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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • May 14, 2014

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Right in Our Region

German Valley Days: Family-Friendly Fun

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

W

ith the arrival of warm weather comes festival season, and many fun events take place right in our region, in communities large and small. One of the first is the 41st Annual German Valley Days, June 6-8, with stage entertainment, a pig scramble, pie-eating contest, tournaments, special meals and lots of small-town charm.

All amusements are family-friendly, with no alcohol or adults-only performers. “We pride ourselves on running a good, clean little festival,” says Donna Smith, planning committee chairperson. This community-wide event, an ambitious undertaking, is supported and celebrated by most of the 500 residents of this Stephenson County hamlet.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Customize Your Closets • Crowd-Pleasing Grilled Skewers • Family Fun Health Fair at FHN Protect Yourself from Uninsured Drivers • Time to Tune Up that Air Conditioner

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We’re h ere , for you.

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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 German Valley Days Your Home ........................................................11 Tune Up Your Air Conditioner Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 ‘Out in the Fields with God’ Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Skewered, Grilled Appetizers Your Outings ....................................................17 FHN Health Fair Your Health ...................................................... 25 What? Hearing Loss?

Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Prevent Injuries; Reorganize Closets Your Money ...................................................... 33 Protection from Uninsured Motorists

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 Jim Killam and Peggy Werner 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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Let the Fairs & Festivals Begin!

A

s surely as summer travel brings higher gasoline prices, warm weather brings festivals large and small. I’ve covered a “fair” number of them, over the years, and am impressed by certain things.

First, they’re a lot of work to put on, yet volunteers rise to the occasion, keeping the peace among chamber of commerce members, sanitation workers, church ladies, stage moms and others.

Perhaps we should recruit small-town festival organizers to negotiate peace in the Middle East?

Second, it’s fun to see how proud people are of whatever their event promotes, whether it’s garlic, folk music, ethnic ancestry, conservation, farming prowess or tasty high-cholesterol foods. (The Polka Fest and Beer, Bacon & Cheese Festival in New Glarus, Wis., comes to mind, as does Byron’s deepfried Turkey Testical Festival.) Where else do we see neighbors reveal skills like yodling, chain-saw carving, hog-calling, hatchet throwing, wool-spinning ...

Third -- and please don’t tell your kiddies -- some of these events are surprisingly educational. Kids learn things like “What kind of house did Stephen Mack build?” at Old Settlers Days in Rockton, or “Why doesn’t Illinois have American Indians any more?” during Oregon Trail Days. They also learn that cheese comes from cows, not the Velveeta factory, and that those funny-looking shorts are called ‘lederhosen.’

German Valley Days is among the first festivals to blossom. With old-fashioned events like a pie-eating contest and pig scramble, you’ll find lots of Americana, without the flashy hype of a midway. Learn more about 2014 festivals, from Loopfest to Daisy Days, at Festing.com. ❚ Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Time to Get the Air Conditioner into Shape H

By Peggy Werner

aving your air conditioning system cleaned and checked annually will keep you cooler in the summer and may save you money in the long run.

“Preventative maintenance is all about keeping equipment clean and catching problems before they become emergencies,” says Mark Buckner, owner and president of Rockford Heating and Air Conditioning.

When an air conditioner condenser is dirty, it works harder and wears out faster; this is bad, since it’s the most expensive part to repair.

Also, neglected cooling systems cause energy bills to soar. Air conditioners have become much more energy efficient, so if a system is older than 15 years, it may be wise to replace it, Buckner says. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a rating manufacturers are required to put on equipment so that

customers can compare savings. Today’s high-efficiency air conditioners, with a SEER rating of 13 to 21, use up to 50 percent less electricity and may result in a 70 percent savings on electrical bills, he says. Older units have a SEER rating of about 6 to 7.

During an annual check-up, a technician looks at the circuit board, motors, coils, expansion valve, fan, relays, contractors and compressor of a system.

Routine tasks include checking the thermostat, tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, inspecting the condensate drain for blockage, cleaning the blower, and checking system controls, refrigerant charge and connectors.

Homeowners can help their air conditioners to run more efficiently by removing debris from around the outdoor unit, hosing it down when dirt collects on it, trimming foliage to at least 18 inches away from it, and keeping supply and

return registers free from blockage by drapes, furniture or rugs.

And don’t cover the air conditioner when it’s not in use, says Buckner. A cover across the top that hangs down no more than 12 inches is OK, but a fully covered air conditioner will trap moisture, rust parts, and make a nice home for mice to chew on wires, he says.

