Smart Living Weekly - April 23, 2014

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • April 23, 2014

™

Discover Nature & Win Stuff, Too

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

R

ight here in Winnebago County, we have access to more than 10,000 acres of green spaces, 42 forest preserves, four rivers and 100 miles of hiking trails.

Residents can explore these natural wonders on their own, or take advantage of the guided hikes and paddles, children’s day camps and other events organized by the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District (WCFPD).

This summer, to encourage more people to get out and discover the natural wonders right in our region, WCFPD has devised a season-long competition that will culminate in participants qualifying to win some pretty terrific prizes.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Strawberry Crostata with Walnuts • Prepare Your Car for Warm Weather Outdoor Home Improvements • Skin Cancer Prevention • What’s New at Beloit College

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

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

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Free Summer Concert Series Every Friday!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Get Outside!

Your Home ........................................................11 Upgrading Outdoor Spaces Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 No Small Thing Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Strawberry Walnut Crostata Your Auto .........................................................17 Get Your Car Ready for Summer Your Health ...................................................... 25 Preventing Skin Cancer Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips & Info ....................................................... 31 Beloit College & Chinese Rivers Your Money ...................................................... 33 Beware Credit Card Offers

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 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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April 23

There’s Magic in Those Woods!

A

Fire Up the Savings! with a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit!

D

o you have childhood memories of summer camp? Maybe your camp was run by our local forest preserve or park district, or a church, the Scouts or YMCA. I have a zillion local camp memories, most of them wonderful. Even the bad ones were good learning. They mostly involved horrible little boys who threw daddy longlegs at me. Lessons: Don’t trust boys and don’t reveal your fears.

At camp, I learned that “a forest” is not really one thing at all, but a mosaic of wonders ... trees, creeks, dragonflies, mosses, birds, ferns, beavers, wildflowers, fungi, limestone cliffs ... I’ll never forget the hike that led to an artesian well at Anna Page Park or how good that cold water tasted.

The first time I used a bow and arrow, or paddled the Rock River, or really noticed the night sky, or cooked dinner over a fire, or played Capture the Flag, was at camp. It’s where I learned about the bitter white “carrots” at the root of Queen Anne’s Lace, and first heard an owl’s call. I learned to love wild things, in our local woods, and that’s been a priceless gift. During every crisis of my life, I’ve found comfort, and clarity, by walking forest trails, where life tends to sort itself out rather magically.

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You won’t be surprised to learn that I sent my own children to camp each summer, or that my daughter cried when she was too old to go any longer. Our cover story is not just about formal programs like camp, although they’re terrific. It’s about leaving our sofas and discovering how GREAT the wild outdoors really is, daddy longlegs and all. Enjoy springtime and Go Outside!

Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

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April 23

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Large Selection an Competitived Prices!

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April 23

Y H  G

Time for Springtime Outdoor Home Fix-Ups

By Jim Killam

A

s spring unfolds, many homeowners are electing to stay in their existing homes and improve their properties.

New driveways, sidewalks and patios are among the most visible of those improvements.

For contractors like Gary Hendrickson, president of UniTrim Cement and Landscape, Belvidere, that means much of the work they used to do on new homes is shifting to existing homes. UniTrim is doing a lot of driveways, walkways, steps, landings and patios.

“There still isn’t a lot of house building going on right now,” Hendrickson says. Projects like tearing out old asphalt surfaces and replacing them with lowmaintenance concrete are typical.

That requires careful foundation preparation to minimize cracking and heaving – the potential downside of con-

crete driveways in a cold climate.

Hendrickson takes pride in his company’s work. The driveway’s expansion joints – created to minimize and control cracking – can blend into a good decorative stamping job so they’re barely noticeable, he says.

Stamping is especially popular on sidewalks and patios. Patterns can look like paving or fieldstone and come in a variety of colors and textures – but without the maintenance of pavers and with a cleaner, more permanent appeal.

Some homeowners are opting for larger patios, too, as formal backyard entertaining makes a comeback. Last season, Hendrickson’s crew finished a 1,200-square-foot stamped job in the Roscoe area, “One of the largest patios I have ever done,” he says.

UniTrim is also getting calls for

UniTrim specializes in stamped cement, which can imitate the look of pavers or fieldstone, without the maintenance issues they have.

home additions, where someone needs a concrete slab laid in order to add a room to the back or side of the house.

