Archive for December, 2009

Rockford schools increase Salvation Army food drive contributions by 20 percent

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

The poor economy didn’t damper efforts of Rockford Public Schools to increase contributions to the Salvation Army’s annual holiday food drive. Students and staff this year collected 391 barrels, 66 more than last year.

Brookview Elementary School made the greatest contribution to the 20-percent increase by filling 47 barrels with canned and dry goods during the “Yes We Can!” campaign.

Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield launched the campaign in late October at Lincoln Middle School, which held the distinction as largest contributor in 2008 with 21 barrels. Lincoln made a valiant effort to retain its title, but finished second this year at 34 barrels. Eisenhower Middle School and Rockford Environmental Science Academy tied for third, both with 18 barrels.

Brookview Principal LuAnn Widergren said the food drive is a team effort and a “big deal.” First-grade teacher Sandy Rossela manages the drive every year and organizes a lunch for teachers prior to winter break thanking them for their participation. Art teacher Linda Ewalt works with students to decorate barrels placed in each classroom.

A portion of Brookview’s success this year can be attributed to parent Darin Emmons, whose second-grade daughter, Sage, attends the school. Emmons, who drives a truck for Nabisco, donated more than 2,000 packages of cookies and crackers. “I just wanted to help out however I could,” he said.

Salvation Army Community Relations Director Norma Baker attributed the increase in donations to Dr. Sheffield’s enthusiasm for the food drive and the catchy “Yes We Can!” promotion. “She really helped us increase the numbers,” Baker said. “These additional barrels will feed a lot of people.”

Rockford schools have traditionally participated in the Salvation Army drive, and last year’s contributions—325 barrels—accounted for 75 percent of all food collected.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

To the Editor: Mega-dairy is a threat to the community

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Editor’s note: The writer of the following letter refers to A.J. Bos, a mega-dairy being sued by residents who are concerned about pollution of their aquifer water supply by alleged improper storage of manure. The plaintiffs won a preliminary injunction and sought a permanent injunction against the company, but the judge ruled against them for
a precipitous anticipatory nuisance.

The manure storage area takes up 43 acres and is 20 feet deep.

Mega-dairy is a threat to the community

We have just completed three weeks of a very complex trial. The 18 months leading to trial have been packed with endless filings, FOIAs, hearings, motions to dismiss, bond hearings, preliminary injunction, change of venue, remanding of the case back to Jo Daviess, expert witnesses, depositions, evidence and exhibits, three weeks of trial, and now a ruling (for the first time) in the favor of Bos. What changed? The judge ruled to protect the public at large in the preliminary injunction, and now we present even more evidence of pollution actually occurring, and he changes his mind? The appellate court for the next two years is our only recourse.

There are times in one’s life when destiny calls. This is that time. We have faced a huge threat to our communities, families, health and way of life. It is now that we continue to battle that threat—the mega-dairy. We fight to protect Jo Daviess County not only for ourselves, but for our children. Now is the time to renew our efforts and complete the task before us. Now is the time to finish what we have started.

Susan Turner

Warren, Ill.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Bower City Theatre Company holds auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

JANESVILLE, Wis.—Bower City Theatre Company will hold open auditions for the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Auditions will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 10, at The Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis.

Those auditioning should prepare 24 bars of a song of their choice. Bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions are open to anyone 14 years and older. For information, e-mail info@bowercitytheatre.org.

The production, directed by Jim Tropp, choreographed by Michael Stanek, and music directed by Cindy Blanc, will be presented April 16-24. Performances will be at The Janesville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the JPAC box office or by phone at (608) 758-0297, or bowercitytheatre.org.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17, and at 2 p.m., Sunday April 23; also at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 23; and  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 24.

Bower City Theatre Company, Inc., is a nonprofit regional theater company that brings together professional and non-professional artists to engage, inspire, entertain and challenge audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Tinker Swiss Cottage dressed for holidays

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Posted in Archives | No Comments »

Copenhagen: What is the outcome?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl

President and Vice President

Illinois Renewable Energy Association

One of the bigger surprises heading into the climate change summit in Copenhagen last week was that James Hansen felt the likely outcome from the negotiations would be so deeply flawed that it would be better to abandon them and start over. Since 1988, Hansen has informed politicians about the causes of climate change and the need to implement solutions to avoid a major catastrophe. He argues against a cap-and-trade program to control carbon, as he suspects its implementation will merely result in business as usual.

He prefers a system he calls “fee and dividend,” which imposes a fee on fossil fuel sources of pollution with the fees returned to the public to enable them to cut their carbon consumption by buying more efficient cars, insulating their homes and buying more locally-grown foods.

The results of the Copenhagen summit are being met with mixed reviews. While President Barack Obama (D) claimed success in persuading China to act on global warming, Hansen and others are skeptical the U.S. offer of raising $100 billion per year to help developing countries will ever materialize.

While last-minute sessions at Copenhagen led to an agreement to limit carbon emissions, many interests see it as falling far short of the carbon reduction essential to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, considered it a complete disaster. However, Andrew Light of the Center for American Progress sees the agreement as a good thing, which should halt warming more than 2 degrees Celsius. For Light and others, its success will depend on achieving a legally-binding agreement at the 2010 followup meeting in Mexico City.

Most interesting are comments attributed to Richard Black of BBC. Black indicates many participants are unsure whether the agreement was within the U.N. system or outside it. The accord was reached in behind-the-scene negotiations among the United States, China, India, Brazil and South Africa. The majority of nations merely agreed to “take note” of the document. Black wonders if the private agreement involving the U.S. and China could mark the end of a vision of global, negotiated climate governance under the United Nations.

A New York Times editorial noted that the agreements mark a step forward. For others, such as the San Francisco Chronicle, the failure to reach a binding international climate agreement creates an opportunity for California to accelerate its efforts to transition to a clean energy economy.

According to an interview with Madeline Ostrander, Hansen believes the talks in Copenhagen will provide an opportunity to step back and look at what is really needed and that actions in the United States will determine the direction for the world. He feels public pressure on politicians to act on behalf of the public rather than campaign donors is essential.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sees forthcoming congressional negotiations on climate change as even more contentious than those just experienced with health care reforms. Some leaders in the Midwest fear climate agreements will adversely effect economic prospects for their area.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. The Vogls and the IREA are members of the Environmental Hall of Fame. Dr. Robert Vogl is vice president of Freedom Field, and Dr. Sonia Vogl is a member of Freedom Field’s Executive Committee. The Vogls consult on energy efficiency, renewable energy and green building. They have 3.2 kW of PV and a 1 kW wind generator at their home. Forty acres of their 180-acre home farm are in ecological restorations. They are active in preserving natural areas and are retired professors from Northern Illinois University. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Renewable Energy | 1 Comment »

Christmas Tree Recycling program runs Jan. 1-15

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

LOVES PARK, Ill.—Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) has announced its 22nd annual Christmas Tree Recycling program is scheduled for Jan. 1-15, 2010.

KNIB Executive Director Lori Gummow said: “This program is one of the first our organization began coordinating over 20 years ago. We are very pleased for the community support it has received, which allows us to continue. In January 2009, over 32,000 households dropped off trees.”

Pine mulch is created as the trees are chipped. In the past 22 years, more than 1 million pounds of pine mulch has been created from more than half a million trees. The mulch is available at no charge to area residents for use in their home and business landscaping.

Gummow said: “Pine mulch makes wonderful ground cover because it is so durable. It is great to use in gardens for reducing weed growth and retaining moisture. Acid-loving plants such as roses, lilies of the valley, lilacs, azaleas, hydrangeas, blueberries and evergreens really benefit from the nutrients in the mulch. Mulch is available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents need to bring their own shovel and container to collect the mulch.”

KNIB reminds residents to wrap their tree in a reusable bed sheet instead of a disposable tree bag to transport the tree to a drop-off site. All lights, ornaments, garland, tinsel and the tree stand need to be removed.

“We ask that everything be removed from the tree because the trees are put through large chippers, and anything left on them could damage the equipment or harm a crew member,” Gummow said. “This is the reason we cannot accept pine wreaths with metal frames at the drop-off sites. Flocked trees are also not accepted, as the white flocking material is not biodegradable.”

The drop-off sites are unmanned and open 24 hours a day. Christmas Tree Recycling drop-off locations are as follows:Don Schmid Youth Sports Center at Riverdahl Park, Rockford; Blackhawk Park, 100– 15th Ave., Rockford; Levings Lake, east entrance off Johnston Avenue, Rockford; Andrews Park, 800 N. Central Ave., Rockford; Gambino Park, River Lane off North Alpine Road, Rockford; Alpine Park, 900 S. Alpine Road, Rockford; Martin Park, Park Ridge Road off Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park; Machesney Park Village Hall, 300 Machesney Road; Baumann Park, behind the maintenance building on South Walnut, Cherry Valley; Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road, north Winnebago County; Rockton Boat Ramp Parking Lot, off Hononegah Road; Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe; Westlake Village, nature area south of the Smith Road intersection, Winnebago. For more about this recycling program, visit www.knib.org or call KNIB at (815) 637-1343.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Outdoors | No Comments »

Dr. Julia’s Inn: A health review of 2009

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Dr. Julia Whipkey-Michniewicz, N.D.

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Can you believe another year is over? Where did 2009 go? Is it really true the older we get, the faster life is? I do believe.

This year has been a wonderful year at Dr. Julia’s Inn. With my recent accomplishment of receiving my master’s in nutrition, I have had so many success stories. It has been wonderful helping infants, children, young adults, adults and dogs. Yes, dogs. Here are some testimonies that came into my office this year to be added to my testimony books.

Vaccination article

Dear Dr. Julia,

My name is Bill S. I read your article in the paper about the flu vaccine and wanted to write you and tell you about our son, Field. When he was born Oct. 3rd, 2006 (scored 10 of 10 on the Apgar test), the doctors right away wanted to start him on a vaccine regimen. His mother and I had already discussed that we would wait until his immune system had a chance to mature. We felt that this was the best approach since we did not like the ingredients in all the vaccines (aborted fetus tissue?), and there are just too many. You would not believe all the flak that was given us! Mind you, we did not take this action lightly. I researched this question very much and feel we have made a very informed choice. These doctors started to threaten my wife and told her they were going to turn her in for child abuse! When I confronted them on this, they backed down and would not talk to me. (Guess I was too well informed. Always the best defense!) My child has not had one single vaccine and is the picture of health; when he gets sick, his system fights it very well, and it is gone. He is very intelligent, speaks very clearly in long sentences, and is very active. When he sees a doctor for check-ups, they are amazed with him. They say he is far more ahead than children his own age. (When we tell them he has not been vaccinated, we get dirty looks.) He is 39 inches tall and at a great weight. His mother feeds him only health food and nuts for snacks. (He don’t [sic] know what McDonald’s is.) We feel that we will give him only the shots he needs after he is 5 years old such as tetanus and maybe a few others. We will not allow an MMR shot. Feel it is just too dangerous. I have attached a pic of him. Also, can you recommend books or other things to research?

Just wanted you to know that there are parents who don’t trust the government to know what is in the best interest of our children. Drug companies have too much money and too many politicians in their pockets.

Keep up the good fight! Thank you for your time.

Bill S.

Prolozone therapy

Dear Dr. Julia,

I just wanted to write you a letter of appreciation for what you did for my rotator cuff. As you know, I came to you, for I had an injury at work. I am a C.N.A., and I hurt my right shoulder while lifting a patient at work. I knew if I went to the medical doctors, all they would do would be to put me on pain pills, and I cannot do that, for I have to work. A friend of mine from church told me about the wonderful results that she got from prolozone therapy at your clinic. I drove 2 hours to see you, and it was worth every mile. After just one treatment, the pain went away, and that night I was finally able to get a good night’s sleep. When I called you to ask when I needed another treatment, you told me just to call you when you felt that your shoulder needed another boost of oxygen.

God bless all of your training and education to help so many people naturally.

Carmellia G.

Chicago

Weight loss with HCG

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have tried so many diets and weight loss fads, and all I wanted to lose was 30 stubborn pounds. I was able to achieve that along with so much wonderful education that you enlightened me while on the colonic table. My treatments with you started off with two colonics removing the yeast and candida from my large intestine and then followed up with a liver cleanse to get my liver filtering out the toxins. Then on to the HCG protocol. It was amazing. I am feeling great, eating healthy, exercising and down 30 pounds. Thank you again, Dr. Julia.

Penny M.

Saving a gallbladder

I was told by my medical doctor that my gallbladder needed to be removed. I had pain under my right rib cage, and thru the ultrasound, they could see some gallstones. I did some investigation and found out that Dr. Julia had a wonderful gallbladder cleanse that removed stones and crud. I made an appointment with her to first do a colon hydrotherapy session and then follow it up with the gallbladder cleanse. While with Dr. Julia, she shared with me that every year on her birthday, she does a gallbladder cleanse as a birthday gift for her body. I could not believe what came out of my body after I did the gallbladder cleanse, and I did what Dr. Julia suggested. … I was able to save my gallbladder with the cleanse, and Dr. Julia helped me with the correct enzymes and the correct diet.

Thank you so much for all your help.

Barb G.

Diabetes and weight loss

My sister Mary went to see Dr. Julia, for she was depressed and was tired of how the medical community was taking care of her. After doing a few tests with Mary, Dr. Julia asked if anyone in her family had diabetes. Mary was so surprised that Dr. Julia had asked her this, for there is diabetes in our family big time. Dr. Julia put Mary on a strict diet, gave her supplements to support tissues, and within a couple of days, Mary was feeling great, but within one month, Mary was back to the old Mary that we all knew and loved. Dr. Julia explained to Mary that she was on an emotional roller coaster because of her blood sugar, and that was why she was feeling so bad that doctors labeled her depressed. Mary quickly convinced me to see Dr. Julia, so I made the long haul to Rockford, Ill. from Green Bay, Wis., and as you might guess, I am doing great.

God bless you, Dr. Julia and all your work.

Dean R.

Another weight loss success

I have tried so many diets my whole life, and they work, but then I go right back to eating bad. All the money that I have spent on diets and gimmicks, I could of [sic] purchased a home in Florida. A friend, Annie, went to see Dr. Julia for HCG. She had just recently read Kevin Trudeau’s book, Weight Loss Cures ‘They’ Do Not Want You to Know About and saw an ad in RRT’s that Dr. Julia did his protocol. Annie looked amazing, so I decided to check it out. I worked with Dr. Julia for a couple of months doing detoxes, yeast/candida cleanse and liver cleanses to get ready to do HCG. It was amazing. I actually lost 30 pounds in 3 weeks. I have dropped 8 more pounds on my own and am feeling great. Thru Dr. Julia, she really educated me on foods and what foods were good for me metabolically. My joints do not hurt, my feet do not hurt, and it is just wonderful not to be carrying all that extra weight around.

Thank you so much, Dr. Julia.

Patty F.

IBS, Crohn’s and diverticulitis

I have been dealing with my Crohn’s disease for many years but was never diagnosed. I was put on one medication after another. Finally, I went to Madison, and from there I found out I had Crohn’s and was told I needed to have surgery to remove a part of my large intestine. I was furious. Here I have been complaining about this for years, and no one would help me, and now they want to remove my colon. I went to church and shared this with all of my friends, and it was suggested by my pastor to see Dr. Julia. It was amazing. When she met me, I was 98 pounds and so sickly. I saw her faithfully for colonics and oxygen treatments. She put me on a special diet and suggested supplements to help with my internal bleeding. The bleeding stopped right away, and thru her education I was starting to gain some weight. It has been a year now, and I have my large intestine. I am now 138 pounds and am doing great. My church cannot believe how well I am doing. I thanked them all for giving me Dr. Julia’s name.

God bless.

Tony C.

Animals

My beloved cat Kitty got into something and was so ill that I was so scared that I would have to put her down. I took her to the vet, and he confirmed that she got into a chemical, which he thought could have been antifreeze. He suggested that I put her down. I could not, so I bundled her up and took her home. I have known Dr. Julia forever, and she has helped me with so many issues. I called her crying, and she told me to come over and pick up some supplements for my cat. I did, and I followed directions to the tee. After about three days, Kitty was starting to eat. After about five days, she was starting to perk up. It has been eight months, and Kitty is alive and well. I truly do not know what Dr. Julia made up for her, but it worked. Thank you so much.

Carolyn M.

I thank all of you for sharing your stories with me. I am blessed to be able to help you, for I was helped myself, curing my cancer naturally. I have been blessed to be able to work under so many wonderful natural physicians and to be able to have the means to keep continuing my education. God bless you all, and have a wonderful and healthy 2010.

Dr. Julia Whipkey-Michniewicz is the owner and operator of Dr. Julia’s Inn. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and did not do the chemical therapy and radiation. She treated herself naturally through colon hydrotherapy, ozone/oxygen, diet, Rife technology, supplements, exercise and sunshine. You may reach her in her Rockford office at (815) 962-3326 or go to her Web page at drjuliasinn.com.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Dr. Julia's Inn | No Comments »

To the Editor: UL300 standard is a reasonable safety measure

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

UL300 standard is a

reasonable safety measure

After reading the article regarding the Rockford City Council requesting a delay of the Jan. 1, 2010, implementation of the State of Illinois Fire Marshal administrative directive that existing restaurant hood fire suppression comply with UL300, I felt that there needed to be some clarification.

Despite what the article states, the current UL300 standard is not new, but rather has been around for 15 years. In fact, in new commercial restaurant applications, these types of systems are the only ones allowed to be installed. During those 15 years, many insurance companies have been in the forefront of requiring their insured to bring their existing suppression systems up to the standard. This is not an attack on a business, but rather a safety issue. The old standard allowed a
dry

chemical system, which was discovered does not contain and/or extinguish fires in today’s high-efficiency fryers. The loss from an uncontrolled fire can be catastrophic, including the entire loss of the business. UL300-compliant systems not only control these fires better, but when activated require less clean-up time for the business owner.

Also, this new administrative directive has been out for over a year. This has given affected people plenty of time to plan for compliance. In almost all cases, a UL300 fire suppression system costs significantly less than the
tens of thousands of dollars

mentioned in the article.

This is a regulation that is long overdue. While I agree it is dubious that the state gave itself an additional year to comply, people tend to not trust government because they often see those serving in it as misinformed individuals who grandstand without a complete basic understanding of the issue.

Tim Taylor

Sales and Service Technician

ABC Fire & Safety, Inc.

Beloit, Wis.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at an IceHogs game

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Doug Halberstadt

Sports Columnist

Tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 31) is the final day of the decade. That means it’s time to celebrate the passing of another year and to start looking forward to the promises that come with the New Year.

