Smart Living Weekly - April 15, 2015 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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iving n g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • April 15, 2015

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Right in Our Region

‘Unforgettable Art’ is a Night to Remember By Peggy Werner

hen memory fades and life becomes more difﬁcult for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families, the Alzheimer’s Association reminds them they don’t have to face the long, slow road alone. The association informs, educates, refers, and offers help to millions affected by the disease. To support this work, the 12th annual Unforgettable Art beneﬁt in Rockford will be a night to remember. The event raises money for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18th at the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave. Continued on p. 20

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Choosing a Summer Camp • All About Identity Theft • What is Occupational Therapy? Lemony Pasta Salad • When DIY is a Bad Idea • Bring Your Rockford Memorabilia

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Unforgettable Art Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 When to Resist DIY Projects Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Forget Something? Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Lemony Peas & Pasta Salad Your Outings .....................................................17 CASA Event & Bring Your Memorabilia Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 What is Occupational Therapy? Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Alchemy Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Choosing a Summer Camp Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Identity Theft: The Rest of the Story

Smart L iving Weekly â&#x201E;˘

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 Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2015 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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Good Intentions

y children sometimes call me the “queen of good intentions.” They know I’m passionate about many things I would like to devote my energy to, but don’t. Maybe you’re the same way. The number of good charities wanting your time and money is overwhelming, so you feel paralyzed. I care about helping people with diseases like Alzheimer’s, which took my dad, and cancer, which took my sister. I care about children who are abused and whose cases get lost in our court system. I care about upholding voting rights and the need for campaign finance reform. I care about hungry people, oppressed people and poor people at home and abroad. I care about animals, domestic and wild, and loss of natural habitat. I care about our veterans ... and the list goes on and on. I’m certain you have your own list. I’ve come to accept that I will never have the energy to do everything I want to do to make the world a better place. But I can do some things. Instead of a “what to buy next” list, I can focus on a “who to support next” list, for example. Many good organizations are already doing the work I care about and need my financial support more than my hands-on support. And I don’t have to be wealthy to add my bit to the greater good. Of course, hands-on volunteerism is essential, too, and very rewarding. I’m thinking of this right now because there are so many good fundraisers coming up this spring and summer. A few are mentioned in this issue. Why not choose one and support it even if you’ve never attended a fundraiser in your life? All of our individual efforts add up to a lot of good, when we bring something to the table. I’ve decided I’d rather be the peasant who tosses one potato into the community soup pot than the “queen” of good intentions who just talks about it. Did ya’ hear that, kids? Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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How DIY Projects Can Pay Off Big Time H

iring a professional to get jobs done around the house is convenient, but it can set your budget back quite a bit. Instead, consider doing it yourself – not only to save big bucks but also to showcase your creativity. Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement is a major trend that will pay you back. Mind-Healthy Hobby For an enjoyable diversion in your spare time, consider reinventing items around the house for a DIY project that you and the whole family can appreciate. Have an old dresser that could use a bit of TLC? Add a coat of paint in your favorite color and updated hardware to make it look brand new. These projects will not only look good, but will provide a great sense of accomplishment every time you look at them. Win Cash from Contests To give homeowners the encouragement to turn their Pinterest board inspiration into a reality, FrogTape brand painter’s tape invites DIYers to submit their painting projects for the fifth annual Earn Your Stripes room makeover contest. The most impressive DIY painting project will win a $5,000 grand prize, while second place collects $2,500, and third place earns $1,000. To enter, document the before, during and after process using a FrogTape product and enter by July 1. To enter and see the official rules, visit frogtape.com/earnyourstripes.

