Smart Living Weekly - April 29, 2015 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

5 @ e w ge pa No on e gs St Se in av n tS o Ge ns

iving n g Smart L ivi ivin ng Weekly Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • April 29, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Downtown Rockford’s First Fridays By Karla Nagy, associate editor

ining, shopping, culture, entertainment, art – downtown Rockford has it all. And First Fridays, held on – you guessed it – the ﬁrst Friday of each month, offers visitors the chance to experience it all, or in part, through a joint effort among assorted downtown businesses. The event, which began in 2010, is facilitated by The Element, an organization focused on

promoting downtown Rockford as an urban cultural arts center. “Each month, we help to market a package of special events from various downtown businesses – art, music, dining, shopping – from 5 p.m. to midnight,” says Ed McCullough, director of The Element. “It’s a very ﬂexible event, where people can choose what they want to do.” Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Inside: When Not to DIY • Speech Therapy at FHN Rehab • Posture Tips for Work Save Your Back Recipe: Guacomole Potato Salad • Restaurant of the Week: Prairie Street Brewhouse

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................... Cover & p. 20 First Fridays in Downtown Rockford Your Home .................................................... ..... 11 When Not to DIY Inspiration & Worship ........................................12 Gratitude Your Kitchen .......................................................15 Guacamole Potato Salad Your Auto ............................................................17 Detail Your Car Like a Pro Your Health ............................................... .......... 25 Speech Therapy at FHN Rehab Your Fun ..................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ..................................... 29 Rockford Brewing Co. Dining Locally ............................................ ........ 29

Tips ............................................................. ......... 31 Posture Tips for Your Back Your Money ................................................ ......... 33 5 Smart Spending Tips for Your Tax Refund

Cover photo ©Hans Rupert / noir:

First Friday goers view art on display at Wired Café.

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

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

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Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes

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General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executive 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 2015 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.

Gearing for Fun! A

s we transition from early spring to late spring, it’s not only the Earth that’s re-awakening with new vigor; our whole community is gearing up for fun and discovery. For starters, there’s the ongoing First Fridays lineup, as detailed by Karla Nagy in our cover story. I did a double take when reading the lengthy list of live music acts and art showings slated for the May 3 First Friday. Holy cow. And good things are happening in downtown Rockford every night of the week, these days, as new restaurants, galleries and shops pull us back into the heart of the city. It’s not just grown-ups who are having all the fun, either. Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG) celebrates its opening day on Saturday, May 2, with child-centered activities that coincide with Children’s Day in Japan, “an occasion to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness.” (Why don’t we have a Children’s Day in the U.S.?) I was thrilled to learn that AJG will open Fresco at the Gardens, an onsite restaurant, in June, in partnership with Franchesco’s Ristorante. If you’ve never toured AJG – and too many local folks haven’t – vow to treat yourself this spring, perhaps during a Tuesdays Evenings in the Garden live concert. On my personal radar is Run for the Roses, the major fundraiser for Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center (HP), on May 1 at Giovanni’s. The center was established by my late sister, Linda Jones, who found the free support services offered by Chicagoland cancer resource centers to be invaluable as she lived with leukemia. When she moved back here, she was shocked to find Rockford had no such center, so she founded one, with the help of talented, hard-working women like Carolyn Greenlaw and Karen Moore. HP now serves hundreds of people. Linda died five years ago April 30. I know she’d be thrilled to see how Run for the Roses has become a don’t-miss, exuberant evening of Kentucky Derby-themed fun, mint juleps and all. SwedishAmerican/UW health system is this year’s presenting sponsor. We love telling you about all the fun brewing in our region.Get plenty of sleep while you can; it’s going to be a lively spring and summer! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Home Repair: When Not to Do It Yourself B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r

t looks easy on those home improvement channels – hanging a ceiling fan, putting in that new tile floor, replacing the garbage disposal, repainting the family room. But it’s not always easier or cheaper to DIY. “People start a project and find that it’s more difficult or it’s going to take much longer than they thought,” says Roy Raymond, owner of All Property Services in Rockford. “I get calls all of the time to finish – or fix – someone’s DIY attempts.” The most important consideration is if you can really handle the job. “Electricity and plumbing are things best handled by the experts,” Raymond says. “One DIYer was hanging a ceiling fan that had two power wires, and he got an incorrect voltage reading of 220 on a 110 circuit. He couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t work, and he ended up calling me.” Also, it’s a matter of having the right tools. “When you hang a door, you need a plumb-bob and a long level – a six-inch level isn’t enough,” Raymond says. Often, DIYers discover unknown problems. “You don’t see everything that they deal with on those DIY shows,” says Raymond. “In older homes, especially, you’re likely to run into things like faulty wiring, mold or rotten pipes, and find that more is involved than just the project. That’s where professional knowledge and experience pay off.”

Even “simple” jobs, like painting or laying tile, aren’t. “People are surprised sometimes at how hard it is to paint a room,” Raymond says. “They get paint on the ceiling. They don’t buy enough paint or good brushes. It took one woman a week to paint a room, and we redid it in a day.” Laying a tile floor? “That looks easy, but you need to start in the exact center of the room and work your way out,” Raymond says. Many things can go wrong when working on home improvement projects. So, rather than risking injury to yourself or your home, don’t be afraid to ask for help. “At least call an expert for advice or to get a professional opinion,” Raymond says. “If I can, I’ll even try to walk you through it or ask questions to figure out where you’re going wrong.” The professional handyman has the knowledge and experience to get your home project completed efficiently and correctly. For help with your projects, call Raymond at (815) 979-9016, or visit apshomepros.com. ❚

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I  W

Grateful Praise Editor’s Note: Our family lost our dear mother, Naomi Huffman Whyte, on Earth Day last week. We sang this 1838 hymn by Conrad Kocher during her memorial service. Sometimes the old hymns say it all just right. We are surely grateful to God for the beautiful life she lived for 94-plus years and the joy she found, and taught us to find, in God’s creation. “Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.” – Janine Pumilia, editor

For the Beauty of the Earth For the beauty of the earth, For the beauty of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies. For the wonder of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mind’s delight, For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight, For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild For Thy church that evermore Lifteth holy hands above, Offering up on every shore Her pure sacrifice of love, Refrain: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. ❚ Get SLW Inspiration & Worship articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today. 12

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Y Y K K

Jazz Up a Favorite Summer Salad W

e’ve talked about the awesome nutritional benefits of the avocado in previous issues. It’s packed with 20 vitamins and minerals, more potassium than a banana, monounsaturated fats and fiber, and is low in sodium and sugar. Avocados aren’t just for dips. They go with all sorts of foods. They have a creamy, rich, fatty texture and blend well with other ingredients. Create a new picnic and party tradition with this delicious Guacamole Potato Salad. Not only will avocado give a new flavor boost to this summer favorite, but it offers the added bonus of providing 45 percent of the RDA of Vitamin C, while being a low sodium dish (fewer than 140 mg of sodium per serving). ❚ Source: California Avocado Commission

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

Guacamole Potato Salad Ingredients 2 2 2 2 1 ½

lbs. small red potatoes, cleaned ripe avocados, peeled, seeded & mashed cloves garlic, minced green onions, whites only, finely chopped large serrano pepper, seeded and minced tsp. salt, or to taste

Directions Place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with water and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Test for doneness by piercing one potato with a fork. The fork should slide in with gentle resistance. Continue cooking if not done. Otherwise, carefully drain the potatoes and refrigerate them until cold. Cut potatoes in bite-sized pieces (quarter or dice depending on size of potato). Place in a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients, adjust salt to taste and serve. Hint: If made in advance, sprinkle generously with lemon juice and place a layer of plastic wrap right on the salad surface and refrigerate. Total time: 10 minutes. Servings: 8 From the Kitchen of: California Avocado Commission. Visit californiaavocado.com to find more avocado recipes and nutrition information.

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ow you can bring the million dollar look of BarrettJackson vehicles home for your own car. “Choosing the right products for detailing and restoration can really make a difference when preserving your vehicle,” says Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson chairman and chief executive officer. “These tips will help you to maintain the appearance and value of your vehicle, so you’re ready to roll in style.”

Exterior Shed your car of accumulated dirt and sediment from a harsh winter with a good wash. Give special attention to the undercarriage, where potentially destructive materials like salt can become trapped and corrosive. On your tires, brake dust, grime and dirt can give your car a dull and aged appearance. Scrub not only the tires themselves, but also the wheels and surrounding carriage. Add shine with a water-based spray formula that contains silicone emulsions to penetrate the rubber. Finish with a wax that gives an extra element of shine while protecting the finish in between washes. Barrett-Jackson’s Rapid Detailer and Liquid Wax Kit, which includes a Liquid Wax applicator pad and microfiber towel, provides a deep, wet shine with no residue and long-lasting durability. Formulated with hydrophobic polymers and genuine carnauba wax, it works on all exterior surfaces including plastic, rubber and trim. It’s also important to make sure you have the right car care

accessories. Instead of an old rag, use a sponge or cleaning mitten that’s made for washing cars. When applying wax, use an applicator pad, or even better, buy a kit that includes one. A microfiber towel for buffing off wax or polishing the interior won’t leave the lint typical of a cotton towel.

(Getty Images photo)

Detail Your Car Like a Pro

Interior Even if you’re meticulous about your car’s interior, odds and ends still find their way into crevices and under seats. Take a few moments to clear debris and then vacuum all over. An important aspect of keeping the interior looking new and healthy is replacing the moisture depleted by the sun’s harsh glare. One good option is a premium three-in-one product such as Barrett-Jackson Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, which contains glycerin moisturizers to clean, moisturize and protect leather. It can be used on leather and trim, and provides UV protection to help prevent fading, cracking and discoloration. For more information on premium auto care products, visit barrett-jacksonautocare.com. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Rockford’s First Fridays Continued from Cover

On any given First Friday, downtown visitors may choose from among an array of activities. “They can attend a gallery showing, shop and then go someplace for dinner,” says McCullough. “They can come later for dinner and then go hear a performer or take in an IceHogs game – any number of possibilities. Downtown has a lot to offer.” In addition to food and drink See original art by Peter Mera, on specials, a number of bars and display at Kryptonite Bar restaurants feature live entertainment. “The Element has partnered with The Irish Rose Saloon for the Singer/Songwriter Series,” McCullough explains. “We book local performers, to give them more exposure and showcase the area’s musical talent. We also hope to draw more local people who are fans of these groups to the downtown.” Music abounds in downtown Rockford on any given weekend, but even more so on First Fridays. “Mary’s Place always features great performers, and several venues, from District Bar & Grille and Kryptonite Bar to JustGoods, usually book musical acts,” says McCullough.

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Here’s a run-down of the musical offerings for the May 1 First Friday: Hear Kentucky band Black Stone Cherry, with guest Shaman’s Harvest, at District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St., at 7 p.m. Midwest singer/songwriters Emily Hurd, Katie Dahl and Emily White, take the stage at 7 p.m., at JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St. Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., hosts well-known Chicago blues guitarist Pistol Pete, beginning at 9:30 p.m. At The Irish Rose, 519 E. State St., hear the folk-indie-synth sounds of Rockford-based Tentacles Everywhere, 9:30-11:30 p.m. Acoustic duo Two of Us plays from 7-9 p.m. at Sienna’s Kitchen Gourmet Shop & Eatery, 223 E. State St. Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St., hosts Sidewalk Chalk, with guests Goodwill Dynamite; Kryptonite’s Loft Art features the work of artist Peter Mera. Among the nonmusical offerings for the May 1 First Friday: Lucette Salon & Spa, 508 E. State St., has a complementary Mother/Daughter Mini-Mani and glass of wine, from 6-8 p.m. State of the Art Gallery, 218 E. State St., celebrates its two-year anniversary, with new

R  O R art on display, a live painting performance to music, and musical entertainment. Flipside Cinema, inside the old Storefront Cinema at Riverfront Museum Park, is screening the 2014 indie film Chef, starring Jon Favreau, Dustin Hoffman and Scarlet Johansson, at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). And at 7 p.m. at BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., the Rockford IceHogs take on the Texas Stars in Game 4 of the Calder Cup quarterfinals. The Element produces First Fridays and doesn’t charge the businesses. Many activities are free, such as gallery showings, art demonstrations and even some live entertainment. Others, such as movies, sporting events or live music, may involve a modest cover charge or entry fee. “The Singer/Songwriter Series at the Irish Rose is free, but other locations may have a modest cover charge, to help to pay the musicians,” says McCullough. Flipside Cinema is $5, and IceHogs tickets start at $13.50. Sponsors include SwedishAmerican and, new this year, Associated Bank. “Associated Bank is proud to partner with First Fridays, to help to support our downtown business owners, while showcasing all that downtown Rockford has to offer,” says Thomas Kress, president. Participants vary from month to month, but there are always 10-15 venues involved. “From the start, we’ve had a strong core group that takes part nearly every month, but we continue to add more venues,” says McCullough. “And downtown is attracting new businesses. The Olive Oil Experience, 6340 Riverside Blvd., just

opened a second location in March, at 328 E. State St., and they’ve already participated. Another retailer, Bees Knees General Store, at 118 N. 1st St., will hold its grand opening in May, and Sienna’s Kitchen opened in March and is off to a great start. One of the things I like best about First Fridays is that it’s always different.” Venues don’t limit their Hear Rockford-based band Tentacles specials to the first Friday Everywhere perform at The Irish Rose. of the month. “Something is always going on in downtown Rockford,” says McCullough. “First Fridays programming adds extra events. We work to do what’s best for all of our venues, to give them the most flexibility and keep things fresh.” Promoting several venues for one evening helps downtown businesses to showcase their products and services. “When you join up with other establishments, it becomes an event – we really like the collaborative aspect,” says Theresa Rowinski, co-owner with Tabatha Dougherty of 317 Studio & Gallery, 317 Market St., a frequent First Fridays participant. “And it’s just a very cool event. It’s a nice taste of downtown – a mini monthly celebration.” To learn more about First Fridays and the May 1 activities, visit facebook.com/FirstFridaysRockford. ❚

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FHN Rehab Services: Speech Therapy P

W e’re here , for you.

hysical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy are very broad fields within healthcare, but all focus on returning patients to full function, ideally pain-free and without limitation. Speech therapists evaluate and treat communication disorders as well as problems with swallowing. These disorders can be the result of injury or illness such as stroke or Alzheimer’s disease; birth defects or genetic complications including Down syndrome and autism; developmental delays; conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or deafness; or learning difficulties like dyslexia. Speech therapists often work with other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to their patients’ treatment, including neurologists, behavioral health providers, and other specialty providers such as physical and occupational therapists. While PT is used for rehabilitation following a traumatic event such as stroke, surgery or accident, it also offers effective nonsurgical, drug-free options for conditions ranging from back pain and muscle tears to osteoarthritis and cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. OT is different. An occupational therapist helps people of all ages to deal with limitations associated with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s or cerebral palsy, that won’t change markedly over time, as well as assist in adapting their actual tasks and environments to their limitations.

“We work to understand what’s important to the patient, not just to ensure that they can manage their regular everyday activities, but also to get them back to the things they enjoy,” says Karen Christen, PT and director of FHN Rehabilitation Services, Occupational Health, Pain Clinic and Orthopedic Service Line. The Rehabilitation Services team at FHN, more than 40 people strong, was recently joined by Northern Illinois Physical Therapy. Specialty services include aquatherapy, lymphedema care, functional capacity evaluations, work conditioning, targeted soft-tissue treatment that stimulates the body’s healing response (ASTYM), pelvic health therapy (including treatment for incontinence and similar conditions), and athletic training. For more information or to arrange treatment, visit fhn.org or call (877)-600-0345, ext. 940. ❚ Source: FHN

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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Live Butterfly Exhibit Through May 17, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See hundreds of live butterflies, species like Monarchs and Painted Ladies, and new this year, exotic tropical butterflies. Included with admission. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com. Love’s Labour’s Lost April 30-May 3, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., At Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey: Built to Amaze! Gold Edition, all tickets include the All-Access Pre-Show, to see Sun. 2 p.m. Shakespeare’s comedy animals up-close, visit with performers, try on costumes about four men who vow to fore- and more. May 8-10, BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford. swear the company of women and the temptations that follow. Rockford University, Freeport Band Ice Cream Social & Concert Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State May 5, 5-9 p.m. All bands in the Freeport School District Band Program will perform. Ice cream, St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu. cake or pie and beverage available for sale in the FHS Cafeteria before and after the concert. First Fridays May 1, 5 p.m.-midnight. Visit downtown art Freeport High School, 701 W. Moseley, Freeport, galleries, shops, music and theater venues, all (815) 990-1739. working together to stay open late to provide great new art, music and goods. Downtown Edgebrook Farmers Market May 6-Oct. 28, Wed. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Local producRockford, facebook.com/firstfridaysrockford. ers with vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants, fresh baked breads, artisan cheeses, maple syrRun for the Roses May 1, 6 p.m. Dinner, parade of Kentucky up, honey, locally raised free-range meats, farm Derby hats and bow ties; horse races; more. All fresh eggs, jams and jellies, brick oven pizzas and proceeds to Healing Pathways, providing free more. Free admission. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 support and programs to cancer patients and N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgetheir caregivers. $75. Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 brookshops.com/events/farmers-market. N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 977-4123, 10th Ladies’ Day Out healingpathwayscrc.org. May 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Local and home-based businesses selling jewelry, clothing and women’s Family Flicks May 1, dusk. A free family movie at Lincoln- accessories, food, health & beauty products, Douglas Debate Square and Union Dairy. Offered kitchen items, more. Product demos, activities, first Friday each month through Sept. 4. Union prizes. Free admission. Elementary School, 401 Dairy, 126 E. Douglas, Freeport, (815) 232-7099. Fremont St, Lena, Ill., (815) 275-3997. Dahl, Hurd & White in Concert May 1, 7 p.m. daily. Midwestern singer/songwriters Katie Dahl (folk), Emily Hurd (country soul) and Emily White (indie folk-rock) perform. Free/donations accepted. JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, (815) 965-8903, justgoods.info. Laurent House Tours May 1-2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tour the only building ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for a person with a disability. Tours hourly. $15. Offered the first full weekend each month through Sept. 20. Reservations required: laurenthouse.com. Tours begin at Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Spring Plant Sale May 9-10, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. to 2 p.m. Hundreds of colorful plants, including unique varieties from local nurseries. Afterwards, stroll the beautiful Klehm grounds to see what’s blooming. Free admission. Preview May 8, 5-8 p.m., $5. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., (815) 965-8146, klehm.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Built to Amaze! May 8-10, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1 & 5 p.m. Come early to meet performers, see animals up close, try on costumes, learn to juggle and more, then watch the show. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Rockford Brewing Co. By Peggy Werner

he Rockford Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, serves up delicious food, great beer, and a view of the Rock River. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a rotating line-up of 16 craft beers on tap, all brewed on-site. The restaurant and brewery are located inside the 85,000-square-foot Prairie Street Brewhouse, a multi-use venue that was home to the original Rockford Brewing Co., which operated from 1849-1939. The brewery is a backdrop to the bar, which is made of reclaimed materials from the 1849 building. Restaurant decor features exposed original brick and ductwork. “It’s a mix of old and new, and people like the natural look of the original building, with the warmth of wood,” says Chris Manuel, vice president of Rockford Brewing Co., and co-owner of the business with Reed Sjostrom and Dustin Koch.

The menu features daily specials, and appetizers such as shrimp & avocado ceviche, truffle fries, a hummus plate and Poutine, made with Yukon gold fries, screw city light braised pork belly, cheese curds and her- Reed Sjostrom, Chris Manuel and Dustin Koch. bed bacon gravy. “Handhelds” are sandwiches like pulled curried cauliflower and peas and cucumber pork, screw city light corned beef, turkey mint yogurt. For dessert, there’s a root beer club, and a BLT, which can be served with float, pie in a pint, cheesecake of the day or a half-pound beef patty, cherrywood bacon, crème brûlée. and/or duck bacon. In addition, there are This summer, Dinner on the Dock will soups and salads, sides like house-made be offered each Thursday from 5-10 p.m., chips with sea salt and build-your-own piz- with a special sandwich menu and live zas. music from 6-9 p.m. Entrées include fish and chips, MediRockford Brewing Co. is open Sun.terranean beer chicken, ribeye steak, black- Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs. to midnight; ened bone-in pork chop, and Grilled Jail and Fri.-Sat. to 2 a.m. For reservations, call Island Salmon, served with coconut rice, (815) 227-9427. ❚

