Smart Living Weekly - July 2, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Music, Fireworks & July 4th Fun

By Rachel Shore

C

olorful fireworks and beautiful music will delight the senses this year during Independence Day celebrations in both Rockford and Beloit.

“Enjoy an evening under the stars with a pops concert of patriotic favorites, a tribute to our veterans, and lively, summertime

tunes,” invites Julie Thomas, executive director of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Directed by Steven Larsen, the RSO will present its Independence Day Spectacular at the one-of-a-kind Bengt Sjostrom (Starlight) Theatre on July 3 at 8 p.m.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Grilling Tips from 640 Meats • The Truth About Mattress Brands • Why Tire Safety Matters Live for Today at Any Age • Mold Woes? • Save Money on Your Next Surgery

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Experience Downtown Rockford

Everyday

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Celebrate Independence Day! Your Home ........................................................11 Mattress Mysteries Solved Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Take That, King George!

Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Marinate Your Grilled Meats Your Auto ....................................................17 Why Tire Safety Matters So Much Your Health ...................................................... 25 ‘Live for Today’ Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Mold Woes?

Your Money ...................................................... 33 Cutting the Cost of Surgery

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 Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner and Rachel Shore General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino 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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July 2

Independency!

W

ow. I’ve long known that presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died the same day, on July 4, 1826. But I just learned that James Monroe, another founder, also died on July 4, in 1831, making three presidents in a row who perished on that date. History is so fascinating!

Part of my July 4th week ritual is watching Episode Two of the HBO “John Adams” series. In it, Adams talks a reluctant Jefferson into drafting a Declaration of Independence, just in case Adams finally succeeds in leading the foot-dragging, white-wigged Continental Congress to vote for “independency” from King George.

The scene in which Adams and Ben Franklin review softspoken Jefferson’s boldly worded draft always gives me goosebumps – and I’m not a goosebumps kinda gal. Find part of that Declaration printed here, on p. 12.

“John Adams” is based upon Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough’s book of the same name and would be required viewing, if I had my way. So would the HBO WW II series Band of Brothers and The Pacific, which helped us not only to understand the sacrifices made in war, but to feel them. Tom Hanks executive produced all three of these masterpieces, and has done his nation proud. Americans should understand something about the personal sacrifices of those who believed freedom was worth the cost, beginning with the founding families. May we never take this American experiment for granted or stop fighting for a nation governed by the people and for the people – all of the people.

Locally, our own patriot Joe Marino has been working for 51 years now to make sure we wish our nation a “Happy Birthday!” in style. Thank you, Joe, for reminding us of what’s important!

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

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There are No Shortcuts in Mattress Shopping ByJim Killam

E

ver try to shop for a mattress and get confused because the models recommended by consumer magazines never match what you can find in stores?

That’s common, says Ryan Poppie of Beloit Mattress Company, which makes and sells mattresses onsite at 1946 Liberty Ave., Beloit.

“If you’re buying a car or a washing machine you can go to Consumer Reports and they’ll say buy this model or don’t buy this model,” he says. “A Ford Focus is a Ford Focus in Wisconsin and California. It’s the same everywhere. “A Serta iComfort – say a Cloud – that’s one model in Janesville but you won’t find that model anyplace else, because it’ll be called a Dream Cloud someplace else.”

So, a magazine like Consumer Reports usually tests and compares mattresses sold in a particular region.

“If you happen to live in the exact region that they’re writing the story from, it’s great,” Poppie says. “If you live anyplace else in the country, their information is worthless. You can’t find that model.”

One of the major manufacturers might make 40 different mattresses in a particular brand line, but they could have 4,000 names trademarked for those, he says. So even in the same city, consumers might find nearly identical mattresses under four or five different names depending on the store.

“It’ll be the same mattress, they’ll swap the cover out, and it’ll look different,” he says.

None of which is to say that those mattresses are bad products. But, Poppie says, deciding on the right one requires people to sleep on it – literally. Visit a few

stores and lie on a few beds. If they feel comfortable at first, stay there in your normal sleep position for 10-15 minutes.

Embarrassing? Maybe. But a bed is a large investment. Truly testing it gives the best indication of whether you’ll sleep comfortably for the next few years. ❚

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I  W

Founders: We ‘Ought to be Free’ Editor’s Note: Last week we published the first third of the Declaration of Independence. Below is the last third. The middle third includes a list of 19-plus grievances against George III, King of Great Britain.