“Air conditioners were designed to be outside, you don’t have to cover them for aesthetics,” he says. ❚

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I  W

Let Springtime Do Her Work

H

ow many hours and days and years of our lives are devoted to things that little matter? How many thoughts are wasted in worry over problems that never materialize? In John 6:27, Jesus tells his followers to make their time on earth count and to keep their priorities straight.

“Don’t work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Glorious, energy-filled springtime reminds us that all life begins with the Creator. We’re merely privileged witnesses and partners in His work.

Out in the Fields with God

The little cares that fretted me I lost them yesterday Among the fields, above the sea, Among the winds at play, Among the lowing of the herds, The rustling of the trees, Among the singing of the birds, The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what might happen, I cast them all away, Among the clover-scented grass, Among the new-mown hay, Among the husking of the corn, Where drowsy poppies nod, Where ill thoughts die and good are born-Out in the fields with God. -- Anonymous 12

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Y K

Light up the Grill with Tasty Skewered Apps Skewers 12 1-inch square pieces white onion (about 1/2 onion) 12 1-inch square pieces green bell pepper (about 1/2 pepper) 12 1-inch square pieces red bell pepper (about 1/2 pepper)

D

ust off your grill and light up the coals - it’s time to move the party back to the warm outdoors. Enjoy the company of friends and family this summer with this easy, make-ahead recipe for grilled Chicken Skewers with Avocado Cream Dip appetizers.

Whisk marinade ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in chicken pieces. Mix well. Refrigerate covered for 30 minutes to an hour.

While chicken is marinating, place all dip ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

To assemble skewers: thread one piece of red pepper onto a 3 to 4-inch skewer or toothpick, followed by chicken, onion, another piece of chicken, and green pepper.

Preheat either a grill or a stovetop griddle to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers on the first side, about 2 minutes, then turn, cooking for 2 minutes on all 4 sides. Serve with Avocado Cream Dip.

Grilling Tips • Marinate meats overnight in a cajunstyle marinade, made with vegetable oil, vinegar, minced celery, onion, green pepper, and garlic, Cajun Seasoning, and Tabasco Original Red Sauce.

• Soak wooden skewers in warm water 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

• Add a few dashes of Tabasco Original Red Sauce to your favorite condiments for a spicy twist.

For more recipes and tips, visit www.tabasco.com. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

Chicken Skewers with Avocado Cream Dip Makes: 6 appetizer portions

Marinade 1/2 cup orange juice 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco brand Original Red Sauce 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons key lime juice 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon Achiote paste 1 tablespoon minced white onion 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon salt 4 (5-ounce) chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes, 36 pieces total

Dip 1 medium-sized ripe avocado 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 teaspoon key lime juice 1 teaspoon Tabasco brand Original Red Sauce 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil

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FHN Sponsors Family Health Fair May 17 E njoy a free, fun day out with the kids or grandkids at the FHN Family Health Fair Saturday, May 17 in Freeport.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Dr., Freeport, near Culvers, there will be kite-making, a bike safety rodeo, car seat safety demo, a fire truck and ambulance to explore, tips and recipes for healthy summer eating and more.

Kids can try on and take home surgical caps and masks, see FHN’s ultraviolet light cleaning robot and learn how to squash germs. All activities are free and the event will be held rain or shine.

FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and

southern Wisconsin. Named one of the top three hospitals in Illinois for safety by the world’s largest independent, nonprofit product- and service-testing organization and among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals for 2007 by Thomson Healthcare, FHN has also been honored by VHA with a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence in its treatment of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in 2008, and a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence for its treatment of cardiac patients in 2006.

Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center, 13 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, Hospice, occupational and chiropractic health services, dental care and outpatient mental

health services. An average of 1,500 people come to FHN daily for their healthcare needs. For more information about FHN, please visit fhn.org. ❚

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

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German Valley Days Continued from Cover

“It comes about through a collaboration among the Lions Club, the Village of German Valley, its businesses and other organizations, churches and residents,” “We encourage community involvement, and we’re lucky to have loyal sponsors

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and generous donors.” These generous folks contribute funds, prizes, food, materials and more. “People in the community really give of their time and effort during the festival,” Smith says.