Customarily, New Year’s Eve isn’t seen as a holiday the entire family celebrates together. Usually, the adults will hire a sitter to entertain the youngsters while they are out enjoying a fancy, overpriced dinner accompanied by some cheap champagne and silly noisemakers. It doesn’t have to be that way this year.

I’d like to suggest a viable alternative the whole family can participate in. The Rockford IceHogs are hosting a New Year’s Eve game against the Houston Aeros at the MetroCentre. Game time is 7:05 p.m., and young and old alike are invited to the party.

Family Four Packs are available for this game. Fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks and four popcorns for just $44. Call (815) 847-6399 or stop by the MetroCentre’s Box Office to purchase the Family Four Packs. I’m confident in saying there is no other place in this area an entire family could go out and celebrate on New Year’s Eve for such a reasonable price.

In addition to the hockey game, the team will be giving away five pairs of Chicago Blackhawks suite tickets to the ’Hawks game at the United Center Sunday, Jan. 10. Following the game, everyone is invited onto the ice for a public skate. Fans can also ring in the New Year by watching the ball drop from New York City on the IceHogs’ big screen.

So, call the sitter, and tell her she’s got the night off. Or, better yet, invite her to come to the game with you. Don’t forget your skates! Happy New Year!

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Bruscato seeks contempt charges for witnesses in Barmore case

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Stuart R. Wahlin

Staff Writer

During a Dec. 28 press conference, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato (D) said he will ask 17th Circuit Judge Joseph McGraw (R) to hold Sheila and Marissa Brown in contempt of court after they failed to appear at a Dec. 23 grand jury hearing, for which they’d been subpoenaed Dec. 17 to testify.

Dec. 21, the Browns petitioned McGraw to reschedule their testimony, because they had planned to be out of state for the Christmas holiday. McGraw denied the request, but Bruscato indicated that, as a gesture of flexibility, his office had offered to let the Browns be first to give testimony the morning of the Dec. 23 grand jury hearing. The Browns, however, proceeded with vacation plans and did not appear before the grand jury.

Both were present Aug. 24 in the House of Grace Daycare, 518 N. Court St., when Rockford Police officers Oda Poole and Stan North shot 24-year-old Mark Anthony Barmore to death when Barmore allegedly lunged for Poole’s firearm after being cornered in the facility’s boiler room.

Twelve children were reportedly present in the daycare during the shooting.

Barmore, Bruscato said Dec. 23, was grazed by a bullet from Poole’s service weapon during the alleged struggle, during which North shot Barmore once in the upper back, once in the lower back and once in the buttocks. A fourth shot missed the suspect.

Barmore was being sought for a domestic disturbance, and officers were advised he may be armed. After the shooting, however, it was discovered Barmore was unarmed.

Marissa, 17, is the daughter of Sheila and Kingdom Authority International Ministries Pastor Melvin Brown. The daycare and church share the same building.

Marissa allegedly gave a statement Aug. 24 indicating Barmore had exited the boiler room with his hands up and head down. Although the Browns did not appear to testify before the grand jury, their statements were admitted into the record.

However, according to Bruscato, the grand jury found their accounts were inconsistent with physical evidence and the testimony of other witnesses. A news conference held late Dec. 23 revealed the grand jury found both officers justified in the deadly use of force.

Furthermore, during the Dec. 28 news conference, Bruscato said there is reason to believe the Browns’ daughter could not have seen the altercation from where she’d allegedly been standing during the incident, based on the testimony of another witness.

The racially-charged controversy has attracted the attention of civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson in recent months. Dec. 26, Jackson renewed his call for a federal probe of the incident. Jackson also asserted it was unreasonable for a grand jury to expect the Browns to cancel vacation plans with notice given only six days prior. The scheduling of testimony, he suggested, was suspect.

A hearing before McGraw on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 4.

A civil case filed by the Barmore family, alleging wrongful death, is expected to begin in mid-January.

Meantime, officers North and Poole remain on administrative duties.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in News | No Comments »

This week in The Times: David Painter

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Vitals: David Painter, 34, is originally from Bozeman, Mont. He moved to Rockford in 1993 and works as a remodelling contractor. In his spare time, Painter enjoys spending time with his two children and watching football.

1. If you could choose any elected official – local, state or national – to speak with one-on-one, who would it be and what would you say? I’d speak with President Barack Obama (D). I’d love to ask him about all the changes he promised to make in his campaign, and why he has yet to follow through on many of those promises. I know it’s early in his presidency, but he hasn’t had the impact it seemed he would have.

2. If you were to move away from the Rock River Valley, what three things would you miss the most? I’d miss my friends, the landscape, and believe it or not, our winters filled with snow and freezing temperatures.

3. How did you survive Christmas? Luckily for me, my parents came in from out of town. I leaned on them pretty heavily for help with last-minute gift-wrapping and making Christmas dinner. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their help.

4. What New Year’s resolutions are you considering for 2010? My most important resolution is to quit smoking. I’ve been a smoker for 15 years, and the time has come for me to quit. I want to do it for my kids mostly, but I also want to do it for myself. I’m also going to try to eat better and get more exercise.

5. Question from last week’s “This week in The Times” participant, Santa Claus: What was your favorite gift you received this Christmas? Without a doubt, my favorite gift was the photo album my kids put together for me. It was full of pictures of us, and I plan on keeping it forever.

“This week in The Times” is a weekly survey of people selected by The Rock River Times staff. The column does not accept unsolicited submissions.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in This week in the times | No Comments »

Crusader Community Health receives $5.3 million in Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

Crusader Community Health received $5,342,337 in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to construct a new site in Loves Park and continue renovation of unused space at the existing Crusader Community Health on Broadway-Uram Building.

The Crusader grant was part of the Obama administration announcement of $508 million in Facility Investment Program grants to 85 community health centers nationwide to address the pressing needs of health center facilities and expanded their capacities to serve an additional 500,000 patients. Nationwide, there are 1,100 Community Health Center grantees that served more than 17 million medically-underserved people.

The Crusaders Central Clinic Association is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), Federally Qualified Health Center that has provided access to primary health care to the medically underserved of northwest Illinois since 1972. The Crusader Community Health Network now serves multiple counties in northern Illinois including Boone, Winnebago and Stephenson, and provides care to more than 40,000 individual patients annually in our region.
Crusader is experiencing an increased demand for care that warrants the development of a new clinic to improve access to care. More medical and dental visits are provided now than any other time in our 37-year history. The number of visits by uninsured patients rose 45 percent for March 2009 compared to March 2008,

noted Gordon Eggers Jr., president & CEO, Crusader Community Health. More than 600 new patients register for Crusader care monthly.

Plans are to construct a new facility to accommodate four medical providersa family practice physician, a pediatrician, a mid-level medical provider, a dentist and specialty clinics including OB/GYN, podiatry and pain management. It is projected that an additional 4,500 patients will be served on an annual basis.

The new health center will be built on vacant land near the vicinity of North Second Street and Clifton Avenue, Loves Park, as a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified building. This new are was targeted to address the healthcare needs of those with limited incomes, uninsured and on Medicaid and will be a welcome referral source for patients who are using costly emergency rooms for their primary healthcare.

This grant will also renovate space in the Crusader Community Health on Broadway-Uram Building, Broadway & 7th Street, to accommodate a new Call Center, an education center, sidewalk repair and staff lunch room. The Call Center will greatly improve access to care as patients will be efficiently scheduled for their appointment and calls answered more timely. This is especially critical as the clinic is experiencing an increased demand for care that provided more than 167,000 patient visits in 2008.

Special thanks to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo for their support of

Crusader Community Health and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Crusader Community Health is community-based, not-for-profit Illinois corporation whose mission is to serve the Rock River Valley area with quality, primary health care for people in need. Services are available on a sliding discount basis. There are three locations: Crusader Community Health on West State Street, 1200 W. State St.; Crusader Community Health on Broadway-Uram Building, Broadway & 7th St.; Crusader Community Health Belvidere, 1050 Logan Ave., Belvidere. For an appointment, call (815) 490-1600 or for more information on Crusader Community Health, visit: www.crusaderhealth.org<http://www.crusaderhealth.org/>.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Your Horoscope: Week of Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

This Week: Happy New Year! Welcome 2010! Although we are currently in the mix of the last of four Mercury retrogrades this year, we will be blessed with a very special blue wishing moon Dec. 31. Two full moons within one month are very rare; hence comes the saying “once in a blue moon.” Take time out this New Year’s Eve to meditate on all of your goals, dreams and ambitions for the year 2010. Allow the blessings of this full moon to help you find your way to a prosperous and emotionally fulfilling New Year. Never fear, Mercury will go direct Jan. 15. I wish you all a blessed New Year!

Aries (March 21 to April 19)—The year starts out a bit slow. However, this also gives you time to catch up on forgotten aspects that have been piling up in a corner and annoying the hell out of you. You will begin to see a breakthrough financially as well as personally mid-February. Changes within your work or residence will be on the forefront by summer. As you work your way into fall, finances become a dynamic force in your life.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)—A shift within your career will create countless blessings for you this year. Whether this comes at you from out of the blue or this is a well-thought-out plan, you will reap the benefits of your actions in 2010. Additional training or education may be part of your long-term goals. Expect success, even though you may have had a major setback in the fall of 2009. Your romantic sector will also see shifts and changes as well. By the end of 2010, you will experience unconditional love, possibly for the first time.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)—Expect this year to be filled with plenty of changes and surprises. Many Geminis have experienced a tremendous amount of loss over the past few years and have had a terrible time emotionally recouping from this. These aspects have affected every element of your life, and may have even encouraged some self-destructive behavior along the way. As 2010 arrives, it is almost as though something has washed the windshield in your heart and mind clean and clear. The New Year arrives with many opportunities for love and financial success. By summer, a lucky charm arrives on your doorstep.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)—For my dear “crabby” friends, 2010 allows you to live in the present. In 2009 and part of 2008, many of you have put yourself in positions to want the unobtainable. Perhaps this was your own secret way of staying within your shell and not allowing yourself to get hurt. Early on in 2010, you will begin to realize this was hurting you even more, waiting and not really living your life to its fullest potential. As you begin to blast out of the starting gate, you are able to see this “dark horse” will cross the finish line of all of your own heart’s desires. Happy New Year!

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)—Sometimes we spend so much time worrying about the future, we are unable to see the gifts of the here and now right in front of us. In 2009, you spent way too much time and energy on worry. As a result of this, you did not truly enjoy your life. Make a conscious effort in 2010 to take each day as it comes and find the humor and beauty in what life has to offer. As you begin to make a habit out of this, you will immediately see shifts and changes arrive for the better within your life. Finances will be a major focus this year. You will be blessed with emotional and financial gain from many unexpected sources. Use your magic wisely this year, and watch your temper.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)—As you begin to reflect on 2009, you will realize you may have hitched your wagon to the wrong pony. Surrounding yourself with addictive or emotionally unstable individuals did not suit you very well. Even if you thought you could enlighten them or “fix” them somehow, you are finding out that this is work they need to do on their own. Start this year out with your own self-awareness, and concentrate on improving the quality of your own life. Try not to beat yourself up for poor judgment calls; they are what they are.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)—This is a great year to begin a down-sizing effort within your lifestyle. Over the past few years, you may have taken a little bit more than you can chew. As a result of this, there isn’t really a lot of time to enjoy what matters to you most. Clear away individuals or physical possessions that take up too much of your valuable time and energy. You will feel lighter and more spiritual as you move into 2010. This will also open doors to socialize with those of like mind and spirit. This New Year promises to bring great new connections for you; all you have to do is make some room.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)—Finances and career aspects have been a very difficult journey for you in 2008 and 2009. You’ve worked so hard, and it feels as though you are just spinning your wheels. What this has done for your self-esteem has not helped you, either. As we step into 2010, make sure you leave those dark days in the past. You have a lot to offer, and 2010 promises to arrive with opportunities from all directions. This is your year to shine—emotionally, financially and spiritually.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)—You’ve spent a good portion of 2009 flying under the radar and making ends meet. Many of you may have felt pulled in so many different directions that you could never really think straight. As you begin your New Year, you will be launched into the spotlight, drawing to you an element of fame that has been a bit dormant for quite some time. You will reap the benefits of these aspects with beauty and grace. Trust me when I say this will be a record year for you financially. Make sure you take some time out to play.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)—Romantic elements may have been on a flat line for you in 2009. However, you can expect all of that to change in 2010. Even those of you who are in a loving relationship already may have felt the passion slip a bit because of physical ailments or worry. Your personal life will align and shine this year. If you are alone, you can expect new love to arrive. If you are already in a committed loving relationship, you can expect it to step up quite a few notches in 2010. As we all know, when love is a driving force in our lives, everything else just falls into place. Happy New Year!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)—You begin this year giving birth to a new form of spiritual self, coming back to your roots with peacefulness. In 2009, many Aquarians felt a bit lost, not knowing what direction to take or, worse yet, making a job out of a lost soul and losing themselves in the process. You come to the conclusion that the Titanic is sinking, and you do get on the lifeboat after all. With the fresh perspective kicking in by your birthday, you have the world by the tail in 2010. Get some rest along the way. This is going to be a busy year.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)—This year starts out with opportunities for expansion and growth. Make sure this is about your quality of life and not your waistline. There was so much worry in 2009 regarding finance and the welfare of loved ones that it took a toll on you emotionally. Sometimes the more we try to take a crowbar to things, the more complicated they become. Faith and simplicity are keys this year. Visualize exactly what you want and need out of life, and just trust that it will be there. When opportunity knocks, answer the door. Happy New Year!

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

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Horoscopes | No Comments »

Community Calendar for week of Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010

Wednesday, December 30th, 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.

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.

Donations for the Carrie Lynn Center – Drop off locations: Boves Auto, 1118 Ferguson St; Bargain Barn Antiques, 11951 Main St., Roscoe. Accepting donations through Jan. 31, 2010. Info: 815-987-3169.

Wednesday, Dec. 30

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.

Comedy Night – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.

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

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

Gentle Yoga – OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 12:10 p.m.-12:55 p.m. Info: 815-395-5036.

“Paws for Pets” Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kibble Korner – Various drop off locations. Info: 815-963-6449.

Busy Winter Days – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-963-6769.

Our House is Your House – Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Info: 815-335-2915.

Travis Legge’s Movie Premiere – Kryptonite, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.

Thursday, Dec. 31

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.

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

Rockford Tai Chi Club Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Classes – Rockford Tai Chi Club, 7131 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Loves Park. 5 p.m. Info: 815-494-9483.

Gentle Yoga – OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Info: 815-395-5036.

21st Annual Holiday Festival of Lights – Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St. 5 p.m. Info: 815-965-0768.

Busy Winter Days – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-963-6769.

Countdown to Fun! – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. 12:30 p.m. Info: 815-963-6769.

Winter Celebration – Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St. Noon. Info: 815-965-3433.

IceHogs vs. Houston Aeros – MetroCentre, 300 Elm St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-968-5222.

Friday, Jan. 1

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.

“Paws for Pets” Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kibble Korner – Various drop off locations. Info: 815-963-6449.

Gentle Yoga – OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 12:10 p.m.-12:55 p.m. Info: 815-395-5036.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling – Various locations through Jan. 15. Info: 815-637-1343.

Busy Winter Days – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-963-6769.

Saturday, Jan. 2

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.

Weiskopf Observatory Public Viewing – Byron Forest Preserve District, Weiskopf Observatory, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. Every Sat. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 216.

“Paws for Pets” Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kibble Korner – Various drop off locations. Info: 815-963-6449.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling – Various locations through Jan. 15. Info: 815-637-1343.

Busy Winter Days – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-963-6769.

IceHogs vs. Grand Rapids Griffins – MetroCentre, 300 Elm St. 7 p.m. Info: 815-968-5222.

Sunday, Jan. 3

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.

“Paws for Pets” Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kibble Korner – Various drop off locations. Info: 815-963-6449.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling – Various locations through Jan. 15. Info: 815-637-1343.

Busy Winter Days – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-963-6769.

Monday, Jan. 4

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.

Gentle Yoga – OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 12:10 p.m.-12:55 p.m. Info: 815-395-5036.

“Paws for Pets” Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kibble Korner – Various drop off locations. Info: 815-963-6449.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling – Various locations through Jan. 15. Info: 815-637-1343.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

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. 5 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.

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

Gentle Yoga – OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Info: 815-395-5036.

“Paws for Pets” Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kibble Korner – Various drop off locations. Info: 815-963-6449.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful 22nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling – Various locations through Jan. 15. Info: 815-637-1343.

Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication. Call (815) 964-9767 to report any inaccuracies in these calendars.

From the Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Community Calendar | No Comments »

County closes on one building purchase, opts to buy another

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Stuart R. Wahlin

Staff Writer

Dec. 22, the same day Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) announced the county had closed on the federal courthouse at 211 S. Church St., for $2 million, the county board voted to acquire the four-story City Plaza building at 555 N. Church St., for $775,000.

Pending approval from bankrupt Commercial Mortgage & Finance’s creditors, the sale is aimed at consolidating three locations leased by the Winnebago County Health Department into one facility.

The county originally planned to purchase the building for $860,000, but Christiansen indicated a last-minute appraisal resulted in the lower offer.

“Taxpayers can rest assured that that’s market value,” Christiansen asserted.

Several fellow Republicans, however, didn’t view the purchase as a bargain for taxpayers.

Despite the lower price and being a prime time to buy property, Frank Gambino (R-14), a Realtor and developer by trade, had reservations.

“We’re gonna increase our commitment to that [$775,000 purchase price] to close to $4 million,” he said, referring to an estimated $3.3 million in renovations. “That building probably will not be worth any more than about a million-and-a-half, so we will be over-improving a building, no matter what we pay for it.”

The county, as landlord, plans to honor existing leases in City Plaza as a means to make bond payments related to renovation of the facility, according to Mike Bacon, public health administrator.

Bacon indicated the purchase price will come from Health Department funds by way of grants, fees and property tax support in the percentages of 60, 20 and 20, respectively.

Kyle Logan (R-3), the most vocal critic of the purchase, argued: “We’re going to be expanding social services and expanding government at a time when we’re seeing all levels of government continue to still expand government—spending particularly. I’m having trouble understanding why, at a time when the federal government is going to be issuing a mandate that everybody has to have health insurance, local government has to continue to provide social services in the same arena.

“It just doesn’t add up, to me,” he continued. “I have trouble with, when three locations are consolidating—in roundabout numbers, 20,000 square feet—and we’re buying a building that has almost roughly three times as much as that, it just seems that we’re buying more building than what we need. We’re entering into the private market, which I have philosophical differences with. There’s a multitude of reasons that we shouldn’t be doing this.”

