From press release

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke at a National Press Club Luncheon Feb. 23 to highlight the Obama administration’s priorities for the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and to advocate for the rapid passage of a strong reauthorization bill to reduce hunger and improve the health and nutrition of our nation’s children.

“The health of our nation—of our economy, our national security, and our communities—depends on the health of our children,” Vilsack said. “We will not succeed if of our children aren’t learning as they should because they are hungry, and cannot achieve their potential because they aren’t healthy. This reauthorization is a critically important opportunity to improve the health of our children and reduce hunger in this country.”

The reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act is the primary legislation of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign, which seeks to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation. Through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies and mobilizes public and private sector resources, Let’s Move! will engage every sector impacting the health of children to achieve the national goal of solving childhood obesity in a generation, and provide schools, families and communities simple tools to help kids be more active, eat better, and get healthy.

“The upcoming reauthorization must substantially improve the nutritional quality of the meals being served to our children and play a central role in the Let’s Move! campaign’s effort to solve childhood obesity in a generation,” Vilsack said.

By passing a strong reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, the administration hopes to reduce hunger, promote access, and improve the overall health and nutrition of children throughout the country. Specific priorities in this area include the following:

• Improve nutrition standards. Establishing improved nutrition standards for school meals based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and taking additional steps to ensure compliance with these standards.

• Increase access to meal programs. Providing tools to increase participation in the school nutrition programs, streamline applications, and eliminate gap periods.

• Increase education about healthy eating. Providing parents and students better information about school nutrition and meal quality.

• Establish standards for competitive foods sold in schools. Creating national baseline standards for all foods sold in elementary, middle, and high schools to ensure they contribute effectively to a healthy diet.

• Serve more healthy food. Promoting increased consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low- and fat-free dairy products and providing additional financial support in the form of reimbursement rate increases for schools that enhance nutrition and quality.

• Increase physical activity. Strengthening school wellness policy implementation and promoting physical activity in schools.

• Train people who prepare school meals. Ensuring that child nutrition professionals have the skills to serve top-quality meals that are both healthful and appealing to their student customers.

• Provide schools with better equipment. Helping schools with financial assistance to purchase equipment needed to produce healthy, attractive meals.

• Enhance food safety. Expanding the current requirements of the food safety program to all facilities where food is stored, prepared and served.

Secretary Vilsack also announced USDA’s support for a “Race to the Top” concept for states willing to take strides to reducing and eliminating hunger in their communities. Through this program, USDA will provide competitive grants to governors to implement creative and innovative approaches to eliminating hunger.

To highlight the nexus between nutrition and physical activity, the USDA continues to promote its HealthierUS School Challenge, which recognizes schools that do an exceptional job promoting meal participation, meal quality, nutrition education, and physical activity. More information can be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthierus/index.html.

More information about USDA’s efforts to improve child nutrition can be found at www.usda.gov. Additional information on First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign is at www.LetsMove.gov.

From press release

Swimming moves choreographed to classic entertainers such as Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, the Beatles and Cheap Trick will be performed during the 46th annual Guilford High School Valkyries synchronized swim show titled “Music Legends.”

Performances are 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, through Friday, March 5, at the Guilford High School swimming pool. A matinee will also be presented at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 6. Tickets cost $6 and are available through the Guilford athletic office. The event is open to the public.

The 26-member synchronized swimming team will perform 14 numbers consisting of water ballet, dance and floating patterns.

From press release

The Natural Land Institute will host an open house for current and new volunteers from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, at 320 S. Third St. in Rockford. The event is free and open to everyone who wants to learn how they can protect wildlife and the natural beauty of the northern Illinois landscape.

Greg Keilback of the Natural Land Institute will describe how volunteers are making a difference at the Nygren Wetland Preserve west of Rockton. “When the Institute purchased the land along the Rock and Pecatonica rivers in 2000, very little natural vegetation remained,” he said. “Fueled by nearly 30,000 hours of volunteer time over the past 10 years, we have largely restored 100 acres of prairie, 150 acres of woodland and 450 acres of wetlands and returned Raccoon Creek to its original, historical channel.”

Keilback said river otters, Blanding’s turtles, sandhill cranes and great blue herons have returned to the restored land, but that doesn’t mean stewardship is complete. “Stewardship never stops,” he said. “We need help year-round with brush removal, planting, weeding, seed collecting and gathering information about frogs, birds and other animals.”