“We definitely are doing more of that stuff, because a lot of people have decided to stay in their homes,” Hendrickson says. ❚

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I  W

No Small Thing

W

hat’s more difficult? Accepting God’s grace or paying it forward?

It’s hard to give away what we haven’t internalized. And yet Jesus commanded us to love one another as he loves us.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’” (Matthew 22:37–40).

It’s little wonder Jesus often chastised his followers for their reluctance to believe in God’s promises. Only by really understanding that God’s grace has nothing to do with our own “goodness” are we able to extend it to others, in Christ’s name. And that’s no small thing.

“Grace is Christianity’s best gift to the world, a spiritual nova in our midst exerting a force stronger than vengeance, stronger than racism, stronger than hate,” writes author Philip Yancey in What’s So Amazing About Grace. And yet, the idea that God’s love comes to us “no strings attached” goes against our deepest instincts. We believe in the survival of the fittest; in earning our own way; in the logic of crime and punishment. Indeed, functioning societies depend upon some of these concepts.

But God’s ways are not man’s ways.

And when it comes to spiritual truth, His ways are the only ones that matter.

Jesus knew that grace wasn’t something we would easily understand. In parables, he spelled out what it looks like in real life: A foolish, spendthrift son is welcomed home with open arms, no questions asked (Luke 15). Is it fair? A vineyard laborer earns the same amount of money for one hour of work as others earn for a full day of it (Matthew 20). Is it fair? Only God has the right to make that call.

In Matthew 18, Jesus, the king of kings, illustrates what not to be: an ungracious servant who won’t forgive his debtor, even after his own, much larger debts, are forgiven by a king. ❚ -- Janine Pumilia 12

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April 23

Y K

Freshen Up Spring Cuisine S

pring is the perfect time of year to add more fresh produce to your meals.

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, a recent winner on Food Network’s Iron Chef and a regular judge on Chopped, uses fresh nuts to enhance some of her favorite spring recipes.

• Spruced-up salads: Try topping a chopped arugula salad with walnuts or adding pecans to dandelion greens. Radicchio is delicious with almonds and apples.

• Chop up parsley with some Fisher almonds for added texture and taste. The Fisher Nuts Freshness Seal Bag has a resealable closure that will keep the leftover nuts fresh after the package is opened.

Here’s her recipe for strawberry crostatas with walnuts. Find this recipe and more at fishernuts.com/alex.

Strawberry Crostata & Walnuts The dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus some additional for rolling out the dough 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Zest of 1 lemon 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cubed and chilled 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water The filling: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 pints strawberries, hulled and split 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon cornstarch 3/4 cup Fisher Walnut Halves, coarsely chopped

strawberries. Toss to coat and add 1/4 cup sugar, lemon zest and juice. Toss to blend and allow some of the liquid to escape from the berries and reduce. After 2 minutes, sprinkle with cornstarch, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring for an additional 2 minutes. Spread the strawberry mixture out on a baking sheet so it cools faster. Refrigerate.

3. Preheat oven to 375 F. 4. Cut cooled dough into 8 equal pieces. Flour lightly and roll each piece into a circle that’s about 6 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick.

5. Strain strawberry mixture using a fine strainer placed over a bowl until almost no liquid remains.

6. Arrange tart rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place 1 Tb. walnuts in center of each round. Divide strawberries evenly among the dough circles.

Fold the sides up tightly around the fruit to form a purse, making the fruit the cen-

ter; they will open slightly during baking.

Cover the opening left after folding with a few more walnuts. Refrigerate circles if they become too soft to handle.

7. Place baking sheet in center of oven and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Top with remaining walnuts.

Sprinkle with sugar for added texture.

Cool for 5 minutes then transfer to serving plates using a wide spatula. Serve immediately. ❚

Fine Oils, Vinegars, & Now Spices!

Directions: 1. Dough: In food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt and lemon zest.

Pulse to blend. Add the butter and pulse until crumbly. Add cold water and pulse only to combine. Form into an 8-inch long cylinder (about 2 inches in diameter) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Filling: Heat butter in a large saute pan. When it foams slightly, add the

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Five Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Summer W

summer, so take time to test it now. Since the vehicle’s refrigerant is under high pressure and harmful to the atmosphere, it’s best to leave any inspection or fixes to profesionals.

ith summer just around the corner, it’s time to get-your car in tip-top shape to withstand hot days and long road trips. Follow these five fast fixes and inspections to avoid roadside headaches.