Save Money By upcycling items instead of buying brand new, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars. In addition, perusing through thrift shops can reveal hidden houseware gems with high potential. Make Money As social media has surged in popularity over the last 10 years, so have independent businesses. Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook all provide a platform for self-promotion and many DIYers have used this to their advantage to display their projects for sale. In addition, many opt to sell on websites such as Etsy or Ebay. DIYers can also expand their businesses and increase profit by creating a blog with tutorials on how they completed certain projects. It takes a lot of passion and patience, but if the website garners a sizable audience, bloggers can make a living from advertising and sponsorships on their site. There are infinite reasons to venture down the DIY path. In addition to cost savings and the rewarding satisfaction of creating pieces on your own, there’s always potential to turn your passion into profit. For more inspiration, visit frogtape.com. ❚ Source: BPT

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Forget Something?

ven those who love God and believe in the power of prayer sometimes forget to make time for a rich and consistent prayer life. Yet prayer is the engine of a Christian’s spiritual life. When we fail to take time for prayer, it’s often because we think we don’t have time. But nothing could be further from the truth. The gospels are full of examples of Jesus taking time to pray, both in short and long sessions, sometimes with others, sometimes alone. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed,” we read in Luke 5:16. Note the word “often.” He made his relationship with God top priority and taught followers to do likewise. Jesus also emphasized the importance of being persistent and bold in our requests to God. In I John 5:14 we read: This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Are our prayers always answered the way we want them to be? No. But we need to keep praying anyway. James observes: Ye have not because you ask not. (James 4:2) Prayer isn’t only about asking for things. It’s also a time of expressing our thankfulness and praise to God. There’s a lovely poem by Grace L. Naessens which sums things up: I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task, “Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered. He answered, “You didn’t ask.” I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “But you didn’t seek.” I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock; God gently and lovingly chided, “My child you didn’t knock.” I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray. ❚ --Janine Pumilia 12

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Easy & Tasty Seasonal Pasta Salads N

ow is the time for diners to transition palates to lighter and healthier meals, especially those packed with fresh, satisfying ingredients. Whether serving dinner at home or heading out to a picnic, Lemony Peas and Pasta Salad is a snap to make, with few steps and minimal preparation time. It’s also packed with colorful fresh vegetables that are back in season once again. Start by preparing the pasta according to package directions. Dreamfields penne rigate is premium pasta made from durum wheat semolina that has the taste and texture of traditional pasta but with a healthy twist. A one-cup cooked serving provides five grams of fiber and seven grams of protein. While the pasta is in its final minutes of cooking, add two of nature’s wonderful gifts: fresh sugar snap peas and green peas. A dressing of lemon zest and juice whisked into olive oil adds just the right amount of zip when tossed with the drained pasta and peas. Then, add in crisp young greens such as arugula or spinach – the two can be blended, if desired. Once you’ve added a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top, it’s ready to serve. Have a taste for fresh herbs with your pasta salad? You can choose anything from chopped mint to chives to parsley, or pick your own favorite to sprinkle on top. For the best flavor and texture, be sure to prepare the pasta salad on the same day as it is served. This recipe yields enough for the whole family – including vegetarians – to enjoy. It’s an easy way to make life just a little bit healthier. Dreamfields can be found in the pasta aisle of supermarkets nationwide – just look for the black box. For more information and pasta salad recipes, visi dreamfieldsfoods.com. ❚ Source: Brandpoint

Lemony Peas & Pasta Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6-8 Ingredients

1 box Dreamfields Penne Rigate 2 cups sugar snap peas 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 tsp. lemon zest, plus extra ½ tsp. salt 3 tsp. olive oil 4 cups baby greens (arugula, spinach or blend) ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (optional) Parmesan Cheese, shaved

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding sugar snap and green peas during last 3 minutes of cooking; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Place in large bowl. Meanwhile, combine lemon juice, zest

and salt in small bowl. Whisk in oil. Toss with pasta and peas. Gently toss in greens and herbs, if using. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and additional zest, if desired. Note: For herbs, use one or a combination of chopped mint, thyme, chives, basil, parsley or other favorites. Nutrition Information: (1/6 of recipe): 328 calories; 8 g total fat (1 g saturated fat); 12 g protein; 56 g total carbohydrate; 9 g total dietary fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 218 mg sodium. ❚

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CASA Event & Collector’s Fair Coming Up S

To find answers to all of your questions regarding CASA, go to Winnebago County CASA.org.

pring fever is alive and well in the Rock River Valley and there are as many interesting events to attend as there are daffodils blooming. Here, we highlight two that caught our attention. Find many more in our Your Fun calendar and at northwestquarterly.com.