Andy Bacon, stewardship director for the Natural Land Institute, will describe how volunteers make a difference at Pecatonica Ridge Prairie, Stone Bridge Nature Trail at Roscoe, and other preserves protected by the Natural Land Institute. “For example,” he said, “we have a dedicated group working at Colman Dells Preserve southwest of Rockford that needs more help to keep ahead of the non-native brush that threatens to choke out trilliums, Jack-in-the pulpits and other springtime plants.”

The Natural Land Institute has preserved forests, prairies and wetlands for native plants and animals since its founding in 1958. It is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to conserving land, restoring habitat for wildlife, and protecting rivers and streams.

Please call (815) 964-6666 for information.

From press release

FREEPORT, Ill.—Winneshiek Players will hold open auditions for Leaving Iowa at 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, March 1-2, at the Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark St., Freeport, Ill.

Leaving Iowa, penned by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, is a tender comedy about Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home as requested. When he discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he heads out across Iowa looking for a proper resting place for his father. On his journey, he recalls comical childhood vacations—the good, the bad, the ugly.

Director Mark Jansen is seeking three women and three men for the cast. Female and male actors ages 20 to 55 are needed; actors may play multiple roles.

Auditions involve a reading from the script; prepared pieces are not necessary. Production and backstage crew members are also needed. No previous theatrical experience is necessary.

The play opens April 30 and runs May 1 and May 6-8. All performances are at the Winneshiek Playhouse and begin at 7:30 p.m. Reservations for this humorous and kindhearted portrayal of family vacations, the tension, humor and heartfelt memories, can be made by e-mail to tickets@wplay.org or by phone at (815) 232-7023. Tickets are $12.

The Winneshiek Playhouse, home of the nation’s oldest continuous all-volunteer community theater, is at 228 W. Clark St., in downtown Freeport, one block north of free municipal parking. For more information about this and other community theater activities, call (815) 232-7023 or visit wplay.org.

From press release

CHICAGO—Legislation that limits or bans red light cameras would eliminate critical tools that are proven to reduce speeding and red light running.

The Active Transportation Alliance, Chicagoland’s voice for better biking, walking and transit, supports the use of red light cameras at intersections where speeding and red light running are prevalent.

Studies conclude that red light cameras work. They curb dangerous behaviors—red light running and speeding—that lead to serious or fatal crashes. Bicyclists and pedestrians in particular are most vulnerable to traffic crashes since they do not have the protection of an air bag, seat belt or steel frame.

When a red light camera is installed, you can expect a small increase in rear-end crashes, but a major decrease in head-on and T-crashes. Studies find that the small increase in rear-end crashes returns to normal levels.

Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, said: “The use of red light cameras is a safety measure. It is not about adding to a municipality’s operating budget. Legislators can address that concern by mandating that the revenue be directed toward projects aimed at increasing all road users’ safety.”

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is North America’s largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff.

For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call (312) 427-3325.

From press release

The Rockford Park District Foundation and the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District are seeking to honor a deserving conservationist. The Atwood Award is given to recognize local citizens and/or organizations for their exceptional volunteer contributions in providing facilities, programs or services in the area of parks, recreation and conservation.

Individual nominees should be or have been residents of Winnebago County and have made their contribution within the past 20 years. Organizations within the county must have made the contribution within the past 10 years. Nominations of organizations cannot be made by a member of that organization.

The award will be presented as part of the City of Gardens Kick-Off Dinner and program Wednesday, April 14, at Cliffbreakers. The award consists of a plaque of Kentucky Coffee tree wood with an Atwood memorial medal attached, a plate describing the award, and an inscription bearing the date and name of the recipient.

The deadline for nominations is March 3. Nomination forms are available from the Rockford Park District Foundation office in the Webbs Norman Center, 401 S. Main St., Rockford, or by calling Jamie Johannsen at the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, (815) 877-6100 or Judy Roby at the Rockford Park District, (815) 987-8695.

From press release

Spectrum School will begin accepting new student enrollment for students ages 3 through high school beginning March 1 at 2909 N. Main St., Rockford.

The enrollment process will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis to those who have completed the pre-enrollment process. To schedule your pre-enrollment visit, contact Spectrum School at (815) 877-1600.

Spectrum School has served the Rockford area since 1967, offering a genuine alternative to traditional education. As a pioneer in educational change, the staff believes every child learns in a different way, and every child has undiscovered gifts, talents and potential. Children learn by doing and utilize strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The arts-integrated curriculum reflects the school’s belief that art expression, through music, drama, movement and visual arts, is a foundation for learning.

Spectrum currently enrolls more than 220 students from preschool through high school. Their 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, multi-age classrooms, and the most sophisticated multiple intelligences learning program in the region allows them to understand the needs and strengths of each child. Spectrum School is recognized by international educators as a foremost example of progressive education, focusing on the individual, social and emotional growth of the individual and his/her development as a lifelong independent learner.

