Smart Living Weekly - July 23, 2014 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • July 23, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Family, Food & Fun at Festa Italiana By Karla Nagy, associate editor

elebrate Rockford’s rich Italian heritage at Festa Italiana, Aug. 1-3, on the grounds at Boylan Catholic High School, 400 Francis Dr., Rockford. Enjoy both Italian and American food, live music, authentic Italian dance troupes, a carnival, kids’ activities and more, while seeing old friends and making new ones.

Folks can sample ravioli, cheese sticks, Italian beef, cannoli and other tasty Italian fare, along with the usual hot dogs and corn, and wash it all down their choice of soft drinks, wine, beer or Italian margarites. A carnival Midway provides rides, and a Bocce tournament offers both a a men’s and a women’s division. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Need More Closet Space? • Learn How to Attract Monarch Butterﬂies • DIY Auto Care Choose Credit, Not Debit • Cheesy Shrimp Nachos • Ideas for Family Fun

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .....................Cover & p. 20 Festa Italiana Your Home ........................................................11 Closet Organizers Optimize Space Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 David & Solomon Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Add Seafood to Your Family’s Diet Your Outings ....................................................17 Learn to Attract Monarchs Your Health ...................................................... 25 FHN Among Top 10 in Patient Safety Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 DIY Auto Maintenance Your Money ...................................................... 33 Choose ‘Credit’ with Debit Card for Security

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.

Smart Living Weekly

July 23

Fun, Italian Style

hen I’m out with my husband, it’s a pretty good bet somebody will send him a friendly wave from across the room. “Who’s that?” I always ask. “My cousin,” he answers. I’m always amazed, not only that he has so many cousins, but also that he recognizes them. It’s part of being a “Pumilia” in Rockford, and you could substitute any local Italian name and repeat the same story. (He’s also half Norwegian, a near miracle, given the poor relations between Scandinavians and Italians, in Rockford, when his folks met just before WW II.) I love the food and music at Festa Italiana, and always stroll through the heritage tent, where family trees, photos and artifacts are displayed. The first Italian immigrants trickled into Rockford in the late 1870s. By the turn of the century, they arrived like a tidal wave, alarming previous settlers here. And so it goes, in America. Rockford’s Italian families settled mostly in south Rockford and the Madison Street area. They benefitted from the strong leadership of Father Anthony Marchesano, who arrived, in 1905, with two things in mind: helping his immigrant kinsmen to retain their native faith & traditions, and helping them to integrate successfully into their new city. Many an Italian learned English in classes at St. Anthony of Padua Church, including my husband’s paternal grandfather. Today, Italian-Americans no longer occupy whole neighborhoods of Rockford. They’re well dispersed throughout the city and deeply integrated into Rockford’s culture. Even so, many regard their heritage as something precious to be celebrated, and that’s what Festa is all about. Take it from a mutt like me: You sure don’t have to be Italian to enjoy the spirit of fun at this annual party. See you there! Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Y H  G

Does Your Wardrobe Need More Space? “M

ost older homes and some newer ones have been shortchanged, closet-wise,” says Joe Weller, president of Shelving and Bath Unlimited,” 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley. “That’s because, in times gone by, wardrobes were pretty basic. Mothers had a few dresses and a few pairs of slacks, and maybe six to 10 pairs of shoes. Dads, not so much. And kids’ things were in drawers.” Things changed, and wardrobes have expanded – a lot. “Unfortunately, most home builders and home designers have not kept up with the need for more space in homeowners’ closets,” says Weller. “Homebuyers’ wish lists now rank large closets near to the top, along with nice kitchens and baths.” Weller and his father, Rod, have been designing closets for more than 30 years. “The smaller the closet, the bigger the challenge, and the more important

good closet design is,” says Weller. “Whether a closet is large or small, we take advantage of space right down to a fraction of an inch. It makes a difference.” Sometimes wardrobes demand more space than a closet allows. “A good option is to convert a seldom-used third or fourth bedroom into a very nice walkin closet or dressing room,” suggests Weller. “Having a larger space to work with opens the door for some newer closet features such as a built-in ironing board, clothes hampers, dresser-type drawer units and jewelry trays. LED drawer lighting is also a new and unique addition to the walk-in closet.”

