Archive for October, 2009

Yankees pull even before heading to Philadelphia

Friday, October 30th, 2009

By Joe McGehee

Staff Writer

The New York Yankees entered game two of the 2009 World Series knowing a loss would mean going to Philadelphia down two games to none, placing them squarely behind the proverbial eight ball. Perhaps no one on their roster understood this more than starter A.J. Burnett, and his strong seven innings of work illustrated this point clearly.

Burnett’s model for success was simple: throw first-pitch strikes, get ahead of the hitters, then force them to hit your best pitch in your desired location. Making the first World Series start of his 11-year career, Burnett stuck to his plan by throwing strike one to the first 11 Phillies batters to step to the plate.

Aside from DH Matt Stairs‘ single off the glove of 3B Alex Rodriguez in the second inning that plated OF Raul Ibanez, Burnett was untouchable, allowing only four hits, two walks and striking out nine Phillies before handing the ball of to closer Mariano Rivera in the eighth.

In the fourth, with his team trailing by a run, 1B Mark Teixeira homered to right-center field off Phillies starter Pedro Martinez to even the score. Teixeira was mired in an 8-for-44 postseason slump before belting the homer off the surprisingly-efficient Martinez.

Martinez, who is no stranger to postseason play in New York, looked strong through his first six innings of work, displaying a dazzling array of newly-mastered breaking balls and consistently pitching to the corners of the plate, keeping Yankees hitters off-balance and guessing. But, when DH Hideki Matsui hit a two-strike curve ball off his shoe-tops into the fifth row of the right-field seats, the Yankees took their first lead of the series, and never relinquished it. Pinch-hitter Jorge Posada added another run in the seventh off reliever Chan Ho Park, which was credited to Martinez.

Overall, Martinez pitched six innings, allowing six hits, three earned runs and struck out eight. It was an impressive – if not improbable – performance from the aging star, but Burnett’s mastery was just too much for the Philadelphia offense to overcome before Rivera entered the game to record a six-out save.

The Phillies’ bench had to cringe at the sight of Rivera warming in the bullpen in the seventh inning, as his entrance usually means the end for opposing teams, especially in the postseason. Rivera’s save was his tenth in World Series play, which stands as the all-time record for saves recorded in the “Fall Classic.”

The series will reconvene in Philadelphia on Halloween night (Saturday, Oct. 31) at 6:57 CST, where it will be a battle of lefties. The Yankees will send veteran Andy Pettitte to the hill to square off against reigning World Series Most Valuable Player Cole Hamels, who is looking to recapture his form from last year’s postseason.

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Phillies take game one 6-1, Yankees look to rebound tonight

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

By Joe McGehee

Staff Writer

Someone forgot to tell Phillies’ starter Cliff Lee he should be a bit more nervous as he took the mound in the first game of the 2009 World Series. Lee seemed as calm as a man out for a leisurely stroll last evening, as he earned the victory for the Phillies by pitching a complete game and surrendering only one unearned run. He also struck out 10 batters while allowing no walks.

Lee’s performance was as consistent as the steady drizzle that fell throughout last night’s game. He kept the Yankees hitters off balance, changing speeds and hitting his spots all night, on his way to becoming just the third pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to strike out 10 batters and give up no walks on MLB’s brightest stage.

For his part, 2B Chase Utley hit a pair of home runs off Yankees starter CC Sabathia. Utley’s homer in the third was the first longball Sabathia had given up to a left-handed batter since Aug. 2, and the first homer he had allowed to a lefty all year at New Yankee Stadium.

To his credit, Sabathia turned in a decent performance, but it was simply out-shined by the performance of Lee. Sabathia gave up four hits and two runs in seven innings, with both runs coming off the bat of Utley.

Utley’s blast to right field in the top of the sixth inning put the Phillies ahead to stay, and placed his name beside the immortal Babe Ruth as the only left-handed hitters to homer twice off left-handed pitchers in a World Series game. Ruth accomplished the feat some 81 years ago in game four of the 1929 “Fall Classic.”

When OF Raul Ibanez singled home SS Jimmy Rollins and OF Shane Victorino in the top of the eighth, exposing a glaring weakness in the Yankees bullpen, the die was seemingly cast and all but assured the Phillies of taking a 1-0 lead on the heavily-favored Yankees. Winning game one assured the Phillies of leaving New York with no worse than a split before heading home for the next three games.

Taking a 1-0 lead in the World Series has proven to be historically beneficial, as 18 of the last 21 teams to emerge victorious in the series opener have gone on to win the crown. The last six world champions have won the series opener, which has to bode well for manager Charlie Manual’s squad.

Game two is tonight at 6:57 CST, with Pedro Martinez facing A.J. Burnett in what has to be considered a must-win for manager Joe Girardi’s Yankees. To go to Philadelphia down two games to none would be a daunting task, which would assuredly limit the Bronx Bombers’ chances of winning their 27th World Series title.

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Homework essential to buying your first home

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Courtesy of ARA Content

Are you considering taking the plunge and buying your first home? If so, you’re not alone. Across the country, owning a home still represents the American dream for many, and the opportunity to buy your first home couldn’t be better.

Declining home prices, increasing numbers of foreclosed properties and unique government stimulus programs are luring potential homeowners into the market. But, purchasing a new home is more challenging then it was just a year or two ago. Relaxed lending standards over the past decade led to one of the greatest housing market booms in the nation’s history, and have now contributed to one of the greatest housing market crashes. Lenders who were previously able to easily lend to most homebuyers have now severely tightened their lending standards, making it more difficult for potential buyers to obtain financing.

If you are still ready to make the jump from renter to homebuyer, here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online source for legal information about how to prepare to purchase your first home.

Carefully inspect your credit report

Lenders check your credit report to see if you have the means, the capacity and the track record to pay the mortgage on the home you would like to purchase. The better your credit score, the more likely you will obtain a favorable interest rate and terms on a mortgage.

To learn what your credit score is and if there are any mistakes on your credit report, contact the three major consumer credit reporter companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The Fair Credit Reporting Act mandates that each of the consumer credit reporting companies must provide you with a free copy of your credit report at your request once every 12 months. If you find mistakes on a credit report, notify the credit reporting company in writing of the mistake. The reporting companies must, by law, investigate the disputed items unless they find the dispute is frivolous. Credit scores are based on a range of 300 to 850, and a score of 700 or more suggests good credit management, according to Experian.

Become familiar with mortgage terms and conditions

A mortgage is a legal agreement between the lender and the buyer of a home in which the property is collateral for the loan. A lien on the property being purchased secures the promise to repay the loan. Never sign any legal documents, including a mortgage, if you do not clearly understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. If you feel pressured to sign a document, walk away and seek the assistance of an attorney or trusted real estate professional.

Shop around for your loan

Contact at least three financial institutions to obtain information about mortgage rates, terms and conditions for a first-time homebuyer. When you believe you have enough money for a down payment, obtaining a pre-approval letter from the lending financial institution can speed the purchasing process along. Sellers may be eager to sell a property in today’s market, but they’re just as eager to avoid a buyer who is unable get a mortgage to pay for their property.

First-time home-buying programs

As you consider buying your first home, look into local, state and federal programs that may offer financial assistance for first-time homeowners. Check with your mortgage lender to learn more about, and to see if you qualify for, the 2009 first-time homebuyer’s tax credit. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit by increasing the credit amount to $8,000 for purchases made in 2009 before Dec. 1, 2009. In most circumstances, the 2009 credit does not have to be paid back, but be sure you fully understand your obligations before you count on not paying back the credit.

You also may be able to obtain a bridge loan and apply the funds to your closing costs. Additional information is available at www.hud.gov and www.irs.gov. If you’re a military veteran, the Veteran’s Administration also offers special loan programs for which you may qualify.

Hire a real estate professional

Buying a home will probably be the largest financial transaction you will make in your lifetime, and it’s a process that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Most buyers often rely on their Realtor, loan officer or closing agent to guide them through the purchase process. If you feel you do not clearly understand the purchasing process, or you would feel more confident if you had additional expertise to make a sound decision, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in real estate law to review and negotiate your offer to the seller, to review your mortgage and closing documents, and to be present and represent you at the closing. Hiring an experienced real estate attorney would be especially useful in dealing with the complexities of purchasing a foreclosed home.

Do your homework

When shopping for a home, take the time to research neighborhoods where you would like to own a property. There are many online tools to help you research the schools, property taxes and values and crime statistics. Visit as many open houses as possible in the neighborhood, as well as nearby shops and other facilities that add value to owning a property. As you narrow down your home choices, work closely with your attorney or real estate professional to obtain a professional inspection of the structures and to understand any disclosures made about the homes.

Consult with friends and family

Experience is often the best teacher. When you start looking for your first home, consult with a parent or friends who have purchased homes to get their perspective of what to look for in a home, and what to expect in terms of ownership and maintenance.

Co-buying a home

If you’re interested in co-buying a home with a friend or a future spouse/partner, work with a real estate lawyer to clearly define the arrangement and the sharing of the title. Working things out up front will reduce potential problems if circumstances change.

For more information and tips about buying or selling a home, visit realestate.findlaw.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Phillies and Yankees meet in 2009 ‘Fall Classic’

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Joe McGehee

Staff Writer

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees are the final two teams standing after the nearly seven-month marathon of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season nears its climax. One team will walk away as World Champions, while the other will face a long off-season of wondering just what went wrong.

As to be expected, the New Yorkers come into the World Series heavily favored, with most “experts” picking them to wrestle the crown away from the defending champions in six games. The Yankees have an incredibly deep line-up designed to batter opposing pitchers into submission, and their starting rotation features two former Cy Young Award winners in CC Sabathia and Andy Petitte.

However, the “Fighting Phils” have pretty a potent line-up of their own, and a starting rotation that boasts two former Cy Young Award winners in Cliff Lee and the ageless Pedro Martinez. The factors many of the “experts” failed to recognize were the Phillie’s heart and resilience.

Regardless of the outcome, the 105th edition of the “Fall Classic” looks to be perhaps the most offensively-explosive match-up in MLB history. Not only do both teams feature high-powered offenses, but they also play in stadiums that are “hitter-friendly”, to say the least.

The Yankees (244) and Phillies (224) ranked first and second respectively in regular season home runs, while both teams led their league in runs scored. To add to the potential offensive fireworks that could leave many pitchers writhing in postseason agony, New Yankee Stadium (161) and Citizens Bank Park (149) also ranked one and two in balls leaving the park.

Consider for a moment a selection of names in the respective line-ups: Alex Rodriguez; Mark Tiexiera; Derek Jeter; Ryan Howard; Chase Utley; Raul Ibanez. These players alone seem capable of blowing several fuses in the scoreboard. But, when you consider the bats around these superstars in the line-up, it is easy to see that there will be many crooked numbers hung in each half inning.

Those of you who have watched the World Series consistently will struggle to remember too many blow-out wins in October. So, even with two teams with such potent offenses, it only stands to reason that the series will not feature as many high-scoring games as the stats may suggest. October, and this year, November baseball games are usually closely-contested, low-scoring affairs with both managers thinking three moves ahead to quell any potential big innings.

Pitching will play a huge role in deciding who walks away with the title – as it always does – but pitching in these bandboxes may prove challenging to both staffs. New Yankee Stadium has played closer to the size of a telephone booth in its first year of existence, and Citizens Bank Park has long been considered a launching pad.

Keeping the ball in the park will only be one concern for two pitching staffs facing formidable hitters on the brightest stage MLB has to offer. Both teams feature enough speed and gap-to-gap power to make the specter of extra-base hits enough to keep both Charlie Manuel and Joe Girardi close to the Mylanta bottle.

Aside from the obvious key match-ups like closers Mariano River and Brad Lidge facing any of the numerous big bats in each line-up in the ninth inning, look for the less glamorous face-offs like Phillies’ starter turned reliever J.A. Happ coming into the game in the seventh or eighth inning to face left-handed-hitting Hideki Matsui, then staying in to force Tiexiera to bat right-handed, which historically has been his weaker hitting side.

Also, keep a close eye on who the Yankees hand the ball off to in the seventh and eighth innings ahead of their all-world closer Rivera. With Phil Hughes losing the edge he had earlier in the year, don’t be surprised to see former starter Joba Chamberlain take the hill in the waning moments of close games.

This series promises to be a hotly-contested, closely-played battle between two highly talented teams that have not lost any love for the other. The battle between New York and Philadelphia in what the media has dubbed the “Turnpike Series,” will be about much more than winning a championship. In many respects, it will be a battle for East Coast supremacy, and bragging rights lasting all the way up to the start of Spring Training in 2010.

Even though many are picking the Yankees to prevail, I predict the Phillies will win a close series in seven games, becoming the first National League team to win back-to-back World Series titles since Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” in 1975 and ‘76.

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Community Calendar for week of Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2009

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Ongoing Attractions

Burpee Museum of Natural History – 737 N. Main St. Mon.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donation days every Mon. Info: 815-965-3433.

Discovery Center Museum – 711 N. Main St. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-963-6769.

Tinker Swiss Cottage – 411 Kent St. Tours 1, 2, 3 p.m., Tues.-Sun. Info: 815-964-2424.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden – 2715 S. Main St. Sun.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission Mon. Info: 815-965-8146.

Anderson Japanese Gardens – 318 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Memorial Hall – 211 N. Main St. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Mon-Fri., or by appointment. Info: 815-969-1999.

Camp Grant – 1004 Samuelson Road. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tues.-Sat. Restaurant on premises. Info: 815-395-0679.

Lewis Lemon Community Center – 1993 Mulberry St. Mon.-Fri., 5:30-11 p.m. Free. Info: 815-987-8800.

Ethnic Heritage Museum – 1129 S. Main St. Sun., 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-962-7402.

Pine Tree Pistol Club – Info about club & classes: 815-874-7399.

Sinnissippi Greenhouse – Sinnissippi Park. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info: 815-987-8800.

Graham-Ginestra House Museum – 1115 S. Main St. Sundays, 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-968-6044.

Midway Village – 6799 Guilford Road. Mon.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Info: 815-397-9112.

Stone Quarry Recreation Park – 6845 N. German Church Road, Byron. Mon.-Fri., 4-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-8 p.m. Info: 815-234-8900.

Health Classes/Seniors Meetings/Support Groups – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health. Call for specific meetings/dates/info: 815-395-4505.

Support Groups/Youth Drop-in Hours – Diversity of Rockford, 117 S. Third St. Free. Weekly. Call for specific meetings/dates/info: 815-964-2639.

Alcoholics Anonymous – Call for locations/times/info: 815-558-4582, 815-227-4633 or 815-968-0333.

Narcotics Anonymous – Call for locations/times/info: 815-964-5959 or 888-656-7329.

Support for Retired Grievers – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Every other Wed. Call for dates/info: 815-636-4750.

Overeaters Anonymous – Various locations/dates. Call for prices/info: 815-397-8512 or 815-547-5932.

Rockford Public Library Used Book Shop – Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606.

Ken-Rock Community Center – 3218 11th St. Various activities throughout the year. Info: 815-398-8864.

Womanspace – 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Various activities throughout the year. Info: 815-877-0118.

Heritage Farm Museum – 8059 N. River Road, Byron. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 217.

Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum – 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove. Open weekdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 815-547-3115.

Rock River Valley Blood Center – 419 N. Sixth St. Mon.-Thurs., 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Fri., 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-8751 or 866-889-9037.

Kishwaukee Valley A.B.A.T.E. Meeting – V.F.W., 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park. Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Info: 815-544-3088.

Open Doors – Court Street United Methodist Church Chapel, 215 N. Court St. 12:30-1 p.m. Every Wed. Enter north end. Info: 815-962-6061.

Historic Auto Attractions – 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 815-389-9999.

Angelic Organics Learning Center – 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. Various classes & activities throughout the year. Info: 815-389-8455.

Byron Museum of History – 106 N. Union St., Byron. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-234-5031.

The Bridge Center of Rockford – 4861 American Road. Games & classes for beginners through experts. Info: 815-873-9334.

Becca’s Closet – One In Christ Church, 1502 Parkview Ave. Accepting donations of gently-used formal wear. Donations accepted Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at: Machesney Park City Hall (300 Machesney Road), Classic Formal Wear (Colonial Village Mall), United Way of Rock River Valley (612 N. Main St.), Crusader Clinic (1200 W. State St.) & Harlem Roscoe Fire Station (Bridge & Main streets, Roscoe). Info: 815-289-3551.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off – Rock River Water Reclamation District, 3333 Kishwaukee St. Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Info: 815-387-7400.

Club Round: A Clubhouse for Round People – 7120 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Suite 202, Loves Park. Various activities throughout the year. Info: 815-639-0312.

Rockton Township Historical Society Museum – Corner of Blackhawk Blvd. & Green St., Rockton. Open for tours every Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-624-4830.

Having Trouble Hearing on the Phone? – Center for Sight & Hearing, 8038 Macintosh Lane. Mon.-Fri. Free amplified phone program. Must be Illinois resident and have standard phone service. Application/info: 815-332-6800.

Stretch & Belly Dance Combo Beginner’s Class – Club Round, 7120 Windsor Lake Parkway. 7:30-9 p.m. Classes every Mon., Wed. & Fri. Registration/info: 815-639-0312.

Adventure Club – Jarrett Center, Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Ages 3-6. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Representative Ron Wait Office Hours – Zeke Giorgi Building, 200 S. Wyman St. Every Thursday. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Info: 815-987-7483.

Toddler Time – Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Alpine Road. 9:15 -10:15 a.m. Every Mon. and Tues. Free. Info: 815-399-3171.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Weekly Preschool Storytime – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ages 3-5. Every Wed. Info: 815-332-5161.

Cruisers’ and Walkers’ Storytime – Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St. Children younger than 2. Every Wed. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Bingo – Baltic Star Lodge, 1524 Ninth St. Doors open 9 a.m., first bingo 11:45 a.m. Every Wed. Info: 815-965-8132.

Preschool Story Time – Beloit Public Library, 409 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Every Wed. 10 a.m. Ages 3-5. Info: 608-364-2915.

Lapsit Storytime – Beloit Public Library, 409 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Every Wed. 10 a.m. Ages 12-24 months. Info: 608-364-2915.

Garden Tour – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Riding tours, reserve a week in advance. Self-guided walking tours also available. Info: 815-965-8146.

Pre-Read – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. 9:30 a.m. For children ages 3-6 and a caregiver. Info: 815-332-5161.

Creature Feature and Music Nights – Otto’s Nightclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Every Wed. Info: 815-758-2715.

Edgebrook’s Farmer’s Market – Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Wed. through Oct. 28. Info: 815-226-9193.

Prayer Vigil for Peace – Waterside Park, Corner of E. State Street and Water Street, Rockford. Every Wed. 5:30-6 p.m. Info: 815-520-0811.

Take a Tour of Klehm Arboretum – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

Cheerleading Class – Ken-Rock Community Center, 3218 11th St. 6-8 p.m. Info: 815-398-8864.

Abraham Lincoln and Manny Reaper Trial Exhibition – Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St. Info: 815-964-2424.

Trail of Screams – Trail of Screams, 9995 N. Girl Scout Road, Stillman Valley.

Fear Fest: Three Events in One Location – Screamatorium, 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit.

Results of the New Rockford Indoor Sports Complex Study – Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. 5-6:30 p.m. Info: 815-987-8800.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Comedy Night – Chubby Rain House of Tunes, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove. 9-11:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-765-1884.

Swing Dancing – St. Edward Church, 3004 11th St. 8-10:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-914-7441.

Support for Grief After Suicide – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 7 p.m. Free. Every other Thurs. Call for schedule/info: 815-636-4750.

2-Year-Olds’ Storytime – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. 9:30-10 a.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815- 965-7606, option 5.

Shall We Dance Ballroom Dance – Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Beginners 6 p.m., Intermediate/Advanced, 7 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-718-1814.

Pre-School Storytime – Rockford Public Library Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 11 a.m.-noon. Ages 3-5. Every Thurs. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

A Ministry of Restoration Bible Study – Montague Branch Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 5:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Prayer every Tues. 6:30 p.m. For prayer or info: 815-966-6322.

Pre-Read – Blackhawk Fire Station, 4919 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley. 10:30 a.m. For children ages 3-6. Info: 815-332-5161.

Wee Read – Blackhawk Fire Station, 4919 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley. 9:30 a.m. For children up to age 3 and a caregiver. Info: 815-332-5161.

Pre-Read – Blackhawk Fire Station, 4919 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley. 10:30 a.m. For children ages 3-6. Info: 815-332-5161.

Rockford Tai Chi Club Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Classes – Rockford Tai Chi Club, 7131 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Loves Park. 7 p.m. Info: 815-494-9483.

Reiki Share – Community of Christ Church, 6103 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. 6-8:30 p.m. First Thurs. of each month. Info: 815-398-6326.

Farmers’ Market – Main Street Square, 5301 Williams Drive, Roscoe.

Take a Tour of Klehm Arboretum – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

Abraham Lincoln and Manny Reaper Trial Exhibition – Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St. Info: 815-964-2424.

Kids Craft Night – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. 6 p.m. Info: 815-332-5161.

Fear Asylum – Fear Asylum, 1006 W. Lincoln Ave.

Fear Fest: Three Events in One Location – Screamatorium, 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit.

Trail of Screams – Trail of Screams, 9995 N. Girl Scout Road, Stillman Valley.

Wine Dinner featuring Spot On Cellars – Brio, 515 E. State St. 6:30 p.m. Info: 815-968-9463.

Ghost Tours & Halloween Hauntings – Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-968-2722.

Friday, Oct. 30

Drop-In Storytime – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. 10-10:30 a.m. Every Fri. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Midtown District Farmers’ Market – Midtown District, 400 Seventh St. Every Fri. through Oct. 16. Info: 815-964-0995.

Colonial Village Farmers’ Market – Colonial Village Mall, 1240 S. Alpine Road. Every Fri. through Oct. Info: 815-398-3350.

Take a Tour of Klehm Arboretum – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

Fear Asylum – Fear Asylum, 1006 W. Lincoln Ave.

Trail of Screams – Trail of Screams, 9995 N. Girl Scout Road, Stillman Valley.

Fear Fest: Three Events in One Location – Screamatorium, 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit.

Lockwood Park Fall Events – Glow in the Dark Pony Ring, Goblin Gameyard, Spooktacular Festival, Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Center, 5209 Safford Road. Info: 815-987-8809.

Cypress String Quartet Student Outreach – Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St. 10 a.m. Info: 815-964-9713.

Ken-Rock Community Center Annual Halloween Party – Ken-Rock Community Center, 3218 11th St. 6-8 p.m. Info: 815-398-8864.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Charles Street Multi-Use Path – Southwest corner of Charles Street and Perryville Road. 11 a.m. Info: 815-319-4000.

Saturday, Oct. 31

Free Tae Kwon Do Lessons – St. Patrick’s Church, 2505 School St. 3-4 p.m. Every Sat. Info: 815-965-9539.

Public Ice Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Indoor Playground, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-969-4069.

Rockford Tai Chi Club Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Classes – Rockford Tai Chi Club, 7131 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Loves Park. 7 p.m. Info: 815-494-9483.

Take a Tour of Klehm Arboretum – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

Saturday Family Fun At Lockwood Park – Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Center, 5209 Safford Road. Info: 815-987-8809.

Abraham Lincoln and Manny Reaper Trial Exhibition – Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St. Info: 815-964-2424.

Fear Asylum – Fear Asylum, 1006 W. Lincoln Ave.

Fear Fest: Three Events in One Location – Screamatorium, 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit.

Trail of Screams – Trail of Screams, 9995 N. Girl Scout Road, Stillman Valley.

Ghost Tours & Halloween Hauntings – Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-968-2722.

IceHogs vs. Chicago Wolves – Metro Centre, 300 Elm St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-968-5600.

Sunday, Nov. 1

Good God Questions – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 9:15 a.m. Every Sun. Free. Info: 815-964-4609.

Brew ’n’ View Movie Night – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. 7 p.m. Every Sun. Info: 815-965-0931.

“The Way” – Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St. Every first & third Sun. 5 p.m. Info: 815-963-4446.

Take a Tour of Klehm Arboretum – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

Fear Asylum – Fear Asylum, 1006 W. Lincoln Ave.

A Salute to Victory Bell – 1129 S. Main St. Sun., 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-962-7402.

“Day of the Dead” – 1129 S. Main St. Sun., 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-962-7402.

Loves Park Firemen’s Pancake Dinner – Loves Park City Hall, 100 Hart Blvd., Loves Park. 7 a.m.-noon. Info: 815-494-6699.

Yule Mall – Staybridge Suites, 633 N. Bell School Road. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-749-1400.

Monroe Center Firefighters’ Association All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Breakfast – Monroe Center Fire Station, 104 West St., Monroe Center. 7-11 a.m. Info: 815-393-4811.

Monday, Nov. 2

Story Time – Rockford Public Library Lewis Lemon Branch, 1988 Jefferson St. 10-10:30 a.m. Ages 5-9. Every Mon. Registration/info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Pub Quiz – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. 5-8 p.m. Every Mon. Info: 815-965-0931.

3-Year-Olds’ Storytime – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. 10-10:30 a.m. Every Mon. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Wee Read – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. Every Mon. 9:30 a.m. For children younger than 3 w/adult. Info: 815-332-5161.

Starlight Storytime – Rockford Public Library Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. Every Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Teen Gamers – Rockford Public Library Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 4-7 p.m. Ages 13-17. Every Mon. Registration/info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Chocolate City Nightlife – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. 9 p.m. Every Mon. Info: 815-621-4319.

Wee Read – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. 9:30 a.m. For children up to age 3 and a caregiver. Info: 815-332-5161.

“Go” Game Club – Beloit Public Library, 409 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. 6:30 p.m. Ages 8 and older. Every Mon. Info: 608-364-2915.

Take a Tour of Klehm Arboretum – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

“Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Number 6: Is There a Hidden Meaning?” – Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-965-0049.

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Baby TALK – Rockford Public Library Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 11-11:45 a.m. Every Tues. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

Goodnews Addiction Program: Now Living Free – First Assembly of God, 5950 Spring Creek Road. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Every Tues. Info: 815-877-8000.

Story Time – Rockford Public Library Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 10-10:30 a.m. Ages 5-9. Every Tues. Registration/info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Real Estate Investing Informational Class – Century Building, 7210 E. State St. 7 p.m. Free. Every Tues. Reservations/info: 815-639-9278.

“Group Hope” Depression Support – Grace Episcopal Church, 10 S. Cherry St., Freeport. 7-8:30 p.m. Every first and third Tues. Info: 815-235-6171.

Barks & Books – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. 6 p.m. Info: 815-332-5161.

Family Story Time – Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. Every Tues. 6:30 p.m. Info: 815-332-5161.

Teen Gamers – Rockford Public Library Lewis Lemon Branch, 1988 Jefferson St. 3-5 p.m. Every Tues. Ages 13-17. Registration/info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Look, Listen & Learn Storytime – Rockford Public Library Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 11 a.m.-noon. Ages 3-5. Every Tues. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

4- to 6-Year-Olds Storytime – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. 10-10:45 a.m. Every Tues. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Drop-In Storytime – Rockford Public Library Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 3:30-4:15 p.m. Every Tues. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

Molly’s Black & White Movie Nights – 505 Lounge, 505 E. State St. Free. Every Tues. Classic movies on projection screen with drink & dinner specials. Info: 815-962-3354.

Rockford Tai Chi Club Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Classes – Rockford Tai Chi Club, 7131 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Loves Park. 7 p.m. Info: 815-494-9483.

Edgar Cayce A.R.E Meetings – Highland Place, 2222 E. State St. Every other Tues. 7-8:30 p.m. Info: 815-234-2394.

Abraham Lincoln and Manny Reaper Trial Exhibition – Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St. Info: 815-964-2424.

Babysitting Class – Ken-Rock Community Center, 3218 11th St. 6-8 p.m. Info: 815-398-8864.

Introduction to Neo-Pagan Druidism – Call for location and details. Info: 815-397-4088.

Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Community Calendar | No Comments »

Arts & Theater Calendar for week of Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2009

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Ongoing Attractions

Rockford Art Museum – 711 N. Main St. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Free for everyone every Tues. Info: 815-968-2787.

Kortman Gallery – 107 N. Main St. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Info: 815-968-0123.

Funktional Arts – 412 N. First St. Furniture & sculpture. Info: 815-969-7942.

Village Gallery – Stewart Square. Artists’ co-op. 45 artists. Open Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-963-ARTS.

Bonzi Productions Theatre Group – Family theater, plays, musicals. Info: 815-394-8987.

Wright Museum of Art – 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Sun. Info: 608-363-2677.

Logan Museum of Anthropology – 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Sun. Info: 608-363-2677.

Galena Artists’ Guild Gallery – 324 Spring St., Galena. Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-777-2870.

NIU Art Museum – Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., noon-4 p.m. Free. Info: 815-753-1936.

Rockford College Art Gallery – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. Tues.-Wed., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 3-6 p.m. Free. Info: 815-226-4034.

Womanspace New Dimensions Art Gallery – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Info: 815-877-0118.

Beloit Fine Arts Incubator – 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Other hours by appointment. Info: 608-313-9083.

Monroe Arts Center – 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis. Info: 608-325-5700.

ArtSpace West – 1426 N. Main St. Tues.-Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Info: 630-546-4727 or 815-988-1501.

Age Quake Theatre – Plays for and about those 55 and older performed in the greater Rockford area. Info: 815-398-8090.

A Movable Feast – Edgebrook Center, 1641 N. Alpine Road. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-227-0102.

Jarrett Center – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. Info: 815-234-8535.

Cholke Photography & Fine Art Gallery – 2211 E. State St. Fri., 7:30-10 p.m.; Sat., 4:30-10 p.m.; Sun., 2-5 p.m. Free. Info: 815-226-9398.

Freeport Art Museum –121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. Featuring: Silent Echoes through July 11. Info: 815-235-9755.

DeKalb Area Women’s Center – 1021 State St., DeKalb. Fridays 7-9 p.m. Info: 815-758-1351.

Ingrid Dohm Studio Gallery – 839 N. Perryville Road. Appointments/Info: 815-519-6492.

Midtown Marketplace – 203 Seventh St. Info: 815-961-1269.

The Gallery At JustGoods – 201 Seventh St. Currently seeking local artist to present works in the Community/Art room. New art shows monthly. Info: 815-965-8903 .

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Poetry for the Soul – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. Info: 815-968-9061.

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Poet’s Palette – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

“Vanishing Certainty”: The Artworks of John Deill – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Poetry & Open Mic Night – Borders, 199 Deane Drive. 7 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-399-2898.

Scottish Folk Dancers – 2110 Birchwood. 7:15-9 p.m. Every Thurs. Beginners welcome. Info: 815-229-0107.

Poetry & Open Mic – The Lyric Live, 3023 N. Rockton Ave. 7-9 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-519-8458.

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Poet’s Palette – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

“Vanishing Certainty”: The Artworks of John Deill – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

Friday, Oct. 30

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

“Vanishing Certainty”: The Artworks of John Deill – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

The Rocky Horror Picture – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 11:30 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

Forbidden Broadway – Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theater, 203 W. High St., Orangeville. 7 p.m. Info: 815-541-6900.

Saturday, Oct. 31

The Francis & June Spiezer Collection – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

“Vanishing Certainty”: The Artworks of John Deill – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra: Halloween Fright Night – Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-0049.

Forbidden Broadway – Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theater, 203 W. High St., Orangeville. 7 p.m. Info: 815-541-6900.

Sunday, Nov. 1

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

Forbidden Broadway – Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theater, 203 W. High St., Orangeville. 1 p.m. Info: 815-541-6900.

Monday, Nov. 2

Poetry for Change – Bless the Mic – Your Solelution, 323 N. Church St. 8-10 p.m. Every Mon. Info: 815-969-7359.

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Poet’s Palette – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

“Vanishing Certainty”: The Artworks of John Deill – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

“Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Number 6: Is There a Hidden Meaning?” – Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-965-0049.

Tuesday, Nov. 3

International Poetry Reading – Pearson Hall, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. 7 p.m. Info: 608-363-2137.

NIU School of Art Faculty Exhibit – Northern Illinois Art Museum, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-753-1000.

Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Keeping Abreast – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Poet’s Palette – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-877-0118.

Michelle Coakes Exhibition – Rockford College, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-226-4000.

“Vanishing Certainty”: The Artworks of John Deill – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Arts & Theater Calendar | No Comments »

Music Calendar for week of Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2009

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Vinyl Voodoo – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 10:30 p.m. Free. Every Wed. Info: 815-962-7944.

1st Entertainment Karaoke – Club Impulse, 132 W. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 6p.m.-2 a.m. Every Wed. Info: 608-361-0000.

Rob Tomaro Jazz Trio w/Special Guest Artist – Café Belwah, Beloit Inn, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. 6-10 p.m. Free. Every Wed. Info: 608-363-1110.

KJ Laurie & 5 Star Karaoke – Shooters Bar & Grill East, 7171 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. 9 p.m. Info: 815-332-5229.

Reggae Night with DJ Tommy Tsunami – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. Info: 815-968-9061.

The Fall of Troy, ‘Till Death, Loose Lips Sink Ships, Another Hero Dies – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-787-9547.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Open Stage – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Every Thurs. Info: 815-962-7944.

The Monday Morning Dixie Band – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 6-9 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-624-6018.

Madman John & 1st Entertainment Services Karaoke Contest – Shooters Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. Info: 815-399-0683.

DJ/Hip-Hop – Chubby Rain House of Tunes, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove. 8 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-765-1884.

Karaoke – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Every Thurs. Info: 815-965-0931.

Harlan Jefferson & The White Chocolates – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. 7-10 p.m. Free. Every Thurs. Info: 815-624-8877.

Acoustic Open Stage with Boulas – Cronies Grill, 9032 N. Second St., Machesney Park. Every Thurs. Info: 815-282-2262.

KJ Monte & 5 Star Karaoke – JD’s Sports Bar & Grill, 908 W. Riverside Blvd. 9:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-639-9488.

Karaoke w/Mike – Scoobie’s Redneck Bar & Grill, 2942 11th St. 9 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-742-9511.

Live Music – Rockford Billiard Café, 1436 N. Main St. Every Thurs. Info: 815-962-0957.

Sweeney & Culhane – Cliffbreakers River Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. Every Thurs. Info: 815-282-3033.

Latin Night – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. Every Thurs. Info: 815-968-9061.

Kill Hannah, 48 Sin, A Friend Called Fire – Otto’s Nightclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-2715.

Friday, Oct. 30

Eastern Block – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. Info: 815-962-7944.

Miniature Tigers, Crayolala – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-787-9547.

Cealed Kasket, Ghost in the Ruins – Otto’s Nightclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-2715.

Jim Post Halloween & CD Release Party – Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-543-7627.

The Monster Mash: Hope Despite, Bloom, 7th Street Saints, Fall Asleep Sober – Tebala Shrine Temple, 7910 Newburg Road. 7 p.m. Info: 815-847-8228.

Boo Bash: The Stevee Nix, Lee Michaels – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. Info: 815-398-6411.

D.O.H. – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.

Cypress String Quartet – Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-964-9713.

Big Daddy Woo Woo – Cliffbreakers River Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. Info: 815-282-3033.

Whale Bone – Big Cities Lounge, 905 E. State St. Info: 815-965-6026.

Pulse – Logan’s, 1805 Southwest Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-232-4592.

Prime Time – Shooter’s Bar & Grill East, 7171 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Info: 815-332-5229.

Kilmar-Tor – Red Lion Ale House, 501 E. State St. Info: 815-963-0099.

Revolucian de Amor, U.N.I.T.Y., Roc Town Writers – Allstar Sports Complex, 7135 Clinton Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-601-4799.

Shifty Shafer – Chubby Rain House of Tunes, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-1884.

Tabby & Company – The Gun Club, 1122 E. Colley Road, Beloit, Wis. 7 p.m. Info: 608-362-9900.

Joey – Northwoods Bar & Grill, 200 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Every Fri. Info: 815-636-8560.

Madman John & 1st Entertainment Services Video DJ Show – Club Impulse, 132 W. Grand Ave. Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-361-0000.

DJ– Swilligan’s Pub, 200 N. Church St. Info: 815-965-6414.

DJ – Sports Page Bar & Grill, 3907 Broadway. 9 p.m. Info: 815-399-3185.

DJ – Miranda’s Pub & Grill, 6116 Mulford Village Drive. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-381-0073.

DJ – Oscar’s Pub & Grill, 5980 E. State St. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-6100.

DJ – Manor Nightclub, 293 Executive Pkwy. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-394-0077.

DJ – Brewsky’s, 4414 Charles St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-9300.

DJ – Cousin’s Bar & Grill, 510 S. Perryville Road. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-316-2660.

DJ – RBI’s, 3870 N. Perryville Road. 9 p.m. Info: 815-877-5592.

DJ – Tad’s, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 9 p.m. Info: 815-654-3500.

DJ – The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St. 9 p.m. Info: 815-965-0344.

DJ Jonny – Shooter’s Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. 8 p.m. Info: 815-399-0683.

DJ – Casey’s Pub, 77307 N. Alpine Road. 10 p.m. Free. Info: 815-316-2274.

DJ Mark & Lana – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-624-6018.

DJ – JD’s Sports Bar & Grill, 908 W. Riverside Blvd. Info: 815-639-9488.

DJ/Karaoke – Jayne’s Place, 2229 Anderson Drive, Belvidere. Info: 815-544-5153.

DJ Foley – The Breeze Sports Bar & Grill, 3801 N. Perryville Road. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-633-4141.

RPM’s DJ Service – Backstop Bar & Grill, 1830 Union Ave., Belvidere. 8:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-547-8100.

Saturday, Oct. 31

The Goodyear Pimps, The Sons of Many Bitches – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.

Doveload – Big Cities Lounge, 905 E. State St. Info: 815-965-6026.

This Must Be the Band, The Employees – Otto’s Nightclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-2715.

Tattoo You – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. Info: 815-962-7944.

Mr. Big Stuff – Shooter’s Bar & Grill North, 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-332-5229.

Frontiers – Shooter’s Bar & Grill East, 7171 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Info: 815-332-5229.

Vintage Vinyl – Swilligan’s Pub, 200 N. Church St. Info: 815-965-6414.

Witches Ball – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. Info: 815-968-9061.

X51– Rascal’s, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-636-9207.

Miles Nielsen – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. Info: 815-398-6411.

Moondogs – The Verdi Club, 782 N. Madison St. Info: 815-968-8119.

Matter of Fact – Brio, 515 E. State St. Info: 815-968-9463.

Shifty Shafer – The Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.

Radio Stars – Firehouse Pub, 10670 Main St., Roscoe. Info: 815-623-8389.

The Blooze Brothers – The Grove, 100 E. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-1002.

Halloween Party with Dickey Pimpkens – Chubby Rain House of Tunes, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-1884.

Pulse – Logan’s, 1805 Southwest Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-232-4592.

Big Daddy Woo Woo – Franchesco’s, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Info: 815-229-0800.

Bullet – Red Lion Ale House, 501 E. State St. Info: 815-963-0099.

Val Eddy, Maxine Holler and Bob DeVita – The Gun Club, 1122 E. Colley Road, Beloit, Wis. 7 p.m. Info: 608-362-9900.

Open Stage Night – Northwoods Bar & Grill, 200 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Info: 815-636-8560.

DJ – Oscar’s Pub & Grill, 5980 E. State St. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-6100.

DJ – Manor Nightclub, 293 Executive Pkwy. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-394-0077.

DJ – Brewsky’s, 4414 Charles St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-9300.

DJ – Cousin’s Bar & Grill, 510 S. Perryville Road. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-316-2660.

DJ/Karaoke – Jayne’s Place, 2229 Anderson Drive, Belvidere. Info: 815-544-5153.

DJ – Casey’s Pub, 77307 N. Alpine Road. 10 p.m. Free. Info: 815-316-2274.

DJ Mark & Lana– FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-624-6018.

DJ with Double D – The Breeze Sports Bar & Grill, 3801 N. Perryville Road. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-633-4141.

Sunday, Nov. 1

Karaoke Joni, Madman John & 1st Entertainment Karaoke Show – Club Impulse, 132 W. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Every Sun. Info: 608-361-0000.

Maxine Holler – The Gun Club, 1122 E. Colley Road, Beloit, Wis. 5 p.m. Info: 608-362-9900.

Quietdrive, The Higher, Cory Lamb, Last Fast Action, Not Elliot, Scarlett – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-787-9547.

Rockford Area Horn Club & Organist Jim Nerstheimer – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1915 N. First St., DeKalb. 3 p.m. Info: 815-758-3203.

Monday, Nov. 2

Vinyl Voodoo – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 10:30 p.m. Free. Every Mon. Info: 815-962-7944.

Movin’ Mondays: Open Turntables Night – Club 505, 505 E. State St. Every Mon. Info: 815-962-3354.

1st Entertainment Services Karaoke Workshop and Recording Night – Club Impulse, 132 W. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 6 p.m. Info: 608-361-0000.

Open Mic – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 8 p.m. Free. Every Mon. Info: 815-787-9547.

Piano Club – Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St. 9:30 a.m. Info: 815-964-9713.

Anberlin – Chubby Rain House of Tunes, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-1884.

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Open Stage – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815-962-7944.

Harlan Jefferson – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Free. Every Tues. Info: 815-398-6411.

Kamikaze Karaoke – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. 9 p.m. Every Tues. Info: 815-965-0931.

After Work Mixer/All City Jam – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. Mixer 5:30-7:30 p.m., jam follows. Free. Every Tues. Info: 815-398-6411.

KJ Laurie & 5 Star Karaoke – Pee Wee’s Pub, 9461 N. Second St., Roscoe. 7 p.m. Info: 815-282-9448.

Acoustic Night Hosted by Dugatron, Chukama, & Dave Sadtler – Red Lion Ale House, 501 E. State St. 8 p.m. Every Tues. Info: 815-963-0099.

Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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Night Ranger entertains at Hogtoberfest Oct. 23

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Photo by Daniel Jenkins

Photo by Daniel Jenkins

Members of San Francisco’s classic rock band Night Ranger and the Rockford IceHogs Fire & Ice cheerleaders entertained fans at a post-game “Hogtoberfest” party Oct. 23 at the MetroCentre. Selling millions of records since 1982, Night Ranger continues to enjoy success with songs like “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “Sister Christian.” For more about the band, visit http://nightranger.com

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Your Horoscope: Week of Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2009

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

This Week: Is there life after death? Join Dr. Rene McCardle, Cheryl McCardle LCT and myself for our “Life after Death” workshop Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at Common Boundary Wellness Center. This open forum will allow you to share your experiences with the “other side” as well as our own personal encounters. Contact information is (815) 965-1817. It’s all about manifesting exactly what you want this week. Concentrate and see it in your mind, where you want to go, what you want to do and whom you want to do it with. The energy is shifting now. Heavier vibrations and fatigue will not be such a factor at this time. This will allow the mind to focus in a positive direction. November is going to be an extremely dynamic month, filled with activity and prosperity. Take advantage of this energetic time frame.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)—It’s time you contact someone who can help you with a legal issue or a financial matter. This may be more than you can handle on your own, and it will feel much better to have this aspect off your back entirely. Finances begin to improve. If your significant other is still entangled with a past matter or person, it’s time to put the brakes on that for good. You’re not in a position to listen to this destructive chatter in your home. It’s not healthy for anyone involved.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)-—You may be concerned about an animal or child this week. Some health or emotional issues are creating some havoc with your primary family. There should be a solution to this in the weeks to come. For now, offer emotional support. A change in residence or within your residence will definitely create a shift for the better. Get rid of things you no longer need.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)—Watch your tendency to correct or reprimand another. He or she may be paying very close attention to every word that flies out of your mouth and quietly preparing his or her exit. You can’t accuse another of being overly sensitive as you take a jack hammer to him or her. Gentle persuasion and praise will give you the results you need in the long run. Expect your finances to improve dynamically. Help another in need.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)—Romance takes a positive spin for the better this week. The communication gap that has left you so frustrated is closing, and you’re getting your point across in a productive way. Actions speak louder than words. Try not to make “the words” such an issue. Expansion with your social sector allows you to mix business with pleasure.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)—Offers are on the table with your business and career sector this week. Others have been networking for you, and the results are beginning to show. You will be negotiating financial aspects shortly. Don’t be shy about what you’re entitled to. You will be enjoying the opportunities that have expanded your social sector. New friends and activities allow you to really “be yourself.”

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)—A hidden romantic aspect will begin to show its face this month. You may be surprised at how much this will affect and improve the quality of your life. Timing is everything, and you have been off track with this for a while now. Those of you who are attached will find new life breathing into an established relationship. Those of you who are single will not be single long.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)—This would be a good week to re-establish your personal character. Many of you have become lost in others’ lives and situations. As a result, you may have lost sight of yourself. It’s an easy thing to do, but not always easy to recognize. Go back to square one with your own dreams, goals and ambitions. Take time to check in with a friend or family member. You need a good laugh, and you know exactly where to find it this week.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)—Even though you’re surrounded by friends and family, you have felt lonely over the last week or so. This disconnected feeling will begin to wear off during the month of November. The uncertainty of your long-term path is what is at the bottom of the problem. Add a little fear into the mix, and you’re off into anxiety land. Sit down with another whose opinion matters to you, and discuss your long-term ideas. You will find the emotional support you need.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)—The month of November is filled with financial opportunities, and you have a better grip on where your money is going. You’re letting go of obligations that are wearing on your pocketbook. You will also find some unexpected help when you need it, too. A situation from your past is about to be resolved in a favorable way. This has been weighing on your mind for a long time.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)—You will be asked to go above and beyond the call of duty at home or work this week. Try not to overexaggerate the situation, and keep your opinions to yourself until all is said and done. That will be time to offer up your suggestions. Allow yourself enough time to get from point A to point B this week. Travel difficulties could otherwise affect you in a negative way.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)—Not everyone can fit into the “box” that you may see them in. There are many factors to consider here before you can diagnose the problem correctly. Gather more information before you lay down your closing argument. Then, and only then, will you be able to correctly assess the situation. Romance is a bit confusing at first. However, by week’s end, you’re back on track again.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)—An upgrade in your position through your work environment is going to be available shortly. It’s time to rise and shine and allow the powers that be to see your abilities. Keep a positive attitude this week, and do not allow your personal life to affect your career sector. Travel plans may be on the horizon shortly. A great deal may be found if you do a little investigating.

For an extended astrological forecast or psychic consultation, contact Denise at (815) 398-3983.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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On Real Estate: First-time buyers spark rebound

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

For the first time in three years, the Illinois real estate market has shown a year-over-year increase. Last month, 10,350 homes sold, compared to 10,018 sold in September 2008.

While sales are up, median sales prices have dropped by almost 10 percent. Last September, the median home price in Illinois reached $176,450. As of September this year, the average sales price topped out at $160,000.

According to Mike Onorato, president of the Illinois Association of Realtors, first-time buyers have been out in full force with the first-time homebuyers tax credit in hand. Despite delays in underwriting, home loans are eventually being approved, and closings are happening. The decrease in median sales price isn’t bothering Realtors. First-time buyers are proving an asset in leveling the playing field.

“Home sale gains this month show the tax credit is working and should be extended through 2010,” Onorato said. “It is helping to stabilize home prices and creating thousands of jobs that rely on housing.”

Rates also remain low with several new homeowners taking advantage of 30-year marks around 5 percent. As of press time, rates on 15-year fixed loans hovered around 4.75 percent.

Home values are also stabilizing as sellers are seeing the difference between true market value and the inflated numbers of a few years ago. This, Realtors say, is resulting in an increase in the number of sales.

First-time buyers are still in the driver’s seat as supply still exceeds demand.

“For sellers, it is very important to set the right price to produce a sale in this market, which has two distinct levels of pricing—traditional sales and sales of distressed properties,” said Onorato, a Coal City broker.

Foreclosures are still driving the market, which gives those armed with the first-time tax credit even more power, especially as many bank-owned properties are in live-in condition when they’re listed. Investors are also buying up a considerable number of foreclosures, which keeps prices down for young families entering homeownership.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Builders fear expiration of home buyer tax credit will erode sales

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Home builders in Illinois and Minnesota participating in a teleconference conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said Oct. 15 that they are worried the recent improvements they have been seeing in home sales are beginning to fade with the approach of the expiration of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers Dec. 1.

Citing the prospect of unemployment climbing into the double digits in the period ahead, the builders also voiced concerns about the staying power of the economic recovery that now appears to be materializing. Stabilizing housing, which accounts for more than 15 percent of the gross domestic product, must be a top priority of Congress, they said, to create jobs and put the nation’s stalled economy on the path to sustainable growth.

The panel included Ed Brady, president, Brady Homes, Bloomington, Ill.; Monte Mraz, owner, Heritage Minnesota, LLC, Pequot Lakes, Minn., and president of the Builders Association of Minnesota; and David Crowe, chief economist, NAHB.

The teleconference was one of several that are being held across the country as part of NAHB’s “Revive Housing, Restore America” campaign.

“Housing is a major factor in any economic recovery because it creates jobs, boosts revenues for state and local governments, and stimulates demand for goods and services all across Main Street America,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder in Tulsa, Okla. “Every new home built means three good-paying jobs for one year, and that’s a winning formula.”

The grassroots effort is enlisting the association’s more than 200,000 members “to educate lawmakers and the public about the critical role that housing plays in creating jobs,” Robson said. “We need to ensure that there is strong and continued momentum that can push through the inevitable headwinds that could stall a recovery.”

At the top of their agenda, NAHB is asking Congress to extend the $8,000 tax credit for an additional year and make it available to all eligible buyers of a principal residence. In the near term, this would spur 383,000 additional home sales, including 80,000 housing starts, and create 350,000 jobs over the coming year.

Brady noted that the current home buyer tax credit has been gaining traction in his market over the last several months, but sales gains could end fairly abruptly once the popular tax incentive is no longer available.

“We’re seeing a jobless recovery,” Brady said. “Housing has to recover in order for the economy to grow. That’s why we are calling on Congress to extend the tax credit for at least a year and to make it available to all buyers, not just first-time buyers.”

Teleconference panelists also noted that they are being hampered in their recovery efforts by faulty appraisals in which run-down foreclosed or short-sale properties are being used as comparables in determining the value of new homes. One-quarter of the builders responding to a recent NAHB survey reported losing home sales because the appraised value came in below the price in the sales contract.

“It is difficult now for us to get the financing we need to build a home, even if the home buyer owns the land,” Mraz said. “The appraisal process is so messed up that we can’t get an appraisal high enough to cover the cost of materials.”

In its campaign, NAHB is asking Congress to work with housing and federal regulators to adopt and enforce clear, concise regulatory guidance that will allow appraisers to develop realistic valuations based on sales that are truly comparable.

Builders on the panel added that the scarcity of financing for acquisition, development and construction loans to produce new housing is a major impediment to industry recovery. NAHB is calling on Congress to urge regulators and the banking industry to restore the flow of credit for housing.

“A lot of builders who have been in business for many years have had to close their doors because of pressure from regulators on banks to reduce their lines of credit,” Mraz said. “These are good builders who employed a lot of people in the community.”

NAHB is also supporting Net Operating Loss (NOL) legislation in the House and the Senate that would allow building and other industries hit hard by the recession to report their losses in a way that would help their businesses and prevent further layoffs.

NAHB is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 200,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. Known as “the voice of the housing industry,” NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Home & Garden | No Comments »

Crusader Clinic presents ‘Fall in Love with Caring’ Oct. 30

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

Crusader Community Health is hosting their annual fund-raiser, “Fall in Love with Caring,” from 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, at Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. Cost of the event is $100 or $1,000 for a table of 10. The evening includes music by the Stellanova’s, an autumn-themed dinner, announcement of the “Spirit of Caring” and Dr. Forrest Riordan awards, and a fantastic silent and live auction.

The live auction will feature a sapphire and diamond ring valued at $3,800, donated by Clodius and Co.; a one-week stay at a Marco Island, Fla., condo donated by Chuck and Sue Thomas; an exquisite gourmet dinner for six prepared by Philippe Forcioli, executive chef, donated by Cliffbreakers/Jimmy Vitale, founder; a children’s rechargeable golf cart donated by Lexus of Rockford; a pheasant hunt for four people at the Upland Hunt Club, donated by William Charles; and a handmade quilt donated by the Sinnissippi Quilters.

The raffle is a chance to win the grand prize, a 50-inch plasma TV and Blu-ray disc player donated by Riverside Community Bank; second prize is a laptop computer donated by Rockford Information Technologies; the third prize is $1,000 cash donated by Crusader Community Health Foundation board members. Raffle tickets sell for $5 each or five for $20, and can be purchased online at www.crusaderhealth.org, click on “Fall in Love with Caring.” RSVP for an event menu that includes raffle ticket sales.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the development of a new pediatric medical unit at the Crusader Community Health on West State Street and other needs at Crusader as designated by the Crusader Community Health Foundation Board of Directors. For the past 37 years, Crusader has strived to ensure that all people in our community have access to quality, affordable primary health care. During the past 12 months, the clinic served the health care needs of more than 40,000 individual patients.

For more information, contact the Crusader Community Health Foundation office, phone (815) 490-1620 or visit www.crusaderhealth.org.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »

Fish Beat: Summer recap and the typical fall season

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

This year was an unusual one for fishing. Erratic temperature changes confused some species, which carried on into late summer.

The Rock River Valley, usually a significant bass hotbed, went cold early on, and only sporadically produced solid numbers. Bluegill and crappie, in certain spots, were active all season, while the walleye, northern and muskie stayed true to their behaviors with a few trophies reported.

Enter the June 19 train derailment that, without a doubt, poured tens of thousands of gallons of ethanol into the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers. With more than 70,000 fish killed—almost all showing up on the south Rock, the incident was the largest fish kill in Illinois. Re-stocking efforts of smallmouth bass, catfish, pike and other species will, according to some reports, help the river rebound. From June 19, however, fishing on the Rock River, and the Kishwaukee for that matter, was stalled.

Initially, anglers near Dixon and Grand Detour reported horrific slowdowns. As the season progressed, most began to feel the sting here. Fishing derbies and tournaments produced spotty results. Still, some chose to blame the weather.

While Mother Nature, acts of God—whatever one chooses to call them—did take their toll on area fishing, one can only wonder how things would have panned out, especially on the Kish and Rock if 60,000, or more, gallons of ethanol wouldn’t have leaked into the water.

Canadian National Railway has since been named responsible for the derailment and ethanol spill by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, however, an official word about what monetary damages will include is still unknown. Hundreds of families were evacuated, and two people—a 41-year-old woman and her unborn child—died.

Weeks following the fish kill, some species did emerge, but nothing like in years prior when the Rock was known as a Midwest fishing hotbed. Sadly, area anglers had better success in areas away from the Rock River Valley this year. And weather, especially the cold spells in July, hampered fishing as far north as Canada.

A cold October has also launched the fall fishing season into motion slightly faster than usual. Northern pike are active this fall, while muskie, walleye and some sauger are being reported throughout the area. The bass have retreated to the colds; jigs and slowly-worked live bait are producing some fish. As fall turns into winter, early morning outings will usually produce the most fish.

If the Farmers’ Almanac is correct this year, fishing through the ice could follow the same hot and cold patterns the warm months produced—fish kills notwithstanding.

Send us your fishing photos

The Rock River Times is interested in seeing pictures of fish caught in area waters. Send digital photos to us at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com with “Fish Beat Photos” in the subject line. Glossies can be sent to The Rock River Times, 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Rue Marche renovates

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

Rue Marche, “Rockford’s Best Karaoke Bar” (rockfordrestaurants.com), has renovated to better serve their customers.

Improvements include re-finished floors, upgraded kitchen and bathrooms, and an expanded menu.

“The Rue,” a local favorite for decades, hosts karaoke Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 2 a.m., and is at 620 Market St. (one block off East State Street).

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

What’s Local: Olson Funeral and Cremation Services—local since 1888

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

To stay in business for a decade is a significant milestone. To remain strong for more than 20 is another story altogether. For one local business, the first 120 years didn’t happen by accident.

Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, with five chapels, has been in business since 1888. Succeeding on the local front is only possible by understanding the market and how clients need to be treated. According to Scott Olson, his business highly honors its profession and, most importantly, provides each client family viable options so they can honor their loved ones with just as high regard.

“If a client family or a perspective client family does not trust us,” Olson said, “then we have failed that family, ourselves and our profession.”

Failing certainly has not been part of the Olson business plan for the past 121 years. Each family that comes to Olson with funeral needs can trust the staff understands the importance of family.

Like most industries today, technology plays a strong role in the funeral business. The industry has undergone several changes since 1888. In turn, the Olson family has held on to its dedication to personal service and developed a willingness to stay on the cutting edge of the industry’s advancements. Today, it’s not uncommon for Olson to conduct funerals and memorial services anywhere from a church to the Natural Land Institute’s Nygren Wetland Preserve.

“We also pride ourselves on staying ahead of the times,” Olson said. “As we have become a more technologically advanced firm, so has our ability to make arrangements and conduct services in a greater variety of locations.”

Olson Funeral and Cremation Services operates chapels in Rockford, Sycamore, Kirkland and Genoa. Its Rockford locations are at 1001 Second Ave. and 2811 N. Main St. Staff can be reached at (815) 963-6521 or by visiting the Fred C. Olson Web site at www.olsonfh.com.

To recommend a local business to be featured in this column, e-mail Jim Hagerty at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com with “What’s Local” in the subject line. Or, contact The Rock River Times’ office at (815) 964-9767.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

‘An Evening with Wendell Berry’ Nov. 3 in Freeport

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

FREEPORT, Ill.—Wendell Berry, the author of more than 40 books of essays, fiction and poetry about nature and the values of healthy rural communities, will be the “imagined guest” at the next public meeting of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society at 7 p.m., Nov. 3, in Freeport.

Two local “thespians”—Dick Harmet and Ed Risinger, Audubon Society members who reside in Jo Daviess County—will recreate an interview with Wendell Berry that first appeared in The Sun magazine. This interview will provide a succinct and intriguing glimpse of the famous author and thinker.

In real life, Berry farmed a hillside in his native Henry County, Ky., for almost 50 years. He has been called a “prophet” by the New York Times. His strong positions on sustainable agriculture, life in rural communities and the dangers of industrial agriculture have earned him an enthusiastic and broad audience.

“An Evening with Wendell Berry” is open to the public at no charge. The presentation will be at St. John United Church of Christ at 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport. Refreshments will follow the presentation.

For more information, check the local Audubon Chapter’s Web site at nwilaudubon.org.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Playoff pairings set; Titans, Harlem host first-round games

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Matt Nestor

Sports Columnist

Six teams from the NIC-10 have qualified for the IHSA football tournament, with games starting this Friday, Oct. 30, in each of the eight classes.

The Boylan Titans, fresh off another conference title, are the third seed in the Class 7A tournament. Boylan gets to play at home against Wheaton North (5-4) in the first round.

“What we’re going to do is we’re going to study our opponent and, take each week, each game and play like its our last, and we’ll be right one of these times,” Boylan coach Dan Appino said.

Boylan will again be without running back Paul Barmore in the first round, but hope to have him back if they should advance any farther.

“Not this week, but we’re hoping the week after,” Appino said. “It all depends on how his knee progresses.”

For Harlem, they look to move on after their only loss, which came to the Titans. Elk Grove Village (6-3) will come into Husky Stadium. The Huskies lost in the first round last year.

Coach Tim Sughroue and his Hononegah Indians lost to the top two teams in the conference, but still hope to make a long run in the tournament. They will take to the road to face 7-2 St. Charles East.

“We talk about football, and hopefully it’s more than just football, it builds character,” he said. “So we’re going to find out what type of character we have. We’re going to come back and try to play tough in the playoffs and get some wins.”

Here are how the matchups look:

Class 7A

υ Boylan (9-0) vs. Wheaton North (5-4)—Boylan won their fourth straight conference title. … Boylan set the conference record for consecutive wins this year. … Boylan is outscoring opponents by 30 points per game this year, averaging 38.7 and only allowing 8 points. … Wheaton North opponents have a combined record of 44-37. … Wheaton North is one of two teams in Class 7A to be outscored by opponents this year, getting outscored by an average of 5 points a game

υ Harlem (8-1) vs. Elk Grove Village (6-3)—Harlem was the highest-scoring NIC-10 team, averaging 40 points a contest. … Harlem is in the playoffs for the second straight year. … Elk Grove attacks through the air, with junior quarterback Nick Meyer throwing for well more than 2,000 yards this season.

υ Hononegah (7-2) at St. Charles East (7-2)—The Indians used a tough running game, led by Forrest Wiltfang and Ben Rothmaller, to make the playoffs for the third year in a row. … St. Charles East is the champion of the Upstate Eight conference.

υ Guilford (5-4) at Glenbard West (9-0)—Guilford has made the playoffs a NIC-10-leading six straight years. … Glenbard West wins by an average margin of 29 points a game behind two-way star Nick Burrello.

Class 6A

υ Belvidere North at Chicago Robeson (7-2)—Belvidere North, in the playoffs for the second straight year, only beat their opponents by an average of 1 point. … Robeson has won six straight games entering the playoffs, scoring more than 30 points in all but one game.

Class 5A

υ Belvidere at Woodstock Marian (7-2)—The Belvidere Bucs are led by the two-headed running back monster of Marcus Gooden and Kyle Harris. … The Bucs have been outscored by opponents this year. … Woodstock Marian has won four state titles in their history.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Narcotics Anonymous offers Spanish-speaking meetings in Rockford

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

Recovery from addiction is what happens at Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, and NA meetings are now available in Rockford for Spanish-speaking individuals seeking recovery.

The Spanish-speaking NA meetings, which are free to attend, will be at Clean, 2514 Charles St., Rockford. Meeting times are Mondays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 9 p.m., and Saturday at noon.

Spanish language NA literature, such as the “Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text,” is available at these meetings. Many Spanish language NA publications and informational pamphlets are available at no cost on the local NA Web site, www.rockriverna.org.

Additional information about all NA meetings, services and events in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin can be found at www.rockriverna.org. For more information about the Spanish-speaking meetings and all NA activity in this area, contact the Rock River Area Group Services of Narcotics Anonymous public relations chairman at pr.chair@rragsna.org.

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit, international, community-based organization for recovering addicts in more than 116 countries. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) members learn from one another how to live drug-free and recover from the effects of addiction in their lives.

Anyone who wants to stop using drugs may become a member of NA. Membership is not limited to addicts using any particular drug. Those who feel they may have a problem with drugs, legal or illegal, including alcohol, are welcome. Recovery in NA focuses on the problem of addiction, not on any particular drug.

Anonymity

The basic premise of anonymity allows addicts to attend meetings without fear of legal or social repercussions. This is an important consideration for an addict thinking about going to a meeting for the first time. Anonymity also supports an atmosphere of equality in meetings. It helps ensure no individual’s personality or circumstance will be considered more important than the message of recovery shared in NA.

NA meetings

NA’s primary approach to recovery is its belief in the therapeutic value of one addict helping another. Members take part in NA meetings by talking about their experiences and recovery from drug addiction. NA meetings are informally structured, held in space rented by the group, and are led by members who take turns opening and closing the meeting. NA meetings and other services are funded entirely from donations by addict members. Financial contributions from non-members are not accepted. The function of any meeting is always the same: to provide a suitable and reliable environment for personal recovery.

How does NA work?

Addicts helping each other recover are the foundation of NA. Members meet regularly to talk about their experiences in recovery. The core of the NA program is the “12 Steps.” These “steps” are a set of guidelines outlining a practical approach to recovery. By following these guidelines and working closely with other members, addicts learn to stop using drugs and face the challenges of daily living.

Narcotics Anonymous is not a religious organization and does not mandate any particular belief system. It does teach basic spiritual principles such as honesty, openmindedness, faith, willingness and humility that may be applied in everyday life.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »

Boylan tops Hononegah, wins conference crown

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Boylan's Aaron Einhorn crosses the goal line for a 2-point conversion during the first quarter of their 23-7 victory over Hononegah. Einhorn ran for 41 yards and a touchdown in the win. Photo by Matt Nestor

Boylan's Aaron Einhorn crosses the goal line for a 2-point conversion during the first quarter of their 23-7 victory over Hononegah. Einhorn ran for 41 yards and a touchdown in the win. Photo by Matt Nestor

By Matt Nestor

Sports Columnist

For the second straight season, Boylan had to go into the last week of the season with the conference title on the line, missing a star player, and playing on the road in bad weather.

After finishing off Hononegah to win their fourth-straight conference title, the Titans may call for a ritual rain dance if they find themselves in this situation again.

Missing top running back Paul Barmore for a second straight game, quarterback Michael Moorman threw for a touchdown and ran for a touchdown, while the Titans’ defense frustrated the Indians, leading to a 23-7 victory.

“I think our kids have really good focus,” Boylan coach Dan Appino said. “They don’t pay attention anymore to the media hype or even what the kids say in the school. We preach it a lot, but they also believe in it, and that makes the difference.”

Boylan got off to a quick start. After holding Hononegah to a three-and-out, the Titans marched 40 yards with Moorman finding Steve Thomas for a 5-yard touchdown pass on fourth down.

The Titans’ defense held again on the next possession, and Moorman again engineered another touchdown drive. This time, it was a 51-yard drive capped by an Aaron Einhorn 2-yard touchdown. Einhorn, who ran for 41 yards, added a 2-point conversion, and it was 14-0 before the first quarter was even over.

But the Indians bounced back. After a couple of back-and-forth drives for both teams, the Indians were able to find the end zone.

Hononegah went on a nine-play, 54-yard drive that was capped by a 5-yard

Defenders try to chase down Boylan's Zack Smith as he races to the outside against Hononegah. Smith led all running backs with 108 yards in the game. Photo by Matt Nestor

Defenders try to chase down Boylan's Zack Smith as he races to the outside against Hononegah. Smith led all running backs with 108 yards in the game. Photo by Matt Nestor

Bryan Rothmaler touchdown to make the score 14-7 at the half.

“We played hard, and I’m proud of our kids,” Hononegah coach Tim Sughroue said. “They’re a very good football team and a good football program.”

From there, the Boylan defense took the game over.

Led by Thomas and Zack Smith, the Titans held Hononegah to 155 yards of offense, including only 37 in the second half. Thomas also had two interceptions in the game.

“He always plays hard,” Moorman said about Boylan’s two-way star. “The kid plays hard, and I just love to watch him play.”

Moorman, who ran for 69 yards and threw for 78, kicked a field goal and ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to get to the final margin.

Aside from standing out on defense, Smith was a key cog in the Boylan offense. Thanks to injuries, Smith has carried more of the load for the last few weeks.

“It was our goal to go undefeated in the conference, and we played as hard as we could,” Smith said. “I was trying to step up. (Barmore) was out with a knee injury. Hopefully, he’ll be back as soon as possible, but I’m just trying to step up and fill his shoes because he’s a great runner.”

In other NIC-10 action:

• Guilford (5-4) survived and advanced into the playoffs, winning a shootout with Freeport (2-7) 60-46. Dontrel Chance ran for 225 yards, and Tim Hill added three touchdowns for the Vikings.

• Harlem (8-1) won second place in the conference outright with their 41-8 victory over East (3-6). Tyler Cox scored two touchdowns to lead the Huskies.

• Belvidere North (5-4) made it into the playoffs with a 26-8 win against Auburn (0-9). Quarterback Tony Tindle threw for two long touchdowns in the victory.

• The Belvidere Bucs (5-4) also went into the playoffs with a 26-6 win over Jefferson (1-8). The Bucs scored two touchdowns on the ground and two through the air, led by Marcus Gooden’s two rushing touchdowns.

Share your thoughts with Matt Nestor via e-mail at sportsnest@gmail.com.

Coach Dan Appino gives advice to Boylan quarterback Michael Moorman and his teammates before a big play against Hononegah. Moorman ran for a touchdown, threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal during the victory. Photo by Matt Nestor

Coach Dan Appino gives advice to Boylan quarterback Michael Moorman and his teammates before a big play against Hononegah. Moorman ran for a touchdown, threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal during the victory. Photo by Matt Nestor


From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Take action now to protect health freedom—part 4

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Editor’s note: The following is the fourth part in a five-part series. Part one appeared in the Aug. 5-11, 2009, issue, part two in the Oct. 14-20, 2009, issue, and part three in the Oct. 21-27, 2009, issue.

By Susan Johnson

Copy Editor

The U.S. government has plans to deal with an expected swine flu (H1N1) pandemic this fall. Since the World Health Organization(WHO) has declared a
Level 6” status for this health threat, several pieces of legislation are prepared to give the federal government new powers superseding those of states and localities. But not everyone agrees that this level of government control is justified and some believe it may, in fact, be unconstitutional.

Winnebago County Health Department Public Health Administrator Mike Bacon said Oct. 23: “The Winnebago County Health Department regrets to announce a second adult resident of Winnebago County has died from complications related to 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. With increasing influenza activity, there is the increasing prospect for more serious health consequences.”

Since April 2009, Winnebago County Health Department has reported 81 cases and 23 hospitalizations associated with H1N1 and two deaths. In Illinois, there have been 542 hospitalizations and 22 deaths related to H1N1 influenza.

Comments from local officials

July 30, 2009, The Rock River Times spoke with State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-34) about the possible application of the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act, which can be used when a town or state is faced with a
pandemic

situation. This law enables the government to seize or quarantine a town and all the residents and may include seizure of property.

This model act, drafted Oct. 23, 2001, would revise some subjects covered by existing public health laws, such as reporting of contagious diseases, disposal of the dead, and quarantines.

Sen. Syverson told us:
We have no state act in place that has any mandatory immunization [powers] outside of the usual children’s vaccines for school. As far as adults, [vaccines] that are mandatory for fall-back programs, there isn’t.

Commenting about the H1N1 (swine flu) scare in northern Illinois, Syverson said:
When they started closing schools down for two weeks, even though they said the life of this bug was only 24 to 48 hours, and then they spend money sending in a crew to clean the schools—well, if the bug can only last 24 to 48 hours, why close the schools for two weeks and spend all that money? It’s the overreaction of scaring all these people and getting school districts to get scared.

Thank goodness, most people realized it was an overreaction, and they reopened the schools,” Syverson continued. “Considering the amount of money that was spent on this without any legitimacy or proof that there was a real problem, and they say three people have died from this without saying 30,000 people have died from the regular flu. It was clearly meant to scare people.

“If you scare enough people, they will give up anything—their rights and their freedom,” Syverson said. “I do have a real fear that those in government that create these things ought to be held accountable because how many times can you cry ‘wolf’ and it might be the real thing? The next time the government says there’s going to be a pandemic, who’s going to believe them because they over-exaggerated, and now people are starting to have doubts about their government? So, it’s basically [they need to be] much more careful in their choice of words and actions so they don’t create a fear that may not need to be there.

Sue Fuller, Community Relations director at the Winnebago County Health Department, said:
The real name is now H1N1. We’re following the CDC school guidelines that were issued in August. It is that children stay home when they are sick and stay home 24 hours after the fever has gone away. We separate ill students and staff. Use good hygiene with respiratory etiquette—the three Cs—Clean, Cover, Contain. Clean is: Wash hands frequently. Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve so you sneeze into the crux of the elbow. Contain your germs—stay home if you are sick. The Illinois Department of Public Health says it’s as easy as 1-2-3. (1) Get your seasonal flu shot. (2) Get your H1N1 shot. (3) Follow the three Cs. This information comes from the national level.