Discover what Spectrum School can do for your child. Call (815) 877-1600 or visit the Web site www.spectrumschool.org.

From press release

Curves is encouraging women in the local area to show their philanthropic strength by participating in the annual Curves Food Drive. And, even though donating food to families in need is its own reward, the clubs are offering compelling incentives for both existing and potential members who participate.

From March 1-31, Curves locations in the area will collect non-perishable items and monetary donations for food banks in the local area. The goal, according to Curves Founder Diane Heavin, is for the community to come together to help families in need. “At the core of our business is the message that women are stronger when they rally together, and that is the point we hope to bring home with our food drive,” said Heavin. “We want to show our communities just how powerful the generosity of our members can be.”

According to Heavin, members who donate a bag of groceries or make a minimum donation of $30 during the month of March will receive a reusable Curves grocery freezer bag for free. Non-members who do likewise between March 8 and 20 can join Curves for free. Curves will waive the cost to join.

Heavin says that as part of this effort, Curves locations in the area will be participating in a company-wide contest for the most food drive donations collected by Curves locations across the nation. Winners will receive one of several cash prizes to be donated to their local food bank. Each year, Curves locations collectively donate millions of pounds of food to feed the hungry.

“We hope women in the Rockford area will come together and participate in this initiative,” added Heavin. “Even if you’re not thinking about joining a gym, you can still drop off your donations. There are so many families–right here in our own community–who need our help.”

For more information about the Curves Food Drive, contact:

Sue Peterson, Curves of Rockford at 1623 N. Alpine Rd., Suite 105, at (815) 399-0300 or Curvesoffice1@sbcglobal.net

Christina McNinch, Curves of Rockford at 3142 N. Rockton Ave., at (815) 965-1990 or Curvesoffice1@sbcglobal.net

Sue Peterson, Curves of Rockford at 2430 S. Alpine Rd., Suite 105, at (815) 484-0858 or Curvesoffice1@sbcglobal.net

Sue Peterson, Curves of Roscoe at 5348 Williams Drive, at  (815) 623-1300 or Curvesoffice1@sbcglobal.net

Sue Peterson, Curves of Loves Park at 6481 N. Second St., at (815) 636-9533 or Curvesoffice1@sbcglobal.net.

From press release

The Illinois Senate Criminal Law committee tackled the issue of “sexting” this past week.

“Sexting” is a growing social trend where explicit photos or videos are sent via cell phone or e-mail to someone else. The bill is aimed at people younger than 18, as sexting has become increasingly prevalent among young people in recent years.

Currently, there is little that could be done to address sexting aside from pursuing felony child pornography charges—which prosecutors are reluctant to do. Senate Bill 2513 seeks to create a middle ground.

Under the legislation, a minor who electronically sends an indecent image of themselves can be brought into juvenile court for a proceeding to determine if they are a minor in need of supervision. If the young person is found to be in need of supervision, he or she could be ordered into counseling or other supportive services. They may also be ordered to complete community service.

The bill also makes it a misdemeanor crime for any person, regardless of their age, to possess an explicit visual image transmitted to them by a minor. This controversial provision sparked concern that the creator and sender of the image could be found to have committed a lesser offense, while the person who received the unsolicited image would be guilty of a higher penalty. However, there would be no possession offense if the person receiving the image takes reasonable steps to eliminate the image within a reasonable time.

Questions were raised about whether the issue of sexting is a topic best dealt with by the parents and educators. There are also ways for a minor to get around the legislation simply by having friends take the picture and then having them send it to someone else. Nonetheless, the bill was passed unanimously through the Senate and now proceeds to the House of Representatives for consideration.

From press release

Two area high school students will represent northern Illinois in the State Poetry Out Loud Competition March 18 in Springfield, Ill.

Rockford Spectrum High School’s Alex Peterson was the winner and Spectrum’s Jonah Antosh was first runner-up in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, held by the Rockford Area Arts Council.

Lisa Alexander, the students’ teacher, said: “I can’t thank you (Rockford Area Arts Council) enough for helping to organize this competition and giving these students the opportunity to participate. This gives them a chance to read a good number of poems, and many of them had not read poetry at all in the past. Each time they read the poems, the meaning becomes clearer, the words become more alive and the music starts to come through for them, and this is a pleasure to observe as a teacher. Poetry is not something to be feared or relegated to graduate English courses, but something to be studied and enjoyed at all stages of life.”

