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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • July 16, 2014

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Right in Our Region

State Street Mile Marks 30 Years

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

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n Aug. 2 in Rockford, throngs of runners will stampede west down State Street from near Summit Street, all with one goal: to reach Water Street, one mile away, in the fastest time.

They’ll be competing in the SwedishAmerican State Street Mile. Billed as the “Fastest Mile in the Midwest,” it was established 30 years ago by members of the Rockford Road Runners (RRR) running club.

In that first race, 320 runners competed in two heats – slow and fast. In 2013, 435 participants ran the 10 blocks in four heats, along with a quarter-mile kids fun run.

Upwards of 500 are expected this year.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Are E-Cigs Safe? • Summertime Wine Pairings • Prevent Costly AC Repairs Stylish, Safe Bathrooms • Must-Know Tire Pressure Facts • Is Your Cat Sick?

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nger, where customers nd li are a p friend “Sho s.”

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FRIDAYS IN THE PARK

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 State Street Mile Your Home ........................................................11 Age-in-Place Bath Options Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Got Humility?

Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Summertime Wine Suggestions Your Auto ...........................................................17 Why Tire Air Pressure Matters Your Health ...................................................... 25 Are e-Cigarettes Safe?

Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Caring for Your Cat Your Money ...................................................... 33 Prevent Major Repair Expenses

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner and Rachel Shore General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

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

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

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July 16

July 16: A Newsy Date

Signs of Summer

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o many major things have happened on this date. You be the judge of which were good, terrible or otherwise.

On July 16, 1918, Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries, leading to an era of Soviet Communist government in Russia.

On July 16, 1945, the atomic age officially exploded into being, when the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico, with no warning to local citizens.

Code named “Trinity,” the blast turned desert sand to glass and blew out windows 120 miles away. A few weeks later, atomic bombs were dropped on two Japanese cities.

On July 16, 1969, 11 astronauts were launched into space inside Apollo 11, including Neil Armstrong, who became the first man to step onto the moon five days later.

On July 16, 1973, secret White House tapes that would lead to the resignation of Pres. Richard Nixon were revealed, during a senate investigation into Watergate.

On July 16, 1979, Saddam Hussein forced the president of Iraq out of power and seized command of the country.

On July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister, died in a single-engine plane crash.

On July 16, 2002, Pres. George W. Bush created the Department of Homeland Security.

On July 16, 2007, a 6.8 magnitude Japanese earthquake damaged one of the world’s largest nuclear plants, causing serious radioactive contamination to air and water and prompting nuclear safety changes.

On July 16, 2013, 95 years to the day since Czar Nicholas was killed, Russia held its largest war games since Soviet times, with drills involving 160,000 people. Pres.

Vladimir Putin was personally on hand to inspect it.

Let’s hope for a quieter news week in 2014.

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Stylish Bathroom Redos Help Aging in Place

By Jim Killam

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or a person aging in place, deciding to modify a bathroom becomes a little less threatening if the result isn’t going to look a lot less like home.

Grab bars and accessible tubs or showers look much more trendy today than they used to, says Mandi Orto of Luxury Bath Systems and Kitchen Design Studio, 5436 N. Second St., Loves Park. Basic stainless steel grab bars are still available, of course, but other choices include brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. In fact, designer hardware companies often are including stylish grab bars with their collections.

Designer bathtubs include access doors. Shower enclosures can have a luxurious tile look, multiple stylish showerheads, little or no step-up and built-in seats. And better lighting makes it all look more inviting.

All of that helps psychologically when a person or family is deciding to modify, Orto says.

“Maybe they think automatically, institutional: ‘Oh my gosh, no.’ So when you can come to a place and actually see these units, and it’s bright and colorful, that helps,” she says. “It’s something modern that you can live with for years.

And if you do sell your house, the next person would say, ‘hey, this is a beautiful transition.’”

With the senior population increasing each year, modifying a bathroom becomes a much less radical decision.

“Some customers come in and say, ‘I saw what my mom went through. We’re still in our 50s or early 60s. Let’s think ahead about when we’ll get older, so our children don’t have to go through that.’

They’re thinking about that now, saying ‘Let’s make our house accessible.’”

And, features like grab bars can benefit anyone.

“It can happen to you, it can happen to my 7-year-old son who broke his foot and needed a grab bar by the toilet,” Orto says. “It doesn’t matter what your age is.

If you have access to something like that, you’re just a little bit more prepared.” ❚

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I  W

Got Humility?

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

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his easy-to-understand concept is among the most repeated in Scripture, but the toughest to internalize, given our culture. “Why shouldn’t we be proud of ourselves?” we think.