While events occur throughout German Valley, much of the action takes place at Ben Miller Park, next to the German Valley Historical Museum, on Church Street. That’s fitting: The festival was first conceived as a way to help develop the park, which today has two shelter houses, a ball diamond, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, wooded area and concession stand.

This year’s theme is “Flight into Fancy.” Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, with the start of Cash Bingo, children’s games and rides, and a Celebration Supper served up by SWIFT, the youth group of Silver Creek

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Church. There are also concessions and vendors, a 5K Run/Walk, the crowning of Little Miss & Mister German Valley, and the onstage game show, a festival tradition.

“Each year on the first night, we do our version of a popular game show, with residents as contestants,” Smith explains.

“This year, it’s ‘The Newlywed Game.’

It’s always great fun, but we anticipate that this one will be especially entertaining.”

On Saturday, from 6-10 a.m., German Valley EMTs serve up a pancake breakfast at the fire station. At the same location, from 7-10 a.m., FHN will offer free health screenings, and the Lions of Illinois Hearing Screening Bus will be present.

Across from the fire station, a car show begins at 9 a.m., with free shuttle rides to the park, where a variety of activities take place. Among them: carnival games and inflatable rides, kiddie tractor pulls, a pie-eating contest, a children’s

R  O R pig scramble, archery demos, a bags tournament, ‘punt, pass & kick’, and more.

The “Flight into Fancy” parade begins at 1:30 p.m., with a flyover by Albertus Airport Pilots. The theme is further carried through with tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), beginning with the balloon’s inflation at 5 p.m. Attendees can register on Friday and Saturday to win a hot air balloon ride for two, donated by Smith.

From 3:30-7:30 p.m., visitors can take the free shuttle back to the fire sta-

tion, where the German Valley Fire Department hosts its Pork Chop Barbeque. Back at Miller Park, the evening’s entertainment includes a Little Miss & Mister dance number at 6:15 p.m., followed by professional storyteller Richard Meeks, at 6:30 p.m., and comedic hypnotist Cheryl Shagena at 8 p.m., along with the presentation of the balloon ride and other German Valley Days prizes. Saturday’s festivities conclude with a fireworks display.

On Sunday there are community water fights, a shopping cart race – a fundraiser for the local food pantry – and concessions at Lake Baalton. Finally, German Valley Days 2014 will close with an evening vesper service.

Not surprisingly, German Valley was first settled by German immigrants, around 1850, and called Baalton. In 1857, it consisted of a general store and two houses. That’s when the Chicago Great Western Railroad came along, established a depot, platted out the village

and renamed it German Valley.

While German Valley Days give residents a chance to celebrate the history of their community, it also allows guests to experience the community’s charm.

“My heart is warmed when I see people from different places come to this little village for these three days,” Smith says.

Admission is free. Learn more about German Valley Days at stephenson-county-il.org, or call Smith, (815) 362-3671. ❚

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Y H

What? What Did You Say?

By Peggy Werner

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n a culture that fights just about everything that has to do with aging, it’s no wonder most people won’t listen to the painful truth.

Often because they can’t hear it.

People with hearing difficulties are generally the last to know they have a hearing problem and the last to do anything about it, says Timothy F. Conley, audioprosthologist and owner of Ameri-

can Hearing Aid Labs in Rockford and Roscoe.

“Hearing loss is a gradual process and so is the acceptance of it,” he says.

“Family members or close friends will often spot a hearing loss in someone long before that person decides it’s a problem.”

“Often, people with hearing impairment don’t experience stress from not being able to hear and understand. They don’t feel there’s anything wrong, because they’re not aware of what they’re missing.”

It often takes five to 10 years for a person to reach the “moment of truth” and seek help. It never happens overnight, Conley says.

Help is usually sought when a person is embarrassed or has been inconvenienced because something wasn’t heard correctly, or words were missed.

Other factors that come into play

include the fear of getting older, fear of discrimination and plain old vanity; some folks just don’t want to be seen wearing a hearing aid.

Several factors must align before most people are ready to address a hearing problem.

• They must believe they have a hearing loss.

• They must want to do something about it.

• They must be willing to work with a hearing device.

“A person must be in the right frame of mind, ready to accept help,” he says.

“Most people feel let down at first, when realizing they need help, but when they see the improvement and the difference in their hearing, it’s like a light switch going on and they become emotionally attached to the hearing aids, because they’re so helpful.” ❚

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BJS: Simply Symphony – Zings With Strings May 14, 6:30 p.m. Beloit Janesville Symphony presents music for the whole family. Eclipse Center, 100 Eclipse Center, Beloit, Wis., (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.