Bacon responded that the consolidation of services at the location is the least expensive of the options the department has explored in the last several years.

“This simply makes more sense, particularly in these difficult economic times, not only for our clients, but in terms of our efficiency of operation,” Bacon said. “The integration of services and efficiency provided in this, I think, will more than make up for the differences we’re talking about here. This is all about improved service.”

Although Logan concurred consolidation makes sense to become more efficient and save taxpayer dollars, he argued he doesn’t believe the purchase and renovation of City Plaza is the most cost-effective way to achieve that end, because the building has far more space than needed.

Instead, Logan suggested finding a more suitably-sized building willing to offer a long-term lease, whereby the City Plaza would remain in the private market and on the tax rolls.

“That would cost the county a ton less than buying and putting all the improvements into it, so there’s more to it than just gaining efficiencies,” Logan added. “We’re actually going to be expanding into more space than there currently is, and there’s no doubt about it that you’re going to fill it, which is going to cost the taxpayers more money.”

Angie Goral (D-7), the county board’s representative on the Board of Health, cited the difficult economy as all the more reason people are depending on services provided by the Health Department.

“There’s a lot more to this health department than you can ever imagine,” she asserted, urging fellow board members to tour its facilities.

Paul Gorski (D-5) facetiously interjected: “Angie, aren’t there any prisons? Aren’t there any workhouses? Don’t I pay money to these facilities already?”

Doug Aurand (D-3), who also serves as Harlem Township supervisor, echoed Goral’s sentiments, referring to the Health Department’s services as a “blessing” for the township’s clients.

Pearl Hawks (D-6) referenced the working poor, many of whom do not have insurance, noting sick time absorbed by employers is a very real cost that should be considered, too.

Gambino, however, urged board members to not allow the decision to be influenced by emotional rhetoric.

“We’re not talking about eliminating services. We’re not talking about replacing services,” Gambino said. “We’re talking about a financial decision here that’s gonna impact the taxpayers of Winnebago County.

“And I understand that’s a great plea that the Health Department does this, and the Health Department does that. They will continue to do so, with or without this building,” he added. “We aren’t going to take away anything from them by saying ‘no’ to this, or saying ‘yes’ to this.”

Following up on Gambino’s comments, Steve Schultz (R-2) argued: “The potential of overpaying for this building is a different issue than the value and importance of the Health Department and the services it provides. So, I think it’s wise to separate those issues. And I believe, at this stage, we’re still overpaying for that building.”

Logan concurred: “It seems to me that where we’re getting lost is that everybody is trying to make this an emotional issue. But the problem is that there’s an emotional issue on the other side, too, and every time we spend a tax dollar, that’s a dollar you have to take from somebody else who went out and worked really, really hard to earn that for his family. And now, government’s taking that dollar, and we’re gonna go give it over here for this person, so they can spend it for their family.

“When are we going to stop?” Logan wondered. “You come up with services that are gonna help everybody and help everything, but you’re gonna take away all the money from everybody else, and then they’re gonna need the services as well. Government can’t be everything to anybody.”

Logan argued the Health Department would find a way to use all of the extra space at its disposal in the new facility, which would result in higher taxes.

“And yes, they’re going to get grants, but here’s a news flash—grants come from taxpayer dollars as well, and that’s additional money that had to be taken from families right now,” he concluded. “And if you’ve seen the economy, there’s not anybody right now who can afford to have additional tax dollars taken away from them. There comes a point where taking money from somebody to give to somebody else just becomes wrong.”

Goral, however, staunchly defended the purchase, noting the building’s central location has a pivotal role in delivering better service for the county’s neediest families.

“Any building we get, we would have to go in and have to build out for the services that we’re going to need,” she noted.

Board newcomer Carolyn Gardner (D-9) was also not swayed by arguments of Republicans.

“As I watch our community and everything, we have a lot of people that really need [the Health Department’s] help and their services and stuff, and they can make it easier for ’em,” she said. “Any one of us could be crossing that line and fall into need.”

Gardner asserted those are the people she represents, and that the new facility would make health care less difficult for them, adding, “I don’t think we should mix money with the lives of people.”

After approximately 25 minutes of debate, Gambino, Logan, Wendy Owano (R-5), Schultz and John F. Sweeney (R-14) cast the only “no” votes.

The board subsequently agreed to up to $4.5 million in general obligation debt certificates related to the new venture.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Winnebago County News | No Comments »

Voters could force $13M bond issue to referendum

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

News and notes from the Dec. 22 Winnebago County Board meeting

By Stuart R. Wahlin

Staff Writer

The Winnebago County Board adopted an ordinance Dec. 22 authorizing the issuance of up to $13 million in general obligation bonds for its tort fund after the county found itself at the losing end of $17 million in settlements this fall, resulting from a fatal traffic accident involving a sheriff’s deputy.

However, voters could put the brakes on the “backdoor referendum” if enough qualified signatures are obtained on a petition within 30 days after notice of a public hearing is published. The county plans to publish such notice in the Rockford Journal by Jan. 14, 2010.

If a petition with enough valid signatures is submitted to the county clerk within 30 days of the published notice, voters would demand the bond issue be placed on the Nov. 2, 2010, ballot as a referendum.

According to the ordinance, “…if no petition, signed by electors numbering the greater of (i) seven and one-half percent (7.5 percent) of the registered voters in the county (i.e., 12,773 electors) or (ii) 200 of those registered voters or fifteen percent (15.0 percent) of those registered voters (i.e., 25,546), whichever is less, and asking that the issuance of the bonds be submitted to referendum, is filed with the county clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this ordinance and the notice, then this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and the bonds shall be authorized to be issued.”

A public hearing regarding the bond issue is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 28.

Minority, gender resolution

passes after amendment

The board approved a “resolution providing for continuation of full community representation in appointments to boards and commissions,” after a Diversity Council amendment from the original wording, “resolution requiring consideration of racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the county in appointments to boards and commissions.”

John Ekberg (R-10) considered the amendment an improvement.

“It’s not that we’re currently not doing the job of getting people appointed,” he explained. “I think that the community at large, minority community, doesn’t know that we really want to recruit people to be in those positions.”

The original resolution was submitted in September by Pearl Hawks (D-6), who was heard to cast a “no” for the amendment during a voice vote, along with Paul Gorski (D-5). The amended motion, however, was unanimously approved in a roll-call vote.

Resolutions

•Executing a renewal agreement with Lloyds of London for stop-loss and aggregate stop-loss coverage related to county insurance plans for employees and retirees for individual claims more than $125,000.

• Authorizing execution of an adoption agreement and administrative services agreement for the Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings Plan. The move is related to a retirement health savings account as part of a collective bargaining agreement implemented in 2006 with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Labor Council, Lodge 50. Originally, the plan allowed voluntary employee contributions of up to $40, which the county would match. However, a 2007 ruling by the Internal Revenue Service requires that all lodge members participate to qualify for the plan, of which the union has since voted in favor.

• Requesting consent of the Illinois Department of Transportation to re-appoint County Engineer Joe Vanderwerff for a six-year term.

• Authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority for the long-term maintenance of the Rockton Road and McCurry Road bridges over I-90. Maintenance includes plowing, patching and striping, according to County Engineer Joe Vanderwerff.

• Authorizing extension of a River Bluff Nursing Home contract with the Visiting Nurses Association for hospice care.

Re-appointments

Angie Goral (D-7) was re-appointed to a one-year term on the Winnebago County Board of Health, expiring October 2010. Patricia Lewis and Richard Warner were re-appointed to three-year terms.

Steven Poyner was re-appointed to a three-year term with the Cherry Valley Fire Protection District, expiring May 2012.

Lynnette Foster, Eugene Quinn, Phyllis Speiss and Fred Wescott (R-9) were re-appointed to five-year terms with the Winnebago County Housing Authority, expiring September 2014.

Michael Fenger and Dennis Johnson were re-appointed to six-year terms with the Sheriff’s Merit Commission, expiring October 2015.

Absences

George Anne Duckett (D-12), Dianne Parvin (R-4) and Dave Yeske (R-2) were absent.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Winnebago County News | No Comments »

Bright Lights initiative to ‘crowdsource’ cultural opportunities in Freeport meets Jan. 13

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

FREEPORT, Ill.—A group of Stephenson County residents interested in expanding the range of cultural, social and intellectual experiences available in the Freeport area will hold a community visioning meeting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at  the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St.

The planned meeting is part of the Bright Lights initiative, whose purpose is to build a network of local knowledge professionals, artists, creative individuals, independent businesspeople, community organizers and gifted young leaders, which can
crowdsource

new cultural events, organizations and businesses.
Crowdsourcing

is the solving of problems by inviting a large number of interested participants to freely share their knowledge and perspectives in a process that’s open to everybody.
The name ‘Bright Lights’ recognizes and honors the many knowledgeable and creative individuals living in the Freeport area,

says Keith Ammann, a leading organizer of the initiative.
It’s also a retort to the cliche’ about declining cities: ‘Would the last person to leave turn out the lights?’ We want to not only keep the lights on but turn them up brighter, and add some new ones.

The initiative was inspired by the work of Richard Florida, the author of The Rise of the Creative Class, who found a correlation between an area’s economic health and the extent to which it supports the needs and desires of
creative class

workers: scientists, engineers, architects, designers, educators, artists, musicians and writers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006-2008 American Community Survey, 1 in 6 workers in Stephenson County belongs to this classcompared with only 1 in 11 in the Chicago areaand their median income is 45 percent higher than the countywide average. Florida writes that creative class workers are attracted to
natural cultural districts

: locales with a high density of cultural events, comfortable hangouts, face-to-face meeting places and social networks.

The first step in the Bright Lights initiative is to identify and connect creative residents who’d like to see more of these events, scenes and gathering places in Freeport.
We’re here,

Ammann says,
but we’re not talking to each other yet.

A Web site, http://brightlightsfreeport.ning.com, has been set up as a place where interested residents can share ideas with one another and learn more about the crowdsourcing concept.
Registering on the Web site doesn’t mean you’re committing time or money,

Ammann emphasizes.
It just gives us a way of communicating directly with this creative community, which right now is scattered. It identifies you as someone who’s part of this community and who’ll use whatever events, businesses or organizations are eventually created as a result of this initiative. It’s something we can show to organizers, entrepreneurs, landlords and lenders and say, ‘Here’s a guaranteed customer base, waiting for you to create this.’ How much you want to get involved beyond that is entirely up to you.

The second step in the initiative is the community visioning meeting at the library in January, at which participants can meet face-to-face and discuss what opportunities they’d most like to see created. The third step is to find sympathetic sponsors to create those opportunities that draw the most support.

The focus on
experiences

comes from psychological studies showing that spending money on possessions doesn’t increase people’s happiness, but spending money on experiences does.

Organizers are counting on word of mouth to bring interested participants into the conversation. They hope to get at least 100 users registered on http://brightlightsfreeport.ning.com by the January meeting and eventually to grow to a community of 300 to 500.
The more people we can get involved, the better the outcome will reflect what we want to see, and the more interest and confidence we can raise in the organizers and the businesspeople who will turn our vision into reality,

Ammann says.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | 1 Comment »

Guest Column: Next amnesty push concealed by health care debate

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By E.J. Pagel

A new 1,000-page immigration bill is already in the pipeline—no talk about capitalism, working hard, having a sponsor, etc. This is what the Ted Kennedy clique always wanted—open borders, all people from all countries welcomed to come here for a FREE piece of the American Pie—all courtesy of taxpayers.

Remember that Barack Obama campaigned with the mantra,
Undocumented workers should not have to live as second-class citizens.

Is there a single Democrat who doesn’t want to lay out the red carpet for illegals? If there are any, they should let the world know—oh, wait, they’ll be crucified by their own party, just as peace-loving Muslims are afraid to decry the violence, or union members are fearful to oppose their leadership.

At an Oct. 13 Capitol rally, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) unveiled his
core principles

for what he calls
comprehensive immigration reform.

It begins with blanket amnesty for those who are here illegally, followed by a call for massive increases in family- and-employment-based immigration. The bill is focused entirely on meeting the demands of would-be immigrants. But a key Senate supporter of amnesty, Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), insisted that immigration legislation would have to wait until Congress completes work on the health care bill. In actuality, 30 million illegals would have to be removed before we can realize the true costs of our health care.

Gutierrez’s proposal includes the AgJOBS amnesty for millions of illegal alien agricultural workers. It purports to
reform

the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program to allow employers easier access to cheap foreign labor. Last spring, the Pew Hispanic Center estimated that 8 million illegal foreign workers held U.S. jobs at that time, but only 4 percent of them were in agriculture.

Since that report, many illegal aliens’ jobs have been eliminated, but they still hold at least 7 million construction, service, manufacturing and transportation jobs. Contrary to some politicians’ rhetoric, those jobs are indeed being sought by unemployed Americans. Congress and this administration know that when an illegal foreign worker leaves a job, an unemployed American gets to go back to work, but they don’t care!

It’s no surprise that Gutierrez is a lead proponent, given his poor voting record on chain immigration, border security, internal enforcement of immigration laws, anchor baby citizenship, reducing unnecessary foreign worker visas, and reducing fraud among asylum-seekers and a multitude of faith-based organizations that bring refugees here. Instead of being supported by those do-gooders, as the law has always required, refugees are now assigned Social Security numbers, then dumped into the various states’ welfare programs!

The bill also includes the DREAM Act, granting amnesty to illegal aliens who entered the country as children, and have met certain minimal educational requirements. It further codifies subsidizing in-state tuition for them. If anyone is paying attention, the evidence is clear from the outlines presented by the authors of this bill that elected officials are ignoring the interests of American citizens!

E.J. Pagel is a Minuteman and the media secretary for the Rockford Area Libertarians.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment »

On Outdoors: Musky Road Rules here Jan. 17

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

Rockford musky anglers will get a chance to pick the brains of professionals next month when representatives from Musky Road Rules come to town for a day-long seminar in Rockford. The hands-on program will be Sunday, Jan. 17,  2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Musky Road Rules is a traveling organization specializing in seminars and clinics, all centered on hunting the most feared of all freshwater game fish. Featuring renowned musky hunters and pros Tony Grant and Greg Thomas, Musky Road Rules includes classroom instruction and poolside demonstrations. Some of the country’s top guides and area pros will take part in the program.

The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $50. Women and children are free. More information can be obtained by calling Gregg Thomas at (606) 776-6729 or visiting Musky Road Rules online at www.muskyroadrules.com. Hilton Garden Hotel is at 7675 Walton St., in Rockford.

Illinois teen lands 80-pound catfish

Big flatheads are biting in the Mississippi River. Nineteen-year-old Dustin McEwen battled an 80-pounder for 45 minutes near Alton, Ill., before muscling it to shore earlier this month.

According to stats, 80 pounds would be a state record; however, McEwen apparently wasn’t looking for accolades. After doing everything he could to land the fish, he showed it to his wife and 2-year-old daughter and pardoned the monster.

Outdoors news and photos can be sent directly to Jim Hagerty at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com. Glossies and hard-copy press kits can be mailed or delivered to The Rock River Times’ office at 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101. Jim can be reached at (815) 964-9767.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in On Outdoors | No Comments »

Yoga Rockford: Transitioning… continuing… becoming

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Jennie Williford

Pranayama Yoga Studio

The New Year is right around the corner, and 2010 holds many changes for me and Pranayama Yoga Studio. I’ve changed the schedule to a series of eight-week sessions instead of continuous classes. There will be a Free Week of Yoga between each session to continue to introduce the practice of yoga to the Rockford community. And, after being sole owner of the studio for one year, I have made the decision to become sole teacher as well.

This decision to become sole teacher has challenged my own vision for the studio. I am inspired to move forward with the space as an extension of me as a teacher and me as a student.

The subject of yoga is bigger than any teacher or student. As a teacher of yoga, I am not here to impart “my knowledge,” but am charged with the task of passing along the ancient knowledge that has been carried on through the ages. My teaching must develop out of my practice as a student, because it is through personal practice that true understanding of the subject comes. Through my own body, I am able to experiment and discover all the beauty that yoga has to offer to mind and spirit, ultimately giving me the strength and opportunity to pass that knowledge on to my students.

Transitioning to the eight-week session calendar allows me as a teacher to bring maximum benefit to the student. Sessions provide cohesion and sequence and offer opportunity for the student to commit to regular practice over a short term. Week by week, we are able to build upon and delve more deeply into the subject, gaining information to inspire our individual practice, and confidence to take that knowledge out of the classroom and into our lives.

Continuing on my own with Pranayama Yoga Studio, I strive to bring the fullest yoga experience to all students. Iyengar Yoga, my chosen lineage, is a path steeped in tradition and reverence, and I seek to impart all the sweetness and depth that it has to offer. From the philosophy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to the detailed precision of posture and alignment, Iyengar Yoga strives to make the entire subject of yoga practical and available to any one at any stage of life and level of practice. In my personal practice, I’ve seen how the awareness brought about by the practices of yoga supports continuing self-improvement and ongoing evolution.

Becoming a yoga student, practitioner, teacher and studio owner over the past 11 years has been my personal process of evolution. Many challenging opportunities and wonderful blessings have come to me through this great practice, and it is my sincere wish to share them all with you.

2010 approaches, and we cannot ignore the energy of transition and change that always comes with the dawn of a New Year. We all experience this process of transition in one way or another as we travel our chosen paths. May yoga provide us with the tools to continue with strength and awareness, and bring joy to our becoming in each and every moment.

Please join me at Pranayama Yoga Studio the week of Jan. 4, 2010, for the beginning of our first session!

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

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Yoga Rockford | No Comments »

Mr. Green Car: Is there a slime pond in your future?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Allen Penticoff
Free-lance Writer

First of all, I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and is looking forward to a prosperous New Year.

Back to biofuels. The last two Mr. Green Car columns were about biodiesel and plants that produce oil. We’ll continue that vein, and look at the future of farmed fuel with an exploration of algae-sourced fuel.

What I’ve found so far is that there is a great deal of promise in algae, but so many technical and economic hurdles that we may not see common usage unless there are some breakthroughs.

Most of the research is focused on micro-algae, those that are very small, your typical backyard pond scum.

This is quite unlike macro-algae, of which seaweed is a type, though the latter holds some promise, too.

Algae can be grown in waste-water-treatment-released water, where there are many nutrients, and it can be grown in saltwater and water with high salinity, freeing freshwater sources from energy production needs. To “turbo-charge” the growth of algae, a source of clean carbon dioxide is necessary. Some experiments have shown that smokestacks may be a good source of carbon dioxide. Thus, algae production facilities may be co-located with power plants and other smokestack industries, with the obvious benefits of cleaning their air while turning it into fuel.