Collector’s Fair

CASA Fundraiser

“No Place Like Home” is the theme of the 21st CASA Annual Dinner & Auction on Friday, April 17, at the Tebala Shrine Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford. A cocktail hour and silent auction starts at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner, live auction and guest speaker at 7:30 p.m. Music and dancing start at 8:30 p.m. The live auction will be hosted by Paul Logli and WZOK radio’s Steve Shannon. The night will close with dancing to the sounds of Pablo and the Rhythmix. Among items you can bid on at the auction is a guitar signed by members of the Rolling Stones. CASA stands for Court Appointed

Special Advocates and is a group of about 140 volunteers who are appointed by a judge to advocate for children in Winnebago County’s abuse and neglect court. Its mission is to support those kids until they find their forever home. Proceeds from the April 17 benefit will help CASA to train and retain advocates and to meet the needs of the growing number of children entering the juvenile court system.

A free Collector’s Fair will be held May 2 at Just Goods, 201 7th St., Rockford, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Commemorative items and products manufactured in Rockford will be displayed as well as historical maps, books, photos, furniture, toys, games, sheet music and other items. At noon, a Powerpoint presentation titled “True Time for a Lifetime” will be featured, based upon a soon-to-bereleased book of the same title, about the history of the Rockford Watch Co. Bring your own special Rockford items for show and tell. Learn more by calling (815) 9647111 or (815) 399-7807.❚ Get SLW Outings articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Unforgettable Art Continued from Cover

. About 50 artists are participating this year and will arrive at noon to begin working on original works of art that will be auctioned off later that evening. From 6 to 8 p.m., ticketholders will be allowed to view the artists working. Artists have to be finished when the live auction begins at 8 p.m. Professional auctioneer Todd Wills will accept bids and Mike Robinson of OSF Health Systems will be the master of ceremonies. “This is a very unique event and there’s nothing else like it in the Rockford area,” says Jennifer Ratkovic, Manager of Special Events for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Rockford. “At the live auction, winning bidders are getting a one-of-a-kind work of art created that night, right in front of their eyes, which gives an entirely different twist to our fundraising efforts. It’s totally different than if auctioning off something that was created years ago or is one of

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many. And the artists are working together for a single cause, not competing with one another. The atmosphere is exciting, fun, vibrant, energizing and full of life,” she says. Hors d’oeuvres are provided by ABC Catering, Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza, Altamore Ristorante, Franchesco’s Ristorante, Wild Rhubarb Eatery, The Sweetery, Edible Arrangements, and Koko Bear Bakery. Beer, wine, Pepsi products and water will be available and music can be heard from members of Eddie B Jazz Band. Most artists are local, and some come from Chicago and Wisconsin; there’s one from North Carolina and another from Texas. Most will be painting in acrylic or watercolor; artists using just about any medium are invited to enter the juried show. The art styles range from abstract to realism, and subjects

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include landscapes, animals and Rockford themes. Artist Dani Pflanz participated in the benefit for the first time last year and is returning this year. She says a favorite uncle, who died from Alzheimer’s Disease, was her inspiration for being involved in the fundraiser. “My uncle, Don, was just a bigger-than-life man who was always welldressed, good to others, and a successful art designer in Chicago. When I was eight years old, he admired my drawings and said I was very talented. He helped me see I had a gift and an identity as an artist that

R  O R I could hold onto. At times, art has been a small part of my life, but as I spent more time with it, it evolved into a career,” she says. Last year, Pflanz was inspired to do a painting of a bald eagle with an abstract American flag flying in the background, for the fundraiser. It sold for $400. “I felt it would mean something to someone, with so many troops fighting overseas,” says Pflanz, who is deeply Christian. “The painting also represented that we all have strength in us, but as we age and deteriorate from disease, a struggle ensues. When my uncle was sick, I saw him fade, but I also saw a very strong and vibrant man trapped in his body.” The event is an inspiring and invigorating one, she adds. “You feel such energy in the air. Artists are working, volunteers are getting things ready, and when the public arrives, you hear all these heart-touching stories about how Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives. Everyone is eating, drinking, and talking and there is just this buzz in the air. It’s such a wonderful gift to participate in the event,” she says.