The winner of the state competition will advance to the national championship, which will be held in Washington, D.C., in May. The state winner will receive $200 and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington (with an adult chaperone) to compete at the National Finals. The state winner’s school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. The runner-up will receive $100; his or her school will receive $200 for the purchase of poetry books. A total of $50,000 in scholarship awards and school stipends will be awarded at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, with a $20,000 college scholarship award for the National Champion.

The Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest is a free national program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

Poetry Out Loud encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, which help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary heritage. Last year, more than $100,000 in prizes was awarded to students and schools.

The Rockford Area Arts Council was one of seven organizations throughout the state that was asked to hold Poetry Out Loud regional competitions. The competition was held at Katie’s Cup. Volunteer judges for the event were: Erik Lewis, Jami Hoskins, Dorothy Paige Turner and Anne O’Keefe. Tabulators were Laura Kenison and Elaine Breck. Tricia Sheridan served as prompter. Local poet Christopher Sims was the emcee and host of the event.

Sharon Nesbit-Davis, education/outreach Director of the Rockford Area Arts Council, was the regional coordinator.

Nesbit-Davis said: “This is a great program and the volunteers loved working on it. We can still recite poems we learned when we were high school students.”

Teachers interested in participating in the 2011 Poetry Out Loud Contest should contact Sharon at the Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 963-6765 or e-mail sharon@artsforeveryone.com.

From press release

The Rockford Police Department will present Saved by the Belt awards to Cathy and Rachel Huffman of Rockford.

At approximately 3:56 p.m., Feb. 22, Cathy and Rachel were traveling together in a 2009 Toyota Camry, westbound on Charles Street at 11th Street. Cathy, the driver, was traveling with traffic at approximately 30 mph. Another driver approached the intersection from the rear of Huffman’s vehicle, lost control because of weather conditions and excessive speed, and crashed into the Huffmans’ car.

The rear impact caused both vehicles to rotate and collide with one another multiple times, causing severe damage to three sides of Huffman’s vehicle as well as side-impact air-bag deployment. The Huffmans were both transported to the hospital, and later release with minor injuries.

The Huffmans’ vehicle was a total loss. The on-scene traffic investigator determined that the Huffmans would very likely have received serious or fatal injuries had they not been properly restrained within their vehicle. The investigator nominated the Huffmans for this award in an effort to further educate the citizens of Rockford that safety-belt use saves lives and reduces the probability of serious injuries in the event of a crash.

The program is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Through the cooperation with Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the 2009 Illinois Safety Challenge awarded the Rockford Police Department first in the state of Illinois for traffic safety efforts (comparable sized cities only). The Rockford Police Department also finished third nationwide in the National Traffic Safety Challenge competition. Both the state and national organizations judge individual police departments on their effort and effectiveness in traffic safety.

• News and notes from the Feb. 25 Winnebago County Board meeting

By Stuart R. Wahlin
Staff Writer

At the request of Zoning Committee Chairman John F. Sweeney (R-14), Winnebago County Board members opted to delay a vote Feb. 25 regarding the final plat of the 9.89-acre Garden Estates subdivision, owned by Gensler Gardens, at 7631 Stillman Valley Road in Rockford Township.

Paul Gorski (D-5), who told The Rock River Times prior to the meeting that he planned to request a layover, seconded Sweeney’s motion.

Although Sweeney’s reason for the layover was so that the plat could be voted on together with a related item—a variation request to waive the sewer requirement for the four-lot subdivision—Gorski said he wants other interested parties to have an opportunity to address board members about the issue.

Board rules typically do not allow public comments regarding zoning matters to be voted on, but based on a comment by Planning & Zoning Officer Troy Krup, Gorski noted the measure is technically a subdivision ordinance matter, not a zoning issue, per se.

“Last night [at the Zoning Committee meeting], there was some discussion about the final plat compared to other zoning issues, and whether or not hearings are required,” Gorski explained. “I have at least one person that would like to make a comment on the final plat and the variation to the plat at the next meeting.”

Because there was no Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing regarding the request, Gorski noted, there was no opportunity provided for public input.

Asked whether people would be granted an opportunity to speak to the issue during the March 11 meeting, Sweeney responded: “I’m sure, since we’re not bound by ZBA testimony rules for this particular one, that’d be fine. …They certainly have the right to do that.”

Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) noted, however, that requests to make public comments must be made to his office in writing. Requests to speak at the March 11 meeting must be received by noon that day. Public participation request forms can be found online at http://www.co.winnebago.il.us/deptHome.asp?deptID=1090&pgID=397.

In 2008, board members agreed to change the area’s zoning from Agricultural Priority to Rural Estate. The City of Rockford has also penned a pre-annexation agreement with the owners.

Because it is not particularly feasible to run public infrastructure to the site, the owners are requesting a waiver of the sewer requirement. Both the city’s and county’s long-term growth and planning goals, however, discourage new developments on well and septic systems.

“It’d be our first test of sticking to the 2030 plan,” Gorski asserted.

County seeks reimbursement from Justice Center designer

Durrant Group, Inc., with offices in Arizona, Colorado and Iowa, was awarded a bid exceeding $5 million in 2003 to serve as architects of the Winnebago County Justice Center.

The county is now seeking reimbursement for a number of alleged issues that arose during the process of completing the new jail.

Dave Kurlinkus, head of the state’s attorney’s civil division, indicated, “It involves, basically, some additional work that we feel had to be done in order to make the criminal justice center safe and secure.”

Kurlinkus said the county paid for the necessary work and is now seeking reimbursement from Durrant. An answer to the complaint is expected by the middle of April.

“Negotiations continue in an attempt to settle this short of all-out litigation,” Kurlinkus added.

Asked how much money the county stands to recoup, Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) would only say “several hundred-thousand” dollars.

Durrant CEO Charles Marsden would not immediately comment for publication, but noted a counterclaim has been filed against the county.

Resolutions

• Executing an agreement with New York-based Metropolitan Life Insurance to offer voluntary life insurance coverage to 1,284 eligible county employees through Dec. 31.

• Authorizing the $500,000 settlement, plus $4,566.60 in related expenses, of pending litigation in the case of Rodney Wilken, et al. vs. County of Winnebago, et al. $250,000 of the settlement cost is covered by the county’s insurance. The lawsuit is reportedly the result of a traffic accident allegedly related to a county traffic sign that had been knocked down. The county is deemed partially liable because the Highway Department was allegedly aware of the downed sign, but did not replace it in a timely manner.

• Authorizing a $14,500 settlement of a permanent disability claim by Daniel Williams for injuries sustained while employed by the Sheriff’s Department.

• Authorizing execution of an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for federal participation of up to $400,000 for the rehabilitation of the Perryville Road bridge over the Kishwaukee River’s south branch, just north of Blackhawk Road.

• Authorizing the appropriation of $4.3 million in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the maintenance of county highways.

Reappointment

Stephen Burns was reappointed to a six-year term with Pecatonica’s Hulse Cemetery Association, expiring May 2015.

Absences

Bob Kinnison (R-10), Tom Owens (R-1) and Rick Pollack (R-13) were absent.

From press release

In celebration of Black History Month, members of the Tuskegee Airmen—who enlisted during World War II to become America’s first black military airmen—will be at Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28. An opening reception will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26.

Dr. Welton Taylor and Lt. Col Julius Jackson, two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, along with new-generation members Melvin Kuazze, Rob Strickland, and Victor Croswell, will be present at the two-day event. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is $5 for adults and free to children. Donations are accepted.

Despite their distinguished service in World War II, upon returning to the United States, many of the Tuskegee Airmen tragically experienced social isolation and a steady stream of racial bias and discrimination at home. March 29, 2007, more than 300 Tuskegee Airmen and their widows were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

From press release

The 70-member Augustana Symphonic Band, from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., will perform in concert at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford.

Admission is free, although a free-will offering will be taken.

Founded Oct. 2, 1874, the Augustana Symphonic Band is the oldest musical organization on a campus widely recognized for its rich cultural heritage and strong music programs. The band performs under the direction of Dr. James Lambrecht, now in his 21st year as director of bands and professor of trumpet at Augustana College.

The Augustana Symphonic Band will be performing in concert at the Chicago Orchestra Hall in April.

Prior tours have taken the Augustana Symphonic Band to such settings as Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Town Hall in New York City. The band’s 2007 tour to England and Scotland included performances in Edinburgh, Scotland; Yorkshire, Oxford; and London, England.

For additional information, contact First Lutheran Church at (815) 962-6691.

From press release

LENA, Ill.—The Depot Stove Gang Model Railroad Club will hold its 22nd Annual Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet on Feb. 27 and 28. The show has expanded to include more than 30,000 square feet of operating displays, railroad memorabilia and model railroad merchandise. The show will fill the Lena-Winslow Elementary, Junior High and High School gymnasiums.

Show hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28. Lunch will be available both days. Lena is located just off U.S. Route 20 on Illinois 73. Directional signs will be posted. Lena is approximately 2 hours west of Chicago, 1-1/4 hours south of Madison, Wis., and one hour east of Dubuque, Iowa.