The Jodi Beach Trio May 15, 5:30 p.m. Popular local group plays original arrangements of jazz classics. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9642238, mendelssohnpac.org.

Lend Me a Tenor May 15-17, 7:30 p.m. A madcap comedy about a famous opera singer who’s presumed dead and a substitute who takes his place.

Winneshiek Playhouse, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.

Kantorei

The Singing Boys of Rockford, IL

Join us in celebrating our 50th Anniversary!

Gala Banquet Thursday, June 12 5:30pm Radisson Conference Center Rockford, IL Adults: $25 Children: $15

50th Anniversary Concert Friday, June 13 7:30pm Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Students At the door: $25/$15 Visit kantorei.com for tickets / reservations.

Beloit ArtWalk May 16-17, F 5-9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Beloit businesses display fine art. Free trolley rides, live entertainment. Downtown Beloit, (608) 365-0150, downtownbeloit.com.

Rockford Aviators Baseball May 16-18, F-Sat 7:05 p.m., Sun 5:05 p.m. The hometown team squares off against the River City Rascals in a three-game homestand. Aviators Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 885-2255, rockfordaviators.com.

Discover Lena Expo May 16-22, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Showcases the Village of Lena, with displays on businesses, schools, attractions. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 Hwy. 20 East, Freeport, (815) 233-1357.

Stephenson County Farmers Market May 17 & 20, Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tues noon-4 p.m. Fresh produce, home-baked goods, local honey, more. Through October. 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport.

Animal Mania 2014 May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Antique tractor show, chicken hatching, horseshoeing, horse extravaganza, activities. Concessions. Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford, (815) 987-8809, rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood.

100 Men Who Cook & Brew May 17, 6:30 p.m. Benefits The Literacy Council.

(Stephenson County CVB photo)

Wreck-It-Ralph May 15, 5:30 p.m. Free Thursday Night Movie; snacks provided. Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport, (815) 233-3000, freeportpubliclibrary.org.

Visit the Stephenson County Farmers Market in Freeport, May 17 & May 20.

$75/$650 Table of 10. Advance reservations only: (815) 963-7323, theliteracycouncil.org.

Event: BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford.

The “Pec Thing” Antique & Flea Market May 17-18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Rain or shine. More than 500 vendors, inside and out. Antique tools, quilts, yard art, jewelry, stamps, postcards, furniture, glassware, arts & crafts. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1641.

Janesville Renaissance Faire May 17-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Old World experience with performers, vendors, more. Traxler Park, 600 N. Main St., Janesville, jvlfaire.com.

Daniel Nelson, Master Chocolatier May 18, 2 p.m. Learn about chocolate’s characteristics and origins. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.

Exploring Nature in Illinois May 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Dr. Michael Jeffords of the Illinois Natural History Survey presents his new book, Exploring Nature in Illinois. Free. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Wendy’s Super Car Night May 21, 6-8:30 p.m. A gathering of great classic cars. Wendy’s, 1689 Willard, Freeport, (815) 232-8938. ❚

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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  Casual/American. Full bar.

6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 637-2660.

LD M-F 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am to late. $.

9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, Ill. (815) 233-7300. $ abreo  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  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  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. 11am10pm. $.

Butterfly Club  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  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  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  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. $$.

Costa’s Italian Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily.

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

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

Giordano’s  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. $.

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JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  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  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  Casual. 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat to 11pm, Sun to 10pm. $.

Lucha Cantina  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  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. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining.

Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 3130700 Sun.-Th 4:30-9p.m, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. $$.

Mulligans  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  Casual/Irish-American. 510 S. Perryville Rd., Rockford, (815) 986-0950. LD M-Sat 11am2am, Sun to midnight. $-$$.

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

Slanted Shanty Vintage Pub  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  Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (815) 616-5449. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill. $ Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

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

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T  I

Customize Your Closets

By Jim Killam

A

Get Spring Cleaning Done Without Injury

By Medical Pain Management Services, Ltd

I

t’s the time of year when the primitive urge to tidy up the homestead really kicks in. Problem is, most people overdo it. In fact, many home-related injuries each year result from household chores gone wrong.

Mowing, raking, clearing leaves from gutters and ridding rooms and garages of accumulated clutter are hard on the body. Stretching, lifting, pulling, twisting and turning can produce strains, sprains, tendonitis or even fractures.