Algae can be grown in tubes, called bioreactors or photobioreactors (PBR). These closed systems require that nutrients and carbon dioxide be pumped through them, but they have the advantage of remaining nearly sterile, with little exposure to other strains of algae, viruses or other pollutants.

Most research is being conducted in PBRs. However, it is apparent this is the most costly way to grow oil-producing algae. Open pond systems can be created and operated at far lower costs, but they have not yet been very successful with them. To grow a mono-culture algae in an open pond system, the algae strain needs to be very resilient to the airborne problems mentioned earlier, and this has proven to be problematic.

Algae that have lower oil yields do better in open pond systems. Thus, the trade-off may be the expensive, closed, high-yielding crop, or the very large, lesser-yielding crop. Compared to more common field crops, algae can be harvested every one to 10 days. Thus, it is claimed algae may be able to produce vastly more oil per acre than conventional crops.

Algae would be a good crop in arid, sunny areas with poor or drought-stricken soil and high salinity in the water supply, thereby not being in competition with food crops for land use. Algae grown in tubes could be grown in nearly any place with access to the carbon dioxide and nutrient-rich water and sunlight they need.

I have also found that after the algae has its oil extracted, the biomass that remains can be processed into other transportation-friendly products, such as Biobutanol, which is very similar to gasoline and is claimed to run in gasoline engines without modification and when blended with gasoline.  Biobutanol also provides better performance and corrosion resistance than ethanol or E85. Biogasoline can be made from algae and similar biomasses. And methane can be made from the decomposing algae, too—an energy source we are now harvesting from our landfills to heat homes, produce electricity and power vehicles.

Two companies—Solazyme and Sapphire Energy—are making “Green Crude” from algae. The oil is similar to light, sweet crude, and can be refined as mineral crude is, by hydrocracking into fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

Sapphire Energy provided 50 gallons of biogasoline (5 percent algae gas) to drive a plug-in Toyota Prius, Algaeus, across the U.S. in September 2009, promoting the documentary film Fields of Fuel (sometimes called just Fuel). Sapphire Energy’s goal is to produce 1 billion gallons of algae fuel by 2025. Solarzyme uses a different process, and has a diesel Mercedes run on its fuel to promote the film as well.

Also, bioplastics can be made from plants, their oils and biomass. Bioplastics are also biodegradable—some of which are in the marketplace right now. (It is my belief that, if you do have biodegrable plastics, dispose of them so that they go to the landfill to decompose. Eventually, the methane gas from them decomposing can be used as a fuel. They will not decompose in your garden.)

As I said in my last column about nature’s fuel, the most effective use of plant-generated oil, algae included, is to use it in a diesel engine that has been modified to operate on straight vegetable oil (SVO). In this manner, the lesser amount of additional energy, processing, chemicals and residual product there is to deal with. Grow, squeeze, drive is about all it takes.

Encouraging as “Green Crude” is, we probably will not be seeing much impact in the near term with mineral oil prices being held in check by the world economic recession. A few breakthroughs here and there may change that picture, though—and you never know when one will come along. A lot of companies and governments are trying to make green fuel happen.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Mr. Green Car | No Comments »

OSF Center for Health offers Gentle Yoga classes

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

The OSF St. Anthony Center for Sports Medicine and Health Fitness is continuing a series of
Gentle Yoga

classes at the OSF Center for Health, 5510 E. State St., Rockford.

The lunch sessions of Gentle Yoga are held from 12:10 to 12:55 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost is $7 per class.

More extensive Gentle Yoga classes are offered from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 5 to 6:10 p.m., Wednesdays. The fee is $11 per class.

Participants may purchase punch cards to be used for the classes or may pay for an individual class before they attend.

Yoga tones the muscles and increases strength, stamina and flexibility. Those who practice yoga report that they feel renewed and refreshed in mind, body and spirit.

For information and registration, call the OSF Center for Health Fitness at (815) 395-4505.

OSF St. Anthony is the only Rockford medical center to earn the elite Magnet designation for nursing excellence. It is the highest award for nursing available in the United States.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Earth Talk: ‘Enertia houses’—harnessing the properties of thermal inertia

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I recently saw a reference to “Enertia houses” that require little in the way of external sources for heating or cooling. Do you have any information on this housing design?

—Alan Marshfield, via e-mail

Enertia is a brand name for homes designed and sold in kits by North Carolina-based Enertia Building Systems (EBS). The idea essentially marries the concepts of geothermal and passive solar heating/cooling into what amounts to a highly energy-efficient hybrid system.

Architectural inventor Michael Sykes coined the term “Enertia” in the 1980s to describe the innovative homes he was designing that would store solar and geothermal energy and make use of it for most—if not all—heating and cooling needs.

Under such a system, solid wood walls replace siding, framing, insulation and paneling, while an air flow channel—or “envelope”—runs around the building inside the walls, creating what Sykes terms a miniature biosphere. Inside the envelope, solar-heated air circulates, pumping and boosting geothermal energy from beneath the house and storing it within the wood mass of the walls, where it is doled out gradually.

By harnessing the properties of thermal inertia—the ability of materials to store heat and give it off slowly—an “Enertia” house maintains a relatively fixed and comfortable temperature throughout the warmer day (when solar heat is collected and stored) and cooler night (when the wood walls give off heat to keep things toasty as the mercury dips).

The heart of the system is a south-facing sun space within the envelope that is dominated by windows and which, therefore, soaks up lots of solar energy, filling the house’s wood walls with thermal energy that, in turn, radiates into the primary living space.

The entire house functions like an electric heat pump—moving warm and cool air around to accommodate the comfort needs of the occupants. It works even throughout the seasonal changes of the year—with minimal to no fossil fuels consumed or pollution generated.

In one Enertia house in North Carolina, the only power bill the owners typically pay is $35 per month for electricity. They also have a back-up in-floor radiant heating system powered by natural gas for long, cloudy stretches or unusually cold weather. Gas bills for heat typically total $150 for the year, meaning the owners’ total annual outlay for heating, cooling and electricity is less than $600—some $1,000 less than traditional homes in the same ZIP code are paying, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy.

EBS markets several different designs for its Enertia houses, but all share the basic premise of primary interior living space heated and cooled by air channeled in from a south-facing “buffer zone” envelope and from below grade. Smaller houses in the line top out at about 2,000 square feet over two floors of living space, while larger ones encompass some 4,000 square feet of living space over three floors. Depending on the model, you could spend anywhere from $66,000 to $292,000 for a complete plan and building materials kit. The rest—including the selection and cost of the land and the labor to build the house—is up to you.

CONTACTS: Enertia Building Systems, www.enertia.com.

SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php. EarthTalk is now a book! Details and ordering information at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalkbook.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Hundreds mourn, celebrate Doug Furze

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

The Beat Merchants perform in honor of fallen musician and activist Doug Furze Sunday, Dec. 27, at a packed Lyran Hall. Furze died of cancer Dec. 17 at his home. The memorial event included a eulogy service and live music from several area artists. Photo by Frank Schier

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

Several hundred people gathered at Lyran Hall to honor fallen musician and activist Doug Furze Sunday, Dec. 27.

The day-long memorial featured a string of eulogies, each littered with memories of how Furze touched thousands of lives and influenced more than two decades of music and art in the Rock River Valley. Live music capped the evening.

Furze, also known as Boulas, died Thursday, Dec. 17, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 50.

“When Doug first told me he was sick,” Furze’s friend, saxophonist Ryan Swanson, said during a eulogy, “he said he would not let the disease beat him, and he would fight it with song.”

Although Furze succumbed to cancer, he did, in fact, continue to sing, performing with Swanson and others until only a few weeks before he passed peacefully at his home surrounded by friends.

Judging by the applause after video footage of recent performances was played to a packed hall Sunday, whether cancer truly won out in the end is nothing short of questionable. Furze last performed in November at River Bluff Nursing Home, where he often played for seniors.

Live music included a set by the Beat Merchants, featuring Swanson and Harlan Jefferson. Lifelong friend and bassist in several of Furze’s bands (Blunatics, Boulas, etc.), Mike Coulahan, played a recorded song he wrote in Furze’s honor while members of a host of area bands, including several youth musicians, jammed to salute their fallen comrade.

Furze co-founded Concerts for Charity, a non-profit that raises money for local charities with proceeds from benefit concerts. Dom Sawchuk, co-founder of the organization, said the group was formed with local ties in mind. Furze’s mother died of cancer a decade ago while Sawchuk lost his wife to a battle.

“We could have started an organization that raised money for cancer, but we wanted to know we’d be helping people in the community,” Sawchuk said of Doug’s vision to help those in need.

Concerts for Charity has produced Hot Fest for Hospice, Catfish John Memorial Music Festival and many benefits.

Drummer Rick Lakin, a cancer survivor, spoke of the benefit Furze organized for his cause in 2003 and what he’s gained through their friendship.

“I met Doug in 1995 at Big Cities Lounge,” Lakin said. “I was looking for a band, and Nino (Gardona) said I should call (Blunatics singer) Jimmy Wendel, which led me to Doug. We became fast friends and, because of Doug Furze, I have all of you.”

The event was catered by Deli Italia. A portion of the beverage proceeds was donated to Concerts for Charity to help erect a memorial for Furze. A spring unveiling is being planned. Coulahan, Sawchuk and Kathy Ryan, who cared for Furze the last six months, said Concerts for Charity will continue.

“Doug was worried about his legacy and if Concerts for Charity and Hot Fest would live on,” Ryan said. “We promised him it would.”

Furze was given an annual Rockford Mayor’s Arts Award in October. Besides his 2001 Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Award for Best Acoustic Performer, he was presented with an award for Lifetime Achievement at the Boulas Legacy Bash in July.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Community news and notes for week of Dec. 30

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Four Rockford School District teachers recently earned National Board Certification, bringing the total of teachers with National Board Certification in District 205 to 33. The teachers who completed the rigorous requirements to receive certification in 2009 were: Nancy Dunnavan of Bloom Elementary School, certified in Generalist/Early Childhood; Aprel Prunty of Roosevelt Alternative High School, certified in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood; Doris Skaar of Flinn Middle School, certified in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood; Adrianna Villagomez of Rockford Environment Science Academy, certified in Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood. … Marjorie Veitch joined Fehr-Graham and Associates as an environmental specialist. As part of the Assessment and Remediation section of the Environmental Sciences Division, she will be involved in environmental site assessments, regulatory compliance and site remediation. … John Groh, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau president/chief executive officer, was elected to the executive board of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (ICCVB). ICCVB helps members become more effective in attracting visitors to their communities, provides educational opportunities and encourages cooperation. It also is the industry’s prime advocacy group.

Send your “Community news and notes” to The Rock River Times, ATTN: People In Our Times, 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101; e-mail contact@rockrivertimes.com; call (815) 964-9767; or fax (815) 964-9825.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Community News and Notes | No Comments »

Obituary Notices for week of Dec. 30

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Lamarcus Banks, 22, Rockford, 12/18/09

Minnie Jack, 72, Rockford, 12/18/09

Thomas Geary, 79, Rockford, 12/18/09

Diane Logerquist, 62, Rockford, 12/18/09

Rose Juliano, 85, Rockford, 12/18/09

Lucille Ross, 82, Rockford, 12/18/09

Mary Carlson, 81, Rockford, 12/18/09

Lawrence Dobbs, 61, Rockford, 12/18/09

Karen Goodall, 60, Rockford, 12/19/09

Janet Null, 67, Rockford, 12/19/09

Charles Dempsey, 68, Rockford, 12/19/09

Ruth Ann McMullen, 72, Rockford, 12/19/09

Maurice Gambrel, 86, Rockford, 12/19/09

Shirley Lamb, 68, Rockford, 12/20/09

Jean Hinklin, 80, Rockford, 12/20/09

Horace Shores, 67, Rockford, 12/20/09

Robert Penzotti, 78, Rockford, 12/20/09

John Tipton, 83, Rockford, 12/20/09

Odessa Pennie, 89, Rockford, 12/20/09

Helen Funk, 81, Rockford, 12/20/09

Jerome Ekberg, 81, Rockford, 12/20/09

Larry Powers, 58, Rockford, 12/20/09

Benjamin Bucey, 70, Rockford, 12/21/09

John Errico, 75, Rockford, 12/21/09

Lucille Copp, 97, Rockton, 12/21/09

Effie Taylor, 84, Rockford, 12/21/09

Glen Meyers, 68, Rockford, 12/21/09

Paul Pullin, 74, Rockford, 12/21/09

Michael Harezlak, 62, Rockford, 12/21/09

Karen Foksinski, 66, Rockford, 12/21/09

Clarence Betts, 90, Rockford, 12/21/09

Nancy Gustafson, 72, Rockford, 12/21/09

Robert Jackson, 82, Rockford, 12/21/09

Antonio Tate, 24, Rockford, 12/22/09

Evelyn Klein, 95, Rockford, 12/22/09

Fred Thompson, 60, Rockford, 12/22/09

John Hurd, 66, Rockford, 12/22/09

Eileen Monahan, 89, Rockford, 12/22/09

Helen Popernik, 94, Rockford, 12/22/09

Richard Dahle, 67, Rockford, 12/22/09

Julene Zawislak, 51, Rockford, 12/23/09

Florence Stralow, 89, Rockford, 12/23/09

Richard Elliott, 75, Rockford, 12/23/09

Fred Tambora, 84, Rockford, 12/23/09

Lennart Sandbergh, 69, Rockford, 12/23/09

James Lindig, 49, Rockford, 12/23/09

Doris Holt, 88, Rockford, 12/23/09

Esther Smith, 61, Rockford, 12/24/09

Robert Facer, 65, Rockford, 12/24/09

Paul Keen, 68, Rockford, 12/24/09

Geraldine Skoblikoff, 74, Rockford, 12/24/09

Scott Kingdon, 41, Rockford, 12/24/09

Adeline Sondgeroth, 74, Rockford, 12/24/09

Beatrice Thompson, 96, Rockford, 12/24/09

Kevin Aube, 40, Rockford, 12/24/09

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Obituary Notices | No Comments »

Music Calendar for week of Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Wednesday, Dec. 30

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.

Open Mic Night – The Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.

Thursday, Dec. 31

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 – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. 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.

DJ/Karaoke – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.

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

Lucky Boys Confusion – Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-2715.

Bullet – Big Thunder Saloon, 1491 N. State St., Belvidere. Info: 815-544-9238.

Cobalt Blue – Victory Tap, 2315 Harrison Ave. Info: 815-399-8822.

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

Meet the Beetles – The Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.

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

Heavyflow, Therapy – Turtle Tap, 1344 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-365-1212.

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

Radio Stars – Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Info: 815-968-9881.

Rollin’ Whiskey – Reverbs Bar, 4303 W. State St. Info: 815-963-9745.

Shifty Shafer – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.

Shuvlhed – Messie’s Bar & Grill, 117 N. River Road, Oregon. Info: 815-732-2553.

Split Decision – The Stoop Tap, 1312 Seventh St. Info: 815-965-6391.

The Sensations – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School St. Info: 815-398-6411.

X51 – Shooter’s Bar & Grill North, 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-654-3900.

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

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

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

Friday, Jan. 1

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

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

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.

Line Dancing with Kelly – Boonie’s Roadhouse, 7940 S. Main St. Info: 815-962-1567.

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

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 – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.

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, Jan. 2

Megitza Quartet – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.

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

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

Hillbilly Rockstarz – Boonie’s Roadhouse, 7940 S. Main St. Info: 815-962-1567.

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

The Sensations – Shooters Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. Info: 815-399-0683.

Another Hero Dies, Oh So Secret, City Never Sleeps – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. Info: 815-968-9061.

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

Men of Our Times – Rascal’s, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-636-9207.

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

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

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, Jan. 3

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.

Monday, Jan. 4

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.

Dave Potter & The Alley Kings Open Blues Jam – Suds O’Hanahan’s Irish Pub, 435 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-369-1933.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

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.

Open Stage Night – Red Lion Ale House, 501 E. State St. Every Tues. Info: 815-963-0099.

Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication. Call (815) 964-9767 to report any inaccuracies in these calendars.

From the Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Music Calendar | No Comments »

Brett Favre no longer ‘The Beloved’ to all Packers fans

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Doug Halberstadt

Sports Columnist

Over the recent holiday, I had the opportunity to go behind enemy lines. I traveled north and crossed the cheddar curtain. It is the first time I’ve visited with the family and friends who live up there since Brett Favre became a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

My, how times have changed. The man who they once thought walked on water was no longer “The Beloved.” As a matter of fact, instead of walking on water, I think they would have preferred him to be sinking in quicksand. The love that was once so ubiquitous for the man from Kiln, Miss., has somehow mysteriously disappeared from Dodgeville, Wis.

“I hope the Bears kill him.” “It’s all about Brett, all the time.” “He thinks he’s running the team.” Those were just a few of the repeatable things mentioned by his former admirers. There were a multitude of other things said that aren’t really suitable for print in a polite society.

I quickly capitalized on the moment. As a true Packers hater, I felt it necessary to try to get in a little dig or two of my own. I immediately pointed out how ironic it would be if Favre could lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs this year and possibly even win the Super Bowl. They didn’t think that was as funny as I did. In the words of a national hamburger franchise, “I was loving it!”

Then, to add a little more icing to their already frosted Christmas cookies, I suggested Favre should then finally retire for real and go into the Hall of Fame as a Viking instead of a Packer. Man, all of a sudden it got awfully cold in that room. The icy glares I received were as prevalent as all of the green-and-gold items positioned throughout the house.

Needless to say, I was no longer the most popular guest at this party. I quickly realized it was the perfect time for me to wish everyone a Happy New Year and return to the safety of the flat land.

Next year, I think it might be a wise decision for me to celebrate the holidays a little closer to home.

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

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Drive safely with expert cold-weather car care tips

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Courtesy of ARA Content

Rough winter weather increases your risk of being in a car accident by 36 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But taking a few steps now can help minimize your risk. Ed Ramsden, automotive coordinator at WyoTech in Blairsville, Pa., offers some important advice for winter driving.

First, check your engine fluid. “In the winter, engine fluid has double duties,” says Ramsden. “It warms the inside of your car while also acting as a coolant to keep your engine from overheating. Your engine fluid can lose its properties after extended use, so you want to make sure to follow manufacturer standards.”

While some vehicles can go five years or 100,000 miles before needing a change, others require engine fluid to be changed every three years. To maximize performance on cold mornings, automotive technicians also suggest you give your car at least three to five minutes to warm up. This allows the engine fluid to reach operating temperature before driving.