The Depot Stove Gang Show is rated as one of the largest shows in the Midwest. The 22nd year is looking to be the best yet. Rain, sleet, ice or snow, the show will still be a go! The show and parking are free, but the club depends upon donations to bring you this show. Free-will donations are appreciated at the elementary school entrance. The Depot Stove Gang is an Illinois nonprofit corporation.

For more information, including other area information, attractions and lodging, contact the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 369-2955.

By Stuart R. Wahlin
Staff Writer

The Winnebago County Board is expected to vote Feb. 25 on a final plat for the 9.89-acre Garden Estates subdivision, owned by Gensler Gardens, at 7631 Stillman Valley Road in Rockford Township.

Board members agreed to re-zone the property in 2008 from Agricultural Priority to Rural Estate. Meantime, the City of Rockford also approved a pre-annexation agreement for the property.

Board member Paul Gorski (D-5), who represents the affected area, told The Rock River Times he plans to request a layover to allow people an opportunity to speak publicly to the issue, because there had been no public hearing on the matter.

“I’m gonna ask if the County Board’s gonna allow public comment on it,” he said. “Typically, they don’t allow public comment on zoning issues, but last night, Troy [Krup, planning & zoning officer] told us this isn’t technically a zoning issue—it’s a subdivision ordinance issue that’s covered under the Plat Act.

“Since we didn’t really have a hearing, because it didn’t go before the ZBA [Zoning Board of Appeals], and we didn’t really notify people that they would be allowed to speak at the Zoning Committee meeting, I’m asking that we allow any individuals who want to speak to this to speak during the public participation period of our next meeting,” Gorski added.

“Because the property’s within a mile-and-a-half of the city, they’re asking for them to allow septic and wells,” he noted. “It’d be our first test of sticking to the 2030 plan.”

The county’s 2030 land-use plan and the city’s own growth goals discourage developments on well and septic systems, but Gensler is asking for the sewer requirement to be waived. That request is expected to be voted on March 11.

From press release

“Mini” magazines written and illustrated by three sixth-grade students at Rockford Environmental Science Academy were honored in the Year of Science 2009 “Zine” contest.

Santino Chavez won a $250 award with “Scientific Methods in Earth Science,” while Lindsay Gross and Natalia Phorasavong won $25 each for “Nature of Science” and “Lab Safety Rules,” respectively.

The contest is sponsored by the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS). More than 250 submissions were entered worldwide, and the three RESA students were among just 32 winners. Each “zine” combined science and art to tell a compact story about science.

Winners were selected based on four criteria: scientific content/fidelity to topic, visual appeal/communication, readability and original perspective on the topic. Judges included three faculty members from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and scientists from the Field Museum in Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago and the University of California, Berkeley.

Click here to view the “zines.”

RESA teacher Carol Kraft submitted the best “zines” from among her science classes last October and learned her students were named winners this month. “I am ecstatic they were chosen,” Kraft said. “It is a great honor for them.”

From press release

PAWS Humane Society is planning a Grand Opening celebration of its new Adoption Center inside PETCO    Pet Store on East State Street in the Forest Plaza Shopping Center from 12-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27.

Refreshments, reduced adoption fees, and PAWS Humane Society items will be available for sale. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle to help purchase a new bank of cages to help house adoptable cats.

PAWS is also in need of KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement Formula) and Purina One Kitten Food in preparation for the upcoming spring kitten season. Donations would be greatly appreciated of either of those items.

For more information about the PAWS Adoption Center inside PETCO, call (815) 299-PAWS (7927) or visit the Web site at www.PAWSHS.org or Adoption Center coordinators Kate Gill, (815) 494-1387 or Sue Golan, (815) 260-8495.

Steve A. Cole as Frederick Douglass

From press release

An actor portraying Frederick Douglass, an important figure in black history, will present a talk at Rockford College at 4 p.m., Feb. 18, in the Fisher Chapel.

Steve A. Cole will re-enact Douglass in a portrayal that is free and open to the public. The talk is one of several activities at the college marking Black History Month.

A native of Freeport, Cole, 55, has spent the last 12 years portraying Douglass. He says playing the late Civil War era abolitionist and relating stories of those who fought defending our country is an honor and a privilege.

The talk is part of Rockford College’s Forum Series. While admission is free, a ticket is required and may be secured at the college’s box office in the Clark Arts Center. For more information, call (815) 226-4100. To see the entire Forum Series line-up for the semester, go to www.rockford.edu/?page=ForumSeries.