This year, she is doing an abstract acrylic painting with a theme of light and darkness. “For me, this piece will represent the struggle patients, their families and others feel while we wait for a cure,” she says. Last year, a portrait in chalk of Dr. Aloysius Alzheimer, who is credited with discovering the disease, was created by artist Mark Vincent and sold for the top price of $4,000. The picture was donated to the association and hangs on the wall in the local office. The event attracts a wide variety of people each year, including health care professionals, caregivers, and family members of Alzheimer’s patients, local business owners and art enthusiasts. Ratkovic says, “Some people attend because the event benefits the Alzheimer’s Association, others are more interested in the art, and some join in just because it is such a unique event.” For the first time, all tickets must be purchased in advance and are available by calling the local Alzheimer’s office at (815) 484-1300; or by picking them up at the office, 1111 S. Alpine Road, Suite

Artist Dani Pflanz

307; or by ordering them online at unforgettableart.org. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $75 for a VIP ticket, which includes preferred front row seating, a VIP “goodie” bag, and a hand-painted commemorative wine glass. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event for a variety of gift baskets filled with gift certificates, food items, gift items and more. ❚

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FHN Rehab Services: Occupational Therapy

W e’re here , for you.

hysical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy are very broad fields within healthcare. According to the American Occupational Therapy Organization, the key question in occupational therapy is not “What’s the matter with you?” but “What matters to you?” OT is different from PT. Whereas physical therapists usually work with patients to help them to recover physically from a specific incident within a specific timeframe, occupational therapists help people of any age to do the things that are important and meaningful to them in their everyday life, every day. For example, a physical therapist may help someone recovering from surgery or an accident to regain his or her original physical capabilities.An occupational therapist helps people to deal with limitations that may be associated with a chronic condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy, that won’t change markedly over time, and assists them in adapting their actual tasks and environments to their limitations. “We work to understand what’s important to the patient, not just to ensure that they can manage their regular everyday activities, but also to help them get back to the things they enjoy,” says Karen Christen, PT and director of FHN Rehabilitation Services,

Occupational Health, Pain Clinic and Orthopedic Service Line. “It’s our job to find out what’s important to them, and then do everything we can to get them there.” OT helps people of all ages to do the things they need and want to do every day. For adults, this can mean being able to perform their jobs and live independently. For children, this means being able to participate in school and sports or social situations – essentially a child’s “occupation.” Therapy often begins with an evaluation of the patient’s home, along with places such as a work or school, to determine what physical training and/or adaptive equipment may be needed. Occupational therapists may also educate family members or co-workers in ways to support the patient. For more information or to arrange treatment, visit fhn.org or call (877)-600-0345, ext. 940. ❚ Source: FHN

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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

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‘There’s No Place Like Home’ CASA Benefit April 17, 6 p.m. See Your Outings, p. 17. Future Nurses Academy April 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. From checking X-Rays to taking blood pressure, kids of all ages can get their hands on real equipment, talk to real nurses, and make the rounds on this day of medical fun at Discovery Center Museum. Sponsored by Saint Anthony College of Nursing. Incl. with admission. 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org Illinois Brass Band April 18, 3 p.m. The 30-plus members play music from a wide variety of genres from classical to jazz to popular. FCCA, Masonic Temple, Freeport, (815) 232-4214. “Unforgettable Art” 12th Annual Affair For Alzheimer’s April 18, 6 p.m. See our cover story. Emanuel Ax April 18, 7:30 p.m. A Grammy-winning American classical pianist, an internationally acclaimed performer, and a member of the faculty of the Juilliard School. CPAC, Rockford, from RCCA, rccaconcerts.net. Joe Bonamassa April 20, 8 p.m. This American guitarist was discovered by B.B. King at age 12, when he began touring with the blues legend. His repertoire of original and cover songs includes soul, old-time blues and rock. Rockford, coronadopac.org. Wildflower Walkabout: The Beauty Of Our County April 22, 6 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day with this program highlighting a few of the many gems that exist around us and belong to all of us. Learn about the upcoming walks. Enjoy social time after the program. Free. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org.