Second, make sure to maintain proper tire pressure. Improper tire pressure affects handling, gas mileage, tire wear and tear, and traction—all of which can make driving more dangerous in rough road conditions.

Tire pressures can fluctuate widely in the winter climate because the air inside the tires can go from very cold to very hot in a short amount of time, so Ramsden recommends you take a few minutes to check your tire pressure each time you fill up at the gas station.

WyoTech’s Ramsden also suggests that tires more than three years old be replaced.

“The compounds used in tire manufacturing break down over time, and after three years, there is enough wear to affect the structural integrity of the tire,” he explains.

Checking the age of your tires is easy. Just look for the last four digits of the DOT label on the sidewall. The last four digits of the number tell you the week and year of manufacture.

Traction is more important in the winter than at other times of the year, so you want to check the tread pattern and tread depth on all your tires. If snow is likely in your climate, you want to make sure your tread depth is not less than 6/32nds inches. One quick way to check your tread depth is with a penny. Just place a penny face down into the tread groove of the tire. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is covered by the tread, you have more than 6/32nds of tread depth remaining. If not, it’s time to get new ones.

Third, always buy windshield wiper fluid that matches the climate you live in. “Play it safe,” says Ramsden. “If it is possible for temperature to reach negative 20 degrees, then you want to buy fluid that is good up to negative 25 degrees.” The wrong windshield fluid in the winter can result in busted lines and containers if the fluid freezes. Good windshield wipers are also a good investment. “If you can’t see well, you can’t drive well,” says Ramsden.

Even if you live in a frigid climate, however, Ramsden warns against using dry gas additives. “All gasoline sold in the U.S. is regulated, so you should not have problems with gas lines freezing in today’s market,” he says. In fact, the use of fuel additives can cause severe drivability issues resulting in hard starts and deceleration stalls. Extended use can also damage the catalytic converter, which is a very expensive emission control device.

Making sure your car is in good condition is only the first step. How you drive in winter weather is just as important. “My favorite winter advice is three simple rules: Drive slow, stop early and keep in mind most people aren’t following these simple rules – i.e., drive defensively,” says Ramsden.

“You want to be prepared for any type of situation,” Ramsden says. Keep gloves, a winter hat and a warm coat in your vehicle in case of a breakdown. You may also want to keep a tow strap or jumper cables in the trunk, in case you encounter someone else in need. Ramsden suggests you keep a fully-charged cell phone, blanket, hazard markers and a tire jack in the trunk. You may also want to carry a bag of kitty litter in your trunk for additional traction, in case you get stuck.

Lastly, Ramsden suggests you keep a full tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. The additional weight is helpful for traction, and it can come in very useful in case of an emergency. “You definitely don’t want to run out of gas if you get stuck in your vehicle for any period of time,” he says.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Fast Lane | No Comments »

Augustana students spend winter in the Cascade Mountains

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

ROCK ISLAND, Ill.—Nineteen adventurous students from Augustana College will make a cross-country trek Jan. 3, 2010, ending in Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains. The students and three faculty members will spend five weeks living and studying in Holden, a tight-knit mountain community with no phones, television or roads connecting to the outside world.

Area students participating in the trek include the following: Sean J. Carmody, Rockford, a junior majoring in English and history; James S. Johannsen, Rockford, a junior majoring in English with a writing emphasis; Ryan A. Johnson, Poplar Grove, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration; and Jason N. Lindberg, Caledonia, Ill., a juinor majoring in biology.

The trip begins with a two-day journey on Amtrak, a three-hour ferry ride and a slow, 10-mile bus ride up mountain switchbacks. “I became really interested in the trip when I found out we would be taking a cross-country train ride to get to the village,” said Andrew Ehrhardt, a junior history education major from Schaumburg, Ill. “To me, that is an adventure in and of itself.”

At Holden, students will take two English classes, a theater class, and a class about the history of Holden. They can also take cross-country skiing lessons and a course in the art of letter-writing. Without phones or e-mail, the students will depend on postcards and letters to stay in touch with family and friends back home.

Dr. Jan Keessen, one of the English professors who will be teaching on-site, said: “There are no typical days at Holden. Holden Village attracts everyone from scholars to musicians to artists to ecologists, who bring their skills to contribute to the community. When students are not in class, they might take a sleigh ride, weave a basket, power a dishwasher with a bicycle, discuss religion, listen to a harmonica player, spin yarn or go sledding.

Keessen added, “Holden is a risky place for anyone who is frightened by spontaneity or afraid to take a chance on learning creatively, with passion and courage.”

English professor Dr. Paul Olsen and theater professor Dr. Melissa McBain will also teach in Holden. Olsen has served on the Holden board of directors for 12 years, has taught summer courses in Holden since 1987 and is the summer teaching staff coordinator. McBain is also eager to return to Holden.

“What I experienced my first summer in Holden was magical and inspiring,” she said. “Over the course of one day, I led a sunrise devotional, taught a playwriting class, attended exciting discussions, performed scenes from my play-in-progress and ended the day singing with new friends.”

Many students were attracted to the program because of the variety of people and activities in Holden. “I think it will be rejuvenating to wake up each morning away from the routine life of a student, with endless possibilities of adventure waiting right outside my door,” said Ehrhardt. The students will return to Augustana Feb. 6, 2010.

Holden Village is a Lutheran retreat center run largely by volunteers who hosts guests of all ages and religious backgrounds year round. Some guests visit Holden for just a few days, while others, like the Augustana students, stay for an extended length of time. For more information about Holden, visit www.holdenvillage.org/.

Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 60 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 226 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. Augustana continues to do what it always has done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Editorial: Hail! Hail! The gang’s all here!

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Frank Schier

Editor & Publisher

The new year: 2010. How surreal the date seems, having traveled a decade into the 2000s. Reflecting back and forward, many are not sure how to feel about the quality of our future in the international, national and local realms. Crises seem abundant, and solutions scarce.

All politics and society ultimately become soiled or heavenly on the local level—an education in  hard knocks or heart soaring. Our most critical crisis bringing us down to earth in Rockford looms too often with violence wracking the buses, hallways, classrooms and campuses of our public schools.

Gangs—the Aryan Brotherhood, Latin Kings, Gangster Disciples—represent each race and breed racism in absolute contradiction to the goals of our educational system that they parasitically destroy.

Why are gangs growing so strong in our schools? First, their leadership has been deported from Chicago to Rockford by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who has emptied his public housing crisis. Even as Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) cleans up our public housing of felons and drugs, it’s too late; they’re already here, spinning off into the community.

One Gangster Disciple was heard to say recently: “We own this town. Police know it and can’t show it.” As the Barmore tragedy shows, racism handcuffs both sides. Balance remains to be proven on the streets and in the courts; but in the schools, the gangs are indeed very strong.

Gangs do what families should do. They provide protection. Parents are not in school. Teachers are restrained. Principals are viewed as failures if they suspend or expel too many.

Gangs do what families should do. Gangs provide a sense of belonging, offering praise and values, and most importantly, unwavering discipline. Gangs seem strong, and drugs provide money. Even the drug songs rap out gangs’ coolness to white wanna-belongers. Ethnic pride reinforces separateness, degrading standard English needed for societal success.

Uncool, too many parents struggle with one or just a little income in these economic doldrums. Single parents or grandparents raising babies and competing against gangs must have spines of steel.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Babies raising babies.” Gangs know these babies are future income and power. Gangs have focus. They don’t give up, praising attention-hungry, insecure individuals for outlandishness. Act up and out into the arms of power!

We have given the gangs the power. We have tolerated their pants around their knees, their  abuse of language, their misogynistic music, their violence as style, while failing to provide true alternatives that can compete and win out over the appeal of gangs.

As this paper has purported for years, an arts-based curriculum stands as a spectacular alternative. As the manufacturing base of this community has purported for years, skilled workers are needed in our apprentice programs. As organizations like YouthBuild have proven, youth can be reclaimed. Arts and status, jobs and money, new approaches and success win young minds.

But we do not stress the status of the arts enough; we do not show and offer the earning power of our manufacturing enough to our students; we do not approve Green Charter Schools for new energy conservation and creation; those who are  risk-adverse whimper and complain and fail in the stagnant pool of the status quo and their own fear.

Courageously, any community group that teaches any kind of parenting skills should offer their assistance to our public schools. Arts groups, manufacturing groups and alternative education groups need to approach District 205’s school board with offers and ideas, and make sure you send them to this paper, too. We will help in any way we can, and we will continue our commitment to the public’s right to know what is really going on in our schools.

With our resources of many kinds of education and creativity, our future really exists in our children. Look forward through their eyes to the new year 2020. Will our children have grown out of this soil to reach new heights? What will be abundant? What will be scarce? Will 2020 be the vision of happy new year? We all will see.

Hail! Hail! The gang’s all here in 2010! What the heck do we care!?????

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Editorials | No Comments »

Tube Talk: Old and new shows for a New Year

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Paula Hendrickson

Contributing Writer

Along with the New Year come new shows. Some really are new, like Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America. Others are second-run series that are new to a certain channel, such as the original 2006 British version of Life on Mars, which is coming to WHA (Madison’s PBS station, channel 21 on Comcast cable) after first airing on BBC One in the U.K. and later on BBC America.

If you don’t get BBC America but think Life on Mars sounds familiar, it’s probably because an American version ran on ABC last year. The basic premise (but not the ending) is the same: After being injured, a present-day police detective wakes up in the ’70s. The story is about his efforts to find out how and why he got stuck in the ’70s, and whether he can find a way back.

While the details, music and funky ’70s fashion make the show fun to watch, the best part of the show is John Simm’s standout performance as Sam Tyler. And seeing Philip Glenister as Tyler’s new boss, Gene Hunt, should erase any abysmal memories you may have of Harvey Keitel’s ham-handed portrayal of Hunt in the U.S. version.

Other than Keitel and the last five or 10 minutes of the final episode, I liked the U.S. version, but the original has a magic all its own. The original British Life on Mars is well worth watching, whether or not you like its American counterpart.

If reality shows are more your thing, you might want to check out Worst Cooks in America. It might sound like the antithesis of Top Chef or Chopped, but at its core, it’s a cooking competition. The big difference is that these aren’t trained chefs, they’re ordinary people who aren’t good cooks learning how to cook.

The six-episode series starts with 24 really bad home cooks preparing examples of their culinary skills, so to speak, for chefs Anne Burrell and Beau MacMillan, who bravely sample the fare. Burrell and MacMillan both choose six contestants and put their teams through an intensive culinary boot camp. The first challenge is to duplicate a dish prepared by their team-leader chef.

Additional competitions help winnow the field down to two contestants (one from each team) who, in the sixth episode, will get to use their newfound talents to cook a three-course dinner for food critics. The catch is that those critics think they’ll be tasting Burrell and MacMillan’s cooking. The winner takes home a $25,000 grand prize.

The show should help prove that anyone can cook, as long as they know a few basics.

Both shows begin Jan. 3. Thankfully, not at the same time.

Programming notes

υ Worst Cooks in America debuts on Food Network, Sunday, Jan. 3, at 9 p.m.

υ The original Life on Mars debuts on PBS’ WHA-Madison, Sunday, Jan. 3, at 10 p.m.

Paula Hendrickson is a regular contributor to Emmy magazine and Variety, and has been published in numerous national publications, including American Bungalow, Television Week and TVGuide. Send in your suggestions to tubetalking-paula@yahoo.com.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Tube Talk | No Comments »

Eureka! Classifieds for week of Dec. 30

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

Apartments

STUDIO- Haight Village, lower. Restored Victorian, A/C, tenant pays electric. Charming. 815/988-5385. 12/30

LARGE 1-BEDROOM Apartments 2010 Kishwaukee, 150 N 9th St. Very Nice! Starting at $395. 815-964-6270. 12/30

2202 SALMON ST. $385/month, & $385 deposit. 815/963-9198, 224/388-0286. 1/6

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT Rural St, ALL utilities included, close to shopping,offstreet parking,480 deposit call 815-543-3770. 1/13

SPACIOUS 1-BEDROOM – Newly-remodeled hardwood floors & garage, $425 & $250 deposit. 1608 Parmele. Quiet building. 818/471-5844. 1/13

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 January, and get 1/2 month’s rent in February free. Some Sec. 8 OK. Discount for handyman manager. 815/382-7667. 1/6

LARGE 1-BEDROOM APT. – East Rockford. Quiet neighbors, nice convenient location, low-cost utilities, near bypass 20 & 11th St. $410/month, $410 deposit. 815/520-4909, 563/505-2661. 1/6

520 9TH ST. - Upper, 1½-bedroom. Water, sewer, garbage paid. $400/mo. 815/978-4567. 1/13

524 LAFAYETTE AVE. – 2-bedroom apartment, hardwood floors, good neighborhood. $495 plus deposit. 815/964-0102. TFN

IMMACULATE 2-BEDROOM -East side. Stove, refrigerator, full basement $650/month. Available Jan. 15. 815/968-9781. 1/6

BEAUTIFUL, LARGE 2-BEDROOM New appliances, washer/dryer, large basement, new efficiency furnace, $550 + deposit. 1821 7th St. 815/540-6757. 12/30

1935 SOUTH 5th ST.- Upper 2-bedroom, laundry hook-ups, enclosed back porch. $500/mo. 815/-978-4567. 1/13

2-BEDROOM- Hot water furnished, upper unit. No pets. 409 9th St. 815/226-8644. 12/30

NORTHEAST, 2-BEDROOM, 1-bath apartment. Across from golf course. Air conditioning, carport, coin laundry, heated, non-smoking. From $595/month. Water and garbage included. Get 1/2 month’s FREE with good credit! 815/262-4332, 815/382-7667. 1/6

2-BEDROOM – $500/month, no deposit. Nice, newly renovated unit. Tenant pays all gas & electric. Laundry, parking, storage. 815/964-0344. 1/6

Townhouses

RENT SPECIALS! 2-Bedroom, 1.5-bath, townhomes. 3324 Sablewood, NW Rockford. Clean, smoke-free building, new flooring, separate basement, washer/dryer hook-up, off-street parking, pets considered. $595. Call for current offers. 815/334-7747. M.R.A.A. 1/6

Houses

1-5 BEDROOM HOUSES & APARTMENTS. All Areas,  All Prices 815-964-6270. 12/30

LARGE 5-BEDROOM 2.5-Bath House- Nice NW neighborhood, remodeled $1050. 815-964-6270. 12/30

2119 ARTHUR – 3-bedroom, finished basement with laundry hook-ups. $850/mo. 815/978-4567. 1/13

804 SOPER, RKFD - 3-bedroom, finished basement, laundry hook-ups, $800/mo. 815/378-3296. 1/13

305 HOWARD, RKFD- 4-bedroom, 2-bath, laundry hook-ups. $750/mo. 815/978-4567. 1/13

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 – MALE roommateS wanted. Quiet neighborhood, furnished appliances, utilities. $325/$365. 815/299-1703. 1/6

$400 2-BEDROOM BASEMENT SHARED HOUSE with pets, hot tub, gym, laundry storage. NW Rockford. 815/912-2613.1/6

Commercial Rental

FREE RENT FOR 2 MONTHS! 408 Mulberry. Large window, near bus stop, just off Church St., 352 sq.ft. raw office/retail space available—you finish to suit, plus 162 sq.ft unfinished basement. Single bathroom. Includes water, A.C. and heat. You pay electric. Dumpster negotiable. Application, credit check, criminal background, rental references, résumé required. $500 deposit and $500 per month rent after 2 months. 2 year lease. Call Frank or Marilyn, 815-964-9767.                TFN

FOR LEASE: OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE – N. Second St., Machesney Park. 815/558-9019. 12/30

3 STOREFRONTS AVAILABLE. Will build to suit. 917 S. Main. Each space 1,400 sq.ft. mol. Contact Kerry Knodle, CCS, Inc. 815/963-6236, kknodle@youthbuildrockford.org .             TFN

Timeshare

SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services Will Sell/Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $78 Million Dollars Offered in 2009. www.SellATimeshare.com
1-877-494-8246. N-12/30

Homes For Sale

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES FOR SALE in Freeport, IL. 5 single-family homes & 1 duplex. Great cash flow & tenant history. $110,000 takes all! Call Nate for more info – 815/291-6225. 12/30

ALL-BRICK FLAT - 2-bedroom upper, 2-bedroom lower, full basement, good rental history. Call 815/963-1376. 1/6

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION ILLINOIS STATEWIDE 100+ Homes / Auction: 1/16 Open House:           Jan 3, 9, 10 REDC / View Full LIstings www.Auction.com  RE Brkr 078.0012986. (ICAN)

FORECLOSED ONLINE HOME AUCTION 800+ Homes / BIDS OPEN 1/11 Open House: 1/3, 9 & 10. View Full Listings & Details www.Auction.com REDC / Brkr 078.0012986. (ICAN)

Lots for Sale

BIG BEAUTIFUL AZ LOTS! Golf Course, Nat’l Parks. 1 hour from Tucson. Guaranteed Financing. $0 Down, $0 Interest. Starting $129/mo. Foreclosures online @ www.sunsiteslandrush.com Pre-Recorded Message (800) 631-8164 mention code 5063. N-12/30

AUTOS

Autos For Sale

2000 FORD RANGER- Crew cab, off-road 4×4 package XLT. Cassette/CD player, cruise, 41,000 miles, excellent condition. $8,900. 815/633-5079. 1/6

2003 SATURN VUE – 6-cylinder, automatic, good body & tires. Runs Great! Clean. $4,500. 815/965-9439. 1/13

Motorcycles

2001 BUELL BLAST- 1100 miles. $4,500 OBO. Candy-apple red, mint condition. 815/962-7763. 12/23

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

TIRES 245-70-R19.5 MICHELIN XZE Pilot Regroovable. Like new, load 4080 lbs, 4 for $550. Rockford. 815/988-6411. 1/6

TRAILERS & MORE: www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com “Web Specials.”  TAX Break “SPECIALS,” Order now SAVE on your taxes, pickup in January or pickup one of our many in-stock trailers.  Skid Steer SNOWBUCKETS 6’, 7’, 8’ & 10’.  515-972-4554. (MCN)

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

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)

DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES.  Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Non-runners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  1-800-578-0408. N-12/30

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-12/30

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

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)

WANTED: USED MINI-VAN or 4×4 vehicle. Also, snow blower, running or not. 815/997-7593.1/6

WANTED: FULL SIZE cheap Chevy pickup. Automatic, 4×4, V-8 motor. Condition not important. 815/703-6616. 1/6

DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research foundation! Most highly rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax Deductible/Fast Free Pick Up. 800-771-9551 www.cardonations
forbreastcancer.org. N-12/30

Classic Cars

MIDWESTCLASSICCARS.COM 19 Different Classic Car Clubs, 80 Classic Car Events and over 900 different classic and hard to find vehicles for sale. Check out MIDWESTCLASSICCARS.COM.

