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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • April 2, 2014

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Right in Our Region

The Great War: WW I at Midway Village By Janine Pumilia, executive editor

ne hundred years ago, in 1914, a terrible war ignited that was unlike any before it. Originally called “The Great War,” World War I embroiled 27 nations, killed 10 million people and injured or displaced another 29 million. It forever changed the world map and laid groundwork for the rise of Nazi Germany and World War II.

“Many of the issues we still deal with today, in the Mid-East, Eastern Europe and elsewhere, are rooted in the unresolved issues of World War I,” says Dave Fornell, coordinator of an upcoming World War I living history event in Rockford – the largest event of its kind in the nation. Continued on p. 20

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In This Issue

“You’re telling me...

NO GLASSES

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 War to End All Wars

after Cataract Surgery?”

Your Home ........................................................11 Be Real About Kitchen Remodels Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 Transformation

“Could It Work For You?” “BEST MOVE I’VE MADE TO IMPROVE MY LIFE! I CAN READ THE TELEPHONE BOOK AGAIN! BLOWS MY MIND!”

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Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Let’s Do Brunch! Your Auto ....................................................17 Looking Down Under Your Health ...................................................... 25 What Did You Say? Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Your Money ...................................................... 33 Common Tax Mistakes Cover Photo By Midway Village Museum

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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 Writer Jim Killam General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly. Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Rockford’s Role in the ‘War to End All Wars’

ne century ago, as World War I erupted in 1914 Eastern Europe, Rockford was thriving. Job-seekers flocked here from around the world. Our population more than doubled, between 1900 and 1920, in part because of the $1 million per month pumped into the local economy by Camp Grant. Rockford leaders had convinced the federal government to locate the huge military induction and training center here, where Rockford’s airport now stands. The late Jon Lundin, author of Rockford, An Illustrated History, states that we were probably the most important U.S. city of our size, in terms of military manufacturing; our payroll tripled between 1914 and 1918. Although America didn’t join the war until 1917, we were busy making and selling the tools of war much earlier. And what terrible tools they were. Factory-made ammunitions, artillery, chemical weapons and armed air power led to a higher percentage of casualties per battle than the world had ever seen or would see in World War II. “It was a horrible war to fight, just a bloody meat grinder,” says Dave Fornell, coordinator of “The Great War: World War I at Midway Village.” Given Rockford’s important role 100 years ago, it’s fitting that we host what may be the largest public World War I living history event in the nation. As always, Midway Village makes it great fun to learn about this enormously important war, which set the stage for conflicts still raging today. History buffs and wannabe’s will want to catch the April 11 lecture by Mark Herman titled “From Neutrality to All Out War.” By war’s end, 10 million people were dead, 20 million were lost or injured, and the world map changed forever. Issues left unresolved set the stage for the second world war. Happy learning! Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Bring Realistic Expectations to Home Projects By Jim Killam

ou know those home improvement shows where people decide on Saturday morning to remodel their kitchen … and it’s ﬁnished by Sunday night? Don’t try that at home. A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes on to make it happen, and normal homeowners don’t have that luxury. Every kitchen or bathroom remodel job needs a healthy dose of planning and realistic expectations, says Lindsay Heitz, Interior Designer at Floor to Ceiling, 701 E. South St., Freeport. “You’re going to spend at least a couple of weeks in the design process,” she says. “And then it’s going to be another three to four weeks after that until the cabinetry is actually going to arrive. Then the actual construction period just depends on how extensive the remodel is. So, when all is said and done, it could be

a couple of months.” First, Heitz advises, think about the scope of your project. “How little or how big do they want to take this project?” she asks. “Is it something where they’re considering demo’ing walls and totally reconﬁguring, or is it just ‘I want a new countertop’?” Next, determine your budget. Not just how much you could spend, but how much you want to spend. “If you don’t have a budget in mind, it’s very hard for a designer to know where to go – what to show you,” Heitz says. Finally, think about the style you want. Websites like Houzz or Pinterest

can be good starting points. Keep track of what you like. Or check out local designers’ websites. The Floor to Ceiling store, for instance, has a photo gallery of projects they have designed, with links to other websites as well. ❚