From press release

LOVES PARK, Ill—Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is seeking nominations for its annual Earth Day awards. Three Fern Leaf Re-Awards made from recycled glass will be presented in the following categories: Outstanding Corporate Friend of the Environment, Outstanding Individual Friend of the Environment and the Hutchcroft Environmental Youth Award. This last award is named in honor of long-time Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful volunteer, board member and past president Dr. Alan Hutchcroft.

“We encourage people to nominate a local business, individual or young person who demonstrates a great deal of environmental stewardship to the stateline area,” said Lori Gummow, executive director of Keen Northern Illinois Beautiful.

The Fern Leaf Re-Awards will be presented at the Third Annual Earth Day Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, April 8, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Nomination forms detailing the individual award requirements can be obtained by visiting Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s Web site at www.knib.org or at their office, 5417 N. Second St., Loves Park. The completed forms must be returned to Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful by 3 p.m., Friday, March 5. “Last year, we recognized Forest City Gear, Harlem Middle School teache Jackie Plaetzer and the East High School Key Club,” Gummow added.

For more information on the Earth Day Awards Luncheon, visit www.knib.org or call Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful at (815) 637-1343.

Thomas Bruso, right, and "Michael," left, argue on a Oakland Calif., transit bus.

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Two California men are Internet sensations after an argument on a Oakland transit bus escalated into a fist fight.

Thomas Bruso, 67, and a man known only as Michael, 50, met on the AC Transit bus and began arguing about a racial slur Michael, who is black, alleged Bruso made about him.  As the two men bickered, an amateur videographer began capturing footage.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, was like most days for Thomas Bruso, also known as the “Epic Beard Man.” He ran a series of errands and bought a new pair of shoes to wear at his mother’s funeral. Riding the bus as he often does, Bruso began casually talking to another passenger. After a few minutes of banter, the man became angry, accusing Bruso, who is white, of making racially offensive comments. Instead of engaging in further chatter, Bruso moved to the front of the bus.

As the camera rolled, Michael followed Bruso,  still exchanging words with the Vietnam vet. While it’s unclear if Michael hit Bruso, he did make brief contact before Bruso sprung to his feet and delivered a series of jabs and crosses. The blows sent Michael tumbling over seats and onto the floor of the bus.

Withing hours of  making it to YouTube, several hundred thousand viewers had watched the clip. As of today, Wednesday, Feb. 24, the footage has been viewed more than 2. 5 million times.

Meantime, reporters from across the United States have been scurrying to interview Brusco, Michael and the author of the footage from what is now known officially as the “AC Transit Bus Incident.”

Soon after becoming a public figure, Bruso has given several makeshift interviews about his version of the brawl. The videographer, who is alleged to be an instigator in the violence, has also come forward claiming she was just out looking for something interesting to shoot.

Originally thought to be footage of a young thug picking on a defenseless senior citizen, the now famous “Epic Beard Man” video has now been uncovered as a display of public foolishness by an intoxicated black man and older white passenger with a history of making public spectacles of himself.

In post-fight interviews, Bruso made claims that Michael punched him face several times, which the video clearly does not indicate, robbed him, also void from the clip, and that he was praised by police for a courageous act of vigilantism.

Earlier videos of Bruso have now followed bus footage to YouTube, the most notable a clip of the Epic Beard Man being shocked by a Taser at an Oakland A’s baseball game. According to Alameda County police officers, Bruso was arrested last summer for an array of charges including resisting arrest.

Bruso is also known on the streets of Oakland as “Slick,” “Tommy Slick,” “Veitnam Tom,” and “Chicago Tom.” He’s especially proud of his prowess during the fight.

“I busted his lip open,” Bruso said. “He can’t chew apples for a couple of months. He can’t kiss no girls because his lips are out-of-shape. They’re all bloody and messy. It will take three months for his lips to heal.”

Michael also hasn’t been silent. Monday, Feb. 22, he appeared on a San Francisco radio station to tell his side of the story. On the air, Michael apologized to the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit Authority for his role in the fight. Michael said he’s willing to forgive Bruso and let “bygones be bygones.”

“First of all, I would like to apologize to AC Transit, to the public and to anyone that was on that bus that day, because of the way I conducted myself,” Michael said on Wild 94.9FM.

Both men were brought to an Oakland police station after the fight. Neither was charged.

Bruso claims he spent the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 16  in the John George Hospital psychiatric ward were he was administered morphine before receiving a complimentary ride home by police, who allowed him to blow the squad car siren and ride in the front seat.

The argument preceding the fight was reportedly over comments made about what Michael would charge Bruso to shine his new pair of Stacy Adams dress shoes.