The company also specializes in design and organization of laundry, pantry, garage and bathroom spaces. ❚

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I  W

David & Solomon

ing Solomon was the Bill Gates of his day. The son of King David and Bathsheba, he ruled a vast empire and knew every pleasure in the world. He constructed the first Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, and is still known for his wisdom, a gift he asked for and graciously received from God. Solomon said, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9 Tragically, Solomon didn’t receive this great gift with lifelong humility and gratitude. He forgot Whose people he governed and, over time, began treating them badly. He denied God the one thing He really wanted from Solomon: a loving and obedient relationship. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father … And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” – I Kings 11:4-9 How many of us have longed to see God, in person, even once? For all his wisdom, Solomon was no David. David also behaved very badly, at times, but he desperately loved God and always returned to Him with true humility. He spent time with God, dancing and singing for Him, and writing God love poems, something frowned upon by the somber religious class of the day. David experienced joy with God beyond anything Solomon ever knew. Solomon built a Temple, but David built a place for God inside his heart. ❚ -Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Add Seafood to Your Family’s Diet T

he easiest way to get the family together for a meal is with a delicious, homemade dish with tasty ingredients. Introduce a new protein your family will love, such as protein-packed shrimp. There are many scrumptious reasons for including shrimp into your family’s diet. The American Heart Association and other experts recommend eating seafood at least twice a week, and the FDA announced this year that pregnant women should consume between 8-12 ounces of seafood a week. It’s easy to work toward this dietary goal by introducing Gulf shrimp into your diet. This versatile protein is easy to prepare; has a wonderfully salty and fresh ﬂavor from the nutrient-rich environment in which it is caught; and is also widely available fresh and frozen at your local grocery. Better-for-You Benefits Flavorful Gulf shrimp contains high-quality protein and a variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B-6 and B-12. Plus, it’s a natural source of vitamin D, low in saturated fat and offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Quick-and-Easy Cheesy Gulf Shrimp Nachos Ingredients

¼ pound tortilla chips 1 cup low-sodium black beans, cooked, rinsed and drained 1½ cups shredded low-fat cheese ½ pounds small fresh or frozen Gulf shrimp (or large shrimp cut into bite-sized pieces), boiled and peeled 1 large tomato, finely diced ¼ cup scallions, diced Salsa (optional) Fresh guacamole (optional) Low-fat or fat-free sour cream (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to broil. In large, oven-proof platter, place tortilla chips in single layer. Sprinkle black beans and half of cheese on top of chips, then evenly distribute shrimp on top. Add diced tomato as next layer, then cover with remaining cheese. Cook under broiler for roughly 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish nachos with sliced scallions, and top with sour cream, salsa and guacamole. Total time: 10 minutes. Servings: 2-4 From the Kitchen of: Recipe provided to the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition by Chef Justin

Timineri of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. ❚

Source: Family Features

Simple Substitutions Add flair and flavor to your family’s meal routine (and keep the kids happy) with these easy meal ideas that incorporate Gulf shrimp. • Breakfast: Dice it up and add to omelets with fresh vegetables, such as sautéed spinach and tomatoes. • Lunch: Perk up your midday meal by adding it to salads and tortilla soups. • Appetizer or Snack: Serve with simple cocktail sauce for a no-fuss crowd pleaser, or a light stick-withyou snack. • Dinner: Mix it into spaghetti sauce and serve on a bed of whole wheat pasta. For more great Gulf shrimp recipe ideas, visit eatgulfseafood.com.

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Learn to Support Monarchs at Lecture, Tour I n celebration of its 20th anniversary, Wild Ones Natural Landscaping is hosting a lecture about attracting Monarch butterflies to your home, followed by a tour of nine natural yards and public spaces on Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27. Learn how to include native plants in home gardens, schoolyards and churchyards to support butterfly and bird populations. The lecture will be presented by Dr. Michael R. Jeffords, a retired entomologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, and co-author of Exploring Nature in Illinois: A Field Guide to the Prairie State. The lecture location is Northern Illinois University’s Rockford campus, 8500 E. State St., at 9 a.m. Saturday. His program will feature how to attract beneficial insects and birds to the home landscape. A donation of $5 is suggested for non-members of Wild Ones. The tour of natural yards and public

spaces will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. Each stop will feature interesting uses of native plants, activities for families, and information about ways to help save Monarchs from disappearing. For example, one 5-acre property on the tour has a prairie restoration that was developed in 1976 by one of the local pioneers of natural landscaping. Current owners have continued the stewardship and also keep bees that feed on the nectar and pollen of the native plants to make honey. Two public spaces are included on the tour: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford; and North Pointe Health and Wellness Center, 5605 Rockton Road, Roscoe. Activities for children are included at each tour site. A free milkweed plant will be given to each family to plant in their own yard, while supplies last.

Natural Yard Locations: 1. 7777 Shaw Road, Belvidere 2. 9293 Easton View Ct., Rockford 3. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford 4. 3218 Redhawk Trail, Rockford 5. 3038 Bildahl St., Rockford 6. 4411 Dorset Dr., Rockford 7. 720 N. Center St., Rockton 8. NorthPointe, 5605 Rockton Road, Roscoe 9. 14197 White School Road, South Beloit ❚

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Festa Italiana Continued from Cover

The event is a subcommittee of the Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA), and proceeds contribute greatly to GRIAA’s scholarship

Volunteers serve up the sweet Italian treat Pizza Fritte, fried dough rolled in sugar.

fund. “GRIAA’s scholarship fund helps our Italian descendants with tuition in our private schools,” says Joy Parlapiano, this year’s Festa chairperson. “To date, GRIAA has awarded approximately $650,000 in scholarships.” Each year, more than 100 volunteers and committee members help to organize and run Festa Italiana, now Rockford’s second-largest festival. “It takes a lot of time,” says Parlapiano, whose family is in charge of this year’s beer tent, after running the beef tent for 11 years. “You have to organize the volunteers and their schedules, monitor the food or beverage prep, watch service and supply. The dedication of our volunteers is what makes us so successful.” “It’s like a big family reunion,” says Frank Valentine, GRIAA co-chair, Festa executive committee member and past Festa chair. “We have folks who plan family or school reunions around Festa. I began volunteering for the event more than 25 years ago, and we have a lot of fun.”

Founded in 1980 as the Columbus Day Committee, GRIAA is a nonproﬁt organization, headed and staffed solely by volunteers, whose mission is to promote the Italian culture, sponsor social events and activities, and perform works of charity and philanthropy which beneﬁt the local Italian-American community. The Amici Italiani Adult Troup and Amici Italiani Youth Troupe, which perform traditional Italian folk dance in authentic costumes at events around the region, are subcommittees of GRIAA. Festa Italiana’s diverse schedule of entertainment kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m., with Chicago crooner Nick Pontarelli, followed by the Amici Italiani Adult Troupe. The live music continues until 11 p.m., with Breath of Soul, a Nashvillebased a cappella vocal group which includes Boylan graduate Tony Marx; Joe Scalissi, a Dean Martin impersonator; and Radio Stars, a Rockford pop cover band. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., Saturday’s line-up includes the Amici Italiani Youth

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July 23

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Bocce tournament action

Troupe; Pecatonica teen band Audio Rewind; Amici Italiani Adult Troupe; singer Tony Spavone; Chicago’s Italian-American band Diamanti; Mr. Big Stuff, with an eclectic playlist and a three-piece horn section; and Brit Beat, a popular Beatles Tribute band, the evening’s closing act. Starting at noon on Sunday, the Amici Italiani Youth Troupe performs, followed by singer Vince Amore with Rat Pack favorites. Next is local rockabilly favorite Dirty Fishnet Stockings, followed by the Amici Italiani Adult Troupe.

Then, Festa closes on a different note, with local country cover band Brian Lavendar at 5 p.m., leading into the event’s big ﬁnish, from 7-8:30 p.m. “I’m very excited about Sunday night, because our headliner is Jana Kramer, an up-and-coming country singer,” says Parlapiano. “We’ve had requests for country music for some time, and we were able to get a star.” Kramer’s ﬁrst single in 2012, “Why Ya Wanna,” from her debut album, went gold and made it to No. 3 on the country charts. She’s probably best known for her role as Alex Dupre on the TV series “One Tree Hill,” and is currently seen on Nationwide Insurance commercials as the woman in black leather replacing stolen items. Visitors to the culture tent can observe grape stomping, demonstrations of Italian cooking and wine making, and learn to make Italian treats such as bruschetta. Also over the three days, visitors can watch Bocce tournament action on three courts. Bocce is a bowling game developed in Italy which uses two different-sized balls.

Both Valentine and Parlapiano note the great food and entertainment as festival highlights, but the event means a great deal more, they believe. “We all come for a party, and we see people we may only see during Festa,” Valentine says. “We have fun, but ultimately, it’s about giving back to the community, while keeping Italian culture alive.” While Parlapiano also values the celebration of heritage and community, her focus is more personal. “I’ve really enjoyed watching my kids growing up with the festival,” she says. “They love Festa and look forward to it each year. It’s a family weekend for us. It’s very family-oriented.” Around 10,000 Rockford residents are Italian-descended, and upwards of 20,000 people attend Festa Italiana each year. “For this one very special weekend each year, everyone who passes through our gates is an honorary Italian,” Parlapiano says. For more information on Festa Italiana, visit online at griaa.org. ❚

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Y H

FHN Again in Top 10 for Patient Safety T

We’re h ere , for you.

he world’s largest independent nonprofit product-and-service-testing organization has again given FHN Memorial Hospital high scores for safety, according to a report in the August issue of Consumer Reports magazine. “We’re proud to announce that, for the third year in a row, FHN has been named one of the safest hospitals in the state,” says FHN President and CEO Michael Perry, MD. “Consumer Reports uses publicly available data to provide unbiased ratings focusing on data from a patient’s perspective. We think that’s an indicator of the quality of care our patients can expect throughout FHN.” Consumer Reports calculated the safety score using five areas of patient outcomes, each worth 20 points: Hospital-acquired infections; unnecessary readmissions; mortality; communication about new medication; and discharge instructions. Patient outcomes including

central-line bloodstream infections and surgical-site infections, patient experiences and hospital practices were also considered in the rankings. Data for the rankings was gathered from federal information about patient experiences, the Hospital Compare website, the Center for Medicare, Medicaid Services and state-reported data for C-sections. FHN’s score was 61 out of 100. The highest-scoring Illinois hospital was Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville, near St. Louis, with a score of 66. One of many tools FHN uses to maintain its high standards is a disinfection robot, nicknamed MOM (the Microorganism Obliterating Machine). Since it began using MOM in June 2013, FHN has seen a dramatic drop in infections after surgery. “We report our infection numbers at the end of each year to the National

Healthcare Safety Network, a part of the Centers for Disease Control,” says FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier. “In 2012, we had four cases of postsurgical infection. In 2013, we had zero.” Manufactured by Xenex, the machine uses high-energy ultraviolet light produced by xenon gas powered bulbs to super-disinfect rooms. ❚

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

FHN Memorial Hospital, which scored higher than any other hospital close to the communities it serves.*

as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities. Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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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.

Rockford Brew Co. & Garrett’s VS.

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

Go to Burpee.org/TheLocal for Tickets 26

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July 23

Y F

(Stephenson County Antique Engine Club photo)

Free Birds July 23, 10 a.m. Wednesday Morning Movie Series: $1 movies, P or PG rating. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413. 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. Sounds of Summer: American English July 24, 7 p.m. Beatles Tribute band. Free. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

See more than 300 antique engines and farm machines, watch demonstrations & parades, take steam train rides, visit a Civil War encampment and more, at the Threshing & Antique Show in Freeport Aug. 1-3.

Mini-Cubs Vs Mini-Cards Game July 26, 1 p.m. 8-yr-old Little Leaguers from Freeport and Blue Earth, Wis., mimic the Big League rivalry. Little Cubs Field, 1160 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 235-5318. Fresh and Local: How to Use It July 26, 2:30-4:30 p.m. A local food expert gives recipes, tips and tricks for getting the most out of your local bounty. Rockford Public Library (RPL), East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org. Fairy Festival July 26, 4-7:30 p.m. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn during opening ceremonies and traditional maypole dance. Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org . “Biodiversity & the Home Landscape” July 26, 9 a.m. Entmologist Dr. Michael R. Jeffords lectures on how to attract beneficial insects and birds to the home landscape. Kickoff for “Inviting Nature Home” tour from Wild Ones. Free. NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford, wildonesrrvc.org. Wild For Monarchs July 26-27, Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 1-5p.m. “Inviting Nature Home” Tour 2014. Tour nine different area locations, each featuring different native plants and information about how to save monarchs. Free. Info: wildonesrrvc.org. Steampunk Rockford July 28-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children ages 5-11, fashion your own gizmos and gadgets as you explore Victorian Steampunk in this creative day camp. BYO snacks & lunch. Midway

Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens: Whiskey Farm July 29, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $5/$3 teens. Food, beer & wine, beverages for sale. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, andersongardens.org. Lego Movie July 30, 10 a.m. Wednesday Morning Movie Series: $1 movies, P or PG rating. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0413. Monty Python’s SPAMALOT July 30-Aug. 3, 8 p.m. This outrageously funny show is based on the film Monty Python & the Holy Grail. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160. Sounds of Summer: Can’t Touch This July 31, 7 p.m. Funk band. Free. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org. 45th Annual Threshing and Antique Show Aug. 1-3, 7 a.m. More than 300 antique engines, flea market, daily parade, Civil War encampment, Silver Creek train rides, more. Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport, (815) 235-2198, thefreeportshow.com. Charity Challenge Home Run Derby Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nonprofits, schools and churches try to break the record of the most homeruns in one day to raise money for their charities. The record is 3,814. Little Cubs Field, Freeport, (815) 235-5318. ❚

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August 22-24

Freeport, Illinois

Single Admission $5 Film Discussion To Follow Each Film

LINDO THEATRE

115 South Chicago Ave. • Freeport • 815.233.0413

For More Information: Freeport Visitors Bureau 815-233-1357 • 800-369-2955 www.classiccinemas.com

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July 23

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

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July 23

Smart Living Weekly

July 23

T  I

DIY Auto Care A

nyone interested in saving money can spend a few minutes and accomplish these four auto maintenance tasks easily, without any expensive tools or training.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement: The cabin air filter cleans the air blowing through the ventilation system and should be replaced at least once a year. “These are usually easy to install but vary between cars,” says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of online auto parts retailer RockAuto.com. “Some filters are behind the glove box, and others are accessed through the cowl panel under the windshield.” Check your owner’s manual for information on replacing the cabin air filter, or visit RockAuto.com for instructions. Headlamps and Tail Lights: Access headlamps in the engine compartment. Unplug the electrical connector on the back of the bulb, unscrew the large plastic ring that holds it in place and pull the bulb out. Wear gloves or use a cloth to avoid getting fingerprints on the new bulb. Tail lights are usually accessed through the trunk, under the trim material. Wiper Blades: “It’s now easy to choose wipers that are better than what originally came on the car,” Taylor says. “Find longer-lasting blades, winter blades that resist freezing to the windshield, and beam-type wiper arms that hold the blade more firmly on the glass.” Engine Air Filter: Manufacturers recommend replacing an engine air filter every 12,000 miles. It’s typically located under the hood in a large, rectangular, plastic air filter housing. Remove the four bolts or clips around the edges and lift the dirty filter out. ❚ Source: BPT

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July 23

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July 23

Y M

Why Choosing ‘Credit’ is Always Safer By Jim Killam

hen retailers suffer security Choosing credit usually offers a breaches, some of the first things higher level of security and fraud proteccyber-thieves are looking for are the fourtion. “By selecting the credit option over digit PINs that customers entered when the debit and ultimately signing for the paying with their debit cards. transaction, you are protecting yourself Lori Perkins, director of marketing with your financial institution,” she says. at Rock Valley Credit Union, 1201 ClifAccording to credit.com, generally ford Ave., Loves Park, offers this advice: you won’t be out the money if someone When you use a debit card that accesscompromises your debit card and raids es your checking account and you have your account, but it might take some time a choice of credit or debit, always select for that to get straightened out. And you credit. might not have access to your money durExceptions would be a few area groing that time. cery stores that require the card to be used Even when a store or restaurant as debit, or if you need cash back. doesn’t visibly offer the credit-or-debit When you select credit instead of choice, customers should ask. debit, the money coming out of your ac“Certain stores automatically prompt count is the same. However, when you you to do the four-digit PIN,” Perkins sign the credit receipt, the transaction says. “You have to actually say, ‘I want runs through the VISA network which this to run as a credit.’ RBT-Take_Magazine_Ads_BuyOrRefi_7-375x4-875_PRN.pdf 7/17/14 11:01 need AM provides you with zero-liability protec“Unless1 you absolutely cash tion, Perkins says. back at the store, never hit ‘debit.’” ❚

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July 23

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Smart Living Weekly

July 23

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Issue 1