April 22: Celebrate Earth Day at Wildflower Walkabout, Severson Dells.

Observatory Open House, Freeport April 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. See the new domed observatory building along with the observatory’s telescopes and equipment. Visitors can tour the observatory, view information and displays, and see the telescopes. Weather permitting, there will be telescopes set up for safe viewing of the sun. Doug Firebaugh Observatory, 2892 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport. (815) 291-3072. Winter Wander-Bout April 18, 9 a.m.-noon. Join biologist/educator Greg Keilback for a spring exploration. The hike will be moderate and “off trail.” Bring energy food, drinking water. Free. Registration required; minimum of five. Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve, 4643 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org. Run for the Roses, Healing Pathways May 1, 5 p.m. cocktails then dinner. Wear your best Kentucky Derby hat, ladies, and your best bow ties, gents, as you “bet” on your favorite horses. Silent auction, dessert raffle, and even a live celebrity horse. All proceeds go toward free support services for local cancer patients. $75 per person. Event at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Call Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center for more info. at (815) 977-4123. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Alchemy: Full of Fresh Ideas By Peggy Werner resh ideas, fresh air, fresh food and a fresh start describe Alchemy, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford’s first “convertible” restaurant. It was founded by Chef Al Castrogiovanni, a graduate of the the Illinois Institute of Chicago’s Culinary Arts Program, who was greatly inspired while working at fine Chicago restaurants with chefs Shawn McClain and Stephanie Izard. The word “alchemy” means turning something ordinary into something extraordinary, and the trendy restaurant lives up to its name. It was part of a total renovation that took place three years ago, to transform Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center into a banquet facility, with a new food and wine menu at Big Al’s Bar, an upscale sports bar, and Alchemy, which offers customers a more big-city atmosphere.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

“Alchemy has its own vibe and feel,” Castrogiovanni says. “I always had a vision and knew what I wanted to do. We do a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and customize everything.” In warm weather, four garage doors open along the screened-in south side, to allow for al fresco dining and music on the patio. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. A wood-fire oven cooks pizzas made from handcrafted dough, inspired by consultants hired to turn out the best pizza crust around, Castrogiovanni says. Creative pizzas include Chicago Dog, Thai Pie, Eggplant Parmesan, a bunny rabbit pizza for kids and a create-your-own section. The full service bar features 36 craft beers on tap. Classic fare includes pastas, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, all with a special twist. Most items are served on small

Chef Al Castrogiovanni

plates, while big plate entrées include an 8-ounce filet roasted with fresh herb truffle butter; a 12-ounce New York Strip Steak; and a 10-ounce bone-in pork chop with bourbon sugar brine, smoked and roasted in a hot peach marmalade. Daily specials are also featured. Alchemy’s kitchen is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 4-11 p.m. FridaySaturday. The bar is open 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, and 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. ❚

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

In the Spotlight

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

Dos Reales

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery. Sun 8am-5pm. $. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$. Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$. Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$. In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas, along with some American fare, since 1998. Its recently updated menu features a burrito cheesesteak and chimichangas, along with newer items such as torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich ﬁlled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. Dos Reales offers glutenfree options, and dishes are mild unless a guest requests spicy. “We prepare everything from scratch and purchase our products from local sources,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚

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April 15

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April 15

T  I

Choosing a Summer Camp

occer camps, wilderness camps, chess camps – whatever interests your child, there’s a camp for it. But not all camps need to be licensed by a local or state government agency, nor do all seek certification through the American Camp Association. And there’s no standard set of regulations across the country, according to FindLaw.com. “Because the commitment to quality and safety can vary dramatically from camp to camp, it’s really important for parents to do their homework to make sure they’re getting the best fit for their child and themselves,” says Adam Orlow, a personal injury attorney with The Orlow Firm in New York. Get references. Ask the camp for names of two to three parents who live near you and contact them. Peruse online reviews too. Check the camp’s hiring procedures. Camps should readily share their protocol for staff criminal background checks and personal references. Does the camp train its staff on communication and discipline? Visit the camp. Inspect the facilities and equipment, review safety policies and meet the staff. For example, if a camp offers canoeing, are life-vests stocked and well maintained? Read the registration forms. Pay special attention to cancellation policies, disciplinary rules, and how staff handles cases of homesickness. Ask questions. For example, how are medical emergencies handled? Ask the camp about insurance. All camps should have insurance, and if you come across a camp that does not, you might want to consider other options. Check the staff’s expertise. If a camp promotes itself as a source for your child to enhance his or her skills, carefully check the staff bios to make sure they have the proper training and background. What are the policies toward visitors? How does the camp monitor visitors such as vendors and support staff? What does the camp do to secure its property throughout the day and night? ❚ To learn more about everyday legal matters, visit FindLaw.com. Source: BrandPoint