FOR SALE

Appliances

RANGE GE HOTPOINT – White, electric, $125. 779/423-0530. 1/6

MOBILE HOME FURNACE – Like new, Red T Product. 22,000 BTU’s with digital thermostat, $700. Used only 2 seasons. 815/389-4601 or 608/290-5699. 1/6

SMALL WOOD STOVE, $75. Nice conversation piece. Black & Decker nailer/stapler, 18 gauge, new, $60. 815/397-1406. 12/30

Electronics

TOM TOM GPS – Still in box! $80. 815/979-8154. 12/30

TOM TOM GPS NAVIGATION- Only used twice with original box, instructions, accessories, etc. $105 OBO. Blackberry, $40 OBO. 779/537-8520. 12/30

60” BIG SCREEN TV - Phillips, 10 years old, works perfect! $650 OBO. 815/621-7991. 12/30

SEGA SYSTEM – Comes with 10 games & 2 controllers, for $20. Total Call cell phone, $10. 815/977-5833. 1/13

MICROSOFT OFFICE ENTERPRISE 2007, $60. 815/282-2920. 1/13

SINGER SEWING MACHINE, baby crib, lamps,  coffee tables, antique tables, display racks. 815/721-6318. TFN

JVC VHS CAMCORDER, $85. Memorex karaoke machine, $50. Magnavox 27” TV/DVD/VHS combo, $95. 815/997-7593. 1/6

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

Furniture

SOLID WOOD FULL-SIZE BEDROOM SET - Complete, very good condition, $450, 724/651-0126. 1/13

FUTON, $50. Dresser, $75. Great condition. 815/742-1513. 1/6

6 RESTAURANT-STYLE dining room arm chairs, $20 each. Meat slicer, $100. 815/871-7511, after 5pm. 1/6

DOUBLE BEDROOM SET - Dark cherry wood, box spring, mattress and headboard. $125. 815/332-4034. 12/30

LARGE DRESSER WITH MIRROR, all wood, very nice. $75. 815/742-1513. 12/30

HUGE SEMI-OVAL OAK TABLE: 4’x6’ with leaf, $100. Our family table for 20 years – Great Condition!  815/389-4601 or 608/290-5699. 1/6

CHERRYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER - Doors open & slide into unit, 77×22x44, with storage area. NEW! 815/962-5376. 1/13

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-12/30

COUCH AND CHAIR SET, 3 dinette sets, & chairs.  815/494-2577. 1/13

LIGHTED CHINA CABINET - with table, 8 chairs, 3 leaves. NICE!!! $500 OBO. 815/543-3993.1/13

Industrial Products

1ft3 ELECTRIC CEMENT MIXER on wheels, $110. 2 heavy-duty engine stands on wheels, $50 each. 815/988-5713. 1/6

1100 CFM Dust KOP COLLECTOR, 55gal drum, lots of misc. duct work fittings, $350 for all. 815/988-5706. 1/6

Jewelry

GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT! Wedding ring set – 17 round diamonds, excellent condition. Bought from Zales. $800. 815/494-1775. 12/30

Misc. Items For Sale

25 TOP COUNTRY STAR CD’s, like new, $25 takes all! 815/226-3676. 1/6

MAYTAG WASHER, utility trailer, 6ft. birdcage for sale. Call 815/978-6044. 1/6

LOCKERS FOR SALE – Set of 4, $150. 815/380-5292. 12/30

GERMANY WALL CLOCK – $200. Electric scooter, $200. 815/997-7593. 1/6

GET DISH WITH FREE Installation – $19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE -  Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices – No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details – 877-883-5731.   (ICAN)

Sporting Goods

TROPHY HEADS- Bear, elk, boar, deer. Best offer. 815/227-4807. 1/6

NORDIC TRACK ELITE MODEL, $250. 4-place bike carrier, $25. 815/988-5796. 1/6

Sports Clothing

ATTENTION SAN FRANCISCO 49er FANS – Over 50 items. Please call 815/229-5992. 12/30

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

CRAFTSMAN TABLE SAW SANDDUST collection kit, $35. Small Sears sandblaster with hooded shield, $35. 815/633-4999. 1/6

BLACK & DECKER, never been out of the box, 2 in1 Stapler. Brand New! $60. 815/397-1406. 1/13

Yard Equipment

JOHN DEERE SNOW BLOWER 32”, $125 OBO. 815/968-1780. 1/6

JOHN DEERE SNOW PLOW BLADE – 42” with mounting bracket, $150 OBO. 815/968-1780. 1/6

CRAFTSMAN 10HP RIDING MOWER - non-working, 42” deck, snow blade with hardware & wheel weights, $300 OBO. 815/962-8483. 1/6

Thrift Store

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH THRIFT SHOP.318 North Church Street. Open Tuesday 9am – 1pm. Christmas items ½-OFF anything over 50¢. FREE Beanie Baby with $10 Order. TFN

CRUSADER THRIFT SHOP, 310 7th Street – open Mon.  through Sat. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas items 75% off anything more than 50¢. 10¢ kid’s rack. We accept donations. Happy Holidays to You & Yours!  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 Loving Dad & stayhome Mom can’t wait to welcome a baby into our fun loving family.  We’re friendly & down-to-earth. Expenses paid. 1-877-607-5890 hello2julie@gmail.com LCFS Lic. #012998. (ICAN)

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)

ADOPTION- Loving home, sweet dog, all NYC has to offer awaits baby to adopt.  Expenses paid.  Call or email Ellen Toll Free: 888-868-8778, ellen@eeadoption.com, eeadoption.com. (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)

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)

Appliance Repair

WE REPAIR REFRIGERATORS, WASHERS, DRYERS, STOVES, MICROWAVES, DISHWASHERS, & MORE! 815/968-2060.  1/6

Cleaning

BIKINI MAIDS CLEANING SERVICE- We clean your house in our bikinis. Try us out: 779/772-6171. 12/30

Computers

ROCKFORD PC, LLC – Computer & Game System Repair, Virus-Removal $39.99. Specializing in PS3 Repair. 815/977-5182. 6817 Elm Ave., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.rockfordpc.com . 12/30

OWN A NEW COMPUTER - Payments starting at ONLY $29.99/week. Act Now! FREE GPS! FREE Printer! FREE MP3! Call Computer 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-12/30

Education

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)

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-12/30

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice.  Job placement assistance.  Computer available.  Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com. N-12/30

Handyman/ Handywoman

PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN SERVICE: Snow removal, gutter cleanout and repair, tree
trimming & removal, roofing, flooring, plumbing, electric, painting, doors & windows, & much more. FREE estimates. 815/975-4268.  1/6

CARPENTER NEEDS WORK- Reasonable Prices! Quality work references available. Snow removal, odd jobs. 815/670-4322. 2/3

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.   HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Call Chad, 815/979-7593.12/30

Health & Medical

VIAGRA-CIALIS $2.47 per pill, 40 Pills $99.00! Hablamos Espanol! Newhealthyman.com 1-888-735-4419 credit card required. N-12/30

SAFE MENOPAUSE RELIEF Menopause Can Be Miserable.  Join Marie Osmond and Get Your Life Back with GEM Keep it cool ™ Call 1-800-961-6060 or Visit www.DrinkGEM.com. (MCN)

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. 6/16

Misc. Services

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)

REACH OVER 30 MILLION HOMES with one buy. Advertise in NANI for only $2,795 per week! For information, visit www.naninetwork.com. N-12/30

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 1-800-620-0058. N-12/30

HOLIDAY SPECIALS! New Approved DIRECTV Customers Save $26/mo FOR A YEAR! Order by 12/31/09 Get $100 Visa Card & FREE HD/DVR Upgrade!  Ask How! DirectStarTV 1-800-279-5698. N-12/30

**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-12/30

GET DISH – FREE Installation – $19.99/mo. HBO & Showtime FREE-Over 50 HD Channels FREE.  Lowest Prices – No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 877-469-2560. N-12/30

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-12/30

GET DISH–FREE Installation-$19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE–Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices–No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 877-883-5726. N-12/30

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)

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)

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! 1-877-478-1894. (MCN)

GET DISH WITH FREE Installation – $19.99/mo. HBO & Showtime FREE – Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices – No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 1-877-287-7760. (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)

Remodeling

JONATHAN CARMACK’S HOMEWORKS of ROCKFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS -
All your home needs. Exterior- Roof, siding, windows. Interior- Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, etc. FREE ESTIMATES. Insured. 815/633-2540, 815/904-3145. Ask for Jonanthan or Johnny. 12/30

Repairs

SMALL EQUIPMENT REPAIR- Snow blowers/ mowers, etc. Pick up & Delivery. 815/543-7181. 01/27

BECK’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR All mowers and snowblowers. 1547 Windtrace Ct., Rockton, IL 61072. 815/540-0091. 12/30

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

I TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO MAKE $500-$1000 extra per month. Don’t believe it, don’t call. 815/914-3429. 12/30

CHECKS FOR CASH - Now Hiring either PT/Full-time Loan Processor – Loan or collection exp. helpful – $9/HR. Light travel. Send resume to 3704 N. Main St. in Rkfd 61103. 1/13

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!!! Hourly Pay + Commission! By helping others save on their NiCor and ComEd bills! Make Your Own Schedule! No start up kits, No hidden fees or costs! SANTANNA     ENERGY SERVICES  1-877-705-9385 ext 242 www.santanaenergy
services.com. (ICAN)

$$$ START NOW $$$ 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-12/30

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)

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-12/30

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-12/30

CONTRACTORS/INSTALLERS National Service Provider seeks local contractors and retail fixture installers; must have own tools/vehicle; inside work; great opportunity; go to www.Installersite.comN-12/30

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-12/30

$$$ START IMMEDIATELY $$$ Earn Up To $4,250 Weekly Working From Home. Easy Work. Recession Proof! No Experience Necessary! Real Opportunity! FREE Information. CALL 24hrs. 1-888-203-6672. N-12/30

EARN UP TO $30 PER HOUR. Experience not Required.  Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. Call 800-742-6941. N-12/30

Drivers

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)

$$$ YOUR FUTURE TOMORROW STARTS TODAY $$$ 100% APU Equipped. OTR Drivers Wanted. Pre-Pass EZ-pass. Every 60K mile raises. 100% NO touch. Butler Transport.  1-800-528-7825. (ICAN)

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED – Best Pay and Home Time!  Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!  One Application, Hundreds of Offers!  http://hammerlanejobs.com. (MCN)

PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS! Veriha needs Class-A CDL drivers! Practical Mile Pay. Great Benefits. Guaranteed Home-Time, Strong, Stable & Safe 1 Year OTR experience
required www.veriha.com 800-333-9291.                         (ICAN)

Seeking Employment

WILLING TO SHOVEL SNOW, sidewalks, and driveways. And other odd jobs. Rockford only. Call 815/708-7905. Mon-Sat 6:30am – 7:30pm. 12/30

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)

NEED EXTRA MONEY? We Pay CASH for Gold!  Get Paid in 24hrs Using Our FREE Gold Kit!  Insured, No Risk, Licensed, Bonded.  www.NationalGoldTraders.com, 1-877-822-3GOLD.   (MCN)

MUSIC

STUDIO 3- Discover, Explore, Develope. A new, innovative approach to music lessons. Call 815/988-3021. 1/6

BALDWIN ORGA-SONIC ORGAN 2 rows of keys, 18 music section plus foot pedals, $200. 815/988-6411. 1/6

CONTEMPO KEYBOARD/BENCH, $30. 815/398-7153. 1/6

HEAVY METAL BAND seeks guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist. Influences are Otep, Slip Knot, Him. 815/994-0078. 12/30

ELECTRIC GUITAR - Peavy “Tracer”. Solid body, old US-made, plus hard case. $300. 815/865-5892. 1/6

PERSONALS

YOUNG MASSAGE THERAPIST – Female, available. 815/977-0149. No weirdos! 12/30

SWF seeks male 60-65 for travel, camping. No smoking, no drinking. Reply: Box 205, Kingston,IL 60145. 1/6

NEW IN THE AREA. DSM, Italian, mature gentleman, kind, generous, honest, professional, self-employed who likes to dance, dine out, travel, good conversation, & more. Looking for an attractive lady under 50yrs.  815/621-5406. 12/30

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ATTRACTIVE TRANSSEXUAL: Educated, outgoing, wants to meet gentleman. Race unimportant. Age 30-60. Serious calls only! 815/209-7989. 1/6

THIS BISEXUAL MALE is seeking other guys for friendship and possible roommate options. For more details call 815/312-0018. 1/13

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

Organ, Blood,
& Tissue Donation

26-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER desperately needs kidney Type A+. Waiting 6½ years. (630)400-6849. TFN

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. 815/397-6703. TFN

LOVING HUSBAND, father and grandfather in need of a kidney. Type O. 968-8517, 963-3734, 316-2793. 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
foundation of Northern Illinois’ web site:
www.cfnil.org .

PETS

3 CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES $250 ea. 815/962-9385. 1/6

SNOW-WHITE, longhair chihuahua puppies from $200 – $400. Call Vivian – 815/608-8200. 1/13

CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES - Males & females, $300-$350. 608-436-4355. 12/30

WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIOR PUPPIES - See at 330 Belteberg, Loves Park. Dec. 20-31. $700. 815/985-2504. 1/6

SCHITZU PUPPIES, $400. Yorkie puppies, $600. 815/213-0239. 1/6

PITBULL - White male, 5 months old, $100. 815/298-2287. 1/6

2 WHITE ANGORA BUNNIES- Male & female, $15 each. Cage & accessories sold seperately, price negotiable. 779/537-8520. 1/13

CHINCHILLAS- 2 babies, parents on site. Ready for adoption! Serious inquiries only. 815/962-5376. TFN

CANARIES – Colorful, young singing males, $70 each. Females, $30 each. Rockford. 815/639-9818. 1/6

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. TFN

Pet Services

DON’T BREED OR BUY while homeless pets die. Adopt from  shelters or rescues. www.wcasrock.org. 12/30

SEE LIVE ELEPHANTS on the elecam at www.elephants.com. 1/6

WANTED

WANTED: WHITE ELECTRIC STOVE in excellent condition near Rockford. 815/382-7667.  1/6

WILL PAY MORE FOR silver & gold than anyone. See our ad in the “At Your Service” section, page D4. 815/547-7111. 1/6

CASH! FOR ANYTHING OF VALUE. CALL 815/558-1900. 12/30

I MAKE TALKING BOOKS FOR THE BLIND- In need of donated mini-tapes and tape recorder. 815/742-2781. 12/30

WANTED: DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Any type. Any brand. Will pay up to $14 a box. Quick & local. Nancy. 815/519-9966. TFN

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

OLD GUITARS WANTED! Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-401-0440. N-12/30

WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-800-267-9895 or www.SellDiabeticstrips.com. N-12/30

WANTED: SNOWMOBILES AND PARTS from the 70’s and 80’s., Kitty Cats and other small snowmobiles. 815/623-6591. TFN

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Classifieds | No Comments »

1 green thing: Starting the New Year using peroxide

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Jan Herbert

Rockford Park District

Whether you were “green” before the color was fashionable or whether you’re just ready to find the “shade” that works best for you, here’s information about doing just “one green thing.”

Have not used all of these (some come from a list from Becky Ransey of Indiana), but most make good sense.

1. Use peroxide instead of mouthwash (many dentists agree this is sometimes good for periodontal disease).

2. Let your toothbrush soak in a cup of peroxide to keep it germ-free (this makes good sense, if you think about where you keep your toothbrush).

3. Create a “peroxide spray bottle” (50/50 mix with water) to use on your countertops, wooden cutting board and in bathrooms. There is no damage to your septic tank like bleach and other bleach-containing cleaners.

4. We all know to use peroxide on cuts and abrasions, but did you know it works on cats and dogs? Just rinse well after using it, especially with cats because of their propensity for licking. Animals, dogs in particular, should not ingest peroxide as it induces vomitting.

5. Becky’s list suggests using it to clean mirrors to avoid smearing.

6. Most women know you can mix up a 50/50 batch and comb it through your hair for “highlights.” The more you do it, the lighter your hair becomes. It does not do a darn thing with gray hair, however (somebody had to tell me that because, of course, I do not have any gray yet). If you know me, you are laughing now.

7. Becky says another use for 50/50 mix is to spray into your nostrils when you have a cold or plugged sinuses to help kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose.

8. She also dumps half of a bottle into bath water to help get rid of “boils, fungus, or other skin infections.” I hope not to have to try it.

For more information, e-mail Jan Herbert at JanHerbert@RockfordParkdistrict.org.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Renewable Energy | No Comments »

To the Editor: Odors at the Kishwaukee River area

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Odors at the Kishwaukee River area

I recently asked residents to report to the Illinois EPA any strong outdoor odors they notice in the Kishwaukee River area. Thanks to these reports, the Illinois EPA and the Winnebago County Health Department are reviewing the odor problem. Many residents claim these odors smell like garbage or sulfur, and these are particularly strong on weekends. These odors have been widely reported, from Ogle County to areas near the airport, Cherryvale Mall, SwedishAmerican Hospital, and the Lowe’s distribution plant. Many residents feel the odors are coming from one or both of the landfills south of Rockford. Oddly enough, I recently received a Christmas gift, a pocket knife, from an executive at the Winnebago County landfill. My son exclaimed, “dad, it’s a knife,” and I promptly note, “yes, but it isn’t big enough to cut through the stench.” I’m looking for a nice home for the knife, as I can’t accept the gift. That irony aside, I’m asking residents to continue reporting the strong odors to the Illinois EPA by phone at (815) 987-7760 or on-line at www.epa.state.il.us/pollution-complaint/index.html. When you make your report, please note the date and time of the odor and how it affected you. Keep the reports coming until this is solved!

Paul Gorski

Winnebago County Board Member,

District Five

air2009@me.com

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | 1 Comment »

New venue for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From press release

Because of a construction conflict on their theater, the Main Street Players of Boone County needed a new venue for their February theater production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

The Clock Tower Resort agreed to make their theater space available to the Main Street Players. The play is based on the book by Joe DiPietro, with music by Jimmy Roberts. Directed by Jennifer Thompson, this celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as
the relationship.

Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set.

Performance schedule is as follows: Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.

