Smart Living Weekly - May 20, 2015

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iving n g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • May 20, 2015

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Right in Our Region

John Mellencamp Comes to Rockford

By Paul Anthony Arco, senior staff writer

O

f John Mellencamp’s many endearing qualities, perhaps his strongest is the ability to reinvent himself, musically speaking.

Once known for catchy hits like “Jack and Diane” and “Authority Song,” Mellencamp’s music is more likely to be described these days

as folksy with an earthy sound. Fans will experience the transformation firsthand, when the Hall of Famer performs at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 30. Mellencamp is on tour to support his latest release, “Plain Spoken,” album No. 22 in his storied career.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Reduce Your Energy Costs • All About Bug Bites • Great New Plants • The Perfect Hamburger It’s Time for the Bow Tie March! • Dining at Pearl Bistro • Combatting Teen Depression

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................... Cover & p. 20 John Mellencamp Your Home .................................................... ..... 11 Great New Plants Inspiration & Worship ........................................12 Pullin’ Weeds Your Kitchen .......................................................15 The Ultimate Hamburger Your Outing .........................................................17 Bow Tie March Your Health ............................................... .......... 25 Preventing Teen Depression Your Fun ..................................................... ......... 27 Restaurant of the Week ..................................... 29 Pearl Bistro Dining Locally ............................................ ........ 29 Tips ............................................................. ......... 31 All About Bug Bites Your Money ................................................ ......... 33 Save Money with This Easy Tip

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

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

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com

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Copyright 2015 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. 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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Food & Mellencamp

J

ohn Mellencamp has written music that sticks with us for a lifetime, but it’s his involvement with Farm Aid that interests me most. He’s a Midwest son who teamed with Willie Nelson and other musicians to form Farm Aid 30 years ago, out of concern that family farms are disappearing.

Among other things, Farm Aid highlights the fact that a handful of corporations now largely control our food system “from farm to fork.” Vertically integrated monopolies mean lower food quality, concentrated ag pollution and loss of family farms. Further, it’s nearly impossible for the free market to regulate food prices as it once did.

Farm Aid reports that four companies own 83.5 percent of the beef market, 66 percent of the hog industry and 58.5 percent of the broiler chicken industry. In the seed industry, four companies control 50 percent of the proprietary seed market and 43 percent of the commercial seed market worldwide.

When it comes to genetically engineered (GE) crops, the Monsanto company controls more than 85 percent of U.S. corn acreage and 91 percent of U.S. soybean acreage, says Farm Aid. (Europe refuses to import most of our GE foods due to health concerns.)

“For all of us who eat, unchecked corporate power leads to higher prices and less choice,” states Farm Aid. “Despite the promise of cheaper food that is supposed to result from ‘economies of scale,’ USDA data show that the cost of food to consumers has risen steadily since the 1980s. Over the same period, the farmer’s share of the retail food dollar has plummeted.”

For 10 years, we’ve consistently urged readers to support locally owned businesses whenever possible. This keeps more dollars in our region and gives our community an identity beyond “just another strip of national big box stores.” In the case of food, it also gives us more control over what we put into our bodies. I, for one, am sick of flavorless, radiated produce that looks great but tastes like plastic and refuses to rot. It’s no coincidence that the local foods movement is growing by leaps and bounds. See you at the farmer’s markets! ■

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Y H  G

Expert Picks for New Spring Plants

By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

I

t’s that wondrous time of year when blissful gardeners stroll the aisles of local greenhouses. Chris Williams, at K & W Greenery, 1328 US-14, in Janesville, tells us about some of the annuals he’s most excited about this year.

Bolviensis Bonfire Orange is the lastest in a series of South American begonias. “Breeders have improved upon it and it has a better branch habit and larger flower,” says Williams.

Cleomi “is a great plant and a newer one is Seniora Rosalita, which has light lavender/pink flowers that are thornless, unlike previous varieties.” Also, a new smaller version called Pequena Rosalita is 24 inches rather than 3 feet tall.

Coleus isn’t just a shade plant anymore. “There are newer types of coleus that can tolerate sun and heat better,” says Williams. “The new Seaweed and Yellow Fin Tuna coleus have an interesting, different look. We like to use these in containers and hanging baskets.”

Digiplex Illumination Flame is shown left. “This big, vigorous plant can be used as the centerpiece of a container or landscaping area,” says Williams. It is two-tone with showy orange/raspberry

pink blooms. It likes full sun and requires little attention.

Lobularia is also known as Alyssum. “New forms are grown from cuttings, not seed, so you get an extended bloom time,” says Williams. “True purple was hard to come by, but now there’s Dark Knight, which is new this year and a nice companion for White Knight. Cool This planting includes Suevening air makes its purple color pertunia Black Cherry, White Princess lobularia (aleven brighter.”

Petunias: “I like petunias because yssum) and Cherry Bomb calibrachoa, all from Proven they’re non-stop bloomers that hold Winners. up well in sunny areas and you can find them in every color in the world,” says Williams. New this year is Supertunia Black Cherry, a luscious deep red color with black accents.

Whatever plants you choose, be sure to read their labels and put them in locations that meet their light requirements. Use a good fertilizer and follow package instructions to give blooming plants the nutrition they need to stay beautiful all season long.

And, of course, keep them well watered but not soggy. Hanging baskets and containers will dry out faster than ground plants. ■

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Pullin’ Weeds I

n a world that works so hard to control our minds, whether by commercialism, propaganda or peer pressure, it’s a stunning truth that God – who designed our remarkable brains in the first place – grants each of us full freedom of thought.

We can believe upon Christ Jesus or reject him. What’s more, if we choose to be “Christian,” we can use the power of our minds to internalize Christ and become his “imitators,” or we may wear the sacred label, in name only, like a pair of brandname blue jeans.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” – Ephesians 5:1-2 To walk with Christ, even when nobody’s looking – especially when nobody’s looking – is to get out the garden tools and yank the weeds from our lives, one by one.

Some of us are pulling a lot of weeds, literally, this week, as dandelions burst open with May vigor. Such labor brings to mind this anonymous poem once published on seed packets.

When I Put on My Worn-Out Tweeds When I put on my worn-out tweeds And with my hands pull garden weeds, The likeness always come to mind, ‘Tween weeds and sins of human kind.

For weeds will grow up anywhere In ground that’s either foul or fair, And when you pull them you’re not through; They’ll grow right up again for you.

Some weeds have roots so great in length That pulling them is test of strength, And they should be removed with care Or they’ll kill good plants anywhere.

It makes no difference where you go There’s no place that the weeds can’t grow; Some folks keep weeding, others won’t, Some folks have gardens, others don’t.

So weeds and sin are quite the same In growth and action, not in name; But different is their origin: God makes the weeds, we make the sin. ❚ 12

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Y Y K K

The Ultimate, Great Hamburger G rilling season is here, and that means burgers – the No. 1 grilled item in America – are on the menu at backyard cookouts across the country.

This summer, upgrade from a simple patty slathered with ketchup and mustard. Create mouthwatering burgers by seasoning the meat, then building with unique toppers and condiments like grilled avocado, mango slaw or lime mayo.

“My favorite burger recipe we developed uses the Grill Mates Smoky Ranchero Marinade to flavor the patty and south-of-the-border condiments like Cotija cheese and grilled avocado as toppers,” says Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “When you press the bun down to smash it all together, the avocado, tangy mayo and cheese ooze out over juicy, flavorful meat.”

For more burger recipes and other grilling tips from the annual McCormick Grill Mates Flavor Forecast 2015: GRILLING EDITION, visit flavorforecast. com and grillmates.com.

Southwestern Smoky Ranchero Burger with Grilled Avocado

Lime Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 Tb. lime juice 1 pkg. McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Ranchero Marinade, divided Stuffed Avocado: 2 ripe avocados 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese 1/4 cup diced tomato Burgers: 1 pound 80 percent lean ground beef 4 kaiser rolls 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

For lime mayonnaise, mix mayonnaise, lime juice and 1 tsp. of the marinade mix in small bowl until well blended. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For stuffed avocado, halve and seed avocados. Carefully remove peel, leaving each half intact. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Mix cheese and tomato.

For burgers, mix ground beef and remaining marinade mix until well blended.

Shape into 4 patties. Grill over medium heat 4-6 minutes per side until burgers are cooked through (internal temperature of 160ºF). Grill avocado halves, cut-sides down, 30 seconds. Turn over avocadoes.

Place 2 Tb. cheese mixture into each avocado half. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired. Grill 4-5 minutes. Toast rolls and serve burgers/toppings with lime mayonnaise.■ Source: Family Features

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Bow Tie March Raises Men’s Cancer Awareness

By Paul Anthony Arco ace up your walking or running shoes and take part in the fifth annual Bow Tie March & 5K Run, Saturday, June 6, at Home Depot, 6930 Argus Dr., Rockford.

The Bow Tie March is a walk and run event that benefits Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center, a local nonprofit that offers programs and services, at no charge, to cancer survivors (both male and female) and their loved ones.

The 5K run starts at 7:15 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m., with the step off to follow. The event is meant to raise awareness of men’s cancer, although everyone is welcome to participate.

“It’s a family event,” says

L

Sheri Anspaugh, projects manager for Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center. “If you’re coming out to run or walk, there’s plenty for everyone to do.”

This year’s Bow Tie March includes food, entertainment, a wellness fair sponsored by OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, a survivor’s tent, children’s activities, and the chance to win great prizes.

Signs that will be displayed on the route that day can be purchased to honor someone special who has battled cancer.

“We also have plenty of things for kids to do this year,” says Anspaugh.

“There’s face painting, cookie decorating, a mini boot camp, a chance to splash their dads and appearances by several local mascots.”

This year’s honorary chair is Philippe Forcioli, owner and chef of Greenfire Restaurant Bar & Bakery. Forcioli was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in November, 2014. Since then, Forcioli, an accomplished marathon runner, has been fighting his battle while sharing his

journey with the community.

“Philippe epitomizes what the Bow Tie March is all about,” says Anspaugh. “He’s openly shared his journey, and made people aware of how important it is to pay attention to their bodies and visit the doctor when something is wrong. For men like Philippe to share their stories is huge.”

Healing Pathways offers nutrition, gentle exercise and therapeutic writing classes; support groups, massage therapy, reflexology, Reiki and emotional support through social gatherings.

The Bow Tie March is presented by Rockford Health System. For more information, visit healingpathwayscrc.org or call (815) 977-4123.■

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John Mellencamp Continued from Cover

Opening for Mellencamp is Carlene Carter, daughter of music icons June Carter and Carl Smith and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash.

“Mellencamp has the power to stay true to himself,” says Timothy Crull, program director for Rockford radio stations The Mighty 100.5 FM and B103 FM. “As his music progressed, he put more of himself into it. He’s been heavily influenced

by Motown, country and roots – all of which he performs. His music is stripped down right now. Songs like “Troubled Man” sound like he could be playing it on a porch somewhere. If you look around, there’s no one around who makes music like John Mellencamp.”

Born in Seymour, Ind., Mellencamp fell in love with music at an early age and was playing in local bars by age 14. His professional music career began in 1976 when MCA Records released his first

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album, “The Chestnut Street Incident.”

His manager called him Johnny Cougar, thinking that no one would buy a record from a singer named Mellencamp.

“Before 1983 he was forced to be called ‘John Cougar’ because a lot of music was controlled by the machine,” says Crull. “After a few hits, he took more control and, in 1983, slid Mellencamp into the end of his name. By 1991, he was able to drop the Cougar all together.

As he’s gotten older, he just doesn’t care what the machine thinks. He doesn’t take bull from anyone.”

After releasing a few albums, he finally made it big in 1979 with his first hit, “I Need A Lover.” In 1982, his fifth album, “American Fool,” was the year’s best-selling album on the strength of two huge hits, “Hurts So Good,” and “Jack & Diane.” Other hit singles followed, including “Crumblin Down,” “Small Town,” “Rain On The Scarecrow,” “Lonely Ol Night,” and “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” In 1985, Mellencamp became a household name, when he teamed up with

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Willie Nelson and Neil Young to launch Farm Aid, a mega musical festival that became an annual event to showcase issues facing American farmers.

“Farm Aid was huge in that it bonded lots of artists who raised $45 million that first year,” says Crull.

“It got a lot of attention. He was honest in why he was doing it; it wasn’t for his benefit. Being from rural Indiana, he truly cares about the plight of farmers.”

Mellencamp’s list of honors is equally impressive. He received the 2001 Billboard Century and the Woody Guthrie Award in 2004. He’s been nominated for a Grammy 11 times,

R  O R

winning the award in 1983. In 2008, Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

With such a remarkable body of work, Mellencamp is willing to take chances when it comes to writing new material.

In a 2014 interview with Men’s Journal, Mellencamp said, “Well, you know, for a guy 62 years old, I’m not going to write any more hits. Those days are over. Now, I make records more or less as calling cards. Music was so important to the culture when I was growing up in the ’60s and ’70s.

We just expected that Bob Dylan was going to make a great record and it was normal. It was like, ‘OK, here’s another great record by Bob Dylan, here’s another great record by Led Zeppelin.’ It’s not like that today.

Music does not speak the way it used to for my generation.”

Rick Heffner is the drummer for Radio Stars, a local pop dance band that plays hits dating as far back as the ’80s. His band often gets requests for Mellencamp’s biggest hits. “His voice is distinctive compared to other singers,”

Heffner says. “It’s raspy but his lyrics always speak from the heart. He’s an influential musician to a lot of people.

Love him or hate him, you have to respect him.”

Tina Ryan grew up in Terra Haute, Ind., two hours from Mellencamp’s hometown of Seymour. A Rockford resident for more than 20 years now, she remains a diehard fan. “I’m a Hoosier girl and he’s a good old Hoosier boy,” she says. “I grew up listening to his music and I still find myself singing ‘Jack and Diane.’”

Forty-plus years after he launched his career, Mellencamp shows no sign of slowing down. Or doing anything he doesn’t want to do, for that matter.

“Musically, he’s doing what he wants to at this point in his career,” says Crull.

“He can always count on selling lots of tickets. You can’t expect Mellencamp from the ’80s, but he still puts on one heck of a show.”

Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at coronadopac.org or by calling (815) 968-0595. ■

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Preventing & Treating Depression in Teenagers T

eenage depression is a serious health concern. Sometimes preventing it is not possible; however there are things you can do to give your teen the coping skills and support that can reduce their risk of serious depression. Laura Neece, Licensed Professional Counselor with Beloit Health System’s Counseling Care Center, offers some important advice.

Show Support • Make time every day to talk with your teen.

• Take an interest in things that interest them.

• Encourage your child to express feelings without offering judgments or getting upset. Talk calmly about how they feel.

• Offer positive feedback on accomplishments, good deeds or other strengths, whatever form they take.

• Prepare and eat family meals together.

Promote Friendships and Social Interaction Strong social relationships are also important for your teen’s mental health. Encourage your teen to spend time with his or her friends. Team sports or activities like academic clubs are also a great way for your child to widen his social support network.

Look at Media Time “Most teens spend a lot of time with various media,” says Neece.

“Examine some of your child’s most watched shows and movies.

Talk with your kids about what they’re watching and how they feel about it, or even why they enjoy the show.”

Encourage Exercise and Rest The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least one hour of physical activity per day for teens. Getting sufficient sleep is also essential for helping teens feel their best.

Seek Help When Needed “Most teens have up and down moods,” explains Neece. Some signs of depression include: • Withdrawal from friends, family, hobbies and other activities • Reduction in school performance • Decreased energy and/or motivation • Anger, irritability or rage • Being very sensitive (possibly overreacting) to criticism • Poor self-esteem or guilt • Decreased concentration, difficulty making decisions • Restlessness • Changes in sleep or eating habits • Suicidal thoughts If you are concerned that your child may be depressed, especially if they are having suicidal thoughts, seek assistance. For more information, call the Counseling Care Center at (608) 364-5686.

They have licensed therapists who specialize in working with teens and young adults. ■

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Historic Auto Attractions Now through Labor Day, Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See more than 75 historic autos displayed in 36,000 square feet, including the world’s largest collection of presidential and world leader limousines, John Dillinger’s getaway car, Elvis Presley’s personal car, Indy cars, TV and movie cars such as the Batmobile. Also one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy & Kennedy Family artifacts & memorabilia in the country.

Admission $13 adults, $8 students and $25 for season pass. 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe, (815) 389-7917.

53rd Annual FOOD-A-RAMA May 20, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Temple Beth-El, 1203 Comanche Dr., Rockford. Lunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Also delicatessen, bakery and drive-thru window for bag lunches. Lunch $11. More info at (815) 398-5020.

Koi & Culture May 21, 7 p.m., Lecture by Peter Ponzio, author and founder of The American Goldfish Association. Free to members/$5 non-members. Learn about the significance of koi in Japanese culture and the requirements for a healthy koi habitat. Anderson Japanese Gardens Visitor Center, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Greg Herriges at JustGoods May 22, 7:30 p.m. Solo concert by guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist Greg Herriges, whose CD “Telluric Currents” was hailed as “folk fusion at its best – a mix of the traditional and the rockin’, the familiar and the exotic.”

(Minneapolis Star Tribune). Free; suggested donation $10. (815) 965-8930. Justgoods.info.

Young at Heart Festival May 22-25, check website for daily hours, full schedule of events and admission button sale locations. Live music, fireworks, food, rides, parade, beer garden, pageants, more.

Admission $9 per button, good for all four days, $7 in advance. Kids 6 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Loves Park City Hall grounds, 100 Heart Blvd, at parkschamber.org.

Macyn Taylor May 23, 7 p.m. Spring Creek UCC Church presents Macyn Taylor and Basement Blues Band, two of the region’s favorite blues and acoustic acts, as part of its Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Refreshments, including Mamma Mia’s pizza, for sale. 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

(815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

(Karla Nagy photo)

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Wayne Lensing strikes a tough-guy pose in his favorite display, the car used for the death scene in the 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde.” Historic Auto Attractions opens for the season this week.

Multicultural Fiesta May 23, 2-5 p.m. Help students and staff of the Stateline Literacy Council to celebrate global diversity and food. Dance, music, karaoke, face painting and games for kids and adults. 1000 Bluff St., Beloit. (608) 362-5745.

Spring Concert May 24, 3 p.m. Sveas Soner Chorus, the Harmony Singing Society and the Rock Valley Children’s Choir. Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St., Rockford. A free will offering will be collected.

Bags Tournament May 24, 1-9 p.m. A benefit for local non-profit Chemo Cargo, which provides chemotherapy patients with items meant to ease anxiety.

Competitive bracket $40/2-person team, w/ cash prizes. Social bracket $30/2-person team.

One drink ticket included. Mustang’s Bar & Grill, 482 Gardner St., South Beloit, Ill. Register by email or in person, bags@chemocargo.org.

Will Rogers: An American Original Through May 24, Thurs.-Sun. Kevin McKillip portrays the gentle man whose razor wit frequently took aim at politics. Artists Ensemble at Rockford University’s Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St. Thursday tickets $19. All other performances are $30, $28/seniors, $10/ students. Learn more at artistsensemble.org.

Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens Weekly beginning May 26, doors open at 5 p.m. Anderson Japanese Gardens presents Kelly Steward in its first Tuesday night concert, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockord. (815) 2299390. Free to members; $5 adults, $3 teens, 12 & under free. Picnic dinners welcome, beverages sold on site. Food vendors: DiTullio’s,, Woodfire Pizza, Zammuto’s, Chai Town Tea.■

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Restaurant of the Week

Pearl Bistro Offers Something for Everyone A

s the newest owner of Pearl Bistro, 6876 Spring Creek Road Rockford, longtime customer Rick Lewis is excited about his new career. “Other than being a customer during my many years of business travel, this is my first time owning or working in a restaurant,” he says.

Lewis purchased Pearl Bistro from Josef & Cherri Schwaiger, owners of Josef’s of Barbados, in October 2014.

Although new to the restaurant game, Lewis’ excitement and enthusiasm shines brightly. Almost every day and night, he can be found at the restaurant greeting customers, filling water glasses, and directing his staff.

Pearl has been serving the Rockford area for a number of years, and Lewis plans to build on its reputation as a relaxing place where people can come for good food and fun times. “Hash tag MeetAtPearl

is our motto,” he says. “It can mean anything from gathering with friends or family, to meeting for a first date, to conducting business over lunch or drinks.”

Lewis says the restaurant will operate with a similar menu, the same staff, and the reappointing of Executive Chef Jonathon Powers.

Pearl is Rockford’s original Brick Oven Pizza Bar, a feature Lewis will continue to highlight.

“From a simple Margherita to our Meat-Loaded Grinder, there really is a pizza for everyone,” he says. There’s even a Bananas Foster dessert pizza.

On the menu are appetizers such as Buffalo Shrimp and Buffalo Chicken, with a “secret” Pearl buffalo sauce, and entrees range from a chicken panini and Angus burger to chicken Alfredo and pesto (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Main Street Bistro  Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café  Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales  Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza  Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery  Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

(Kevin Thompson photo)

By Brian Hughes

Onwer Rick Lewis, inside Pearl Bistro, Rockford

ravioli. The full-service bar offers a variety of gourmet cocktails. “We have several new drinks, including smoke-infused martinis and craft cocktails,” Lewis says.

People at the bar can order from Pearl’s regular menu, and several large-screen TVs let customers follow their favorite sports. “We strive to treat our guests like they’re coming into our home,” says Lewis.

Hrs: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. to 12:30 a.m., and Sun. to 8 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight Café Fromage

I

n May 2011, husband and wife Darren and Judith Larsen opened The Cheese People, 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit. Their original intent was to extend their farmers markets sales of regional artisan cheeses to a retail space.

They now also operate the adjacent Café Fromage, a coffee shop and restaurant. Along with gourmet coffees and teas and specialty coffeehouse drinks, the cafe offers pastries, baked goods, sandwiches and lunch and breakfast fare. Items are made fresh daily with local sourced ingredients when available.

The Cheese People has at least 40 regional artisan cheeses on hand, including Sweet Cream Havarti, applewood smoked baby Swiss, a variety of goats’ milk cheeses, along with artisan and regional brews and wines, jams, honey and more.

Café Fromage opens Mon.-Fri. at 7 a.m. and Sat.-Sun. at 8 a.m. ❚

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T  I

Bug Bites: When to See a Doctor

A

lthough most bug bites and stings are harmless, some can be dangerous. This is especially true if you’re allergic to the bug’s venom, or if the bug is carrying a disease.

In the U.S., it’s common to experience a bite or sting from mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, bees, wasps and hornets, biting flies, mites, ticks, fire ants and bedbugs.

“Most bug bites and stings can be safely treated at home with topical medication, such as hydrocortisone cream or ointment, or an oral antihistamine to reduce the itch,” says board-certified dermatologist Margaret E. Parsons, MD, FAAD, associate clinical professor of dermatology, University of California, Davis. “Sometimes, however, a bug bite or sting could turn into something serious, particularly if you have been bitten or stung by many insects at the same time.”

Dr. Parsons advises going to the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after a bug bite or sting:

• • • • •

Difficulty breathing The sensation that your throat is closing Swollen lips, tongue or face Chest pain A racing heartbeat that lasts more than a few minutes • Dizziness • Vomiting • Headache • A red, donut-shapted or target-shaped rash that develops after a tick bite. This coud be a sign of lyme disease, which should be treated with antibiotics.

“Although most bug bites and stings do not turn into a severe or even fatal illness like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms,” says Parsons. “If you feel tired all the time, you have a headache, fever or body aches, or you develop a rash after a bug bite, see a boardcertified dermatologist immediately.” ■ Source: American Academy of Dermatology, Schaumburg, Ill.

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Y M

Save Money Easily by Maintaining High Air Quality

By Peggy Werner

S

pring is in the air, but so is a lot of pollen, dust and debris.

Regularly changing the air conditioner/furnace filter is the single most important thing you can do to keep energy costs down, air quality high, and equipment working properly, says Don Howe, a licensed technician with Pearson, 2415 20th St., Rockford.

“The biggest problem we see is that people forget to change their furnace filters or don’t think it’s that important.

When we show a customer the dirt buildup on a filter and explain why it’s harmful, they usually understand,” he says.

Howe recommends using a thinner, less expensive furnace filter and changing it more often. The thicker filters not only cost more, but also trap more particles and make your furnace work harder.

Most homeowners should change the filter every three months, but in homes where there’s a lot of activity or residents suffer severe allergies, the filter may need to be changed as often as every month.

Homes with pets, large families, indoor smoke, open windows and nearby woods have more air particles.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates an average of 5 to 15 percent energy cost savings from regularly chaning an air filter.

An excessively dirty filter decreases the furnace’s airflow and stresses the equipment, causing it to work harder and demand more energy, resulting in higher utility bills.

Excessive dirt and dust also damages equipment and causes it to fail sooner, requiring money to be spent on repairs, service, parts and labor.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside the average American household is up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Filters are all given a Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV), which is a numerical value from 1 to 20, (lowest to highest efficiency) allowing customers to compare brands of filters.

For home use, filters given a MERV rating of 8 to 11 are most efficient. A MERV 11 filter offers the highest efficiency level and filters an average of 95 percent of indoor home air pollutants.

For nearly 60 years Pearson has served the Northern Illinois area.

Pearson offers Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Pest Control, Remodeling services and more. Call Pearson at (815) 398-8312, or visit them at PearsonGuy. com or on Facebook.■

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