Community News and Notes: week of Feb. 10-16, 2010

Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) recently announced the

promotion of Earl Dotson Jr. to diversity officer for Winnebago County. In addition to his

new duties, Dotson will continue in his capacity as deputy county administrator. Dotsonís

leadership and dedication have made him an outstanding employee of Winnebago County,

and his high standards and professionalism will aid in his transition to his new post. … The

Rockford Park District announced Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator Breane Cory received

the New Professional of the Year Award from the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation

Section (ITRS). The award, which is presented annually to one ITRS member, was announced

at ITRSís annual meeting in January. The Park Districtís Therapeutic Recreation

services offers a variety of recreation programs for those with disability-related needs,

including swimming, gymnastics, fitness, outdoor adventure sessions, weekend special

events, sport lessons, youth and teen after-school programs, skill building and sensory

programs, and a variety of wheelchair sports. Cory is a graduate of Southern Illinois University

and has been employed with the district since 2007. … Dr. Jamie Milos and her

staff at Midwest Dental provided free dental care to underprivileged children Friday, Feb.

5, as part of the annual Give Kids a Smile Day sponsored by the American Dental Association

(ADA). Give Kids a Smile Day, started in 2003 by the ADA, began in part to help

provide dental care for children whose families may not have direct access to regular

dental care, as limited reimbursement provided by state and federal governments for

oral health programs continues to prevent some children from receiving proper dental

care. Midwest Dental works with local public health agencies, area schools, Head Start

programs, nonprofit agencies and youth and community organizations to identify children

in need. The dentists and staff provided free exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments,

fillings and other much-needed dental procedures.

Send your ìCommunity news and notesî 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 Feb. 10-16, 2010 issue

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