New dates have been added, and the performance time Feb. 27 has been changed. All performances are at the Clock Tower Resort Theatre at 7801 E. State St., Rockford.

Ticket prices are $14 adult, $12 senior and $5 student. The play is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals: www.rnhtheatricals.com.

Call (815) 229-4020 or visit www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information. Clock Tower Resort will offer special dinner theater packages for both Tilted Kilt and SunDial Restaurant.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Lunch with Marjorie: Keep going no matter what, and be content—part three

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Marjorie Stradinger

Columnist

Editor’s note: The following is the third in a three-part series. Part one appeared in the Dec. 9-15, 2009, issue, and part two appeared in the Dec. 23-29, 2009, issue.

Tina Hall’s childhood in a small German town was happy and not especially eventful. At 17, her life took on some drama, challenging her to apply teaching from her parents to rise above her circumstances.

Two failed marriages and three children, and Tina Hall wasn’t looking for another husband. She continued our chat over lunch at Café Belwah in Beloit, Wis.

“Then, you met Girard. Got married?” I asked.

“For him, it was love at first sight,” she said. “For me, no! He had given me his phone number, but that ended up in the garbage. He was seven years younger. After a while, it just changed. He was persistent. The kids loved him. Thomas was 12, Sabrina 11, and Kevin 4.”

Girard was from Gary, Ind.

“But his mom lived in Alabama,” she said. “We moved there; it was a disaster, culture shock. I was in the twilight zone, couldn’t understand the accent. My husband is black. I’m coming from a country where there’s no prejudice. If he’s a nice person, he’s a nice person. Suddenly, I was being attacked. Opelika, Ala., is mostly black. I never had a problem with the black men. But the women—it was as if I had smallpox.”

“Might it have been a good idea to visit before marrying him and moving across an ocean?” I asked.

She smiled: “We didn’t plan on moving here. Things changed quickly. Desert Storm was over…and things started in Yugoslavia. He still worked for the government.”

Only Kevin moved to Alabama with them. The older two stayed in Germany to finish school and work.

“Sabrina wanted to be a nurse,” she said. “She was a good student, and got right into nursing school. Thomas got a good job doing construction.”

“Extreme to leave two children,” I said.

“My parents came to visit every year,” she said. “They loved it. But they don’t understand a word of English. They brought Thomas and Sabrina to visit.

“Girard was a truck driver,” she added. “He thought it would be cool for us to go with him. We traveled all over the U.S. for a year—home-schooled Kevin. He loved it. After a year, I was ready to get out of the truck.”

It was time to change jobs. They had choices.

“New York and New Jersey; I didn’t like those,” she said. “Third was Kansas City. I didn’t want to live in such a big city. The fourth was Janesville, Wis. I said, ‘Let’s go.’ It was so much like Germany. We lived there for 10 years, then (the marriage) went downhill. I guess it was the midlife crisis. He started with open relationships. What is up with that? I told him, ‘If you want that, you don’t need to be married.’”

Kevin graduated, worked in construction. Tina held on another few years.

“Then you divorced?” I asked.

“This year. My marriage was over four years ago,” she said.

“Are you adjusting, alone again?” I asked.

“I feel great,” she said. “I feel fantastic. Right now I’m chillin’ for a minute. My dream is opening my own restaurant. I’m waiting for the opportunity.”

“Friends?” I asked.

“I have many friends,” she said.

She’s close to a red belt in martial arts, and Tina and her roommate share a love for movies.

“She’s into love stories; I like horror,” she said.

And Tina wants to volunteer somewhere. I suggested Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Beloit.

“How do you feel, looking back?” I asked.

“I tried a lot of things,” she said. “Failed at a lot of things, but never gave up. I love life. Life is too short to be (bitter and angry).”

“Are you glad you’re here, not in Germany?” I asked.

“Yes. When I look at Germany now, it’s horrible,” she said. “The economy.”

“Worse than here?” I asked.

“Oh, my. No jobs. The American dollar is worth nothing…way too many people for the number of jobs,” she said. “If you’re lucky, you can find a part-time job. How do you live with that? You can’t afford even an apartment? Here doesn’t even compare to Germany.”

“Do you think Americans are aware of this?” I asked.

“Americans are very spoiled,” she said. “They don’t know how good they have it. When they whine about taxes, they don’t know.”

“Health care in Germany?” I asked.

“The government is cutting back, not enough people to pay in for what’s being paid out,” she said.

“That’s what’s predicted here when Baby Boomers retire,” I said.

Her dad and brother have passed away. Her mom is 83, and probably won’t travel anymore. But Tina is content.

“I am happy with what I have,” she said. “Here it is open. You have so many opportunities. More freedom.”

Her mother taught her: “When you’re knocked down, you’re in a position to pray. And then get up again. Never give up.”

“And owning your own restaurant will be your purpose?” I asked.

“Yes. And whatever comes along. I hope not a man,” she makes a face.

Marjorie Stradinger is a free-lance writer residing in Roscoe. She has covered food, drama, entertainment, health, and business for publications in California and Illinois for the past 25 years. She can be reached via e-mail at stradingerm@dishmailnet.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Lunch with Marjorie | No Comments »

Pet Talk: Adding a (four-legged) member to the family

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

From College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University

Babies are wonderful additions to a family that can bring great happiness, but also require special attention. This, of course, applies to puppies and kittens as well. Before bringing these furry bundles of joy home, there are a few things you should know and preparations you need to make for them.

“The first thing to consider is if there is already another pet in the house,” explains Dr. Mark Stickney, director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “If there is a pet there already, you will need to be prepared for dominance issues as the old pet will think it is the king of the house.”

Because of these dominance issues, it is best to introduce your new puppy to your current dog on equal ground outside the home, if possible.

“This way, the dogs can sniff each other out and get to know each other in an area where neither dog feels ownership,” notes Stickney.

When you initially bring the puppy home, try to do so when the older dog is out of the house and let the puppy explore for a while. Then, you should confine the puppy to one room, and let the old dog back in to sniff around and figure out that the puppy is there.

“This process should really help get the dogs used to each other and, in most cases, is really fairly quick and easy,” states Stickney. “However, the process for acclimating cats to new kittens is slightly different as cats tend to have more problems adjusting to a new roommate.”

With kittens, you want to put them into their own room with food, water and a litter box. Let the old cat and the kitten sniff one another through the door, and over a couple of days to a week, let them into more and more areas of the house, making sure to supervise their first face-to-face visit.

“Unfortunately, cats can be mean to a new cat for up to a year, so you will need to be prepared for a long duration of family strife,” warns Stickney. “If you are having a lot of trouble with your kitties getting along, you can pick up a cat pheromone such as Feliway at the pet store. It resembles the pheromone they secrete when they are happy and should help to calm them.”

Weather you have another pet or not, there are some things you will need to prepare for any new pet coming into the house. Water and food bowls, food, a collar and a bed would be a good start.

“If you already have a pet, it is important for your new pet to have its own, separate food bowl and bed,” states Stickney. “You should also feed them in separate areas so they don’t compete for food.”

One additional thing you should have if you are getting a puppy is a kennel. It can aid in potty training and also give them a safe place to go.

“Just make sure you do not use the kennel for punishment reasons or they will no longer feel safe in it,” explains Stickney.

Cats like to climb and scratch, so if you are bringing home a kitty, it would be a good idea for your sanity and the fate of your furniture to have a scratching post and/or a cat tower. You will also need a litter box and litter.

Once you bring your new puppy home, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

“The most important thing you can do for your new friend is to make sure they are healthy,” notes Stickney. “As soon as possible, take them to get a check-up, any vaccinations they need, and have them put on a heartworm preventative and flea control.”

Even once you have taken care of all their needs, there is probably still going to be a period of adjustment. New puppies and kittens are babies and can get scared and cry during the night or when you are not with them.

“If your new pet is crying at night, I would suggest giving them something that smells like you, such as the shirt you wore that day,” suggests Stickney. “Ticking clocks and the stuffed bears that are made for infants that stimulate a heartbeat are also very effective in calming dogs and cats.”

Although it might be a process getting ready for a new pet, the rewards almost always outweigh the negatives. If you start out right by making sure they are healthy and happy, they very well might do the same for you.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Online Exclusives, Pet Talk | No Comments »

Charles Story: Birth of a New Year

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Posted in Charles Story | No Comments »

Snow removal contract reinstated

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

News and notes from the Dec. 28 Rockford City Council meeting

By Stuart R. Wahlin

Staff Writer

One week after requesting new snowplowing bids, Rabine Paving’s snow removal contract was reinstated by the Rockford City Council Dec. 28.

Dec. 11, 17th Circuit Judge Ed Prochaska issued a restraining order after ruling in favor of the lowest bidder, Palka Trucking, which argued it should have received the contract.

Dec. 23, Prochaska reversed his decision, however, indicating he’d not been aware the contract had already been awarded to Rabine, of Richmond. The restraining order, he explained, was meant to prevent the city from entering into an agreement for the contract, not realizing Rabine had already received the award in October.

Three years ago, Rabine was the subject of criticism by a majority of aldermen after widespread complaints were received alleging poor plowing of residential streets, for which the company had been responsible. (See “City caught with snow-pants down?” in the Dec. 6-12, 2006, issue).

During the 2006 controversy, Ald. Linda McNeely (D-13) suggested the city reconsider its relationship with Rabine. Despite the uproar, however, city officials cited their comfort with Rabine’s track record as a reason for awarding the 2009 bid, even though Palka’s bid was $3-per-per-hour-per-truck less.

When the vote to reinstate Rabine came to the floor Dec. 28, McNeely cast the only “no,” questioning Prochaska’s reversal.

“I’m not sure how a judge goes through at least a week of listening to both sides of an issue, and not know what he or she just heard,” she argued. “I have to have some concern there.”

Ordinance

υ Authorizing the mayor and legal director to execute and attest a collective bargaining agreement among the city, the Rockford Public Library and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, Local 3350, for the 2010 year. Ald. McNeely voted “no.”

υ Approving an amendment to the development agreement with Financial Management Systems (FMS), which operates a debt-collection call center on Morsay Drive. Initially, the city had agreed to reimburse FMS $1,000 per job created. Per the amended agreement, the city will provide $50,000 up-front in anticipation of new jobs FMS hopes to create by securing a new client.

Committee reports

υ Awarding a contract for fire extinguisher training equipment to BullEx Digital Safety, of Albany, N.Y. $8,240.19 of the cost is payable with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funds, and the remaining $2,060.04 will come from the Fire Department’s budget.

υ Authorizing the Fire Department’s purchase of a “Sparky the Fire Dog” costume and remote-controlled fire truck. $10,714 of the purchase price is payable with FEMA grant funds, and the remaining $2,678.50 will be paid from Fire Department funds.

υ Approving payment in the amount of $14,912.73 to Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP, with an office in Chicago, for outside legal counsel. Ald. McNeely voted “no.”

υ Approving a three-month contract with McGuireWoods, LLP, with Illinois offices in Springfield and Chicago, for state and federal lobbying in the amount of $7,500 per month for January through March 2010. Ald. McNeely voted “no.”

υ Rejecting a bid by Ladd Companies for painting services, instead awarding the bid to Rockwell Group, of Freeport, for $74 per hour. Ald. Venita Hervey (D-5) voted “no.”

υ Awarding the position of parking ticket hearing code officer to attorney Joseph Kosek, the sole bidder, at the rate of $100 per hour.

υ Awarding guardrail installation and repair services agreements to Northern Contracting, of Sycamore, and GFS Fence, of Huntley.

υ Approving a $14,200 community development block grant agreement with Kemra Hunt, doing business as Ms. Earma’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine. The agreement will result in 11 full-time-equivalent jobs, at least six of which will be filled by low-income residents. Ald. Hervey abstained.

Public comments

Although acknowledging financial challenges facing the city, retired police officer and former Winnebago County Board member Bruce Roberts again asked members of the council to find a way to hire more police officers in the coming year.

Noting New Year’s Eve as the 30th anniversary of Randy Blank’s shooting death in the line of duty, Roberts honored the sacrifices of officers and described police work in Rockford as a very difficult job.

“There are a number of things going on in this community right now. It’s become a dangerous place,” he said. “We have a number of problems to deal with, and I’m sure through cooperation with community and the Police Department, through the efforts of people from the city, those things can be attacked, but they’ve gotten to be a very serious circumstance.”

Sherie Scott informed the community of a new organization called Bring Our Children Home (BOCH).

“We are a grassroots organization that is trying to help parents deal with their rights with DCFS [Department of Children and Family Services],” she explained. “Also, we are preparing to offer parenting classes, domestic violence classes, and teen awareness and family unity classes.”

The phone number for BOCH, 325 Market St., is (815) 962-3264.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Rockford News | No Comments »

2009 was a disappointment for many Chicago sports fans

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By S.C. Zuba

Sports Columnist

With 2009 winding down and all Chicago sports fans (with the exception of Blackhawks fans) wishing 2010 will bring more joy than the previous year, I believe it is appropriate to look back on all that 2009 brought us in sports.

Chicago Bulls

At the conclusion of the 2008-2009 season, the Bulls provided sports fans with one of the most thrilling seven-game series in NBA history against the Boston Celtics. From the Bulls’ triple overtime win, to the brawl between Kirk Hinrich and Rajon Rondo, to Brad Miller’s bloody mouth, this series was laced with all the drama a great NBA series needs.

As the Bulls close out 2009, they may be closing out on their head coach, Vinny Del Negro, as well. Del Negro has proven he is not ready to be a head coach, and all the “buzz” around the media is that Del Negro will be gone soon.

Chicago Cubs

If I could describe the Cubs’ season in one word, it would be disappointment. Coming into the 2009 season, most analysts predicted the Cubs would run away with the division—although that was far from the reality.

This team repeatedly under-performed and found itself watching the playoffs from home, which may be better than getting swept in the first round.

A bright spot in 2009 for the Cubs was the sale of the team to the Ricketts family. These owners want to win and seem to be willing to dish out the cash necessary to bring home a World Series to Chicago.

It would be impossible to talk about the Cubs’ season without mentioning the infamous Milton Bradley. Bradley signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Cubs and was nothing short of a train wreck from the start.

Bradley was ejected in his first home appearance for arguing with an umpire, couldn’t remember how many outs there were, accused the fans at Wrigley Field of being racist, and was sent home with 15 games remaining in the season. Seattle, he is your problem now.

Chicago White Sox

Coming into the 2009 season, not many people knew what to expect from the Sox. There were so many young players like Gordon Beckham, Chris Getz and Alexei Ramirez that many people were unsure of how this team would gel together.

The season was up-and-down for the most part. Just when the Sox would begin to gain ground on the Tigers and the Twins, they would fall back among the lowly Indians and Royals.

The brightest moment of the 2009 season came on a hot July afternoon when Mark Buehrle took the mound and was destined for greatness.

Buehrle was lights out that day, and the rest is history. Dwayne Wise aided in Buehrle’s pursuit of perfection with one of the most spectacular catches in the history of baseball.

To close out the 2009 season, the Sox added Jake Peavy, giving them one of the most powerful starting rotations in Major League Baseball.

Chicago Bears

The Bears are arguably the most disappointing aspect of Chicago sports in 2009. April 2, 2009, the Bears traded for what we all thought was the savior of the franchise—Jay Cutler.

After the trade, NFL analyst Peter King predicted the Bears to be Super Bowl winners…he has since recanted his prediction.

He, and the rest of Bears Nation, could not have been more wrong. The Bears have been an embarrassment, and because of this dismal season, no one is safe at Halas Hall. Since week six, fans have been calling for the heads of Head Coach Lovie Smith, Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner and General Manager Jerry Angelo.

Nothing has gone right for the Bears since team captain Brian Urlacher was lost for the season in week two.

2009 will be remembered as a year of disappointment for all Chicago teams. Fans were continually let down from their high expectations and can only close their eyes and hope for a better year in 2010.

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

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Arts & Theater Calendar for week of Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010

Wednesday, December 30th, 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, Dec. 30

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.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

“Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic” featuring the artwork of Betsy Youngquist – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

Regional Juried Exhibition VI – Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-235-9755.

Thursday, Dec. 31

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.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

“Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic” featuring the artwork of Betsy Youngquist – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

Regional Juried Exhibition VI – Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-235-9755.

Friday, Jan. 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.

“Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic” featuring the artwork of Betsy Youngquist – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

Saturday, Jan. 2

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.

Regional Juried Exhibition VI – Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-235-9755.

“Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic” featuring the artwork of Betsy Youngquist – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

Sunday, Jan. 3

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.

Regional Juried Exhibition VI – Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-235-9755.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

Monday, Jan. 4

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.

Regional Juried Exhibition VI – Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-235-9755.

“Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic” featuring the artwork of Betsy Youngquist – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

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.

Regional Juried Exhibition VI – Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Info: 815-235-9755.

“Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic” featuring the artwork of Betsy Youngquist – Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-0123.

“The Egyptian Theatre: 80 Years of History” – Nehring Gallery, 164 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-758-6363.

From the Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Arts & Theater Calendar | No Comments »

Rockford composer lands on movie score

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

Rockford native, songwriter Steve Mutimer, otherwise known as Poppa Steve, has been tapped by director Edoardo Ponti for music for the upcoming film Coming & Going.

Scheduled for a 2010 release, Coming & Going stars Sasha Alexander (NCIS, Dawson’s Creek, Mission Impossible III) and Rys Darby (Yes Man, The Next Big Thing). The comedy chronicles the quest of an OB-GYN who is unable to speak to women outside of his examination room.

Mutimer submitted 12 songs for the film, all of which were well received. According to Roger Goff, who supervised the film’s score, Ponti chose seven songs from five of Mutimer’s CDs.

“I needed a wide variety of music that would sound great and deliver a range of emotions,” Goff said. “That’s why I was so thrilled to meet Poppa Steve. Every track from him is impeccability recorded.”

Mutimer got his start as a drummer, playing with several Rockford-based bands starting in the late 1950s and early ’60s. After touring to support acts like The Four Tops, Mutimer enjoyed a successful career in advertising, while continuing to write music. Known for his unique rock-tinged jazz, the East High graduate has 16 CDs and more than 200 songs in his catalog. His material been played on more than 120 jazz stations worldwide.

“Since I don’t have a live band to tour and promote with,” Mutimer, who has lived in Arizona since 2004, said, “my success on commercial radio is limited at best. I’ve been concentrating on the film and television side of the business. This is my first real success in this arena.”

Mutimer won more than 100 awards in his 35-year career in advertising and three TV Emmys for music composition. A recent CD, Poppa Roots, features a list of Rockford-inspired songs such as “Mrs. Fisher’s Chips,” “Flicks at The Midway,” and “North Main Tavern.” The song, “LPs from Comay’s,” will appear in the film.

Ponti was born in Switzerland and is the son of actress Sophia Loren and late film producer Carlo Ponti.

“I’m most happy and suprised to have many tunes selected by such a prestigious producer/director,” Mutimer noted. “The additional fact that Edoardo comes from such a legendary motion picture family really makes this something special for me.”

Mutimer’s music can be previewed at www.dryheatrecords.com. More information about Coming & Going is at www.imdb.com/title/tt1436349/.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | 2 Comments »

Hanging Out in Rockford: One way to fix it

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Mike Leifheit

Columnist

This has been a strange December. Business is getting better. In the good weeks, we are up. In the bad weather weeks, we are down, but the trend is good. It is beginning to look like things are turning around. Except for when the media kill our business unnecessarily.

I am sitting in a booth under James Joyce with John and Marilyn Lamar and Frank Schier. They are having dinner. (All three of them have ordered the Wagyu sirloin. It’s the last three orders we have in the house. Wagyu is the kind of steer that becomes Kobe. Waygu is the steer, Kobe is the method.) On this particular night, we are the only people here. The television stations have been scaring the hell out of everyone about going anywhere.

Frank brings up the irresponsible behavior of the local broadcast media in reporting the weather. They really do go overboard. I personally have driven every day for weeks. I think the city has done a pretty fair job of keeping the main streets cleared. I drove to Chicago on the Tuesday and Thursday when the media were telling everybody to stay home. I had no difficulty at all. Frank says we should do something about it because it hurts every business in the community.

I am going to take a different direction on this one. I think we should all stop watching local media. It’s all terrible anyway. If you stop watching it, I guarantee you will feel better. I have, and I feel immeasurably better. We don’t need them to tell us it is snowing out. It is winter in Rockford, and it snows in the winter here. It has every winter I have been here for my 64 years. As a trend, I don’t see it slowing up soon.

We are all adults. If we do not watch the bad, badly-produced, local media, we can just look at the sky instead and make our own determination about driving safety. This will probably prove to be more accurate than listening to their prognostications, as they are wrong more than 50 percent of the time. And the added benefit is we won’t be depressed by their doom-and-gloom newscasts. It’s a win-win. You save time and eliminate depression, all in one fell swoop.

I have also sworn off totally on the Rockford Register Star. I can be in a wonderful mood and pick up the Register Star for even a few moments only to have it sour my whole day. Any important news will get to me through my customers, Café Greco, etc., and I don’t run the risk of getting pissed off. It is a much better plan.

I think we should all stop watching cable news, too. The health insurance debate is boring. We have absolutely no control over the outcome. Seventy percent of the electorate think we should have a public option and our representatives instead do the bidding of the corporations. Our local congressman says he doesn’t want to support anything that gets between us and our doctors. Why, then, is he supporting the health insurance companies when that is exactly what they do?

And why are we paying attention when it does absolutely no good? There really isn’t any point. We can watch and comment all we want, and they are still going to do what they want, make money off people being sick when it is illegal in the rest of the world. So why are we watching? It makes no sense. Let’s just sign off on all this television stuff altogether, unless it’s a movie or something else like football or something that entertains us.

So, my solution to the problem is let’s all stop watching television. It’s bad for your mood. Most of the time, it is wrong. You aren’t getting any exercise. The politicians use it to manipulate your ideas. Take my word for it, there is an immeasurable sense of relief when you give it up. You are better off going to the health club or the YMCA or going out to dinner or almost anything at all. Hey, why don’t you skip television and come down to the Irish Rose?

By the way, Thursday, I’ll be down at Café Greco for Crissy’s birthday party.

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

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | 1 Comment »

Literary Hook: Writing can take you somewhere more exciting than you ever dreamed

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Christine Swanberg

Author and Poet

Happy New Year!

This time of year leads us to reflect on what has brought us to this point in our lives. Last week at a holiday party, someone engaged me in a lengthy conversation about writing. Since this kind of thing doesn’t happen very often, I tried to savor the moment. Yet, upon reflection, I realized (as I often do) that there was much more I could have said when asked how I became a poet and what it is like to be a writer, whether I worked at it daily or through inspiration, how I decide what form a poem will take, and other considerations of the writing life.

So, here are my reflections on these questions for any of you who might have wondered how anyone chooses the path of writing. Of course, every person is different. Here’s my take on it.

Doing homework: Teaching and poetry

I became a poet as a result of being a teacher. For many years, I taught creative writing, English and literature at East High School. As I completed the homework assignments along with my students, a burning desire to write emerged. I already had a good background in literature, writing and teaching, from both undergraduate and graduate work. Like all good teachers, I “did my homework,” which took the form of sabbaticals that answered the call of writing. I worked with Robert Bly, Lucien Stryk, Lisel Mueller and Lynda Hull during this gathering period. I sought local opportunities for editing and became involved with groups, literary magazines and readings. I was a teacher who wrote. The National Council of Teachers of English used “An English Teacher’s Sonnet” for their promotional postcard. Still, this was not enough.

Slowly, I became a poet who taught—through disciplined writing most mornings before going to teach full time. Though I shifted to teaching positions that used less of my creative time, I never lost my love of teaching; it has been a passion that has traveled with me for three decades. Fervor for poetry further honed my enthusiasm for inspirational, nurturing, yet insightful, incisive teaching. Along with editing experience, my poetics encompass both the big picture and the smaller details of poems.

The multifaceted, shape-shifting, dynamic power of poetry became increasingly clear. Some workshops I attended used the “Honey, I shrunk the poems” technique—working reductively until the poem is like a tree without leaves. After working with Lynda Hull at the Vermont Writing Program, I began to discern all that poetry can accomplish simultaneously: create an intimate narrative; delight with lyricism; challenge with honesty; invite through shape and form; spice it up with quirkiness, candor, and humor; and sometimes jolt with social consciousness. As my poetics expanded into a larger view of what a poem can do, I found that I could teach poetry in a more expansive way as well. Many of my students have benefitted from this approach and have published widely in journals that represent a more expansive approach to poetry.

Speech and drama training has come in handy, too. I never realized how much use I would get out of an undergraduate course in oral interpretation until giving readings throughout the country. Poetics also includes the oral interpretation of the words, bringing out their meanings and sounds. Singing in community chorales has strengthened sensitivity to the breath and musicality of a line—something I often share with my students. I believe strongly in reading poetry out loud with gusto. I have coached many poets in elocution and presentation, giving the meaning and tone of the poem all it deserves, as well as giving context without self-consciousness or apology. Poetry is ultimately a shared experience, as is any fine art. It needs to be received to be complete, either through public reading, publication or collaboration.

After three decades of work and perseverance, the 2008 Poet’s Market featured an interview with me, which concluded: “At some point you have to ask yourself the question: What kind of poet are you going to be? What gifts do you bring to the table? What would happen if you explored them? Then, you have to follow the answers wherever they lead. Who knows? They might lead you somewhere more interesting and exciting than you ever dreamed.” And as Robert Frost wrote: “And that has made all the difference.”

Christine Swanberg has published about 300 poems in 70 journals and anthologies. An interview with her appears in the 2008 Poet’s Market. She is available for mentoring through Jane’s Stories Foundation. Part of her mentoring is suggesting possible journals. Her books include, among others, Who Walks Among the Trees with Charity (Wind Publishing, Kentucky), The Red Lacquer Room (Chiron Publishing, Kansas) and The Tenderness of Memory (Plainview Press, Texas).

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Literary Hook | No Comments »

It’s easier than ever to plow snow like a pro

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Courtesy of ARA Content

As more Americans stretch their budgets in hopes of accomplishing more with less, many owners of half-ton pickup trucks are purchasing a snowplow to handle their snow removal. Owners who want to put their pickup truck to good use are realizing the benefits of using it as a working, snow-clearing machine.

Smart equipment designed for tough winter weather

Recently, the industry welcomed several new lines of full-sized, full-featured snowplows designed specifically for half-ton pickup trucks for light commercial, institutional and extended home use.

These new snowplows are designed for the weight restrictions of today’s half-ton trucks, and are surprisingly quick to attach and detach, making it easy to remove when not in use.

These new snowplows for half-tons offer similar features to the larger plows used by professional snowplow contractors, such as steel construction and fast, easy-mounting systems. Simple handheld controls allow the operator to hydraulically raise, lower and angle the plow from inside the cab. Many also offer an anti-theft device that allows the operator to electronically lock the snowplow while it is detached, making it inoperable to unauthorized users.

Snowplows for half-ton pickups are available at local truck equipment dealers that specialize in snowplow installation and set-up. Dealers can also provide accessories, parts and service, and answer questions about snowplowing.

Following are some basic snowplowing tips to guide new users through a successful winter of snow removal.

Plow tips: Proper planning

Prior to the first snowfall, stake the edges of the property to indicate the area that will be plowed. Marking the edges helps ensure you can plow safely and neatly without damaging the surrounding grass, landscape features or other obstacles. Without stakes, it can be difficult to determine the edges of the property. Available at landscape supply outlets, 30-inch wire stake flags are easy to insert into the ground and are tall enough to see, even with heavy drifting. Be sure to mark utility boxes and other objects such as gas meters and sewer vent pipes, along with any drop-offs and ditches, to help prevent injuries and costly damage.

Once the snow starts to fall, remember to keep drains clear and unobstructed, so melting snow has an easy, appropriate escape. Furthermore, when determining where to pile snow, think two snowfalls ahead by building snow banks far enough back to ensure room for future snow accumulation.

Some plow owners like to plan ahead for upcoming snowfalls by backing the truck into the garage with the snowplow already mounted, so when they open the door they can simply plow forward.

Plow tips: Safety first

While plowing, always maintain a manageable speed, generally no more than 8 mph. Traveling too fast can push snow onto the windshield, reducing visibility. In addition, although most plows are designed to “trip,” reducing the impact if an obstruction is hit, a slower speed will further reduce the potential for injury or damage.

In addition to maintaining safe speeds, you should also avoid overloading the plow blade with too much snow. The snow’s depth and water content should determine the width of your pass, or how much of the blade you use for each pass. The goal is to move just enough snow with each pass to get the job done efficiently without overloading your equipment. This is something you’ll get a feel for with experience.

Plow tips: Industry techniques

Stacking and back-dragging are two procedures used by snow contractors throughout snowy northern states. Stacking is simply creating a snow pile storage area. As you push the snow toward your predetermined stacking area, slow down and raise the blade as you push the snow into the pile. The blade will climb the pile as you push into it, forcing the snow upward. This will also prevent damaging underlying turf.

When plowing driveways with a garage or other outbuildings, a method for removing snow that accumulates close to the building is back-dragging. As the name indicates, back-dragging refers to pulling the snow backward, instead of pushing it forward. Begin by driving forward close to the building, lower the blade to the ground, then slowly back up approximately two car-lengths. As you do this, drag the snow back with you from behind the plow blade. Raise the blade and drive forward to the next pass, repeating this process for the full width of the area. When finished, turn around, back the vehicle into the area you just plowed, and push the accumulated snow to the designated snow bank.

To read more plowing tips, or for more information about the new full-sized, full-featured snowplows built specifically for half-ton trucks, visit www.PlowsForHalfTons.com.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Fast Lane | No Comments »

NFL week 17 picks: Bears and Vikings will win, Lions and Packers will lose

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Doug Halberstadt

Sports Columnist

The last week of the 2009-2010 NFL regular season is finally here. Thanks to the letdown by the Indianapolis Colts last week, there are no undefeated teams left in the league. I think that was a disgrace to the integrity of the game and to the NFL. To me, it’s the equivalent of a heavyweight boxing champion taking a dive against a lesser challenger. There’s no place for it in any professional sport.

Here are my final picks for the regular season. The Bears should close the season with a win on the road over Detroit. The Packers are also on the road. They travel to Arizona. I like Arizona at home in this one. The other NFC North game has the Vikings at home against the New York Giants. Look for Brett Favre to finish on a high note and hand the Giants another loss.

Provided the Colts decide to play real football this week, they should win in Buffalo. Jacksonville ends its season in Cleveland and should get another road win.

In my opinion, the premier game of the week is the Eagles versus the Cowboys in Dallas. Both teams are coming off wins. The Eagles have won six in a row heading into the playoffs. I like how they are playing. I look for them to make it seven in a row to finish up the regular season.

Atlanta is in Tampa Bay. Despite their surprise victory over the Saints last weekend, I don’t think they’ll have any more surprises left this year. Atlanta should pick up the win. Speaking of New Orleans, they play Carolina on the road. The Saints definitely don’t want to lose three in a row heading into the postseason. They better right their ship and get back in the win column. I think they’ll get the job done.

The 49ers are in St. Louis. Unfortunately for St. Louis, that means another loss. They’ll finish as the worst team in the league with a 1-15 record. Pittsburgh has won two in a row, and they travel to Miami. The Dolphins have lost two in a row. I think both teams’ streaks will stay alive.

The Jets are at home against the Bengals. I like Cincinnati to win and head into the playoffs on the right foot. San Diego is the hottest team in the NFL currently. They have won 10 in a row, and shouldn’t have any trouble making it 11 straight when the Redskins come calling this week.

The Titans head west to face Seattle. Neither team will play in the postseason. I usually like Seattle at home, but I’m going to take the Titans to end the year at 8-8. Denver finishes the year at home against the Chiefs. The Broncos have lost three in a row. Kansas City has lost five in a row. Denver should stop the bleeding and close out the year with a win.

Baltimore heads to the opposite side of the country to square off against the Raiders. Both teams lost last weekend. I’m taking the Ravens to find a way to win their final game of the year.

Look for my playoff predictions in next week’s issue.

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

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

CD Review: Latest W.A.S.P. release captures early sound

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

Metal bands that broke in the ’80s became synonymous with a heavy sound that inched toward a conglomerate that, by the 1990s, splintered the genre into several categories. Like shock-rockers of the ’70s, led by Alice Cooper, ’80s metal took the movement a bit further with the arrival of Motley Crue and Twisted Sister. Dee Snider refined the glam, while the boys of Motley proved all it needed to dominate the charts was a few hooks, Kiss-like live shows and endless overtones never lacking in sexuality. Others, like W.A.S.P., flew under the pop radar, forging ahead with even more shock appeal.

With a strong 1984 eponymous release, W.A.S.P., led by Blackie Lawless (bass, vocals), redefined shock rock and put a new stamp on metal with classics like “I Wanna Be Somebody” and “L.O.V.E. Machine.”

Throughout the decade,W.A.S.P. would be a prime target of the Tipper Gore-charged Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and, according to many, the reason for the organization. Gore aimed to bring down the metal establishment—at the very least a satanic, violent and twisted sexual influence the outfit claimed it would have on American youth.

Sixteen albums later, W.A.S.P. is still on the front lines, moving forward with Babylon (2009, Demolition), a nine-song (eight written by Lawless) collection and much-awaited followup to 2007’s Dominator.

While some fans would expect Babylon to follow in a Dominator vein, it moves in a slightly different direction. Still capturing almost biblical catastrophic themes, Babylon echoes early material and classic sounds, pushing songs like “Wild Child” and “I Wanna Be Somebody” to mind. A cover of Deep Purple’s “Burn” is as in-your-face as the original, nestled among a solid lineup of songs that prove W.A.S.P., although not delivering anything earth-shattering of late, is still true to a powerful sound it has kept alive, especially in a confused part of the ’80s when flimsy hair metal and a wave of posers threatened to bastardize the genre. Babylon also proves what Blackie Lawless touches will, eventually, turn to gold.

More information about W.A.S.P. and Babylon is available at the W.A.S.P. Nation Web site, www.waspnation.com.

From the Dec. 30, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Bruscato seeks contempt charges for witnesses in Barmore case

Monday, December 28th, 2009

By Stuart R. Wahlin
Staff Writer

During a Dec. 28 press conference, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato (D) said he will ask 17th Circuit Judge Joseph McGraw (R) to hold Sheila and Marissa Brown in contempt of court after they failed to appear at a Dec. 23 grand jury hearing, for which they’d been subpoenaed Dec. 17 to testify.

Dec. 21, the Browns petitioned McGraw to reschedule their testimony, because they had planned to be out of state for the Christmas holiday. McGraw denied the request, but Bruscato indicated that, as a gesture of flexibility, his office had offered to let the Browns be first to give testimony the morning of the Dec. 23 grand jury hearing. The Browns, however, proceeded with vacation plans and did not appear before the grand jury.

Both were present Aug. 24 in the House of Grace Daycare, 518 N. Court St., when Rockford Police officers Oda Poole and Stan North shot 24-year-old Mark Anthony Barmore to death when Barmore allegedly lunged for Poole’s firearm after being cornered in the facility’s boiler room.

Twelve children were reportedly present in the daycare during the shooting.

Barmore, Bruscato said Dec. 23, was grazed by a bullet from Poole’s service weapon during the alleged struggle, during which North shot Barmore once in the upper back, once in the lower back and once in the buttocks. A fourth shot missed the suspect.

Barmore was being sought for a domestic disturbance, and officers were advised he may be armed. After the shooting, however, it was discovered Barmore was unarmed.

Marissa, 17, is the daughter of Sheila and Kingdom Authority International Ministries Pastor Melvin Brown. The daycare and church share the same building.

Marissa allegedly gave a statement Aug. 24 indicating Barmore had exited the boiler room with his hands up and head down. Although the Browns did not appear to testify before the grand jury, their statements were admitted into the record.

However, according to Bruscato, the grand jury found their accounts were inconsistent with physical evidence and the testimony of other witnesses. A news conference held late Dec. 23 revealed the grand jury found both officers justified in the deadly use of force.

Furthermore, during the Dec. 28 news conference, Bruscato said there is reason to believe the Browns’ daughter could not have seen the altercation from where she’d allegedly been standing during the incident, based on the testimony of another witness.

The racially-charged controversy has attracted the attention of civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson in recent months. Dec. 26, Jackson renewed his call for a federal probe of the incident. Jackson also asserted it was unreasonable for a grand jury to expect the Browns to cancel vacation plans with notice given only six days prior. The scheduling of testimony, he suggested, was suspect.

A hearing before McGraw on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 4.

A civil case filed by Barmore’s family, alleging wrongful death, is expected to begin in mid-January.

Meantime, officers North and Poole remain on administrative duties.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

Rockford IceHogs vs the Milwaukee Admirals

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Be sure to check out the Rockford IceHogs this Saturday, December 26, 7:05 pm
at the Rockford MetroCentre, 300 Elm Street

visit www.metrocentre.com for ticket prices and purchase. www.icehogs.com

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »