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Right in Our Region

Expand Your World at Spring 2014 Art Scene

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

M

ore than 200 local artists will display their work in 37 venues throughout Rockford, this weekend, during Spring 2014 Art Scene, a self-guided gallery tour coordinated by the Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC). While the event is free, it’s the hope of RAAC and the artists that you’ll be inspired to buy.

“It’s a really fun opportunity to be inspired by original art, and to see what artists throughout the city are doing,” says Anne O’Keefe, president and CEO of RAAC for the past nine years. “It’s also a nice opportunity to connect with the artists in person.”

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

All About Ham • Get Better Sleep • Is Your Mower Ready?

Why Gasoline Prices Vary • Outsmarting Identity Thieves • Take Time for Family Fun

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Spring Art Scene 2014 Your Home ........................................................11 Your Mower Awaits Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Hearts Ablaze Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 All About Ham Your Outings ....................................................17 BARN Festival in Beloit Your Health ...................................................... 25 Sleeping Positions Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Outsmart ID Thieves Your Money ...................................................... 33 Why Gas Prices Vary So Much

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 Writer Jim Killam General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Five Reasons to Support the Arts

W

hat do the following Rockford locations have in common: A west side community center, a downtown dry cleaner, a mid-town bank and an east side financial planning office?

They’re among 37 venues hosting Art Scene this weekend, and that makes them extra worthy of respect. Why? Because the arts are SO IMPORTANT to the health of individuals and communities. Why? First, because they expand parts of our brains we didn’t even know we had. Savvy employers know this and search for folks with skill sets that reflect this; arts participants often excel at innovation, self-discipline, teamwork and much more.

Second, because the arts are just plain fun. Cities with strong arts communities tend to attract successful people.

Third, because the arts bring together many demographic groups and encourage us to view the world through each others’ eyes. How valuable is that in a city like Rockford?

Fourth, because the arts provide a whole universe in which individuals discover their own talents. Not everyone is a basketball player or mechanic. Some of us are painters, musicians ... writers, even.

Fifth – and this is for all of you who, like me, are genetically infused with Midwest pragmatism – the arts are good for our local economy. Way good. The Arts Alliance of Illinois estimates that Greater Rockford’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $24 million in annual spending and supports more than 1,000 full-time jobs.

So go ahead. Explore Art Scene this weekend and don’t feel guilty if you spend actual money on some original piece of work that catches your fancy.

It’s good for your soul ... and your community!

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

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The Springtime Art of Mower Maintenance

By Jim Killam

T

here it sits in the garage: undisturbed since September, the remnants of last summer still clinging to its underside. As the snow thaws, your lawnmower awaits.

Now is a great time to give the mower a once-over in preparation for what everyone hopes is a long summer of use.

Tim Kinney of Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales, Inc., 3110 Auburn St., Rockford, offers a little maintenance advice.

Air filter. Change it once a year. The air filter allows the engine to run properly. If it’s dirty, the fuel-to-air mix gets out of balance and the engine will run roughly. On a lawn mower, the air filter also catches grass, dust and bugs before they reach the engine and cause damage.

It’s a quick, inexpensive fix. If you need a tool at all, it will just be a screwdriver.

Spark plug. Change this annually,

too. The spark plug ignites the gasoline to run the engine. If it’s gunked up, it will misfire and the mower will run roughly or not at all. Again, it’s an easy fix. All you need is an inexpensive spark-plug socket wrench.

Fuel. If you stored the mower with gasoline in it, that needs to be drained.

Gas degrades after a month or two.

If you perform all of these basics and the mower won’t start, that probably means old gas has turned to varnish inside the carburetor, which now needs to be cleaned. If you’re mechanical, you can buy a rebuild kit and tackle it yourself.

Otherwise, have the mower serviced. Finally …

Blade. Check to be sure it’s sharp.

If not, you’ll need a socket wrench to remove it from the mower for sharpening or replacement. If you have a grinder and a

vise, you can sharpen the blade yourself.

Otherwise, places like hardware stores and Lincoln Rent-All will sharpen it for you. ❚

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

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I  W

Blazing Hearts O

ne of the most interesting incidents in scripture occured during the 50 days between Easter and Pentacost, when a rather sly resurrected Christ appeared to two men who were walking to a village called Emmaus, near Jerusalem. Luke 24, verses 13-35 (NIV):

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?’

‘What things?’ he asked.

‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied.

‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see Jesus.’