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April 2

I  W

Transformation T here’s a lot of good talk in Rockford, right now, about transformation – taking a clear-eyed look at who we are as a community, envisioning something better, and following a master plan to get there. The Bible is an unfolding master plan, too. It tells us who we were (paradise dwellers in harmony with God); that we chose to trust in ourselves more than God (the fall); and that our lives became unbearable without God. He devised a plan to rejoin us to Him (Old Testament) which culminated in the arrival, ministry, death and resurrection of our Messiah, Jesus Christ (Gospels). The church (ecclesia, in Greek, meaning “the called out” of God) carries on Christ’s work of reconciliation. (Acts and the Epistles). That’s where we come in. Sure, our decision to accept Jesus Christ means our physical bodies will be transformed by God, in the next life, and we’ll forever be with Him. But we’re not there yet. God asks us to transform our own purpose for living here and now, in this world.

--Janine Pumilia

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God,” Paul writes to believers in Colosse. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) He tells the Romans: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to oﬀer your bodies as living sacriﬁces, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2.)

We’re to carry on Christ’s ministry of love and reconciliation, says Paul. “Love

must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9).

Our future life with Christ was settled the moment we accepted him. Our current life is determined day by day as we walk with him – or not. Do our lives reﬂect a master plan? Or a Master’s plan? ❚ 12

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Let’s Do Brunch! No-Fuss Cheese & Herb Stratas

eekends and brunch just seem to go together, but who says they have to come together at a restaurant? Hosting family and friends in the comfort of your home for this ultimate weekend meal can be a breeze.

Serve up a Stylish Spread

Whatever your style, it’s a good bet that eggs will be part of the menu. Impress guests with a clever twist – combine two morning favorites, strata and baked eggs. The strata layer – bread, cheese and herbs – is nestled underneath two gently-baked eggs in ramekins lined with prosciutto or ham. It’s easy to assemble and the result is impressive, both in looks and flavor. With Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs, you no longer need to be concerned about serving eggs gently-cooked, such as sunny-side-up, poached or softboiled. By using an all-natural warm water bath pasteurization process, the risk of salmonella is eliminated without affecting the nutrition, flavor or cooking properties.

spray with nonstick cooking spray. Line each ramekin with 2 slices prosciutto or ham with some extending over sides. In large bowl, toss bread pieces and melted butter together. Stir in cheese and herbs. Divide mixture evenly among ramekins pressing down lightly. Break 2 eggs into each ramekin. Add salt and pepper, as desired. Sprinkle bell pepper around eggs, if desired. Place ramekins on rimmed baking sheet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until whites are set and yolks begin to firm, or to

desired doneness. Garnish with additional herbs, if desired. Notes: • Other cheeses, such as cubed mozzarella or Cheddar, may be substituted for goat cheese. • One or a combination of herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, chives or parsley Source: Family Features may be used. ❚

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Simple, Flavorful Additions

Serving is no-fuss. Each guest gets an individual ramekin, so there’s no dishing up at the last minute. Accompaniments can be as simple as a mixed greens salad, a platter of seasonal fruits and favorite brunch cocktails. For additional recipes, visit SafeEggs.com.

Individual Cheese & Herb Stratas Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Makes: 4 servings 8 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham 2 cups French or Italian bread cubes 2 tablespoons melted butter 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (see note) 8 Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs Salt, Coarse ground black pepper, Minced bell pepper (optional) & Chopped fresh herbs (optional) Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter bottom and sides of four 10 to 12 ounce ramekins or Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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Exhaust Problems Demand Quick Attention P By Jim Killam

otholes, road salt and constant moisture can wreak havoc on a car’s exposed underside. Not only can exhaust systems develop leaks, but springs and suspension parts can lose their paint and rust in a hurry. “During the winter, the best thing you can do is wash your car on a regular basis,” says Jason Conley, a Service Technician at Meineke Car Care Center, 1502 S. Alpine Road, Rockford. “It