The recommendation is, get your seasonal flu shot now, and get your H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available,” Fuller continued. “The priority groups are: (1) Pregnant women; (2) Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age; (3) Health care and emergency medical service personnel; (4) Children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years; (5) Persons age 25 through 64 who have medical conditions which put them at risk for complications of death from influenza.

She noted that, at present, the vaccinations are voluntary.

Mary Fisher, Health Services supervisor, Rockford Public School District 205, explained:
Right now, we certainly take our cues from the local Health Department. They are aware of what’s happening in the community. If that meant that their recommendations were for us to clean the building and have students stay home, we would certainly do that. Right now, we are hoping to give students and staff the message to use prevention—proper hand washing, covering the cough. These are the big things.

“We are increasing the announcements in the schools today to allow time for hand washing, increasing the signs that are placed around the building, just like you see in public, for covering a cough, washing the hands, and certainly monitoring kids and staff for illness,” Fisher added. “We’d certainly take into consideration anything that the Health Department advised us. If that meant closing a school, we would certainly consider that, but at this point, we are just on high alert and using prevention. We have, for years, monitored attendance, and reported that to the Health Department, and we want to continue doing that so we would know if a sickness should arise.

Rockford Public Schools Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield, Ph.D., sent a letter to parents of students in District 205, in which she outlined the procedure the District is following to promote health safety for students. She also listed some basic steps parents could take. The letter concluded:
Finally, the Winnebago County Health Department will be providing H1N1 vaccinations at all schools during the next few weeks. Please watch for consent forms, which will be sent home with students.

Chuck Brown, spokesman for Rockford College, said:
We have a plan in place, but don’t want to unveil it now. Rockford College is concerned about the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We are monitoring the situation closely. We have communicated with the college community. Right now, we are looking at preventive measures that people can take. For instance, you have to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. We listed all of these and informed the college community that we are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with the local and state health departments. We are trying to be proactive; we are taking it one step at a time.

Amy Diaz, vice president of Student Development, Rock Valley College, said:
What we’ve been doing is, we’ve been following any suggested protocol from the Winnebago County Health Department, who receives their instructions from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. We’ve been receiving information on the CDC Web site, along with directives from the Winnebago County Health Department on what to do should a student or an employee be diagnosed with H1N1. Essentially, because we are a community college with no on-campus housing, the protocol is that if a student or a staff person should become ill, the idea is if you are sick, you need to stay home. Working with students specifically, ideally the student would inform the faculty members, and either the faculty member or the student himself would call to let me know so I can track the number of cases.

“I’ve been calling the Winnebago County Health Department with any questions we have on how to work through a particular situation,” Diaz added. “But today [Oct. 13] we have no actual confirmed cases of which I am aware. In terms of actual confirmed cases, we have not heard any yet, but we suspect that there probably are students who have H1N1 but do not know it yet.

Kelly Jacobec, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Public Health, said:
The best way to stay healthy is to remember the three Cs—Clean, Cover your cough or sneeze, and Contain. Stay home if you are sick. There is a lot of information on our Web site: www.ready.-illinois.gov. The H1N1 vaccine is not yet available to the public at large. Right now, our first shipments coming into Illinois are being administered to health care workers; [then] the priority populations as designated by the CDC. We recommend that everyone receive the seasonal flu vaccine this year and also the H1N1 vaccine.

To be continued…

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »

Harlem, Belvidere North take cross country regionals

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Hononegah's Dragan Simic leads Harlem's Nick Miller and Chris Beaupre as they near the finish line for third place. Harlem ended up edging out Hononegah for first place in the Class 3A regional. Photo by Matt Nestor

Hononegah's Dragan Simic leads Harlem's Nick Miller and Chris Beaupre as they near the finish line for third place. Harlem ended up edging out Hononegah for first place in the Class 3A regional. Photo by Matt Nestor

By Matt Nestor

Sports Columnist

Harlem cross country coach Richard Johnson decided to take a calculated risk Saturday, Oct. 24, at the IHSA class 3A regional held at Rock Valley College.

All season, his freshmen and sophomore boys’ team had run well, winning most of their meets along the way. For the regional, he decided to bring some of the underclassmen up to run.

The move paid off for Harlem, who edged Hononegah by 6 points to take the regional crown.

“We had a real good fresh/soph team, and we kept them down all season,” Harlem coach Richard Johnson said. “We brought them up, and we thought we would be competitive. That’s why you run the races. If they ran real well, we thought we could have a shot, and we did.”

Hononegah ran a very good race, placing two of the top three runners and three of the top six overall. Senior Kevin Jacobs paced the field with a time of 16:05. He was supported by Dragan Simic at third with 16:29 and Ryan Ballard sixth at 16:34.

But while the top of the team ran well, the next two runners for the Indians came in 14th and 22nd.

Harlem ran well as a team. Freshman Nick Miller led the team, finishing fourth at 16:31. What made the difference for Harlem was their fifth runner finishing only 13th.

“We’re really excited,” Johnson said. “We beat Hononegah, and they have a really good team with a lot of talent. Any time you can beat a team like that, you can’t help but be excited.”

Boylan finished fourth overall, and will advance to the sectional round. Jefferson is sending three runners to the sectional, with Evan Jarzynski, Devan Delmore and Tyler Winger advancing. Auburn is sending Nick Dalpra and Mark Saul to the sectional.

In the girls’ race, Boylan, Hononegah and Harlem took third, fourth and fifth place to advance to the sectional. Rachel MacDowell took third place for Hononegah at 19:23, and Leah Rafferty took fourth for Harlem at 19:32.

Also advancing to the sectional was Laren Buck and Siena Peterson of Guilford, Caroline Pilcher and Catalina Rodriguez of Auburn and Amy Trostel of Jefferson.

In Freeport, Belvidere North’s boys and girls advanced to the Class 2A sectional round. The girls’ team took second place overall, while the boys won by a large margin again.

In Class 1A, Rockford Christian, Rockford Lutheran and Winnebago all had their boys’ and girls’ teams place in the regional and advance to the next round.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Yoga Rockford: The Nia experience

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Jennie Williford

Pranayama Yoga Studio

Many years ago, I taught yoga at a studio in Fort Worth, Texas. Along with yoga, the studio offered other such familiar things as rolfing and tai chi, but then there was Nia, a form of movement I had never experienced before. So, since teachers at the studio could try other classes for free, I wandered into the studio one day for Nia and was immediately drawn to the energy, freedom, and movement Nia had to offer.

According to the Nia Web site, www.nianow.com: “Nia is a path to condition, heal and express your self through movement and sensation. … Through Nia practice, you learn to foster awareness of your life through physical sensation, allowing the Voice of The Body to direct your actions and choices, leading to a general state of what Nia calls Dynamic Ease.” Integrating movements from nine traditional movement forms—tai chi, tae kwon do, aikido, jazz dance, modern dance, Duncan dance, yoga, Alexander Technique, and Feldenkrais—Nia forms a new style of fitness. Balancing technical precision with free-form expression, Nia brings the body, mind, emotions and spirit to optimum health. The movements are designed for any body and follow the philosophy, “Through Movement We Find Health,” addressing the needs of the whole person.

Much like yoga, reading about Nia can be uplifting, but at the same time a little daunting. It isn’t until you make the time to experience it that you understand. If someone told me I would need to dance, I would have shrunk and thought mainly of my lack of coordination and shyness. If someone mentioned martial arts, I would have had a flashback to my younger years in karate facing much bigger and scarier opponents. But Nia brought up none of those insecurities and inhibitions, and allowed me to let loose and free myself in a way I really hadn’t found in any other form of exercise. Plus, it is just plain fun!

Stepping into the room, barefoot and ready to go, the music starts, and immediately you are transported to some other place, a place where you are able to connect to your own self and move with your body, not against it. The routines are set to fabulous music, each with its own theme and message, giving guidance without strict reinforcement and enough free-dance to let loose any restrictions. The Nia teacher is trained to give levels of intensity to those who need it, and is with you all the way through.

For me, it is the perfect complement to my disciplined yoga practice, going from mental conditioning of the body to bodily conditioning of the mind. When I am a little too stuck in the mental process of yoga, I can be freed of my tethers through the movements of Nia. When the path of yoga gets treacherous, it is Nia that can lighten the load. The energies of the two merge within me and create perfect balance.

Nia began in California in 1983, and has spread slowly, but mainly in larger cities. It has changed the lives of many, including Rockford’s own Debby Gaines, and she has made it her mission to share the joy through teaching. Debby has joined us at Pranayama Yoga Studio, and would love to expand her classes around the city. She invites everyone to experience Nia for the first time FREE, and will gladly tell her story of transformation and healing through the power of Nia.

Please join Debby to experience Nia at Pranayama Yoga Studio, Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m., and special Monday nights (see www.yogarockford.com for details). But, she is also available for any class requests at any time. Please call (815) 985-7025 or e-mail her at dancingsupergoddess@yahoo.com.

For more information about Pranayama Yoga Studio, visit www.yogarockford.com or call (815) 968-9642.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Yoga Rockford | 1 Comment »

Part III: Local lore

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Editor’s note: The following is the third in a series. Part one appeared in the Oct. 14-20, 2009, issue, and part two appeared in the Oct. 21-27, 2009, issue.

By Stuart R. Wahlin

Staff Writer

Twin Sisters Park is a popular wintertime destination on Rockford’s southeast side. Boasting sizeable twin hills, there’s little question where the park got its name. It is rumored, however, the park is not only popular with those who sled, but with those who are dead.

“Some people claim that this park has attracted more sinister guests,” local writer and historian Michael Kleen said of the legend during a recent talk at the Rockford Public Library. “The woods have been the scene of several murders, hangings and even a drowning. People say that they experience feelings of dread. They see things moving in the shadows. They feel like they’re being followed in the woods.”

Kleen acknowledged the stories are most likely the products of imagination from students of nearby East High School—also alleged to be haunted—and one local paranormal consulting team may have laid the Twin Sisters legend to rest.

In 2008, Rockford Interdisciplinary Para-investigations (RIP) released its analysis, which appears to have busted this urban myth.

“Upon arrival, power lines were observed to be present on-site, most notably above the wooded area in the park’s southwest quadrant,” the report stated. “It was immediately apparent the power lines may very well account for perceptions of the paranormal.”

As noted in previous installments of “The science of spirit-sleuthing,” paranormal activity is often associated with higher levels of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), which investigators measure with EMF meters.

“Traversing the wooded area, electromagnetic readings steadily increased, apparently in direct correlation to the proximity of overhead power lines,” the analysis noted. “EMF spikes topped out between 9.5 and 10mG [milligauss], which is extremely high by any standard.”

The report added: “Depending on one’s school of thought, high EMF could either be an explanation for perceived paranormal experiences, a magnet for such activity, or both. The jury’s still out in some cases, but at this site, the power lines are most certainly bleeding EMF into the area below.”

During their visit to Twin Sisters Park, the group reported none of the physical or psychological effects associated with long-term exposure to high electromagnetic levels (see Part I in the Oct. 14-20 issue), but not all of the team’s findings could be explained.

“Beyond the base range of the overhead power lines, several isolated EMF spikes (3.5-4.5mG) were recorded, but based on the fleeting nature of the hits, no obvious sources could be identified,” the findings noted.

The group reported having conducted electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) sessions with digital recorders where the electromagnetic spikes had occurred, but analysis of the recordings yielded no ghostly voices.

Additionally, “orbs” appeared in several photographs snapped by team members. Although some believe photographic orbs are spirit energy not visible to the naked eye, RIP’s report suggests a more rational explanation.

“Orbs can be caused by a variety of natural phenomena, including dust, insects and light/lens anomalies, so we tend to discount them,” the report explained. “Orbs most commonly appear in conjunction with flash photography, but ours was an afternoon visit. One might assume the orbs we photographed do little to settle the debate, but our findings support the flash explanation.”

The group conducted a series of tests in which photos were taken with and without the use of a flash. Only the flash photos yielded orbs.

In its conclusion, the RIP team found no evidence to support a haunting in Twin Sisters Park, but Rockford’s ghost stories are plentiful enough to keep investigators busy for years to come.

Is Emma still waiting?

Kleen revealed a number of other local legends, including one about a Norwegian immigrant named Emma Pauline Jones.

Emma is said to have lived on First Street from the 1920s to the 1950s. After her husband died in 1941, the story goes, Emma remained in her beloved home on a hill near the river with her three dogs. When her canine companions died, the legend continues, dementia began to set in, and Emma would bide her time in a rocking chair, waiting for her loved ones to return.

The home was later sold, Kleen explained, and Emma went to live with relatives until her death in 1964.

“But some people say that she returned to this home that she loved for so long,” Kleen said, turning to stories of strange occurrences in the home after her death.

“The earliest one is of a Realtor who was showing the house, and he walked down into the basement…and he couldn’t find the light switch,” Kleen began. “So, he lit a match, and the first match got blown out by the wind. And so, he lit a second match, and this match he dropped, because he was startled by what he saw. In the shadows, he thought he saw a person standing there in the basement.”

A young couple, unaware of what the Realtor had seen, is said to have purchased the house, only to have experiences of their own, including unexplainable sounds of footsteps.

“One of the things they said was that they could hear someone tapping on their headboard at night,” he added. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was, one night, they were getting ready for bed. They were coming downstairs to the living room to check and see if all the doors were locked, and suddenly, an elderly woman appeared out of nowhere and demanded to know what they were doing in her house. And, of course, they were completely startled by this, especially when this woman disappeared.”

The next owner, Kleen said, was an older widower who also heard strange noises.

“He heard what sounded like claws tapping on the floor, like if a dog were to be walking by,” Kleen reported, noting the gentleman had also heard tapping on his bedpost. “The tipping point for him was when he was awoken by a phone call on his birthday. And he answered the phone, and on the other end was an older lady who asked him if she was dead—and she kept asking him over and over again: ‘Am I dead? Am I dead?’”

Kleen explained the home was then owned by a series of businesses and other agencies, but that the activity did not stop.

According to Kleen, one employee had a startling encounter in the home’s attic, which was being used for storage.

“Suddenly, the room was no longer the storage room,” he said. “The room was transformed. It had a dresser in there. It had all this old furniture and what looked like an old bed.”

As she raced down the stairs, Kleen added, “Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she caught a glimpse of something, so she turned around, and standing there on the stairs was the ghost of this old woman.”

Rockford College—doorway to the paranormal?

With several points of paranormal interest, Rockford College is rumored to be one the most haunted locations in the city.

The Adams Arch, for instance, is a piece of the original college moved from its first home near the river. The sounds of long-ago-laughter are said to emanate from the stone structure.

Kleen attributes the alleged phenomenon to the place memory theory outlined in Part II. The theory is also referred to as a residual haunting, which is essentially believed to be a “recording” of past events.

“Whenever you’re in high emotional states, be it happy or sad, or upset or angry, you leave energy behind, according to this theory,” said Kleen, who is also a member of the Forest City Paranormal Society. “So, certain emotions are said to be able to be imprinted on the landscape, on a house or, in this case, a doorway to a building. … Adams Arch is supposed to, at certain times, replay the laughter of girls who attended this school for decades. And so, supposedly, their happy emotions have been imprinted on this doorway.”

But stories of the unexplained only begin at the arch.

The basement of the Burpee Building, once used as the studio of a campus radio station, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who allegedly committed suicide there.

“There was a professor who evidently was doing some work in the room that used to be the radio station. He was looking at papers on his desk, and suddenly there was a breeze that came from…somewhere,” Kleen said. “He looked around to see where the origin of the breeze was, but the window was still closed. And when he turned around, and he looked back at his desk, allegedly, the papers had been cleared off his desk—all except for this one article talking about the suicide of the person in this building.”

The college’s Maddox Theatre is also the subject of ghostly tales. In addition to stories surrounding the Hopi Indian kachina dolls on display at the theater (see Part II), Kleen noted the dolls aren’t alone in welcoming visitors.

“There are a bunch of frescos on the walls of, I would describe them as cherubic characters, in various stages of celebration,” he explained. “Supposedly, these frescos will watch you as you come in, and their heads will move. You may think that they’re facing a certain direction, but then when you turn around, they’re facing a different direction.”

The theater is allegedly haunted by the man who designed the building, and by the ghost of a former student who is said to ring a bell.

Echoes from the past in the Coronado

Rockford’s 2,400-seat Coronado Theatre opened its doors in 1927, but restless spirits are said to have wasted no time moving in.

“This theater has supposedly been haunted from the beginning,” Kleen asserted. “Some people said that it was built on an Indian burial mound. In fact, there’s a nearby park that has Indian mounds in the park.”

According to legend, during the theater’s construction, several workers fell to their deaths from catwalks, leaving some to wonder if an unseen force had pushed them.

Kleen said the building is believed by one local medium to be haunted by three distinct ghosts, including Willard Van Matre, the original owner, who is said to still greet guests as they enter the theater.

“Ms. Kileen,” the theater’s first office manager, is said to spray lilac perfume on visitors, and the original manager, Louis St. Pierre, is also rumored to still be on duty.

Crowded mall

Although acknowledging it doesn’t fit the stereotype of a haunted locale, Kleen reported a number of strange occurrences in CherryVale Mall, which was built in 1973.

“You might think that such a modern building couldn’t be haunted, especially not a mall where thousands of people go every day,” he indicated. “Modern buildings can be as haunted as older buildings.”

According to Kleen, employees have reported a sensation of being followed in the mall after hours.

“They say that they clean up the store at night, but when they come in and they open the store in the morning, it’s been messed up,” he added.

Other claims include employees who’ve been prevented from leaving the bathroom, as though something on the other side of the door was holding them in.

“Suddenly, the door will swing open, and nobody will be there,” he said.

In addition to these stories, Kleen noted several more well-known incidents, including a man who set himself on fire in front of Christmas shoppers in 2001, and a foiled 2006 terror plot that targeted the mall.

Kleen wouldn’t go as far as to suggest a paranormal link to the incidents, but asserted, “A lot of unusual things have happened there.”

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Stroke and Osteoporosis Screening coming to Rockford Nov. 3

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

MADISON, Wis.—Residents living in and around the Rockford community can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke or bone fracture. The New Milford United Methodist Church will host Life Line Screening Nov. 3. The site is at 7102 Cindy Drive in Rockford. Appointments will begin at 9 a.m.

Four key points every person needs to know—

1. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of permanent disability.

2. Eighty percent of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs prior to their stroke.

3. Preventive ultrasound screenings can help you avoid a stroke.

4. Screenings are fast, noninvasive, painless, affordable and convenient.

Screenings identify potential cardiovascular conditions such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women.

Packages start at $139. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 237-1287 or visit the Web site at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

Life Line Screening was established in 1993, and has since become the nation’s leading provider of preventive screenings.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »

IceHogs dominant on home ice to begin season

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Doug Halberstadt

Sports Columnist

So far this year, it has been “home, sweet home” for the Rockford IceHogs. Rockford is a perfect 3-0 at the MetroCentre during the opening month of the 2009-2010 American Hockey League season.

On opening weekend at the “Big Orange Box,” Rockford won back-to-back games against in-state rivals the Chicago Wolves and the Peoria Rivermen. Last Friday night (Oct. 23), they dominated the team that swept them out of the playoffs last season, the Milwaukee Admirals. The ’Hogs outscored the Admirals 6-1 on Hogtoberfest night in Rockford. On home ice, the ’Hogs have outscored their opponents 14-3.

Away from home, the ’Hogs have managed only two wins in six contests. The wins came in Lake Erie and Toronto. Three of the four road losses have come at the hands of the Peoria Rivermen. The other road loss was against the Chicago Wolves.

Rockford will be looking to improve on its road record this evening (Wednesday, Oct. 28) as they travel once again into the Allstate Arena for the second of five games there this year. Rockford lost to the Wolves 5-4 when the two teams met Oct. 14.

After tonight, Rockford has one more road game before returning to the MetroCentre on Halloween night. They’ll have to face the Admirals in Milwaukee Friday night (Oct. 30) before meeting them again back home Saturday (Oct. 31).

If the ’Hogs can defeat the Admirals on Halloween night in front of the home fans, they will be a perfect 4-0 at the MetroCentre during the opening month of this season. The first 2,500 fans at Saturday’s game will get an aluminum IceHogs water bottle.

If Rockford can continue their winning ways at home, the month of November should mean good news for the team. Out of the 12 games scheduled, eight are on home ice. Their four road games will be played in three cities. They have a game Sunday, Nov. 1, in Milwaukee and an away weekend series with the Abbotsford Heat Nov. 6-7. Their final road game of the month is in Grand Rapids Nov. 27.

Rockford will face the San Antonio Rampage, Texas Stars, Abbotsford Heat, Chicago Wolves and the Manitoba Moose on their home ice in November.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Debut performance of breast cancer song at Katie’s Cup Oct. 29

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

David Lantz (from left), Christopher Donshale Sims (rear) and Gale Ketteler.

David Lantz (from left), Christopher Donshale Sims (rear) and Gale Ketteler.

From press release

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a collaboration by three Rockford-area performing artists will have its debut at an open mic session starting at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, at Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford.

Christopher Donshale Sims, a.k.a. UniverSouLove, is a poet, spoken word artist, and creatively conscious MC. He wrote the poem “She Has Breast Cancer” in 2008 to commemorate the experience of his mother, Della Sims, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000.

Sims’ mother is a survivor, but Sims has lost an aunt to this dreaded disease. He is now a speaker and supporter of women and the movement, and his poetry captures the terror, confusion and resignation of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.

Classical soprano Gale Ketteler has performed professionally in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and New York in operas, oratorio, musicals and recitals. She and Sims tapped local composer/arranger David Lantz to set Sims’ poem to music.

For more information, visit www.universoulovethepoet.com or call (815) 227-0598.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »

Do some NFL teams have a ‘dome-field advantage’

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By S.C. Zuba

Sports Columnist

After watching the first seven weeks of the 2009 NFL season, the idea of “dome-field advantage” dawned on me.

It’s a simple idea—teams that play inside a dome have an unfair advantage over teams that play outside.

While teams like the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and New York Giants play in what can most readily be defined as a frozen tundra for the majority of the season, nine NFL teams play in cool, air-conditioned arenas.

The St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys all find their home games played inside of a comfortable dome, where Mother Nature can never factor in a game.

Dec. 23, 2008, the Green Bay Packers traveled to Chicago to take on the Bears in what would be recorded as the coldest kickoff in Chicago Bears history. On that freezing Monday evening, the temperature was 2 degrees Fahrenheit, with a windchill of minus 13.

I can say with complete confidence that was the coldest experience of my life. It was difficult to show any emotion when Robbie Gould kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime, yet both teams overcame the frigid temperatures and played like professionals.

Compare that Bears/Packers game to the Minnesota Vikings game against the Baltimore Ravens Oct. 18, 2009, when Brett Favre orchestrated yet another miracle comeback victory.

The temperature in Minneapolis that day was around 41 degrees Fahrenheit, yet Favre and the Vikings were enjoying the benefits of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, where all weather conditions can be controlled.

As each of these nine teams plays eight of their home games free from the frigid temperatures, torrential downpours and tornado-like winds, an unfair advantage must be present.

Ask any field-goal kicker from the Buffalo Bills how much of a factor wind can be.

Inside of a dome, a quarterback never has to worry if he can feel his fingers before he makes a pass, and a running back never has to be slammed into the frozen ground. A defensive back never has to lose his receiver because his cleats won’t stick in the ground—it is the same field, day in and day out.

Some argue playing inside of a dome takes away from the character and history of the game. Others argue all games should be played inside of a dome so football can be as fast and as strong as possible.

Either way, the system needs to be uniform. Either all teams play inside of a dome, or no teams play inside of a dome. It’s the only way to make it fair.

