RockfordLink.com Blog

Sunday, October 16th Local Events

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:39:54 PDT

Brahms x Three Rachel Handlin, Becky Asher and Jesse Parker play Brahms at the First Lutheran Concert Series. Freewill donation. Proceeds will be used for the roof on Loreen Hall, site of The Music Academy. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford.
Focus One. 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Rockford First Assembly, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. 815-877-8000. rockfordfirst.com.
Fourth Annual Cuts for Mutts Patrons who bring specialty items for the Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary will receive discounted services, including haircuts and seated chair massages for $15 and eyebrow shaping, mini manicures, pet photos and pet nail trimming for $10. For information, call Michael at 815-708-8557. Goal is to raise $2,500 for Noah’s Ark’s. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Ab Fab Salon and Spa Inc., 5643 E. State St., Rockford.

25th Anniversary Rockford Area CROP Hunger Walk Walk raises money from walkers who find sponsors. The money is shared with local food pantries and worldwide hunger relief through Church World Service. For information or to volunteer, contact the Rev. David Jones: 815-540-3703 or davidj6226@aol.com. Registration at 1 p.m., with step-off at 2 p.m. Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. davidj6226@aol.com.
”The Secret Life of Sarah E” The Italian Gallery presents story of Civil War adventure. “The Secret Life of Sarah E” is the story of one of America’s brave, loyal and fearless nurses as narrated by Amy Nyman. Reservation required: 815-962-7402. $3; $5 for families. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. $3-$5. Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford.ehm1129@comcast.net.
Harvest Swiss Steak Dinner 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. $5-$9. Blaine United Methodist Church, 7200 Blaine Road, Poplar Grove.cmpignic@foxvalley.net.

Flaming Monkeys Robotics Spaghetti Dinner Donations accepted. All proceeds support the Boone County 4-H Robotics Club, also known as Flaming Monkeys, to support their upcoming competition. See last year’s robots. 815-332-8990. 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Poplar Grove Fire Station, 305 W. Grove St., Poplar Grove. msternhage@aol.com.
Tales from the Tomb A quiet walk in Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Walks are ongoing as groups of 8 to 10 people form. Walk lasts approximately 45 minutes. No reservation necessary. $10 per person. Flagg Township Historical Society-Rochelle. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Flagg Township Museum, 518 Fourth Ave., Rochelle. 815-562-3040.flaggtownshipmuseum.org. hubhistory@gmail.com.

Rockford Writers’ Guild Rockford Writers’ Guild meets at 1 p.m. the third Sunday of each month. Oct. 16 speaker is Denny Ferguson of Mount Morris. He will focus on surviving and living with bipolarism while pursuing a successful writing career. His first book, “Bipolarism, My 2nd Chance at Life Under the Blue Moon,” was published in 2006. written and published series of murder mysteries and is now working on his next book. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St.,Rockford.

Saturday, October 15th Local Events

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:45:46 PDT

Tracy Kash Thomas performance $18; $15 in advance. Kash performs a unique brand of jazz and jazz-influenced rock/pop. Held in Emerson Auditorium inside Mendelssohn PAC. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Emerson Auditorium, 415 N. Church St., Rockford. 815-964-2238. charlotteswebofrockford.org/ home.html.

Benefit Dinner for Colleen Mains Privately sponsored event will be in the fireside room. Chicken breast dinner, musical entertainment and silent auction to help offset medical expenses for the Mains family. For tickets, call Stephanie at 815-713-5053 or Linda at 815-978-3174. 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. $10. Rockford First, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. 815-877-8000. rockfordfirst.com.

Alumni Basketball Game/Challenge Day Basketball fundraiser will benefit the anti-bullying and self-esteem program at Byron and Stillman Valley high schools. The varsity basketball coaches of each school will bring faculty teams to face off for bragging rights. $10; $7 for youth. Discount for advance tickets. Tickets are available at Byron and Stillman Banks, Curves, both high schools and the Byron Park District. Sponsorship opportunities are available; for details, call Caryn at 815-222-5938. $7. Byron High School, 696 N. Colfax St., Byron.

Line Dancing For Absolute Beginners You will be taught a number of basic steps and a few easy line dances. You will be provided with step sheets for the dances and a hand-out with a description of the steps. The cost is $20 for four classes. Call for information and to register. Instructor is Linda Halley. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 to Saturday, Nov. 5. Betty’s Western Wear, 6202 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. 815-877-4624. ljhzipcode@yahoo.com.

Screening of Human Trafficking Documentary “Nefarious: Merchant of Souls” This is a documentary on the modern-day slave trade. Exodus Cry, who wrote and produced the documentary, traveled across 19 nations and 30 cities to expose the injustice at the heart of human trafficking. There is no cost to the screening, but there will be an offering taken at the end for Exodus Cry. 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Faith Center Church, 4721 S. Main St., Rockford.k.pearcy@yahoo.com.

170th Anniversary of the First County Fair and Cattle Show in northern Illinois Free admission. Historic displays, walking tours and other activities sponsored by the Rockford Historical Society and the Haight Village Historic District. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Ingersoll Centennial Park, 315 S. First St., Rockford.
Soup and Pie Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. $6.50. North Suburban Woman’s Club, 6320 N. Second St., Loves Park.

Annual Harvest Feast Turkey Dinner The Women’s Fellowship of the United Church of Byron is having its annual Harvest Feast Turkey Dinner in the Fern Calvert Fellowship Hall. Bake sale, too. $8 for adults, $4 children 6 to 11 and children younger than 5 donation accepted. 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. United Church of Byron, 701 W. Second St., Byron.

22nd Annual Tender Loving Crafts Sale Booths are still available; call Diane at 815-885-1757 to rent a booth. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford.

Boy Scout Troop 426 Metal Drive 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 and noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 16. Accepting any type of metal, including household appliances. Concordia Lutheran Church, 7424 N. Second St., Machesney Park.tms71521@comcast.net.

Davis Junction Fireman’s Association Chili & Soup Supper Allyou- can eat homemade chili and chicken noodle soup, includes beverage and dessert. Tickets are adults, $7; children 6-12, $3; and children 5 and younger, free. Any child who returns the Fire Prevent in Week coloring page can eat for free. We will also be having a 50/50 raffle. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. $7. Davis Junction Fire Station, 106 N. Maple St., Davis Junction. 815-645-2551.parks@davisjunction.com.

Discovery Center Museum 30th Anniversary Ball Dance to the tunes of Cover Story, enjoy dinner, bid on auction items and enjoy exhibits after hours. Children will enjoy museum’s new Peanuts. $50; $25 for children 12 and younger. Food catered by Mary’s Market. For information, reservations or donations, call 815-972-2839 or see discoverycentermuseum. org/happening/ familyball.asp. 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. $50. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. 815-633-0184. erosink.com.

Fall Harvest event Free tractor rides, crafters, kids games from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 and Oct. 16 to celebrate National Pork Month. For information or reservation: 815-229-3276 or machineshed.com. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Illinois Machine Shed, 7475 E. State St., Rockford.

Atwood at Night Free admission. Saturday, Oct. 15. Atwood Environmental Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford.

Author visit by James Kennedy All ages. Author of “The Order of the Odd Fish,” a middle grade fantasy. Registration not required. 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Rockford Public Library-Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford. Tremendous Trains! All ages. All aboard the storytime! We’ll chugga-chugga train stories, choo-choo train songs and make a train craft. 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Rockford Public Library Main Branch, Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford.

Ron Felt Book Signing Author of suspense novels, “The Road to Forever” and “To Flatter a Killer.” 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Barnes and Noble, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford.

Child Author Douglas Nolan Reads At Canterbury books Douglas Nolan Local Author will be reading from his new book, “The Cider House Bears,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Canterbury Books, 1662 N. Alpine Road. 815-398-1454. http://canterburybookstours. rockford. com.theciderhousebears@hotmail.com.

Candy Cane Bazaar, Bake Sale and Luncheon St. Anskar members will hold bake sale and serve a light lunch. Free admission. Door prizes. Artists and crafters will have handmade items for sale including dolls, woven baskets, leaded glass, copper ware, painted woods and greeting cards. 35th annual event. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church, 4801 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. 815-877-1226. stanskars.org.

Fall Arts and Crafts Show Free admission. Lunch available. Sponsored by the Women’s Committee of UAW Local 1268. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. UAW Local 1268 Union Hall, 1100 Chrysler Drive, Belvidere.

STAR Fall Area Singles Dance Music by Missing Links. For information, call 815-962-4279 or email RALMmail@aol.com. Sponsored by Singles Together Across Rockford. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford.RALMmail@aol.com.

Kennedy 5 K Run/Walk for Mind, Body and Soul Walk or Run for Recovery. Prizes awarded. 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 15. Rosecrance Berry Campus, 8616 Northern Ave., Rockford. 815-332-8003.http://rosecrance. org. mrsippy1d@comcast.net.

Friday, October 14th Local Events

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:49:18 PDT

’50s Dance Party-John Mueller’s Tribute to Buddy Holly 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. $100. Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. khughes@rockford publiclibrary.org.

Art Opening of African and American Handmade Greeting Cards Just Goods hosts premiere showing of Rockford artists Phyllis Peterson and Mary Shaw. Peterson will display her collection of African greeting cards. Also for sale will be handpainted floral cards by Shaw. Showing is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Collection will be on display in the Gallery Room. Free and open to the public. For information, call 815-633-0492. Just Goods Fair Trade, 201 Seventh St., Rockford.

Sculpture Dedication John Verl MacNamara donated large metal sculpture, “Peace Window,” during the used art sale in January. A member of Rockford Urban Ministries bought and donated the sculpture to beautify the area around the building. It will be installed in the parking lot. 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. Just Goods Fair Trade, 201 7th St., Rockford.

Candy Day 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14 and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 15. Volunteers will be offering candy and accepting donations in German Valleys downtown area. All proceeds will benefit the visually and hearing impaired both locally and through the programs of the Lions of Illinois Foundation. For more information, call Donna Smith 815-362-3671. German Valley Lions Club, 60 Main St.

Midway Village Mystery Dinners. Limited space; reservations required. Contact Jessica at 815-397-9112, ext. 104. for information or reservation. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14; and Saturday, Oct. 15. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Paranormal Tours Reservation preferred at 815-964-2424 or steve@tinkercottage.com. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. $15. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford. steve@tinkercottage.com.
RVC Foreign Language Films Appreciation Series “Beyond Silence” IS a German film about a young woman’s battle for independence and her deaf parents’ struggle to understand her gift for music. 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. $1. Rock Valley College CLII Room 228, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.

Going to the Dogs After Hours Dinner fundraiser Bring your dogs for after-hours dinner fundraiser for PAWS Humane Society. 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. Egg Harbor Cafe, 1603 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

After Hours Book Discussion-Broken All ages. Author Patricia Haley will join us to lead the discussion of her new book. Registration not required. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. Rockford Public Library’s Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St., Rockford. http://rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Upcoming Area Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:44:08 PDT

Lynrd Skynrd/ZZ Top, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27, BMO Harris Bank Center, $29.50-$89.50. On sale through metrocentre.com, 815-968-5222 or the box office.

NOVEMBER

3 Doors Down, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, BMO Harris Bank Center, $35, $45. On sale through metrocentre. com, 815-968-5222 or the box office.
Skillet, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, Coronado Performing Arts Center, $18, $22, $27, $50 (VIP). On sale through coronadopac.org, 815-968-0595 or the box office.
Gaither Homecoming 2011, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, BMO Harris Bank Center, $26.50, $36.50, $72.50. On sale through metrocentre. com, 815-968-5222 or the box office.
John Mellencamp, 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, Coronado Performing Arts Center, $42, $72, $92, $125 (VIP). On sale through coronadopac.org, 815-968-0595 or the box office.

DECEMBER Mannheim Steamroller, 4 p.m.

Dec. 11, Coronado Performing Arts Center, $45, $55, $65. On sale through coronadopac.org, 815-968-0595 or the box office.
Jim Brickman, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, Coronado Performing Arts Center, $100 (VIP), $55, $45, $30. On sale through coronadopac.org, 815-968-0595 or the box office.

Chicago

OCTOBER

Keith Urban, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, Allstate Arena, $59.50, $25. On sale through Ticketmaster.
Matt Nathanson, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15, Riviera Theatre, $25. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Warren Haynes Band, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 17, Vic Theatre, $30. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Rich Robinson, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, $20, Double Door, $18.50 in advance. On sale through jamusa.com.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, $20. Sold out.

Boyce Avenue, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, Riviera Theatre, $21.

On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Rumer, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, Mercury Theatre, $20.

The Sounds, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, Vic Theatre, $21. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.

com.
Iration, 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, Subterranean, $15, $14 in advance. On sale through subt.net.
Parachute, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, Park West, $20. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Lydia, 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct.

27, Beat Kitchen, $12. On sale through beatkitchen.com and jamusa.com.
Opeth, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.

28, Vic Theatre, $29.50. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, Park West. On sale through etix.

com and jamusa.com.

NOVEMBER

The Musical Box, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 5, Vic Theatre, $44. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Feist, 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, Riviera Theatre, $35. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.

Chickenfoot, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, Metro, $51. Sold out.

Medeski Martin & Wood, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, Park West, $30. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Never Shout Never, 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 5, Riviera Theatre, $22. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Michael Ian Black, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 5, Park West, $27.

On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
The Wombats, 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, Subterranean, $15.

On sale through subt.net and jamusa.com.
The Civil Wars, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, Vic Theatre, $20. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Hollywood Undead/Asking Alexandria, 4:25 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, Aragon, $35, $31 in advance. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Indigo Girls, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, and Wednesday, Nov. 9, Vic Theatre, $35. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
The Airborne Toxic, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, Riviera, $25.

On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
AM & Shawn Lee, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, Subterranean, $12. On sale through subt. net and jamusa.com.
Paul Byrom, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Mercury Theatre, $35. On sale through mercurytheater chicago.com.
Tim Minchin, 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, Vic Theatre, $35. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Mastodon, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov.

11, Riviera Theatre, $25. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Ray Davies & His Band, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, The Chicago Theatre, $78, $48, $38. On sale through Ticketmaster.
Todd Snider, 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, Park West, $22. On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
The Fab Faux, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, Vic Theatre, $46.

On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Assembly of Dust, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 12, Martyrs, $17.

On sale through etix.com and jamusa.com.
Paul Simon, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, Rosemont Theatre, $127, $87, $52. On sale through Ticketmaster.
Blind Pilot, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, Park West, $18, $16 in advance. On sale through etix.

Summerfield to host Boo at the Zoo this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:17:14 PDT

Summerfield Zoo will host the second annual Boo at the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The zoo, 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere, will have kids’ costume contests, trick-or-treating, a headless horseman, El Gato theHalloween Dancing Horse and more. $5 per person. Call 815-547-4852 or visit summerfield farmandzoo.com.

Costume parade and trick-or-treating

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:19:46 PDT

Midway Village Museum will host All Hallows Eve from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, will offer safe and fun trick-or-treating, a children’s costume parade at 3 p.m. and children’s Halloween crafts. Guided tours of the Haunted Woods will be at 4:30 and 8 p.m., and Rockford’s own “Fatally Unique,” as seen on “America’s Got Talent,” will be there from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Cost is $5 per person, museum members are free. 815-397-9112; midwayvillage.com/.