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April 15

Bank at a Credit Union? That’s Money Smart! We invite you to take advantage of the FREE financial education programs offered in our community, including our sponsored events:

Sat., April 18 9:00am - 12noon

“MACU Shred Day & Goodwill Drive”

Free, secure on-site shredding of unwanted personal documents + accepting small household items only (NO TVs/lg. appliances/furniture) ~ 2 boxes per person only, please co-sponsored by Better Business Bureau, Paper Recovery & Goodwill Industries location: MembersAlliance CU, 2550 S. Alpine Rd. (by drive up) - Rockford Wed., April 22 11:30am-12:30pm OR 6:00-7:00pm

“Identity Theft: The Rest of the Story! Be Informed and Prepared!”

ID theft is a multi-faceted problem. Get tips and services to minimize your risk. presented by Landshark Solutions location: MembersAlliance CU, 2550 S. Alpine Rd.- Rockford Thurs., April 23 6:00 - 7:30pm

“Retirement Planning 101”

What you need to know if you are planning to retire in the next 3 years. presented by Klaas Financial inc. location: MembersAlliance CU, 2550 S. Alpine Rd.- Rockford Sat., April 25 12:30 - 2:30pm

“Teen Financial Reality Fair”

a fun, interactive “real life” financial management activity for students age 13-18 presented by the Rockford Area Chapter of Credit Unions location: Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State St. (RSVP required! contact ahauck@membersalliance.org) For details, visit membersalliance.org View the full calendar of events @ moneysmartweek.org 32

Smart Living Weekly

April 15

Y M

Identity Theft: Learn the Rest of the Story T

o many of us, “Identity Theft” means someone has charged our credit card or drained our bank account. While this is certainly concerning, it’s only one part of a much larger problem. As part of northern Illinois’ eighth annual Money Smart Week, MembersAlliance Credit Union will host a free seminar titled “Identity Theft: The Rest of the Story! Be Informed & Prepared,” on Wednesday, April 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again at 6-7 p.m. It will take place at the credit union’s main branch, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford. Jeff Klinger, of Landshark Solutions, will present helpful information on this multi-faceted topic. Subjects will include data breaches, medical data, social security data and cyber security. Many helpful tips will be offered.

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This event is one of more than 200 free classes, seminars and activities promoting financial literacy that are taking place during Money Smart Week Illinois, April 18-25. Coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and more than 100 local Money Smart partner organizations, Money Smart Week is designed to educate consumers about money management and create awareness through free financial education programs on a wide range of topics for people from all ages and walks of life. In a related event, also on April 18, MembersAlliance and the Better Business Bureau will offer a free Community Shred Day from 9 a.m. to noon in the MembersAlliance parking lot at 2550 S. Alpine Road. Anyone is welcome to take advantage of this free service to dispose of personal papers and unwanted documents in a safe, secure way. Paper Recovery Service Corporation of Loves Park will provide the on-site shredding at the credit union’s parking lot. A new addition this

year will be a Goodwill donation drive. Goodwill of Northern Illinois will be in the parking next to the shredding truck, accepting donations of small household items and clothing. Enter off of South Alpine Road into the shopping center and drive south to the credit union’s driveup area. A limit of two boxes per car of materials to be shredded is requested, so that everyone can be helped. For more information, call MembersAlliance Credit Union at (815) 226-2260 or (800) 426-2260, visit online at membersalliance.org or visit Facebook & Twitter. ❚

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April 15

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Smart Living Weekly

April 15

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1