Read it in full at archives.gov.

I

n every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.

We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. ❚ 12

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Y K

Marinate Meat for Best Flavor & Moisture

By Peggy Werner

A

ll kinds of recipes for rubs and marinades help grilled foods to burst with flavor.

Marinades not only flavor meats, they also tenderize tougher cuts by breaking down muscle fibers and loosening up the density of the meat, says Peter Lentz, owner of 640 Meats, 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.

“Marinades are used for the unique flavors they give to meats. You can add any flavor to any meat and change things up a bit to get a variety of tastes,” he says.

Some marinades work better on certain meats than others, he says.

Teriyaki flavoring is good on chicken and poultry, while fish tastes great with a lemon pepper marinade; beef tastes best with a stronger flavor of mesquite or a steakhouse marinade rich in garlic and onion, he suggests. A sweet orange mari-

nade, available at 640 Meats, is a popular choice for pork.

Marinades come ready-made at 640 Meats or you can buy the ingredients to make your own. Any combination of herbs, condiments, spices and oils typically also includes lemon, wine, vinegar or dairy products.

Always marinate meats in the refrigerator and allow at least an hour or up to 24 hours for the flavor and tenderizing to take effect, Lentz says.

Rubs are usually a dried seasoning mixture “rubbed” on the outside of meats before cooking to seal in juices. They typically add a spicy or smoky flavor.

Brines are salty solutions that help poultry, or meats prone to dryness, to retain moisture. Sugar, spices and herbs are sometimes added to the solutions.

Contrary to popular thinking, you

don’t have to poke holes in the meat in order for them to absorb flavor, Lentz says. Holes can cause meats to lose natural juices more quickly during cooking.

Sauces used while grilling, like barbeque sauce, are best applied to the cooked side of the meat, so they get hot but not scorched. ❚

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Y A C

Are Your Tires a Summer Safety Hazard?

By Peggy Werner

W

ith travel plans and temperatures both heating up this summer, make sure one thing stays cool – your tires.

Car tires that are over- or under-inflated are a top tire safety hazard, especially in hot summer months, says Ryan Lovejoy, owner of Jack’s Tires, 4829 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit.

“When tires get hot, they wear faster, are more prone to fatigue and failure, and are more likely to cost money in the long run,” he says.

When tires aren’t properly inflated, they can cause a blowout, a rollover or wheel damage, which can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.

The condition of a car’s tires also impact gas mileage, traction, riding comfort, braking ability and the ability to stop quickly.

Tires are the only thing on a car that

touch the road, making them the No. 1 most important thing on a car, as far as Lovejoy is concerned.

To ensure safety, check the air in your tires at least once a month and use the manufacturer’s guide on the inside of the driver’s side door to know how many pounds per square inch each tire holds.

“When manufacturers are setting specific pressures for tires, they’re taking into consideration many factors,” Lovejoy explains. “When those recommendations aren’t followed, the footprint of the tire is being compromised and will take away from the tire safety and performance.”

Tread depth is another factor which affects performance and safety. “Even when a tire is half worn out, it can greatly affect the braking distance,” he says.

If one edge of the tire is wearing away faster than another, it’s usually an

alignment issue; if the tire wears more in the center, chances are the tire is overinflated; and if the wear is not consistent, then the tire is either underinflated or it’s a rotation issue.

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles and the life of a tire is somewhere between 50,000 and 90,000 miles, depending on the brand and type of tire being purchased.

Learn more at jackstire.com. ❚

Get SLW Auto Care articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Independence Day Continued from Cover

Featured pieces include “God Bless America,” Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown,” a Beach Boys Medley, “Orange Blossom Special,” and various Broadway showstoppers. Fireworks and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” complete this annual summer tradition sponsored

by ComEd. Tickets for the Independence Day Spectacular may be ordered through the Starlight Theatre box office, (815) 9212160, and are available online at rockvalleycollege.edu.The RSO also sponsors an All-American Picnic at 6 p.m. before the performance. Go to RockfordSymphony. com to learn more.

The following day, citizens will be reminded why Rockford has a reputation for celebrating Independence Day as enthusiastically as any city in the nation.

“The Fourth of July celebrations have become a family tradition,” says “Mr. Fourth of July” Joe Marino,

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chairman of the Rockford Fourth of July Committee, who’s organized Rockford’s Independence Day celebrations for 51 years. His enduring love for his city and nation is apparent each year, as he crafts increasingly impressive fireworks shows and related events.