Updated List of Haunted Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:22:25 PDT

Hopper’s Haunted House, 11576 Illinois Route 2, Rockford; open every day through Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight on weekends, and 7 to 10 p.m. weekdays. Cost is $10. 779-200-1783.
Fearfest 2011 includes three haunts in one location: Screamatorium, South Beloit Haunted Barn and The Blood Creek Haunted Hayride; all at 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit.
Fear Asylum is at the Belvidere Park District’s William Grady Pool, 916 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere.

Times are 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 10 p.m. select weekdays and Sundays. Dates are today, Saturday and Sunday, as well as 26-31. Each haunt costs $10. Parental guidance is recommended for ages 13 and younger for Screamatorium and Fear Asylum. trailofscreams.com. 815-965-6772.
Scare A Palooza Boo Fest Haunted House, 6935 11th St., New Milford. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and 7 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday and 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays in October. Tickets are $10 at the door. 779-772-2788.
Karnival of Karnage, Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Illinois 76, Belvidere; 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 29, with a kids matinee from 6 to 7 p.m.on Sundays. Admission is $10, an RIP speed pass is $15. A $1 off coupon can be found at karnivalofkarnage.com. 815-332-2010; karnivalofkarnage.com.

Raven’s Grin Inn, 411 N. Carroll St., Mount Carroll; open seven days a week from 7 p.m. to midnight. Saturday and Sunday have afternoon hours of 2 to 5 p.m. Cost is $13. 815-244-4746; hauntedravensgrin.com.
Haunted Tinker Tour, Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, 7 to 8 p.m. today and Oct. 28. Cost is $15. Registration is required. For 10 and older. 815-964-2424.
C&J’s Haunted Yard, 101 N. Westfield Road, Winnebago; 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 28-30; $3; free trick-ortreating for school-aged children.

All Hallows Eve, Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford; 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday; Bring your family to trick-or-treat.Cost is $5 per person, free for members. 815-397-9112; midwayvillage.com.

The HauntedTheatre For the Hallowed Days of Ween will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. The fundraiser for the theater is for all ages and won’t be gory. Cost is $8, $25 for a family up to six people.

Local Events - Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:27:14 PDT

Urban Art Ages 12 to 19. Local artist, Joe Goral will teach information about the history and trends of street art and demonstrate techniques. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 S. Kent St., Rockford.

Hats Off to Breast Cancer Awareness Wear you best hat to show your awareness. 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. $5. American Legion Jefferson Horton Post, 1010 S. Main St., Rockford. 815-962-6582. jhorton340@gmail.com.
4th Saturday Ballroom Dance USA Dance of Northern Illinois hosts an evening of ballroom fun. There will be a lesson at 7; ballroom dancing begins at 8. 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. $6$8. Belvidere Community Center, 111 S. 5th St., Belvidere.

Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Walk and celebration dedicated to finding a cure for digestive diseases Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. For information or registration, go to cctakesteps. org. 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. YMCA Log Lodge, Sinnissippi bike path, Rockford. jkruggel@ccfa.org.

Family Fall Festival No admission fee; open to the public. Call 815-282-4673. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Creekwood Baptist Church, 7281 Olde Creek Road, Rockford.
Fifth Annual Horse Show Event will be held by Brave-Hearts at the Bergmann Centre located at 4950 Ill. Route 173. Spectators are welcome. Free to attend. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Brave-Hearts, 4950 Illinois Route 173, Poplar Grove. 815-765-2113.braveheartriding.org.

STEMfest STEMfest is an annual event that helps kids explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). E10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, Dekalb. niuconvo.com. psievert@niu.edu.
Cornbread from the Ground Up: A Family Workshop Learn about the history of corn and receive recipe and seeds to take home. For all ages. Must register at 815-389-8455. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. $11. Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia.
Pecatonica Rotary Club Chili Jam Fundraiser for the Pecatonica Rotary Youth Exchange program featuring John DeGrote’s Bluegrass Band, Ear Hustlers and The Sasparillas. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. $3-$5. Pecatonica High School, 1300 Main St., Pecatonica. johnkarvelis@aol.com.
Annual Fall Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Christian Life Retirement Center, 4260 Sunset Terrace, Loves Park. 815-637-6000. kathy@clrcgroup.com.
Village of Davis Junction Community Halloween Party Each child will receive a goody bag to take home. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Davis Junction Fire Station, 106 N. Maple St., Davis Junction. 815-645-2551. parks@davisjunction.com.

Local Events - Friday, October 21st, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:30:31 PDT

Black Cinema Discussion: “Rosewood” Ages 18 and older. Movie tells the story of blacks killed in Rosewood by all-white lynch mob. Registration not required. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Rockford Public Library’s Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St., Rockford. http:// rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Design your Own Graphic Novel Ages 10 to 19. Join us as we welcome artist Andrea Guzzeta as she walks you through designing your own graphic novel. Come with ideas. Registration required. 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Rockford Public Library’s Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford.

The Rockford Operetta Party Showcase Rockford’s premiere light opera company’s program will feature the premiere of Rockford Operetta Party director and composer Scott Farrell’s “The Planets: A Scientific Cantata.” Learn about Farrell’s 13 years of experience with light opera in the Rock River Valley. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. $10. First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago, 208 W. Winnebago, Winnebago.

20th Annual Crusader Spirit of Caring event Annual benefit fundraiser is part of Crusader’s 39th Annual Celebration. Includes music by the Firelight Dimmers, autumn-themed dinner, announcement of the Spirit of Caring awards, silent and live auctions and raffle. Proceeds benefit the chronic disease management initiative and other needs as designated by the Crusader Community Health Foundation board of directors. $100; table of 10 for $1,000. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Giovanni’s Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. giodine.com. mcormany@crusaderhealth.org.

Bushels of Apples All ages. Apple season is here again. Songs and stories about apples with an apple-delicious snack too. Registration not required. 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Rockford Public Library Main Branch, Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford.

Girlz Talk Ages 9 to 13. Girls, let’s get creative. Come and write in your journals and make a fun piece of jewelry to take home. Registration required. 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Rockford Public Library Lewis Lemon Branch, 1988 Jefferson St., Rockford.

Kayak Basic Roll Clinic Cost is $99; gear is provided if you need it, or you can bring your own. Call for reservations at 815-636-9066. Grow your onwater confidence and your skill set by attending our roll clinic. This clinic is open to anyone who wishes to learn, practice, or perfect this basic kayak self-rescue technique, the kayak roll. Dress to get wet and bring a towel. paddleandtrail. com. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. $99. Paddle and Trail, 7212 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park. info@paddleandtrail.com.

The New Play Cafe at Cheek Theatre See staged readings of new plays by local playwrights then join in conversations with the playwrights. The readings are not full productions so there are no costumes and no set. No reservations. Free admission; donations accepted. Readings include “The Shakespeare Conspiracy” by Ted Bacino and Rufus Cadigan at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21; “The Right Thing” by Ken Staaf at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22; and “Jeeves Takes a Bow” by Margaret Raether at 2 p.m. Oct. 23. For information, call 815-904-2277 or artistsensemble.org. Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford.

Sportsman Club meeting set for Oct. 29

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:04:12 PDT

The Rockford Sportsman Club will hold its annual meeting Saturday, Oct. 29, noon at the club park off Black Hawk Road.

A free lunch will be served at noon, with a short meeting following.

New memberships will be available for $15. Park keys will be available for $3.

Perryville Road Traffic Signal Synchronization

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:20:28 PDT

This long awaited project, funded with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, has interconnected all of the traffic signals along Perryville Road from Harrison Avenue to Riverside Boulevard; and most of the incandescent bulbs have been changed to LED’s.

The traffic signal interconnection will allow all of the traffic signals to be synchronized by a main controller thru a fiber optic line. These two improvements will reduce travel time, air pollution, energy, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs. It is anticipated that this increase in traffic efficiency will result in more traffic use, which should be a boost to businesses along the Perryville Road corridor.

Although traffic flow will be greatly enhanced, this does not mean that motorists will be able to proceed totally uninterrupted. Factors such as vehicle speed, location and time of entry, as well as pedestrian demand and emergency vehicles, will also have an impact. The red light stop time on some of the intersecting streets may be somewhat longer in order to accommodate maximum flow on Perryville Road.

Chairman Christiansen stated “I want to thank County Board Members Dave Fiduccia and Dianne Parvin (District 4), and John Ekberg and Bob Kinnison (District 10), along with the Winnebago County Highway Department, for all of their help in bringing this important improvement to fruition.”

Local Halloween Trick or Treat Times

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:09:34 PDT

Halloween falls on a Monday this year. All activities take place on Oct. 31, unless noted. Local trick-or-treating hours are:
Belvidere: 4 to 8 p.m.

Byron: 5 to 8 p.m.

Caledonia: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Capron: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, parade at 5:15 p.m. from the Fire Department to Village Park.

Cherry Valley: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Durand: 5 to 8 p.m.

Loves Park: 5 to 8 p.m.

Machesney Park: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Oregon: 5 to 8 p.m.

Pecatonica: 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Poplar Grove: 4 to 7 p.m.

Rochelle: 5 to 8 p.m.

Rockford: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Rockton: 5 to 8 p.m.

Roscoe: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

South Beloit: 5 to 7 p.m.

Winnebago: 5 to 8 p.m.

Halloween Fun - Spook Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:10:21 PDT

Hopper’s Haunted House,

11576 Illinois Route 2, Rockford; open every day through Monday from 7 p.m. to midnight on weekends, and 7 to 10 p.m. weekdays. Cost is $10. 779-200-1783.

Fearfest 2011 includes three haunts in one location: Screamatorium, South Beloit Haunted Barn and The Blood Creek Haunted Hayride; all at 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit.

Fear Asylum is at the Belvidere Park District’s William Grady Pool, 916 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere. Times are 7 to 11 p.m. today and Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Each haunt costs $10. Parental guidance is recommended for ages 13 and younger for Screamatorium and Fear Asylum. trailofscreams.com. 815-965-6772.

Scare A Palooza Boo Fest Haunted House, 6935 11th St., New Milford. From 7 to 10 p.m. today and Saturday and 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door. 779-772-2788.

Karnival of Karnage, Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Illinois 76, Belvidere; 7 p.m. to midnight today and Saturday. Admission is $10, an RIP speed pass is $15. A $1 off coupon can be found at karnivalofkarnage.com. 815-332-2010; karnivalofkarnage.com.

Raven’s Grin Inn, 411 N. Carroll St., Mount Carroll; open seven days a week from 7 p.m. to midnight. Saturday and Sunday have afternoon hours of 2 to 5 p.m. Cost is $13. 815-244-4746; hauntedravensgrin.com.

Haunted Tinker Tour, Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford, 7 to 8 p.m. today. Cost is $15. Registration is required. For 10 and older. 815-964-2424.

C & J’s Haunted Yard, 101 N. Westfield Road, Winnebago; 7 to 10 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday; $3; free trick-or-treating for school-aged children.

The Haunted Theatre For the Hallowed Days of Ween will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday at Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. The fundraiser for the theater is for all ages and won’t be gory. Cost is $8, $25 for a family up to six people.

Terror at the Mill, corner of South Main and Meadow streets, Belvidere, across from Belvidere Ace Hardware; 7 to 10:30 p.m. today and Saturday; 5 to 9 p.m. Monday; $10. On Monday only, from 5 to 7 p.m., kids under 10 years get in free and are invited to go trick-ortreating for candy in the spook house. A portion of proceeds benefits Habitat for Humanity of Boone County. 815-761-4290.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, will offer haunted tours today.

Halloween Parades and Parties

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:12:23 PDT

Edgebrook Festival of Fantasy for ages 12 years and younger, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. Registration for costume parade at 12:30, parade from 1 to 1:30 p.m., costume judging and prizes from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Treat bags distributed while supplies last. Entertainment.Best costume wins a bicycle. 815-226-0212.

Loves Park Police Association Halloween Parade, 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Line-up starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Loves Park PNC Bank parking lot at Riverside and Jensen Drive behind the main bank.

Costume Party Days, Locktoberfest at Lockwood Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford; pet costume parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, kids costume parade at 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, but there are costs for various activities. “The First Forest” hayride is among activities. 815-987-8809; rockford parkdistrict.org/locktoberfest.

Spirited Ghost Tours of Coronado, 7 p.m. today, Saturday and Monday, Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. LOLTOS guides give tours about unexplained noises, scents and sightings within the Coronado along with a historic tour of the building. $10. 815-968-2722.

“Night Sounds,” 6 to 9 p.m. today, Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford. Not-so-scary surprises lurk around every corner in the museum. Explore the darkened museum with your flashlights and identify animal sounds throughout exhibits. For the braver, feel and see animal parts. At 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Rockford Dance Company’s Dance Reach will perform “Monster Mash.” Make crafts. Hear stories. Cost is $5 and includes admission to the Burpee; free for those younger than 4 years old. 815-965-3433,burpee.org.

“Spooky Science,” 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Play with fluorescence as you boogie under black light, make glow-in-the-dark slime, and experience chemical light. Come in costume and grab your goody bag to trick-or-treat through the Discovery Center. This nonscary event is fun for the whole family. $8. No reservations needed. 815-963-6769; discoverycentermuseum.org.

I.O.U. Halloween Parade, 7 p.m. Sunday, starts at N. State and Boone Street area in Belvidere and continues across town and ends in the Community Building parking lot where refreshments will be served. There is no entry fee. 815-547-5857.

White Swan School to mark 150 years

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:53:23 PST

White Swan School will hold a 150-year celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the school, 7550 Mill Road, Rockford.

The public is invited to help students and staff celebrate the school’s anniversary.

The original school was built in 1868 and was incorporated into the present structure in 1960.

Weekend Events - November 11, 12, 13

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:06:06 PST

FRIDAY

Charlotte’s Web presents Claudia Schmidt Schmidt has recorded 14 albums of mostly original songs, exploring folk, bluees and jazz. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. $15-$18. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford. 815-964-2238. charlotteswebofrockford.org/home.html

Gymnastic Academy School’s Out Camp Veteran’s Day School’s Out Camp is a unique opportunity for kids to develop athletic abilities, while teaching them life skills that will enhance their joy of sports along with their self-confidence. Regular camp hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early drop off from 7 a.m. and late pick up to 6 p.m. $39 (no extra charge for early drop off and late pick up). Gymnastic Academy of Rockford, 6630 Spring Brook Road, Rockford. sherri@onefungym.com. 815-654-3867.

New Paintings at Leaf River Farm Mark Ellena, a tonalist painter, will show new works at his Leaf River Farm, 2278 Myrtle Road, Leaf River. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11., 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. 815-742-8505.salbansunday@aol.com.

Leadership Day/Annual Arts College Fair Free, no registration required. High school and college students can learn about degree programs and career opportunities in the visual, graphic and performing arts. Admission representatives from several universities and colleges across the Midwest will be available. Students are encouraged to bring portfolios for review. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Rockford Art Museum, Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.ssauer@rockfordartmuseum.org.

Listening Night with Kelly Steward and guest Mark Hobbs 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. JustGoods Listening Room, 201 Seventh St., Rockford. michelle. justgoods@gmail.com.

Legacy Art Sale Closing Party Come join the excitement as the sealed bids on over 80 works of art are opened to see who will be taking home the works of Dorothy Bock, Elaine Hirschenberger, Vivian Hickey, Jasmina Jovanovic, Norm Knott, Cynthia Linnabary, Wanie Reeverts, Anne Ryan and many more. Opening of the sealed bids begins at 7 p.m. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford. 815-877-0118. womanspace- rockford.org. gail@womanspace-rockford.org.