From press release

Auditions for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program for the 2010-2011 school year take place this Friday and Saturday for both Ellis Arts Academy and Auburn High School.

The auditions will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Ellis Arts Academy Auditorium and Auburn Main Campus Auditorium. Students currently in fifth, sixth and seventh grades may audition for the CAPA program at Ellis. Auditions for Auburn’s CAPA program are open to eighth-graders or any current high school student interested in the arts.

Audition areas are dance, instrumental music, band/orchestra, keyboard, media/theater, visual/graphic arts and voice. For more information and instructions about how to prepare for auditions, click here.

From press release

As a way of saying thanks for the support, the CROP Hunger Walk is sponsoring a Haitian Supper from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28. Representatives from the more than 40 churches and businesses that supported last year’s CROP Hunger Walk will be honored.

Last year’s CROP Hunger Walk raised $30,000 for local and overseas hunger relief. Most of the funds were distributed through Church World Service, a Protestant relief organization.

The meal is hosted at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 Bell School Road, and will be served to all who make a reservation and give a free-will offering. Reservations must be received by Thursday Feb. 25. To sign up for the meal, call David Jones at (815) 540-3703.

The meal will include an appetizer of fried plantains (tostones) and conch fritters; a main course of Haitian chicken, griots (fried glazed pork), red beans and rice, sweet corn pudding, and sweet potato bread; and dessert of Haitian doughboys and fried bananas.

From press release

Washington Gifted School students will be pitting their skills against some of Illinois’ most impressive math whizzes next month.

Washington students achieved first- and second-place finishes at the middle school regional MATHCOUNTS competition Feb. 20 at Rock Valley College. This qualifies them for the statewide competition Saturday, March 6, in Matteson in south suburban Chicago.

The team of Joshua Day, Calvin Filkin, Elizabeth Ady and Mohamed Kady placed first, while Washington’s alternate team of Christine Liu, Rayomand Tata, Sam Rinaldo and Kyle Minett placed second at the Rock Valley competition. The first-place team, along with Liu and Tata (based on their individual scores) will advance to the state competition.

Washington Coach Carolyn Meingast said the Wolves did a remarkable job, but the next round presents a significant challenge. “Many students from Illinois make it to the national level,” she said, “and our students will be competing against some of the best young math minds in the nation.”

The regional competition is sponsored by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and is held in conjunction with engineer’s week.

From press release

The Illinois Senate Executive Committee approved legislation Feb. 17 that would authorize two types of short-term borrowing, despite Republican concerns that the state continues to defer making tough decisions about how to fix the its fiscal problems.

Senate Bill 416 would allow most public universities, except the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northeastern, to short-term borrow up to 75 percent of the money owed to them by the state. The universities would then repay the borrowing when they receive the money they are owed by the state.

Republicans primarily objected to a second borrowing component contained in the bill that would allow Gov. Quinn to short-term borrow $250 million for Medicaid expenses without approval from the Comptroller and Treasurer. Currently, the governor must receive authorization from the Comptroller and Treasurer to commence short-term borrowing.

Proponents of the legislation argued that the state should allow universities to borrow money since the state’s delayed payments have created their money woes. Currently, the state owes all public universities approximately $735 million. They also say the Medicaid borrowing will free up the revenue to pay Illinois’ health care providers, who have suffered for years, waiting months to receive the reimbursements they are owed from the state.

However, opponents question why Democrat lawmakers tied the money for higher education to the Medicaid funding, and expressed concern that the measure simply “kicks the can down the road” with another short-term budget fix. Since 2003, Illinois Democrats have short-term borrowed $11 billion, with interest topping $100 million. Senate Republicans believe that instead of pushing off the state’s problems and paying so much interest, Illinois should confront its budget woes head-on.

Additionally, critics noted that there are no provisions outlining how the governor would pay back the money, and questioned why—if the governor has such a good financing plan—there is a need to bypass the Comptroller and the Treasurer and borrow more money without their approval.

However, it’s speculated that the legislation is necessary because it’s unlikely that Comptroller Dan Hynes will approve additional borrowing. In late 2009, Hynes refused to authorize a short-term borrowing measure being pushed by Quinn, saying Illinois already has to repay more than $2 billion in short-term borrowing that was undertaken earlier that year, and that it would be difficult for the state to repay any additional borrowing.

Having been approved by the Senate Executive Committee, Senate Bill 416 now progresses to the full Senate for consideration. Because the measure authorizes a general obligation bond, the bill requires three-fifths approval of the Senate before it can move to the House for further debate.