Four days of celebration lead up to the bright and booming finale of Rockford fireworks. From a patriotic concert at Sinnissippi Band Shell on July 1 to the annual parade on July 4, residents can celebrate our nation’s birth in a variety of ways.

Pianist Carl Cole will perform at the corner of Elm and Wyman streets at 6 p.m. on July 4, providing entertainment for those awaiting the parade, which kicks off at 7 p.m., beginning on 7th Street All sorts of parade units will fill the streets of downtown Rockford.

The Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps will join the parade this year, as well as the City of Rockford Pipe Band.

There will be beauty queen floats and floats representing various cultures, including Italian, German and Latino.

July 2

Beginning at 9:30 p.m. on July 4, fireworks will be launched from south of Davis Park, on the west side of the river. This new location ultimately means new surprises and a different show than last year’s. For the fourth year in a row, the fireworks will be televised live on WTVO Channel 17 and sychronized to music on B103FM radio.

Voluntary donations from businesses and private citizens fund Rockford’s fireworks. No tax dollars go toward the $75,000 budget, a fact that makes Marino especially proud. The budget began in 1963 with $1,200, so its growth truly represents the generosity of the community.

“We also receive tremendous public safety support from the City of Rockford, Winnebago County and the Rockford Park District,” says Marino. The ongoing contributions from the community help to make breathtaking fireworks possible each year.

“I love seeing the kids watch the fireworks and hearing their ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs,’” says Marino. “It’s great to see the parents enjoy the day with their kids,

watching one of the best fireworks shows in Illinois.”

Fireworks also will inspire ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ in Beloit, Wis., as that part of the Rock River lights up, too, on July 4.

Beloit’s celebration really begins the day before, however.

On July 3, sponsored by Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF), the movie Frozen (2013) will be shown to visitors at 9:15 p.m. on the south end of Riverside Park, near the Tom Jones Pavilion. The family-friendly, open atmosphere offers a wonderful opportunity for free, enjoyable entertainment.

Outdoor activities continue the next day, too. “Riverside Park is open all day on the Fourth of July,” says Monica Krysztopa, executive director of Visit Beloit. “People can rent a paddleboat, fish in the lagoon, play on Turtle Island, use the tennis courts and enjoy miles of bike and walking paths throughout the park and surrounding area, as well picnic tables on site.”

Each Independence Day, music abounds at the Pops on the Rock event.

The Rock River Philharmonic, formerly known as the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra, performs patriotic songs at Riverside Park before and during the fireworks.

Directed by Robert Tomaro, this free annual concert attracts thousands of spectators.

“Having the Rock River Philharmonic as a backdrop to the fireworks is really spectacular,” says Krysztopa. “You can bring a picnic dinner, or purchase food from vendors for a great dining experience, while you listen to the concert and enjoy the fireworks.”

In order to fund the yearly fireworks, Beloit receives donations from individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. The combined efforts and generosity from donors lead to surpassed funding expectations every year.

“The fireworks celebration in Beloit is a communitywide collaboration,” says Krysztopa. “I love having the opportunity to work with many organizations and individuals who all want to make sure we celebrate the Fourth of July in good spirits.”

The Beloit fireworks celebration is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 4, at Riverside Park, 1240 Riverside Dr., Highway 51, along the Rock River. ❚

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It’s Always a Good Time to ‘Live for Today’ E

veryone, regardless of age, has a list of aspirations, goals and benchmarks that chart out an exciting roadmap for achieving the best life has to offer. This list is a source of hope and excitement that doesn’t just disappear as we age.

That’s the premise of the Live for Today program at Presence Saint Anne Center, 4405 Highcrest Road, Rockford, a rehabilitation/long-term care facility.

“The focus of the Live for Today program is on helping people to realize their dreams, but it’s also about bringing the community in and working together,” says Brian Thor, admissions and marketing director at Presence Saint Anne.

Sponsored by the Leadership Rockford program of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Live for Today is an effort to fulfill the hopes and dreams of residents who are selected to participate.

Diane Fawns is one such resident.

She grew up around horses and has dreamed of once again petting them and feeding them hay. With the help of BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center in Harvard, Ill., and Live for Today volunteers, a horse named “Mighty” paid a visit to Fawns on May 30, 2014 and made her dream come true.

“She was so excited that the horse was coming, so when it actuDiane Fawns, with children Kevin and Michelle James, ally got there, it was all very emomeets Mighty the horse and handler Meggan Hill-Mctional because she has been away Quenney, at Presence Saint Anne Center in Rockford. from that part of her life for so long,” says “The goal of the Live for Today proThor. “It was great just to see her back in gram is to work together with our resithat atmosphere, enjoying it.” dents and their families, our community The program begins with a letter and sponsors, and Saint Anne Center’s team request form sent out to family members of staff and volunteers, to make our resiand friends of residents living at Presence dents’ lifetime dreams or fulfilling expeSaint Anne Center, asking for suggestions riences a reality,” says Thor. for something that, if brought to fruition, “It was amazing to see everyone would bring fulfillment, greater quality come together and make a dream come and satisfaction to the resident’s life. true for one person.” ❚ (Samantha Ryan photo)

By Rachel Shore

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The Nut Job July 9, 10 a.m. FHN Wednesday Morning Movie Series: $1 movies, P or PG rating. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413.

Gizzae Reggae Band July 10, 7 p.m. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Free. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkPro golfers and amateurs compete together at the 38th Rockford district.org.

Pro-Am, July 14 at Forest Hills Country Club, Rockford.

Friday Night Flix: The Smurfs July 11, 7 p.m. (dusk). Free. Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 489-8207.

A Night in the Garden July 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. An evening of food in the gardens. $75. Fundraiser for Outreach Jail Ministries, a nonprofit group that assists those incarcerated in the area both while in jail and after their release. Info: Rockford Outreach, rockfordreachout.org. Event: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

The Sound of Music July 9-13, 8 p.m. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s immortal hit live. Starlight Theatre, RVC, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

Hoo Haven Animal Show July 12, 11-11:45 a.m. Hoo Haven with amazing animals to see and learn about. All ages. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9657606, option 2, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Tim Hawkins July 12, 7 p.m. Christian comedian/songwriter best known for parodies of songs like “Jesus Take The Wheel.” $22 advance/$25 at the door.

First Free Rockford, 2223 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, firstfreerockford.org.

Gardens United Garden Walk July 12-13, 9 am to 3 pm. Visit some of the finest gardens in the area; talk with Master Gardeners. Sale, silent auction. Benefits the Assault and Abuse Services of Stephenson County. $10.

Info/tickets: (815) 232-7200.

Nygren Wetlands Wildflower Walk July 12-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday: wagon rides; guided hikes; art for children & adults; birdwatching; geocaching; live birds from Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab; storytelling; more.

Sunday: explore on your own. Presented by the Natural Land Institute. Info/art class registration: (815) 964-6666. Nygren Wetlands, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, naturalland.org.

Rockford Brass Chamber Players Quintet July 13, 6:30 p.m. Classical chamber brass music. Boone County Arts Council Concerts in the Park. Free. Baltic Mill, Baltic Mill Dr., Belvidere, Ill., boonecoountyarts.com.

Pro/Am Jam July 13, 7:30 p.m. Performers include Steve Azar, Josh Kelley, Edwin McCain, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Javier Colon, MC, Shawn Parr, and a special guest. $35/$55. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

38th Rockford ProAm July 14, 7:30 a.m. gates open; 10:15 tee-off.

The nation’s longest-running pro-a.m. not associated with a professional tournament. $5 at gate. Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 877-5733, therockfordproam.com.

Anthony & the Tramps July 15, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens concert. $5/$3 teens. Food, beverages for sale. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, andersongardens.org.

“To Britain and Beyond” July 15, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band performs. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Free.

Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

The Smurfs 2 July 16, 10 a.m. FHN Wednesday Morning Movie: $1 movies, P or PG rating. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413. ❚

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Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast. Cost: $ under $12.50; $$ $12.50 - $25; $$$ $25+ 2nd Cousin’s Bar & Grill E Casual/American. Full bar.

6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. (815) 637-2660. LD M-F 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am to late. $.

9 East Coffee E Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ 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 11am-10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American favorites, full bar. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 11am-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. $$.

Cafe Fromage E Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods from The Cheese People. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. (608) 207-3094. $ Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine E Casual.

Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

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

Costa’s Italian Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 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, Sun 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American.