He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

Can you imagine it? Jesus himself taught these men scripture from beginning to end, pointing out what Old Testament . prophets had to say about him. Then they invite him to supper.

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’”

More than 2,000 years later, when we walk with the Messiah, he still opens scripture to us and causes our hearts to burn within us. ❚ 12

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Ham: Still the No. 1 Choice for Easter Feasting

By Peggy Werner

S

pring is taking its own sweet time to get here, but just the thought of it conjures images of budding trees, daffodils, fresh air and Easter. And although pastelcolored candies and chocolate bunnies have lined store shelves for weeks, eventually a decision has to be made about what’s for Easter dinner.

Long ago, before the age of refrigeration, fresh pork that hadn’t been eaten during winter months was cured. Hams were ready to eat by Easter and became a natural choice for the main meal.

Times have changed, but ham remains the No. 1 Easter entrée. Let’s face it: Ham is tasty, popular and much less trouble to prepare than, say, a Thanksgiving turkey.

Peter Lentz, owner of 640 meats at 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., in Loves Park, will sell many dozens of hams for Easter feasting. But he says it takes some knowhow to make the most of a great ham, and he’s always happy to answer customers’ questions.

“Most people want to know exactly how to cook the ham, at what temperature and how long,” he says. But first, you have to buy a ham of good quality.

You don’t want to see a large fat cap on either end of the ham, Lentz says.

Buying a good brand should prevent unpleasant surprises, like gristle, when you cut into it.

Lentz suggests buying a lightly smoked, skinless, bone-in ham, without a shank. Spiral cut hams allow for ease and evenness when serving up slices.

“You want the bone-in ham to make sure you get the real thing rather than a processed version,” he explains. And there are plenty of those “fake” hams on the market, so be wary.

Figure on a pound per person when selecting the size of the ham.

It’s already smoked and cured, so the ham needs to be warmed, not cooked.

That can be accomplished by allowing 20 minutes per pound in a 300 degree oven.

The saltiness of the ham is well

complemented by a sweet glaze, which is usually made from orange juice and brown sugar.

Glaze the ham before cooking, or serve the glaze on the side.

Cloves, pineapple, cherries, oranges, and apples are flavors that go well with ham.

Delectable side dishes that pair well with ham include green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, baked beans and twice baked potatoes, all available at 640 Meats. Ready-to-serve salads include three-bean, macaroni, potato and pasta. Marinades, seasonings, and other ingredients for perfect meals may be purchased there, too. 640 Meats is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. ❚

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

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BARN Festival April 12 in Beloit

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njoy music, dance, visual arts, theater, workshops and discussion during the Beloit Artist Resource Network (BARN) Festival, a half-day event April 12, from 1 to 6 p.m.

The event is hosted by The Castle, 501 Prospect St., Beloit, an up-and-coming performing arts venue and education center. Beloit College’s Hendrick’s Center for the Performing Arts will also serve as a venue. The festival will feature college and professional groups from Beloit, the surrounding area and Chicago.

BARN Festival tickets cost $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Fees are reduced for students.

BARN aims to help and promote musicians, visual artists, theater performers, dancers, film makers, performance artists, venues, organizers, and touring artists in Beloit. Organizers believe that “art, dance, music, and performance has a

phenomenal impact on a community in its social wealth and economic wealth. With this in mind, the BARN helps to support community interaction in the arts to promote discussion and collaboration.”

The Castle, which was purchased at auction by local residents John and Jody Wittnebel, is a community center, performing arts and media venue in the former First Presbyterian Church building on Prospect Street, which is currently under renovation. By providing catering and event-hosting services for outside clients, the owners believe the property will be financially viable. It it also home to a non-profit corporation, The Youth Unite, Inc., founded by the Wittnebels to provide wellness education and guidance to community youths and others.

The historically significant church overlooks the city and is easily reached from the downtown and Beloit College.

The BARN’s goals include: • connecting musicians, visual artists, theater performers, dancers, film makers, and performance artists • helping to promote shows, galleries, concerts, and other performances • connecting venues to artists • offering events and opportunities for those in the network • offering information to touring artists/performers about connecting to our community and finding opportunities to show their work here. ❚

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Art Scene Continued from Cover

Spring 2014 Art Scene is April 11 & 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Maps are available online at artsforeveryone.com or at the RAAC headquarters, 713 E. State St., Rockford. This year marks the 12th Spring Art Scene and the 20th Fall Art Scene.