(Blake Nunes photo)

(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

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

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am- Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$. 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. 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.Café Fromage  Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Takeout/delivery. Sun 8am-5pm. $. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am. Cannova’s Italian Cuisine  Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro  Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$. 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. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails

wner Joey Canova and head chef Bernie Harding, former owner of Cafe Greco, have crafted a creative, yet familiar menu for this cozy restaurant at 2583 N. Mulford Road, in Rockford – a favored hangout for many mature diners. Harding has combined many of his own favorites, such as his famous salad dressing and Sicilian steak, with some of Canova’s own Italian family recipes. Dishes such as the Lemon Pepper Grouper and Steak Sicilian are staples here, along with an assortment of sandwiches, salads, fresh seafood and pastas. Daily specials include tacos on Tuesday, Sicilian night on Wednesday, all-you-caneat ﬁsh fry on Fridays and slow-roasted prime rib on Saturday. Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails welcomes private events and is open Sun.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. ❚

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T  I

Posture Tips for Work Can Ease Your Back Pain Y

ears of poor posture can put undue pressure on the spine, supporting muscles and ligaments, contributing to back pain, muscle strain and degenerative arthritis. Research has found that common things like stress, obesity, wearing high-heel shoes and incorrect posture while sleeping, walking or working, can contribute to poor posture. The resulting back pain may hurt us in more ways than one. According to the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, Americans spend at least $50 billion each year to treat back pain, and it’s one of the most common reasons for missed work. Here’s a quick checklist to help you maintain the correct posture at work: • Relax shoulders and keep forearms parallel to the ground when working at a keyboard. • Don’t cross your legs. • Use a footrest if your feet don’t reach the floor. Those whose backs are past the checklist stage should know that the federal Agency for Health Care Policy and Research almost 20 years ago recommended spinal manipulation provided by a doctor of chiropractic as a “safe and effective, drugless” treatment for sufferers of low back pain. “Old habits die hard,” says Ron Kirk, DC, an avid supporter of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and founder of Straighten Up America (straightenupamerica.org). “A doctor of chiropractic can recommend exercises to strengthen core postural muscles and can help you to choose proper postures to reduce your risk of injury during activities.” For more information, visit yes2chiropractic.org. ❚ Source: NewsUSA

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Y M

hile it can be tempting to blow through your tax refund money the second that check arrives, smart spenders find ways to get the most out their refund. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach, and Julie Stav, personal finance expert, suggest five smart ways to stretch your refund check.

1. Invest in yourself. In today’s economy, it’s wise to invest in your education, your career and your health. Consider using some of your tax refund check to take a continuing education class or attend a business networking event. Similarly, invest in your health by signing up for a gym, taking yoga classes, or getting the aid of a personal trainer. A healthy body can boost creativity and productivity – and hopefully lower your long-term healthcare costs too. 2. Pay off debt. To help to rid yourself of money worries, reduce debt with your tax refund. Pay off a credit card

bill, wipe out a lump sum on loans, or make an extra mortgage payment. 3. Spend wisely. If you’re going to spend on something you want, take advantage of seasonal promotions. From wireless providers to car dealerships, you’ll find sales and promotions during tax refund season. 4. Budget for larger expenditures. Before using your refund on a big-ticket item, you need to budget wisely. When planning a vacation, for example, remember to account for food, entertainment and things like tips and souvenirs as well as travel and accommodations. 5. Create a “MeFund.” A final way to put your money to good use is to boost your savings. A “MeFund” is also a good way to save more each month, whether it’s through smart budgeting, downgrading your cable or wireless

(Getty Images photo)

5 Smart Spending Tips for Tax Refunds

services, paying cash rather than using a credit card, or eating out less. Let tax refund season be your time to get ahead, and you’ll set yourself up for financial prosperity in 2015 and beyond. ❚ Source: Family Features Get SLW Money articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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