Share your thoughts with S.C. Zuba via e-mail at samuelczuba@yahoo.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Sports, Sports News | 1 Comment »

Boylan survives 4 OTs to advance to sectionals

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Boylan's James Howe looks to move past Harlem's Cody Mizner during the first round of the Class 3A IHSA regional. Boylan beat Harlem and Hononegah en route to the regional victory. Photo by Matt Nestor

Boylan's James Howe looks to move past Harlem's Cody Mizner during the first round of the Class 3A IHSA regional. Boylan beat Harlem and Hononegah en route to the regional victory. Photo by Matt Nestor

By Matt Nestor

Sports Columnist

A week earlier, the Boylan Titans soccer team cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Hononegah Indians to end their regular-season campaign.

With six minutes left in their regional final game in their Class 3A regional, the Titans found themselves staring at a 2-1 deficit.

Boylan was able to tie the game, and then in the fourth overtime, Brian Klazura kicked the game-winning goal to advance the Titans to the sectional round in the Barrington Sectional.

Hononegah had defeated Guilford to reach the finals. Boylan defeated Harlem. The Titans face Lake Zurich, who won 5-0 in their regional final.

All in all, the Rock River Valley has three teams in play for state tournament berths in Naperville, one in each class. Along with Boylan, Freeport and Keith Country Day School have also advanced to the sectional round, with Freeport the top seed in their sectional.

In Class 2A, NIC-10 champion Freeport won their regional, defeating Geneseo 2-0. They will face Sycamore in the next round. Sycamore beat Belvidere North 2-1.

In Class 1A, Keith Country Day School defeated Rockford Christian to win their regional. They will face Earlville in the first game of the Princeton sectional.

Share your thoughts with Matt Nestor via e-mail at sportsnest@gmail.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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IDNR awards grants to improve snowmobile trails

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Doug Halberstadt

Sports Columnist

Local snowmobilers will have something to look forward to once the ground gets sufficiently covered with the white stuff this winter. Thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), work is being done this fall to improve the conditions on many of the trails that are used by area snowmobilers.

IDNR awarded $200,000 for upgrades along state trails.

IDNR Director Marc Miller said: “Snowmobiling in Illinois is enjoyed by thousands of people annually, and we always talk about the importance of safety. This money will help maintain trails and help keep snowmobilers safe this coming season.”

The money will be used for trail maintenance, equipment and safety improvements.

Here’s how the local money will be used:

Rockford Park District (Winnebago County), $40,820 to install a new snowmobile bridge, to repair four existing snowmobile bridges, and to purchase snowmobile trail signs and posts to better mark the area’s public snowmobile trails.

Flagg-Rochelle Park District (Ogle County), $11,085 to acquire a 1.7-mile-long, 40-foot-wide corridor adjacent to a proposed bike path in Rochelle.

Blackhawk Park District (Carroll County), $15,000 to upgrade and maintain the snowmobile trail between Stockton and Elizabeth. Funds will be used to repair/replace four snowmobile trail bridges and to add gates and posts.

City of Savanna (Carroll County), $7,110 to purchase snowmobile trail signs and posts to mark two new public snowmobile trails. One trail will extend from Savanna to Mt. Carroll, and the other will extend from Savanna to Thomson.

Freeport Park District (Stephenson County), $8,000 for the out-of-pocket operation and maintenance costs involved with the grooming and maintenance of the area’s public snowmobile trails.

Lena Community Park District (Stephenson County), $16,000 to purchase and replace two rubber tracks on a Tucker-Terra 1,000 snowmobile groomer and to help cover operation and maintenance costs involved with the use of the snowmobile groomer.

Lena Community Park District (Stephenson County), $2,550 to purchase materials to construct a snowmobile bridge, 200 snowmobile trail signs for better marking trails and posts.

Loran Township (Stephenson County), $5,250 to repair seven small snowmobile bridges and to purchase 500 snowmobile trail signs and posts to better mark the area’s public snowmobile trails.

City of Morrison (Whiteside County), $11,085 for the development of a 10-foot-wide, eight-tenths-of-a-mile-long aggregate trail that extends northward from the edge of town. The eventual plan is to develop a trail that will reach Morrison-Rockwood State Park.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Start a new holiday tradition by visiting McHenry County

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

MCHENRY COUNTY, Ill.—“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?” If that line from John Lennon’s 1971 hit has you pulling your hair out over a holiday “to-do” list, it’s time to de-stress. This year, try focusing less on what you expect of the holidays, and more on making them truly memorable for you and your family.

For starters, plan a weekend escape to the Currier and Ives countryside of McHenry County, Ill. Historic villages sparkling in the snow provide a perfect backdrop for family traditions.

Christmas shopping

You’ll love Christmas shopping in Woodstock, a National Trust “Distinctive Destination.” Its unique and beguiling character, highlighted by its 1890s town square and downtown historic district, is especially breathtaking this season. Stroll through boutiques in downtown Crystal Lake, or hunt for holiday bargains at Prime Outlets in Huntley, where 50 brand-name outlets offer everyday savings of 35-65 percent.

You can shop 80 stores and restaurants in the attractive outdoor Algonquin Commons. And be sure to check out the new Riverwalk in McHenry. While there, choose wines for holiday entertaining at Corkscrew Point, where you’ll find the largest collection of Illinois wines in the state.

Christmas tree farms

Pack the kids in the car on a quest for a perfect Christmas tree. Nothing says Christmas like a fresh evergreen, and McHenry County has lots of family farms where you can cut your own. All provide saws, and all will shake and bale your tree for the ride home.

At Richardson’s Tree Farm near Spring Grove, take a tractor-drawn wagon ride through a 75-acre forest of spruce, pine and fir. Select your tree, and then enjoy fresh donuts and hot cocoa in the heated barn, where a large assortment of wreaths and holiday decorations await. A visit to Oney’s Tree Farm near Woodstock is a return to old-fashioned tradition. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride into fields of spruce, fir and pines. Choose the perfect tree from eight different organically-grown varieties, and enjoy Oney’s famous cinnamon rolls with hot chocolate in the heated holiday decorating center.

Holiday events

Be sure to check out the many holiday events scattered throughout the county. Nov. 22, see an amazing example of community involvement in the town of McHenry’s Toys for Tots Christmas Parade & Downtown Christmas Walk. Beginning at 1 p.m., more than 300 motorcyclists will deliver toys to area needy families. Shop quaint downtown stores, enjoy trolley and horse-drawn hayrides, and conclude with the 5 p.m. lighting of the community Christmas tree at Veterans Park.

Both Woodstock and Crystal Lake jump-start the season at 7 p.m. the evening after Thanksgiving with downtown happenings that are sure to get you in the spirit. With a flip of the switch, Woodstock ushers in the season with thousands of lights illuminating the Victorian architecture and trees in Woodstock Square. At the same time, downtown Crystal Lake welcomes Santa in a dazzlingly-lighted nighttime Christmas parade.

Enjoy a musical version of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol in the historic Woodstock Opera House, Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 4-6. Enchant yourself and the kids at Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet in Crystal Lake’s Raue Center, Dec. 19 and 20.

For something really different, embark on a magical train ride through spectacular holiday light displays, and visit with Santa Claus and his elves in the toy workshop at the Illinois Railway Museum’s Happy Holiday Railway in Union. Trains depart several times on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5-20.

Make it a weekend tradition

There is enough going on in McHenry County between Thanksgiving and Christmas to easily turn your holiday outing into a family weekend tradition. And if you live in Chicago, many events, shopping and dining venues, as well as bed-and-breakfasts and hotel accommodations in McHenry County are accessible via Metra. For comprehensive train schedules, go to www.metrarail.com.

For restaurant, hotel and bed-and-breakfast suggestions, phone the McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 888-363-6177. For links to events, shopping venues and Christmas tree farms, visit www.VisitMcHenryCounty.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story opens at Wisconsin Theatreworks

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

BELOIT, Wis.—Feb. 3, 1959, the man who changed the face of popular music tragically died in a plane crash at age 22.

Now, Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story tells the story of the three years in which he became the world’s top recording artist. The show features more than 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Oh Boy,” “Not Fade Away,” “Everyday,” “Rave On,” “Maybe Baby,” “Raining In My Heart,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” and the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.”

Buddy has had audiences on their feet in every corner of the globe, and now, “The world’s most successful rock ’n’ roll musical” is going to explode onto the Wisconsin Theatreworks stage in a toe-tapping, hand-clapping extravaganza.

Buddy follows the tragically-short life of Buddy Holly from his first recording contract through his move to New York and concluding with the fatal tour of Midwest America. This show is not to be missed as Buddy sings his way through two hours of the best rock ’n’ roll songs ever written.

“Golden oldies pounded out the way they used to be” said Jim Tropp, director. “Buddy is a joyous reopening of a musical memory from the late ’50s.”

Buddy will be presented Oct. 30-Nov. 15. Performances will be at The American Industrial Art Gallery inside the Beloit Ironworks Building, 655 Third St., Suite 302, Beloit, Wis. Tickets are $25, $28 and $52 for dinner theater. Best Events Catering will have appetizers and desserts available for purchase at all performances. Tickets are available online at www.wisconsintheatreworks.com; by phone at (608) 365-1825; or by e-mail to info@wisconsintheatreworks.com.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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Versatility makes Moorman top player in NIC-10

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Matt Nestor

Sports Columnist

All you had to do to understand why Boylan senior quarterback Michael Moorman was the most valuable player in the conference was watch their conference title-clinching victory over the Hononegah Indians.

Moorman threw for a touchdown, ran for a touchdown, kicked a key fourth-quarter field goal, and helped the Titans win the field position battle with touchbacks on his kickoffs and good punts in a driving wind.

So, if you’re scoring at home, he threw, ran and kicked the Titans to a NIC-10 conference title.

Boylan coach Dan Appino said that Moorman was always a key to their season. The Titans had to replace some players along the offensive line, and the steady hand of their quarterback guided them through some key early games.

“We’ve leaned on him all year long,” Appino said. “When our offensive line was a work in progress, he kind of carried us in those first couple of games. Since then, he’s been able to rely on other guys. But with (Paul Barmore) being out, it sure was nice to have our captain back there working at it.”

Beyond that, Moorman is probably the best leader in the conference. Last season, Moorman was thrust into the starting role after star quarterback Zach Lane went down with an injury. This year, his co-star, running back Paul Barmore, went down with a knee injury.

In both cases, Moorman wasn’t afraid, and put the team on his back and led them to an undefeated record and conference title.

Other NIC-10 honors

υ Offensive Player of the Year—We’ll call it a tie for Marcus Gooden of Belvidere and Tony Tindle for Belvidere North for top offensive honors.

More often than not, a one-man touchdown machine like Gooden would be an easy call for the best offensive player. But Tindle made a big difference for the Blue Thunder this year, hitting big play after big play to help the Belvidere North run back to the playoffs.

υ Defensive Player of the Year—There were several great defenses this year. Harlem’s was among the best, and Ryan Rizzio always seemed to be in the middle of everything.

Every time the Huskies’ defense caused a fumble, picked off a pass, sacked the quarterback, or made a big stop, you almost always heard Rizzio’s name across the P.A. system.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Deli Italia helps Doug Furze celebrate 50th birthday

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

The community is welcome to Deli Italia Lounge this Friday, Oct. 30, to help local musician and activist Doug Furze celebrate his 50th birthday.

Furze is the founder of Concerts for Charity and has been the leader of several area bands and musical acts. Furze’s Hot Fest for Hospice and Catfish John Memorial Music Fest are popular events that have donated proceeds to local charities and purchased musical instruments for area schools. Furze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this summer.

Doug’s band, Blunatics, will perform. Show starts at 8 p.m. Deli Italia is at 507 E. State St., downtown Rockford. The club can be reached at (815) 962-3354.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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Panel to discuss pop culture Nov. 2

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

Three Rockford College professors will offer their insights into pop culture during a panel discussion at the college from 4 to 5 p.m., Nov. 2, in the Burpee Center Grace Roper Lounge.

Panelists for the discussion are Shawn Klein, instructor in the Philosophy Department; Matt Flamm, assistant professor of philosophy; and Michael Perry, assistant professor of English. All three have written extensively and given presentations about pop culture and its effect on society.

The event is free and open to the public.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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The Second Half: Birthdays bring changes

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Kathleen D. Tresemer

Columnist

I am celebrating! Two of my favorite Second Half people are having birthdays: my husband and my friend Pat.

Discussion surrounding birthdays usually leads to my excitement at having survived another year. Not everyone shares my sentiment. Change is something we humans tend to struggle with, especially if we find those changes to be more limiting.

“Aging brings changes in family structure, in social and physical activities, and often in our health,” a therapist friend tells me. “When these changes occur, it can be hard to adjust and continue to feel positive about your life.”

Well, it is true that certain Second Half birthdays bring about obvious changes: reaching 50 brings us to the age of seniority, signified by our AARP card in the mail, and the 65th birthday introduces the age of Social Security. At 90 years old, we have reached advanced seniority, and at 100-plus, we are eligible for a mention on the morning news programs with other centenarians.

I figured one of my favorite Web sites—the WebMD Healthy Aging Center—could add to this discussion (go to: www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/default.htm ). In the article, “Living to 100 to Become Common,” by Miranda Hitti, she tells us: “Reaching the age of 100 may become pretty ordinary…”

The report comes out of the Danish Aging Research Centre at the University of Southern Denmark, recently published in The Lancet. This research tells us that, if current trends continue, “…most babies born since 2000 in France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., the USA, Canada, Japan, and other countries with long life expectancies will celebrate their 100th birthdays…”

No one is mentioning my goal—120—but I have time for the research to catch up with me.

Seventy-something Pat has been facing changes this year with a vigorous approach, getting involved in activities and volunteer work that she didn’t have time for in the past. “First, I want to do things that have value, things with a purpose,” she tells me. “Next, I want to do things that are spiritual in nature. Then, I want to engage in activities that are both physically and intellectually challenging. And at the end of the day, I want most of it to be fun!”

“Holy cow!” I wonder. “Is that realistic?”

Here’s how she has covered all those bases:

Value/Purpose—Pat trained as a hospice worker and is now handling cases, as well as assisting another senior with her bookkeeping.

“Well, I have three jobs,” I say. “And I volunteer for a couple of organizations—I’m thinking I have too much of a sense of purpose!” I might try dedicating myself to “aimlessness” and see if the pay-off is any better.

Spiritual—Pat supports a local church in restoring their historic building, now renovated enough that folks attend weekly services there; in addition, she attends classes that address spiritual concerns and participates in spiritual study groups.

“I enjoy meditation and reading stuff,” I say, weakly.

Intellectual Challenges—Too numerous to mention. Pat never stops her intellectual pursuits! She is a board member of the Rockford Writers’ Guild, a member of the Center for Learning in Retirement at Rock Valley College, and attends a monthly book club, to name just a few.

“Intellect is an area where you really excel,” Hubby compliments me, then promptly deflates my ego. “It can be quite annoying to the people around you.”

Physical Challenges—Riding her bicycle, gardening, landscaping and caring for her horse are just a few of Pat’s activities, although she wants to do more to feel her best.

“I think a LOT about getting more physical,” I say—I’m very cerebral that way!

Fun—Pat recently bought herself an antique car and joined a club that shares that interest. She does about a dozen things a week that I think are fun.

“Does it count that I hang out with you?” I ask her.

“We do laugh a lot,” she concurs. “That counts in my book!”

Another Second Half idol of mine celebrated his birthday in September: the Godfather of Fitness, Jack LaLanne, celebrated his 95th birthday with the release of his newest book, Live Young Forever. LaLanne tells us, “People don’t die of old age, they die of neglect.”

When I’m gone, I never want anyone to say, “She died of neglect.”

My mother never neglected herself, exercising every day to the Jack LaLanne Show. She didn’t need any special equipment or designer sweatsuits back then, just comfy clothes and a commitment of 30 minutes a day. If she could do it, so can WE!

I was not aware that LaLanne was first a Doctor of Chiropractic, trying to teach us about exercise and nutrition (before it was “popular TV programming”) through media appearances and publicity stunts. In 1984, at 70 years old, Jack swam 1.5 miles handcuffed and shackled, towing 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen’s Way bridge in the Long Beach harbor to the Queen Mary.  I guess LaLanne’s birthdays bring him changes, too…in improved health and fitness. He still has a mission: To help people to help themselves feel better, look better, and live longer. “Anything in life is possible,” he says, “if you make it happen!”

One of my favorite Jack LaLanne quotes: “Work at living, and you don’t have to die tomorrow.”

Thanks, Jack, and happy birthday! Visit Jack’s Web site at (http://www.jacklalanne.com/), and have fun exercising to his original television programs.

In her second half of life, Kathleen D. Tresemer is both a journalist and an award-winning fiction writer. She lives with her husband on a small ranch in rural Shirland, Ill. Kathleen can be contacted by e-mail at kdt-insights@hotmail.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Literary Hook: Capturing the elegance of prairie grasses

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Christine Swanberg

Author and Poet

This is a time of year that I find invigorating. This year, to celebrate the fall season, you might want to take a road trip up the Great River Road along the Mississippi River. As well as magnificent river vistas on the Wisconsin side, you can enjoy the winding roads through high hills and valleys, ending up at The Inn at Lonesome Hollow in Soldiers Grove, Wis.

The native grasses there—and along the way—reminded me of our native American roots. From the forests and bluffs, it’s easy to imagine life in the Kickapoo Valley in ages past.

Some of us wild gardeners have chosen to use these native prairie grasses in our own yards. At this time of year, they sway in the wind and really do dance. Those grasses inspired this poem, which was published in a different form many years ago here and in Who Walks Among the Trees with Charity, and in this pared-down form in Mid-America Review.

Maybe you love these grasses and cultivate them, too. Even if you don’t garden with them, you might appreciate them along the road or in parks such as Rock Cut or Blackhawk Springs, and our own Rock River walkway, where they grow with a mind of their own, bursting and changing colors at this time of year.

When I looked up the scientific names for the grasses that grace my back yard and Midwest prairies, I was amazed to discover their scientific names were so elegant, adding yet another dimension of beauty and appreciation. I find that when a writer does a little research, sometimes that research can add the finishing touch to the piece. I discovered a sense of hope in the prairie grasses, which seem to do their own thing no matter what else is going on in the world.

Amidst Prairie Grass

Muhlenbergia filipes.

Pennestum setacei Rubrum.

Miscanthus sinesis Gracillimus.

Even the names are benedictions here.

Fall with its drama of transformation,

its salutation to the sun. Indian Summer:

golden spears and reeds rippling Ravenna grass.

Pampas grass. Frosted grasses

rooted in pungent black earth.

Riverways of roots and tubes.

Mondo grass returning to its source.

Seedheads bursting.

A single seed

deep within in a great labyrinth unseen:

So much goes on without us.

Christine Swanberg is a local author and poet who has written several books of poetry and formerly wrote a column called “The Writer’s Garret” for this newspaper.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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RSO director offers ‘mysterious’ lecture Nov. 2

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) announces a special lecture by Music Director Steven Larsen at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, in the Riverfront Museum Park Theater, 711 N. Main St.

The lecture, titled “Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6: Is There Hidden Meaning?”, will explore the mysteries of the Romantic Russian composer’s final masterpiece.

Nine days after he conducted the premiere of his Sixth Symphony, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky died mysteriously. Was it cholera? A suicide ordered by a secret “court of honor” to atone for his homosexuality? Is there a “secret programme” for this symphony that foretells his death? These are questions that have swirled around this great symphony, known as “The Pathétique,” for more than a century.

RSO will perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 Nov. 14. Also included on the program for this concert is the premiere of the Trumpet Concerto by Illinois composer Mark Lathan (written for and performed by RSO principal trumpet Mark Baldin) and the Four Sea Interludes from Benjamin Britten’s opera Peter Grimes.

For more information about these events and concerts, call (815) 965-0049, or visit www.rockfordsymphony.com.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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Developer purchases downtown Rockford commercial building

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

A Rockford-based real estate development firm has purchased a historic downtown Rockford building that it plans to renovate and market as a mixed-use commercial and residential property.

The two-story, 6,500-square-foot building, which is located at 110 N. First St., was purchased by Rockford-based Urban Equity Properties, doing business as JMZ Properties, LLC. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Melissa S. Miller, broker/associate with Rockford-based Century 21 Country North, completed the transaction on behalf of the JMZ Properties. John Funderburg of Doyle, Woodhouse and Moore, Inc., represented the seller, a private local investment group. Both brokers are members of the Rockford Area Association of Realtors.

Justin Fern, managing partner of JMZ Properties, said the firm plans to build two residential loft apartments on the top floor as well as a ground-floor commercial space suitable for offices, retail or restaurant/café use.

This is the latest in a series of adaptive reuse projects by Urban Equity Properties. Other current projects include 317-325 W. Jefferson St. and 317 Market St., which are also located in downtown Rockford.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

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Tube Talk: Local hauntings on FEARnet

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Paula Hendrickson

Contributing Writer

What’s more appealing this time of year than ghost stories? Local ghost stories! Some area residents shared the legend of Bloods Point Road for a segment of FEARnet’s series, Streets of Fear.

While the episode debuted earlier this month, it is still viewable OnDemand as well as online at FEARnet.com: http://www.fearnet.com/shows/streets_of_fear/index.html.

(Full disclosure: I have an older Mac and kept getting a message saying the video was “unavailable at this time,” but the friendly folks at FEARnet were able to help me out.)

If you’ve never heard of Bloods Point Road, don’t feel bad. I’ve lived in Rockford my entire life and hadn’t heard of it. Turns out, it’s a road in the Cherry Valley area, where people have reported seeing strange things for a long time. The street name isn’t tied to actual blood. It’s derived from the family name of some early settlers who are directly tied to the legend discussed in the Bloods Point Road section of Streets of Fear. One reason you might not have heard about it is the street signs no longer show the full name, just the road’s initials.

The story of Bloods Point Road is told by three local sources: Mike Rutlin of the Forest City Paranormal Society, Michael Kleen of True Illinois Haunts, and Kathi Kresol, library assistant and founder of Haunted Rockford Tours. The segment itself is less than 5 minutes long, so why not take a few moments and check it out?

You can also view the Streets of Fear segment on the Forest City Paranormal Society’s site: http://www.forest-city-paranormal-society.com/. And Kleen has posted behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of the Streets of Fear segment on True Illinois Haunts’ site: http://trueillinoishaunts.com—if you click on the “interviews” tab, you’ll even find an interesting interview with Kresol.

For additional seasonal viewing, you might want to check out:

υ Monsters Vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space—A Halloween special the whole family can enjoy, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogan and Hugh Laurie. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., NBC.

υ The Mentalist—Patrick Jane helps the CBI investigate a murder in a supposedly-haunted mansion. Thursday, Oct. 29, 9 p.m., CBS.

υ Medium—The former NBC drama airs its first-ever Halloween episode, and the 1968 classic horror film, Night of the Living Dead, becomes the backdrop for Allison’s (Patricia Arquette) prophetic dreams. Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m., CBS.

υ Night of the Living Dead—The original film. Saturday, Oct. 31, 7:15 p.m., AMC.

υ Ghost Adventures LIVE!—Watch a crew of TV paranormal investigators do their thing live on Halloween starting at 4 p.m., on Travel Channel.

υ Ghost Hunters—All Halloween evening. Syfy.

Paula Hendrickson is a regular contributor to Emmy magazine and Variety. Send in your suggestions to tubetalking-paula@yahoo.com.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

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Can’t sell? Wary of being a landlord? Try corporate housing instead

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Courtesy of ARA Content

The housing market is making it hard for many homeowners to sell. Yet, the alternative—becoming a landlord and renting out your house—isn’t always appealing. A growing number of savvy homeowners are pursuing a third option, renting out their homes as corporate housing.

Kajal Agarwal is one homeowner who’s making corporate housing work for her. Agarwal and her husband lived in their small condo in Chicago’s established Lakeview neighborhood for four years. When they decided they wanted a larger living space and good schools for their son who was about to start kindergarten, they decided to head to the suburbs.

“We wanted to move, but we were caught in the middle of a soft housing market. There were two other condos for sale in our building, and both had been on the market for more than a year,” says Agarwal. “We decided to move and rent out our Lakeview condo to cover the mortgage payment.”

Agarwal says her first rental experience soured her because of a bad tenant whom she had to evict. Not one to give up, Agarwal decided to try her hand at renting again, only offering her condo as a fully-furnished corporate housing rental instead.

“As a former traveling business consultant, I was familiar with the corporate housing concept and knew I would attract high quality renters. I listed my home for rent on CorporateHousingbyOwner.com and found my first renter in days,” says Agarwal, who adds that she has had a pool of high-caliber renters to choose from ever since.

Agarwal’s story is typical, says Kimberly Smith, the founder of CorporateHousingbyOwner.com, a Web site that connects individual homeowners offering fully-furnished short-term rentals with potential corporate housing renters.

“Many homeowners turn to the rental market without first researching the market and developing both a management and marketing plan. They quickly realize first-hand just how difficult it can be and how much competition is around,” says Smith. “Kajal was savvy enough to know that offering her home to business travelers as furnished, temporary housing would set her apart from other rental properties, increase her monthly income, and help her to find the kind of renter she desired.”

Adriane Webb, a homeowner and real estate investor in the D.C.-metro area, also decided to try her hand at renting versus selling.

Webb says she was looking to expand her real estate portfolio by purchasing a second investment property. Shortly after that, the bottom fell out of the housing market.

“The changing market conditions became very challenging for us,” says Webb. “While we did have one property rented, the income earned was not enough to cover other associated expenses, like homeowner association fees, leaving us to supplement the difference. Moreover, our second property sat idle with no renter for several months. That’s when I began to worry.”

Not one to let grass grow under her feet, Webb immediately began brainstorming ways to attract quality renters.

That’s when, she says, the idea came to her. She remembered when her husband was stationed overseas, and the couple stayed in a fully-furnished rental. She did a few searches on the furnished rental market and found that she could convert her “for-rent” property into a furnished corporate housing rental.

“I quickly updated the floors, gave the property a fresh coat of paint, and purchased new furnishings and linens,” she says. Within three days of listing her property online, Webb had booked her first tenant.

Elaine Quiroz, president of Virginia-based corporate housing consulting firm Corporate Housing Strategies, says that anyone looking to convert their home or investment property into a furnished rental should take some time to consider everything that is involved.

“Furnished rentals require more upfront costs and more effort in terms of coordinating turnover between tenants, as renters typically stay for one month or more and rarely sign 12 month leases,” she says.

Smith of CorporateHousingbyOwner.com agrees and adds: “Corporate housing isn’t for the passive real estate investor. It takes dedication and investment from the homeowner. But with the right location and right homeowner, it can be a much more lucrative proposition that enables a homeowner to make more money and attract an ongoing stream of high-caliber tenants.”

Webb agrees, too. “I am learning as I go and continually figuring out how to adjust my rates to cover my expenses and still attract quality renters,” she says. ‘It’s a learning process but one that I’m excited to be a part of!”

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Home & Garden | No Comments »

Guest Column: Small waterways in need of protection

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Max Muller

Once again, Lake Michigan is in trouble.

This time, instead of BP trying to pump more wastes into the lake’s waters, a few judges have stirred things up, leaving the streams and wetlands that feed and filter Lake Michigan more vulnerable to pollution and reckless development.

As Congress prepares to hold hearings on this problem, I hope you’ll join me in demanding the full restoration of Clean Water Act protection to all of our waterways.

For three decades, the meaning of the Clean Water Act was as clear as a high mountain stream: Lake Michigan? Protected. The Illinois River? Protected. The Big Muddy? Salt Creek? The small springs that interlace northwestern Illinois? Protected, protected and protected, along with every single lake, river, stream and wetland in Illinois, big and small.

Then, in a controversial decision, a bitterly-divided Supreme Court exempted small streams and many wetlands from the law. The effect? In Illinois, the law now leaves half of our streams and 150,000 acres of wetlands open to more pollution and development. That’s disturbing news. As we know, when it comes to our environment, whatever goes around comes around—if we allow polluters and developers free rein over smaller streams and wetlands, it’s only a matter of time before the effects extend downstream, including Lake Michigan.

The Bush administration only made things worse. Under Barack Obama, we finally have a chance to make things right.

That’s why, with Capitol Hill hearings coming up, it’s critical that our congressional delegation—especially Reps. Costello, Hare, Johnson, Lipinski and Schock, who sit on the committee that will hold the hearings—know that you, and thousands of others who care about  our waters, are on our side. Show them your support for full protection for all of our waters by signing this petition now. http://www.environmentillinois.org/action/protect-lake-michigan/petition-congress?id4

It’s time to restore all of America’s waters to health. Thanks for making it possible.

Max Muller is the program director of Environment Illinois.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Outdoors | No Comments »

Hanging Out in Rockford: Good government

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Mike Leifheit

Columnist

Ronald Reagan said government is the problem. That’s a ridiculous statement. That says all government is bad. The corollary is that all business is good: like Enron in California? Weren’t those guys convicted of fixing the price of electricity when they had the exclusive right to deliver it? I think there is more bad business out there than bad government. Bobby Kennedy calls it corporate crony capitalism.

Back when Commonwealth Edison and its parent company, Ameren, tried to pull pretty much the same thing here in Illinois, I wrote several columns about it. Essentially, they separated the electricity generating business from the delivery business, and then proposed to buy power from themselves under what they called a reverse auction process.

Rates were predicted to increase anywhere from 35 to 45 percent; this in an economy already hard hit in a number of ways. This could have been devastating for a number of small businesses like mine. In the summer, my electrical bills are already in the $1,000-plus range. The prospect of an extra $400 or $500 in a single month was daunting.

I felt this was a sham designed to bilk the public, and did what I could to bring it to the attention of our local legislators. I even proposed that we form a local electricity-buying cooperative and purchase the electricity for Rockford and let Commonwealth Edison deliver our electricity, but I wasn’t able to generate enough interest in the idea to get anything going.

I kept watching for outlandish rate increases every month this summer, but to my surprise, (and yes, we had a cooler-than-average summer, but when you turn the air conditioning on, it is on regardless). If anything, it seemed to have gone down, or at least stayed the same. I kept waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.

Meanwhile, though, Lisa Madigan, our state attorney general, had taken Ameren and ComEd to court. She seemed to be the only state employee really looking out for the good of the public in this area. She succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. As a result of her lawsuit against the utilities and a resulting cooperative she formed to buy electricity for the whole state, instead of a 35 to 45 percent increase, this year we saw a 6 percent rate decrease! So much for the idea that government can do nothing good.

Every business that uses electricity has benefited. So have homeowners. A $100 electric bill would have been $140, but instead it was $96. That’s almost $50 left for a family to go out to have something to eat, go to the movies, etc. This benefits other businesses in the region. The surprising thing about all of this is that it was so low profile. There was a press release from the attorney general’s office, but, for some reason, the media just didn’t pick it up. To Lisa Madigan’s credit, she didn’t toot her own horn too loudly, so I would like to do it for her here.

Actually, according to the Citizens Utility Board, or CUB, an Illinois watchdog group, electricity is one of those things that always benefits from government intervention, when it comes to price. Nationally, publicly-owned utilities deliver electricity about 10 percent cheaper than their privately-owned counterparts. Not only that, but they follow the rules better when it comes to things like respecting the environment.

There is no such thing as good government or bad government. We get the government we deserve, especially when we do not take an interest. Sometimes there are good things done by government, and it is necessary to take note and reward the people who do them with our vote. I, for one, will be willing to vote for Lisa Madigan for whatever office she chooses to run for, including governor of the State of Illinois.

Mike Leifheit’s “Hanging Out In Rockford” reviews locally-owned restaurants, businesses and Rockford life. Leifheit is owner of the Irish Rose restaurant in the downtown River District.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

PAWS Humane Society Happenings

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From October 2009 newsletteer


Jester

Jester, Jax and Starr are kittens that came from a farm in Davis Junction. There were many kittens and cats there, several which were killed by coyotes. The owners of the farm agreed to give the kittens to PAWS so that the kittens could have a chance at life. Unfortunately for Jester, an orange marbled and white 10-week-old boy, his eye was badly damaged when he came to us. He was approved to be taken in by PAWS despite the possible expense of having his eye taken care of. It was a great decision because this kitten had a loving, happy and silly personality that was the very essence of happiness. Jester had surgery July 9 to remove what was left of the eye and suture it closed. Even after surgery, he purred anytime someone talked to him or held him. Jester looked awful after surgery but kept a great attitude through the pain and IV.

Later that night, PAWS received a phone call from Denise at Hillcrest. PAWS thought the worst, that Jester had somehow died. Instead, Denise told PAWS that
she had to have my kitten.

She had been holding him all night while Jester purred with his IV in, and Denise had fallen in love with him! Recently, Denise’s own one-eyed cat had died. What a great ending to a story, uniting a kitten with an owner who could love him as he was, and an owner with a kitten that really needed her.

By choosing to invest the money for this surgery, PAWS was able to find a difficult-to-adopt kitten a home that was meant to be, with an owner who was meant to find Jester. This is what PAWS is supposed to be about—giving animals in tough circumstances a chance to live a happy and healthy life. PAWS is not about saving money for
someday.

It’s about compassion and doing what’s right. Some may have put an end to little Jester’s life just because he had one eye and would require an expensive surgery.

Thanks to Hillcrest and Denise, the surgery that was going to be at half the usual price was totally waived. So, not only did Hillcrest perform the surgery for free, but they found Jester a home. A happy ending.


Pennies For Pooches

The PFP program is a fun way for kids to help raise money for local animals in need. It gives them a feeling of helping their community. PAWS has many empty water bottles that the kids can decorate and place in their classroom to donate all their loose change; some even have challenges as which class can raise the most.

Monies raised help with medical needs with some of PAWS’s adoptable animals, such as
Tanner

who went to them with a broken leg, doctors fixed it, pennies raised from the kids helped pay for it, and he was adopted!

It may only be a
penny

to you, but to an animal, it may mean the world!

Keep saving those pennies!

If you are interested in PAWS’s PFP program, call PAWS at 815-749-1400 or e-mail info@paws.org.

Moving tips—settling into a new home with your pet

New situations can be stressful for your pet. Some pets adjust almost instantly, while others may require a little time. Be patient, encouraging, and positive about your new home to help your pet adjust more quickly.

Try to keep a familiar routine. Use the same bowls, feed the same food at the same time, place litter boxes in similar locations, and so on. Make things seem
normal.

Research local regulations. Where do you get a dog license, and how much are they? Are cats required to be licensed? Are dogs allowed to be off-leash in certain areas, and if so, where?

Keep in mind that some cities or towns have bylaws stating how many pets a person is permitted to have in their home. If you have a lot of pets, make sure you find out before you move what these regulations are.

Find out where the local
doggy hangouts

are. Walking trails or parks, off-leash areas, and so on.

If you haven’t already done so, teach your kitty to be an indoor cat. Cats lead longer, happy lives indoors where they don’t have to worry about getting hit by cars, attacked by other animals or people, catching a disease and many other threats. Give kitty lots of stimulation indoors with the use of toys, window perches, cat condos/trees, etc.

Scout out a vet. Find one that both you and your pet are comfortable with, and make sure you know the way to the clinic. If your chosen clinic is not an emergency clinic, it’s also a good idea to find a 24-hour clinic—just in case.

Assess the
pet-safety-ness

of your new home. You may have set up your previous home in such a way that your pet couldn’t get at stuff like cleaners or poisonous plants. Take a walk around your new home and watch where your pet investigates. Make sure you store dangerous items out of his reach.

Keep all your pet’s documentation together and easily accessible. A folder with vaccination records, spay/neuter certificate, and other important papers should be kept together for future reference. Your new vet may ask to see them.

Set up an evacuation plan. Sometimes we have no choice but to evacuate from our homes. Do not leave your pets behind! Have a plan to get both them and yourself out safely. Keep a list of nearby pet-friendly accommodations handy.


Kibble Korner

Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry is available to Winnebago County residents struggling to keep pets fed because of the economy. Applications to use Kibble Korner are available at Rock River Valley Food Pantry. Clients are eligible to pick up food once each month.

Kibble Korner is in dire need of donations. If you would like to make a donation, you may drop off food and cat litter at:

Rock River Valley Food Pantry, 1080 Short Elm St., Rockford

Winnebago County Animal Services, 4517 N. Main St., Rockford

Terri’s Aqualand, 6125 N. Second St., Loves Park

Terri’s Aqualand, 5512 Elevator Road, Roscoe

Petco, 6305 E. State St., Rockford

You may also make checks payable and mail to: Kibble Korner, 6364 Sebring Way, Loves Park, IL 61111.

Please visit: www.KibbleKorner.org for more information.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »

Garth Brooks sells out first Vegas shows

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

It’s difficult to determine if Garth Brooks has lost any of his ability to put on powerful performances since retiring from the stage nine years ago. The one thing the country music legend hasn’t lost is his ability to sell tickets. Last Saturday, Oct. 24, fans bombarded the Wynn box office, common for a Brooks show, to get tickets for each of his first 20 Las Vegas shows, selling out each in just five hours.

After a nine-year absence, Brooks signed a deal earlier this month to play weekend-only shows at the Encore Theater inside the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel. The first show is scheduled for Dec. 11.

When a venue sells out in such fashion, fans can sometimes get tickets from brokers who, in turn, mark them up considerably higher than face value. However, the Wynn staff, led by CEO Steve Wynn, will not honor aftermarket tickets it feels were sold by suspected scalpers or unauthorized dealers. The Wynn will even cancel any tickets that exceed their face value ($143).

To track scalped tickets, Wynn officials said they will conduct ongoing audits to monitor purchaser records as closely as possible.

Brooks, who lives in Oklahoma, will fly to and from Vegas in a Wynn-owned private jet, according to his performance schedule. While he has no plans to tour or record new music, he will play with occasional guests, including his wife and fellow country singer, Trisha Yearwood. A new tour and studio project will likely not come until all of his three children, Taylor (born 1992), August (born 1994) and Allie (born 1996) are grown.

To date, Garth Brooks has scored 24 No. 1 singles since his 1989 debut. All but two of his nine studio albums reached the top of the charts in the U.S. The singer has sold nearly 130 million albums worldwide, second to only the Beatles. The single, “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” No. 1 in 1989, was followed by other chart-toppers like “The Dance,” “Friends in Low Places,” “Unanswered Prayers” and “That Summer.”

His most recent No. 1, 2007’s “More Than a Memory,” was off The Ultimate Hits package.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Eureka! Classifieds for week of Oct. 28-Nov 3, 2009

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

REAL ESTATE

Apartments

APT. FOR RENT near Rockford Plaza and Swedish American Hospital. Rent $500 and up. 910 24th St. 398-3762. TFN

2206 AUBURN ST. - 1-Bedroom ($425) and 2-bedroom ($525) apartments. Clean, newly painted and renovated. Spacious rooms, hardwood floors. Tenants responsible for gas and electric. Laundry hookup and storage in basement. First month’s rent and Deposit to move in. 964-0102. TFN

1410 RURAL ST. 1-bedroom, all utilities included. $520. $400 deposit. 815/543-3770. 11/4

1-&2-BEDROOM APTS. SE SIDE $390-$410/mo, deposit same as rent. 815/222-5676. 11/11

1-BEDROOM APARTMENT UNIT Southeast, new carpet, garage with opener, coin laundry. deposit $275, rent $495. Six-month lease. 815/742-4721. 11/4

STUDIO ($425) & 2-BEDROOM ($500) for rent. No deposit. Nice units. 815/964-0344. 10/28

NORTHWEST, 1-bath apartments: 1- bedroom, $485 & 2-bedroom from $550. On bus line near stores, library, & hospital. A/C, coin laundry. HEAT, WATER, & GARBAGE included. No pets. Pay rent for October, and get 1/2 month’s rent in November free. Some section 8 OK. 815/382-7667. 10/28

920 9th AVE. Spacious, lower 2-bedroom, $500/month. Coin laundry. Sec. 8 welcome. 815/978-4567 or 815/378-3296. 10/28

434 N.HINKLEY, ROCKFORD 2-bedroom, laundry hookups. Rent $425/month. Lower unit. Sec.8 welcome. 815/978-4567 or 815/378-3296. 10/28

NORTHEAST, 2-BEDROOM, 1-bath apartment. Across from golf course. Air conditioning, carport, coin laundry, heated. from $595/month. Water and garbage included. Get 1 month FREE with excellent credit! 815/262-4332. 10/28

2-BEDROOM- 1702 Maple Ave. Loves Park, IL. Appliances, air, no pets. $490/month – $490/deposit. 815/262-9096. 10/28

REMODELED 2-BEDROOM: Nice, clean, $475/month plus deposit. Renter pays electric. 608/312-1193. 11/4

1-, 2-, & 3-BEDROOM starting at $425. Sec. 8 OK. Call 847/697-7764. 11/11

3-BEDROOM UPPER: 228 N. Avon St. large rooms and closets, off-street parking, $470/$470 deposit. 815/222-5676. 11/11

SE SIDE – DELUXE 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH: Living room, dining room, newly-decorated & carpeted. $825/month + deposit. 815/988-1514 or 352/694-3746. 11/11

Duplexes

2-BEDROOM DUPLEX FOR RENT - 3330 Sunnyside, Rockford, northwest, full basement. $450/mo. + deposit. 815/962-3344. 11/25

REDECORATED DUPLEX- 2-bedroom, 2-bath. No pets. Spring Creek – Mulford. 815/654-7245. 11/4

Townhouses

2-BEDROOM TOWNHOMES Clean and cozy, smoke-free building. 1.5 bath, private basement, washer/dryer hook-up, eat-in kitchen, ample cabinets, pantry, ceiling fan, A/C, off-street parking. Northwest Rockford. Cats OK. $595. 815/334-7747.1 1/4

Houses

NICE SE HOME: 2229 10th St. 3-bedroom, 2-bath, LR, DR, FR, 1-car garage. $800/mo. Sec 8 OK. Cal Mark at Southwood Properties 815/316-2411. 11/11

3-BEDROOM 2½-CAR GARAGE Fenced yard. 815 Colonial. $825/mo. or $81,500. 815/978-4475. 12/2

2-BEDROOM/1-BATH: 2310 N. Court St. next to Pinnon Meats. Recently remodeled, newer appliances, laundry hook-ups, 1 ½-car garage, large yard. No pets. $675/mo. 815/742-4936. 11/11

233 GRAND AVE - 2-bedroom, central air, $625/mo. Basement with laundry hook-ups. 815/226-8644. 11/4

2-BEDROOM with family room for sale or rent. 332 Huron, Machesney Park. Large fenced-in yard, garage, $725/mo. or buy for $78,500. 815/978-4475. 11/25

3-BEDROOM HOUSE- Southeast Rockford. No pets. $800/mo. 815/742-9251. 11/4

7504 CADET – MACHESNEY PARK: 3-bedroom, kitchen, living room, dining room, 1-bath. $775. 815/978-4567 or 815/378-3296. 10/28

115 N. PIERPONT – 3-bedroom, laundry hookups, 1-bth. $625. 815/978-4567 or 815/378-3296. 10/28

THREE-BEDROOM HOUSE with large garage, gated drive. $595/month. $600 deposit. Available Oct. 21. SE Rockford. 815/874-4940 or e-mail onano1@aol.com for application/information. 11/4

908 SUNSET- 3-bedroom with kitchen, dining room, living room, 1-bath. $595. 815/978-4567 or 815/378-3296.10/28

BELVIDERE/CHRYLSER AREA. 3-bed 2.5-bath House for rent $1200/month. Freshly remodeled, everything’s new, countertops, brushnickel fixtures, carpet, ceramic switches/outlets, fresh paint, and colonist trim with 6 panel doors. Finished basement with Jacuzzi tub, and 200 sqft work room/utility room. Large yard backs up to conservation area. House has A/C and water softener, wood-burning fireplace with gas starter, 2-car garage. This house is a must see to appreciate. 815-540-5369. 11/4

HOMES FOR RENT: ***FREE Foreclosure Listings*** Over 400,000 properties nationwide. LOW Down Payment. Call NOW! 1-800-785-4121. (MCN)

Roommate Wanted

ONE MILE FROM CHERRYVALE MALL – roommateS wanted. Quiet neighborhood, furnished appliances, utilities. $325/$365. 815/299-1703. 11/11

1 to 2 STUDENTS or young professionals to share downtown house, $350. Everything included. 815/262-0948. 11/4

Commercial Rental

HEATED WORK SPACE OR STORAGE for cars, boats, or entire business. Call Tom 815/494-3851. 10/28

3 STOREFRONTS AVAILABLE. Will build to suit. 917 S. Main. Each space 1,400 sq.ft. mol. Contact Kerry Knodle, CCS, Inc. 963-6236, kknodle@youthbuildrockford.org . TFN

Storage Rental

HUGE 4-CAR GARAGE, $150/month. 1-car garage, $50/month. Indoor, 7’x11’, $50/month. 815/621-0353.10/28

24×28 HEATED GARAGE - 10’ high, separate driveway, insulated, Cherry Valley, monthly. 815/243-7368. 10/28

Vacation Rental

ORLANDO – Fabulous Florida Vacation Homes; close to all the attractions! Plan your winter vacation with early bird specials on all our furnished weekly/ monthly rentals. www.GlobalResortHomes.com or 1-866-976-4943. (MCN)

Timeshare

DISCOUNT TIMESHARES SAVE 60%-80% OFF RETAIL!! Worldwide Locations! Call for Free InfoPack. 1-800-639-5319. www.holidaygroup.com/flier. N-10/28

SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No Commissions or Broker Fees. Free Consultation www.sellatime
share.com 1-877-494-8246. N-10/28

Homes For Sale

40-ACRE FARM IN ADAMS, WI – Retired. Will sell cheap. Some buildings. 608/297-2066 or 815/742-1513. 11/4

14×70 MOBILE HOME: 3-bedroom, 2-bath. $4,000 OBO. 815/871-5690 or 815/871-5698. 11/4

5-BEDROOM, 2-CAR GARAGE – 3031 Gladstone Ave. Rkfd. Financing & IRS credit available. $82,900. 815/742-3690.11/4

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE- OWNER WILL FINANCE! Low Down Payment, Easy Qualify, Good Park. (815)298-6121. M.R.A.A. 12/02

FLIP THIS HOUSE- 738 Wood Ave. in Machesney Park. Two-bedroom. Call 815/520-7071. 10/28

BECOME A HOMEOWNER 100% Available. Low Fixed Rates Prior Bankruptcy ok. Government Loan Expert. WWW.WYKOFFMORTGAGE.COM (888) 833-2181 616 S. Grand W. Springfield, IL 62704 IL Res. Mtg. Licensee EHL. (ICAN)

Lots for Sale

COLORADO 40 acres $28,500! Beautiful valley land near mountains. Good road access. Hunting, fishing, farming and recreational area. $500 down. $300 monthly. Call Owner 806-376-8690. N-10/28

LAKE LOT BLOW-OUT SALE! 11/7/09 only. 2+ acre lake lot with FREE boat slips! Just $24,900 was $59,900. PAY NO CLOSING COSTS! On 160,000 acre recreational lake in Kentucky. Enjoy swimming pool, walking trails, private park, more. Excellent financing. Call now 1-800-704-3154, x3314 kylakesale.com. (ICAN)

FORECLOSURES – OWN 20 ACRES OF LAND NOW! Near Booming El Paso, Texas. NEVER BEEN EASIER! $0 Down, Take over $159/mo payment. Now $12,856. Was $16,900. No credit checks/owner financing. 1-800-755-8953 www.TexasLandForeclosures.net
. N-10/28

STEEL BUILDING LIQUIDATION! ONLY FIVE LEFT! 25×34, 30×46, 40×64, 45×76, 50×108. Still Crated. Selling For Balance Owed! Free Delivery! CALL NOW! 1-800-411-5869 x253. (MCN)

Houses Wanted

AUTOS

Autos For Sale

1986 MERCEDES BENZ 560 SL CONVERTIBLE, $6,000. 2000 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CARTIER L- $7,500. 815/885-1108. 11/4

1992 HONDA CIVIC – 4-door, mostly highway miles, super clean! $2,300. 815/262-9096. 11/11

1996 OLDSMOBILE 88LS- Series two engine, 157,000 miles. Runs Great! $1,050. 779/772-2468. 11/11

2007 TOYOTA COROLLA CE- 38,000 miles. Excellent condition, silver in color, automatic transmission. $10,500. 815/282-2045. 10/28

Motorcycles

WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (KZ900)1972-1976, KZ1000 (1976-1980), KZ1000R (1982,1983), Z1R, S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, H1-500, H2-750, HONDA CB750 (1969-1975), SUZUKI GS400, GT380, CASH PAID, FREE NATIONWIDE PICKUP. 1-800-772-1142, 310-721-0726. (MCN)

Auto Parts and Accessories

CORVETTE WINDSHIELD C5 1997-2004. Very good condition, no cracks or chips. $125/ offer. 815/398-4475. 11/11

CAR-HAULING TRAILER – Open tandum axle, 6’x14’. Lights & title, $795 OBO. 815/968-1780. 11/11

TRAILER – 2-wheel, 4ft x 6ft. No title, needs repair, $45 OBO. 815/968-1780. 11/4

SNOW BLADE – 42” Craftsman Sears, hardly used, cost $270, sell $125 cash. 815/865-5892. 11/4

12.5 HP M.T.D. GARDEN TRACTOR ENGINE for sale. Runs like a top. Asking $100. 815/397-1406. 11/4

STEEL CAR RAMPS $30. Two-ton floor jack on wheels, $15. Call 815-877-8560.10/28

PARTING OUT- 1995 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME- Mechanic’s special. Power windows & locks. 815/395-1572. 10/28

MEYERS PLOWS FOR SALE, $750 & truck Ford F-250 FREE with purchase. 815/885-2361. 10/28

CAMPER SHELL , $100. Roll bar, $50. Older model camper, good condition but needs work, $800 OBO. 815/520-7504, 779/348-5089. 10/28

POLISHED ALUMINUM RIMS for Ford F-150. Less than 1,000mi. use. Paid $600. Size 16×8, $400 takes all. 815/378-4284, 815/964-8307. 10/28

Recreational Vehicles

1996 POLARIS XLT SPECIAL SNOWMOBILE – 600cc, triple, ready to ride. Cobra windshield, fast. $1,700. 815/703-6616. 11/4

GO-CART- 5HP, Briggs & Stration – $130. Mini-bike, Briggs & Stration, $50. 815/734-6867. 10/28

Auto Appraisals

AREA’S HIGHEST CREDENTIALED CERTIFIED ANTIQUE AUTO APPRAISERS. Established 1966. Collector Car Appraisals, Toll free New number 888/724-3211 ext. 100118. Credit cards welcome. On the web at www.carappraisals.com. TFN

Autos Wanted

WANTED- MONSTER TRUCK Old school, no clunkers. Call 815/323-3324. Leave message. 11/4

WANTED: Full-size cheap Chevy/GMC pickup. Automatic, 4×4, V-8 motor. Condition not important. 815/703-6616. 11/4

WANTED: GAS TANK for a Ford F-150 Truck with no holes or leakage. Reasonable. 815/962-1351. 11/11

DONATE YOUR CAR – HELP CHILDREN WITH CAMP AND EDUCATION. Quickest Towing. Non-Runners/Title Problems OK. Free Vacation/Cruise Voucher. Special Kids Fund 1-866-448-3865. N-10/28

DONATE YOUR CAR…To The Cancer Fund of America. Help Those Suffering With Cancer Today. Free Towing and Tax deductible. 1-800-835-9372 www.cfoa.org. N-10/28

Donate Vehicle RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPON. NOAH’S ARC Support No Kill Shelters, Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. FREE TOWING, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted. 1-866-912-GIVE. (ICAN)

AAAA ** DONATION Donate your Car Boat or Real Estate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free Pick-up/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children. Outreach Center. 1-800-928-7566. N-10/28

DONATE YOUR CAR Truck or Boat to HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 1-877-212-0046. (MCN)

Buying pre-1985 vehicles. Junkers to showcars. Please don’t scrap your older car – we can pay more. Finders’ fees paid for successful purchases. New number: 815/243-1130. TFN

Classic Cars

MIDWESTCLASSICCARS.COM Buy, Search, Sell classic cars. Over 800 cars online. FREE Club + Events listings. (ICAN)

FOR SALE

Antiques

ANTIQUE SPECTACULAR: Antique Show, November 6th-8th, QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, QUAD CITIES; Fri 5-9; Sat 10-6; Sun 11-4, Antiques
pectacular.com . (ICAN)

SHELVES OF DEPRESSION GLASS - Queen Mary including plates, Manhattan, large pitchers, tumblers, other pieces. $475. 815/262-3365. 11/4

Appliances

ROPER ELECTRIC DRYER, 4 years old, $125. Whirlpool apt.-size washer & electric dryer, 225 volts, $150 for both. 815/871-7511 after 5pm. 11/11

USED MOBILE HOME FURNACE- Used one season. Complete with roof jack & thermostat, $600. 815/222-0554. 10/28

HOTPOINT WASHER/DRYER- $150 OBO. 815/298-8487. 11/4

APT.-SIZE REFRIGERATOR- 20”W x 20”D x 32”H. Like new, $100. 815/962-2745. 815/962-2745. 10/28

Baby & Children’s Items

GRACO DELUXE PACK & PLAY never used. Matching travel system, base included. $50 each. 815/397-0320. 10/28

3 SLEEPING BAGS- Bratz, Spiderman, & Batman. Great condition, $20 each. 815/572-1046. 11/4

NEW BABY CRIB- Honey-colored , $20. 3 Fisher Price baby bouncers, like new, $15-$20 each. 815/968-9781. 11/4

Electronics

30” ELECTRIC RANGES HOTPOINT, 24” RCA white, used very little. $55 and up. 815/874-2353. 11/11

27” SONY TV - Good cabinet, free for haul away. 815/963-4658. 11/4

HOME STEREO FOR SALE, $350 OBO. Must see! Sounds & works great. 815/509-9924. 10/28

TOWER SPEAKERS- 1 pair, Cerwin-Bega (15dx18wx43h), $195. 1 pair (16dx21wx50h) , 2 woofers, 3 tweeters, $295. 815/637-2811. 10/28

RCA 36” TV, $150. Zenith 32” TV, $100. Pioneer stereo tuner & AMP, $60. 815/633-3505. 10/28

KIRBY VACUUM CLEANER, SINGER sewing machine, baby crib, lamps, coffee tables, antique tables, display racks. 815/721-6318. TFN

Used XEROX 5028 black and white office copier. Includes storage base; 15 page sorter; two letter size, one legal size and one 11”x17” size paper trays; one extra toner. Copy cartridge partially used. Automatic doc. feeder needs repair. $500 OBO. Call 815/964-9767 M-F, 9:30-5:00 and ask for Marilyn or Frank. TFN

Fashion & Accessories

LADIES WESTERN BOOTS size 7 1/2. Also dressy boots. Walking canes. 815/639-3471. TFN

ARCTIC FLEECE BLOWOUT! Only $3.99/yd- All prints- juvenile, plaids, sport/ animal themes, leopard, florals. October 28th-31st- In-Store Only. Visit inweavefabric.com for virtual tour/ driving directions. 823 Central Ave., Hawarden, Iowa. 1-800-646-9328. (MCN)

Furniture

DROP-LEAF TABLE, 41”x21”, 12” leaf, spindle legs & wooden wheels, $55. Small, 3-drawer chest, $25. 815/874-1953. 11/11

VERY NICE LARGE DRESSER & mirror. Medium brown, in excellent condition. $80. 815/742-1513. 11/11

SERTA TWIN BOXSPRING MATTRESS, $88 OBO. 2721 Ellen Ave, Rockford, IL. 11/11

KING BOXSPRING and mattress (moving), $100. Spread, $100. 3 pillows and sheets, $50. 815/985-9666. 11/11

GIGANTIC 72”X100” MIRRORS, (15) sheets, $165/each. New, perfect condition. Free delivery (one or all). Installation available. Also, 48”x100” (8), $115/each. 1-800-473-0619. N-10/28

NICE 5 PC DRESSER SET - 2 dressers, nightstand, mirror, & headboard, $200 OBO. IKEA bookcase, $75. 815/962-4518. 11/11

CHERRY BEDROOM SET Solid Wood ENGLISH DOVETAIL New in factory boxes! NEVER BEEN USED! Originally $4500 FOR ONLY $795 Can deliver! 312-238-8607. (ICAN)

MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA VISCO MATTRESSES WHOLESALE! T-$299 F-$349 Q-$399 K-$499 ADJUSTABLES – $799 FREE DELIVERY 25 YEAR WARRANTY 90 NIGHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP 1-800-287-5337. WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM. N-10/28

SQUARE COFFEE TABLE, brown, $25. VCR, still works, $20. 27” TV, works good, $20. 815/721-3601. 11/11

OVAL DINING ROOM TABLE with 6 chairs & china cabinet, made by Stanley, $375. 815/871-7511. After 5pm. 11/4

ROUND TABLE and chairs, $45. Beer signs, $10 each. 815/623-7513. 11/4

FUTON with pad, dinette set with 4 chairs, loveseat. All in very good condition. 815/601-7262. 10/28

BRAND NEW- Forest green futon. Paid $500, will sell for $300. 815/877-9448. 11/4

BAR STOOLS OAK - Amish Furniture 30 inches high, 6 chairs excellent. 815/734-6970. 11/4

ANTIQUE OAK TABLE pedestal table, 45.5”d, 5 leaves 10.25”w, $350. 815/398-5529. 11/4

ROUND OAK TABLE, two leaves; five-shelf hutch; oak sideboard. All clawfoot, $1,800. Beautiful condition. 815/262-3365. 10/28

GLASS SHELF, $75. Dryer, $50. Kitchen table & chairs, $100. Stove, $75. Queen-size bed, $75. 815/494-3910. 10/28

Halloween Items

MICHELKA’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME, vintage & unique apparel at Houston’s Hen House, Conover Square, Oregon, IL. 815/732-3250. 10/28

Industrial Products

1ft3 ELECTRIC CEMENT MIXER on wheels, $110. 2 heavy-duty engine stands on wheels, $50 each. 815/988-5713. 11/11

1100 CFM Dust KOP COLLECTOR, 55gal drum, lots of misc. duct work fittings, $350 for all. 815/988-5706. 11/11

Jewelry

MOVADO WOMEN’S WATCH- Diamonds, silver band, $475. Blue topaz ring, white gold, diamonds, $450. 815/713-6150. 11/11

Medical Equipment

ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR with charger, $400. Ask for Jim. 815/962-5280. 10/28

Misc. Items For Sale

MOVING SALE: 815/963-5090. Everything for sale – Furniture, throw rugs, curtains, pictures, etc. 11/4

HANGING ROOM AIR CLEANER with 3 boxes of new filters, all for $200. 815/988-5706. 11/4

HIGH SCHOOL LOCKERS- Set of 4, $150. 815/501-1268. 11/4

THROUGH-THE-WALL AIR CONDITIONER, like new $100. Pack & Play, like new, $40. 815/489-0893. 11/4

DISNEY BABY SWING ,$40. Playpen, $10. Cell phones, $20. 6 pc hubcaps, $25. Call 815-229-8308. 11/4

48” SNOWPLOW BLADE, 2 space heaters, DVD/VCR player, 3 TV’s, digital camera, Also, Indian collectibles. 815/962-5376.10/28

NEVER USED- 2-CAR GARAGE DOOR OPENER with new Raynor opener, insulated. $200. Call 815/874-2353. 10/28

FENCE POSTS - Steel T and wood, $2 each. Old wheat and oat straw, FREE! 815/380-5267. 10/28

RUBBISH BURNER, $75. Large bird cage, $75. Huge fan for large garage or your business. Call PM – 815/397-1406. 10/28

ENTIRE COLLECTION OF COUNTRY MUSIC LP’S- 75 in all, $100 OBO. Leave message. 9-5pm only. 815/639-3471. TFN

Sporting Goods

NORDIK TRACK ELITE MODEL, $250. 4-place bike carrier, $25. 815/988-5796. 11/11

Girls 21-inch purple 3- speed bike, w/Barbie bell and kickstand. Good condition. $35 OBO. 815-494-9498. 11/4

TROPHY HEADS- Bear, elk, boar, deer. Best offer. 815/227-4807. 10/28

Sports Jerseys

AUTHENTIC NFL JERSEYS – All names & numbers are stitched on. $75 each 0r 2 for $120. 100% authentic. All teams, most players. 815/494-6666. 1/6

Tools

LOG-SPLITTER- Trailer- mounted, 8HP, non-running. $575 OBO. 815/968-1780. 0/28

CRAFTSMAN TABLESAW SANDDUST collection kit, $35. Small Sears sandblaster with hooded shield, $35. 815/633-4999. 11/11

Vacation

BRANSON FALL SPECIAL: Only $127.00 for 2 adults, 4 Days & 3 Nights Hotel with 2 Show Tickets. CHRISTMAS shows Available! Call Today – Won’t Last! www.STAYSAVERS.com, 888-257-1996. (MCN)

Yard & Garden Items

NEVER USED manual lawn mower, $50. 815/633-6727. 11/11

4 FOOT WHITE PINE TREES Delivered / Planted / Mulched. $64.50/tree. North I-80 $74.50/tree. Buy 10/1 FREE! Residential, Commercial, Agricultural Call for sizes / varieties / shades. 217-886-2316 www.atwoodtrees.com. (ICAN)

Sales

MOVING SALE- Everything must go! Queen bedroom set, like new. Living room furniture, kitchen furniture, etc. 224/723-6435. 11/4

GARAGE SALE: 10/30 & 10/31 FRI & SAT, 10am – ? Antique furniture, glassware, books, pictures, 500 items. 172 E. Greenview Ave., Machesney Park. 10/28

TRAILER SALE: Skid Loader trailers $2,999 & up, Hail damaged: 8′ x 16′ & 7′ x 14′ enclosed, CLOSE-OUT on all single axle utility trailers. Prices at: www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com 515-972-4554. (MCN)

Thrift Store

OPEN SOON-DOLLAR DIGGINS The Thrift Resale Store with More. NEW & USED. Household, furniture, books, movies, apparel, jewelry, electronics, tools, toys, dishes, antiques, & collectibles. 2233 Charles St., Rkfd. 10/21

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH THRIFT SHOP. 318 North Church Street. Open Tuesday 9am – 1pm. Lots of children’s clothing from infant to 3T & much more! TFN

CRUSADER THRIFT SHOP, 310 7th Street – open Mon. through Sat. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss our low low price cuts! Winter clothes are now on the racks! Very reasonable. New stock of men’s suits. Nothing over $15. Get your money’s worth! TFN

BROOKE ROAD THRIFT SHOP, 1404 Brooke Rd. Lots of clothes, shoes, knick knacks, and misc. Open Wednesday’s, 9-12. TFN

FHC THRIFT SHOP, 710 Broadway. 815/299-3615, Open 9-5, Mon.-Sat. Call for emergency after-hour appointments. TFN

SERVICES

Adoption

ADOPTION-Hoping to adopt newborn to nurture and adore. Will provide warm, loving, stable home. You’ll be treated with respect and confidentiality. Expenses Paid. Please call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. (ICAN)

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call Us First! Living expenses, Housing, Medical and continued support afterwards. Choose Adoptive Family of Your Choice. Call 24/7. ADOPT CONNECT 1-866-743-9212. (MCN)

UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, LET US HELP! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation and More. Giving the Gift of Life? You Deserve the Best. Call Us First! 1-888-637-8200. 24-HR Hotline. (MCN)

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? We can help you! Housing, financial, medical assistance available. You can choose adoptive family and be involved in plans. Call 24/7. Forever Blessed Adoptions. 1-800-568-4594. (MCN)

Appliance Repair

NEED WASHER, DRYER,REFRIGERATOR, FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONER REPAIRED OR REPLACED? Any make or model, 25 years experience. Call 815/633-1281. 11/11

Bakeries

CAKE CREATIONS BY AUDREY. Custom Cakes for any occasion. 815-209-8197. www.audreyscakecreations.com . 11/18

Beauty & Cosmetic Treatments

BELLA BEAULASHES Location Suite Bronzing Spa 815-670-1449. Eyelash Extensions. “The Next Best Thing In Beauty”. 11/25

Caregiver

ATTENTION: SEEKING POSITION as a Personal Assistant /Caregiver. I have 15 years experience caring for the elderly, disabled, and hospice. I can help with personal care, bathing and hygiene, cooking, housekeeping, transportation to Dr., shopping, laundry, medication reminder, incidentals, companionship. Honest, reliable, and compassionate. Jeff @ 815/639-1496. 10/28

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

CALL SIMPLY KLEEN for Your Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Needs. Introductory Rates
Apply Now!! 815/262-6709. 12/2

Cleaning

SPRING FRESH HOME CLEANING. Experienced, reasonable, also free estimates (I am looking for jobs). 815/227-1013. 12/9

DREAMS DYSTINKT CLEANING SERVICE- Bonded & Insured. Buy Our Time! We Clean & Shine. We also babysit children / elderly care. Call for details – 815/505-9359. 10/28

Computers

OWN A NEW COMPUTER – Payments starting at ONLY $29.99/week. Act Now! FREE GPS! FREE Printer! FREE MP3! Call Guaranteed Consumer Funding 1-866-949-0201. (MCN)

GEEKS-IN-ROUTE On-site Computer & Computer Networking Services by A+ & Microsoft or CISCO Certified Technicians. If We Can’t Fix It, It’s Free! MC/DIS/AMEX/VISA. 1-866-661-GEEK (4335). N-10/28

Concrete

RENTON CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION. Flat work, walls, patios, driveways, stoops, no job too big. Call Chad, 815/979-7593. 10/28

Education

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com. N-10/28

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-401-2385 www.CenturaOnline.com . (MCN)

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-509-3308 www.CenturaOnline.com. N-10/28

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in 4 Weeks! FREE Brochure. CALL NOW! 1-866-562-3650 Ext. 30 www.southeasternhs.com. N-10/28

Entertainment

FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL DJ ENTERTAINMENT- Over 25,000 songs. Entertaining since 1982. www.aspensound.net . Happy to talk anytime! 815/399-0075. 11/4

Handyman

PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN SERVICE: Fall clean up, gutter cleanout and repair, tree trimming & removal, roofing, flooring, plumbing, electric, painting, doors & windows, & much more. FREE estimates. 815/975-4268. 11/11

DIAMOND’S HANDYMAN SERVICES - Home remodeling, painting, window washing,
gutter cleaning, & much more. For a FREE estimamte call
Mike Diamond, 815/601-5802. 11/11

Hauling

CHAD’S HAULING SERVICE. Free estimates, yard waste, summer cleanup & removal of anything unwanted. Solid 6-year reputation, 15% senior discount, fully licensed & insured. Call Chad, 815/979-7593. 10/28

STEVE’S HAULING, MOVING, & GUTTER SERVICE- Any time,any kind. 815/742-1808. 11/4

Health & Medical

VIAGRA/CIALIS SAVE $400 / 40 PILLS $99.00 FREE PRESCRIPTIONS LOWEST PRICES ORDER NOW! 877-590-6337 NU Life Inc. N-10/28

VIAGRA/CIALIS SAVE $400 / 40 PILLS $99.00 FREE PRESCRIPTIONS LOWEST PRICES ORDER NOW! 888-729-0700 Meds for Men. N-10/28

Insurance

YOUR FAMILY’S BEST BENEFIT…SAFETY! Let ADT help protect your family and get $100 Visa Gift Card! Hurry, offer ends soon. Call Now! 1-866-444-9163. N-10/28

Lawncare Services

MIDWEST TREE & HAULING SERVICE. We do fall cleanup, tree trimming, yard work,
landscaping, gutter cleaning, and snow removal. Handyman services, specializing in roofing, interior/exterior painting, and hardwood floors. Capable of hauling small and heavy loads. 815/965-2214, 815/209-8763 cell. 11/4

TREE SERVICE/FALL CLEAN-UP Tree removal and trimming, leaf and brush clean-up, garden rototilling, skidloader work, snow plowing. Full-insured. 815/378-0671. 11/25

IT’S PRIMETIME FOR PRUNING, trimming shrubs & ornamental trees, weeding, mulch, aeration, fall cleanup. Call Chris – 815/543-5677. 10/28

Lega l Services

$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! $$$ As seen on TV. $$$ Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hrs? Low rates. APPLY NOW BY PHONE! Call Today! Toll-FREE 1-800-568-8321, www.fastcasecash.com (MCN)

Massage Therapy

CREATIVE TOUCH THERAPY:Alleviate stress, muscle tension, improve circulation, encourage overall well-being. Techniques meet your needs. Contact Glenn LMT 815/965-1787. itreasurefinds@yahoo.com. 12/16

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE BY AMBER ENER-CHI. Two locations on State St. By appointment only. 815-558-7878. 11/4

Misc. Services

REACH OVER 30 MILLION HOMES with one buy. Advertise in NANI for only $2,795 per week! For information, visit www.naninetwork.com. N-10/28

REACH 2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! Do you have a product, service, or business that would be helped by reaching over 2.7 million households throughout Iowa and the surrounding states? The Midwest Classified Network will allow you to reach these potential customers quickly and inexpensively. For more information concerning a creative classified ad call this publication or Midwest Free Community Papers at 800-248-4061 or get information online at www.mcn-ads.com. (MCN)

WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classified ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds.com. (MCN)

SEARCH THOUSANDS OF CLASSIFIED ADS FROM AROUND THE MIDWEST! Give it a try! Go to http://www.mw-ads.com. Ads from Free Papers offer you great bargains. (MCN)

* REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $20. FREE Digital Video Recorders to new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1-800-795-8649. (MCN)

DISH NETWORK. $19.99/mo, Why Pay More For TV? 100+ Channels. FREE 4-Room Install. FREE HD-DVR. Plus $600 Sign-up BONUS. Call Now! 1-888-430-9664. N-10/28

DIRECTV FREE MOVIES 3 MONTHS! Ask How! NO Equipment to Buy NO Start Costs! Free DVR/IID Upgrade! Other Packages Start $29.99/mo! Details Call DirectStarTV 1-800-620-0058. N-10/28

GET 5 Months FREE of DIRECTV! 265 + Channels + Movies with NFL Sunday Ticket order! FREE HD/DVR upgrade! For Details Call NOW 1-888-420-9478. DIRECTV Authorized Dealer. N-10/28

DIRECTV SAVE $26/MO FOR A YEAR! Ask How! NO Equipment to Buy NO Start Costs! Free DVR/IID Upgrade! Other Packages Start $29.99/mo! Details Call DirectStarTV 1-800-279-5698. N-10/28

**ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS ARE NOT THE SAME. Monthly programming starts under $20 per month and FREE HD and DVR systems for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-799-4935.N-10/28

STOP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR TV! Get Dish w/FREE install plans, FREE HBO & Showtime & FREE DVR upgrade. Call FREE for full details! 877-479-3573. N-10/28

DIRECTV SAVE $26/ mo FOR A YEAR! Ask How! No Equipment to Buy NO Start Costs! Free DVR/HD Upgrade! Other Packages Start $29.99/ mo! Details Call DirectStarTV 1-800-973-0138. (MCN)

DISH NETWORK. $19.99/mo, Why Pay More For TV? 100+ Channels. FREE 4-Room Install. FREE HD-DVR. Plus $650 Sign-up BONUS. Call Now! 1-877-675-4298. (MCN)

DIRECTV FREE MOVIES 3 Months! Ask How! NO Equipment to Buy No Start Costs! Free DVR/ HD Upgrade! Other Packages start $29.99/mo! Details Call DirectStarTV 1-800-206-6525. (MCN)

HIGH COST OF CABLE GOT YOUR DOWN? GET DISH w/ FREE FREE FREE installation! Over 50 Free HD Channels! Lowest Prices! Call FREE for full details! 800-943-1346. N-10/28

**ADT, FREE HOME SECURITY SYSTEM! ($850 Value) Purchase Monitoring Services & $99 Activation. That’s It! PLUS Remote & Panic Alert FREE. 1-866-329-8379. (MCN)

FREE Identity Theft Protection! (For 30 Days) LIFELOCK. Call Now! ADD 10% Off. Use Promo Code: FIVEFACTS Call 1-866-770-2891. (MCN)

GDC – SAVE NOW! $25.00 Gift Certs, ONLY $4!! Save At Thousands of Restaurants, Top Retailers, Movie Theatres, Hotels. Online Offer $29.95! WWW.GDCDISCOUNT.COM Publication Code: 02. N-10/28

Receive $1000 in Groceries! Real relief program helping people just like you! Pay only $4.90 for your grocery voucher. Use on your favorite brands! Consumer Advocate Response introductory price. 1-800-430-9507. N-10/28

Movers

STEVE’S MOVING AND HAULING SERVICE - Any time, any kind. 815/742-1808.

Therapy

ROCKFORD LAUGH CLUB. Meeting Tuesdays 7p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. for stress relief. To join call 815/979-1944. TFN

Towing

WE BUY COMPLETE CARS/TRUCKS. Any condition! 815/378-3489. 6/17/10

Weddings
& Occasions

NEED A CARING MINISTER for counseling or for your special occasion? Inexpensive. 815/342-6064. TFN

JOBS

Courtesy of The Rock River Times – Warning from the Better Business Bureau.

Work-at-home and fraudulent employment opportunities. Work-at-home and business opportunity scams are frequently found online as well as in the classified sections. They promise high income for minimal work and minimal effort. However, when an interested consumer “applies”, they almost always ask for money up-front to pay for materials, training kits, or investment money. After sending payment, most consumers either have their checks deposited and never hear anything again, or obtain something that is completely useless- essentially junk mail. Internet employment opportunities, mostly found on job boards, looking for “shipping” or “billing managers”, “payment processors”, or anything with a financial sounding name, very frequently turn out to be fraudulent listings that are in actuality looking for victims to commit money laundering by accepting and forwarding payments.

Mystery/secret shopping scam. Fraudulent mystery shopping promoters frequently use newspaper ads and internet solicitations to create an impression that they are affiliated with or work for respectable and reputable companies. The website that you will be led to often asks that you “register” and pay a fee in order to receive information about a certification program, a directory of mystery shopping companies, or baseless guarantees of obtaining mystery shopping positions. Most don’t exsist, have already expired, or have nothing to do with legitimate secret shopping offers.

Help Wanted

MECHANIC- Looking for more stability? Trucking company seeking mobile tractor/trailer mechanic in Rockford, IL. Good benefits 401k. Must have valid CDL license. For more information call Rob @
630-361-2544. 11/4

TUTOR WANTED – SIXTH-GRADE BOYneeds tutor. $10 per session. 3 sessions per week. 815/299-1703.10/28

MORGAN BUILDING MAINTENANCE is now taking applications. 1120 Allen St., Belvidere, IL. 10/28

PART-TIME LIGHT OFFICE WORK. Call 815/637-6411. 10/28

WANTED 23 PEOPLE to lose 5-100 pounds! Dr. Recommended! Guaranteed! 815-623-7149. 10/28

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS HEALTH CENTERS

Medical Coding Position
-Full-time position. Preferred Certification Requirements:
CCS-P, CPC or RHIT/RHIA. Requires coding experience in a primary care physician office or clinic setting. Coding patient records using ICD-9, CPT, and HCPCS codes, requiring knowledge of E/M and procedure coding. Must be familiar with 95 and 97 guidelines and billing rules for Medicare and Medicaid.

Licensed Practical Nurse
-Full-time LPN position at our East State Street location in Rockford. Assist physicians and medical residents with patient care, scheduling and immunizations. Preferred candidate will have one year medical office nursing experience; bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

PRN Positions
-PRN positions are available at the University of Illinois Clinics in Belvidere, Mt. Morris, Rockton and Rockford:
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Medical Assistants

The University of Illinois College of Medicine is a civil service employer with an outstanding benefits package including retiree health insurance and tuition waivers for employees and their children to complete U of I and NIU degree programs. Apply on-line at jobs.uic.edu. AA/EOE.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED IN PRINT ADVERTISING SALES? The Rock River Times is now interviewing motivated representatives for careers in sales. Competitive wage offered, flexible schedule. Have you seen how our paper is growing?This is where you want to be! Long-term commitment a must. Need own vehicle. Submit resumè to: The Rock River Times 128 N. Church St.
Rockford, IL 61101 815/964-9767 or E-mail: contact@rockrivertimes.com TFN

MASSMAN AUTOMATION DESIGNS LLC IS SEEKING TO BUILD ITS ELECTRICAL CONTROLS DEPARTMENT.

Our recent growth & expanding national sales channels have created the need to
build our electrical controls capabilities:

* The Electrical Controls Service Technician role would be to assist in

providing service, programming, testing, and installation of PLC based

automated industrial equipment. This person will be expected to travel

frequently and can be based anywhere in the US.

* The Electrical Controls Technician role would be to assist in providing

service, programming, testing, and installation of PLC based automated

industrial equipment. This person will be located in plant with some travel expected.

Massman Automation Designs LLC offers an extraordinary benefit package at no

cost to the employee as well as competitive wages. Our flexible and

friendly environment is a company value. If this is what you are looking

for, send a resume, call or stop by for an application.

Chad M Ferguson, Massman Automation Designs LLC

1010 E Lake Street, PO Box 84, Villard, MN 56385

Phone: 320-554-3611 * Fax 320-554-2650

chad.ferguson@massmanllc.com

EARN UP TO $500 WEEKLY assembling our angel pins in the comfort of your home. No experience required. Call 813-699-4038 or 813-425-4361 or visit www.angelpin.net. N-10/28

EARN UP TO $30 PER HOUR. Experience not Required. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. Call 800-742-6941. N-10/28

AIRLINE MECHANIC – Train for high-paying Aviation Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 866-854-6156. N-10/28

$$$ START NOW $$$ Earn Extra Income. Assembling CD Cases from home! No Experience Necessary. Call our Live Operators for more information! 1-800-405-7619 Ext 2181. www.easywork-greatpay.com . N-10/28

$$$WORK FROM HOME$$$ Earn Up To $3,800 Weekly Working from Home assembling Information packets. No Experience Necessary! Start Immediately! FREE Information. CALL 24hrs. 1-877-224-0207. N-10/28

EARN UP TO $30 PER HOUR. Experience not Required. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. Call 800-720-3708. N-10/28

LOCAL TYPISTS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY. $400+ PT – $800+FT weekly. Flexible schedules, work from home, training provided. 1-800-207-6917. N-10/28

$$$ 21 PEOPLE WANTED $$$ Earn $1,200 – $4,400 Weekly Working From Home Assembling Information Packets. No Experience Necessary! Start Immediately! FREE Information. Call 24hrs. 1-888-255-2802. N-10/28

AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high-paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 686-1704. N-10/28

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high-paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. (MCN)

MAKE $384 DAILY! Data entry positions available Now! Internet access needed. Income is Guaranteed No experience required. Apply today. www.datamoney.net (VOID IN SD). (MCN)

ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS FROM HOME! Year-round Work! Excellent Pay! No Experience! Top US Company! Glue Gun, Painting, Jewelry & More! TOLL FREE 1-866-844-5091, code 5 **Not available MD**. N-10/28

HELP WANTED: TRAVEL Needed 10 Guys/Gals over age 18 Travel Entire USA demonstrating “Citrus Clean.” Transportation. Expenses Paid. High Earnings. Immediate employment. 1-800-898-6229 or 407-221-2929. (MCN)

FIRE YOUR BOSS! If you have a computer and an internet connection you’re ready! Get Your FREE Training Pack Now! 1-888-270-2678; www.GR8-FUTURE.com. (MCN)

Earn $500.00- $2,500.00 WEEKLY processing mail. Great opportunity! Postage, supplies furnished. Processors needed NOW! No travel. For FREE information call Regional Crisis Centers NOW! 1-800-497-8685. (MCN)

Drivers

DRIVER WANTED for shuttle service. Must be at least 21 years old. 815/874-0371. 11/11

ATTN: FLATBED DRIVERS: Great home time, Benefits, Vacation, Holiday Pay and More Terminals in Grand Island, NE and Rensselaer, IN. Dedicated Flatbed Carrier for Chief Industries, Inc. Class A CDL / 1 Yr. OTR Exp + 1 Yr recent flatbed exp req’d. Call or visit 1-866-483-5318 www.gicc.chiefind.com.(ICAN)

HOME MOST WEEKENDS WITH MORE PAY? Run Regional with Heartland Express! Up to $.43/mile company drivers! 12 months OTR required. HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com. (ICAN)

DRIVER: CDL-A OTR Dry Van & Flatbed Positions Available. Great Pay, Benefits, Equipment. 1-Day Orientation. TWIC Card Holders Preferred. Class A-CDL, 22YO. 1 yr. exp. Western Express 888-801-5295. (ICAN)

IMMEDIATE HIRE - We’re looking for 6 good, experienced OTR drivers! KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION “We have the small company – family feel you desire, and the financial stability you deserve!” – ’07 & Newer Trucks! – Daily or Weekly Pay! Apply online at www.knighttrans.com -6 months OTR / Class-A CDL. Masha 800-669-7485, x1. Owner OPs Welcome too! (ICAN)

$$$ YOUR FUTURE TOMORROW STARTS TODAY $$$ 100% APU Equipped. OTR Drivers Wanted. Pre-Pass EZ-pass. Every 60K mile raises. 100% NO touch. Butler Transport. 1-800-528-7825. (ICAN)

Seeking Employment

LOOKING TO DO YARD WORK, raking leaves, interior painting, & other things. 815/708-7905. M-Sat only. 6:30am-7:30pm. 11/11

Business Opportunity

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn up to $800/day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-453-5882 AIN#BO213. (ICAN)

DOLLAR & DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX, PARTY, DISCOUNT CLOTHING OR TEEN STORE FROM $51,900 Worldwide! 100% TURNKEY CALL NOW 1-800-518-3064 WWW.DRSS6.COM. (ICAN)

MUSIC

VOICE LESSONS- www.sheilavayenas.com . Rockford’s Best! All Styles. Money-back guarantee. 815/226-3676. 11/4

PERSONALS

SWM MID-40’s seeks sexy, fun female for dating, fun times. Call 815/323-3324 for details. 10/28

SWF, 61 5’4” – Attractive Christian lady seeks man to share dining, talks, & cards. 815/964-4588. 11/11

MALE, 61- Employed Norweigian-Irish non-smoker seeks relationship with woman who enjoys auctions, flea markets, antique malls, & shopping. 815/784-5613. 11/4

SWM SENIOR looking for non-smoking female. Companion/dancing partner/driver. Live-in possible. 815/963-9019 or 815/670-3957. 10/28

80-YR-OLD WM needs female companion around the same age. I am financially secure, looking for someone to share talks, casual dining, & company. Write to Jim: 8305 Caneo Dr., Machesney Park, IL 61115. 11/4

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ATTRACTIVE TRANSSEXUAL: Educated, outgoing, wants to meet gentleman. Race unimportant. Age 30-60. Serious calls only! 815/209-7989. 11/18

BISEXUAL MALE looking for a male roommate to share my place with extra things. Call 815/312-0018 for more info. 11/11

Public Announcement

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? Try Bible call. 24-hour automated service- 815/316-2650. (Church of Christ) TFN

AL-ANON, support group for families and friends of alcoholics. Help-line: (815) 399-0456. TFN

POSITIVE IMAGE CHURCH - Basic Life Skills Programs. Free. 1408 Elm Street. For information: 815/967-9061. TFN

WELCOME TO ST. SEBASTIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH. Traditional liturgy every Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 2415 Charles St., Suite 20×1, Rockford, IL. Call 815/520-4374. TFN

PRE-VATICAN II CHURCH is alive and well. St. Sebastian. Call 815/520-4374. TFN

In Loving Memory

THE COLONEL PLAYS ON- Website for astonishing guitar player David Leis. www.thecolonel.info . TFN

Events

SUN. 11/01/09 7am-12noon LOVES PARK FIREMAN’S PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Loves Park City Hall – 100 Hart Blvd., Loves Park. 815/494-6699. 10/28

Organ, Blood,
& Tissue Donation

55-YEAR-OLD MOTHER desperately needs kidney Type A, waiting 3 years. 815/978-3422 or 815/282-2551. TFN

SINGLE YOUNG MOTHER with 2 children desperately needs kidney donor. Blood type O positive/negative. 815/963-8010. TFN

LOVING HUSBAND, father and grandfather in need of a kidney. Type O. 968-8517, 963-3734, 316-2793. TFN

LOVING MOTHER, grandmother, Girl Scout leader in need of a kidney. Type O. 815/547-7536. TFN

WWW.LINKSFOR LIFECAMPAIGN.COM Read the stories, see the faces of those desperately in need of a lifesaving organ transplant, or set up your own link for free. TFN

The Rock River Times
is now offering a special classifieds section reserved for
individuals or families seeking organ donations.
This is a totally free service for those who
are in need. Please feel free to call: (815)964-9767,
fax: (815)964-9825, or e-mail: contact@rockrivertimes.com
your FREE 15-word ad
for this special section. For more information on
organ & tissue donation, visit www.giftofhope.org
To contribute to
The Angela Rushford Children’s Organ Donation Fund, visit the

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Web site:
www.cfnil.org .

PETS

For Sale

SIAMESE LONG-HAIR: Female kittens, 10 weeks, blue eyes. Angora rabbits. Prices negotiable. 815/904-9836 or 815/494-7471. 11/4

BEAUTIFUL CALICO CAT- 1 year old, spayed, all shots. Owner died, must rehome, a real cuddler, $30. 815/226-3676. Call after 11am. 11/4

EXTREMELY AFFECTIONATE MALE CAT, owner died, white/grey, green eyes, 7 yrs old, neutered, has all shots, $25. 815/226-3676. Call after 11 a.m. 11/11

BEAUTIFUL FEMALE TIGER-STRIPED- 2 years old. Spayed & has shots. Needs to be only cat. Call 779/770-5183 or 815/980-7863. 11/4

DARLING KITTENS, $25. Part Siamese. Shots, neutered, spayed. Seek loving homes. No young children. 815/399-1565. 10/28

7-YEAR-OLD MALTESE – Neutered, to good home, $50 OBO. 815/904-6999. 11/4

CANARIES - Colorful American singers. Young males. $70 each. Rockford. 815/639-9818. 10/21

CHINCHILLAS- 2 babies, parents on site. Ready for adoption! Serious inquiries only. 815/962-5376. TFN

Lost Pets

REWARD: SMALL BLACK CAT -(picture in printed version) Last seen Oct. 4 at Culver’s on 251 in Roscoe. White spot on tummy, de-clawed, female, microchip. 815/289-3868. 10/28

LOST SMALL BLACK & BROWN CAT- Missing in Timber Lane Mobile Home Park. Missing ear. 815/964-2064. 11/4

Pet Services

PUP PUP GROOMING SALON- Have your loved one pampered! Call for an appointment – 815/323-9152. 11/4

WANT A MONKEY FOR A PET? Before you buy one go to www.bornfreeusa.org. 10/28

DON’T BREED OR BUY while homeless pets die. Adopt from shelters or rescues. www.wcasrock.org. 11/4

SEE LIVE ELEPHANTS on the elecam at www.elephants.com. 11/11

Wanted For Pets

WANTED: LOVING & CARING FOSTER HOMES for rescued kittens & cats. If you can help, please call me at 815/980-7863. Thanks so much. – Lori. 11/4

WANTED

EXPERIENECED PLUMBER NEEDED for small plumbing job. 815/399-2995. 11/4

WANTED: BIDS ON SIDING A 4-CAR GARAGE & installing 2 new garage doors. 815/963-1998. 11/11

WOMAN WITH MS LOOKING FOR electric wheelchair, frogs, turtles, & lizards or any caged pets. 779/770-3858. 10/28

WANTED: A STEP BOARD FOR EXERCISING. Reasonably priced. Call after 12 noon. 815/226-3676. 10/28

WILL PAY MORE FOR silver & gold than anyone. See our ad in the “At Your Service” section, page D4. 815/547-7111.11/4

WANTED: DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Any type. Any brand. Will pay up to $14 a box. Quick & local. Nancy. 815/519-9966. 10/28

NEEDED FOR MY SON who is a nursing home resident: his favorite music artist, Bob Seger- albums, records, CDs, etc. Thanks for calling, Don, 815/262-0214. TFN

WANTED: WHITE GAS STOVE range at reasonable price. 815/382-7667. 10/28

OLD GUITARS WANTED! Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Martin, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! These brands only please. 1-800-401-0440. N-10/28

I WILL BUY YOUR OLD CD’s. Top prices paid. 815/218-3054. 11/4

WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $16.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-713-395-1106 or 1-713-343-3050 ext. 1. www.cash4diabetestestrips.com. N-10/28

WANTED: SNOWMOBILES AND PARTS from the 70’s and 80’s., Kitty Cats and other small snowmobiles. 815/623-6591. TFN

Posted in Classifieds | No Comments »

Healthy Halloween Party set for Oct. 31

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

Children up to age 10 are invited to attend a “Healthy Kids Halloween Party” from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, in the lobby at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

Attendees will enjoy healthy Halloween treats, participate in a costume contest and try their luck at some favorite party games.

All kids are encouraged to dress up. The event is sponsored by medical students from the pediatric interest group and the family medicine interest group.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford is at 1601 Parkview Ave., in Rockford, and has served the area since 1971 as a regional academic health science center.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

NFL week 8 picks: Favre and Vikings will beat Packers

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Doug Halberstadt

Sports Columnist

During this time of year in Wisconsin, opening day of deer hunting season is usually the biggest red-letter and most anticipated day on most sports fans’ calendars. This coming Sunday (Nov. 1) may be even bigger. It marks the return of Brett Favre to Lambeau Field. Favre will lead the Minnesota Vikings into Green Bay for his first return game as the quarterback for a team other than the Packers.

Favre and the Vikings beat the Packers in Minnesota back on Monday night, Oct. 5. Now, less than a full month later, it is time for the long-awaited Favre “homecoming.” The once-beloved No. 4 will now look like a trophy buck in the sights of the Packers’ defense. I’m still picking the Vikings to win this game.

In the other NFC North games, I’m taking the Bears to beat the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field, and I like the Detroit Lions to win at home against the St. Louis Rams.

Houston should come away with a road win as they travel to New York to take on the Buffalo Bills. Seattle has to go on the road to face the Cowboys in Dallas. I look for Dallas to make it two in a row in their new stadium.

The Indianapolis Colts will look to remain one of three unbeaten teams in the NFL when they host the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Peyton Manning is playing some of the best football of his professional career, and, in spite of the improved play of San Francisco, he should lead his team to another victory.

As a result of their tough loss last week to the New Orleans Saints, Miami will be traveling to New York with a large chip on their shoulder. I look for them to bounce back with a win over the Jets.

Denver is one of the other teams that will be looking to stay undefeated. This week, they’ll have to face Ray Lewis and the staunch defense of the Baltimore Ravens. I think this is where Kyle Orton’s dream season turns into the nightmare on Ravens Street. I’m taking the Ravens at home in the mild upset.

San Diego should have no problem at home against Oakland. I’m predicting Jeff Fisher and the Tennessee Titans will pick up their first win of the year when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Philadelphia is at home against the N.Y. G-men. I’m taking Philly to hand Eli Manning and his teammates their second loss in a row. Arizona returns to the desert to host Carolina. Kurt Warner and the rest of the Cardinals are coming off a huge road win over the Giants and should have the momentum to carry them through with a home win over the Panthers.

In the Monday night game, the final undefeated team, the New Orleans Saints, host the Atlanta Falcons. There is no way Drew Brees and the Saints will lose to the dirty birds in a nationally-televised game in front of their home fans. If my predictions are correct, only the Saints and the Colts will remain undefeated after this week’s games.

Last week, I finished 9-4 if Philadelphia won the Monday night game against Washington. If the Redskins pulled the upset, I dropped to 8-5. My season record will either be 72-31 or 71-32. It all rests on the wings of the Eagles.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

CD release party for Jim Post Oct. 30

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Jim Post performs Friday, Oct. 30, at Katie's Cup.

Jim Post performs Friday, Oct. 30, at Katie's Cup.

From press release

Charlotte’s Web for the Performing Arts welcomes back an old favorite, Jim Post, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, to help him celebrate with a CD release party. Go to Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford, and get ready for some folk/pop/humor/theatrics.

Jim Post said,
I think it’s so groovy now, that people are finally gettin’ together!

His latest release, Reach Out Together, 2009, embodies and expresses the entire spirit of the ’60’s Love Peace & Freedom Movement.

Post is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, writer, performer, playwright and recording artist of more than 30 albums, including children’s music and the seminal rock-n-roll mega-hit, Reach Out in the Darkness! Fans know and love Post’s theatrics on stage, and they can’t wait to see what he’ll do for Halloween!

Billboard raved,
This elfin troubadour, in whom are married Irish tenor, revival sermonist, and hillbilly bluesman à la Jimmie Rogers, works upon his audience like a preacher, and is able to control the energy in the room without lapse for the entire duration of the performance.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Rockford Area Arts Council, 713 E. State, (815) 963-6765; both of The Postal Shoppe locations, in the Edgebrook Center, (815) 397-7301 and 2205 S. Perryville, (815) 484-0940; The Kilt & Clover, 1414 N. Main, (815) 962-5458; and JustGoods, 201 Seventh St., (815) 965-8903. Tickets can also be ordered with credit card via PayPal ($1/ticket service charge), at www.charlotteswebofrockford.org. Print your receipt and present it at the door to redeem your tickets.

For more information, call (815) 964-2238 or visit www.charlotteswebconcerts.com.

From the October 28-November 3, 2009 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Just Between Women—Women’s health issues presented

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

NorthPointe Health and Wellness will host an educational seminar for women from 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 5605 Rockton Road, near the southwest corner of East Rockton and Willowbrook roads.

Drs. Christel Tecarro, Family Practice, and Annabelle Tolentino, Internal Medicine, will cover women’s health issues such as menopause, osteoporosis and heart disease.

There is a direct relationship between the lack of estrogen during menopause and the development of osteoporosis. With menopause also comes a greater chance of heart disease, which is the No. 1 cause of death for U.S. women. Of course, heart and bone health is important throughout a woman’s life, but menopause means it is time to step up and get serious about these important issues.

Come to this informal presentation and discussion in NorthPointe’s Community Education Room about what you can do to help yourself in this important stage of life. For more information, call (815) 525-4500.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Naturally Rockford | No Comments »

2,020 participate in area used clothing drive

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

From press release

LOVES PARK, Ill.—Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s (KNIB) success continues this month with 2,020 area residents dropping off clothing and other soft goods at the Fall Clothing Drive at all Hilander Food Stores and Forest Hills Lodge Saturday, Oct. 10.

KNIB Executive Director Lori Gummow said: “This event is the perfect opportunity to help those in need by finding a new home for outgrown school clothes and other items that no longer fit or are needed. With the current economic conditions, secondhand clothing in good condition is in high demand.

“Our top three attended sites were the Roscoe Hilander with 425 residents, the Brynwood Hilander with 399 residents and the North Main Hilander with 334 residents,” Gummow added. “We truly appreciate the 168 volunteers who spent a chilly Saturday helping us with this very worthwhile reuse program.”

For more information, visit www.knib.org or contact KNIB at (815) 637-1343.

From the October 28 – November 3, 2009

Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »