Smart Living Weekly - June 4, 2014

Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • June 4, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Kantorei Celebrates 50th Anniversary

By Chris Linden, managing editor

I

t’s not every day that a fine music group celebrates its 50th birthday. Though it’s far from being Rockford’s oldest musical icon, Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford, is both highly respected and accomplished.

Over the past five decades, this nonprofit,

non-sectarian boys’ choir has shaped countless young boys and men into talented vocal musicians. On Friday, June 13, the group strolls down memory lane with a grand 50th anniversary concert, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford. More than Continued on p. 20

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Expert Makeup Tips • Savory Grilled Pork Chops • All About Hernias 5 Common Credit Report Mistakes • Be Prepared for Storms • Simple Bathroom Updates

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Kantorei Celebrates 50th Your Home ........................................................11 Simple Bathroom Updates Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 A Fresh Start Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Savory Grilled Pork Chops Your Style ....................................................17 Best Makeup Tips Your Health ...................................................... 25 All About Hernias Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Ready for Storm Season Your Money ...................................................... 33 5 Common Credit Report Errors

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 General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

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

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

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Hello June!

“Spring being a tough act to follow, God invented June.” --Al Bernstein re we ever any happier than in June, when the possibilities of summer seem endless? Make every day count by taking time to do the things you love. Here are 5 ideas to get you started …

1. Be active. Tune up your bike and actually ride it. Or check out the activities offered by Winnebago County Forest Preserve, Rockford Park District, YMCA and others. Ride a horse at Lockwood, take golf or tennis lessons from a pro, explore a forest preserve, paddle a kayak … you’re never too old to discover a new passion.

2. Grow things. Start small, if you’re new at it. There are plenty of folks who’ll help you learn. Or, watch other people grow things. Rockford alone has seven exceptional gardens open to visitors. Read about all of them in the upcoming issue of Northwest Quarterly Magazine, which is being printed as you read this.

3. Learn things. What subjects or topics get you excited? Art? History? Technology? Astronomy? Aviation? Explore them further, on your own, because you want to, not because you have to for school.

4. Make time for kids. Take a few randomly spaced vacation days this summer just to make some memories with the kids in your life? Kids don’t care if the activity is elaborate; they just want time with you. Take them fishing, splash around together at Magic Waters, ride the Forest City Queen, attend a festival or fair, have a picnic, go bird-watching, plan a day trip.

The boss’ll never miss ya, but the kids may remember that day forever.

5. Enjoy music outdoors. So many venues are offering concerts this summer, many at no charge. Find a listing of your summer outdoor music options in the new Northwest Quarterly Magazine.

Smart living means enjoying your life, so have fun! ❚

A

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

June 4

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Y H  G

More Opt for Simple Bathroom Remodels

By Jim Killam

A

s fewer people sell their homes, more are tackling projects they used to leave for the next owners. Those projects include bathroom remodels.

We used to see about a five- to seven-year turnover on houses,” says Doug Trussoni, Certified Kitchen Designer at Andco Kitchens & Baths, Inc., 540 S. Perryville Road, Rockford. “Well, in seven years you didn’t have to do anything to it. You just sold it. The assumption was the new buyer would change it. That’s not happening. And so people are finding out they have to maintain more.”

Many of Andco’s new customers want to gut their bathrooms, he adds. Often, moisture problems have developed over time because of inadequate ventilation or improperly sealed tubs and shower enclosures. Those issues can turn drywall into a muddy, moldy mess.

When those old, one-piece shower

enclosures come out, lots of people are opting to replace them with ceramic tile, Trussoni says.

“The reason is that you get about an 8-inch bigger shower because the walls of fiberglass (enclosures) are so thick when they contour them,” he says.

Even for homeowners preparing to sell, remodels can be kept simple. Rockford-area buyers generally aren’t turned off by that, Trussoni says.

“We are in that market where just to have a well-maintained or a renovated clean bath is way OK,” he says. “People don’t expect luxury baths in this price category. Even in the new constructions, even in the elaborate ones I’ve done, master baths aren’t that overwhelming. It’s not like you’re going to spend half a day there.”

Simpler and less expensive than replacing a shower, new countertops can

add a big “wow” factor to a tired bathroom. Quartz is a great choice, Trussoni says, because it doesn’t have to be sealed like granite, and there’s no risk of moisture leaching into it. ❚

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

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I  W

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A Fresh Start O

ur world is one of darkness and light, night and day, both spiritually and literally. This means we’re gifted with a new chance to “start over” each morning.

God isn’t constrained by our concept of time. We see things play out in a linear fashion and can’t begin to comprehend the all-seeing vantage point He has.

One thing we do know, however, is that God doesn’t want our past to obstruct our future. He cares about our today, and not our past mistakes. This gives each of us tremendous opportunity to break free from the negatives that have imprisoned us in our “old lives” before Christ.

The apostle Paul talks about this in Philippians 3:13-16 (NIV). Here, he says he knows that he hasn’t yet attained his goal of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”

Who knows. Maybe God created night and day, and the four seasons, and the changing tides and shifting orbit of our earth, simply to remind us that we, too, are constantly changing and evolving and starting fresh. Life doesn’t stand still, and we’re expected to strive and change for the better, as “better” is defined by scripture.

It’s also comforting to know that, while one period of our lives may be very dark indeed, there’s reason to hope for a better day to come.

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (KJV).

–Janine Pumilia 12

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13750 Metric Dr. Roscoe, IL 61073 | (815) 389-9999

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Pork Chops: Recreate a Restaurant Classic S

erve these pork chops with traditional restaurant flair – like a baked potato and creamed spinach – and follow Lampe’s tips for pork chop perfection:

1. Preheat the grill and cooking grate completely before cooking; it will help for even browning and cooking.

2. Ask your guests if they prefer their pork chops cooked medium or mediumrare.

3. To get your pork chops to the preferred internal temperature, grill them like a steak – between 145 F (mediumrare) and 160 F (medium), followed by a three-minute rest, and use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

4. For smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the fire right before you add the chops. For a gas grill, place soaked wood chips in a single sheet aluminum foil packet with four to six holes on the top. Place packet, holes facing up, directly on the grate, off to one side.

Visit www.PorkBeinspired.com for more recipes to keep your grill hot all summer.

Dry-Rubbed Porterhouse Pork Chops with Steakhouse Butter Servings: 6 Start to finish: 70 minutes 6 Porterhouse Pork Chops, about 1-inch thick

tablespoons butter and melt. Add shallots, garlic and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until shallots are soft. Transfer to medium bowl and let cool for 15 minutes.

Add remaining butter, parsley, lemon juice, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Using a fork, mash and mix until fully blended.

Lay out a piece of wax paper (approximately 12-by-12 inches) and form butter into an 8-inch-long log shape in center. Roll butter up in wax paper and twist ends tightly to form an even round log of butter. Place in refrigerator for one hour or until firm. This can be made up to two days ahead of time.

For rub, in a small bowl, combine salt, sugar, chili powder, onion, garlic, pepper and coriander. Mix well. Sprinkle rub liberally on both sides of pork chops.

Let rest for 15 minutes.

Prepare grill to cook directly over medium-high heat. Place pork chops on cooking grate and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown on bottom. Flip chops and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown on second side and cooked to internal temperature between 145 F (medium rare) and 160 F (medium). Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes.

Unwrap butter and cut it into 12 equalsized medallions. Serve each pork chop with a medallion on top. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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How to Get Your Best Look Using Makeup T

By Peggy Werner

he purpose of makeup is to enhance one’s good facial qualities and create a better version of you, not to look like someone else, says Betsy Branca, owner and founder of Arch Apothecary in Rockford.

It’s all about drawing attention to your best features, downplaying less attractive features, and doing it all with the right colors and good technique.

Arch Apothecary is a makeup and skin care boutique that offers brow and facial services, located at 6876 Spring Creek Road in Rockford, with another location with the same name at 1359 Wells Street in Chicago, where they also do hair styling. A third location will be opening in June in Madison, Wis. When applying makeup, start with a clean, moisturized face. Foundation or tinted moisturizer gives a more even skin color, covers spots and redness, and can

protect your skin from the sun. Concealer under eyes helps eyes stand out by brightening the skin and eliminating shadows.

Blush gives definition to cheek bones and adds color to the face.

Applying too much makeup is one of the biggest mistakes people make, Branca says.

To accentuate the eyes, use less color on the lips; if you want full, colorful lips, use less eye shadow, depending on the look you want to achieve. Avoid going heavy on the eyes, blush, and lips all at once.

Another mistake people make is trying to appear tan by wearing darker foundation or too much bronzer, she says.

Take time blending the makeup correctly so you don’t end up with obvious and unattractive “start and stop” lines.

“Accept your own skin tone and your makeup will look better,” she says. “A

professional can give you the best makeup advice and help you to learn what colors look best on you.”

People have skin undertones that need to be countered with the right foundation color. Eye colors stand out with certain eye shadow colors, and the seasons dictate, too, how bright or deep you want to go with color, she says.

For facials, make-up application, false eye lashes, waxing, brow and lash tinting, contact Arch Apothecary at 815639-9515 in Rockford and at 312-2919750 in Chicago. ❚

Get SLW Style articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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R  O R

Kantorei Continued from Cover

“Many of the pieces we will perform have resounded with the boys, and with audiences,” says Joel Ross, music director for Kantorei. “We felt it was important to showcase the wide-ranging styles of music the boys sing.”

During the anniversary concert, the troupe of nearly 60 boys, ages 7 to 18, will be joined by Kantorei alumni and professional instrumentalists in a program that includes sacred masterworks, folk hymns, songs of praise and thanksgiving, classic Americana and even a Jamaican folksong.

It’s a perfect reflection of the many places these boys have traveled as a choir.

In addition to collaborating with Rockford-area music groups, they regularly tour the U.S. and schedule international travel every few years. Since Ross started leading the choir in the late 1980s, the

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boys have toured Japan, New Zealand, Brazil and many European nations.

This year, they’ll provide entertainment during a Caribbean cruise, both onboard and at ports of call.

“The boys have sung in grand cathedrals and the Grand Canyon,” says Ross. “They’ve performed on the Surrender Deck of the U.S.S. Missouri at Pearl Harbor, and sung the National Anthem for Iraq War veterans. The boys have sung impromptu concerts in airport terminals, hotel lobbies, restaurants and ice cream parlors. We’ll take our music wherever we go.”

Open to boys in a five-county area surrounding Rockford, Kantorei maintains a rigorous schedule. Recruitment is sometimes a challenge, Ross says, but the talent is impressive. Starting out, youngsters join the preparatory program,

June 4

led by Bradley Koloch and Trudy Anderson. From the Chorister level choir to the more advanced Lyric and Cadet choirs, the boys hone their musical and vocal skills to advance to the Performing Choir.

No matter how far these boys progress, Ross encourages them to walk away with more than an appreciation for music.

In his eyes, Kantorei is a safe place for boys to discover themselves while having fun and learning valuable life skills.

Whether a boy is athletic, scholarly or musically gifted, the choir is a nurturing

R  O R place for personal development.

“The boys learn about time management, respect for authority, being less absorbed in themselves, and setting life goals,” Ross says. Valuable lessons taught in Scouts and sports programs are also important in music. The difference is that we don’t have a starting lineup or benchwarmers – we give every boy opportunities to sing.”

Ross has seen his alumni go on to many career paths, from educators to composers, businessmen to singers. “It thrills me to witness those who are enjoying music beyond Kantorei,” he says. “It confirms that we are teaching life skills such that, whatever calling they pursue, they’re taking with them important tools that will enrich their own experience and perhaps make a difference in someone else’s life, too.”

This milestone year is also a time of transition for Kantorei, as Ross retires at the end of June. He has no plans to slow down, after 26 years of leading Kantorei.

“My commitment as co-owner of Randee’s Music, in Rockford, will continue,” he says. “I’m a professional singer and pianist, and do a lot of work in classical and jazz piano. I rehab houses. I have my finger in a lot of pies, you could say.”

Looking back on his time with Kantorei, Ross appreciates the moments when music, education, history and culture interconnected. In particular, he remembers the emotional resonance from a performance at the 1994 opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, in which the boys sang a series of poems written by Jewish children in a concentration camp.

“Most of the children perished at Auschwitz,” Ross explains. “Singing these poems in that setting had a profound impact on everyone – for some, it was life-changing. The following year, the choir visited that camp near Prague during a concert tour of Europe.”

Music is more than entertainment, and Ross is grateful for the experience

he’s had to share music with his students.

“The world needs music, and not all boys recognize they have a singing voice,” says Ross. “We need to nurture this, so that their life is enhanced and informed. No matter their calling, they’re encouraged to pay it forward, becoming mentors, themselves. It all starts with educating children. When young people are disciplined with love, they soon realize that all the hard work will be worth it, and they witness how the final product is greater than themselves.”

To learn more, call (815) 9632544 or visit Kantorei. com. ❚ Kantorei music director Joel Ross

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‘You Mean I Have a Hernia?’

By Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

I

t’s not always easy to diagnose a hernia. You can suffer from a hernia almost suddenly. Or you might not even know it. A doctor usually can tell by your symptoms.

A hernia forms when the abdominal wall muscle weakens or tears. Pressure pushes abdominal organs and surrounding tissue through the wall. This creates the soft swelling or bulge that characterizes most hernias.

The bulge is seen when you stand, walk, cough or lift heavy objects, and disappears when you lie down. At this stage, the bulge can be pushed back into the abdomen. If the hernia becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall, it may feel hard and painful. That can turn into a problem requiring immediate attention.

Hernias can be present as a congenital defect or develop later from a muscle

strain, such as improper weightlifting.

Hernias occur in different areas, including the groin between the abdomen and thigh (inguinal hernia), navel (umbilical hernia), top of the thigh (femoral hernia) and where the esophagus and stomach join (hiatal hernia). Men are more susceptible than women to hernias.

Small, painless hernias may never need to be repaired. Surgical intervention is used in more severe cases. If not repaired, a hernia may prevent you from enjoying normal activities.

Hernia repair is among the 10 most frequently performed procedures at Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Featherstone Road. Surgery returns the protruding organ to its original position and prevents the hernia from becoming pinched so that the blood supply is cut off.

Typically, repair of inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernias involves an incision over the hernia site. The hernia is moved back into the abdominal cavity, and the muscles around the hernia are sewn together. If the hernia is large or in the groin, a piece of mesh is inserted beneath the hernia defect.

If you have a hernia, contact your doctor right away if the hernia becomes very painful, it can’t be pushed back into your abdomen, and you feel sick to your stomach, vomit or run a fever. ❚

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June 4

Y F Y F

(Karla Nagy photo)

Harlan Jefferson & Friends June 4, 5-7 p.m. Free concerts along the Rock River; BYO lawn chairs/blankets. Food, hard and soft beverages for sale. Tunes on the Terrace, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens,

Kantorei

The Singing Boys of Rockford, IL

Join us in celebrating our 50th Anniversary!

Gala Banquet Thursday, June 12 5:30pm Radisson Conference Center Rockford, IL Adults: $25 Children: $15

50th Anniversary Concert Friday, June 13 7:30pm Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Students At the door: $25/$15

The Sound of Music June 4-7, July 10-13, 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in June. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s immortal hit, live onstage. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Aerial acrobatics from the Firebirds (above), the Air Force ThunMulford Road, Rockford, (815) derbirds and other performers at Rockford Airfest, June 7-8.

921-2160. children’s clothing, books, toys & more, info on local agencies; kids’ activities. Freedom 8th Annual Edge of the Rock Plein Air Through The Word Church, 2115 S. Alpine June 4-14, daily. Artists paint outdoors. WorkRoad, Rockford, (815) 519-1581. shop June 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Awards, exhibition & sale June 13, 5 p.m.; sale June 14, 9 a.m.Bill Maher 1 p.m. Awards/sale: Hendricks Center, 409 June 7, 8 p.m. First on Comedy Central’s “PoPleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Info: (608) 362-0964, litically Incorrect” on HBO’s “Real Time.” CPAC, friendsofriverfront.com.

Rockford, coronadopac.org.

21st Annual Garden Fair Rockford AirFest 2014 June 6-8, noon-8 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; June 7-8, daily. Aerial performers include the 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. Area’s largest outdoor garU.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; U.S. Army Golden den/nature marketplace. Arboretum fundraisKnights parachute teams; Royal Canadian Air er. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, klehm.org.

Force Snowbirds; Aerostars aerobatic demo team. Static displays, food & beverage ven63rd Tebala Shrine Circus dors. Admission by carload. Chicago Rockford June 6-8, 12:30, 4 & 7:30 p.m. Features aeriInternational Airport, Airport Dr., Rockford, al, clown and animal acts. Tickets: (815) 332rockfordairfest.com.

4997, tebala.com. Event: Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.

Laurent House Tours Begin June 7-8, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. Tour the only 2014 Bow Tie March & 5K Run Frank Lloyd Wright design for a person with June 7, run 7:30 a.m., march 8 a.m. Event to a disability. Cake and lemonade for Wright’s raise awareness, educate on early prevention, 147th birthday. Offered first and last weekand celebrate survivors of men’s cancer. Home ends of the month. $15/advance registration Depot, 6930 Argus Dr., Rockford, healingpathonline only: laurenthouse.com. Tours begin at wayscrc.org/bowtiemarch.html.

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Beloit Farmers’ Market June 7, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Up to 90 vendors with Art on the Lawn local produce, baked goods, honey, jams & jelJune 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fine arts for sale in all lies, herbs, plants, eggs & cheese, fresh flowmedia; food & beverages available. Rockford ers, crafts, more. State Street/East Grand AvUniversity, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) enue, Downtown Beloit, Wis., visitbeloit.com.

226-4032, artonthelawn.org.

Oregon Farmers’ Market Tintypes June 7, 8:30 a.m. Local produce, honey, eggs June 11-14, July 16-20, 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in & meat, crafts, more. Courthouse Lawn, 105 S. June. A musical review that chronicles the 5th St., Oregon, Ill., oregonpark.org. growing pains of pre-World War I America through the songs of the day. Starlight Theatre, Child Fair & Resource Event Rockford, (815) 921-2160. ❚ June 7, 1-4 p.m. Families in need will find free

Visit kantorei.com for tickets / reservations.

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June 4

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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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T  I

Be Prepared for Severe Weather Create a Crisis Plan • Establish meeting places in your home, neighborhood and a nearby town.

• Discuss the best ways to communicate.

• Keep a copy of site-specific emergency plans in a readily-accessible location.

• One of the most difficult things to do in an emergency is establish communication between family members. The Link2Cell feature on select Panasonic telephones links up to two cell phones to the cordless telephone. This allows you to make and receive calls anywhere in the home, with or without a landline connection, and allows access to your address book even when your cell phone is out of reach.

• In your cell phone’s address book, label the contact information for one person as “ICE” or “In Case of Emergency.”

Keep Emergency Supplies On Hand • Each family member will need food, infant formula, pet food and water for three days. The average person needs one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation.

• Extra cash and copies of personal documents.

• A battery-powered or hand crack radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert are essential.

• Stock a toolbox with a flashlight, batteries, wrench for turning off utilities, manual can-opener and whistle to signal help.

• A cordless telephone.

• Medications and measuring spoons for each family member.

• Dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape to create a safe room in a damaged home.

• Change of clothing for each family member, along with personal hygiene items, diapers and trash bags.

For more information about Panasonic telephones, visit panasonic.com/ phonestuff. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Y M

Watch for Common Credit Report Errors A

lthough uncommon, errors can occur in your credit report. Ensuring everything is accurate is the key to unlocking positive credit history benefits.

Websites like freecreditscore.com can help; subscribers receive unlimited access to their credit report and score, and the chance to get credit score alerts, identity protection alerts and fraud resolution support.

When you review your credit report, check for these five issues: 1. Identification that doesn’t belong to you. Your credit report lists information reported by lenders as belonging to you. Look for variations in name spelling, unfamiliar names, different street numbers or Social Security numbers.

They may just reflect typos, but could be a sign of identity theft. The credit reporting company can help you correct infor-

mation or assist with fraud recovery.

2. Accounts that don’t belong to you.

An unrecognized account may be a sign of fraud. Know that accounts may be reported under a name you don’t recognize.

A retail account may be reported under the lender that manages the store account.

That’s no cause for concern, but it’s best to monitor your report for peace of mind.

3. Incorrect payment status. If an account is reported as late but you made the payment on time, you can contact the credit reporting agency to update the information.

4. Public records that don’t belong to you. Your credit report can include civil judgments, tax liens and bankruptcy public records. If your credit shows a lien against you for a home you don’t own, your credit can be affected.

5. Inquiries you didn’t make. Your

credit report contains a list of creditors who asked for it. If you see inquiries you don’t recognize, it could be fraud.

The best way to spot credit report errors is to stay on top of your credit and to review your report regularly. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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