“That’s pretty impressive, when you think about it,” says O’Keefe. “The public has always supported and enjoyed this event – it creates a buzz. It’s also good for artists to push themselves to meet two annual deadlines for completing work.”

Most of all, the event connects local people to one another – artists to buyers; emerging artists to established artists; artists and visitors to venue owners; visual artists to performing artists, and so on.

On the Cover: L-R Artists Tabatha Dougherty and Therese Rowinski at the 317 Studio & Gallery, 317 Market St., Rockford, an Art Scene venue and historic building rich in local arts history.

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The venues aren’t limited to traditional galleries or studios, either. They include restaurants, gardens, non-profit enclaves and business establishments like dental offices, banks and dry cleaners.

The geography of Spring 2014 Art Scene stretches west and east, from a mix of performing and visual artists at Fairgrounds Valley Community Center, 1015 W. Jefferson St., to a display of 13 visual artists’ works at Ameriprise Financial, 6870 Rote Road. This year there’s a particularly strong effort in the Midtown District (7th Street area), with venues at BMO Bank Center, Art Revisited, Cambridge Dental Building, Just Goods, Katie’s Cup, Shelter Care Ministries and the Irish Pub Building on 5th Avenue.

The majority of the 37 Art Scene venues are downtown; others are scattered across Rockford, such as Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford University and Atmosphere Hair.Nails.Skin in the East Wind Business Complex.

Art Scene is also diverse in the art it showcases, from traditional to off-beat,

April 9

Glass by Drew Helge

visual to performing. Visitors can see paintings, pottery, photography, fiber art, and jewelry. They can also enjoy live music, comedy, theatrical skits, multi-media projects and offerings that defy labels.

The Art Matters Artist Coop, 505 N. Madison St., will present spoken and written word, fine art, repurposed objects and photography, all with the theme: “What Makes a Story Worth Telling?”

FotoEnvy/ThreeTwoFive Studio, 325 W. Jefferson St., will celebrate video gaming’s iconic rivalries. About 3,000 square feet of gallery space will be split, with heroes and heroines on one side “and

R  O R vicious bosses and baddies on the other.”

At Someplace Else II, 1014 Charles St., “The Array” exhibit will present works by 15 artists that include themes of science fiction, equestrian, nudes, printmaking, neo-pop abstract and more.

At Stepping Stones, 706 N. Main St., “The Art of Recovery” will showcase talents of adults and children with mental illness, and demonstrate how the arts are important to their recovery process.

West Side Show Room Company, 410 Mulberry St., will perform “SCENEscene,” a continuous cabaret of skits, monologues, music, dance, comedy and film.

“We don’t necessarily have to understand everything we see, or what the artist was thinking, to enjoy art,” says O’Keefe.

“Sometimes you see something that just hits you unexpectedly. Many times I’ve had people call me, long after Art Scene is done, to ask for help tracking down some piece of art that has just ‘stuck with them’ in their minds.”

Rockford is very fortunate to count a 100-year-old Rockford Art Museum, 40-year-old Rockford Dance Company, 10-year-old Artists’ Ensemble Theatre, 80-year-old Rockford Symphony Orchestra and many other strong arts organizations, among its assets, notes O’Keefe.

This enthusiastic public support for the arts bodes well for the community’s future. “A thriving arts community is important to our quality of life, and it’s also important to employers who are trying to entice employees to move here,” says O’Keefe. “People move where they know they’ll have something to do other than their jobs.”

Exposing youths to the arts is invaluable, too. “Our children are Rockford’s next generation of innovators,” O’Keefe observes. “The arts teach skills that other things can’t teach, and people in leadership positions are increasingly aware of the connection between exposure to the arts and innovative thinkers.”

Art Scene is a reminder that there’s a lot of creative energy in this town. Most

of all, though, it’s just a lot of fun, “especially when you grab some friends and go from venue to venue together,” says O’Keefe.

Learn more, and download a Spring 2014 Art Scene map, at artsforeveryone. com. ❚

Painting by Lisa Frost

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How Positions Impact Your Sleep Quality Y

By Beloit Health System

our sleep position – whether you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper – not only affects the quality of your sleep, but also may alleviate or aggravate certain conditions, like sleep apnea, acid reflux and more. Dr. Sushrut Patel, board certified pulmonologist and sleep specialist with Beloit Health System and NorthPointe Health in Roscoe, offers the following advice.

