spay/neuter programs, humane education programs, and dog and cat adoption programs through Paws Humane Society. pawshs.org Touring Europe on Two Wheels Feb. 9, 2 p.m. Presented by Pam Steele and Terry Schuster of Oregon, Ill., “ordinary people” who made an extraordinary 1,350-mile bicycle vacation across much of Europe. This is about being open to the possibilities in each of our lives. Severson Dells, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.

Alzheimer’s: Know the 10 Signs Feb. 13, 10- 11:30 a.m. Presented by Susan Sklar, this program focuses on the 10 warning signs of serious memory loss. It includes a basic overview of Alzheimer’s disease and covers risk factors, diagnosis, and the benefits of early detection. NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, 5605 East Rockton Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 484-1300, alz.org.

Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 14-23. Showing more than 150 films from 30-plus countries over 10 days, this 9th annual festival is larger than ever and specifics are too numerous to list here. Director and producer Mark Wood will serve as Honorary Chair this year. Learn more and buy tickets online, or visit the Visit Beloit box office at 500 Public Ave. Beloitfilmfest.org.

Sousa Retuns to Freeport Feb. 22, Highland Community College and Friends of the Fine Arts presents the music and history of “The March King” in Freeport, with narrator John Philip Sousa IV, and guest conductor James Ripley. General admission seating. Masonic Temple Auditorium, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport. 7:30 p.m. Order tickets from the Highland Community College box office, (815) 599-3718 or visit highland. edu. $10. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

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SHE LOVES ME

BOOK BY JOE MASTEROFF LYRICS BY SHELDON HARNICK MUSIC BY JERRY BOCK DIRECTED BY ROGER ZAWACKI

RICHARD KURANDA artistic director

Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, SHE LOVES ME is the story of Georg and Amalia, two feuding clerks in a European parfumerie during the 1930's who secretly find solace in their anonymous romantic pen pals. Little do they know their respective correspondents are none other than each other. Funny, intelligent, honest and sentimental, SHE LOVES ME is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old world elegance and nostalgia, yet as universal and relevant as ever In this age of internet romances.

OPENING FEBRUARY 7 @ 8P Additional Showtimes: 2/8, 2/14 & 2/15 @ 8p 2/9 & 2/16 @ 3p

ALL SHOWS PERFORMED AT: Raue Center For The Arts 26 N Williams Street Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Tickets on sale NOW!! rauecenter.org | 815.356.9212 | 26 N Williams Street | Crystal Lake, IL 28

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Smart Dining Weekly ™

Our Picks of Outstanding, Local

Restaurants Driven to Serve You Best!

Legend: D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast.

Cost: $ under $12.50, $$ $12.50 - $25, $$$ $25+

Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E UpscaleCasual/American. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford. (815) 398-6411. L M-F 11am-2pm; D M-Sat 5pm-10pm. Live entertainment in Big Al’s Bar, open late. $-$$.

2nd Cousin’s Bar & Grill E Casual/American. Burgers, tacos, salads, steak, seafood. Full bar. 6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 637-2660. LD M-F 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am to late. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale-Casual/Japanese. Food cooked at your table.

2551 N. Perryville Rd., Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

abreo E Upscale-Casual. Tapas menu. 515 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 968-9463. D M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. Bar open late. $-$$.

Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am10-pm. $-$$.

Backyard Grill & Bar E Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Rd., Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 201 State St., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 332-4176. 6473 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 636-9430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10pm. $-$$.

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

Joey C’s Cucina & Cocktails E Upscale-Casual. Italian specialties. 2583 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, (815) 6391200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, SatSun 4-10pm $.

Leombruni’s Italian Village Pizza & Restaurant E Casual. 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat to 11pm, Sun to 10pm. $.

Lydia’s Café E Casual/American. Your friendly neighborhood café. 1710 Rural St., Rockford, (815) 2290322. BkL T-F 7am-1:30pm, Sat to 1pm, Sun 8am-1pm. $.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Gourmet pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 633-7500. 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Cannova’s Pizzeria E Casual. 247 N. Main St., Galena, Ill., (815) 777-3735. LD daily. $.

Murphy’s Pub & Grill E Casual/Irish-American. 510 S. Perryville Rd., Rockford, Ill. (815) 986-0950. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/ItalianAmerican. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Olympic Tavern E Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Italian Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. Pizza, entrées. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707.

Open daily. D Sun-Th 4-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

Dos Reales E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun to 10pm $-$$.

Fifth Alarm Firehouse Pub E Casual/American. 120 N. Union St., Bryon, Ill., (815) 234-7000. LD daily 11am. $-$$.

Slanted Shanty Vintage Pub (formerly Jezebel Gourmet Bistro) E Upscale-Casual/American. Vintage/ Burlesque-themed pub and eatery. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy.,

Visit NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining to See Our Larger Dining Guide Online Smart Living Weekly e-subscribers: Click this Box to Go There Now!

Smart Living Weekly

Jan. 29

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TT  I T

Pet Myths W

hen it comes to U.S. pet ownership, 39 percent of households own at least one dog, and 33 percent own at least one cat, according to the U.S. Humane Society.

Dr. Ashley Gallagher, veterinarian at Friendship Hospital For Animals and petMD contributor, sheds some light on common pet myths.

Myth 1: Cats have nine lives. We wish that were true! Cats need regular care to enjoy one long, healthy life. Your pet needs annual wellness check-ups, vaccines, dental exams and nutritional consultations, just like humans do.

Myth 2: Table scraps are OK. Table scraps are basically empty calories for cats and dogs. A food like Hill’s Science Diet is great because it gives them exactly what they need without any excess nutrients that might be harmful.

Myth 3: Dogs wag their tail when they’re happy. Dogs wag their tails for many reasons. The most common is that they’re either happy or nervous. Cats also wag or flick their tails when they’re upset or thinking. Pets communicate via complex body language rather than vocal expression like humans. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you feel stuck learning your pet’s body language cues.

Myth 4: Letting my dog out in the yard is enough exercise. Dogs and cats both need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy. If you just leave your dog out in the yard alone, he might not get much of either. It’s important to take dogs for walks, play fetch or simply run around together. Not only will it make for a happier, healthier dog, but it will also help to strengthen your relationship.

Cats should be kept indoors for their safety, but there are plenty of toys that work their brains and bodies at the same time. Visit your local pet store to find some toys that fit the bill. ❚ Get SLW Tips & Information articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your E-Edition today.

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Feb. 5

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Feb. 5

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High-Tech Banking Will Include Human Options

By Jim Killam

A

s technology advances and banking happens increasingly on mobile devices, a human element remains important, says Sara Porter, Assistant Vice President for Application Support/ eBanking at Alpine Bank, 6838 E. State St., Rockford.

Bank customers embrace technology because they want to move money quickly – the newest feature being person-to-person electronic payments. But, Porter says, that doesn’t mean those customers don’t also want help when they need it, from a real person. Think: those Kindle Fire ads for the “Mayday” button, where a live assistant named Amy pops up on video in the corner of the tablet’s screen.

Porter believes banks will adopt the same approach, with social media playing a key role.

“It will be, ‘I can’t get my money to send and now I want to Facetime or Sky-

pe with a banker, because I need help,’” she says. “‘But I don’t want to have to take any steps to do that besides press on my phone.’”

In some test markets, automated teller machines also have begun providing human interaction, through a videoscreen link to a live teller. So, for instance, if a customer can’t get their ATM card to work, but they have ID with them, the video teller could verify that and allow cash to be dispensed. Or if the customer wants certain denominations of currency, the teller can do that.

That reflects what customers consistently say they want, Porter says: quick help when they need it, but efficiency and speed when they don’t.

“What we heard from our tech crew is that customers are saying they love the technology but they want more assistance using it,” she says. “So that’s where there’s going to have to be better

ease of use.”

As ATM video teller technology’s use spreads, it even could prevent bank robberies. The would-be robber would be pointing a gun at a video screen rather than a live teller. ❚ Get SLW Money articles every week.

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

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Feb. 5

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Smart Living Weekly

Feb. 5

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