Tire Care: As the weather changes, it’s important to check tire pressure and tire tread. To check tire tread, see if the built-in “wear bars” are visible. These are narrow strips of rubber that appear when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. If you see them, your tires need to be replaced. Make tires shine with Tire Shine Coating from Dupli-Color.

De-winterize Your Car: Check all the fluid levels -- coolant, transmission, differential, power steering and brake fluid -- to make sure there aren’t any leaks.

It’s also a good idea to change the oil between seasons, as oil can get thick and collect condensation.

It’s also important to thoroughly

clean the-undercarriage-of your car using a basic water hose or high-pressure cleaning system.

Paint Protection: Winter can be tough on a car’s exterior and sunshine will reveal every nick and scratch. Restore the original factory finish in minutes using Dupli-Color ScratchFix 2 in 1. Simply use your vehicle’s make, model and year to find your guaranteed matching color code.

Check the AC: Your air conditioning system will be working overtime in the

Inspect Hoses and Belts: The key to comfortable, safe summer driving is keeping the engine cool, and hoses and belts play a huge part. Hoses pump coolant to and from the engine block, and belts run the fan that cools the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded. Hoses should be firm, never soft and malleable, and belts can be visually checked for damage. Start now on these preventative maintenance tips and you’ll be cruising smoothly all season long. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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

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Get Outside!

Continued from Cover

(Jamie Johannsen photo)

Called “Get Outside! Winnebago” – short form, GO – it was conceived by Jamie Johannsen, director of marketing and community relations for the WCFPD, with inspiration from “The Amazing Race” reality TV show.

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Smart Living Weekly

“We wanted to help people discover the many different ways of enjoying our forest preserve – nature centers, golf courses, historic sites, fishing, hiking, paddling,” she says. “People have favorite activities and don’t explore others. It’s like ordering the same thing from the menu at your favorite restaurant. You hesitate to try something new, because it’s unknown, and you don’t want to get something you don’t like.”

So, Johannsen has created a sampler platter, of sorts, to give folks a taste of the diverse offerings and activities at WCFPD locations.

From June 7 to July 30, teams participate in various scheduled events to earn points towards those prize packages. To encourage family participation, teams must consist of one person over the age of 18, and one person under the age of 18, and they can take part in as many or as few events as they wish, with a full or partial team. Teams can complete a

April 23

selection of self-guided activities to earn points on their own schedule.

The activities take place at forest preserve facilities throughout the county, from Klehm Arboretum to Macktown Historic Site, Severson Dells Nature Preserve to Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, the Ledges to Seward Bluffs. Teams can register at wcfpd.org beginning May 1, and pick up GO passports at a number of WCFPD facilities. Teams that participate in a scheduled guided event and have their passports stamped earn four points, and with proof of completion of a selfguided activity (i.e. a photo), two points.

GO passports must be turned in before Aug. 1 and the drawing will be Aug. 5.

“We want to encourage people to do new things, and do more things, and raise awareness and participation,” Johannsen says. “We also wanted to remove any obstacles, so it’s all free. We want to turn On the cover: Bird watching photo by David C. Olson

R  O R

(Jamie Johannsen photo)

more points) is a kayak, donated by Rocktown Adventures.

“We want to support the program, because it’s going to highlight our area’s natural assets, and expose people to the diverse selection of natural recreational opportunities in our area,” says Kevin Versino, general manager of Rocktown Adventures. “We chose a kayak, because it’s a summer event, and we encourage all manner of paddling activities.”

Rocktown Adventures is an independently owned outdoor retailer that’s just opened a store in Aurora, Ill., and will soon open its Rockford location at 313 N. Madison Ave., across from the Riverview Ice House.

“We’re still in process of renovating the 4,500-square-foot building,” says Versino. “The front 1,500 feet will hold our soft goods, and the back 3,000 feet will be hard goods and a climbing gym.

people on to all of the facilities and activities available. We introduced the competitive component, with prizes, to draw families.”

Teams with certain point totals are put into drawings for prizes. Third prize (20-23 points) is a Family Birding Package with binoculars and a birding guide; second prize (24-29 points) is a Family Camping Package, donated by Blaine’s Farm & Fleet, with an eight-man tent and cookstove; and the grand prize (30 or

We want to encourage urban-based adventures, so our location across from the river is perfect.”

GO will kick off on June 7 from noon-3 p.m.at Hononegah Forest Preserve, the county’s oldest, with refreshments, games, activities and exhibits.

Participants can pick up their passports and get tips for taking part in some of the activities. Free family camping and a frog night hike at 7 p.m. will earn points for registered participants.

“To be eligible for the prizes, teams must register, but it’s not necessary for participation,” Johannsen emphasizes.

“Our goal is to expose more people to more of our offerings. Forming a team and registering is our ideal for taking part, but anyone can do as few or many of the events as desired.

“The most important aspects of GO are to connect with nature, and to share it with others. We don’t have enough of that anymore.”

Registration and a schedule of events

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Rockford Art Deli

Try YOGA downtown!

First Class is FREE $10 off first Punch Card Purchase Classes for All Levels of Student FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND/OR DETAILS ABOUT IYENGAR YOGA:

WWW.YOGAROCKFORD.COM 815.968.YOGA(9642) 517 EAST STATE STREET ROCKFORD, IL 61104

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Register Now for Healthy Woman 2014

Keynote Speakers Laura Koch, N.P. Nurse Practitioner

Monday, May 5 at Giovanni’s FREE Health Screenings & Expo 4:30-6 p.m.

Dinner 6 p.m.

Elisha Robinson, M.D. Breast Surgeon

Join us for Healthy Woman 2014 with three outstanding providers

from Rockford Health System. Laura Koch, women’s health N.P., discusses perimenopause and menopause; managing symptoms and maintaining good health; and causes and treatment of low libido. Elisha Robinson, M.D., speaks on cancer risk factors and prevention strategies, including eating well; exercising regularly; and getting regular mammograms.

Melissa Stenstrom, M.D., addresses skin health, including recognizing the signs of skin cancer; minimizing your risks; and managing sun damage.

Tickets are $20.

To register, call (815) 971-1999.

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Melissa Stenstrom, M.D. Dermatologist

Y H

Prevention Tips for a Common Type of Cancer O ne in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetimes, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, has steadily increased over the past three decades and one American per hour dies from it, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Detecting melanoma when it is most treatable is key to survival.

While no type of cancer is 100 percent preventable, you can do a lot to minimize your skin cancer risk, including: • Always wear sunscreen when you go outside, even during winter months. In summer, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• For further sun protection, wear long sleeves and hats outdoors, especially if you’ll be in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Many sportswear and swimwear manufacturers offer longsleeved garments made from lightweight,

breathable materials that will keep you cool and dry while shielding you from the sun • Avoid tanning, including tanning beds. Multiple studies have found that indoor tanning increases your risk of melanoma by 75 percent, and the risk grows with every use.

• Conduct self-checks. Regularly examine your own skin, looking for changes in the appearance of moles. Use a mirror to look at your back, or have a loved one help. Don’t rely on smartphone technology for diagnosis. Some consumers are using smartphone applications for medical guidance on irregular moles. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that these apps are not reliable tools, with three out of four applications incorrectly classifying 30 percent or more of melanomas as unconcerning.

• Visit a dermatologist for an annual

skin cancer check. Ask your dermatologist about MelaFind, an FDA-approved diagnostic tool that helps dermatologists catch melanoma when it’s most curable.

MelaFind uses multi-spectral light technology to analyze irregular moles in less than a minute, allowing dermatologists to better determine whether to biopsy a mole. To find a dermatologist who is using this technology, visit melafind.com.

Patients whose melanoma is diagnosed when most curable have a survival rate of 97 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream April 24-26, May 1-3, 8 p.m. William Shakespeare’s most popular comedy portrays the adventures of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors who stumble into an enchanted forest. Beloit College Neese Theatre, 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. Call (608) 363-2755 for tickets.

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.

Love, Death & The Prom April 25-May 4. These mini-plays are poignant and funny, and concern the lives of high school students. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill. (815) 2391210. Check website for times, Meet wallabies and other exotic pecplayhouse.org. animals during “Wild Earth Day on April 26.

Vintage Shop Hop April 25 & 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. If you love antiques and vintage items, this self-guided road trip through northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin is for you. Learn more at facebook. com/VintageShopHopEvent.

Troubadour Series -- Danny Schmidt April 25, 7:30 p.m. A rising star among singer/ songwriters, Schmidt’s poetry conjures magic from the mundane. At Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.

Wild Earth Day April 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy Zoozort’s Live Exotic Animal Shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis. Meet cool creatures from around the world, like a 15-foot python, wallaby, kookaburra, chinchilla, kinkajou and bearded dragon. Also bug-eating plants, outdoor adventures, handson projects and exciting games. 1455 Palmer Dr. More info at RotaryBotanicalGardens.org.

Celebrating Nature’s Kaleidoscope April 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the Welty Environmental Center, Visit Beloit, Friends of Riverfront, and the City of Beloit to celebrate Earth Day in Riverside Park, Beloit, Wis. Free. More info at VisitBeloit.com.

4th Annual Furryville Bicycle Ride for Charity April 26, 9:30 a.m. This family-friendly group bicycle ride takes off from Kegal Harley-Davidson in Cherry Valley and heads north on Perryville. Rest stops and goodies planned along the way. A portion of proceeds benefits The Fish-Abled Foundation for the disabled.

Unique Spaces Home Tour April 26 & 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tour interesting homes throughout Rockford during this fundraising event for the Junior League of Rockford.

(815) 399-4528. $25.

Love of Homeland April 26, 7:30 p.m. This Rockford Symphony Orchestra performance will feature Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s Mendelssohn Chorale. (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Aaron Shust Morning Rises Concert & Expo April 30, 7 p.m.; 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. byfaithevents.org.

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

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

Community Dog Walk at Klehm Arboretum May 4, 1 p.m. Bring your leashed and well-behaved canine friends to explore 155 acres of gardens and grounds. Donations to support Kibble Korner, Rockford’s pet food pantry. As families struggle with job loss, your help can spare families and pets the heartache of separation. Learn more at klehm.org.

Shelter Care Ministries Spring Luncheon May 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prarie St. Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rkfd. shelter-care.org.

2nd City Chorus May 10, 7 p.m. “Still Crazy After All These Years” performed at Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. Also performing are quartets Second Opinion and Up North Four. Tickets: (815) 9881003 or (815) 713-1643. ❚

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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. $.

™

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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Beloit College Works with China on Rivers

B

eloit College has received a $50,000 exploratory grant to investigate the new Rivers in Transition project. Combining academic-term coursework with shortterm study abroad in China, the project will be funded by the Henry Luce Foundation’s Luce Initiative on Asian Studies and the Environment.

The goal of Rivers in Transition is to study pressures on water resources using scientific, social, cultural and economic knowledge and research methods.

Water security and scarcity are pressing 21st century issues, especially in China, where much of the project will focus on the country’s Yellow River.

Beloit faculty and students will be working closely with Henan University, a Beloit College partner since 2006, located in Kaifeng near the Yellow River.

Rivers in Transition, in particular, will focus on the river’s relation to urban and rural life over the previous three millennia, its response in more recent times to changes in land and water use, and projections for water security or scarcity in the future.

The key components of the project, when implemented, will be a two-course sequence and an orientation course followed by a three-week travel course taking place after the academic year.

The project will enable Asian studies students to explore the relationship of cultures to natural environments. It will also enable environmental studies students to consider the relationship between changes in the processes that shape the environment, people and their values. Another benefit is teaching students how to conduct field research using qualitative and quantitative methods. ❚

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Beware Credit Card Company ‘Special’ Offers

By Jim Killam

Y

ou can’t do better than zero percent interest on a credit card, right?

Be careful with those special offers, advises Christine Erickson, Vice President of Lending at Members Alliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. The rate usually lasts six months, or maybe a year. And time flies.

“That’s an area where people get tripped up,” she says. “They lose track of when that zero percent is going to end, and then all of a sudden it gets put into a much higher interest rate.”

Losing track can prove especially expensive for people who carry heavy credit-card debt and move balances in and out of those zero-percent offers.

Credit card companies simply buy mailing lists from credit bureaus, listing people with a certain credit score or higher. Let’s say your credit score is 700, but

you’re recently unemployed. The card company doesn’t know that, so it may offer you a “pre-approved” card with a high credit limit and a low interest rate. Step carefully.

“If somebody’s unemployed, they might go ahead and accept that pre-approval and then they get into that cycle of dependence on using those credit cards as a supplement to their income,” Erickson says. “That becomes a pattern and then it becomes a cycle and it’s hard to get out of that sometimes.”

Other tips: • Study the disclosure portion of any credit card application. Is there an annual fee? If you make a late payment, is there a charge, and will it cause your interest rate to rise? What’s the grace period between date of purchase and getting hit with a finance charge?

• Cash advances are expensive loans.

There’s no grace period; you’ll start paying interest immediately, from the day of the cash advance. Interest rates on cash advances often are much higher than on purchases. ❚

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