doesn’t just help your exhaust. It helps your tires, any rubber parts, it helps keep the chassis from rusting away, it helps the suspension. Even if you just go to the one at the gas station, spend the 8 or 9 dollars and make sure the jet spray gets underneath to get all of that stuff off of there. Around here, the salt they use is so sticky. It just will not come off under normal use.” Newer vehicles usually have stainless steel exhaust systems, Conley says. But older vehicles, or those that have had exhaust systems replaced, are more susceptible to rust. Any exhaust issue – holes, or a broken or loose pipe – needs quick attention. “If you were to have a pipe fall – I’ve seen them fall when somebody hits a big pothole, and jam up – they can rip other stuff off, like body panels,” Conley says. “I’ve seen rear bumpers rip off because

the tailpipe falls and gets caught in the road. It just rips the bumper with it. It’s not as common, but it can get into a brake line or a piece of electrical that’s underneath the car, and rip that off. “It just really depends on how lucky you are that day.” The other danger is invisible. An intact exhaust system vents carbon monoxide out the tailpipe. A hole somewhere means the poisonous gas can vent straight up into the cabin. “I’ve had people with small leaks get sick,” Conley says. “They don’t really hear the noise but they feel ill. They bring it in and there’s a small leak that you can’t really hear. But it’s right underneath the driver.” ❚

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The Great War Continued from Cover

“And it was a miserable, bloody war. For 20 to 30 years before it, European powers had been industrializing their militaries along with their economies. This was the first time they unleashed all that modern war technology on each other – machine guns, artillery, chemical weapons, armed aircraft. “It was also the first time that troops were deployed by the millions and the first time that engagements weren’t limited in duration by the number of bullets a soldier could carry into battle.” The rapid gunfire and endless supply of ammunition shipped by train to battlefields resulted in staggering loss of life. “Correlating advancements in tactics, offensive technology such as tanks, On the cover: L-R Re-enactors Dan Mitchell, New Lenox, Ill.; Heller Armbruster, Springfield, Ill.; Erik Hack, Jacksonville, Ill.; and (seated) Bill Dreilling of Cary, Ill. Photo by Midway Village Museum.

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motorized vehicle mobility and medicine didn’t arrive until World War II, when the percentage of casualties per battle dropped significantly,” says Fornell. “The Great War: World War I at Midway Village” is April 12 & 13, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road. This is the second World War I reenactment hosted by the museum, “and the largest public event of its kind in the nation,” says Fornell. Rain or shine, about 200 re-enactors will portray soldiers from the United States, France, Great Britain, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary. Along with living history encampments and battle skirmishes, there will be period cavalry, medical units and trench warfare displays. Visitors can talk to re-enactors and browse indoor displays of weapons and other artifacts. Daily admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, free for members.

April 2

A special exhibit titled “Serving the Cause of Freedom: Propaganda Posters from World War I” will open on Friday, April 11. Several of these posters, from the collection of Judy Gambrel, were featured on “American Pickers,” a History Channel TV show. Also on Friday, at 7 p.m., local historian Mark Herman will present a lecture titled “From Neutrality to All Out War: The United States Homefront During World War I.” Admission to the lecture and poster exhibit is $10 and includes refreshments. Reserve a place by calling Curator Laura Furman, laura.furman@ midwayvillage.com, (815) 397-9112, ext. 108. Midway Village Museum is no stranger to war re-enactments, having hosted World War II Days for 17 years. That event draws 8,000 spectators and 1,000 re-enactors from across the nation and beyond. The museum’s sterling reputation among re-enactors is helping coordina-

R  O R tors to grow the World War I event, says Fornell. Last year’s debut event drew 132 re-enactors; Fornell expects 200, this year, from a dozen states. “For one thing, we have really high safety standards at Midway Village reenactments,” says Fornell. “That’s pretty important when people are running around with guns and bayonets and spectators are standing just 50 yards away.” It’s fitting that Rockford is the nation’s leader in public World War I reenactments, since it played a critical role in World War I, both as a manufacturing hub and as the home of Camp Grant, one of the largest World War I training and induction camps in the nation. “About a quarter of American soldiers who fought in World War I passed through Camp Grant on their way to and from war,” says Fornell. “They got their uniforms here, learned to shoot a rifle and throw a grenade here.” The U.S. military experimented with aircraft at Rockford’s “aerodrome” as

early as 1912. “It was one of the first airports in U.S. history, period,” says Fornell. In Europe, crude airplanes were used only for reconnaissance missions, at first. “It didn’t take long before somebody thought it would be great to shoot at people and throw grenades from the airplane. The evolution of aircraft during World War I was extremely rapid. France, Britain and Germany really pushed the envelope between 1914 and 1916.” The U.S. was a reluctant latecomer to the “European War,” joining in 1917, after a German U-boat destroyed the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania, killing nearly 1200 civilians. Re-enactments are one of the best ways to teach children about American history, notes Fornell. “We’ve tried to create a public event that will provide a very well-rounded impression about the causes and experiences of World War I.” Learn more about this event and other ones at MidwayVillageMuseum. com. ❚

Sam Johnson of Lakemoor, Ill., plays a World War I German soldier at last year’s re-enactment. Photo by Dan Mitchell.

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Hearing Aid Technology Moves Forward By Peggy Werner

dvances in hearing aid technology are growing right along with the aging population. Devices are smaller, perform better, and have longer battery life. “With better performance and fewer problems, people are more satisﬁed,” says Timothy F. Conley, audioprosthologist and owner of American Hearing Aid Labs in Rockford and Roscoe. Today’s hearing aids have Bluetooth technology to connect with one’s television and cell phone. Digital technology allows each hearing aid to be programmed for the individual patient. And hearing aids are now double-sealed, so sweat doesn’t get into the device. This improves performance. Although state-of-the-art technology has arrived, costs have remained steady in recent years, ranging from $999 to $2,500 for one hearing aid, Conley says.

Hearing aids with advanced circuitry that can better handle background noises and have many automatic features can cost up to $3,600. Batteries cost about $6 for a 4-pack and last 10 to 14 days. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids, but some insurance companies offer coverage. As a result, people look for sales and service warranties to cover cleanings and adjustments. As advanced as they are, hearing aids have limits, and patients must accept those limits and re-learn the skill of listening that has been lost, Conley says. “The main job of the hearing aid is to help people understand,” he says. “It doesn’t make the root cause of the hearing problem go away.” For patients with a 50-percent hearing loss, a hearing aid can improve that level to about 90 percent. “The patient may want 100 percent improvement, but that’s not possible.

One has to accept that you’re not going to hear as well as you did when you were 20 years old,” Conley says. When someone loses their hearing, and especially when they wait too long to do something about it, “perception” hearing is also lost, which has to do with identifying sounds and knowing the direction from which they’re coming, such as the sound of running water or the beep from a microwave oven timer. It takes time, effort and a commitment to wear hearing aids, in order for listening skills to be relearned. ❚

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April 2

Y F

Earth Day Luncheon April 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, at Giovanni’s Restaurant. More info at knib.org. Ruby Jubilee Gala Dance April 5, 8 p.m. Rockford Dance Co. celebrates its See Act II of Swan Lake plus modern and jazz dance performances 40th anniversary with a April 5 during Rockford Dance Co.’s Ruby Jubilee show. dance performance that celebrates jazz, modern and ballet and fea- Earth Day Fest in Galena tures professional dancers like April Daly and April 22. A billion people will celebrate the 44th Yumelia Garcia. Tickets: (815) 968-0595. Rock- annual Earth Day, including Galena, Ill., with fordDanceCompany.com. Earth Day Fest at Turner Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., an open house format event with disSHOWTIME 34 plays about how to protect the Earth. More April 3-5 & 10-12, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy this song info. at (815) 275-4881. and dance extravaganza performed by Freeport High School’s Jazz Ensemble and Show Great American Cleanup Choir. Jeannette Lloyd Theatre, 701 W. Empire April 26, register by April 18. Litter pick up St., Freeport. (815) 801-0610. equipment distribution at nine sites from 8 to 9 a.m.; 9 a.m.-noon cleanup. Sponsored by Hair Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, knib.org. April 11, 8 p.m. Radical 1960s music tackles issues still relevant today. Hits include “Aquar- Aaron Shust Morning Rises Concert & Expo ius” and “Good Morning Sunshine.” Coro- April 30, 7 p.m.; Doors open at 6. Christian munadopac.org. sic artist Aaron Shust is featured with MIKESCHAIR, Jonny Diaz and Lauren Daigle for a Salvation Army Norwegian Staﬀ Band night of music and ministry. Pontiac Expo CenApril 11, 7 p.m. Here from Oslo, Norway, this ter, 2809 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville, Wis. Go to band will perform at Salvation Army Temple byfaithevents.org for more info. Corps, 500 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford. Hollywood Canteen Journey to Joy April 30 at Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., April 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Womanspace 2014 Freeport. Wraps up the “Hollywood and WW Spring Luncheon features storytelling by Kelly II” series and features the Andrews Sisters, Epperson, plus a tasty lunch and presentation Jack Benny, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and nuof 18th Annual Womanspirit Award. Womans- merous other Warners Brothers stars who gave pace-rockford.org. their evenings over to entertaining soldiers. $5. (815) 233-0025 or (815) 232-8419. The Great War: World War I April 12-13, 11 a.m. Visit encampments, Metals & Electronics Drive talk to the re-enactors, learn about military May 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Machesney Park Mall, equipment. Indoor displays of WW I south parking lot. Learn more at knib.org. weapons and artifacts, cavalry and medical units. See battles and skirmishes in the 11th Annual Unforgettable Art village; more. Midway Village, Rockford, May 3, 6 p.m., featuring 50 artists who’ll tranmidwayvillagemusuem.org. form blank canvases to works of art. At Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, Cherryvale North Blvd. Botanica: A Gardener’s Luncheon Benefits Alzheimer’s Association Greater IlliApril 16. Design workshop by Poska and K. Hill nois Chapter. Learn more at alz.org/illinois. Antiques; 12:40 presentation “Creating Perennial Plant Communities – The Know Main- Shelter Care Ministries Spring Luncheon tenance Approach,” by Roy Diblik, renowned May 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prarie St. Brewlandscape designer. At Giovanni’s Restaurant. house, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Shelter Care Presented by Klehm Arboretum. Learn more will unveil new plans and host a marketplace of and reserve seats at Klehm.org. handcrafted items. shelter-care.org. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

April 2

Smart Living Weekly

April 2

WDL

Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast. Cost: $ under $12.50; $$ $12.50 - $25; $$$ $25+ 2nd Cousin’s Bar & Grill  Casual/American. Full bar. 6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 637-2660. LD M-F 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am to late. $. 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. $-$$. Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am10-pm. $-$$. Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Rd., Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 201 State St., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 332-4176. 6473 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 636-9430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10pm. $-$$.

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JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Upscale-Casual/Japanese. Food cooked at your table. 2551 N. Perryville Rd., 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 specialties. 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. $. Lydia’s Café  Casual/American. Your friendly neighborhood café. 1710 Rural St., Rockford, (815) 2290322. BkL T-F 7am-1:30pm, Sat to 1pm, Sun 8am-1pm. $.

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. $.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Gourmet pizza, Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11ammidnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

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. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint  Fine Dining/ American. Ironworks Hotel (formerly Beloit Inn), 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700 D. Sun.-Th 4:309p.m, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. Bar open later. $$.

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. $-$$.

Mulligans  Casual/American Pub. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $

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. $$.

Murphy’s Pub & Grill  Casual/Irish-American. 510 S. Perryville Rd., Rockford, (815) 986-0950. LD M-Sat 11am2am, Sun to midnight. $-$$.

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. $-$$. Dos Reales  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun to 10pm $-$$. Fifth Alarm Firehouse Pub  Casual/American. 120 N. Union St., Bryon, Ill., (815) 234-7000. LD daily 11am. $-$$. 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. $.

Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$. Slanted Shanty Vintage Pub  Upscale-Casual/American. Vintage/Burlesque-themed pub. 6731 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 708-7879. D M-Th 3:30pm-11pm, F 11am-midnight, Sat 3:30pm-midnight. $$. 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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April 2

Smart Living Weekly

April 2

T  I

5 Common Tax Mistakes C

hances are you could be doing a better job throughout the year to save on income taxes, says seasoned investment advisor Paul Taylor, a member of the National Ethics Bureau. He cites mistakes that many taxpayers are liable to make. • Not knowing which tax deductions are available. One of the most overlooked deductions is state and local sales taxes. Taxpayers may be able to take deductions for student-loan interest, out-of-pocket charitable contributions, moving expenses to take a ﬁrst job, the child care tax credit, new points on home reﬁnancing, health insurance premiums, home mortgage interest, tax-preparation services and contributions to a traditional IRA. • Misunderstanding deduction value for medical expenses. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the new policy increased the threshold for the itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses from 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income to 10 percent, for regular tax purposes. The increase is waived for individuals age 65 and older for tax years 2013 through 2016. • Confusing when taxes must be paid on IRA and employer-sponsored retirement funds. Traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are tax-deferred accounts, which mean they are typically funded with pre-tax or taxdeductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn. Exceptions are the Roth IRA and the Roth 401(k) and Roth 403(b). • Overlooking tax-advantaged investments. Two of the most common types of real estate partnerships, for example, are low-income housing and historic rehabilitation. • Uncertainty when accounting for gift taxes. The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living. The federal estate tax, on the other hand, applies to property conveyed to others, with the exception of a spouse, after a person’s death. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

April 2

Smart Living Weekly

April 2

Y M

Rethinking Your Student’s No. 1 College Choice T ens of thousands of high school students will receive their college acceptance letters in April. “Young people tend to quickly fall in love with a school, and parents tend to quickly wear their son’s or daughter’s acceptance as a badge of honor,’’ says David Porter, consultant and author of “The Porter Principles,” a guide to college success through social engineering. “Students and parents should be skeptical and consider all of what a college has to offer, and how it will deliver on the implicit promise of financial independence.” One recent survey showed that only 58 percent of 204,000 college freshmen enrolled at their first-choice college, the lowest percentage to do so since the question was first asked in 1974. The major factors behind the decline are cost and financial aid. A 2012 study by the research group Ipsos and the student loan giant, Sallie Mae, indicates that roughly 70 per-

cent of families are ruling out colleges based on cost. First choice or otherwise, Porter says students and their families should consider the following. • Ranking: Just like an expensive sports car is valued, in part, from an arbitrary, expensive price tag, so too are colleges. The various needs a young adult has are by no means fully represented by

the seven variables used by the U.S. News rankings. • On-Campus culture and community: Will the environment foster success or will it essentially be a few more years of high school under the guise of “college”? Look for safe, wholesome campus venues, like a student union or a nextgeneration dining learning commons that invites student interaction, collaboration, problem-solving and 24/7 dining. • Parent-student understanding: It costs tens of thousands of dollars per year to attend most colleges. Whether or not a student assumes massive debt to follow her dreams, or a parent shares the burden, should be moot if the student can identify, pursue and secure gainful employment upon graduation. Choosing a school is a great opportunity for parents to lead by example on how to make a purchase decision for any “big ticket” item. Do your homework. Buyer beware. ❚

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April 2

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Smart Living Weekly

April 2

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1