“While there’s no ‘right’ way to sleep, sleeping on your stomach generally isn’t recommended because of the position’s effects on your neck and back,” says Dr. Patel. “If you find it hard to sleep in another position, place a pillow under your pelvis to help reduce strain. Avoid putting your neck at an awkward angle by using a very soft pillow under your head or sleeping without a pillow.”

Do you or your partner snore?

“If you snore or have obstructive

sleep apnea, back sleeping may worsen the problem, so opt for your side instead,” Dr. Patel suggests. “If you’re not able to change position, using a wedge pillow to elevate your head may help.” Side sleeping also may relieve acid reflux, insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation.

Pillows can help lessen back pain in most positions. If you sleep on your back, a pillow under the knees or a rolled towel under the small of your back helps maintain the body’s natural curve. If you’re a side sleeper, a pillow between your knees can provide extra support while helping hip and knee issues, too. If you have spinal stenosis (pinched nerves in the lower back), bending your knees may also help ease discomfort.

For side sleepers with shoulder pain, avoid sleeping on the affected side. Instead, sleep on the opposite side and hug a pillow. Or sleep on your back with a

Stomach Sleeping Good for: Snoring, sleep apnea Bad for: Neck and back pain, sleep quality What you can do: Place a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdominals; use a very soft pillow under your head or none at all.

Side Sleeping Good for: Heartburn, insomnia, chronic sleep deprivation Bad for: Shoulder pain What you can do: Hug a pillow

Back Sleeping Good for: Back pain Bad for: Snoring, sleep apnea, digestion

small pillow beneath the injured shoulder. For neck pain, use a pillow that fills the space between your neck and shoulders, positioned above the shoulders. ❚

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Hair April 11, 8 p.m. Radical 1960s music tackles issues still relevant today. Hits include “Aquarius” and “Good Morning Sunshine.” Coronadopac.org.

Salvation Army Norwegian Staff Band April 11, 7 p.m. Here from Oslo, Norway, this band will perform at Salvation Army Temple Corps, 500 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford.

Easter Eggstravaganza April 12, 1-3 p.m., Children ages 2-10 are welcome to join the Downtown Beloit Association for a free Easter egg hunt at Horace White Park, Beloit. Fun zone, photos with the Easter bunny, mascots, face painting, balloon animals and more.

Journey to Joy April 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Womanspace 2014 Spring Luncheon features storytelling by Kelly Epperson, plus a tasty lunch and presentation of 18th Annual Womanspirit Award. Womanspace-rockford.org.

The Great War: World War I April 12-13, 11 a.m. Visit encampments, talk to the re-enactors, learn about military equipment. Indoor displays of WW I weapons and artifacts, cavalry and medical units. See battles and skirmishes in the village; more. Midway Village, Rockford, midwayvillagemusuem.org.

Botanica: A Gardener’s Luncheon April 16. Design workshop by Poska and K. Hill Antiques; 12:40 presentation “Creating Perennial Plant Communities – The Know Maintenance Approach,” by Roy Diblik, renowned landscape designer. At Giovanni’s Restaurant.

Presented by Klehm Arboretum. Learn more and reserve seats at Klehm.org.

Earth Day Fest in Galena April 22. A billion people will celebrate the 44th annual Earth Day, including Galena, Ill., with Earth Day Fest at Turner Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., an open house format event with displays about how to protect the Earth. More info. at (815) 275-4881.

Great American Cleanup April 26, register by April 18. Litter pick up equipment distribution at nine sites from 8 to 9 a.m.; 9 a.m.-noon cleanup. Sponsored by Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, knib.org.

Check out the Easter Eggstravaganza at Horace White Park in Beloit on April 12.

Aaron Shust Morning Rises Concert & Expo April 30, 7 p.m.; Doors open at 6. Christian music artist Aaron Shust is featured with MIKESCHAIR, Jonny Diaz and Lauren Daigle for a night of music and ministry. Pontiac Expo Center, 2809 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville, Wis. Go to byfaithevents.org for more info.

Hollywood Canteen April 30 at Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport. Wraps up the “Hollywood and WW II” series and features the Andrews Sisters, Jack Benny, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and numerous other Warners Brothers stars who gave their evenings over to entertaining soldiers. $5. (815) 233-0025 or (815) 232-8419.

Metals & Electronics Drive May 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Machesney Park Mall, south parking lot. Learn more at knib.org.

11th Annual Unforgettable Art May 3, 6 p.m., featuring 50 artists who’ll tranform blank canvases to works of art. At Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, Cherryvale North Blvd.