As Medical Pain Management Services, 1235 North Mulford Road in Rockford, welcomes the warmer weather, we wanted to reach out with tips to avoid injuries during marathon cleaning sessions.

• Get limber prior to cleaning activities. It’s not something you normally consider before cleaning, but stretching and warming up muscles helps thwart soreness and injuries.

• Spend a short amount of time on several activities rather than tackling one longer, repetitive task. For example, vacuum a room and then switch to dusting instead of vacuuming the entire house at once.

• Alter your body’s position often.

If you’ve just hunched over a stained bathtub for an hour, give your back a break. The next task should allow you to stand or sit up straight.

• Secure and stabilize a ladder before climbing. Make sure it’s on a solid and level surface. Check for loose screws or rungs. Move the ladder closer to reach an object. Don’t use ladder rungs as resting spots.

• Follow basic lifting principles.

Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not with your back. Lift smaller loads.

Ask for assistance with heavy items.

Keep the object close to your body. Use a shovel, rake or hoe with a handle that lets you keep your back straight.

• Wear the right clothes. Gloves and protective clothing guard against chemicals and cleansers. When working outdoors, wear shoes with good, nonslip soles for stability on uneven or wet surfaces.

Preventing injuries during spring cleaning begins with preparation.

Set realistic goals and don’t overexert yourself. ❚

s more residents choose to keep their homes longer, they’re wanting better storage space. That can be as simple as modifying a closet or two, or as extensive as turning that extra bedroom into a stylish dressing room.

Older homes often contain 4- to 5-foot clothes closets with a single rod and shelf. Those don’t reflect what most people need today, says Joe Weller, president of Shelving and Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley.

“Homeowners really do want good storage,” Weller says. “As a result, you’re seeing larger walk-in closets, closets that are the size of bedrooms sometimes.

When you get into closets like that, we can do some very nice things in terms of islands with drawer units, granite tops, going around the perimeter with shoe storage, sweater storage, drawer storage.”

He also can transform tiny closets by using a combination of new products and good design, to help people make the most of their available space.

“We get calls every day,” he says.

“That just means they need some help.

They’re frustrated with the space they have. And really, in most cases, a good design takes that frustration away.”

That means designing around people’s wardrobes and lifestyles. Weller’s company goes so far as to measure things like hanging dresses or even shoe sizes, to customize storage. Sometimes clients will initially resist that idea.

“We’ll get customers who, when we talk about closet design, will say, ‘I want to design this for resale. I want to make sure that the closet is nice for the next person coming in,’” Weller says.

“And we always tell them that closets can be changed. We go in and change closets every day. You really want to design a closet for now and for yourself.

You don’t want to design a closet for the next person.” ❚

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May 14

Y M

How to Protect Yourself from Uninsured Drivers

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lthough most states require drivers to have car insurance, there are still motorists who take their chances and drive without coverage or with insufficient coverage.

Nationwide, about 14 percent of drivers are uninsured, and, in a handful of states, that figure tops 20 percent, according to the Insurance Research Council.

States threaten uninsured drivers with fines, license plate confiscation and other penalties. Some states even use databases to better identify motorists who lack insurance.

Still, the problem persists, and can be costly for responsible drivers who do have insurance.

If you have an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you could find yourself on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical expenses and repair costs, regardless of who’s at fault.

Buying uninsured and underinsured motorists’ coverage can ease your fears and pay off if you have an accident. The insurance pays for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering from injuries sustained in a car wreck. If you purchase uninsured motorist property damage insurance, you also get coverage for vehicle repairs and damage to valuables that were in your car at the time of the accident.

If a minivan smashes into your brand new SUV, causing $33,000 in damages, and the other driver’s insurance provides a maximum of $25,000 per vehicle for

property damage, you could be stuck with the remaining $8,000 to repair your vehicle. Underinsured motorists coverage fills the gap if the at-fault driver’s policy limits are not adequate to cover your damages.

“The insurance provides a great deal of benefit for a modest cost,” says Charles Valinotti, a senior vice president with insurer QBE North America. Uninsured and underinsured motorists’ coverage typically costs from 6 to 9 percent of the total policy premium.

Mississippi, Alabama, California, New Mexico, Arizona and Tennessee traditionally have had the highest percentage of uninsured motorists.

Depending on your state, it’s possible that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory on your policy. Talk to your agent to verify that you are adequately insured. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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