Sommelier, live entertainment, weddings, Sinatra Lounge, Benny’s Bar. 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, (815) 2290800. Carry-out/delivery. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Authentic stuffed pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts. Pick-up/delivery available. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m, F-Sat to midnight. $.

™

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale-Casual/Japanese. 2551 N. Perryville, 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. $$.

Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 2583 N. Mulford, Rockford, (815) 639-1200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, Sat-Sun 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. $.

Lucha Cantina E Casual/Mexican. Fresh ingredients, no MSG, steaks, mac ‘n cheese, burgers. 1641 N. Alpine, Rockford, (815) 977-4319. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat 2am. $.

Main Street Bistro E Fine dining, full bar, live music Thurs. and Sat. nights. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, Ill. (815) 232-2322. Mon.-Sat. 2p.m. to close. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

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

Mulligans E Casual/American Pub. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $ Murphy’s Pub & Grill E Casual/Irish-American. 510 S. Perryville Rd., Rockford, (815) 986-0950. LD M-Sat 11am2am, Sun to midnight. $-$$.

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

Slanted Shanty Vintage Pub E Upscale-Casual/American. Vintage/Burlesque-themed pub. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 708-7879. D M-Th 3:30pm-11pm, F 11am-midnight, Sat 3:30pm-midnight. $$.

This Is It Eatery E Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (815) 616-5449. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill. $ Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 3125080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

Visit NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining to See Our Expanded Dining Guide Online

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Mold Woes?

F

ew phrases can strike fear into a homeowner’s heart as powerfully as the words “you have a mold problem.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention says that mold can cause reactions ranging from mild (stuffy nose, itchy eyes or skin irritation) to severe (fever, shortness of breath or chronic lung ailments). In extreme cases, the mold can infect a person’s lungs.

Mold and Moisture Mold tends to grow in areas that are more humid, such as the bathroom, a belowgrade room, the kitchen or garage. Mold can also grow in hidden places, such as between walls where a water leak has gone undetected.

Managing Moisture “Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold,” notes the Environmental Protection Agency. “If there’s some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum.”

A fresh-air skylight can help reduce humidity. When open, Energy Starqualified, no-leak solar-powered freshair skylights, like those made by Velux America, can allow excess moisture to escape. When closed, the bright sunlight that skylights admit into your home helps dry out damp areas.

Removing Mold You can probably handle a minor problem yourself, using commercially available cleansers. More severe infestations will likely need to be handled by a professional.

Monitor humidity levels in your home. Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier during humid months, and addmold inhibitors to paint before repainting rooms. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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Why Outpatient Surgery Centers Cost Less

By Craig Schmidt

S

urgical procedures are expensive.

Some surgeries put a smaller bite on the pocketbook than others, but none are “cheap.”

Forty years ago, virtually all surgeries were performed in hospitals. Patients typically spent several days there and several weeks out of work recovering.

The decision of where to have surgery is part of the conversation between you and your surgeon. It takes into account the type of surgery, your health history and other factors.

Thanks to advances in technology, health care professionals now perform more procedures on an outpatient basis.

Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory surgery, does not require an overnight hospital stay.

“Ambulatory care has skyrocketed in recent years,” says Dr. Steve Gunderson, CEO and administrator of Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Feather-

stone Road, Rockford. “That’s good news for patients who pay a larger percentage of their medical costs through high deductibles and health savings plans.”

Outpatient procedures range from eye care and plastic surgery to endoscopy and biopsies. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) provide the same quality services as outpatient surgery departments in hospitals, but are more affordable.

“Hospital charges for outpatient surgery can run many thousands of dollars,” Gunderson says. “ASCs have lower overhead, so our procedures cost less for the same procedure, performed by the same surgeon. Out-of-pocket savings could start at 30 percent and go up from there, depending on the patient’s coinsurance amount. Currently, Medicare patients pay 58 percent less for a procedure when they have it at an ASC.” This is true for many reasons. ASCs operate in smaller facilities with more efficient staffing and space utilization.

ASCs focus on cost containment and resource management without jeopardizing patient safety and quality of care. In a hospital, operating rooms are the most expensive rooms. Cancellations, underutilization and surgeries falling behind schedule all decrease efficiency.

“Preoperative, operating room and postoperative phases of care are all streamlined in ASCs,” Gunderson says.

“Surgery centers strive for fast operating room turnover rates and shorter length of recovery, which has a significant impact on costs.” ❚

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