Benefits Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter. Learn more at alz.org/illinois.

Shelter Care Ministries Spring Luncheon May 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prarie St. Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Shelter Care will unveil new plans and host a marketplace of handcrafted items. shelter-care.org.

Cruisin for a Cause May 10, 4-8 p.m. at Union Dairy, 126 E. Douglas St., Freeport. Bring the whole family for food, fun and to see classic cars judged in these categories: ‘30s & ‘40s; ‘50s & ‘60s; 70s & 80s; 90s & newer. Judging closes at 7 p.m., awards at 8 p.m. Music from 3D Sound Co. ❚

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WDL

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. $. 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. $-$$.

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

™

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

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

Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails  Upscale-Casual/Italian specialties. 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. $.

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

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. $.

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

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. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining/ American. Ironworks Hotel (formerly Beloit Inn), 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700 D. Sun.-Th 4:309p.m, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. Bar open later. $$.

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. $-$$.

Mulligans  Casual/American Pub. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $

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. $$.

Murphy’s Pub & Grill  Casual/Irish-American. 510 S. Perryville Rd., Rockford, (815) 986-0950. LD M-Sat 11am2am, Sun to midnight. $-$$.

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 $-$$.

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

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. $.

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. $$.

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

Outsmarting ID Thieves I

dentity theft recovery expert Scott A. Merritt was once a victim himself. Today he offers his clients these tips.

• Understand how and where it happens. Most thefts occur in places where you do business every day. Either a place of business is robbed, a bad employee acts improperly or a hacker breaches the office through the computer.

• Secure your wallet’s information.

Photocopy everything in your wallet: photos, credit cards (front and back), membership cards – everything. Put the copies in the order the cards are arranged in your wallet, staple the pictures and place them in a strong box or safe.

• Make sure your information is consistent. Don’t have discrepancies, like having your middle initial on some documents but not others.

• Secure your digital habits. Change your passwords at least twice a year on a non-scheduled basis. Have a strong firewall if you shop online, and only access sites that are protected by a strong firewall and high industry standards. Access accounts of a financial nature only from your personal computer.

• Protect your bank information.

While in the bank, keep account numbers and other data out of sight, and avoid stating account numbers, Social Security numbers and similar information out loud.

• Account for your interactions with vendors. Every time you speak to someone with whom you do business, write down the time, date, name and the purpose or outcome of the call. Be sure to note any animosity or reluctance from the vendor.

• Don’t carry around your birth certificate or Social Security card. Keep those vital items in a safe.

“You can greatly reduce being a victim of retailer hacks by using cash more often,” Merritt says. “But if you’re going to use credit, use a card from a national bank or a national credit union and never a debit card, no exceptions.” ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y M

Here’s Why Gas Prices Vary Across the Area

By Jim Killam

S

ometimes a person can drive through a small town and notice the gasoline prices, then drive 20 minutes to Rockford and see prices 10 cents higher at the same company’s stations.

What gives? Isn’t all of that gas coming from the same supplier?

“It’s not because the person in Rockford is getting ripped off,” says John Griffin, President of Kelley Williamson Company, a Rockford-based Mobil distributor. “It’s because the person in Freeport is getting a bargain, because there’s something going on in Freeport called competition.”

Those used to be called gas wars.

Neighboring stations trade price reductions, sometimes knocking their profit margins to almost nothing.

“It’s people battling over trying to get an extra customer,” Griffin says. “It’s healthy.”

The wholesale price that a company like Kelley Williamson pays for gasoline fluctuates daily. Sometimes that’s reflected in pump prices, but not always.

“We don’t go up and down every single day on the basis of what happened with that price change,” Griffin says.

“We’re still out looking at our competition to see what they’re doing. We probably pay more attention to our competition than we do our own costs. Over time, though, we have to pay attention to our costs or we go broke.”

Retailers constantly survey competing prices, then set theirs accordingly.

“In Freeport, for example, we’ll price against Freeport because it’s a small town,” Griffin says. “Whereas, 11th Street (in Rockford) is going to be different than Loves Park.

We price Loves Park against Loves Park. We price 11th Street against 11th

Street. And sometimes there’s a variance.

“If we took the lowest number available to us in our entire selling marketplace, we wouldn’t be here today. So it’s not a question of the consumer being taken advantage of. It’s a question of reality.

At some point you’ve got to have a margin to pay your labor, your electric bills, your property taxes.” ❚

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

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