In truth, while beauty/money/talent etc. can be very good things, none of us would have anything at all, without God. Life itself, and the very air we breathe, is a gift from God. Only by His incomprehensible will do we exist.

Therefore, grateful obedience to God, not pride in self, is our appropriate response. We’re the creation. Only God is the creator.

Human “pride” is nearly always a negative reference in scripture. Pride and a haughty spirit go before “a fall,” says Proverbs 16:18.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2 No one has fallen further than Lucifer, who was the most beautiful angel in Heaven, before God cast him out. “Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground ...” – Ezekiel 28:7 Lucifer even dared to compare himself with God, something we should not do. Most anything in which we take great pride soon becomes more important to us than God, and more important to us than the work He’s given us. Before we know it, our eyes are fixed on earthly things, rather than “things above.”

Jesus dealt with the stink of human arrogance when his 12 disciples argued among themselves about which of them was greatest.

He said: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but Him who sent me.”

– Mark 9:33-37 Children had the least social standing of anyone in society. To take up the cause of a child was to invite scorn, not social promotion.

But that’s exactly what Jesus asks of us: That we lift up the weak, not ourselves.

Paul advised: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2: 3-4 Humility: Don’t leave home without it.

– Janine Pumilia 12

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How to Select Perfect Summertime Wines F rom weekend backyard barbeques to spontaneous weeknight gatherings, summer is filled with celebrations that bring friends and family together for fabulous food, drink and fun. Whether you’re unsure of what wines to serve as the host, or the best refreshment to pick as a guest, you don’t have to be a master sommelier to choose the perfect wine pairing for every meal or occasion.

As a general rule, nature has colorcoded foods with the wines best suited for their flavors. For example, white wines pair well with light foods, while dark wines usually complement richer fare. Here are some more specific scenarios to help you enjoy the warm weather and good times ahead this summer.

Wedding Showers and Celebrations Long summer days are a great time to celebrate big life events - like wedding showers and house-warming parties. Because many of these soirees include an assortment of foods, there are several routes you can take to discover the perfect wine pairing. For guests enjoying fresh fruit salad or tilapia with a mango salsa, consider an herbaceous sauvignon blanc which will complement the fruit flavors with its crisp acidity. For those who prefer a more floral wine, a viognier may be the answer to go alongside any grilled chicken or seafood dish.

Summer Events

Barbeques/Daytime

If a sunny, mid-day get together is in your future, here’s one delicious pairing option to consider. For hosts who plan to serve a grilled selection, such as pork chops or saucy, smoky ribs, an expressive and fruit forward red blend such as Kendall-Jackson AVANT Red Blend is a good choice. It offers a silky and smooth texture that begins with fermentation in neutral oak barrels to bring out rich, fruit flavors. A sultry mosaic of French varieties, the wine focuses on Syrah and Malbec with aromas of ripe raspberry and bold black cherry. Hints of spice and dark chocolate deliver a smooth, lingering finish, so this red blend will also complement a grilled steak or any other red meat.

No matter what festivities are booked on your summer calendar, this season is

full of delightful sips for every event. For more ideas to make celebrations special, visit KJ.com/Avant. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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

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This favorite white wine pairs well with crisp summer salads and lighter grilled selections, such as salmon and shrimp entrees. One expressive offering, Kendall-Jackson AVANT Chardonnay, is fruit forward and fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels, which bring out its distinctive green apple and lemon flavors. It’s a good choice for those who prefer a Chardonnay with a little less oak.

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Why Tire Pressure Monitors are Required by Law

Peggy Werner

S

ince 2008, a federal law has required new cars to be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, which means every tire has a transporter on it that continually monitors the air pressure of the tire.

Sensors installed in a vehicle send a signal to the dashboard, alerting the driver if pressure falls below 25 percent of the recommended pounds per square inch (psi) for the tire.

“This is a good thing,” says Ryan Lovejoy, owner of Jack’s Tires, 4829 Prairie Hill Road, in South Beloit, Ill. “We see a lot of people come in when the warning light goes on. This saves a lot of further damage to the tire and the car, when people pay attention to the warning,” he says.

“People may fuss because it’s another regulation, and I know people were skeptical of the change at first, but now most people see it as a safety feature that is to their advantage.”

He explains that the U.S. government was pressured to take action when research found that deaths from rollover accidents were sometimes linked to underinflated tires. Also, the need for greater fuel economy led to the passage of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and

Documentation (TREAD) Act passed in the fall of 2000.

“The people who complain are probably the same people who would keep driving on bad tires rather than take the time to fix the problem while it’s still small,” says Lovejoy.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is one of nine changes Congress made that affected the tire industry. According to Michelin, a tire that’s 40 percent under-inflated causes braking distance to increase by 10 percent. Just 20 percent under-inflation can reduce tire life by 20 percent and fuel economy by 2 to 3 percent. Prior to 2008, about 80 percent of the cars on the road at any given time had at least one tire that was 20 percent underinflated, or worse, and therefore were safety hazards, says Lovejoy.

Learn more at Jackstire.com. ❚

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State Street Mile Continued from Cover

Among them will be Carol Bingley, husband Dan and their three daughters.

“I’ve raced the State Street Mile most years since 2006,” she says. “We first attended in 2003 as spectators, and our daughter, Fiona, who was three at the time, ran in the quartermile fun run. We were invited by Lisa Doll and Steve Jaycox, owners of Runners Image, and the enthusiasm around the event was just contagious.”

Bingley, who started running at age 36, began to get more and more interested in competing. “I wanted to test myself, to see just how fast I could run the mile,” she says.

“It’s thrilling to participate in a race like this, and I surprised myself with the results. As a runner, it’s exhilarating to push past my comfort zone and go beyond what I thought I was capable of.”

The USATF-certified race begins at 5 p.m., with separate heats held every 20 minutes for both junior boys and girls K-12,

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seniors age 40 and up, all other runners, and kids in the fun run. Participants come from around the region, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and the Chicago suburbs, as well as other parts of the country, and the race has been attracting younger and more elite runners. In 1990, five runners broke the four-minute mile, and several others have posted sub-four times since.

But the biggest draw is the wide range of abilities the State Street Mile accommodates. “It’s unique in that it’s only one mile,” says Brian Reck, director of strategic marketing, SwedishAmerican Health System.

“So it’s a great race for beginners and less athletic runners, because of the length. But it’s also a challenge for serious runners.”

SwedishAmerican has been the title sponsor since 2003, when Reck, a runner himself, first approached race organizers “Swede’s has always been health-focused, community-minded and downtown-centered, and here was a race literally at our front door,” he says. “It was a natural partnership, and it’s been a great partnership.”

July 16

(Bingley Family photo)

R  O R

Carol and Fiona Bingley, 2012 State Street Mile

For the 30th anniversary, SwedishAmerican and race organizers have created the High School Challenge, for private and public schools. The school with the greatest number of registered and participating students, staff and faculty members will receive $1,000 for its athletic department.

Also, SwedishAmerican has ramped up promotions and giveaways, including providing higher quality shirts to participants.

Cover photo by Gary Geiger Photography

R  O R Locker. Launched in 2008 by RRR member Bingley, Annie’s Locker collects and distributes new and gently used fitness gear to people in need. As a standing committee of RRR, its big projects have included providing 500 pairs of new gym shoes for homeless or impoverished children in District 205 public schools, and funding a workout center for the Rockford Rescue Mission’s Women’s Life Recovery Program.

“Annie’s Locker has supported many past recipients to run at the State Street Mile, with Race Sponsorship and fitness gear,” Bingley says. “It’s a great way for parents of any income level to model a healthy lifestyle to their children. Annie’s Locker will have an information and donation drop-off table at the State Street Mile.”

This year, Bingley’s entire family will compete in the event. “This is a great race for everyone, from elite to new runners,” she says. “I love racing, (steelman204 flickr photo)

“Race runners love shirts,” says Reck, who has served on the race committee since 2003 and volunteers at the event every year.

“We’re going to celebrate the past, as well as the Rockford Road Runners’ commitment to wellness.”

The running club formed in 1968, with the specific objectives to promote and encourage running and walking, and to educate the public on the health benefits of these activities. In 1997, it began a youth running program for ages 5-18, the Rockford Wildcats. Since 2009, the club has been associated with the nonprofit organization Annie’s

then jogging back to encourage and cheer for my children and the other runners. No matter your pace, it’s so inspiring to participate and watch people of all ages compete at their own level.”

The race’s anniversary is an important milestone. “The State Street Mile has been going on for 30 years, which shows its importance to the community,” Reck says. “It’s a fun race, truly local, and only a few like it are still around. This is the only one SwedishAmerican is involved in at this level.”

Bingley runs races of all lengths and types and especially enjoys trail running. ““I race mostly on trails, but are a few road races I still love, and the State Street Mile is one of them,” she says. “Racing can be a great metaphor for life, and running the ‘fastest mile in the Midwest’ can be an awesome experience for anyone, to see that they can do more than they think they can.”

For more information about RRR, Rockford Wildcats and Annie’s Locker, and to register for the State Street Mile, visit rockfordroadrunners.org. ❚

august 16, 2014 7pm - 11PM

Proceeds from The Local benefit Burpee Museum of Natural History

A foodie competition along the Rock River Pig Minds & Five Forks VS.

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Entre Computer Solutions, Porch & Metalscapes, Eckburg & Bates, Joan Kelley, Private Wealth Advisor, UTC Aerospace and Fred & Mary Ann Wham

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Are E-Cigarettes Safe?

By Beloit Health System

I

t seems like a smoker’s dream come true – a supposedly safer alternative to cigarettes.

“Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are rechargeable, battery-powered inhalers filled with a liquid that generally contains nicotine, flavoring and/or other additives,” explains Dr. Maria Vela, internal medicine physician for Beloit Health System. A heater within the device creates a vapor, which is inhaled (“vaped” in the lingo) just like cigarette smoke, but without the tar and certain other chemicals.

“Proponents claim that e-cigarettes may help people to quit or cut down on real cigarettes,” Vela Dr. Maria Vela says. An Italian

study claimed a sustained 50 percent reduction in the number of real cigarettes smoked per day by 13 of 40 regular smokers, who’d had no intention of quitting, when they used e-cigarettes. Another nine of the 40 quit smoking regular cigarettes altogether. But many people in the medical community have their doubts.

“This study is small, and even if vaping cuts down on cigarette smoking, is it safe?” Vela wonders.

No Regulation, Few Restrictions

The FDA, which tried and failed to regulate e-cigarettes as a drug, has some serious concerns. Extensive testing is needed to measure the amount of nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes, and to determine the long-term effects of inhaling the vapor into the lungs.

While are no federal age restrictions for purchasing e-cigarettes, Wisconsin and Illinois have banned their sale to minors over concerns that e-cigarettes may lead them to take up conventional smoking.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, e-cigarette use more than doubled among middle- and high-school students from 2011 to 2012.

More than three-quarters of the students who used e-cigarettes also smoked conventional cigarettes.

Stop Smoking Now

“Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United States,” says Vela, who encourages all of her patients to quit smoking altogether.

With all of the unknowns surrounding e-cigarettes and their potential dangers, and no conclusive studies showing that ecigarettes help to reduce smoking in the long term, it may not be worth trying them as a smoking cessation aid.

Rather than turn to questionable tactics, contact your health care provider for information on proven quit-smoking techniques. To make an appointment with Dr. Vela, call (608) 364-2240. ❚

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Tintypes July 16-20, 8 p.m. A musical chronicle of pre-World War I America through the songs of the day. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

Sounds of Summer: The Jodi Beach Trio July 17, 7 p.m. Free. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Lecture: “Large Predators Return” Enjoy fresh-grilled brats and live entertainment during July 17, 7 p.m. U of I Extension Educator Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days, July 18-19, in Rockford.

Peggy Doty discusses top predators, their habitat requirements and behaviors that impact Woodsong: The Saturday June Band their limited return to our area. Burpee MuseJuly 20, open 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Playing rock um of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockfavorites from classic to contemporary with an ford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. infectious enthusiasm. $10/$5 members. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, klehm.org.

Sharing Traditional Japanese Art & Culture July 17, 7 p.m. Japan House and its gardenLily & Madeleine son the campus of University of Illinois, and its July 22, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Garmission to promote appreciation of Japanese dens concert series. Tickets $5/$3 teens. Food, culture. $5/members free. Anderson Japanese beer & wine, beverages for sale. Anderson JapaGardens, Rockford, andersongardens.com. nese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, andersongardens.org.

The Blue Lightning Band July 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday in the Park “Sounds of the Silver Screen” music series. Get $6 lunch from different loJuly 22, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band percal restaurant each week. National Bank Plaza, forms. Free. Sounds of Summer Concert Series.

State & Grand, Downtown Beloit, Wis., downFree. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org. townbeloit.com.

Music & More: Mr. Big Stuff July 18, 7 p.m. Free. Harry C. Moore Pavilion, Riverside Park, 1240 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Wis., friendsofriverfront.org.

Friday Night Flix July 18, 7 p.m. (dusk). Free showing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 489-8207.

Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days July 18-19, F 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine; Schnucks, N. Alpine & Harlem (vegetarian brat offered here); Schnucks, 6410 E. State. Live music. Info: alpinekiwanis-il.com.

Oregon Trail Days Festival July 19-20, 9 a.m. Cowboys & horses, gun & rope tricks, Native American, mountain man and pioneer encampments, demos, tipi camping, vendors, food. Info: (815) 238-8672, oregontraildays.org. Event: Lowden State Park, 1411 N. River Road, Oregon, Ill.

Rock County 4-H Fair July 22-27, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. The oldest in the U.S., with exhibits; animal and project judging; carnival; Wis. Horse Pullers; Main Stage performers include George Thorogood & Lonestar. Rock County Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave., Janesville, Wis., rockcounty4hfair.com.

Honk!

July 23-27, 8 p.m. Rousing adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.” Starlight Theatre, RVC, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

Friday in the Park: Coon Creek String Band July 25, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Get $6 lunch from different local restaurant each week. National Bank Plaza, State & Grand, Downtown Beloit, Wis., downtownbeloit.com.

Music & More: Cash Box Kings July 25, 7 p.m. Free. Harry C. Moore Pavilion, Riverside Park, 1240 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Wis., friendsofriverfront.org. ❚

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WDL

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

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

9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (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. $-$$.

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 6237171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American favorites, full bar. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun11am-10pm. $.

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. 431 E. Grand, 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/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (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, Sun 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment, weddings, Sinatra Lounge, Benny’s Bar. 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Pasta, deep-dish pizza, specialties. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700, LD 11 a.m.-midnight $.

JMK Nippon Restaurant  Upscale-Casual/Japanese.

2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

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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, (815) 2322322. 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) 313-0700 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. $ Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, desserts. Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. Sun-Th11am10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$.

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

Riverside dining, handcrafted beers, banquet rooms, marina.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

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

This Is It Eatery  Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $ 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

Cat Care Tips A

By Peggy Werner s independent as cats are, they still need their people friends to help them out, especially when they don’t feel well.

They can’t tell you what’s wrong, so you have to be observant and know what’s normal for your own cat, says Veterinarian Sharon Schamberger, owner of Mostly Cats, 4901 N. Perryville Road, in Loves Park.

The most common cat symptom reported by pet owners is lethargy, and the reasons for lethargy are endless, she says.

“It’s in a cat’s nature to try to hide illness. It’s a survival mechanism they use in the wild. By showing they’re weak, they become a more likely target for predators,” explains Schamberger.

“Sometimes, the only symptom an owner can report is not having seen their cat for lengthy periods of time. A cat owner has to be more tuned into their cat to observe symptoms than a dog owner. A dog will tell you if something is wrong.”

Any symptom is more alarming if combined with another symptom such as frequent vomiting, weight loss, increased need for water, a change in appetite or problems using the litter box.

Indoor cats are less likely to acquire parasites and generally are healthier and live longer. But they need areas in the home where fun and adventure is allowed.

Create a lot of spaces for your cat to play and sleep; make levels available for the cat to view things from a different perspective. Entertain your cat with a birdfeeder out the window, a fish aquarium or regular toy play sessions with you.

Indoor-only cats need to be vaccinated against rabies and distemper. The main exposure to rabies comes through bats, which have been known to get into homes and bite pets.

In addition to the rabies and distemper vaccination, outdoor cats need added protection from parasites like ticks, worms and fleas, plus a leukemia vaccination. ❚

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Y M

Think Ahead to Prevent Cooling/Heating Repairs

By Peggy Werner he record-breaking number of snowfalls and days with belo-zero temperatures this winter were not only hard on you, but on your heating and cooling system, too. Extreme temperatures force systems to work overtime. That’s why it’s a good idea to have yours regularly maintained with check-ups, preferably not in wintertime, when temperatures are most extreme.

Mark Buckner, owner and president of Rockford Heating and Air Conditioning, knows firsthand the importance of preventative maintenance.

“People don’t realize how important it is to keep a system clean. It can cost a lot of money to fix components that have worn out because a system was not properly maintained and regularly cleaned,” he says.

Many warranties require regular maintenance of a heating/cooling system.

T

The annual cleaning and check-up also ensures the system is working properly and at the most efficient levels. A properly working unit will reduce your heating/cooling costs and you’ll spend less money fixing a small problem before it becomes a major emergency.

The technician will check the filters, ignition system, and burners; clean the air conditioner condenser; measure the amp draw on the motor and make sure no mechanical parts are wearing out.

Based on the information gathered by the technician, it can be determined if trouble exists or is looming.

“People who ignore regular maintenance of their furnace are the ones who call us when something breaks, and it always happens in the most extreme conditions because that’s when the system is working its hardest. Break-downs seldom happen at convenient times. So, if you want to avoid paying someone overtime and/or holiday pay to make repairs, think ahead,” he advises.

On average, a check-up costs about $115. Emergency calls can easily double that price. ❚

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