Ski Broncs Casino Night Fundraiser. Friday, Nov. 11. Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. 815-877-5733.

Sleep a Night in My Box/Walk a Mile in My ShoesSleep/Walk A Night in My Box a Mile in My Shoes is a fundraiser for the Rockford Rescue Mission. Registration fee is $25 for walk only; $50 for sleep/walk event. Check in at 7 p.m.; walk kicks off at 8 p.m.; local band Silver performs at 9 p.m. There will be testimonies, snacks, cardboard box homes built for the night, awards and light breakfast inthe morning. Most creative box will be recognized. A staffed warming fire will burn all night. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, to 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Road Ranger RiverHawks Stadium, 4503 Interstate Drive, Loves Park.

CatsAuburn School of Creative & Performing Arts Presents “Cats,” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Elliot. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday throught Saturday, Nov. 10-12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Auburn School Theatre; 5110 Auburn St., Rockford. Tickets are $5 for the Thursday Nov. 10, preview performance and $8 for other shows. Buy tickets online at seatyourself.biz/auburncapa; e-mail ahscapatheatre@gmail.com; or call 815-966-3300, ext.10111.wix.com/ahscapatheatre/ auburncapa.

SATURDAY

All-You-Can-Eat German Dinner Menu includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, homemade bread, hot dogs, special potatoes, green beans and homemade pie. Sponsored by St. John Fellowship Club. Donation of $9; $4 for ages 6 to 10; free for 5 and younger. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1301 Jackson St., Pecatonica.

Words in Competition Ages 18 and older. Poetry Slam competition with prizes in the Bookworm Bakery & Cafe. Open mic poetry slam competition hosted by UniverSoulLove, aka Christopher D. Sims. Registration not required. 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Rockford Public Library-East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford. 815-965-7606. rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Presented by the Fall Musical The Boylan Players. All reserved seats are $8. Call 815-877-0531 for tickets, email mgavan@boylan.org.7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Boylan Catholic High School, 4000 St Francis Drive, Rockford.

”Escanaba in Love” Vince Carney Community Theater of Rochelle performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12 and Nov. 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. Nov. 13. Comedy written by Jeff Daniels is set in the upper peninsula of Michigan during World War II. Doors open 30 minutes before show starts. Tickets available from cast members, at vcctrochelle. org or call 815-764-2287. $10. Paddock Room in Hickory Grove, 1133 N. Seventh St., Rochelle.

The Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows is a tale of humor and heroics that deals with the simple values and responsibilities owed to one’s fellow creatures. Musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s timeless story. $10; $8 for students and seniors. 7 p.m. Nov. 11 (preview performance); 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 and Nov. 19; 3 p.m. Nov. 13 and Nov. 20; and 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets are available at the door. For information, call 815-399-8850, ext. 170. Keith Country Day School, 1 Jacoby Place, Rockford.keithschool.com.

Disaster Recovery in the Cloud educational luncheon Update disaster recovery and business continuity plan using Cloud technology. Discuss whether fiber optics is a viable option for your business. Limited space; RSVP to 608-364-1012. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Entre Computer Solutions- Beloit, 1406 Willowbrook Road, Beloit, Wis. 608-364-1012. entrerock.com.dond@entrerock.com.

Drawing Discoveries Ages 8 to 13. Learn how to draw objects, animals, humans: as realists, as cartoonists, as graphic artists with imaginary exaggerations. Try out pencils, pens, ballpoints and markers as tools, along with crayons and pastels. Discover how to draw with feeling as well as visual skill. Fee includes all materials. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12. $25-$30. Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford. 815-877-0118. womanspace- rockford.org. gail@womanspace-rockford.org.

Rockford Made Children’s Classes: Spirit Houses Of The Rich & Famous $8 per class; $20 for all 3. All supplies included. Registration required, call 815-972-2874. Get creative using found objects with local artist Norm Knott. Use gadgets, jewelry and other pieces to create house of art. For more information: 815-972-2874 or ssauer@rockfordartmuseum.org.2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. $8. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. ssauer@rockford artmuseum.org.

Rock House Kids Variety Show Rock House Kids hosts variety show fundraising event. $5; free for ages 4 and younger. Entertainment for kids and adults. Dinner and dessert available for nominal fee. Event includes Svea Soner Swedish Singing Chorus, Rock City Unique Steppers, Illusionist Ron Tietsort, Silver, Rock House Kids dance and puppet team performances. 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Rock House Kids Building, 1325 Seventh St., Rockford.

Craft Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12. Fall and Christmas homemade craft items. Homemade breads, pies, cakes and other items. A BBQ lunch will be served for $5.50. Any questions, please call 815-397-1329. Valley View Apartments, 3303 E. State St., Rockford.

Fall Vendor & Craft Show 31 Bags, Avon, Gold Canyon Candles, Hand made doll clothes, Hand made holiday decor, Hand made writing pens, Pampered Chef, Spotted Cats Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, and Tupperware. Free admission. There will be raffles and door prizes. For more information, call 815-484-7822. 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. North Suburban Women’s Club, 6320 N. Second St., Loves Park.

Terri Reid Terri Reid, popular local author of the Mary O’Reilly mystery series will be guest speaker for In Print, a professional writers group. For more information, call 815-332-5161. 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. 815-332-5161. cherryvalley.lib. il.us.

Cody Leschner-LaMont Moonlight Bowling Benefit Cody is a 17-year-old from Pecatonica, who was injur

ed in a swimming accident over Labor Day weekend and is now paralized. Enjoy an evening of bowling, great items to bid as part of the silent auction, raffle items and much more. 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. $30. Lakeside Lanes, 13865 Best Road, Durand. 815-248-3714. erbe.kevin@yahoo.com.

The First Tee Bowling Extravaganza Event includes bowling, auctions, raffles, pasta buffet and prizes. $35 registration for individual; $200 for team of six. Sponsorships available. Money raised will ensure that The First Tee of Greater Rockford will reach its mission of affecting young people’s lives by providing educational programs that building character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. $35-$200. Park Lanes Bowl, 5318 N. Second St., Loves Park. 815-877-6051.parklanesbowl.com/. info@the firstteegreaterrockford.org.

Loves Park Rotary presentation: The Erie Canal Fran Reidelberger narrates presentation about the Erie Canal. Tickets are $8. Coffee and dessert in the community room after presentation for $2.50. For information, call 815-540-4954. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park.

Junk: A Teacher’s Treasure Ages 18 and older. Program for creative educators living on a shoestring budget. Activites designed to enhance literacy and learning with inexpensive and recyclable materials. Presented by Bev Schumacher. Registration required. 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford.

Mark Dorsett Gallery Reading Spirit communicator Mark Dorsett provides messages from loved ones in spirit to provide healing and closure in group setting. Contact Kathi for reservation at 815-965-7606, ext. 6872, or kkresol@rockfordpubliclibrary.org.This event has been moved to Veterans Memorial Hall. 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. $15. Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford.

Fresh Twist on Holiday Cooking All area Logli and Hilander stores are hosting free event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample new products and recipes featuring gourmet items to try for the holiday season. Includes specialty products such as Cipolline onions, fingerling potatoes, ready-to-eat crepes and baby pineapples. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

Pancake Day Blaine UMC at Poplar Grove will be having a Pancake Day, all-you-can-eat, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a freewill offering, with proceeds to benefit the Food Pantry. Blaine United Methodist Church, 7200 Blaine Road, Poplar Grove.

Winnebago 4th of July Festival Breakfast Fundraiser Menu includes breakfast pizza, desser pizza, coffee, water and juice. All you can eat. Proceeds benefit the Winnebago 4th of July Festival. 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. $6. Anna’s Pizza & Pasta, 101 S. Benton St., Winnebago. 815-335-1065. lschultz@villageofwinnebago.com. Also, there will be a freewill offering with proceeds going toward the food pantry.

Yule Market Annual holiday sale with Swedish specialties and international items. Skorpor and Korv will be available. Bakery items and Laotian egg rolls are featured as well. Morning pastry, homemade lunch and coffee will be served. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St., Rockford. BCov@BethesdaCovenant.com.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza There is no charge to attend. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. All Saints Lutheran Church, Blackhawk and Luther Drive, Byron.allsaintswelca@aol.com.

Holiday Bazaar Donations of items accepted. Orders being taken for ham loaves; call Dorothy, 815-239-1435. Bazaar quilt raffle for Mama Says quilt. For informatoin, call 815-239-1110 or email secretary@pecumc.org.9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12. Pecatonica United Methodist Church, 528 Washington St., Pecatonica. secretary@pecumc.org.

Holiday Bazaar Bake Sale and Luncheon Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in fellowship hall for $8. For reservations, call church office at 815-544-6402. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. First Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, 221 N. Main St., Belvidere. 815-544-6402.

Holiday Artisans Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 815-986-0628 or contact the Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries office at 815.962.4279 or RALMmail@aol.com. 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Katie’s Cup Coffeebar, 502 Seventh St., Rockford.

SUNDAY

Avalon Quartet at the Art Institute-NIU Art Museum Get-On-The-Bus trip Join art and music lovers for a concert by the world renown 9and NIU’s own) Avalon Quarted, including an introductory lecture with art recommendations that correlate with the music of the day. Visit the museum after the concert. Transportation costs: NIU Art Museum Members 12:00, Seniors/Students/ $16, Others $20. Museum Admission on your own. Registration and payment deadline was Wednesday, Nov. 9. 11:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Northern Illinois University Art Museum, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. 815-753-1936. niu.edu/artmuseum.darntzen@niu.edu.

Rockford Comic Book Convention Dealers from three states will have comic books form the golden age to present, along with a variety of related collectible items such as action figures. They will also be buying comics. Free admission. For information, go to epguides. com/comics or call 309-657-1599. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Holiday Inn, 7550 E. State St., Rockford.

Jim Gill concert and CD signing. 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Wonderland Books and Toys, 1625 N. Alpine Road in Edgebrook Center, Rockford.

Big Thunder Grange Toy Show and Sale Many toy vendors from all over the Midwest will offer farm toys, trucks, NASCAR, Vindex, arcade toys, H.O. trains to show and sell, plus other items from suppliers such as Ertile, Spec Cast, First Gear and other toy companies. Some craft tables. $2 admission. Lunch is available. For information, call Dean, 815-547-8380. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. $2. Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Illinois 76, Belvidere.

Wonderful World of Christmas Craft Show More than 100 area crafters and businesses will display items. Bake sales, food booths and over 300 grab bag gifts will also be available. Santa will arrive at 11 a.m. and stay until 1:30 p.m. to hear special wishes. Admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children. This event is sponsored by the Genoa Community Women’s Club to benefit the G-K high school scholarship fund. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Genoa-Kingston High School, 980 Park Ave., Genoa. 815-761-0515. marylerd@msn.com.

Worship Service. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave., Rockford. 815-968-5433.emmanuelchurch7@aol.com.

Worship Service We are a non-denominational Christian church meeting weekly at 906 McKnight Circle, Rockford. Bible study begins shortly after service for anyone interested. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Freedom Through The Word Church, 906 McKnight Circle, Rockford. fttwpastorjoe@aol.com.

White Swan School’s 150-year celebration White Swan School will hold a 150-year celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at the school, 7550 Mill Road, Rockford. The public is invited to help students and staff celebrate the school’s anniversary. The celebration will include building tours, a time capsule reveal, alumni memorabilia and other historical displays, a musical performance by students, an ice cream social, old-fashioned games and more. Refreshments will be provided.

Stitch ‘n Bitch Do It In Public A gathering of Stitch enthusiasts. Rockford Area Stitcherswhatever you stitch or do with fibers, we want to include you. Knit, crochet, cross stitch, bobbin lace, spinning, even if all you do is stitch buttons on you are welcome. Become a part of the national “DIIP” movement, “Do It In Public,” to spread the enthusiam for stitching. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford. Stitcheree@yahoogroups.com.

Kishwaukee Valley Concert Band JA Patriotic Concert lead by conductor Phyllis Hogberg with guest soprano Margie Sheldon and narrated by Ken Staff. You will hear music by James Curnow, George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St., Rockford. cnj19771@earthlink.net.

2011-2012ConcertSeries:Brad Liebl, baritone Free, but freewill offering will be received. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.

Rock Valley College and Community Jazz Bands Ken Stein directs the Rock Valley College and Community Jazz bands. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. $6-$7. Rock Valley College Performing Arts Room, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.k.stein@rockvalleycollege.edu.

OFFER HELP FOR ROCKFORD HOMEOWNERS

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:01:02 PST

Rockford – Homeowners struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments can find help in avoiding foreclosure at a Help for Homeowners event this month hosted by Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office.

Madigan’s office, together with state Sen. Dave Syverson and Rep. Charles E. Jefferson, will hold the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 19, at the Hilton Garden Inn Rockford, 7675 Walton St.

Attorney General housing counselors will be available to meet individually with homeowners and provide important information about preventing foreclosure and avoiding foreclosure rescue scams. Madigan’s office has held similar events throughout Illinois to help residents seek loan modifications, a move aimed at reducing their monthly mortgage payments and avoiding foreclosure.

The Attorney General created the “Help for Homeowners” events to assist the thousands of Illinois residents caught up in the national foreclosure crisis. Madigan also launched her Homeowner Helpline, staffed during regular business hours by Attorney General housing counselors who provide one-on-one assistance to homeowners who are facing foreclosure or have been victimized by a foreclosure rescue scam.

Madigan urged homeowners in crisis to contact the Helpline for assistance at (866) 544-7151.

Local "Warming Centers"

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:08:17 PST

Boone and Winnebago Counties

November 2011 through April 2012

ROCKFORD SITES

Carpenter’s Place Monday - Friday

1149 Railroad Ave. Rockford 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m

815-964-4105

Salvation Army Monday - Friday

1706 – 18^th Ave. 8:00 am – 5:00pm One room available.

815-397-0440 If family with minors, signed release needed

Winnebago County Justice Center Lobby open 24 hours/7 days a week

650 W. State St.

Women’s Crisis Center Women and Children only

809 Cedar St. Warming – 7 days a week 8:00am – 5:00pm

815-986-0393

Public Safety Bldg. Lobby open if 32 degrees or below

420 W. State St. Monday – Friday

7:00am – 5:00pm

Rockford Rescue Mission 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

715 W. State St. Meals served 3 times a day

815-965-5332 7:00am - Noon - 5:30pm

BELVIDERE SITES

Keen Age Center Monday - Friday

2141 Henry Luckow Lane 8:00am – 4:30pm

815-544-9893

Salvation Army Monday - Friday

422 S. Main St. 9:00am – 4:00pm

815-544-3892

His Glory Mission Monday – Thursday

209 S. State St. 11:00am – 4:00pm

815-547-8287 Friday

11:00am – 2:00pm

Closed holidays

The Salvation Army Christmas Center

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:09:47 PST

2011 Christmas Registration

The Salvation Army Christmas Center

(the old Sears Essentials location)

1515 East Riverside Blvd

Loves Park, IL 61111

815-972-1135

Monday, Nov 28^th – Friday, Dec 2^nd 9am – 4pm

Additional Evening Hours on Thursday, Dec 1^st4pm – 6pm

Please bring the following items with you:

1. State ID or Driver’s License for each adult in the household

2. Medical card or birth certificates for each child in the household

3. Proof of address for the household

This location is accessible by RMTD bus service.

2011 Christmas Registration

The Salvation Army Christmas Center

(the old Sears Essentials location)

1515 East Riverside Blvd

Loves Park, IL 61111

815-972-1135

Monday, Nov 28^th – Friday, Dec 2^nd 9am – 4pm

Additional Evening Hours on Thursday, Dec 1^st4pm – 6pm

Please bring the following items with you:

1. State ID or Driver’s License for each adult in the household

2. Medical card or birth certificates for each child in the household

3. Proof of address for the household

This location is accessible by RMTD bus service.

Veterans Tuition Waivers Available

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:11:16 PST

There is a tuition waiver available for children of Veterans living in Illinois. The waiver may be used for any University of Illinois campus. Up to six waivers per Illinois county are awarded each year, one for each of the following conflicts: World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Southwest Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Applications will be available beginning December 1, 2011. Students need to apply before March 1, 2012. To learn more about this tuition waiver, go to: https://secure.admin.illinois.edu/osfa/scholarship-database/detail.aspx?id=1522

Any questions can be directed to The Office of Student Financial Aid, Ph: 217-333-0100.

Please let anyone who qualifies know about this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Dan Rutherford

Illinois State Treasurer

Winter Wonderland to Davis Park

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:02:44 PST

Downtown Rockford’s Davis Park again will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with outdoor ice skating, benches, evergreen trees, fire pit and thousands of twinkling lights, starting at 6 p.m. today, when local leaders will light up the park for the season.

Admission to Winter Wonderland presented by BMO Harris Bank is free FRIDAY for opening night, with $2 skate rental at the park at 320 S. Wyman St.

The rink’s regular hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 29. There also will be special holiday break hours from Dec.
19-30, from 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Also, skate with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 31. The rink will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Admission to skate is $3, and skate rental is $2.

The rink is the largest outdoor synthetic ice surface in the world.
It debuted last year with 5,000 visitors.

“This venue brings our community together in the spirit of the season and draws people to downtown Rockford,” Mike Dunn, chairman of the board of RAVE (Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment), said in a news release.

Where to buy a Christmas Tree in the Rockford-Area

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:23:42 PST

NORTH

Arrowhead Tree Farm, 8473 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton. Take Meridian Road north to Shirland Road; turn west on Shirland Road to Boswell Road; north on Boswell about two miles to Yale Bridge Road; left on Yale Bridge.

Trees: Blue Spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, white fir

Other items: Large trees from 15 to 20 feet.
Prices: Starting at $20, shaking and baling provided
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: 815-742-3729

B & B Wood Products, 9455 N. Meridian Road, Rockton, between Stewart and Favor roads.

Trees: Concolor fir, Balsam fir and Scotch pine
Other items: Wreaths
Prices: Starting at $15; some bargain specials for $10.
Hours: 9 a.m. to dusk Thursdays through Sundays
Phone: 815-629-2608

Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road, northwest of Rockton.

Trees: Scotch pine, white pine, balsam fir, Fraser fir, Colorado blue spruce, Canaan, Norway spruce

Prices: Average pines are $31; $16 for pines smaller than 4 feet; $45 for pines taller than 9 feet; $8 a foot for spruces and firs; pre-cut trees are tagged.
Other items: Gift shop, Cabin Cafe, Candy Corner, hayrides, tractor-drawn trolley rides, pony rides, Kiddie Train and Santa. Reindeer and camel as well.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Phone: 815-624-7579 or 800-423-6635
Website: Williamstreefarm.com

Valley View Christmas Tree Farm, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe. Take Illinois 251 north to Bridge Street (Belvidere Road); head east about one mile.

Trees: Douglas fir, balsam fir and blue spruce, Scotch pine, white pine. Precuts are Fraser fir, balsam and white pine.
Prices: Pine trees are $30, and balsam, fir and spruce trees are $7 a foot. Pre-cut are $8 a foot for Fraser firs; $6 a foot for balsam firs and $4 a foot for white pine. They provide saws, and they shake and bale trees for free.
Other items: Free cookies and wassail, gift shop in the old dairy barn features old-world ornaments with stories, wreaths, fresh garland and cemetery items.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: 815-623-2730 or 815-494-3707

Keith’s Christmas Trees, 4325 Favor Road, Rockton.

Prices: $30 for 6- to 12-foot trees; less for shorter ones. They provide saws, twine, shaking and baling.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: 815-968-5903
Website: Keithstrees.com

Paul’s Tree Farm, 16239 W. Beloit Newark Road (County Q), Brodhead, Wis., about 15 miles west of Beloit

Trees: Scotch pine, white pine, Norway pine, balsam fir, Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Con-color fir, white spruce, blue spruce and Norway spruce

Prices: Start at $18.96 (cash only, no checks or credit cards). Shaking and baling available.

Other items: Handmade wreaths and craft shop. The Newfoundland Dog Club’s dogs will help customers pull trees to their cars on select weekends.
See website for details.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting
Phone: 608-897-2569
Website: Paulstreefarm.com

Gensler Gardens, 102 Orth Road, Loves Park. Just north of Riverside Boulevard behind the Indoor Sports Center.

Trees: Three to 12-foot cut Fraser firs, White pine, Scotch Pine, Balsam

Other items: Live wreaths, garlands, permanent trees, Christmas decor, gifts, cemetery items and evergreen arrangements.
Prices: Trees starting at $14.99 for a 3-foot size
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays

Phone: 815-885-1765
Website: Genslergardens.com

SOUTH

George Poe Forestry Consultant, located on Illinois 64, just east of Mount Morris.

Trees: Concolor firs up to 10 feet, white pine up to 12 feet, Fraser firs up to 10 feet and Norway spruce up to 12 feet; cut your own or pre-cut; wrapping is available for $3 a tree.
Prices: Pines $5 a foot; firs and spruce $9 a foot. Prices include sales tax.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; open by appointment on weekdays.
Phone: 815-734-4843

White Pines Christmas Tree Forest, White Pines Forest State Park, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mount Morris.

Trees: Scotch pine, white pine and Fraser firs
Prices: Pines from $29.95 to $49.95; Fraser firs from $49.95 to $129.95; wreaths from $16.95 to $33.95; tree wrapping and twine for tying are provided.
Other items: Free apple cider, snowman mug with each tree purchase to the first 500; free horse-drawn wagon rides and face painting on Saturdays and Sundays, and a Christmas shop, as well as Santa.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily through Dec. 19
Phone: 815-946-3817
Website: Whitepinesinn.com

EAST

Ben’s Fraser Fir Farm, on Capron Road (Wooster Street) 7 miles west of Harvard and one mile south of the town Capron and Illinois 173.

Trees: Hand-pruned, organically grown Fraser firs from 6 to 10 feet

Prices: All trees are $8.75 a foot; free shaking and netting; free drilling of trees for 1 1 / 2- gallon capacity tree stands; saws andtwine provided
Other items: Fresh handmade Fraser fir wreaths, garland and boughs. Dog-friendly.
Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 630-279-3227
Website: Benstreefarm.com

Nature’s Best Trees, 13001 Illinois 76, Poplar Grove, at the intersection of Dawson Lake Road and Illinois 76, six miles north of the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Trees: White pine; Fraser, con-color, Douglas and Canaan firs; Black Hills, Norway and blue spruce. Trees up to 16 feet available depending on variety.

Prices: Firs and spruce trees are $10 a foot; white pines are $5 a foot.
Other items: Deluxe custommade wreaths and garland with eight types of greens, boxwood wreaths, specialty wreaths (candy canes, hearts, crosses, Christmas trees) all made on-site; round wreaths from 12 inches to 75 inches, all wreaths have choice of bows and decorations, live centerpieces, grave blankets, custom metal hanging baskets with live greens, metal plant stands with live greens, and farm-raised raw wildflower honey.
Hours: 3 p.m. to dusk Mondays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to dusk Fridays through Sundays; appointments are available. Open through Dec. 18.
Phone: 815-765-2960 or 815-505-3377

MLT Farms, 17310 Burr Oak Road, Capron

Trees: Cut Scotch pine, white pine, blue spruce, Fraser fir and Douglas fir Prices:Starting at $50
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdaysand Sundays
Phone: 815-985-0331 or 815-569-2117
Website: Mltfarms.com

Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm, 7720 Ryan Road, just off Hunter Road,1 /3 mile north of Illinois 173, four miles west of Harvard.

Trees/prices: Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Concolor fir, Canaan fir, Nordman fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway spruce, Engelman spruce, White spruce (6-14 feet) are $8.75/foot. Scotch, White and Red pines are $39 (5-8 1 /2feet) and $6 per foot (9-14 feet). Table top trees (3-4 feet) are $15 each. Tall cathedral ceiling trees up to 14 feet are also available, as well as precut trees. Free shaking and netting; free drilling of trees for1 1 /2-gallon capacity tree stands;saws and twine provided.
Other items: Free Horse-drawn wagon and tractor rides, hot chocolate and coffee. Cider doughnuts also available. There also are farm animals, Santa, nature trail and farm crafts. Handmade Fraser fir wreaths and garlands,

Christmas decorations and boughs also are available. Dog-friendly.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays

Phone: 630-279-0216 Website: Benstreefarm.com

Oney’s Tree Farm, 16608 U.S. 14, Woodstock.

Trees: Austrian, scotch and white pine; Norway, blue, Colorado and Serbian spruce; concolor, Douglas and Fraser fir. Also have trees with roots for later planting starting at $30.

Prices: Cut-your-own from $52 to $150; pre-cut $68 to $160.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Dec. 11
Other items: Historic barn with gift shop, wreaths, garland, centerpieces, custom decorating; on the weekends, Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, ponyrides, food and beverages.
Phone: 815-338-4108
Website: Oneystreefarm.com

WEST

Dollinger Christmas Tree Farm, 23882 Payne Road, Shannon.

Trees: Canaan and concolor firs; blue, Norway and Serbian spruces; Scotch and white pines. Shaking, netting and disposable bags also available.
Other items: Gift shop, handmade wreaths, hand-sheared trees; free apple cider and popcorn; wagon rides on the weekends.
Prices: Start at $8 pre-cut; all trees have price tags.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 815-864-2437
Website: Dollingertreefarm.com

Pine Summit Tree Farm,3507 Charolaise Road, Cedarville. Take Illinois 26 north to Cedarville and follow the signs.

Trees: White and Scotch pine, Norway and blue spruce, Fraser and balsam fir (limited supply of Fraser firs) Prices: $30 and up; free shaking and baling.
Other items: Handmade wreaths
Hours: Dawn to dusk Saturdays and Sundays; weekdays by appointment only.
Phone: 815-821-4195

Baileyville Christmas Trees, 200 S. Pearl St., Baileyville; 25 miles west of Rockford on Montague Road to Pearl, four blocks south; five miles south of Freeport on Illinois 26 or Baileyville Road, follow signs.

Trees: Balsam fir, blue spruce, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Scotch pine, white pine

Prices:Starting at $30; free shaking; tree baling is $1
Other items: Handmade wreaths, roping and gift shop.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Phone: 815-233-9084

LOTS...

YMCA of the Rock River Valley Retired Men’s Club Christmas Tree lot,Highcrest Shopping Center at Alpine and Highcrest roads, Rockford.
Trees:White pine, balsam fir, Canaan fir and Fraser fir
Other items: Wreaths, roping
Prices: $30 to $75
Hours: 1 to 7 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays Phone: 815-489-1365

Boy Scout Troop 426 Christmas Tree Sale, Concordia Lutheran Church, 7424 N. Second St., Machesney Park.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 18

ADRIATIC Live Music Schedule December 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:15:17 PST

ADRIATIC

327 West Jefferson Street

Rockford, IL 61101

Nino Gardona, Manager

(815)967-9939

Live Music Schedule December 2011

Date Time Band Cover Charge

Thursday, December 1 9:00 p.m. People, Places & Time $3.00

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, December 2 9:00 p.m. Pistol Pete $3.00

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Saturday, December 3 9:00 p.m. The Procrastinators $3.00

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Tuesday, December 6 7:00 p.m. Miles Nielson

Songwriters Night $5.00

Wednesday, December 7 7:30 p.m. Brother K Band $3.00

Friday, December 9 9:00 p.m. Champagne, Fire & Ice $3.00

Saturday, December 10 9:00 p.m. The Resistors $3.00

Wednesday, December 14 7:30 p.m. Brother K Band $3.00

Friday, December 16 9:00 p.m. Brother K Band $3.00

Saturday, December 17 9:00 p.m. Call $3.00

Tuesday, December 20 7:00 p.m. Miles Nielson

Songwriters Night $5.00

Wednesday, December 21 7:30 p.m. Brother K Band $3.00

Thursday, December 22 9:00 p.m. J.F. Gaziano &

The Beat Merchants $3.00

Friday, December 23 9:00 p.m. Jazz Night $3.00

Wednesday, December 28 7:30 p.m. Brother K Band $3.00

Friday, December 30 9:00 p.m. Pistol Pete $3.00

Saturday, December 31 9:00 p.m. Honcho & Guests $5.00

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

_____________________________________________________________________________

12 HOURS OF SALVATION TOY DRIVE

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:57:52 PST

Contact: Melissa Revels

Title: Business Development Representative

Number: 815.332.9898 x 225 or 312.259.2739

Email: mrevels@fncu.org

12 HOURS OF SALVATION TOY DRIVE

To Benefit Thousands of Stateline Families

ROCKFORD, Ill. – First Northern Credit Union and Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall are partnering this year for the 15^th Annual “12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive” on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Lou Bachrodt’s Auto Mall – 7070 Cherryvale North Blvd.

In 2010 the “12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive” collected thousands of toys and over $7,000 in cash for the Salvation Army. Join us in helping thousands of stateline boys and girls have a jollier Christmas. All toys stay local.

In previous years over 90% of the toys collected by the Salvation Army came from this one day event!

“We’re very excited the Bachrodt crew has welcomed us into their annual toy drive,” says Jon Pick, District Manager of Financial Sales/Service with First Northern Credit Union. “We can’t wait to see the amazing turnout of toys in the show room. Being a part of this event has shown us just how great our community is when it’s working together.”

First Northern Credit Union employees are purchasing $1,000 in toys for the event. Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall and Lou Bachrodt Buick GMC employees have contributed almost $10,000 towards toys from their paychecks to kick off this year’s drive.

First Northern employees will shop on Wednesday, December 7 to hand pick the best toys with the $1000 the credit union has donated.

###

About First Northern Credit Union:

First Northern Credit Union (FNCU) was established in 1944 as Edison Credit Union and strives to provide unparalleled service to over 23,000 members. Branches are located in Chicago, Evanston, Rockford and Freeport. Members have access to over 71,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 6,700 Shared Branching locations nationwide, Online Banking and Bill Pay. Visit FNCU’s Web site at www.fncu.org.

For additional information on this press release or to schedule an interview, contact Melissa Revels at 815.332.9898 x 225 or mrevels@fncu.org.

SNAP OPEN HOUSE!

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:58:02 PST

OPEN HOUSE

MONDAY DECEMBER 12TH, 2011

4PM-7PM

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

811 S. PERRYVILLE RD

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 61108

PHONE: 815.227.1110

FAX: 815.227.1118

EMAIL: ROCKFORDIL@SNAPFITNESS.COM

PLEASE BRING IN A GUEST/FAMILY/FRIENDS/CO-WORKERS

(DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM)

WE WILL HAVE LIGHT REFRESHMENTS/DOOR PRIZES/ENTER TO WIN A 3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP /AND MUCH MORE!!

COMPLETE NUTRITION WILL BE ON SITE.