Archive for July 7th, 2010

Demolition of flooded homes to begin

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

• News and notes from the July 6 Rockford City Council meeting

By Stuart R. Wahlin
Staff Writer

Northern Illinois Service Co. was unanimously awarded its $390,593 low bid to begin the first phase of demolishing homes along Keith Creek that were flooded in the back-to-back 100-year floods in 2006 and 2007.

The city, through nonprofit Rockford Local Development Corporation (RLDC), used a $10 million line of credit for the 112-home buyout, leaving little in the way of funds to raze the structures, which neighbors in Churchill Park say have attracted crime.

In April, however, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) announced more than $1 million in state assistance toward efforts along Keith Creek. It is estimated the grant would cover the cost to demolish about 36 of the structures.

Quinn noted the grant would also secure a $3 million match in federal funds for hazard mitigation. The city’s long-term vision for flood mitigation is likely to exceed $30 million, according to Mayor Larry Morrissey (I), so the city continues exploring grant opportunities as a means to gradually transform the area into recreational green space.

Midtown funding requesting delayed again

Midtown District President Jim Phelps, who first began requesting funding in February for the volunteer group, will have to wait at least one more week to find out whether Midtown will have the city’s support to keep momentum alive along the Seventh Street corridor.

Earlier this year, city leaders began backing away from issuing tax increment financing (TIF) district funds for groups that have historically depended on them. The change of course can be attributed to the fact most of the city’s TIF districts are not performing up to expectations. Midtown has typically received dollars from the Seventh Street TIF District, which has been an exception to its failing neighbors throughout the city.

Instead of reinvesting the revenue from the TIF into the neighborhood that generated it, however, the city is viewing the Seventh Street TIF District coffer as a means to cut deficits in the TIFs that would otherwise end their 23-year lives in the red.

The city reportedly looked into grant funds, as has been done in response to similar financial requests recently, but the $30,000 Midtown request ultimately moved forward as an expenditure from the Seventh Street TIF. After months of being snubbed by the Planning & Development Committee, Midtown’s request was finally heard by aldermen last week.

Despite overwhelming support at the committee level, a vote by the full council was delayed July 6 after a successful motion by Ald. Pat Curran (R-2) to lay the request over for one week.

Committee reports

• Awarding Head Start janitorial service agreements to Metropolitan Janitorial, of DeKalb, and Peterson Cleaning.

• Awarding contracts, payable with Illinois Department of Public Health grant funds, to Stenz Construction, SRS Construction, Rockford Contractors, Quittschreiber Construction and Quality Renovations as a part of the “Get the Lead Out” campaign.

• Authorizing a concrete and cement materials agreement with Super Mix, Inc., of Belvidere.

Public comments

Prophet Yusef argued the need for the city to bring employment into the community, specifically pointing to Navistar International Corp. as a promising lead that could result in up to 900 jobs. Public pressure in the Village of Lisle kept the western suburb of Chicago from securing the Navistar headquarters deal in May, and Yusef is imploring aldermen to market Rockford to the company as a strong alternative.

Charlotte Gray described Rockford as a “multi-cultural city in need of a major overhaul, morally and financially.” Gray alleged not all races are treated equally in council decisions.

“All we ask is that you respect our dollars and our ideas as you do your own,” she said.

Christopher Sims responded to recent “Bar Wars” articles published in The Rock River Times, which described division among some downtown business owners after police were called to disperse a large crowd on East State Street in the River District last month.

“The underlying issue in this whole ordeal is race,” Sims asserted, noting downtown businesses are having a hard enough time staying afloat without infighting. “At the core of this black-versus-white dilemma is the failed reasoning and thinking that has plagued the city for decades. We are afraid of our own culture and ethnicity that makes up this city of immigrants and transplants.

“One lone bar downtown is catching slack for being the ‘ethnic bar,’ a place for blacks and other minorities to go to,” Sims added. “The lone bar I speak of has been targeted by knuckleheads and five-starrers who want their way, or no way. I encourage the city to look into this and realize who are causing the real problems in downtown Rockford.”

Absence

Ald. Venita Hervey (D-5) was absent.

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Drive-By Truckers play Otto’s July 11

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Joe McGehee
Staff Writer

Drive-By Truckers will take the stage Sunday, July 11, at Otto’s in DeKalb, as they continue to tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

“It’s killer touring with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,” said Patterson Hood, lead singer and guitarist for Drive-By Truckers. “Everybody in the band is a huge fan of his music.”

The band, which was formed almost 25 years ago in Athens, Ga., by Hood and singer/guitarist Mike Cooley, is also touring in support of their new album, The Big To-Do. This latest release is the band’s 10th album dating back to their 1998 debut, Gangstabilly.

As should be expected, the band has had more than one lineup change as it has toured ferociously in support of its music for the past decade.

“This is far and away my favorite lineup yet,” Hood said. “All I have to go by is what I hear in my head; and, from that point of view, this lineup creates a lot of musical room and space to breathe.”

Three of the band’s current members are from the Muscle Shoals region of northern Alabama, where Hood’s father, David Hood, was a founding member of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. This studio, tucked away in the northern part of the state, has played host to such acts as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Bob Seger, The Rolling Stones and Alice in Chains, among many others.

“I’m really proud of that,” Hood said when asked about his music possessing the Muscle Shoals sound. “I’ve got pretty eclectic tastes, and our music draws from a pretty deep well of country, blues, punk, and to some extent, R&B and arena rock.”

The tag of “Southern rock band” has followed Drive-By Truckers since their 2003 release of Southern Rock Opera, which was a concept album that used the rise and literal fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd as a means of analyzing the cultural deterioration of the South during the 1970s. But, as the band has grown and aged gracefully, more of their roots have become apparent through the albums they have produced.

However, the lone, unchanging characteristic of the band that has remained has been the ability to write lyrics that tell stories of heartache, joy, triumph and loss. They paint vivid, realistic pictures of the South through song, which may explain their being considered a Southern rock band. No other band has come close to hashing out and explaining the duality of life in the Deep South, that feeling of being born “with one foot in the grave, and one foot on the pedal,” as Hood once wrote.

“I’m influenced more so by literature and film than music,” Hood said. “I almost feel pompous agreeing with the notion that our lyrics could even be as considered literature, but our songs tend to tell stories.

“I’m a big fan of Cooley’s lyrics,” Hood continued. “He always came at it from more of a musical angle than I did in the beginning. But, we’ve been playing and writing together for almost 25 years, and I’ve really learned to put a greater musical emphasis on what we do.”

Otto’s is at 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. This 21-and-older show is slated to start at 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at ottosdekalb.com or by calling (815) 758-2715.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Theater Review: Oklahoma!: ‘Oh, what a beautiful evening’

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Bill Beard

I humbly confess I have often sworn I would be perfectly happy if I never had to sit through the musical Oklahoma! again! So, what happens? Here I am…after loving the Timber Lake Playhouse production of Chicago earlier this month, and after having severe storm weather cause their Steel Magnolias to be canceled the night I tried to see it…here I am, sitting, waiting for the overture of yet another performance of Oklahoma!, the show that is considered the “birth” of the modern American musical, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first big Broadway hit; and guess what? I’m absolutely thrilled to be here.

The show is, of course, the same. A story of early mid-America; where the farmers and the ranchers are still arch rivals for control of the territory that is about to become the new state of Oklahoma.

Based on Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, and bursting with the joy and fun and enthusiasm of the love story between a determined cowboy and a spirited farm girl, Oklahoma! opened in 1943 and ran for 2,212 performances. It is still one of the most often produced of the “good old” traditional musicals.

This year’s troupe is proving to be consistently excellent. Timber Lake is one of those wonderful old-fashioned summer theaters that hires a “resident” company of actor-singer-dancers who actually “reside” right there at the venue. With a “campus” surrounding the theater itself, with cabins, dining facilities, rehearsal spaces and all the accoutrements necessary to produce a season of six major productions plus two children’s shows, many of the regulars are here for the whole summer, playing various roles, some big, some small, and working in all phases of the operation.

Par example, Oklahoma!’s beautiful leading ladies, Lauren Omelson as Laurey, and Kara Konken as Ado Annie, were both cell block tango girls in Chicago—and both were excellent, and now they are playing the major female leads, and are first-rate again. Ms. Omelson has a gorgeous singing voice and is a fine actress; and Ms. Konken is a terrific comic and also an accomplished singer. Further, they are both splendid dancers, à la Laurey’s dance in Out of My Dreams.

The other ensemble ladies were wonderful. Erin Schuppert’s Gertie Cummings had the requisite cackle laugh; and the singing/dancing talents of Kelsey Andres, Brittany Martin, Stephanie Elzea and Andrea Leach provided a consistent professionalism at all times. Ms. Leach is just as magnetic as a chorus dancer as she was as Velma in Chicago. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.

The role of Aunt Eller, a sort of peacemaker of the group, is played by Samantha Barboza, who makes the character her very own. She seems to have matured since playing Mama Morton, and her Aunt Eller grows more comfortable and loveable as the evening progresses. She is nicely balanced by the superb John Chase, in the role of Andrew Carnes, Ado Annie’s shotgun-toting father, who serves as a kind of defender of the farmers.

The four major male roles are each individually different in character. Phillip Black made an excellent switch from the slick Billy Flynn in Chicago, to the delightful Ali Hakim, the peddler man in Oklahoma!; but Ali needs to be even more outlandish, more bizarre, more fun.

The two would-be paramours are Jay Ellis as Curly, determined to marry Laurey, but whose “bull in a China closet” rambunctiousness keeps getting him into trouble; and Tyler Smith, just back from Kansas City and ready to lasso Ado Annie. Neither is really physically right for his role, but both have strong characterizations, with fine voices and genuine enthusiasm. Mr. Smith’s strengths are his dancing and his comedy sense; Mr. Ellis handled the heavy scenes with the villain, Jud Fry, very well, but he needs more nuance, more sensibility, in his delivery of both lines and lyrics.

Although Braxton Molinara, from Kenosha, Wis., via North Carolina School of the Arts, at first seemed an odd casting in the roll of Jud Fry, he steadily proved his characterization to be creatively conceived and consistently developed. He made an often overdone character into an almost likeable villain.

Question: Who is Will Taylor? The program says “Guest Choreographer, from New York…Mr. Taylor will be creating the dances for this summer’s Oklahoma!” Frankly, I don’t think that covers the subject. I think Will Taylor is a genius! This man’s choreography is a major reason why I loved this production. It is fresh! It is ambitious! It is demanding of the performer! It is a delight to watch!

And in addition to the ladies mentioned earlier, the five male chorus dancers were fantastic as well: Wes Drummond, Trevor Leaderbrand, Jacob Lacopo, Daniel W. Switzer and Jeffrey Fenoglio, along with the agile Tyler Smith, comprised a dance team of extraordinary talent and prowess. Mr. Taylor’s choreography for these men was nothing short of brilliant, as in the “Kansas City” number, and “It’s An Outrage,” and the Act II opener, “The Farmer and the Cowman can be Friends,” for the whole company. For that matter, his work throughout the whole show was extraordinary, including, of course, the extended and complex “Ballet” (Laurey’s Dream).

Artistic Director James Beaudry is to be congratulated on the addition of Mr. Taylor to the Timber Lake Playhouse staff.

Obviously, I recommend this show enthusiastically! It’s a little over an hour’s drive. Oklahoma! runs through July 11. Call now: (815) 244-2035 or go online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Museum offers Italian Cut-Work class

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

Join the Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., every Sunday through November from 2 to 4 p.m. to view some of the most outstanding forms of Italian needlework in the “Summer Weddings: Italian Style” display. Stop by from 2 to 4 p.m., July 11, for a special event with Dorothy Ferraro Noble explaining and showing how the famous Italian Cut-Work style of needlework is done.

Museum admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Info: (815) 962-7402.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Hanging Out in Rockford: One last column—dreaming

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Mike Leifheit
Columnist

I’m sitting at my little bar. Frank Schier is at my big bar, but only about one or two stools away from me. We are conversing with a friend of ours. The friend, who spends a lot of time on the computer, raises the subject of my no longer writing for The Rock River Times. He says people are speculating on Craigslist about why I am no longer putting out a column every week.

Some of them thought Frank had finally gotten tired of my BS. (Could be some truth to that, sometimes I get tired of his, too.) There was another something-something, equally ridiculous. I remember Frank smirked about whatever it was. People will always speculate about things. Usually when they do, they are wrong.

The TV folks are getting out of their van. They are in a big rush. I am sitting with two friends who are having sausage and peppers for lunch in the sidewalk café. I overhear the crew saying something about the oil spill affecting seafood. I almost choke on my Coca-Cola. I predict to my friends that they will probably get everything wrong. I decide to stay out of it. The television crew rushes breathlessly by with a ton of equipment.

When you get to be an old guy, you get to see a lot of things twice. Sometimes, you even get to see them three times or four times. When I first opened (fairly successfully) in my present location 20 years ago, we were the subject of a news story. One of the television stations came to the new Irish Rose. At the time, there was a lot of turmoil about the perceived relative value of the east and west sides of downtown.

The announcer asked me if I would have done what I did on the west side. I said no. She questioned me again, rephrasing it as, “On the other side of the river.” I said, “Oh! I thought you said the west side. To me, the west side is the city-county building west. Downtown is downtown. Of course I would have done this on the other side of the river—it is still downtown!”

That night, I saw myself on television saying I wouldn’t have done this on the west side—period. But they had an agenda. They wanted the people to know the west side wasn’t as good as the east side. And they didn’t care who they had to misquote to prove it. It was their perceived problem, and they wanted you to know about it. They were doing good, or journalism, or something.

Oh, by the way. We took shrimp and swordfish off the menu at the Rose three or four months ago. Before there was a spill! We did it over issues of sustainability and freshness. I had decided after seeing a number of chefs across the country move in the direction of fresh, sustainable fish, to give it a try myself.

It started with being criticized for having shark on my menu when it was endangered. When I checked the Internet, I found out my guest was right. Shark was endangered. I immediately took it off the menu. Soon after that, shrimp and swordfish followed the same path to destruction on the Irish Rose menu board, as did everything frozen.

See, they got it all wrong. In fact, restaurants in the Gulf are still selling seafood. They are having it tested, and so far, no ill effects. They got it wrong about Denny Clement, too. (Twenty years ago, Dennis crafted the windows in the Irish Rose. He was one of the people without whom I would never have reopened.) Something that wouldn’t even have made the paper got blown out of proportion and turned into negativity about downtown. And Dennis had nothing to do with it. I thought he responded like a champ. I leave a message on his phone. “Congratulations, you acted like the only adult in the crowd.” Like I said, people will always speculate about things. Usually when they do, they are wrong.

I dream of the day when we will all talk positively about our wonderful little downtown. I dream of the day when Craigslist is as good a place to find out about restaurants as it is to buy a motorcycle or find a hooker. I dream of the day when we will all have health insurance as good as our representatives in Washington. But I am a dreamer.

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

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Songs and Scenes: A week of flashbacks–in three parts

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Jonathan Hicks
Staff Writer

One

One of my favorite artists is a guy by the name of Butch Walker. Late last week, I was listening to his 2008 album, Sycamore Meadows, as I do regularly. In one of his songs, he penned the lyric “I finally know the difference between going back and going home.” It is a line I find significant in a variety of ways, applicable to a multitude of situations.

Walker effectively tells the story of his life, diagramming the places he has been and the perspective he has gained. The song was released two years ago, but in it, I continue to find personal meaning. It inspires me to reflect back on the place I am from, the places I have been, and the places I still want to reach.

Two

Another of my favorite artists is Taking Back Sunday. Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to find myself at my favorite concert venue—the Metro in Chicago—to see the New York natives play. As with many bands, TBS has experienced much tumult, with members coming and going. Apparently the five original groupmates felt inspired to return to their roots, as the band recently reunited their original lineup for the first time in a decade. I was on the front rail at the Metro for their triumphant return to the Windy City.

It was a beautiful reunion. The band seemed more cohesive than ever, laughing onstage, clearly having a great time in each other’s company. Though years ago they had apparently not always seen eye to eye personally or artistically, they had reached a point where it no longer mattered.

As for me, it was the first time in a couple of years that I was on the rail for such a raucous show. You see, I spent my late teens and early 20s going to the Metro and other small venues to see intense punk shows. Bands like Showoff, Allister, Mest, Fall Out Boy, Spitalfield, Third Eye Blind, Green Day, Gravity Kills, Sugarcult and The Living End shaped who I am. Most of those groups have disbanded in recent years, and I had feared they had taken part of me away with them. But last weekend, I jumped and sang and screamed while those around me moshed and crowd surfed. This temporary community of fans shared songs and sweat, bonded by our love for music. For an hour and 40 minutes, it felt like the old days—days I feared had passed. It was incredibly calming and reassuring to know that part of me is still there.

Three

Though I have spent the last couple years as primarily an environmental/nature writer for The Rock River Times, my first love was actually as a rock journalist. From the time I was the editor of The Valley Forge, the student newspaper at Rock Valley College, to my tenure at Western Illinois University’s Western Courier, music was my primary focus. I was fortunate enough to cover many of my favorite bands, and made lifelong friends in the process.

More recently, I all but abandoned rock journalism. I found it increasingly trivial, perhaps the result of the fact that much of the music being released just didn’t inspire me the way it used to. How could I write about artists who themselves seemed to have very little to say?

Today, after a full five years as a TRRT contributor, I find myself once again sufficiently inspired to talk about musical notes and notes about music. I haven’t moved from my desk, but I am returning to my roots. And as Butch Walker and Taking Back Sunday both reminded me this week, going back isn’t going backward.

It’s good to be home.

Until next time…

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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RAM Talks Art: Alchemy and Image children’s programming

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Carrie Breitbach
Education Director, Rockford Art Museum

Summer is half over. (I hate to start anything off with a negative, but let’s face it, summer is half over.) Teachers are starting to perspire with anxiety that the school year is almost upon them again, but I can guarantee the kids are still at the pools, playing in camps and riding their bikes. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to give you more information about how to keep your kids busy and learning for the remainder of the summer.

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) offers two more children’s programs based on our current feature exhibition—and a Superhero Training Camp!—at the tail end of the summer. The exhibition, Alchemy and Image, features nationally-known Magic Realism artists T.L. Solien, Fred Stonehouse and John Wilde, and remains on display through Aug. 29.

The first class, “Who’s Your Mummy?” (July 17, for ages 6 and older), focuses on the history behind mummies and the symbols that ancient Egyptians used to decorate them. Kids get to create life-size mummies and decorate them however they wish. Mummies or the pool? No question…mummies.

The last class, “Mixing Up Magic: Invisible Ink Potions” (Aug. 21, for ages 5 and older) lets students become little Harry Potters by stirring up invisible ink concoctions to paint onto paper, then learning how to expose the scene. No finger-painting here; we combine art and magic for a Saturday afternoon of good, old-fashioned fun.

Finally, RAM teams with Rockford Dance Company and Discovery Center to debut a super-creative day camp focused on the arts and sciences: Superhero Training Camp (Aug. 9-13, for ages 8-11). This weeklong training camp allows kids to create their very own superhero that reflects them. During this week, kids will design costumes and create logos to distinguish their character. Then, it’s time to learn what special powers they have by experimenting with X-ray vision, laser powers and invisibility. We will then focus on conditioning the kids to use their bodies for fierce moves and poses that will round out their own personal superhero. And they’ll show off all they’ve learned and created in a final performance on the last day of camp. (Mind you, this class is only for kids. Please refrain from signing up if you are 12 and older…I’m not kidding.)

So, if you are reading this, and you want your kids to get off the couch and stop playing video games, call us and register them for some fun art programs.

To register for classes or the camp, call RAM at (815) 972-2874. Questions? Check out our Web site at www.rockfordartmuseum.org. (For the direct link, click on “Education” and go to “Classes/Lectures.”)

Contact Rockford Art Museum Education Director Carrie Breitbach at cbreitbach@rockfordartmuseum.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Tube Talk: Old and new summer series

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Paula Hendrickson
Contributing Writer

Summer viewing heats up even more this week with the season openers of several new shows. Some are new, others are old favorites.

Fans of The Closer can expect a couple of changes when the series returns to TNT July 12. First, Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) and her team of detectives are moving to an office in a new, high-tech building filled with security gadgets that are guaranteed to annoy Brenda, and Lt. Provenza (G.W. Bailey), too, no doubt. Second, the cute little kitten Brenda’s husband gave her at the end of last season? It’s grown into a big cat.

Another hot cable series returning soon is White Collar, starring Matt Bomer as criminal mastermind Neal Caffrey who got out of prison by striking a deal to help the FBI track other criminals. Tim DeKay plays Peter Burke, the agent he’s partnered with. Last season ended with Caffrey’s girlfriend dying in an airplane explosion. The new season starts with Caffrey hunting down who killed her.

There are several promising new shows this summer, too. Here are a few you might want to check out:

→ The Choir—If you like Glee, you’ll probably enjoy this award-winning British reality series on BBC America. Instead of being a competition like last December’s The Sing-Off, The Choir is more like a docu-soap. You follow choirmaster Gareth Malone as he recruits and trains a rag-tag group of singers—much how Mr. Schue rounded up members for the show choir on Glee. You become invested in the singers as they rehearse—building both their musical skills and their confidence—and compete against other choirs.

→ The Glades—A&E’s new dramatic series follows disgraced Chicago cop Jim Longworth (played by Australian actor Matt Passmore) to sleepy little Palm Glades, Fla., and his new job with the state police. Longworth realizes life won’t be so easy in the Sunshine State when bodies start popping up every time he tries to squeeze in a round of golf.

→ Covert Affairs—USA’s newest scripted series debuts immediately following White Collar. The new show pairs novice CIA agent Annie Walker (Piper Perabo from The Prestige, The Lazarus Project) with Auggie Anderson (Ugly Betty’s Christopher Gorham), a blind tech expert who coaches her through her first field assignments. The cast includes other familiar faces: Peter Gallagher (also doing a guest stint on FX’s Rescue Me this summer) and Kari Matchett (Invasion, ER) as Annie’s married-but-feuding bosses, Sendhil Ramamurthy (Heroes) as a flirtatious fellow agent, and Anne Dudek (House, Mad Men) as Annie’s sister.

With these shows and more to choose from, that old notion that there’s never anything but reruns on TV during the summer seems to be a thing of the past.

Programming notes

The Choir premieres Wednesday, July 7, on BBC America at 9 p.m.

The Glades premieres Sunday, July 11, on A&E at 9 p.m.

The Closer returns Monday, July 12, on TNT at 8 p.m.

White Collar returns Tuesday, July 13, on USA at 8 p.m.

Covert Affairs premieres Tuesday, July 13, on USA at 9 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 July 7-13, 2010 issue

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The Second Half: Challenges: Diamonds in the rough?

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Kathleen D. Tresemer
Columnist

In our Second Half of life, we have challenges. How we prepare for them, handle ’em, and otherwise view them makes a difference in both attitude and outcome. But many of my Second Half pals are exhibiting fears about this subject, and some intriguing ways of dealing with them.

One 50-something pal suggested astrology: “It’s logical to assume that nature and the universe impact our lives. Why not prepare for—or maybe avoid—some of these challenges through astrology?”

OK, so I now receive a daily horoscope in my morning e-mail. What could it hurt? Check out this excerpt from my planetary overview for today from Astrocenter.com:

“…You may experience anger or challenges from others, but this can be a healing experience if you look for a deeper meaning. Spiritually, there are many opportunities for growth and renewal now if you can stay open and flexible.”

Being open and flexible is almost always good advice…I’ll take it.

I found some rather grim research, originally published at www.medicalnewstoday.com, presenting the 10 Most Common Medical Challenges Facing Baby Boomers. Here’s their list, and it’s a bummer:

1. Functional decline: The USDA reports our bodies lose 1 percent of muscle mass a year beginning at age 45.

“The only recourse is to exercise,” says Yoga Master Rachel Bixby of Lazy Dog Yoga Studio in Roscoe, “This deterioration can certainly be reversed, but it requires dedication and respect for your body. Consistency is more important than how hard you push yourself.”

At first, I feel like the tortoise chasing the hare…then I remember who WON! Call Rachel at (815) 703-3384 for a consultation.

2. Depression: Major change can cause depression, and we are constantly changing in ways we don’t like during our Second Half. In seniors, depression is subtle: apathy, sleep disorder, general aches and pains. “Everybody I know must be depressed,” a pal exclaimed. “I’ve taken to carrying Snickers bars in my purse and distributing them at every social event!”

3. Disease: Age-related diseases—blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism, constipation, incontinence and arthritis—are best addressed with preventive measures. Pick any health-related area, and start obliterating it with diet, exercise, supplements or voodoo—just start before the damage is too severe to reverse. Please…just don’t pretend you aren’t suffering or at risk!

4. Polypharmacy: Term used for the number of prescription and OTC medications seniors take. Talk to your doctor about reducing the number of meds you take and review No. 3 again.

5. Falls: Dizziness from medications or medical conditions can cause a general loss of balance in our Second Half, and then we fall down and hurt ourselves. Some non- medical aids that have a solid impact in improving balance: tai chi and yoga. Visit http://balance.lifetips.com and http://www.brighthub.com/health/fitness/articles/18186.aspx for info about improving your balance with simple exercises.

6. Abuse and neglect: Don’t exclude self-neglect here…you can fix that today!

7. Financial exploitation: An extension of No. 6, vulnerable seniors easily become victims of caregivers or family members. See No. 9 for more.

8. Dementia: Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans older than 65. But there are new medications that help improve quality of life and slow down the ravages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, so, don’t wait if you think you are struggling too hard to process information or remember things…go see your doctor!

9. Caregiver burnout: Caregiver burden—caring for sick parents and spouses, or raising grandkids—can lead to depression and other stress-related illnesses. If you find yourself in this situation, consult the experts at places like Lifescape Community Services. Lifescape is the largest agency in northwestern Illinois serving older adults, families and caregivers in Winnebago, Boone, Lee and Ogle counties. Whether a person needs a nutritious meal, help completing complicated paperwork, assistance in paying bills, adult daycare or a volunteer opportunity, they can help. Find them at 705 Kilburn Ave. in Rockford, call (815) 963-1609, or visit them on the Web at: http://www.lifescapeservices.org/. They are amazing!

10. Death and dying: Decide how you want to live out the end of your life and how you want to die—now WRITE IT DOWN! Next, tell your kids, your siblings, your doctor and lawyer, and give copies of your wishes to them. Simple, right?

“Growing old is not for the weak of character,” a Second Half pal told me sagely. “Now, go spend every cent you have on yourselves, while you can still enjoy it!” Then, she left me for exotic destinations, in the company of her frugal, but fun-loving, husband.

“If I had a pot of money,” I grumbled, “that is what I’d do.”

Instead, I’m checking out Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel), the not-for-profit travel organization. Their mission: to empower adults to explore the world’s places, peoples, cultures and ideas, and in so doing to discover more about themselves. Visit their Web site at http://www.roadscholar.org/.

For local fun, I’m looking for classes in exotic topics or day trips to fascinating locations, so I head to CLR (Center for Learning in Retirement) over at RVC. The choices are just amazing, and if you can’t find something of interest, “You ain’t trying!” Visit their Web site at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/clr or call for a catalog: (815) 921-3931. Better yet, attend the CLR Annual Meeting at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 4, at the RVC Starlight Theatre.

Remember: intense pressure turns common carbon into DIAMONDS, and we are carbon-based beings, after all. Those senior challenges are no excuse to give up. Sing it, folks: “Diamonds are a geezer’s best friend!”

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

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Summer cooling program utility assistance

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the City of Rockford Human Services Department, will again be offering a summer cooling program to assist qualified Winnebago and Boone County households with their electric bill.

The program will target at-risk households, defined as seniors age 60 or older, or people with disabilities (SSI or pending case with the Social Security Administration), or households that contain children less than 36 months of age, or those with medical conditions that would be aggravated by extreme heat. To qualify, those at-risk households must have incomes equal to or less than 150 percent of the poverty level as defined in the 2005 HHS Poverty Guidelines.

The Summer Energy Assistance payments will be $150 paid directly to the resident’s electric provider.

The program will begin July 19 and will end July 30 or earlier if funds are exhausted.

Following is a list of sites where the program will be offered. Call the sites for appointment information.  For general questions regarding the program, call (815) 987-5711.

2010 Intake Sites for Summer Cooling
For seniors living in Winnebago County:

Lifescape Community Services
705 Kilburn Ave., Rockford
(815) 963-1609

Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA)
2576 Charles St., Rockford
(815) 226-4901

Rep. Chuck Jefferson’s Office
State of Illinois Building
200 S. Wyman St., Rockford
(815) 987-7433

For seniors living in Boone County:

Keen Age Center
2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere.
(815) 544-9893

For residents of Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit:

Rockton Township
1315 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton
(815) 624-7788

For residents of Boone and Winnebago County with disabled households, those with children under 36 months, and those with qualifying medical need:

City of Rockford Human Services Dept.
Community Services Division
555 N. Court St., Rockford
(815) 987-5711

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Park District offers summer swimming lessons

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

A few years back, my brother and his wife had a nice, large, in-ground swimming pool installed in their back yard. Every summer since, our family has enjoyed many hot summer hours lounging and swimming in that pool.

I recall during that first summer my youngest daughter Meredith wasn’t able to touch the bottom of their pool. She was timid and often spent most of the time in the water, clinging to me or to the sides of the pool. That was then.

Time has certainly changed things. Now, it’s like she has evolved into Flipper. She’s constantly underwater, diving for submerged pool toys. Or, it’s, “Hey, Dad, watch me do this handstand!” This year, she can actually swim from one end of the pool to the other. It’s a good feeling for a parent to have a child who is comfortable around water.

If your child hasn’t gotten to that point, I’d like to suggest this be the summer you give them the gift of swimming lessons. You won’t regret it.

The Rockford Park District offers an enhanced swimming lesson program with a quality format, while emphasizing fun for your children. The primary goal of their program is to teach young children to swim well enough to be safe in and around the water, and to introduce fundamental swimming skills. Lessons are offered at Alpine, Harkins and Sand Park pools.

Bubble Club (6 months-age 3) includes basic water orientation skills led by a Park District instructor, but taught by you. Parents must accompany children in the water. Taught in the main pool, this is a great opportunity for parents and toddlers to enjoy the water together. The primary goal is to get young children more comfortable around the water and to begin learning critical skills of the Learn to Swim program.

Tiny Tots (ages 3-5) is a continuation of Bubble Club; however, parents are not in the water, but close by. In this level, children learn supported floats and basic locomotion. Your child will also learn to feel safe in the water without parents. This program is primarily taught in the wading pool with lots of toys and games.

Learn to Swim (ages 5-17)—In this program, children begin learning foundational swimming skills, and ultimately how to swim by themselves. On the first day of class, students are placed in the most appropriate of five levels, based on the swimmer’s ability. Children must be able to enter the water and participate on their own. Each level has a specific set of objectives to achieve before moving to the next level. Classes are taught in the main pool in at least 4 feet of water. All levels are taught in a positive and fun atmosphere. Levels 1 through 4 include water exploration, primary skills, stroke readiness and stroke development. Level 5 will emphasize stroke refinement and prepare youth for higher levels of swimming.

Just in case you’ve reached adulthood and still are a little sketchy on your own swimming skills, the Rockford Park District also offers an adult Learn to Swim program. Contact the Aquatics Office at (815) 987-8793 for more information.

There still are plenty of hot days to come this summer. Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy them in a cool, refreshing pool? I can guarantee it’s even more fun when your child gets comfortable in the water and yells, “Hey, Dad, watch this!”

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

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Pet Talk: Small rodents as pets

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University

Think of mice and men. Are they foe or friend? Not your customary selection for a pet, but with some insight and some guidance, you may be more receptive to the idea of a small rodent becoming a suitable pet for your family.

“Rats are probably the most social and interactive of the small rodents,” notes Dr. Sharman Hoppes, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

“Rats are gentle and seldom bite,” says Hoppes. “They are active during the day and are fairly easy to take care of. Rats don’t have special dietary needs or sensitive stomachs.”

Other small rodents, such as mice and hamsters, can nip more and tend to be active at night, notes Hoppes. Guinea pigs and chinchillas are gentle, sweet pets, but they have special dietary needs and all of their teeth continuously grow.

If handled gently, gerbils are unlikely to bite, explains Hoppes. They have few health problems, and are the cleanest of all the commonly-kept pet rodents.

To determine which pet rodent may be best for you, Hoppes suggests you evaluate your expectations.

“If you want a social active pet that needs lots of attention and activity, a rat, chinchilla, or guinea pig is a great pet,” says Hoppes. “Rats are so social that they should not be housed alone.”

If you are more interested in observing your pet and don’t have as much time, a gerbil, hamster or mouse is an option; they are happy in their cage, notes Hoppes.

If you are a night owl, then hamsters may be best since they tend to sleep all day and run in their wheel all night.

“Rodents are animals and, therefore, require care,” states Hoppes. “All pet rodents need a large cage, chew toys, ladders, plastic or PVC pipe, and daily interaction. Their cage needs to be cleaned one to two times a week to keep ammonia levels down. Also, keeping the cage clean will help decrease the incidence of respiratory disease.”

“Paper bedding, aspen or walnut shavings are best,” notes Hoppes. “Corncob, pine and cedar shavings should not be used.”

Rodents need to have fresh water and food. Guinea pigs and chinchillas have a special need for unlimited timothy hay since they have continuously growing cheek teeth. The hay helps keep the teeth from overgrowing. Additionally, guinea pigs need vitamin C daily. All rodents can have a small amount of fruits and vegetables for treats. None of them needs seeds.

Chinchillas need daily dust baths, and they and guinea pigs are very sensitive to heat and humidity. Both can develop heatstroke in temperatures as low as 80-85 degrees, especially if the humidity is greater than 40 percent.

“Many rodents will get obese in captivity, so you should have exercise wheels, exercise balls, or a safe rodent-proof room to play in,” notes Hoppes.

“Pet rodents do not need vaccinations,” says Hoppes. “There are few diseases to be concerned with, and while salmonella infection has been documented, it is rare. Rat bite fever, caused by a bacterial infection, may occur secondary to a rat bite. It can be prevented by immediately disinfecting any rat bite wound.”

It is important to keep pet rats away from wild rats and to wash your hands after handling any small mammal. Guinea pigs and chinchillas are susceptible to ring worm, so any hair loss or scaly, patchy areas on their skin should be seen by a veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

“When picking out a pet rodent, you should select an active, social rodent with clean eyes, clean nose and normal teeth,” Hoppes says. “The skin should be well groomed and clean. Their feces should be well formed. There should be no lumps or bumps on their skin. Rats are prone to mammary tumors and hamsters often have diarrhea (wet tail). Many rodents are prone to respiratory disease.”

The life span of pet rodents varies. Mice and hamsters live one to two years, rats two to three years, gerbils three to five years, guinea pigs five to seven years, and chinchillas live eight to 12 years or longer.

“Small rodents should not be pets for small children,” notes Hoppes. “Children less than 10 years old should be supervised closely when handling small rodents. The care and monitoring of any pet is ultimately the parent’s responsibility.”

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 July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Sixth Annual NT and JT Bocce Tournament July 10

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

Looking to help your neighbor, but have some fun at the same time? Bocce players of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up for the Sixth Annual NT and JT Bocce Tournament, to be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 10, at the St. Ambrogio Society, 802 Montague St., Rockford.

“There are so many families in need in our area, especially right now,” said John Terranova, event founder. “Since its inception, our tournament has raised over $20,000, helping local organizations. This year’s proceeds will be divided between Rockford MELD, which provides information, education and support for local youth and families; and St. Anthony of Padua Parish, which uses the monies to help local families on Rockford’s southwest side. It is our goal this year to raise as much money as possible to give back to our community and help even more people.”

The tournament is still soliciting teams, and amateurs are welcome.

“This event is more about fun than anything else,” Terranova added. “We want to encourage folks to come out, join us, and let’s raise some money for families at the same time.”

Each team consists of two men and two women, and participants can sign up together or individually to be assigned to a team. Team fee is $100 ($25 per person) and includes play, dinner and the admission to the evening’s entertainment by Vito Zatto. The event also includes games, a 50/50 raffle and a prize raffle, as well as a silent auction.

Dinner and entertainment begin at 6 p.m., and those who wish to attend just this portion of the evening can do so for $25 per couple or singles for $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Donations are being accepted for the, prize raffle and silent auction. Cash donations will also be accepted. The NT and JT Bocce Tournament is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. For more information, contact John Terranova at (815) 282-6530, or visit www.helpingkidsandfamilies.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Magic Waters’ Habitat for Humanity FUN-draiser July 12

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries and its member churches invite the public to Magic Waters for a Habitat for Humanity FUN-draiser from 5:15 to 9 p.m., Monday, July 12. Ticket prices, which include tube rental, are $7 in advance and $8 at the door (cash or check only). Children 2 years old and younger are free.

Tickets can be purchased at the Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries office, 115 N. Wyman St., at area Evangelical Lutheran Church in America churches, and at the gate the evening of July 12. Families may bring a picnic supper or purchase food from the concessions. No alcohol or glass containers are allowed.

In case of inclement weather, a rain date has been set for Monday, July 19. Check the Lutheran Ministries Web site, RockfordLutheranMinistries.com, by 3 p.m., July 12, if weather is threatening. Cleck the “Click Here for Special Events” link to see if the event has been postponed, or call the Lutheran Ministries office, (815) 962-4279.

Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries, a coalition of 20 area Lutheran churches, is sponsoring the event to raise funds for Habitat construction in Rockford. By year’s end, area Lutherans will have constructed 13 homes in Rockford and contributed more than $176,000 to local Habitat efforts in the past 10 years.

For more ticket information, contact Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries at (815) 962-4279 or RALMmail@aol.com.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Freeport Park District offers upcoming events

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press releases

Freeport Park District has a number of classes and programs available this summer. Sign up now for:

Youth Tennis Lessons—July 26-30. This class is for youth ages 4-10 years and provides a solid foundation to maximize skill improvement and enjoyment. Instruction includes hand-eye coordination, racket skills and stroke production, with emphasis on ground strokes, serves, returns and volleys. Court position, scoring and singles and doubles are introduced.

Lessons are on Mon. & Wed. at 11 a.m. to noon or 5:30-6:30 p.m. and begin Aug. 2-18, at the Read Park Tennis Courts. Register by July 30 by calling (815) 235-6114, ext. 0 to charge by phone (Discover, Visa or MasterCard) or visit the Read Park office. Registrations may also be made at the Web site at www.freeportparkdistrict.org. Fee is residents $40, non-residents $45. Call 235-6114, ext. 109 for schedule details.

Roller Skating Lessons. Join Linda Simler at the State Station (7016 US Rt. 20) for roller skating lessons,7-8 p.m. Mondays, beginning July 26-Aug. 16. Parents skate with your child during the practice time after every lesson. Open to children ages 5-18 years. Register by July 23 by calling the Freeport Park Districdt at (815) 235-6114, ext. 0 to charge by phone (Discover, Visa or MasterCard) or visit the Read Park office at 1122 S. Burchard Ave. You may also register online at www.freeportparkdistrict.org. The fee is $20 for Park District residents, $25 for non-residents. For more info, call 235-6114, ext. 109.

Discover Paddling. A selection of different styles and sizes of kayaks will be available for use at this popular introduction to paddling. Professionals from Paddle and Trail, Inc. will demonstrate getting in the boat (and staying in), correct paddle maneuvers and safety tips. Great opportunity for experienced and novice paddlers, Saturday, July 24 and again Aug. 28, 1-4 p.m. at Krape Park Boat Docks. Fee is $8/person (18 years and older). Those younger than 18 must be with a guardian and comfortable in the water. Call the Freeport Park District at (815) 235-6114, ext. 109 or stop at the Read Park office. Also, see the Web site at www.freeportparkdistrict.org.

Fusion Fest. Freeport Park District teams up with the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce to bring you Fusion Games, which include 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Wiffle Ball Tournament and Skateboard Tournament, all in one location. Read Park will host Fusion Games on Saturday, Aug. 7. 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament begins at noon at Read Park Basketball Courts. Fee is $15/team and includes free T-shirts to pre-registered participants. Skateboarding competition begins at noon at Read Park SK8 Park. $10/participant and includes free T-shirt for pre-registered participants. Wiffle Ball Invasion at Little Cubs Field (1160 W. Empire & Read Park Baseball Diamonds). $120/team (up to 10 players). Tournament T-shirts for all roster players. Ages 16 and older. Pool play with top two teams in each pool advancing to bracketed tournament. Semi-final and championship played on Little Cubs Field. Home Run Derby. Call (815) 235-6114, ext. 109 for more information, or www.freeportparkdistrict.org or the Freeport Area Chamber of commerce at (815) 233-1350 or www.freeportilchamber.com.

Freeport Park District Major League Baseball Bus Trips. Cubs vs. Phillies 7/17; fee $85 residents, $90 non-residents. White Sox vs. Yankees, 8/28; fee $85 residents, $90 non-residents. Pre-registration required. For game times and bus departure time, please call the Freeport Park District office at (815) 235-6114, ext. 109.

Drawing Basics. Join local artist Rick Sherman of Sherman Art as he teaches an all-ages class on the basics of drawing. You will be thrilled with your new skills when you draw your friends as a caricature or as a superhero. Classes held in the MOGLE Center at Oakdale on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 11-20. Register by Aug. 4. For more info, call (815) 235-6114, ext. 115. Fee is $50 for residents, $57 for non-residents. Registrations can be made over the phone with MasterCard, Discover or Visa, or you can stop by the office at 1122 S. Burchard or visit the Web site at www.freeportparkdistrict.org to register online.

Glow-In-The-Dark Miniature Golf. Head out to Krape Park for a special evening of Glow-In-The-Dark Miniature Golf. The Yellow Creek Adventure Golf Course will be decorated for the evening in bright neon lights. Golfers will receive a glowing golf ball that they will attempt to hit into the glowing holes. The fun takes place Friday, July 9, and again Aug. 6 at 8:30-10 p.m. The fee is $3.50/person. Call (815) 235-6114, ext. 115 for more information or visit the Web site at www.freeportparkdistrict.org.

Jr. Tackle Cheerleading. Cheer on the Jr. Tackle football teams this year. Instructors will teach you the cheers before the games begin and will join you at each game. Cheerleaders will receive a T-shirt that is to be worn for each game as well as a hair bow with their team colors. This is for cheerleaders entering grades 5, 6 and 7. All practices and information on games will be announced at a later date. Register by Aug. 4 by calling the Freeport Park District at (815) 235-6114, ext. 0 to charge by phone (Discover, Visa or MasterCard) or visit the Read Park office. Registrations may also be made online at www.freeportparkdistrict.org. Fee is residents $37, non-residents $42. Call 235-6114, ext. 115 for more information.

Explorer Camp—for children ages 8-12 years. Campers will spend the day exploring nature and participating in cooperative games and activities in Krape Park. Activities include tie-dying camp T-shirts, making camp crafts, and taking advantage of all the amenities offered. Campers will also take weekly field trips as well as trips to the pool in Read Park. An adventurous and educational field trip will be offered each week. The next session begins July 19, and camp is held Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For those needing extended care, campers can be dropped off before regular camp hours and picked up after regular camp hours. Location: Krape Park Community Building. Weekly camp fees are $140 for residents, $161 for non-residents. Extended care is $30. For more information or to register, call the Freeport Park District at (815) 235-6114 using MasterCard, Visa or Discover, or stop by the Read Park office, 1122 S. Burchard Ave. Or register online at www.freeportparkdistrict.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Mt. Carroll, Ill., Chamber Garden Walk set for July 10

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

The Mt. Carroll Chamber of Commerce will hold its Sixth Annual Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 10. Enjoy the architectural beauty of Mt. Carroll while strolling through picturesque gardens! Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased downtown the day of the tour at the renovated Kraft Building, 320 N. Main St., which will serve as the starting point of the Garden Walk. For more information, call Diane Bausman, (815) 244-9788, or Pam Sorg, (815) 244-9246. The following gardens will be included:

Pat & Diane Bausman—601 S. Clay St.

Extensive use of stone hardscape and a tumbled brick paver sidewalk leads to a two-level deck accented to a pond. The landscaping is highlighted by hostas and other shade-loving plants. The large garden on the south lawn features many varieties of hostas, perennials, and annual plantings. Take time to check out the unique garden shed!

Tom & Pam Sorg—111 E. Broad St.

This garden occupies most of the back yard and is an example of raised bed gardening that allows close spacing, excellent drainage, and never requires a tiller. Twelve raised beds combine flowers and vegetables, all of which were raised from seed in the winter on a “bottom heat” table. The garden is fed from a pit compost system. Well-established berry and grape vines, grasses as well as handmade iron and wood trellises complete the picture.

Russell & Cheri Piper—307 E. Lincoln St.

From the new front porch, one’s eye is drawn across the expansive lawn to the well-kept woods where there are 175-plus varieties of hostas. Along the perimeter, you can follow these gems and other shade plants to the side and backyards to view the perennial, vegetable and sun gardens. Stroll the path in the woods to the deck built on a rock bluff showcasing the Waukarusa River. The limestone borders around the berms containing the hostas originate from the quarry on the property. Rock enthusiasts may also notice the granite and rose quartz boulders that were found on the property and are used as garden decorations. An example of water conservation is visible on the northwest corner of the house, where the Pipers collect 100 gallons of water from their gardens. Some visitors may wish to hike down to the Waukarusa to enjoy the wooded surroundings, which are in the DNR tree protection program.

Nancy Gmitro Prairie Restoration Project—15326 Meyers Rd.

Once two acres of alfalfa and timothy grass, this restored prairie started in 2005 as a blackened field. The next year, two shorter grasses, side oats gamma and little blue stem, were planted. Over the years, Wild Quinine, Rattlesnake Master and Butterfly Weed, to name a few, have joined them. This year, the Pale Purple Coneflower has finally appeared. A fairy garden joins the property’s five unexpected gardens. Follow the path off the deck to see the garden designed and planted with the help of granddaughters Megan and Kaitlyn. The miniature garden and buildings welcome the fairies every night when they come out to play.

Elaine & Gerard Morhardt—13446A West Point Rd.

As soon as you turn onto the lane, you feel welcomed by a path lined with hollyhocks, hydrangeas, hostas, lilies and garden art with an antique farm theme. The multiple gardens are in a beautiful farm setting and include perennial beds, two large vegetable gardens as well as a strawberry bed and grape arbor. Elaine starts all her own seeds, then transfers them to a makeshift greenhouse to thrive. She grows all types of vegetables on a large scale for canning and freezing. A sitting area with a gazebo overlooks the “frog pond” surrounded by ornamental watergrasses, plants and water iris. Check out the “Shade” in the shade garden, where you can walk on the many paths landscaped with achillea, bellflowers and sedum, and then cross the tree trunk bridge. The tree trunk sculptures are one of the most unusual attractions on this site.

Jerry & Sandy Cornelius—13841 Fulrath Mill Rd.

After only seven years in residence, this couple has established a beautifully-landscaped area located in a quiet country setting. The large driveway is lined with stunning stella d’oros and other perennials including blue salvia, blue pincushions and redbud trees. The butterfly garden is a great attraction decorated with charming garden art, lilacs, fleabane and a butterfly house. The recent addition to the yard is a striking landscape design along the hillside which curves around a patio. Local landscaper, Justin Foltz of Foltz Landscaping, used limestone and flagstone steps to outline this area and planted arborvitae, fountain grass, hydrangeas, cornflowers, silver mound and other perennials. The result is a perfect complement to the already attractive homestead.

Many vendors will be selling their products on the courthouse square including Dusty Roads Greenhouse (a Mayfest favorite) and the Soil & Water Conservation District will be selling rain barrels from 9 a.m.-noon. There will be a composting demonstration by a University of Illinois representative at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn Great Foods will celebrate their fifth anniversary in their new location at the Kraft Building by serving blueberry desserts from the Great Galena Cookery and pies from Karen’s Kitchen in Stockton and The Garden Eatery in Mt. Carroll, along with coffee from local roaster, Brother’s Keeper. Mary Roach will present an herb container gardening demonstration at the Farmers’ Market at 10 a.m. and noon. The Friends of the Library will have a Quilt Garden display at the Mt. Carroll Public Library, and quilts will be on display inside from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local retailers will offer luncheon specials and discounts on general merchandise.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Straight Shootin’: Ordinance vs. ordnance, Chicago style

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Eric R. Sonnenberg

Monday, June 28, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) released their decision on McDonald v. Chicago, siding with McDonald and against Chicago’s ban on handgun ownership. Their decision said the Second Amendment’s “right to keep and bear arms and that right shall not be infringed” applies equally to the federal government and at the state and municipal level. It expanded on the court’s ruling in Heller v. Washington, D.C., two years ago, allowing residents there to own a handgun. This decision was expected, as was Chicago’s almost immediate response.

Four days later, Friday, July 2, the Chicago City Council unanimously approved what they call the strictest handgun ordinance in the country. They were prepared to act fast because they knew the SCOTUS ruling would go against them because they knew their handgun ban was blatantly unconstitutional. This new ordinance:

→ Bans gun shops in the city of Chicago.

→ Prohibits gun owners from stepping outside their homes, even onto their porches or garages, with a handgun.

→ Limits the number of handguns a resident can register to one per month and prohibits residents from having more than one handgun in operating order at any given time.

→ Requires residents with children to keep handguns in lock boxes or equipped with trigger locks.

→ Requires residents convicted of a gun offense to register with the police.

→ Requires prospective gun owners to be fingerprinted and to take a four-hour class and one-hour training at a gun range, even though they will not allow that training to take place in Chicago.

→ Calls for the police department to maintain a registry of every registered handgun owner in the city.

→ Those who have handguns, illegal under the ban, would have 90 days from the day the ordinance is enacted to register those weapons.

Residents convicted of violating the ordinance face a fine of up to $5,000 and could be locked up for as long as 90 days for the first offense, and a fine of up to $10,000 and as long as six months behind bars for subsequent convictions.

How can anyone with a sliver of common sense believe all this will not infringe on our right to keep and bear arms? This is a blatant attempt by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (D) and his bootlicking and misguided city council to trample on our civil rights, ignore the Constitution of the United States, and subvert the ruling of the Supreme Court. If Daley and his henchmen spent half the time and trouble apprehending and severely punishing criminals who use a firearm as they do taking away our rights, we would be a lot better off. Banning gun shops in Chicago unfairly limits lawful commerce and effectively prohibits local residents from buying a gun when it is clearly legal for them to do so.

You knew Daley was going to throw every restriction and regulation at this ruling that he thinks he can get away with. He figures the more crappola he can hurl at his wall of obstruction, the more likely something may stick, and the longer it will take to scrape off. He will get away with it for a while because the law-abiding citizens of Chicago will do anything they have to do to protect themselves the best they can. These restrictions and regulations will not stand the test of time, however, and will certainly be challenged by gun rights advocates. Make no mistake, this ruling was a win for the good guys, but it will take a long time to shake out because the legal wrangling has just begun.

It is obvious criminals don’t give a hoot about these restrictions and regulations, so criminal activity and gun violence will not be reduced much. What will happen is an increase of instances where people will be able to protect themselves from criminal activity and gun violence, so that will be the only thing that may reduce crime. With this ruling, the innocent have at least been given a fighting chance to defend themselves. I know they will take that chance because, since about 9 a.m., June 28, my phone has been ringing off the hook from Chicago residents who have been waiting for 28 years to buy a gun so they can protect themselves.

Eric R. Sonnenberg is a Federal Firearms Licensed gun dealer who owns Forest City Firearms, 137 N. Chicago Ave., Rockford or online at www.forestcityfirearms.com. He can be reached at (815) 262-4279 or via e-mail to forestcityfirearms@comcast.net.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Faces the same despite changes among firms, municipalities

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Stuart R. Wahlin
Staff Writer

The more things change, the saying goes, the more they stay the same. The Village of Roscoe is a perfect example. Although Roscoe distanced itself in 2006 from Nicolosi & Associates by terminating the firm as legal counsel, the village continues to surround itself with the same circle of individuals that may have posed the alleged conflict of interest in the first place.

In December 2006, then-Village President Ward Sterett (I) cited an alleged conflict of interest having arisen from the law firm’s concurrent representation of Roscoe’s neighbor, the Village of Rockton. At the time, the municipalities were fighting over land to be annexed for RBR Trucking, and it was determined by the board that the firm should not be serving two masters with disputed borders.

Meantime, Nicolosi & Associates had also been awarded a $355,000 shared contract with Chicago-based Camiros, Ltd., for work related to development of the county’s 2030 land-use plan, which meant to Sterett that the firm was “involved in too many things.”

Sterett described the parting of ways as firing the firm before it could quit. Paul S. Nicolosi, a partner in the law firm and principal of the Buckley Companies, LLC, along with Gino Galluzzo, said, however, that his firm’s decision to end the relationship had nothing to do with an alleged conflict of interest. He also acknowledged that Kurlinkus had considered branching off for some time, and that it made sense for Kurlinkus to remain village attorney in Roscoe, while Nicolosi & Associates would bow out gracefully.

According to Sterett, the firm was being paid more than $100,000 per year as village counsel.

Although the firm’s loyalty had been decided in the matter, Galluzzo and Nicolosi found themselves under scrutiny back in Rockton, where mailers advertising Buckley retail properties in other communities were received by business owners in the village. Galluzzo publicly apologized for the incident, promising Rockton ZIP codes would be omitted from future Buckley solicitations. Another advertisement was mailed, however, allegedly before the Rockton ZIP codes were purged from Buckley’s distribution list. Galluzzo publicly apologized again, but it wasn’t the last time mailings sent through Buckley would cause a stir.

It was later learned political literature related to candidates for the 2007 Hononegah School District elections had anonymously originated from a postal meter number belonging to Buckley Construction. The mailer endorsed candidates Kurlinkus, Matt Kentner and Mary Lewis, while maligning a fourth candidate, Kim Hodges. Nicolosi told The Rock River Times the mailer had been commissioned by a third party he would not identify. Kurlinkus, Kentner and Lewis, who won after running as a slate against Hodges, denied any connection to the mailing.

An investigation into the origin of the anonymous political literature fizzled out after state officials estimated the cost of the mailer would likely have been below the $3,000 threshold at which a political committee must be formally established.

In 2007, the firm ended its relatively short relationship with the Village of Caledonia, too. In the spring of 2005, Nicolosi & Associates took over as attorneys for Caledonia. According to village documents, the firm earned $101,614 for the partial year as counsel. Total village revenues for 2005 were reported to be $220,582. The village’s levy ordinance estimated legal expenses of only $10,000 for that year, however, resulting in legal fees being paid from other program funds.

The firm was also reportedly paid $270,684.99 by developers for work related to the proposed Caledonia Crossings subdivision project. Meantime, however, the village has since been involved in arbitration with Bassett Management and Centex, which never proceeded with the subdivision, to recover $30,000 owed to local engineering firm McMahon Associates, Inc.

In 2007, while Aaron Szeto represented Nicolosi as village attorney, trustees debated the legality of increasing fees charged for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. At the time, Caledonia was inundated with such requests. Under law, an individual may not be charged for time spent compiling and copying the documents pursuant to FOIA. Soon after Szeto noted that the village may only charge the public for the printing cost of the requested copies, the Nicolosi firm withdrew as legal counsel for cash-strapped Caledonia.

Szeto is now employed by Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley and Van Evera, LLP.

Although some local attorneys have changed home bases recently, the overall complexion of municipal legal counsel in this growing area of Winnebago County remains relatively unchanged.

Roscoe’s penchant for Nicolosi, Buckley alumni

Fears of a potential conflict were averted when Kurlinkus, a longtime Nicolosi attorney and partner, ventured away from the firm to start his own practice. Kurlinkus, also president of the Hononegah School Board, later passed the practice’s reins on to his son as village attorney when Kurlinkus was appointed by State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato (D) to oversee the office’s civil division. Josef Kurlinkus, also a former Nicolosi & Associates employee, took over as Roscoe’s village attorney in 2009 at a cost of approximately $8,000 per month.

Previously, in 2007, Roscoe trustees underwent Open Meetings ACT (OMA) training at the suggestion of the Illinois Attorney General’s office after the elder Kurlinkus, Village President David Krienke (R), trustees Stan Smith and Scott Richardson, developer Andy Rhead and Rock River Water Reclamation District Director Steve Graceffa, a former board member, allegedly met behind closed doors to discuss village business. A quorum had been established by the presence of the board members within the Village Hall conference room, but the meeting occurred without public notice. Krienke described the OMA violation as inadvertent, noting the meeting was only intended to be among himself, Rhead and Kurlinkus.

The following year, the attorney general’s office also looked into allegations of another OMA violation in Roscoe, but the agency concluded there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Similar allegations were levied in 2009.

Nicolosi, meantime, still provides municipal counsel to Loves Park and Rockton. The firm’s partners, Nicolosi and Galluzzo, are also the top brass for its affiliate, the Buckley Companies.

Despite previous reservations regarding potentially conflicting interests, Roscoe trustees voted July 1 to approve the negotiation of a contract with Buckley to serve as a tax increment financing (TIF) district consultant for a proposed TIF district on the former Warner Electric Brake & Clutch site along McCurry Road. The area has been the focus of cleanup efforts led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since groundwater contamination was identified in the early 1980s. The cleanup appears to have neared completion, and a final remedy proposed by Warner will be reviewed by the EPA this summer.

Buckley, according to Krienke, would focus primarily on feasibility and eligibility studies, as well as the proposed TIF district’s redevelopment plan.

“That is, they will be doing the work of studying the site to determine if it fits the criteria for a TIF, and what increments may become available for redevelopment use,” Krienke added.

The Buckley principals are no strangers to the process of TIF creation. Their law firm witnessed the establishment of Loves Park’s first TIF district. Because city attorneys Galluzzo and Nicolosi, through Buckley, had a conflicting interest in the proposed district, Tom Green was brought in as outside TIF counsel for the project.

After receiving financial incentives through the issuance of bonds for the TIF, Buckley constructed a strip mall on the former sites of the Hollywood and Top Hat restaurants. Although tenants for the mall remain scarce, Loves Park is still banking on economic growth within the TIF, which is needed to offset the bond debt incurred to get the district started.

The law firm was also instrumental in the implementation of TIF in Rockton, but Roscoe still missed Nicolosi’s rising stars.

June 17, Roscoe trustees voted to hire another familiar face from the Nicolosi & Associates law firm. Former Nicolosi attorney Roxanne Sosnowski, now with Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley and Van Evera, LLP, was hired at a rate of $200 per hour to perform legal services related to the creation of the proposed TIF district.

Krienke explained: “Their services will include, among others, the drafting of ordinances, resolutions, notices, attending statutorily required hearings and meetings. They will also participate in negotiating and drafting the redevelopment agreement with the property developer and any required intergovernmental agreements that may go along with the project.  Essentially, all legal work pertaining to the project.”

For a village concerned in recent years with potential conflicts of interest, either real or perceived, Roscoe continues to keep the same company. Despite the prior relationships among the village, its past and present attorney, its TIF counsel and the proposed TIF consultant, Krienke stressed he has “full confidence in the integrity of our legal counsel and village consultants.”

Sosnowski, appointed in 2008 as an assistant prosecutor by Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier, also serves as campaign treasurer for her husband, Joe, who is running for state representative. Szeto serves as Sosnowski’s campaign chairman.

Mr. Buckley goes to Springfield?

Rockford Ald. Joe Sosnowski (R-2), seeking the seat being vacated by Rep. Ron Wait (R-69), is Buckley’s former vice president of commercial real estate. Sosnowski left the company in 2008 and accepted a director of institutional advancement position for fund-raising efforts on behalf of Rockford Christian Schools.

Despite this migration of former employees of Buckley and its affiliate, no hard feelings are apparent.

Earlier this year, the Sosnowski campaign received a $500 contribution from Zagreb, LLC, for which Nicolosi is listed as the LLC agent, according to state records. Representatives of Nicolosi & Associates, along with its Buckley affiliates, have been notable campaign contributors, primarily to Republican coffers. Naturally, the group financially supported the election campaign of Phil Nicolosi, who’d also been employed by the law firm, after his appointment to state’s attorney when Paul Logli ended his long tenure in the office. Nicolosi was defeated by fellow Republican attorney Chuck Prorok in the primary, however, and Prorok fell to Bruscato in the general election.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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This week in The Times: Whitney Miller

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Vitals: Whitney Miller, 38, is a resident of Roscoe. Miller has been a coach for the Gymnastics Academy of Rockford for the past 10 years. This year, her team dominated the United States Trampoline & Tumbling Association’s (USTA) National Championships in Springfield, Ill., where they won the overall 2010 National Championship. They took home first place overall as a team, along with 11 team awards, 29 individual national champions and 54 total individual medals. Miller was named the USTA 2010 Coach of the Year.

1. What factors led to your team’s success at the USTA National Championships? I have had the privilege of being able to work with a strong coaching staff, supportive parents, and athletes that possess an incredible work ethic. When you put all of those factors into play, you have the recipe for success. My love for the sport is only surpassed by my love of being able to work with young athletes. It is more important for me to help young people grow into strong adults who will become positive, influential leaders in our community rather than world champions. Luckily, the two seem to go hand-in-hand. Winning 11 team national titles is a testament to our strength and cohesiveness as a team. Being a part of something bigger than yourself is a wonderful memory for anyone to have. I am truly blessed to have been a part of it.

2. How does it feel to be a national champion as a tumbler and coach? When I won the World Championships in 1986, it was one of the greatest moments in my life outside of the birth of my two children. I was the best in the world at what I did, and with that came an enormous sense of self-accomplishment. As for being recognized for my coaching, I am greatly honored to have been named 2010 Coach of the Year. To be recognized for my coaching abilities at the national level is an amazing feeling. It shows how hard my athletes work, not only on an individual level, but on a team level as well. To be able to bring home 29 individual national titles is an unbelievable feeling for me. Above all else, I am very proud of all of my kids; they all did their best, and that is all anyone can ask for. They truly are my second family, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to work with such a fantastic group of athletes.

3. How did your previous success and experience influence your team? My past success within the sport gave me a unique roadmap to utilize on the training of my athletes. By being a past national and world champion, I am able to understand their challenges from a personal point of view, which helps me in guiding my athletes through their individual challenges safely and confidently.

4. What advice would you give to a young person interested in tumbling? I began tumbling at the age of 12, and was the world champion by age 16. Age isn’t the determining factor in success, it’s the effort inside the individual that counts. You can do anything you set your mind to in life, and I want all of my athletes to leave our program believing they truly can do anything in life! My advice is that anyone interested in tumbling or trampoline call us at (815) 654-3867 or visit www.gartumblingteam.com for a free evaluation. We will do our very best to find the perfect match for you. It is a great program for kids of all ages and ability levels.

5. Question from last week’s “This week in The Times” participant, Anna Mulvany: How do you plan on building upon the success you achieved this year? We will continue to have fun growing and learning, always remembering that it’s the effort inside that counts, and that anything worth having isn’t handed to you: it’s earned.

“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 July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Area teams look to improve in summer league

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Winnebago's Marcus Posley (left) takes a shot during recent summer league action. Photo by Matt Nestor

By Matt Nestor
Sports Columnist

The fast and furious summer basketball session is in full swing for next year’s returning and potential local varsity basketball players.

The coaches use this precious time to help players work on their game and get incoming varsity players prepared for what to expect.

While most schools manage to work in between 40 and 50 games in a little more than a month span, the epicenter for Rockford summer ball is through the Rock Valley College summer league, hosted at Harlem High School.

While we are still far off from the high school season, Auburn looks to be rounding into shape quite nicely. While they will need to replace conference Player of the Year J.D. Danforth, they will also be returning one of the top players in the conference in Fred Van Vleet, as well as welcoming a very talented younger class.

Entering this past holiday weekend, the Knights’ summer team was 33-6 in summer play and have been running through the Rockford league.

Despite winning, Auburn has not always been at its best in town, but Head Coach Bryan Ott has been thrilled with how his team has performed out of town against stiff competition.

“We’ve played very well on the weekends and gone through the motion on Monday nights,” Ott said. “Out of town, we’ve played top-flight competition and played very well. The pieces are coming into place. We’re talented enough to get the wins, I just want us to play at a higher level of basketball consistently.”

Jefferson, meanwhile, is trying to break in a mostly new team. While there could be some tough sledding ahead, coach Todd Brannan said he has been encouraged by what he has seen so far from his young team after a loss to Auburn.

“We’ve lost a lot,” Brannan said. “But that means we have some positions and some roles open for some kids to step up into. We’re looking forward to see who might take advantage of those opportunities.”

Most of the top teams in the area are competing in the summer league scene. Boylan and Hononegah, among others, are noticeable by their absence, but there are still some great teams around.

Winnebago, led by Marcus Posley, has been playing very well despite having to replace a large part of their core. They were played tough by Rockford Lutheran, who looks to be executing very well in the more laid-back summer play.

The championship of the summer league, which will be determined by the final standings, will take place July 12 at Harlem.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Guest Column: Violent video games at library promote an education nightmare

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Tim Hughes

There he was, a cute little guy, 10 or 11 years old, standing between the bookshelves at the Rockford Public Library. He could easily have been a poster child for Library Awareness Week. There was just one problem. He was apparently skipping school and hiding out amid the library’s bookshelves while waiting to be first in line for that day’s round of head-kicking, body-slamming, shoot ’em, stab ’em violent video games that the public library has become fond of recently.

“The only good thing that can be said about these video games is that they keep kids off the street,” a library staffer told me. Apparently, it also keeps them out of school, as well. I wonder how the Morrissey-appointed library trustees square that with Mayor Morrissey’s campaign to reduce school truancy?

It is hard to understand why a library unable to keep its doors open full time should assign itself social engineering tasks having nothing to do with providing library services but having a lot to do with selling adolescents short with the faulty and prejudicial assumption that “a certain grade of kid” can only be lured into the library by feeding them violent video games. Does the library really think that as soon as their video game time, filled with endlessly violent images, is over, they are going to ask library staff where the books of English romantic poetry are located, or any other books, for that matter?

This is pandering, pure and simple, pandering to the most base and degrading elements in the popular culture and puts the library on the streets along with the thug culture it is presumably trying to combat. No pun intended!

I’ve only had one opportunity to speak with Mr. Frank Novak, the library’s executive director, and I went away from that conversation highly impressed with his obvious enthusiasm for our public library and its future prospects. He and his staff also deserve credit for making the best of a bad situation not of the library’s making by managing to make sure at least some library services are available to the public somewhere in the city every day of the week. But video games that have been condemned by both the left and the right for their violence and sexism? That I simply don’t understand.

I’m accustomed to seeing librarians going about carrying stacks of books in their arms, but it took some explaining by a library staffer for me to understand why I was seeing a librarian carrying a baby in arms around the Young Adult Zone. Although the zone is intended for teens 13 and up, teens can bring younger siblings to the area, as well as infants in arms, if the infants are their own, of course. So while the “young adults” are taking in their daily dose of gratuitous violence and mayhem, our financially-strapped library will provide nursery services for them. What’s that old saying about the tail wagging the dog? Literacy, especially among the young, has been going out of style.

The public library should not be contributing to its downfall. Last year, the library’s Web site didn’t announce that we were going to love the new East State Branch Library. No, the Web site proclaimed that we were “Gonna Love It.” Not long after that, a teacher who had marked “gonna” as a spelling error on a student composition she had handed back was indignantly informed by the student, “That’s the way they spell it at the public library!” Now we have video games that have been repeatedly cited as a cause of illiteracy among adolescents.

If the library sees itself as under some compulsion to “get a certain grade of kid” off the streets, why not offer other types of video games, such as sport video games? With summer upon us, why not let those who can’t find jobs or are too young for the job market, spend a summer afternoon watching a baseball game on the video screen instead of “fighting games”? A baseball game would keep them off the streets for the better part of three hours or more, at least twice as long as the one-hour time allotment for video games, if that’s the library’s goal, but I suspect that watching a baseball game may be too tame for the urban sociology whiz kids behind all of this.

And so we continue along our self-destructive path. Someone who saw an earlier guest column I wrote on this subject asked if I really meant what I said about the library’s video game policy amounting to a betrayal of Dr. King’s legacy. Yes, I do! Not intentionally, of course, but the result is the same, nonetheless. Stroll through the library on any school night and look at the number of white kids doing schoolwork at library tables, and then look at the number of minority kids absorbed in violent, in-your-face video games, and what other conclusion can you draw?

Perhaps we should update a certain speech and tack it up at the entrance to the Young Adult Zone. We could call it: “I Have a Nightmare: Yes, I have a nightmare today. I have a nightmare that one day, little black children and little white children went to the Rockford Public Library, and little white children were given books and other reading materials to empower their minds over their senses, so they can envision all that is possible in their lives, and little black children were given violent video games that keep their minds in thumb-sucking submission to their senses and seal their membership in a permanent underclass. Yes! I have a nightmare today!”

Tim Hughes is a former teacher in Rockford School District 205 who coached debate and taught English at Auburn High School for 20 years. At Auburn, he coached three debate teams to first-place national championships.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Music Calendar: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Wednesday, July 7

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 – Shooter’s 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.

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

Ken Curtis – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. Info: 815-624-8877.

Thursday, July 8

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.

Harlan Jefferson & White Chocolate – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. Info: 815-624-8877.

Madman John & 1st Entertainment Services Karaoke Contest – Shooter’s 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.

Open Mic – 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. Info: 815-742-9511.

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

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

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

Otto’s Summer Bash with A Friend Called Fire, Paragon, Along the Parallel, 3 Ring Funeral – Otto’s Nightclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-757-2715.

The Silver Creek Band – Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-968-7529.

Friday, July 9

Music on the Mall: Scattered Trees – Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road. 6:30 p.m. Info: 815-226-9193.

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

The Shakes, The Dumb Downs – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.

Mark Reed & Waddy – Restoration Café, 625 W. State St. Info: 815-977-4361.

Out of the Blues Jazz & Claire Schwartz – Cliffbreaker’s, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. Info: 815-282-3033.

Fresh Hot Fritters – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. Info: 815-962-7944.

Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames – Big Cities Lounge, 905 E. State St. Info: 815-965-6026.

The Stillbillys – Other Bar in Davis, 511 N. Stanton St., Davis. Info: 815-865-5713.

After 5 Jazz Trio – The Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.

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

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

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

Bob Affholder & Karaoke – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. Info: 815-624-8877.

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

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, July 10

Charlotte’s Web Presents: Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble – Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-968-7529.

Aaron Fox & the Reliables – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. Info: 815-962-7944.

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

The Stevee Nix, Cover Story – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. Info: 815-398-6411.

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

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

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

Screw City Saints – Take 20, 438 Bypass U.S. 20, Cherry Valley. Info: 815-332-9920.

Rubik Steel – Shooter’s Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. Info: 815-399-0683.

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

Lickity Split, Poets Dance, Sweet Lucy – Chubby Rain House of Tunes, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-1884.

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

Second Wind – Town Hall Lounge, 5624 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-636-9996.

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

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

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.

DJ Trevis Christensen – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. Info: 815-624-8877.

Sunday, July 11

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.

Sundays in the Park – Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St. Info: 815-963-8471.

Live Bait – Baltic Mill Park, 920 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere. 6:30 p.m. Info: 815-544-6242.

Woodsong: Ann Stewart & the Banjo Buddies Dixieland Show Band – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Info: 815-965-8146.

Ray Rose and the End of the Road Band – Lion’s Park, 609 N. Schuyler St., Lena. 6 p.m. Info: 815-369-5351.

Drive-By Truckers – Otto’s Nightclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815-757-2715.

Monday, July 12

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, July 13

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.

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.

Rockford Concert Band – Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St. 1:30 p.m. Info: 815-968-7529.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Music Calendar | No Comments »

Despite World Series drought, Cubs still have fans across U.S.

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

Thanks to a certain form of social media, namely Facebook, I’ve recently been able to rekindle some long-dormant friendships. If for nothing else, Facebook is a remarkable tool for accomplishing that.

The one thing that has been fairly constant among many of these electronic conversations is somehow we almost always get a word in about sports of some kind. Maybe because they are a big part of my professional life, or as I’d like to think, they truly can be a common factor that binds.

In a recent dialogue with a friend of mine, whom I hadn’t spoken to in more than 30 years, I learned she moved from Illinois and now lives in a small town in northeast Texas. One of the things she took with her to the Lone Star state was her love for the Chicago Cubs.

She told me about a game her family went to earlier this season at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington to see the Rangers host the Cubs. Her seats were close enough to the Rangers’ dugout that her loud cheering for the visiting team actually managed to stir the ire of a few of the Rangers players as they made their way on and off the field.

She also described how she wasn’t the only one cheering for the North Siders that game. As a matter of fact, she said the crowd was close to even for both teams. I told her that really isn’t that unusual for the Cubs.

Many people around here know a lot of times when the Cubs are on the road in Milwaukee, there may actually be more Chicago fans in attendance than Brewers fans. Hence, the nickname that Miller Park has earned when the Cubs are in town—Wrigley North.

It seems like every time I watch a Cubs road game, the cameras always catch a large number of fans wearing their Cubs gear at the games. Often, I can even hear the chant “Go Cubs, Go” in the background in those supposedly-hostile environments.

That begs the question, “How can a team that hasn’t won a World Series in more than 100 years have so many devoted fans across the USA?” Surely, there haven’t been that many people relocate from Illinois to every other state in the Union. I don’t have a good answer. All I know is for some strange reason, people all over this country seem to love that team.

So, the next time you are conversing with an out-of-state friend of yours on Facebook, ask them about the Cubs. You may be amazed at the conversation you’ll have started.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Community news and notes: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Chiropractic orthopedist Jeffrey Cates was recognized by the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP). His work will be recognized in the scientific Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Cates was one of eight scientists selected by the CCGPP commission to lead a team of 50 scientists in a six-year project to review, rate and summarize the scientific literature regarding the application of manual medicine. Cates maintains a private practice in Oregon, Ill. … Denis Birmingham was named the manager of manufacturing engineering and special projects and Bill Powers the marketing manager for Excel Gear Inc. Birmingham will oversee Excel’s manufacturing engineering and special projects and continue the company’s implementation of lean manufacturing strategies. Powers will oversee all the marketing and business development. Excel Gear designs, manufactures and provides quality analysis of its various gear, gearbox, fluid bearing, spindle, CNC gimbal head, nutator and special equipment. … Thomas Parsons was named the new director of marketing for Zenith Cutter Co. His primary responsibilities are the development of marketing initiatives designed to strengthen the global brand awareness of Zenith Cutter Co. He will also help identify and capitalize on new business development opportunities for the company.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Community News and Notes | No Comments »

Fierce Green Fire: ‘The Land of 10,000 Tales’–part one

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Mostly Moose in downtown Ely, Minn. Photo by Jonathan Hicks

Editor’s note: The following is the first in a three-part series.

By Jonathan Hicks
Staff Writer

As a graduate student studying the relationships and interactions between humans and wildlife, there are two things you can count on me to do every chance I get: 1) Talk about animals, and 2) Take “research” trips. My most recent “research” trip took me to northern Minnesota and the Superior National Forest.

It was my first time exploring the area. Drawn by the dramatic depictions of plentiful wildlife, I would spend a week camping and exploring with my girlfriend. In this time, we wandered primarily through the northeast portion of the state, spending most of our days and nights between Ely and Grand Marais.

It was beautiful country. There was an enormous amount of life, from the shores of Lake Superior, deep into the pine forest’s core. This life was no doubt closely tied to the ample water supply. Indeed, Minnesota lives up to its name as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” After only a week, though, I came to believe the state might just as easily be called the “Land of 10,000 Tales.” It seemed as though I found something interesting behind virtually every tree. So, while each of those anecdotes will be forever engrained in my mind, I will share only three.

The moose that is almost past

"I can count on one hand how many moose I've seen in my life, and such encounters always inspire beautiful feelings inside me. However, this one was even more significant. Knowing how important it is to the local people made me appreciate it in a new way."--Jonathan Hicks. Photo by Jonathan Hicks

Lunchtime was often spent in downtown Ely. Flanked by the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, it is filled with a quiet charm and is largely free from corporate influence. There is no McDonald’s. There is no Wal-Mart. The shops and cafés are filled with what you would expect: paintings of eagles, carvings of loons, far-North accents, and wood-grained everything. Thankfully, we were there just ahead of the busy tourist season, and were able to strike up numerous conversations with locals.

Regardless of the location, however, the conversation always began with one topic: the heat. You see, it was still before Memorial Day, and three days in a row, the temperatures had reached the mid-80s. One store owner, who ran a shop called “Mostly Moose,” was quick to point out that the town had only reached that temperature mark once during the previous year—and that was during late July. She subtly expressed concern for her own livelihood, pointing out that people no longer saw moose with the same frequency as they once did. When I asked her why the moose were becoming rarer, she said simply, “Global warming.”

Though they are a visible and significant part of the area’s culture and sense of identity, we did not see any moose in Ely. In fact, we didn’t see much of anything out of the ordinary. So, after three days, we moved on.

We would spend the next night in a cabin near Grand Marais, a stone’s throw from the Big Lake. The proprietor was a woman in her late 30s who seemed in a way to enjoy my unending questions. When I told her of our quest to spot moose and other wildlife, she apprehensively wished us luck, subtly hinting that we shouldn’t get our hopes up. With her two kids by her side and sadness in her voice, she said moose were simply not as abundant as they once were. “It’s got to do with that parasite they’re all getting,” she said.

So, was it global warming or a parasite that was impacting the moose? Both of the women seemed to know quite a bit about the area, so I wasn’t sure what to believe. That night, we settled into our cabin…which just so happened to be lit by moose-shaped sconces. I fell asleep with the bulky ungulate weighing heavily on my mind.

Java Moose in Grand Marais, Minn. Photo by Jonathan Hicks

In the morning, we drove a few minutes to have our morning coffee at a little place called (what else?) Java Moose. Finally, the researcher in me took over, and I spent an hour reading online journal articles about the declining moose population. As it turns out, both of my sources were correct in their own ways. Rising temperatures in recent years have made the large-bodied mammals more prone to exhaustion and other heat-induced ailments, and as a result, their mortality has risen. It is similar to why many famously large creatures like mammoths went extinct at the end of the last ice age—they simply cannot cool down.

Further compounding the issue is that smaller-bodied, white-tailed deer are moving into areas at one time reserved exclusively for moose. Once unable to tolerate the cold temperatures, as a result of the warming trend, the deer are now living alongside moose in many places. With them, the deer have brought a brain parasite that is apparently easily contracted and almost always lethal to their larger cousins. In other words, both global warming and a parasite are having an impact. Until the moose learn to migrate north or otherwise adapt, their numbers will likely continue to drop.

Eventually, in a small lake along the Gunflint Trail north of Grand Marais, we were fortunate enough to spot a moose. I can count on one hand how many moose I’ve seen in my life, and such encounters always inspire beautiful feelings inside me. However, this one was even more significant. Knowing how important it is to the local people made me appreciate it in a new way. Yes, the moose is caricatured and anthropomorphized for the sake of selling everything from hats and T-shirts to coffee mugs and wall sconces. But that only speaks to the fact that this antlered behemoth is a deeply-seeded part of how these people see their land and themselves.

I am always the first to feel sorry for an animal, but in this case, I feel just as sorry for the people of Minnesota. They may be helplessly watching one of their chief ambassadors disappear. And while they could always find another animal to slap on their tourist guidebooks, I suspect none would be so grand as the moose.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Fierce Green Fire | No Comments »

Volunteers plant flowers on new Main Street

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

City and Park District workers help Michelle Gearhart-Minick (right) plant flowers along the new Main Street July 1. Photo by Frank Schier

From press release

Nearly 750 perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses and climbing vines were planted July 1 in eight landscape planter boxes, at the base of 10 festival poles and in planting beds along the re-opened Main Street in the downtown Rockford River District. An additional 1,684 bulbs (tulips and daffodils) will be planted in the fall.

Almost $5,000 was raised to purchase the plants. Donations came from downtown business owners, organizations and individuals.

City of Rockford, Rockford Park District, Angela de la Uz of ADV Enterprises and CMM Landscapers volunteered staff to install the plants. ADV, CMM and Meridian Landscaping provided the plants at wholesale cost.

The following businesses, organizations and individuals donated funds to purchase the plants: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; City of Gardens, a program of the Rockford Park District Foundation; Fridh Corporation (owner of Stewart Square); Octane; The Element; Fuzz Salon; Rockford Chamber of Commerce; J.R. Kortman Center for Design; Trekk Cross-Media; Rockford Ald. Doug Mark (R-3) and his wife, Sally. Small signs will be installed in the planted areas noting the names of the companies, organizations and individuals that donated to the effort.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Rockford News | No Comments »

Left Justified: Running the blockade

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Stanley Campbell

Cuba is gonna get our oil, though not delivered the way they like. BP’s oil spill should wash up on the Bay of Pigs just about now. Funny, that’s where our own 1961 CIA-led invasion washed up and was quickly defeated by the evil dictator Fidel Castro. The United States has economically embargoed the Caribbean island of Cuba since then.

Fidel confiscated the casinos and sugar plantations, which angered United Fruit Company executives and the Mob. The rich Cubans escaped to Miami, and now decide American foreign policy (at least how it pertains to Cuba).

Fidel has always enamored the political left. Not many left-wing dictators fare well against American hegemony. And Fidel was brazen enough to ally his meager little country with the Soviet bloc when the Cold War was hot. So, American lefties liked him for that alone. Never mind that Castro locks up artists and gays and anyone who disagrees with him.

But the embargo has done nothing to weaken the Communist grip, and may have strengthened it. Fidel can blame all his economic problems on the U.S. And the Miami Cubans can wail all they want, but they won’t admit any of the good things Fidel has done: provided the best health care and education of any Latin American country. Cuba has the healthiest and best-educated unemployed workers in the world. Cuban doctors are usually the first responders to any international disaster. Too bad they get paid less than Havana taxi cab drivers receiving tourists’ tips.

I’d like to see the U.S. drop the embargo and begin to trade with Cuba. Trade will loosen the communist reins, and not give them an excuse to throw people in jail. Cuba says the U.S. is waging “economic warfare,” and anyone who disagrees is the enemy.

So, American peace groups have been trying stunts to attract attention against the Cuban embargo. A group called “Pastors For Peace” sends medical and school supplies to Cuba (they started 15 years ago when there was a chance the U.S. government might drop its 50-year embargo). Pastors For Peace will be traveling through Rockford Saturday, July 10, on their way to Mexico by land, then Cuba by sea.

The local peace groups in Rockford and DeKalb are hosting a 6 p.m. program, free and open to the public. The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, allows us to use their facilities to host the program. The church is at 4848 Turner St., four blocks north and east of Alpine and State, just before the back entrance to Rockford College.

The main speaker at the July 10 affair is the Rev. Thomas Smith, who serves as president of the board of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization/Pastors For Peace, and has traveled with Pastors for Peace to Cuba on many occasions, as well as to Chiapas, Mexico. Rev. Smith was one of the members of the caravan who met with ex-president Fidel Castro on the 2009 caravan. Rev. Smith will share his important perspective on why we challenge an unjust law and will risk arrest crossing the border without permission.

A number of Americans wish to visit Cuba, myself included. And we want to help, so we support religious groups like Pastors For Peace. They buy vans and school buses, drive around the country collecting donations for the people of Cuba.

I’ve been to Cuba a number of times, often with religious groups, but never with Pastors For Peace. They travel more ruggedly than I. Pastors For Peace is looking for more fellow travelers, so you might fulfill your long-time wish to visit Cuba before McDonald’s fast-food places spring up.

You can also help drive one of their vans through northern Illinois, helping them pick up donations from other peace groups. As a way of publicity, I am donating some Cuban postage stamps and other souvenirs to donors. We can’t sell Cuban stamps (that would be illegal, according to the U.S. Treasury Department), but we can give them as gifts.

So, if you are interested, please send a donation to Rockford Peace & Justice at 201 Seventh St., Rockford, IL 61104, show up for the July 10 program, or call me at (815) 964-7111. Make the check out to “Pastors For Peace.”

The next day, they are off to Chicago, then Texas, crossing the border into Mexico, where they will board some sort of boat to take them to the embargoed isle of Cuba.

They have been stopped at the U.S./Mexico border. The United States government is spending money trying to stop trade with this upstart remainder from the Cold War. For some reason, the present administration doesn’t want to change U.S. attitude to the Castro regime (even though Fidel retired).

But, the island seems to be growing stronger. More countries are ignoring the boycott (though a foreign company trading with Cuba cannot trade with the U.S.). It’s almost as bad as the Iraq War: an ill-conceived idea that takes lots of energy, wastes people’s time and has little worldwide support is costing the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars (if not billions in lost trade). But, with a little luck, maybe next year we’ll see you in Havana!

Stanley Campbell is executive director of Rockford Urban Ministries and spokesman for Rockford Peace & Justice.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Left Justified | 1 Comment »

Arts & Theater Calendar: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

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 – 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, July 7

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

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Thursday, July 8

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.

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Friday, July 9

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Saturday, July 10

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Sunday, July 11

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Monday, July 12

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

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Tuesday, July 13

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

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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 – 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, July 7

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

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Thursday, July 8

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.

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Friday, July 9

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Saturday, July 10

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Sunday, July 11

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Radio Gals – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-394-5004.

Oklahoma! – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Info: 815-244-2048.

Chicago – Rock Valley College, Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-921-2160.

Monday, July 12

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

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Tuesday, July 13

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

Alchemy and Image – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-968-2787.

Anders Hultman: Sweden Through My Eyes – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-229-9390.

Realism or Not – Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St. Info: 815-968-9285.

Posted in Arts & Theater Calendar | No Comments »

On Outdoors: Salmon and steelhead drift fishing

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Anglers making trips north for salmon and steelhead fishing do so having the basics of drift fishing in their back pockets. Those who go at it blindly rarely return.

Drift fishing involves bouncing a piece of bait on and off a river bottom. Also known as “bottom bouncing,” it’s an age-old method for hauling in trophy steelhead and salmon. In addition to a proper drift fishing rig, successful drift fishing involves knowing some inside information to make proper casts, properly work currents and choose the right rod and reel combo.

Reel and rod

An ideal reel for drift fishing is one that will work in rugged conditions and stop the often stealthy and powerful runs salmon and steelhead are known to make once hooked. Always reach for a trusted level wind reel, one with with strong gears and a free spool lever. Leave the spinning reels at home, and always use a 9- to 10.5-foot rod.

Line weight

In drift fishing applications, line must come in contact with the river bottom and obstructions below the surface. It, therefore, must be strong. Improper line will twist, stretch, bunch and snap easily, especially if a salmon or steelhead hits aggressively. Using a 12- to 20-pound braided line is a key to successful fishing.

The snell knot

While just any old knot may work well for some applications, drift fishing for salmon and steelhead calls for a strong snell knot. A snell keeps baited hooks secure as they fight through currents and strong jaws of steelhead and salmon. A snell utilizes the eye of the hook and the shaft, and completes a drift rig.

Casting

Successful drift casting involves understanding currents and the parts they play in bait presentation. Although simply casting into the drink and allowing your bait to bounce around may produce some strikes, a secret of the pros involves allowing bait to reach a fish’s range of vision by the time the hook is directly in front of the angler. For salmon and steelhead, this is as close to the bottom as possible. The key is to utilize upstream casts and allow bait to drift to holding areas in front of you.

Fighting the push

As river currents can be unpredictable, drift fishing rigs often get pushed against the flow of the water. This almost always causes bait to be lifted from the bottom, out of a steelhead and salmon’s range of vision. It also causes novice anglers to give up. When lines become tight and the rig is pushed from the bottom, it is important to follow the drift. This can be accomplished simply by positioning the angler’s body and rod toward the current. Some of this technique will be based on feel and river experience; however, following the drift until line loosens usually allows bait to remain low.

Outdoors news and photos can be sent directly to Jim Hagerty at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in On Outdoors | No Comments »

Environment Illinois: Asian carp spreading: Threaten to outmaneuver feds

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

The discovery of spawning Asian carp in the Wabash River shows the crisis is advancing on multiple fronts and demands aggressive and immediate action to deal with the Asian carp crisis, says a coalition of national and Great Lakes groups.

The carp were found downstream of a floodplain that separates the Wabash from the Maumee River and Lake Erie, near the city of Fort Wayne, Ind., according to recent press and congressional statements.

The discovery and acknowledgment of the finding by the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee comes a week after the committee announced a live Asian carp was found just 6 miles from Lake Michigan in Chicago’s Lake Calumet. The 3-foot-long, 20-pound sexually mature male was the first Asian carp found beyond the last locks protecting the Great Lakes, and miles beyond the electric barrier meant to keep the devastating fish out of the lakes.

The discovery of a spawning population of Asian carp in the Wabash River is of particular concern because of the possibility the Wabash could flood into the Maumee River in Indiana. The Maumee River flows to Lake Erie and is identified by carp specialists as an ideal habitat for Asian carp.

“There is a lack of coordination and transparency in the current system, and this current finding in the Wabash River highlights the breakdown in this system,” said Kristy Meyer, director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs of the Ohio Environmental Council. “Lake Erie is well over a billion dollar fishing industry, and in Ohio, a $10.75 billion destination stop. Now, more than ever, the state and federal agencies must stop the finger-pointing and get their act together before these natural wonders become desolate carp ponds.”

The groups say the latest finding signals the immediate need for effective leadership on a crisis that has moved well beyond the control of the federal agencies tasked with handling it.

“We’re being outmaneuvered by a fish and can’t afford to play catch up,” said Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “We need leadership to anticipate, align and activate on where the carp are going to be—not where they’ve already been.”

Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office, said: “The battle to protect the Great Lakes from the Asian carp is now being fought on multiple fronts, and we need a strategy that reflects that. The clock is ticking, and we need to get this process back on track. We have solutions. It’s high time we used them.”

The groups emphasized their support for legislation introduced June 30 by U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.). The bill calls on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite and complete a study within 18 months on the feasibility of permanently severing the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. The physical separation of the two major watersheds is seen as the only permanent solution to keeping Asian carp and other invasives from traveling between them.

“We applaud Sens. Stabenow and Durbin in calling for swift action to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian carp,” said Max Muller, program director for Environment Illinois. “A physical barrier to prevent the spread of these invasive giants is imperative, and study on the best approach should begin immediately. We cannot afford any further delay if we are to avoid a nightmare scenario in the Great Lakes.”

Henry Henderson, Midwest director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: “This new discovery shows just how quickly invasive species problems can spiral out of control. We now see direct threats to two of the Great Lakes. We cannot afford foot-dragging and confusion about the problem or the solutions. It is time for focused, determined action, which requires direct and firm engagement from the White House.”

Coalition members sent a letter to President Barack Obama June 29 calling on him to appoint a “federal incident commander” to oversee and coordinate the federal response to the carp crisis. The groups say the federal response has fallen far short of expectations and has had numerous costly missteps, among them:

→ The corps’ delay in starting a congressionally-ordered and funded separation study, originally authorized in 2007.

→ Failure to quickly and completely disclose environmental DNA evidence of Asian carp in Lake Michigan and the Chicago Waterway System, despite having collected data since summer 2009.

→ Suggesting that other invasive pathways, such as bait trade and intentional release, could be responsible for carp presence despite obvious evidence of wild populations.

→ Failure to develop a channel-by-channel plan for the Chicago Waterway System, where eDNA evidence has shown Asian carp to exist.

→ Questioning the science and veracity of eDNA evidence.

→ Failure to continue eDNA testing during June despite multiple positive hits in the Chicago Waterway System above the electric barrier in spring 2010. No eDNA monitoring is currently being conducted by the corps.

“Agencies aren’t finding the fires, let alone putting them out fast enough,” said Jennifer Nalbone, director of Navigation and Invasive Species for Great Lakes United. “We need Asian carp prevention elevated to the president now.”

Jill Ryan, executive director of Freshwater Future, agrees. “With so much at stake and the fish moving toward us on multiple fronts, now is the time for clear leadership to coordinate the efforts to track and stop these fish from establishing in the Great Lakes,” she said. “Our Great Lakes provide so much to our economies, our recreation and our way of life that we can’t let a lack of leadership allow these fish to win the day.”

John Goss, executive director of Indiana Wildlife Federation, said: “Indiana must take no chances that the Wabash River could provide an escape route for Asian carp, and appropriate steps must be taken soon.”

“This new discovery ups the ante,” said Glynnis Collins, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network. “We need an aggressive, thorough short-term response, while moving with urgency and purpose toward the only permanent solution to this crisis: physical separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system.”

The coalition includes the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Environment Illinois, Freshwater Future, Great Lakes United, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, Indiana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Environmental Council, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club.

Max Muller, program director for Environment Illinois, can be reached at max@environmentillinois.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment »

Community Calendar: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Ongoing Attractions

Burpee Museum of Natural History – 737 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 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. Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 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.-Wed., Noon-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-1 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.

Intermediate Writing/Publishing Class – Meets every Mon. Call for information. Info: 224-343-0384.

Introduction to Card-Making/Stamping – Meets every Thurs. Call for information. Info: 224-343-0384.

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

Wednesday, July 7

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Tai Chi in the Garden – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-494-9483.

Farmer’s Market & Specialty Crop Demonstration – Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road. Info: 815-226-0212.

Rockford Through the Pages: A Peek into Vintage Scrapbooks – Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road. Info: 815-397-9112.

Forest City Queen Family Fun Night & Trolley Car 36– Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Info: 815-987-8894.

Wet Wednesdays – Magic Waters Waterpark, 7820 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Info: 815-966-2442.

Scribble Monster – Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St. 1:30 p.m. Info: 815-968-7529.

Mt. Carroll Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. 3-5:30 p.m. Info: 815-244-2048.

Press Conference and Tours of Freedom Field – Rock River Water Reclamation District, 3501 Kishwaukee St. Noon. Info: 815-621-8004.

Rockford Foresters vs. Topeka Golden Giants – Marinelli Field, 101 15th Ave. 7 p.m. Info: 815-708-0242.

Thursday, July 8

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.

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.

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.

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

Look, Listen & Learn Storytime – Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State St. 11 a.m.-noon. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Girls Group – Rockford Public Library Lewis Lemon Branch, 1988 Jefferson St. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Young Ya-Ya Book Club – All Things, 1914 Crosby St. 5:30-7 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 224-343-0384.

Tai Chi in the Garden – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-494-9483.

CherryVale Farmer’s Market – CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave. Info: 815-332-2440.

Main Street Square Farmer’s Market – Main Street Square, 5301 Williams Drive, Roscoe. Info: 815-978-6863.

Rockford Through the Pages: A Peek into Vintage Scrapbooks – Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road. Info: 815-397-9112.

July Wine Dinner – Brio, 515 E. State St. 6:30-9 p.m. Info: 815-968-9463.

Rockford Foresters vs. Topeka Golden Giants – Marinelli Field, 101 15th Ave. 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Info: 815-708-0242.

Friday, July 9

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

Drop-In Storytime – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. 10:30-11 a.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Summer Skating Program – SkateCo, 3209 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-noon. Info: 815-877-4020.

Heartland Community Church Farmer’s Market – Heartland Community Church, 1240 S. Alpine Road. Info: 815-395-8000.

Midtown Farmer’s Market – 1132 Second Ave. 3-7 p.m. Info: 815-713-7720.

Rockford Through the Pages: A Peek into Vintage Scrapbooks – Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road. Info: 815-397-9112.

Forest City Queen Friday Mid-Day Grab ‘n Go Lunch, Friday Fish Fry Cruise – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Info: 815-987-8894.

Friday Family Fun Nights – Magic Waters Waterpark, 7820 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Info: 815-966-2442.

Rockford City Market – Rockford City Market, 200 Water St. Info: 815-964-4388.

Jim Gill – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-963-6769.

Fishing Clinic – Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area, 8542 N. Lake Road, Lena. Info: 815-369-5351.

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

23rd Annual ByronFest Quilt Show – Byron Museum of History, 110 N. Union St., Byron. Info: 815-234-5031.

Friday Night Flix: Shrek – Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St. Info: 815-963-8471.

Rockford Foresters vs. Topeka Golden Giants – Marinelli Field, 101 15th Ave. 7 p.m. Info: 815-708-0242.

Saturday, July 10

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

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

Webkinz – Rockford Public Library Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Beading/Jewelry Class – All Things, 1914 Crosby St. 5:30-7 p.m. Info: 224-343-0384.

North End Commons Farmer’s Market – North End Commons, 1400 N. Main St. Info: 815-962-1234.

Beloit Farmer’s Market – Corner of Grand & State Streets, Beloit, Wis.

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

Belvidere Farmer’s Market – Belvidere Farmer’s Market, 1940 N. State St., Belvidere.

Forest City Queen Saturday Evening Sunset Dinner Cruise & Trolley Car 36– Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Info: 815-987-8894.

“Biology of Streams” – Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road. 8 a.m.-noon. Info: 815-335-2915.

“Leave No Trace” – Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road. 1-3:45 p.m. Info: 815-335-2915.

Sixth Annual NT and JT Bocce Tournament – St. Ambrogio Society, 802 Montague St. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Info: 815-282-6530.

23rd Annual ByronFest Quilt Show – Byron Museum of History, 110 N. Union St., Byron. Info: 815-234-5031.

Family Hike: Anna Page Park – Anna Page Park, 3102 N. Springfield Ave. 1-2:30 p.m. Info: 815-987-8844.

Mt. Carroll Chamber Garden Walk – Various locations. Info: 815-244-9246.

REI Health Fair & Expo – Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 815-398-6326.

Pastors for Peace Care-a-Van – Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-964-7111.

Third Annual Sheet Music Festival – JustGoods, 201 Seventh St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-965-8903.

WWE Raw World Tour – MetroCentre, 300 Elm St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-5600.

Bobcat of Rockford Mid-Summer’s Nights Scream – Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest HIlls Road, Loves Park. 7 p.m. Info: 815-633-1500.

All-Abilities Wheelchair Softball Tournament – Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Info: 815-987-8800.

Rockford Foresters vs. Topeka Golden Giants – Marinelli Field, 101 15th Ave. 7 p.m. Info: 815-708-0242.

Sunday, July 11

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.

Huntington’s Disease Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State St. Second Sun. of each month. 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-395-5036.

A Tribute to the Butler Family, Celebrating Italian Weddings & Traditions – Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St. 2 p.m. Info: 815-962-7402.

Rockford Through the Pages: A Peek into Vintage Scrapbooks – Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road. Info: 815-397-9112.

Birthday Party for Dr. Mary Bartlett – Hanchett Bartlett Homestead, 2149 St. Lawrence Ave., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-365-7835.

23rd Annual ByronFest Quilt Show – Byron Museum of History, 110 N. Union St., Byron. Info: 815-234-5031.

Comedian Tim Hawkins – First Evangelical Free Church, Summerwood Amphitheater, 2223 N. Mulford Road. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-877-7046.

Upward Sports Camps – Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info: 815-282-1500.

Rockford Foresters vs. Steel City Aces – Marinelli Field, 101 15th Ave. 1 p.m. Info: 815-708-0242.

Monday, July 12

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

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.

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.

Sunset Storytime – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, Little Theater, 215 N. Wyman St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Visiting Nurses Association Program for Care Givers – Visiting Nurses Association Office, 4223 E. State St. 3-5 p.m. Info: 815-971-3502.

Dancin’ At Harry’s Free Dance Lessons: Swing Dance – Riverside Park, Harry C. Moore Pavillion, 1240 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-362-0964.

World Music Camp Beginners and Juniors – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave. Info: 815-395-9109.

Upward Sports Camps – Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info: 815-282-1500.

Weed and Seed Area Youth Police Academy – Lewis Lemon Elementary School, 1993 Mulberry St. Info: 815-987-5876.

SUMMIT Discover Day Camp – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4087.

Fourth Annual Progressives Summer Picnic – Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St. 6 p.m. Info:815-494-4050.

Tuesday, July 13

“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.

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.

Heart Smart for Women Class – Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St., Byron. Noon-1 p.m. Info: 815-732-7330, ext. 279.

Family Skate – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. 8 p.m. Info: 815-969-4069.

Sunset Story Hour – Rockford Public Library Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Sunset Story Hour – Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Kids Club: Crafts & Fun! – Rockford Public Library Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 4-5 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Vintage Ya-Ya Book Club – All Things, 1914 Crosby St. 5:30-7 p.m. Every Tues. Info: 224-343-0384.

Tai Chi in the Garden – Anderson Gardens, 340 Spring Creek Road. Info: 815-494-9483.

Adult Grief Support Group – Beloit Regional Hospice Office, 655 Third St., Ste. 200, Beloit, Wis. 6-7:30 p.m. Info: 608-363-7421.

World Music Camp Beginners and Juniors – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave. Info: 815-395-9109.

SUMMIT Discover Day Camp – Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4087.

Upward Sports Camps – Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info: 815-282-1500.

Weed and Seed Area Youth Police Academy – Lewis Lemon Elementary School, 1993 Mulberry St. Info: 815-987-5876.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Community Calendar | No Comments »

Fourth of July fun in Durand

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

DURAND’S FOURTH OF JULY PARADE: Kendra Dollack and Sarah Rotherman, candidates for Miss Liberty , wave to the Durand crowd at the Durand Fourth of July Parade Sunday, July 4; members of the Durand Post of the American Legion step off to lead the parade; members of the Durand High School band; and George Anderson waves to the crowd from the Pecatonica Downtown Association’s float.

Posted in Stateline News | No Comments »

Guest Column: A visit to Blackwater

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Edmond Schott

Blackwater has been an organization contracted by the United States to assist in the activities involved in the conflicts in Iraq and in Afghanistan. The name has been changed to Xe, and there is an affiliated organization called U.S. Training Center, which has a facility in Jo Daviess County, Ill.

There has been considerable discussion about some unarmed civilians who were killed and injured in Baghdad, where Blackwater personnel as well as insurgents were present, and both were involved in the conflict. A child was killed, and the tragedy of his death has been a point of interest and has been publicized. Some are blaming Blackwater. The Associated Press reported that the event has been investigated by the FBI and that there is no proof of the source of the shooting that caused civilian casualties.

The Baghdad conflict has been the subject of a recent protest demonstration at the Jo Daviess County facility in which protesters were arrested for violating a closed gate or fence against Illinois State Police orders. The facility personnel were made aware of the upcoming protest and did not want to be involved with protesters and their unpredictable actions inside the facilities. State police were present to assure a peaceful demonstration. Many past demonstrations at various organizations elsewhere have resulted in damage or destruction of property.

I have been involved in a liberal church discussion group, which has presented only negative aspects of Blackwater including the arrests. One group member even contributed toward paying the fines of those arrested. One argument was that these people get paid much higher than enlisted servicemen. However, we had just heard a Bill Moyers interview which claimed the cost of each enlisted serviceman is $1 million per year. This entire discussion impressed me as being prejudiced, so I decided to go to the facility and find some facts.

I went to Stockton, Ill., and asked at several businesses, “What do you know about the local Blackwater facility?” The consistent reply was, “It’s a training facility” or “It’s a shooting range.” In a restaurant I asked, and a retired Chicago policeman told me that the facility is an “excellent, very good facility serving a vital need for police training.” I went to the facility and drove in, wondering how much of the bad information I had heard from our group was to materialize. Note that I was not carrying protest signs or television cameras, nor was I shouting or threatening anyone or sneaking past blocked gates or fences (there were none of these), nor did I try to disrupt activities at the facility. I was greeted by an employee whom I asked for more information about the organization. I drove to the office as instructed and visited with a range instructor. I was impressed by the difference one’s attitude and demeanor must make.

The facility is one of several in the USA devoted to training skills required in police, security and civilian competition or hobby use of firearms and other equipment and in techniques involved in law and bad drug enforcement activities. The range instructor provided me with a 2010 Training Catalog and much verbal information in answer to my questions. The facility is an 80-acre plot (1/4 x 1/2 mile) on the rolling hills of driftless Jo Daviess County. It has classrooms, rifle and pistol ranges and other facilities needed for student training. There were the typical safety signs posted as are usually observed at civilian competitive events. He told me that the employees do get paid more than enlisted servicemen, but that higher amount barely makes up for the expense for necessities, which are provided to servicemen but which these employees must purchase.

I presented the facts that I found and the Training Catalog to our discussion group, and I wore the Blackwater shirt I bought. An intense discussion ensued. Comments were, “Police departments should train policemen themselves,” “Terrorists might use this training,” “This is terrible teaching people these things.”

Edmond Schott is a resident of Winnebago County who has an interest in science, engineering and farming. He owns a farm that one of his ancestors bought 178 years ago.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment »

RVC students recognized by NASA

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

Three Rock Valley College Astronomy students have received certificates of appreciation from NASA and the Astronomical Research Institute for making a near Earth object observation. The students are Evelyn Pulkowski, Matthew Kelley and Zachary Harker.

A near Earth object (NEO) observation is the discovery of a previously-unknown asteroid and confirmation that its trajectory will cross Earth’s orbit. Near Earth objects pose a danger to Earth. Once discovered and confirmed, NASA tracks each NEO and determines the potential risk of impact or collision with Earth. Students in Dr. Richard Ross’ astronomy classes at Rock Valley College were selected to be among students selected at 14 institutions around the world to participate in a project to find near Earth objects as part of the International Asteroid Search Campaign. The search campaign took place during the spring 2010 semester.

Dr. Ross expressed gratitude for funding for this project through an RVC Foundation grant, stating, “The RVC Foundation has been the sole supporter of innovative instructional technology for astronomy at Rock Valley College.”

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Rockford News | No Comments »

Into The Wild: See eagles and more at Jensen Forest Preserve

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

As with “No Child Left Inside,” welcome to a new series of articles in partnership with Four Rivers Environmental Coalition (FREC) and The Rock River Times. In recognition of the United Nations designation of 2010 as the Year of Biodiversity, the FREC presents this bi-weekly series to help readers discover the amazing array of plants and animals in the rivers, prairies and woodlands “in our own back yard.” FREC is an alliance of 35 member organizations “dedicated to educating and advocating for the plants, animals, natural resources and ecosystems of the Four Rivers Region.” Please visit www.fourriver.org.

By Jamie B. Johannsen
Winnebago County Forest Preserve District

J. Norman Jensen Forest Preserve is one of the newest additions to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District. This 112-acre site is on the Rock River, north of the millrace dam, just outside of Rockton. Original prairie, restored prairie, oak savanna and a mile of riverfront make Jensen a great place for viewing wildlife. It is a popular spot for fishing.

The 10-acre remnant dry prairie is on a gravel bluff above the river, where it makes a sharp bend below the dam. This vestige of our native grassland was identified 50 years ago by Dr. Egbert Fell, author of Flora of Winnebago County. Fell documented several rare plants at the prairie, including one of Illinois’ only known populations of the state endangered dragon wormwood.

Bring binoculars for your visit to these forests and wetlands that harbor many species of migratory birds, ducks and other waterfowl. This is a favorite roosting area for bald eagles and osprey that fish along the river. Other common sightings are great blue herons, great egrets red-shouldered hawks, red-tailed hawks and sandhill cranes.

From the July 7-13, 2010 isssue

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Get geared up for days of summer with a rain barrel

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

In an effort to improve and protect water quality in urban centers of Illinois, the Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is holding a rain barrel sale. A rain barrel reduces urban storm water runoff and your demand on water resources.

The SWCD’s barrels are Food Quality High Density Polyethylene Barrels that were previously used to ship pickled food overseas that have been cleaned and rinsed with rain water and PH neutral soap. All barrels have a garden hose-size spigot at the bottom, two overflow spigots and a removable screen mesh lid to keep out mosquitoes and debris.

The barrels come in grey, black, terra cotta and blue and are paintable. The Winnebago County SWCD is a locally-operated unit of government that strives to promote the protection, maintenance, improvement and wise use of the soil, water and related natural resources within the District. If you are interested in placing an order or would like additional information, contact the SWCD office at (815) 965-2392, ext. 3, or visit the Web site at www.winnebagoswcd.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Winnebago County News | No Comments »

Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens holds Top Pot Contest

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

The Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens is seeking nominations for its Top Pot Contest for its Rockford in Bloom community beautification awards. Container gardening is widely popular for its manageability and WOW factor. Floral containers in front of a business or home can dazzle and welcome guests as well as tell the story about who lives inside.

Contestants will be vying for the title of the Rockford area’s most beautiful entryway or container gardening area. Nominations are encouraged for unique and creative containers with designs and patterns that develop interest and beauty. Multiple pots or rearranging patterns provide very attractive features and build community pride. The designs are endless.

Nominations must be within the Rockford Park District. This includes Rockford, Loves Park, parts of Cherry Valley, New Milford and adjacent unincorporated areas of Winnebago County. Areas nominated must be visible from a right of way (street, path, sidewalk, etc.) or have public access.

Nomination entries must be received by July 15. Top Pots can be posted on the City of Gardens Facebook page, or photographs can be mailed to: Rockford Park District, City of Gardens, 401 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101. Nominations’ contact information including a phone number is required.

For more information, contact: Ruth Miller, program director, City of Gardens, (815) 987-1689 or ruthmiller@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Outdoors | No Comments »

Eureka! Classifieds: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

Apartments

APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1,2,3,4-BR available. Please call 815/979-9016. 1/19/11

Remodeled Apartments Studio – 2-Bedrooms. Starting at $425. 815/964-6270.7/21

1-BEDROOM APARTMENTS at 1015 Benton St. New flooring, new paint, ceiling fans, large closets & bathrooms, central air, off-street parking, coin laundry in basement. Lower $430. Upper $410. Deposit same as rent. 815/222-5676.         7/7

RIVER DISTRICT APARTMENTS: 1 STUDIO, $450. 1-BEDROOM, $550. 2-BEDROOM, $650. Included – 30s arts & crafts decor, heat, water, garbage, new stove-refrigerator-dishwasher, rooftop garden, indoor heated parking. Winner of Heart of Rockford Award for Residential Restoration. Contact Frank 815/964-9767.  TFN

1-BEDROOM VICTORIAN Heat, water, garbage included, off-street parking, freshly painted,  partially furnished, big closets, plenty of cupboard space, big girly-girl bathroom, 8’ ceilings, carpeted, sculpture in yard. 1st plus  deposit required.  $425. Call Frank 815/964-9767.  TFN

1-BEDROOM VICTORIAN with beautiful landscaped yards. Lots of flowers. You can plant too!
904 N. Court Street. Big 2nd floor apt. with pocket-window sun porch. Perfect artist’s studio. Big living room, big bedroom, big kithchen, big deal! Heat, water, garbage, off-street parking included, cooking gas paid, dishwasher, microwave, A/C, freshly redone hardwood floor, freshly painted, sculpture in yard, only $525/month. Call Frank 815/964-9767,  815/640-6770.  TFN

2202 SEVENTH ST., ROCKFORD 1-bedroom, $385/mo., deposit $385. No pets. 224/388-0286.7/14

1-BEDROOM NORTHWEST Heat/appliances included. Hardwood & French doors. Garage & laundry. Quiet, convenient location. $465 lease and deposit. 815/289-1607.           7/7

STUDIO WEST SIDE – FREE RENT & DEPOSIT in exchange for lawn care, snow removal, & cleaning. Criminal background & reference required. 815/964-0344. 7/7

STUDIO & 1-BEDROOM $425 – $450/month, no deposit. Nice, newly-renovated unit. Tenant pays electric. Laundry, parking, storage. 815/964-0344. 7/14

SMALL APARTMENT ON FARM IN CHERRY VALLEY. 1 person. $420/mo., utilities included. Barn storage available. 815/874-1953.      7/14

2-BEDROOM APARTMENT Living room, dining area, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, carport. $525. 815/964-0102.TFN

2-BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT. Alpine & Harrison location. Recently remodeled, central A/C, carport. $575 + deposit. 815/703-4875.        7/21

BEAUTIFUL, LARGE 2-BEDROOM. New carpet, large kitchen, large bathroom. Washer & dryer
inside apt. New appliances. Secure parking. Perfect for Bohemian artist. $585/mo. + deposit. 1402 7th Ave., Rkfd. 815/540-6757.  7/21

2 APARTMENTS FOR RENT- Close to downtown. 2-bedroom, 1 bath. 773/368-5590. 7/14

NORTHWEST, 2-BEDROOM 1-BATH APARTMENTS, FROM $560. On bus line near stores, library, & hospital. A/C, coin laundry. HEAT, WATER, & GARBAGE included. No pets. Pay rent for July, and get 1/2 month’s rent in August free. Some Sec. 8 OK. 815/382-7667.    7/21

2-BEDROOM 1-bath - Across from golf course. Air conditioning, carport, coin laundry, Heat, WATER, GARBAGE INCLUDED. non-smoking. From $595/month. Water and garbage included. Get 1/2 month FREE with good credit! 815/382-7667, 815/528-2158.          7/21

207 RIVER LANE , LOVES PARK. 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT. Gas and electric paid by tenant. $695 rent plus Security Deposit. 815/964-0102.        TFN

MULTIPLE APARTMENTS FOR RENT. $300-$600/mo. Sec. 8 welcome. Call Ron @ 815/914-1337.    7/14

524 LAFAYETTE AVE. 2-Bedroom Apartment. Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, Hardwood Floors. Good Neighborhood. Se Habla Español. $495 rent plus Security Deposit. 815/964-0102.        TFN

5118 N. 2ND. ST. ,LOVES PARK. 3-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE-STYLE APARTMENT. Gas and electric paid by tenant. $850 rent plus Security Deposit. 815/964-0102.           TFN

Houses

HOMES FOR RENT 1-4 Bedrooms, $550-$950. 815/964-6270.       7/21

FARMHOUSE FOR RENT 2547 Hickory Grove Rd., Dakota 3 Acres. Remodeled. $1300. 815-964-6270.          7/21

3-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME. Laundry hook-ups, 1-car garage. 3501 Arline, Rockford. $750. 815/978-4567.    7/14

3-BEDROOM HOUSE 320 N. Day St., backyard, garage. $695. 815/964-0102. TFN

Pasture For Rent

PASTURE FOR RENT with small barn in CherryValley. 815/874-1953.        7/14

Rent-to-Own

4 FLAT – 716 Kishwaukee St. or Duplex – 1909 Montague St. in Rockford.  Must live in unit & be pre-qualified with a mortgage lender. 815/757-2196.        7/14

RENT TO OWN HOMES! Damaged Credit – OK $850 Special! You Work, You Own – Guaranteed! $3,000 Minimum Combined Income Co-Applicants Welcome!  1-888-605-5181 or 636-533-4070 www.RealAgentsHomes.com .     N-7/7

Roommate Wanted

ROOMMATE WANTED. Home in Loves Park. No drugs, no drama. $395, utilities included. 815/394-9963.       7/14

ONE MILE FROM CHERRYVALE MALL Straight male roommate wanted. Quiet neighborhood, furnished appliances, utilities, A/C. $375. 815/299-1703.     7/14

Commercial Rental

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 1,260 sq. ft. Located downtown. Contact LeRoy Jones with Prestige Realty. 815/558-5672.       7/21

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 in offers in 2009! www.sellatimeshare.com 877-624-6890.        N-7/7
FOR SALE

Homes For Sale

ZONED C-1 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 2 houses, 3-car garage. INVESTOR ALERT! For sale or lease by owner. 815/243-0774.     7/28

MOVE RIGHT IN! 5369 Cypress Ln, in M.P. Very well-maintained, 3BR, 2BTH, split ranch, walk-in closets. Updated, neutral decor. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, open floor plan. Low maint. fenced yard. 2½-car, garage. Manufactured home in very nice, established  community. Lower lot rent $74,500 MLS#51855 For more info. 815/978-0867 Sandy, Dickerson Realtors. Make this home, your home! 7/7

CHARMING ARTS & CRAFTS-STYLE HOME IN HISTORIC CHURCHILL’S GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD. 4-bedroom. Totally remodeled eat-in kitchen. 1½ updated baths. Large living room with attached sun room, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, fenced-in yard, 2-car garage with 2 attached storage sheds. Newer roof, furnace, & central air. Lots of windows. Bright & cheerful. 1719 Camp Ave. Open Sunday 1-3. 815/670-1309. $159,900. 7/14

3BR RANCH, FIVE wooded acres, 7 miles South of Dubuque, Iowa.  Appl. stay, gas fireplace, Biomass/ Gas heat, dbl garage, large kitchen/ dining area, pool, great neighborhood!  Contact: American Realty. MLS#16275.  HomesbyBea@aol.com , 563-590-0343.  (MCN)

BANK-ORDERED SALE! NEW 2Bed/2Bath Florida Condo. Only $89,900. Originally $264,900.  Spectacular new 2/2 with carport just minutes to Gulf Coast’s best beaches & golf. Excellent financing. Call now 239-963-9783. X 57.    (ICAN)

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 200+ HOMES / Auction: 7/20 Open House: July 3, 10 & 11  REDC / View Full Listings  www.Auction.com RE Brkr 478.012986. (ICAN)

BANK SPECIAL! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large lot! Make offer! Gracious Living Realty. www.graciousliving.org e-mail:Home4you@rcn.com 800-749-5263 Bank says “Sell, Sell, Sell!” (ICAN)

***FREE FORECLOSURE LISTINGS*** Over 400,000 properties nationwide.  LOW Down Payment.  Call NOW!  1-800-785-4121.         (MCN)

Open House

SUNDAYS 2pm-4pm. AMAZING 2-BEDROOM, 1-BATH HOME IN THIS QUIET, FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD 2 MILES EAST OF WINNEBAGO. 318 VINCENT AVENUE, ROCKFORD, IL. Everything has been updated, upgraded, renovated and redecorated. $74,500. See listing
details and photos online at www.owners.com LISTING CODE DWM1711. 815/721-7517.       7/7

Condos

ROCKFORD CONDO 2BR, 2BA First floor in desirable neighborhood. $99,000. HOA $100/mo. Garage, AC, appl. ALL NEW granite counters, bamboo flooring, lighting, fixtures, custom travertine fireplace & dishwasher. 262/203-5203.      7/7

Mobile Homes

MOBILE HOME. 5025 Rocky Ln., Loves Park. 1984 Schult single-wide. 3-bedroom, 1-bath, all appliances, deck, shed, lawn mower. $5,500. 815/877-4757.         7/28

Investment Properties

INVESTMENT PROPERTY FOR SALE IN Freeport, IL. 5 single-family homes, 1 duplex. All rented with great cash flow. $2,605/mo. gross income! Tenants pay all utilities. $115,000 for all. Call Nate for more info – 815/291-6225. 7/14

LOOKING FOR OWNER-FINANCING PROPERTIES Apartments & commercial units. If you’re tired of tenants and having empty units, call 815/540-6757.       8/11

BUILDING SALE! “ROCK BOTTOM PRICES!” Quick Delivery. 25X30 $4577. 30X40 $7140. 32X60 $11,950. 35X60 $13,990. 40X70 $14,650. 46X140 $37,600. OTHERS. Ends optional. Pioneer DIRECT 1-800-668-5422.   N-7/7

Lots for Sale

FOR SALE INVESTOR SPECIAL! Very large buildable lot in Poplar Grove, IL. Candlewick lake. Only $6,900. (For other lot, they’re asking $20-$30,000!) 815/621-5406.         7/7

20-ACRE RANCHES Near Growing EL Paso, Texas. Only $12,900 $0Down, $99 per/mo. Owner Financing, No Credit Checks Money-Back Guarantee. Free Map/Pictures.  1-800-755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com .                         N-7/7

UNBELIEVABLE LAKE LOT SALE! 7/10/10. 2+ acres w/ FREE boat slips only $39,900. Premier waterfront community on Kentucky Lake. Infinity pool, park, private boat launch, trails thruout. Must see- one of a kind lake property. Excellent financing. Call now 1-800-704-3154, x 3543.      (ICAN)

LAND SALE – BANK LIQUIDATION PRICES Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, New Mexico. Acreage starting at $485/acre for 35ac FINANCING AVAILABLE OAC Buildable land, brokers welcome www.RmtLand.com – Rmtkenzie@yahoo.com 1-800-682-8088.      N-7/7

CASTLEROCK LAKE.COM Lakefront Home $159K Lakefront Lot $59K Sand Beach & Boat Slip Indoor Waterpark 1-608-565-8888.                     (ICAN)

ARIZONA LAND LIQUIDATION Starting $89/mo, 1 & 2 1/2-Acre ranch lots 1 hour from Tucson, NO CREDIT CHECK Owner Financing, Money Back Guarantee.  Free Maps-Pictures!  800-631-8164 Code 4032 www.sunsiteslandrush.com .                         (MCN)

Properties Wanted

BUYING ROYALTIES AND MINERAL RIGHTS TO PROPERTIES.  Tired of Receiving Small Monthly Checks, If At All?  Call For A No Obligation Offer NOW. 408-202-9307.                    (MCN)

Eureka! Classifieds

AUTOS

Autos For Sale

1968 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4-door, 74,000 miles, 307 engine. $5,000. 815/375-0500, 815/234-2110.    7/14

Motorcycles

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE – 2005 Suzuki SV650S, blue, 2800 miles, $3,000 or best offer. Ph. 319-310-1653.      (MCN)

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

CAR-TOP CARRIER - Karrite Voyager with lock & keys. Nice condition, $60. 815/399-2246.         7/7

1 PAIR OF GOODYEAR ALLEGRA TIRES. P205-75-R14. Have a lot of wear to go. $30/pair. 815/874-5999.       7/14

SET OF 4 GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR-A TIRES. 215-65-17. Treadware 500. White, raised lettering. 9/32. $200. 815/573-7300.    7/14

WHEELS – FORD. Steel chrome face, 8-lug, 7×16. New truck take off. Fits 1999 & up. 815/988-6411.    7/21

TRAILER SPECIAL! Over 35 New enclosed cargo trailers to choose from! 100 utility, car hauler, skid loader & dump trailers in stock. Friendly service, Great prices, & clean bathroom. www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com 515-972-4554.        (MCN)

Recreational Vehicles

1996 YAMAHA KODIAK ATV 4×4. 850 original miles. One owner. Ready to ride. $3,800. 815/703-6616.    7/14

2007 TRAVEL TRAILER: 35ft., washer & dryer, self-contained. Must sell! $16,000. 815/540-8729.    7/7

2006 GULFSTREAM CAVALIER TRAVEL TRAILERS 8’x32′, Stove, Refrigerator, Furnace and A/C. Purchased 100 – Selling Fast $3,995 217-793-7300. (ICAN)

Boats

SPECIAL DEALS – Factory Buy Backs, Repos / Closeouts – Save up to 30% on NEW Boat Pkg’s – Qty Limited The Boat Dock 217-793-7300.   (ICAN)

Autos Wanted

WANTED: MONSTER TRUCK Old school, no clunkers! Call 815/312-1532.       7/7

WANTED: Full-size cheap Chevy/GMC pickup. Automatic, 4×4, V-8 motor. Condition not important. 815/703-6616.     7/14

DONATE A CAR… To The Cancer Fund of America. Help Those Suffering With Cancer Today. Free Towing and Tax deductible. 1-800-835-9372 www.cfoa.org.     N-7/7

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)    (NOT AFFILIATED WITH NOAH’S ARK OF ROCKFORD.)

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.cardonationsforbreastcancer.org .  N-7/7

DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Most highly rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax deductible/Fast, Free Pick-up! 1-888-380-7845.   (MCN)

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

Antiques

HOUSTON’S HEN HOUSE – Antiques & Upscale Resale.  ANNUAL JUNE/JULY CLEARANCE SALE! 18,000 sq.ft. Of Dealer Space Available. Tues-Sat: 11-4:30, Sun: 12-4. 201 N. 3rd St., Oregon, IL. 815/732-3250. www.houstonhenhouse.com . 7/7
ANTIQUE IRON WHEELS. Set of 4 from 1906 horse-drawn lumber wagon. $250. 815/562-4504.    7/14

Appliances

OLDER 12ft3 REFRIGERATOR Gold. $75. 815/874-1953.                        7/14

AMANA WASHER & GAS DRYER Very good condition. Extra large capacity steel drum. $350 OBO. 815/742-7336. 7/14

REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER Hotpoint, side-by-side, automatic energy saver system, icemaker, water in door.  $275. 815/229-6570, 815/988-6411. 7/7

WHIRLPOOL SIDE-BY-SIDE refrigerator. Water & ice maker, white, 2 years new. $900 OBO. 815/639-1102. Please leave message.          7/21

SHARP CAROUSEL MICROWAVE. Oven-black. $30. 2721 Ellen Ave., Rkfd.     7/21

Baby & Children’s Items

VINTAGE TOY CARS, TRUCKS, anything with wheels. ROCKFORD-MADE. 815/229-1963.  7/7

SWING SET, $150. Trundle bed, twin size, $50. 6 boxes of boys’ clothes, 2T & under, $75. Baby swing, $15. 815/703-6054.    7/14

Collectibles

MARILYN MONROE AMERICAN CLASSIC COLLECTION DOLLS (6). Beautiful gowns. Still in their boxes. $120. 815/874-2353.         7/14

LARGE BEANIE BABY COLLECTION. Many varieties. $20 for all. 815/543-1163.      7/7

Electronics

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

SAMSUNG COLOR TV, $15. 2 pole lamps, $10 each. Westinghouse microwave, $20. Ski exerciser, $5. 815/398-0165. 7/14

CAMERA CANON ELPH SPORT UNDERWATER 35mm. Used once.  Still in box. $80. 724/651-0126.    7/14

FREE IF YOU CAN PICK UP – Tekinika TV. 815/520-7374.       7/7

EMERSON VCR, $50. 815/397-1406.   7/7

Furniture

PAIR OF LAY-Z-BOY RECLINERS Green, $150. Antique walnut dining room table with 6 chairs, $175. 815/871-7511. After 5pm. 7/14

Maple bedroom set Bed, dresser, & mirror, $195. Nice condition. 815/227-4807. 7/7

AMISH OAK DINING TABLE Six chairs, 65”. 42” extra leaf. Asking $700. $3,000 value. 815/874-2353.    7/7

MOVING SALE! Bedroom set in excellent condition. 4 pieces. Carving design on front drawers. $450 OBO. 815/968-5068.      7/7

METAL & GLASS END TABLE SET, $20. Chest of drawers, $20. Chrome & glass coffee table, $20. 815/636-0787. 7/7

FULL-SIZE BED with gold posts. Wooden twin bed. $30 each. Excellent condition. 815/877-2133.    7/7

COMPUTER DESK - 4½ ft. tall, 2½ ft. wide. Oak. Has 5 shelves. $30. 815/540-8637, 815/914-3585.    7/21

THREE-PIECE BEDROOM SET Including desk, younger set. $150. TV Console, Solid oak, $300. Radio with speakers, $35. 815/877-8183, 815/298-0035.                    7/21

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-7/7

CHERRY BEDROOM SET Solid Wood ENGLISH DOVETAIL New in factory boxes! NEVER BEEN USED! Originally $4,500 FOR ONLY $795 Can deliver! 312-238-8607.           (ICAN)

ALL LEATHER SOFA & LOVESEAT Black Brand new Factory Sealed Originally $4000 Will Sacrifice $975 Can Deliver  Call Bill 630-563-9777.   (ICAN)

1ft3 ELECTRIC CEMENT MIXER on wheels, $110. 2 heavy-duty engine stands on wheels, $50 each. 815/988-5713.          7/21

1100 CFM Dust KOP COLLECTOR, 55gal drum, lots of misc. duct work fittings, $350 for all. 815/988-5706. 7/21

Local Foods

SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE! Sign up for a FREE local link membership card at www.locallinkonline.com .      7/7

Medical Equipment

WHEELCHAIR- Folds, needs footrests, $20. In-home medical chair with food tray, $20. 815/398-4475.    7/7

Misc. Items For Sale

LUGGAGE – 3-piece black Samsonite. Used once. Large piece has wheels. $175 OBO. 815/229-1963.    7/14

18HP, 694CC,  TWIN CYLINDER, 4-cycle industrial/commercial Briggs & Stratton. Very nice engine. 815/397-1406. 7/21

CHILDREN’S CLOTHES- 5 large boxes. 10 comforters, cook books ,weed eaters, leaf blowers, 20 fishing poles/reels. 815/962-5376.        7/21

BIG FAN FOR LARGE AREA Works very well.  $40. 815/397-1406. 7/21

1930’s FOSTORIA STEMWARE 12 drinking glasses, 10 dessert stems. $50. 815/226-8417.         7/21

NUTS & BOLTS 40-HOLE HEAVY-DUTY storage bins. All bins 9” deep. 815/877-4498, 815/874-8884.    7/14

6-LIGHT CHANDELIER. Antique butcher block table. German rocking horse. 5,200 BTU air conditioner, like new. 815/639-1102. 7/14

REMOTE GOLF CADDY as is, needs work, $125. Antique garden plow, $60. Antique kitchen table, $50. 815/397-4483.                    7/14

POULAN CHAINSAW 18” with case, Troy Built walk-behind trimmer, & new queen-size magnetic mattress. 815/877-4919.         7/14

SODA MACHINE – FREE to business. Any flavor completely serviced. 815/315-3022.          7/28

SINGER SEWING MACHINE- Huge assortment of Cherry Wood cabinets. All types/sizes. Willing to separate or sell as set. Must see!  815/721-6318.    TFN

18” PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER: Vent-free, hardly used! $100. 815/389-4601.   7/7

ULTRA-SUN COMMERCIAL TANNING BED. Triple face tanner. Extra bulbs. $2,500. Call 815/222-4119.      7/7

3 LAWN MOWERS, weed eaters, car ramps & stands, electric wet tile saw, 2 animal cages. 815/962-5376.          7/7

LIVING ROOM SET, Dining room set, bedroom set, stainless steel refrigerator & stove, dishwasher. Excellent condition. 815/243-0774.       7/7

Sporting Goods

COLT 357 REVOLVER. Nickel-plated. Like new. Serious buyer only. $1,700. 815/979-8154.         7/7

FISHING BUDDY II depth & fish finder, $50. Minn-Kota 28lb thrust trolling motor, $80. New 5” Mora Ice auger, $20. 815/968-8999.   7/7

15 FISHING POLES, REELS. 10 boxes of misc. tools. Several boxes of vintage jewelry. 1950s police siren. 815/962-5376.                            7/7

(3) PISTOL HOLDERS. Like new. 1 leather, 2 woven. $10 all. 815/633-3743.      7/7

Swimming Pools & Spas

HOMEOWNERS WANTED!!! Kayak Pools is looking for demo homesites to display our virtually maintenance-free Kayak pools. Save thousands of $$$ with this Unique Opportunity!  CALL NOW! 800-315-2925 kayakpoolsmidwest.com Discount Code:  521L16.     (ICAN)

Tools

CRAFTSMAN 10” RADIAL ARM SAW, $95. Craftsman 12” wood lathe on bench, $150. 815/871-7511 after 5pm.      7/7

CRAFTSMAN TABLE SAW SANDDUST collection kit, $35. Small Sears sandblaster with hooded shield, $35. 815/633-4999.          7/14

BRAND-NEW GENERATOR 8Kw, 13HP, 120-240, 12V, 9 hours run time. Still in the box! $700. 815/704-5903. 7/14

10’x18” BENCH with pegboard back, 4×4 construction. $100. Rigid ratcheting pipe threader with ½” and ¾” dies, $75. 48”x15” all-steel bench on wheels with shelves, $100. 815/968-8999.    7/14

Yard & Garden

COMMERCIAL D&R WEEDER on wheels. Was $900, Now $200. 815/985-2924.           7/21

Thrift Store

CRUSADER THRIFT SHOP, 310 7th Street – open Mon.  through Sat. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. New group of men’s good shoes. $5-BAG SALE (unless new). Infant clothes 2 for 1. 2 nice endtables and matching coffee table. 2 lovely oak tables. 4 nice wedding dresses.    TFN

FHC  THRIFT SHOP, 710 Broadway. 815/299-3615, Open 9-5, Mon.-Sat. Call for emergency after-hour appointments.                TFN

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH THRIFT SHOP. 318 North Church Street. Open Tuesday 9am – 1pm.   TFN

ROCKFORD MEMORIAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP - 2830 Glenwood Ave. 815/971-4156. Hours: M-F 9:30-5. First and Third Sat. 9:30-12:30. Clothes, housewares, antiques, & more.               TFN

BROOKE ROAD THRIFT SHOP, 1404 Brooke Rd. Lots of clothes, shoes, knick knacks, and misc. Open Wednesday’s, 9-12.      TFN

DOLLAR DIGGINS The Thrift Resale Store with More. NEW & USED. Call for hours 815/229-3474. Household, furniture, books, movies, apparel, vintage jewelry from 99¢, electronics, tools, toys, dishes, antiques, & collectibles. 2233 Charles St., Rkfd. 7/7

Flea Market

BARGAIN BARN – Second Weekend of every month. Vendors wanted $10 fee, $5 return. Call Mark 815/623-3364.    8/4

Garage Sales

CLEANING HOUSE- 7/9 & 7/10, 9-5.  4421 Allendale Ave., Rkfd. Furniture, frames, pet stuff, car parts, tools, & more. (Behind Froberg School).   7/7

SERVICES

Adoption

LOVING MARRIED COUPLE wishes to adopt newborn baby. Stable home. Michelene
& Richard 877-507-5471.  hope2adopt@comcast.net .    TFN

ADOPTION We promise a secure, happy, nurturing home; great education;unconditional love. Early 30’s; teacher, engineer; married 7 years. Call Laura and Mike 1-888-274-8552 lauraandmikeadoption@gmail.com .      (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)

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)

ARE YOU PREGNANT? Considering adoption?  A childless couple seeks to adopt.  Financial security.  Expenses PAID.  Call Christy & Sharon (Ask for Michelle/ Adam).  1-800-790-5260. (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)

Carpet Cleaning

PAUL’S CARPET CLEANING: 30 years experience in carpet cleaning. 3 bedrooms, living room, & hallway, $60. Carpets are vacuumed, pre-sprayed, deep-cleaned, & extracted. For FREE ESTIMATE CALL- 815/378-5472.            7/21

Carpet Installation

SAVE MONEY THIS TIME! Call a Professional for all your flooring needs. Carpet, vinyl, repairs, and re-streches. Larry Rill- 815/544-3705. 7/21

Child Care

“HOME AWAY FROM HOME” DCFS-licensed in-home daycare has openings! $25/day with meals. Call Stephanie 815/962-3804.       8/4

FULL-TIME & PART-TIME openings for daycare. 779/772-6263.     7/7

Computers

ROCKFORD PC, LLC – Computer & Game System Repair, Virus-Removal $49.99. Specializing in PS3 Repair. 815/977-5182. 6817 Elm Ave., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.rockfordpc.com . Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 7/7

Cleaning Services

HOUSECLEANING Residential, Experienced, Reliable, References. $15/hr. Rockford-Roscoe-Rockton. 815/654-7005.  2/10

Clock Repair

BEHIND THE TIMES CLOCKS Antique clock repair. One-year warranty on all repairs. Call 815/980-3188.      6/22/11

Drywall & Painting

ROCK/VICTORY DRYWALL – PAINTING Inside & out. Painting, Kitchen & Bathroom, Remodeling, Flooring, & much more. Call Ron for details 815/319-5223.    7/21

Education

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in 4 Weeks! PACE Program. FREE Brochure. CALL NOW! 1-866-562-3650 Ext. 30 www.southeasternhs.com .       N-7/7

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in just 4 Weeks! PACE Program. FREE Brochure. CALL NOW! 1-800-532-6546 Ext. 412 www.continentalacademy.com .       N-7/7

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. 6-8 weeks. Accredited.  Career Opportunities. FREE Brochure.  Call Now 1-800-264-8330, www.diplomafromhome.com BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL.  (MCN)

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-7/7

GET YOUR 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-7/7

ACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. English/Spanish. Earn your diploma fast! No GED. CALL NOW! 1-888-355-5650.      N-7/7

Electrical

AREA WELL & SWINFORD ELECTRIC 7 days a week emergency service on water wells & all
electric problems. Now serving all Northern Illinois. Call  toll free at 877/403-7455 or look in the Yellow Pages for a location near you. 20% discount on all jobs.          8/4

Engineering

FERRETTI ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS provides future opportunities for your business. Consultants, import, export, transportation, constructions. 815/298-3138.   7/14

Financial

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.         N-7/7

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. (ICAN)

Florist

PROFLOWERS. Send Flowers for Every Occasion! Anniversary, Birthday, Just Because. Starting at just $19.99. Go to www.proflowers.com/heart to receive an extra 20% off your order or Call 1-866-981-3961.       (ICAN)

Handyman

PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN SERVICE: Payment Plan Available. Kitchens, bathrooms, patios, tree trimming & removal, gutter clean-out and repair, roofing, flooring, plumbing, electric, painting, doors & windows, & much more. FREE estimates. 815/975-4268.         7/14

Hauling

CHAD’S HAULING SERVICE. Free estimates, yard waste, spring cleanup & removal of anything unwanted. Solid 6-year reputation, 15% senior discount, fully licensed & insured. Call Chad, 815/979-7593.    7/7

Health & Medical

FREE HEARING TEST, Courtesy of Miracle Ear. CALL For Appt. with a LOCAL Specialist. Rediscover the Life You’ve Been Missing! Call Today – 1-866-548-7745.           (ICAN)

MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS-Monitoring 24/7. FREE Equipment, FREE Shipping, Easy Set-up. ONLY $29.95/mo. CALL Medical Guardian Today! 1-888-375-9729.        (MCN)

FREE HEARING TEST, Courtesy of Miracle Ear. CALL For Appt. with a LOCAL Specialist. Rediscover the Life You’ve Been Missing! Call Today – 1-877-339-3847.     (MCN)

Lawn & Landscape Services

TRANSFORMERS LAWN CARE - We do it all! FREE estimates. Prompt professional work! Competitive rates! 815/319-5223.          7/21

LAWN CARE- Mowing $20. Most lawns include weed eating. 815/519-9943.       7/7

CJ LAWN & MOWING Landscaping services, mulch, soil, planting, pruning, gutter cleaning. Call 815/914-5984.         7/21

Massage Therapy

CREATIVE TOUCH THERAPY: Alleviate stress, muscle tension, improve circulation, encourage overall well-being. Techniques meet your needs. Contact Glenn LMT 815/965-1787. itreasurefinds@yahoo.com.    12/22

Misc. Services

REACH OVER 30 MILLION HOMES with one buy. Advertise in NANI for only $2,795 per week! For information, visit www.naninetwork.com .                     N-7/7

REACH 2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! Do you have a product, service, or business that would be helped by reaching over 2.5 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)

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)

WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classified ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds.com .      (MCN)

FREE HD FOR LIFE! Only on DISH Network! Lowest Price in America! $24.99/mo for over 120 Channels! $500 Bonus! 1-877-805-7991. (MCN)

**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-7/7

DIRECTV 50% OFF for one year!  Free HD/DVR Upgrades, Standard Install, 3mo STARZ + SHOWTIME. Get started for $0!  New cust. only, qual pkgs. Call DirectStarTV 1-800-206-6525.          (MCN)

DIRECTV 50% OFF for one year! FREE HD/DVR Upgrades, Standard Install, 3mo STARZ + SHOWTIME. Get started for $0! New cust only, qual pkgs. DirectStarTV 1-800-279-5698.  N-7/7

DIRECTV Save $29/mo for a YEAR! NO Equipment/Start-Up Costs!  Free HD/DVR Upgrade! Other Packages Start $29.99/mo! Ends 7/14/10. New cust. only, qual pkgs. DirectStarTV 1-800-620-0058.      N-7/7

FREE HD FOR LIFE! Only on DISH NETWORK! Lowest Price in America! $24.99/mo for over 120 Channels! $500 Bonus! 1-888-377-8994.                        N-7/7

FREE ADT-Monitored Home Security System & a $100 VISA Gift Card from Security Choice. Find Out How! Call Today. 1-866-980-4937.         (ICAN)

FREE HD FOR LIFE! Only on DISH NETWORK. Lowest Price in America! $24.99/mo for OVER 120 Channels! PLUS – $500 Bonus! Call Today. 1-877-478-1894.   (MCN)

Plumbing

BOB THE PLUMBER 22 years experience. FREE Estimates. Call 779/770-5532 for all your plumbing needs. 7/28

Therapy

ROCKFORD LAUGH CLUB. Meeting Tuesdays 7p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. for stress relief. To join call 815/979-1944.                                TFN

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.

Help Wanted

GREATER ROCKFORD AREA APT. COMMUNITY has immediate opening for Maintenance.  Must have knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, painting, lawn care & snow removal.  3yrs. experience.  Send résumé and salary history to propsuper@gmail.com or fax: 815-226-9193. 7/7

SEAMSTRESS WANTED to sew clothes: dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. Call 815/243-0774.         7/28

2 LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS needed for new agency in Rkfd. Call 815/347-6485.     7/7

2 BARBER OR COSMETOLOGIST POSITIONS- Clientele required. Ideal location & setup. 815/398-2494.           8/4

PIANIST WANTED to accompany students for voice teacher. Must be excellent sight-reader. 815/226-3676.          7/14

TELEMARKETING - Part-time. Above minimum wage & bonuses. Immediate help needed. 815/608-5888.        7/21

$$$ 47 PEOPLE WANTED $$$ EARN Up To $4,794 Weekly Working From Home Assembling Information Packets. No Experience Necessary! Start Immediately! FREE Information.  CALL 24hrs. 1-866-899-2756.             N-7/7

$$$ START NOW $$$ 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-7/7

$50/HR POTENTIAL. Get Paid to Shop and Eat. Retail Research Associate Needed. No Experience. Training Provided. Call 1-800-742-6941.       N-7/7

COMPANIES DESPERATELY NEED EMPLOYEES to Assemble Products at Home. No Selling, Any Hours. $500 Weekly Potential. Info. 1-985-646-1700 Dept. MW-501.        (MCN)

1000 ENVELOPES = $5000 Receive $5 for every Envelope  Stuffed. Guaranteed!  800-370-2881.   (MCN)

AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high-paying Aviation Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance.  CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-231-7177.          (MCN)

ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS from Home!  Year-Round Work!  Excellent Pay!  No Experience!  Top US Company! Glue Gun, Painting, Jewelry, More! Toll Free 877-316-6134.         (MCN)

PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 Weekly Mailing Brochures from home.  100% Legit!  Income is guaranteed!  No experience required.  Enroll Today!  www.national-work.com (VOID IN SD).     (MCN)

THE JOB FOR YOU! $500 Sign-on-bonus.  Travel the US with our young minded enthusiastic business group.  Cash and bonuses daily.  Call Jake 877-525-3053 today.          (MCN)

FEDERAL POSTAL JOBS! Now Hiring!  Earn $12-$48 per hour/ No Experience, Full Benefits/ Paid Training.  NOW HIRING!  1-866-477-4953 Ext 238. (MCN)

ACTORS/MOVIE EXTRAS Needed Immediately for upcoming roles $150-$300 per day depending on job requirements. No experience, All looks needed. 1-800-561-1762 A-104 for casting times/locations.     N-7/7

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-7/7

HANDS ON CAREER – Train for a high-paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. Call AIM today (866)854-6156. N-7/7

Construction

HELPER NEEDED FOR REMODELING BUSINESS. Experience required in carpentry, drywall, painting, light electrical, & light plumbing. Valid DL, dependability, reliability, & good references required. Call Mark- 815/955-0709.        7/14

Sales

EXPERIENCED HOUSEHOLD SALES PERSON. 815/968-3707.     7/21

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED IN PRINT ADVERTISING SALES? The Rock River Times is now interviewing motivated representatives for careers in sales. Competitive wage offered, flexible schedule. Have you seen how our paper is growing? This is where you want to be! Long-term commitment a must. Need own vehicle.            Submit rèsumè to:
The Rock River Times
128 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61101    or  E-mail:
contact@rockrivertimes.com .                                                                 TFN

SALES REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED. Most earn $50K-$100K or more. Call our branch office at 309-662-9615. Ask for Patricia Cochran, or e-mail patricia.cochran@
insphereis.com Visit www.insphereis.com.      (ICAN)

FREE TO TRAVEL? Are you free to Travel?  18 or older?  Travel Sale Jobs!  NO Experience Necessary!  Commission Weekly.  DAILY CA$H BONUSES.  Call Today!  Mr. Johnson 1-877-547-6927 Ext 1.    (MCN)

Health Care

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT ROCKFORD:
- Licensed Practical and  Registered Nurse Positions Excellent full-time, part-time and float pool opportunities available in our medical program at the Winnebago County Justice Center, Rockford, IL.  Previous experience in a corrections facility preferred, but not necessary.

- Purchasing/Accounting Full time position. Clerical duties include purchasing, receiving and central stores for the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford.  Reviews and edits purchase requisitions, maintains electronic ordering system, reconciles invoices, researches/secures quotes for products/services and prepares a variety of documents. Requires accounting/purchasing experience.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine is a civil service employer with an outstanding benefits package including tuition waivers for employees to complete U of I and NIU degree programs.  Apply on-line at jobs.uic.edu . AA/EOE.            7/7

Drivers

CLASS A or B DRIVER- Clean record, driving & personal. 815/968-3707.           7/21

CLASS C CDL DRIVER - Local delivery driver needed. Wholesaler looking for hardworking, reliable driver able to lift 50 lbs., clean driving record, background check required. Apply in person @ 3036 Eastrock Ct., Rockford, IL.   7/7

TRANSPORT DRIVER: Leading Tank Carrier has immediate openings for local fuel drivers. Drivers will be based in the Rockford, IL or surrounding area. Position requires class A CDL with Hazmat and Tank endorsement. Clean record and 1-2 years experience preferred. Competitive wage and benefits package. KANE Transport 11685 Clark Rd., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. 877-714-KANE(5263) ext 224. www.kanetransport.com ; timh@kanetransport.com .  7/7

DRIVERS: $2000 SIGN-ON BONUS! System & Regional. Earn $.40cpm. Benefits, West Coast Miles. Excellent Hometime. Ryle or Jamie: 800-593-6433.       7/7

MIDWEST OWNER OPERATORS WANTED. 64% of revenue or up to 1.10 per mile loaded 1.00 per mile empty. Generous fuel surcharge paid all miles. Permits, and fuel taxes paid. FRONTIER TRANSPORT 800 991 6227.      (ICAN)

DRIVERS - CDL/A *NOW HIRING *Teams *Solos *Owner Operators *Referral Bonus is Back! Great Pay, Miles & Benefits. CDL/A with 1yr. OTR req’d. 800-942-2104 Ext. 238 or 243 www.totalms.com .         (ICAN)

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED! MORE HOMETIME! TOP PAY! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! NEWER EQUIPMENT! Up to $.48/mile company drivers! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com .                       (ICAN)

DRIVERS – CHECK THIS OUT! New Pay Increase! 34-40 cpm Excellent Benefits Need CDL-A & 3 mos recent OTR 877-258-8782  www.meltontruck.com .                     (ICAN)

DRIVER FB – BOYD BROS. EXPERIENCED CDL-A DRIVERS We are loaded with freight! Sign-on bonus! Top Equipment / Benefits Flatbed Training Available. Lease Purchase Program 800-543-8923.         (ICAN)

DRIVER – GREAT MILES! NO TOUCH FREIGHT! No forced NE/NYC! 6 months OTR experience. No felony/DUI last 5 years. Solos/Teams wanted. Company call: 877-740-6262. www.ptl-inc.com .        (ICAN)

WE HAVE THE BEST SIGN-ON BONUS IN THE BUSINESS! Grand Island Contract Carriers Experienced flatbed drivers w/1 year OTR enjoy great benefits, solid pay package and generous home time. Terminals in Grand Island, NE & Renssleaer, IN  1-866-483-5318  www.gicc.chiefind.com. (ICAN)

YOUR ROAD TO SUCCESS: Hiring Local & Regional drivers from Kankakee Area, $700-$1200/wk, consistent home time. One year experience / HM preferred. www.marvinkeller.com 800.752.0342 (x233).           (ICAN)

*** NOT GETTING MILES? NO PROBLEM *** 100% Reefer, OTR Drivers Wanted Pre-Pass EZ-pass. Every 60K mile raises. Newer equipment W/APU. Passenger-Pet Policy. 100% NO touch. 1-800-528-7825. (ICAN)

OWNER OPERATORS RUN Midwest, Northwest, Southwest or our long haul division, plates, fuel card available, miles & money! www.pssjms.com 800-494-3532.      (ICAN)

REEFER, TANKER AND FLATBED DRIVERS NEEDED! Experienced drivers & CDL students welcome. Assistance obtaining CDL is available! Call Prime Inc. Today! 1-800-277-0212 www.primeinc.com .       (ICAN)

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

Seeking Employment

LOOKING FOR ODD JOBS TO DO. Call Mon-Sat 7am-5:00pm. 815/262-2900.           7/21

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)

THINK CHRISTMAS - START NOW! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 Worldwide! 100% TURNKEY CALL NOW 1-800-518-3064 WWW.DRSS4.COM .         (ICAN)

RECEIVE UNLIMITED $25 to $600 Payments plus Lifetime Residual Income.  www.TheBiz-RBizOpp.com .  You’ll need this: Robin 646-639-0261. Must visit Site First Or Your Call Will Not Be Answered! (VOID IN SD).            (MCN)

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-888-614-1179 (Not valid in South Dakota).    (MCN)
MUSIC

PIANIST WANTED to accompany students for voice teacher. Must be excellent sight-reader. 815/226-3676.          7/14

FIDDLE LESSONS AVAILABLE $25/hr. 30 years experience. Member of Southern Wisconsin Fiddler Association. Call 815/963-7808. Ask for Ann.         7/7

VOICE LESSONS Rockford’s Best! Learn to sing this summer, money-back guarantee. www.sheilavayenas.com 815/226-3676.         7/7

FEMALE-FRONTED DANCE/ROCK ORIGINAL BAND searching for bass player. Prefer age range 21-27. Has exciting shows currently booked. Influences: Shiny Toy Guns, Paramore, Cobra Starship. Practice space near Rochelle. Plenty of potential with the right people! www.myspace.com/midmostmusic . 815/922-7537 ask for Caleb.            TFN

ORGAN - Baldwin electric. 52 keys, 18 sounds, 32” tall, 42” wide. $200. 815/988-6411.           7/7

PERSONALS

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

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

SWM 50-SOMETHING. Handsome, secure with good, stable job seeking a non-smoking, no drugs SWF 49-59, weight & height in proportion with no baggage who enjoys sports, cooking, dining out, & romance for LTR. 815/708-7090.          7/21

OLDER GENTLEMAN, PROFESSIONAL, HONEST, polite, looking for beautiful, sexy lady 25-40 yrs old for fun & travel. Please leave message. 815/885-8066. 7/21

SWM SEEKING SWF between 35-49 for long-term relationship. 815/742-7183.           7/7

SWM 48, substance-free, seeking female companionship. Call 815/312-1532 for details.          7/14

ATTRACTIVE 47-YEAR-OLD SWM non-drinker/drugs, non-smoker seeking SWF 30-48 with same qualities. 815/963-2433.        7/7

Public Announcement

MORRIS-KENNEDY/NASHOLD RENUNION POTLUCK- July 10. Alpine Park. For more info call  Olga – 815/229-5992 or Barb- 815/282-8439.     7/7

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

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

POSITIVE IMAGE CHURCH – Basic Life Skills Programs. Free. 1408 Elm Street. For information: 815/967-9061.  TFN

BISHOP EDWARD A.JOHNSON , SR. I’ll pray for you & you pray for me. Watch God change things! 815/388-4546. Donations welcome: 505 N. Main Apt. 904, Rockford, IL 61103.       6/30

Call for Volunteers

HOST FAMILIES for Foreign Exchange Students, ages 15-18 & have own spending money  & insurance. Call Now  for students arriving in  August! Great life experience.  1-800-SIBLING. www.aise.com .      (ICAN)

Organ, Blood, & Tissue Donation

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

SINGLE YOUNG MOTHER with 2 children desperately needs kidney donor. Blood type O positive/negative. 815/397-6703.        TFN

55-YEAR-OLD ITALIAN MOTHER desperately needs Mediterranean kidney donor Type A or O, waiting 4 years. 815/978-3422 or 815/282-2551.  TFN

WWW.LINKSFOR LIFECAMPAIGN.COM Read the stories, see the faces of those desperately in need of a lifesaving organ transplant, or set up your own link for free.               TFN

The Rock River Times
is now offering a special classifieds section

reserved for individuals or families

seeking organ donations.
This is a totally free service

for those who are in need.

Please feel free to call: (815)964-9767,
fax: (815)964-9825,  or e-mail: contact@rockrivertimes.com
your FREE 15-word ad for this special section.
For more information on organ & tissue donation,

visit www.giftofhope.org
To  contribute to

The Angela Rushford Children’s Organ Donation Fund,

visit the foundation of Northern Illinois’ web site:
www.cfnil.org.

PETS

Lost and Found

MISSING FAMILY PET! WHITE ENGLISH SETTER. Responds to Cody. Call Dave – 815/547-3943.    7/21

CAT FOUND! Female, short-hair. Calico gray, orange, & white. 1 yr old. Found in Machesney Park. 815/654-6204.   7/7

For Sale

READY TO GO! YORKIES. $800. Potty-trained. Have all shots except rabies. 815/633-2726. Will take payments.     7/21

2-YEAR-OLD BORDER COLLIE Female. $20 to a good home. Bathed. Sweet & playful. 815/968-1107.          7/21

PITBULL PUPPIES- BIG! 1st shot, dewormed, white/fawn. 2 females, $150 each. 3 males, $100 each. 815/505-4394.                             7/21

KITTENS: 1 female calico, 1 male black & white. $15 each. 8 weeks old. 815/319-5197.           7/21

SWEET, LOVING CALICO CAT 1 year old. Free to a good home. 815/654-6204.           7/14

16-WEEK-OLD BEAUTIFUL KITTEN. $10 to a good home. Call 815/399-6853.           7/14

(2) FULL-GROWN CATS. 1 female, 1 male. $5 each to a good home. 815/262-2900. Ask for Julie or Leo.     7/7

(4) PURE GRAY KITTENS - 2 males & 2 females. To forever-loving indoor homes only. $10. Call 815/980-7863.       TFN

(2) FEMALE CALICO KITTENS to forever-loving, indoor homes only. $10. Call 815/980-7863. TFN

Misc Pets

WANTED: SMALL PETS for disabled person. 779/770-3858.           7/7

WANTED: LOVING & CARING  FOSTER HOMES for kittens & cats that haven’t been rescued yet, but desperately need to be as soon as possible. If you can help, please call me at 815/980-7863. Thanks so much. – Lori.           TFN

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

DO YOU KNOW A CHAINED OR LONELY DOG? Go to www.dogsdeservebetter.org .  TFN

SEE LIVE ELEPHANTS on the elecam at www.elephants.com .                  TFN

WANTED
RESPONSIBLE PARTY WANTING TO RENT A GARAGE near East Riverside, Sheridan Dr., Park Ridge Rd., East Dr. isp_15@yahoo.com . 7/21

WANTED: USED DEHUMIDIFIER Reasonably priced. Please leave message. 815/962-8063.  7/21

NEED UNWANTED German foreign pistols/rifles for parts & repairs. Also, good laptops. 815/633-2049.    7/14

NEEDED FOR MY SON who is a nursing home resident: his favorite music artist, Bob Seger- albums, records, CDs, etc. Thanks for calling, Don, 815/262-0214.           TFN

WANTED TO BUY: MINIFRIDGE At reasonable price. Please call 815/670-1203.           7/21

NEED CASH? Diabetic Test STRIPS WANTED.  Will pay up to $14 a box. Quick & local. Nancy. 815/519-9966. TFN

I WILL BUY YOUR OLD CD collections. Top prices paid. 815/218-3054.   7/21

SENIOR CITIZEN NEEDS small to medium gas lawn mower. 815/633-3743.      7/21

CASH! FOR YOUR ANTIQUES, GOLD, SILVER, OR ANYTHING OF VALUE. Call 815/558-1900.    7/21

WANTED: SIMPLICITY HYDROSTATIC rear-engine lawn mower, 34 in. cut. Call 815/312-1532.    6/30

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

WILL PAY MORE FOR silver & gold than anyone. See our ad in the “At Your Service” section, page D4. 815/547-7111.  7/21

WANTED: Lawn mowers, ATV’s, minibikes, scooters, dirt bikes, go-carts, riding mowers, & antique vehicles. Running or not. 815/397-4483.  7/21

WANTED: PLACE TO DUMP FIELD DIRT. Please call 815/624-8511.      7/7

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-7/7

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Classifieds | No Comments »

Health Fair and Expo at Clock Tower Resort

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

Eastern and Western medicine will unite when the inaugural Reiki Energy International (REI) Health Fair and Expo takes place Saturday, July 10, at the Clock Tower Resort in Rockford.  The event is free to the public and will feature 65 local, regional and national vendors in the 10,000-square-foot Wallingford Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The REI Health Fair and Expo will introduce health-related businesses and individuals showcasing services, technological advancements and new and organic products.  Free symposiums will be held throughout the day on current health issues such as childhood nutrition, parental stress, supplements and Reiki Energy Healing. Drawings will take place throughout the event for gift certificates and CoCo Key Water resort tickets.

“Reiki Energy International is hosting the event with the intention of building a more health-conscious community,” said REI Board President Richard Gubbe.

Sponsors for the event include the Nutrition Works health care stores in the Rock River Valley, WNIJ Radio, the Clock Tower Resort and The Rock River Times.

The list of vendors includes SwedishAmerican Holistic Health Services, Choices Natural Market, Miller Eye Care, Living Whole & Healthy, Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center, American Cancer Society, National Alliance for Mental Illness, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Reiki Light Energy, MP Heating & Cooling, Inc., B-Extreme Fitness Pro Center, Rockford Career College, Morsay Medical, Rockford Karate Club, Pranic Healing Center of Chicago, Rock Valley College, Open Range Products of Pecatonica, Samland Health Care, Inc., Autism Solutions, Cleo’s Aroma-pothecary, The Banyan Tree, The Rock River Trail Project, Winnebago County Green Business Awards, Cebene Care Clinic, Blue Sky Distributors, Xocai, Venna Drinks and MonaVi Drinks, as well as massage therapists and reflexologists along with  holistic chiropractors, nutritionists, health counselors and other health care practitioners.

The seminars will be in Suite 1711 and hold approximately 25 people. Pre-registration will be offered. Times for the four free, one-hour seminars are: “Parental Stress Relief” at 10:30 a.m.; “Childhood Nutrition Tips” at noon; “Supplements” at 1:15 p.m.; and “Reiki Energy Healing in a Clinical Setting” at 2:30 p.m.

Reiki Energy International is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including the demonstration of energy healing services to individuals and organizations.

The organization’s primary goal is to encourage greater awareness of Reiki energy work throughout the local and surrounding areas.  Membership is open to documented Reiki providers throughout the world.  REI promotes the education and awareness of Reiki through a not-for-profit structure. REI also serves as a certification agent for Reiki degrees and lineages.

Reiki is the Tibetan form of hands-on energy healing that is used clinically around the world to accelerate the body’s healing process.  This use of energy healing is gaining acceptance in the CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) field and is now considered part of the standard of care in many health institutions.

For more information about REI or Reiki, visit: www.reikienergy-international.com.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Living | No Comments »

Requesting a loan modification

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

A loan modification is a transaction where the terms of a loan are changed because the borrower is unable to make payments. Since 2007, hundreds of thousands of home owners have sought loan modifications on adjustable-rate mortgages because payments ballooned after the initial fixed period. With most lenders still sitting on an idle pool of foreclosures, many are willing to restructure problematic loans instead of seizing property and adding to overstocked REOs.

→ Gather your financial documents, including your loan statement, paycheck stubs and W-2 forms. Some lenders may ask to verify that you are employed. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, keep your benefit letter handy.

→ Contact your lender and ask to speak to a representative who specializes in loan modification or foreclosure avoidance. Explain your situation clearly. The representative will likely ask you to propose a new payment you are willing to make.

→ Review your financial situation and make a proposal for your lender. Include a list of your monthly debt obligations, including your new proposed payment, and compare it to your gross monthly income.

→ Pitch the new payment to your lender. Your bank will either accept your proposal or negotiate another payment arrangement.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Home & Garden | No Comments »

What’s a CSA, why join?

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Randall Smith
Executive Chef/Director of Food and Beverage Clock Tower Resort and CoCo Key Waterpark

One of the best ways to take more control of what you eat is to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group. The Clock Tower has. The week  of June 16 was my first week delivery from my CSA, and it marks the beginning of a season-long adventure with food.

A CSA works by offering a share in the produce of a farm or collection of farms for the season. You pay a fixed amount at the beginning of the season and receive weekly shares of what has become available that week.

In late spring, you may receive asparagus, fresh greens, baby beets and small tart strawberries. In mid-summer, green beans, baby carrots and the first of the tomatoes may be in your box; by late summer, your share is bursting at the seams with summer squash, beautiful large tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbages, and crisp head lettuces. The share money allows the farmer a cash infusion early in the season when cash is tight that will carry him through to the point where he can cash crop his goods in markets and restaurants. It truly allows the farm to be “sustainable”; able to stand on its own without hidden environmental costs or public subsidies. It is an eminently sane and earth-friendly arrangement.

I think the name CSA is unfortunate. It stands for Community Supported Agriculture, which is fine, but the term does not communicate any of the import and romance of what a CSA is—a community of people that includes producers and consumers in a synergy that cultivates each individual and the land. A group of people freely coming together to share the rewards of a specific patch of ground crafted by God and nurtured by man. The consumers acquire enough value from this arrangement to pay the farmer an amount that sustains him. There is a certain amount of humanity that is natural to that type of arrangement that is not expressed in an acronym. I don’t know what a better phrase may be, but encourage anybody interested to come up with one.

CSAs come in all shapes and sizes and most CSA farm’s also sell in farmers’ markets and to restaurants. They can focus primarily on identifiable familiar produce, or they may focus on unusual varieties and heirloom treats. Some work off rented land, some off very old, family farms. Some are proudly certified organic, and many don’t feel the need to be certified. Some raise meat and eggs, some raise only vegetables, and in many cases, several farms will combine to allow for a broader selection. They are all a running commentary on seasonality, and as such bring a beautiful natural synergy to our lives.

Our area is blessed with several very good CSAs, and it is not too late to join many of them. Some great resources to research and choose are Localharvest.com and the UI extension—call 815-986-4357, and they can help to guide you toward a CSA that might fit your needs. You might also ask around your favorite farmers’ market.

In the Midwest, a share is typically $400 to $600 a season, and in many cases, is broken into two payments. Over the course of a season, this is truly a bargain for the freshest, most flavorful and healthful food available. This week’s box had spinach, peas, swiss chard, arugula, turnip geens, radishes, mixed lettuce, salad turnips and oregano.

While you search for your best choice, I will leave you with a recipe for the perfect and most traditional way to prepare fresh early peas.

Peas with mint

Fresh peas have a longstanding and venerable relationship with mint. You can replace the mint with tarragon, chervil, lemon thyme, or chives, if you like. Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh shelled peas
5 to 6 fresh whole mint leaves
4 tablespoons butter
Pinch of sugar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Directions: Bring enough lightly-salted water to cover the peas to a boil over medium-high heat. Add peas, whole mint leaves and cook until the peas are just tender, but not mushy or discolored, 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the peas. Drain off the water through a colander, pick out the mint leaves and return to the pan. Place pan back onto medium-high heat and add butter and sugar. Stir gently until butter has melted. Add chopped fresh mint and stir gently. Serve immediately.

Randall Smith has been a working chef for more than 20 years. He is currently executive chef at the iconic Clock Tower Resort in Rockford and was formerly the executive chef at Hotel Mead, the finest hotel in central Wisconsin. He is 1999 Middle Wisconsin Chefs Association Chef of the Year nominee. He has written about using local produce for Farmers’ Markets Today and has been a tireless advocate for farmers’ markets, CSAs and local sustainable farms in Wisconsin and Illinois. He has traveled in Ireland, studying the integration of local foodways into food service, and has worked closely with the Central Rivers Farmshed, The Wisconsin Local Food Summit, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. He is working on a cookbook geared toward cooking with ingredients from CSAs and farmers’ markets, Farm Fresh Flavors.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Naturally Rockford | No Comments »

To the Editor: Conformity is slavery

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Will President Barack Obama change his (very liberal) thinking before he has destroyed our country? It’s not likely! Because he had claimed (as Senator) that he had the experience to become our next president. But how could he if he had only 178 hours in the Senate (about 22 days)? So, more or less, Senator Obama had told the voters whatever it took to get elected. But then he had continued his predecessor’s (G.W. Bush) same agendas! (Business as usual) and a president of the United States shouldn’t belittle himself by bowing to a Saudi Arabian oil tycoon! And when Obama was handing out free bailout money, many of the undeserving corporate owners received it, but they had given themselves huge bonuses and elaborate vacations! But he had also lent federal money to the supposedly ailing banks, which was probably never repaid. And guess what President Obama did next? He again lent some bankers another $1 trillion (here we go again) in hopes that it would stimulate our economy and the banking industry! But the stingy bankers are now using the excuse that “we cannot give you any home equity loans because the housing bubble is too unstable” when the bankers are loaning it out to someone else, who is willing to pay a much higher interest rate!

But why isn’t America being kept informed about the European Union and its latest developments? Because there are two secret organizations, the Bilderbergers in Europe and the Skull and Bones here in America! Their purpose is to get certain influential people elected so they can manipulate everything. The unchecked inflationary period, the housing bubble, and now the home prices at only 15 percent is the result. Another reason is there are very few jobs. But while we (and other countries) are struggling, the European Union’s constitution is almost ratified. For their German defense minister, they have picked Karl-Theodor Zu Guttenberg! But to his German associates, Mr. Guttenberg is called “the Reicfeura”! (reference: Philadelphia Trumpet) He will lure many people into the EU, pretending to be meek as a lamb (promising everyone world peace), but afterward, he will speak as a dragon, because the Europeans have allowed the Nazis to take control of everything.

Philip J. Wilson

Rockford

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

IEPA, Freedom Field and student power

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Overview of Freedom Field. Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President
Illinois Renewable Energy Association

The ongoing oil disaster in the Gulf is a grim reminder of the inter-relationship between energy consumption and pollution. It reminds us of the need for effective government regulation, as the consequences of such disasters go far beyond existing market relationships.

It is also an indication of peak oil, the concept that future supplies will become increasingly scarce, more costly and likely to result in increased levels of environmental damage.

As oil supplies tighten and the environmental costs are more fully incorporated into the price of energy, Jeff Rubin believes the changes could include some pleasant surprises. Some long-lost manufacturing capacity could return to the local level. We could see a re-engineering of our economy to a more livable and sustainable system than that which now is dominant. Increased shipping costs could trump low-cost labor.

Wind generator. Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl

A report by Lloyd’s of London and Chatham House to the British business sector addressed the need to adjust to the uncertainty of the world’s energy future. Volatility in the cost and availability of fossil fuels presents business interests with both risks and opportunities. Investing in demand reduction and renewable energy while having high upfront costs will provide lower energy costs in the future. The recent request by Commonwealth Edison for a 7 percent increase in rates to pay for an upgrading of the electrical grid will have less impact on those who have invested in efficiency and renewable energy.

Other authors are far less sanguine about the impacts of peak oil on the economy, foreseeing a very difficult future. Some individuals are already reorganizing their lives to be able to live well in an energy-limited world.

The annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair includes a range of responses to the potential impacts of peak oil. College students will be at the fair to exhibit their efforts at re-engineering our energy future. Students from Rock Valley College will explain their work in renewable energy. They are also involved in the Winnebago County Freedom Field Project, which is a model for alternative energy. A newly-installed photovoltaic system is now in operation, along with a solar-thermal heating and cooling system and meteorological monitoring station.

Students from Iowa State University will be there, along with the solar electric car they built and drove in the solar race.

Students from Elgin Community College will bring an 18-wheeled “Green Machine,” powered by biodiesel fuel and equipped with solar systems, and a small wind generator. They will discuss the solar hot air systems they have designed and installed.

Solar panels. Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is a new sponsor of the Energy Fair. It has regulatory responsibilities for air, land and water issues. Its Bureau of Air works to limit air pollution in various ways, including reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, providing rebates to support alternate fuel vehicles, and assisting schools and school districts in reducing emissions from diesel-powered school buses. It administers the Illinois Cool Cities program and the Illinois Advisory Group on Climate Change. The agency director is former Rockford Mayor Doug Scott.

Major sponsors of the Aug. 7-8 fair include The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, The Rock River Times and ComEd.

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 July 7-13, 2010 issue

Bergey wind generator. Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl

Posted in Renewable Energy | No Comments »

Obituary Notices: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Lloyd White, 91, Roscoe, 6/25/10

Lilla Zito, 84, Rockford, 6/25/10

Florence Page, 80, Rockford, 6/25/10

Richard Leonard, 73, Rockford, 6/25/10

John Burton, 93, Rockford, 6/25/10

Ulisa Cheairs, 40, Rockford, 6/25/10

Cynthia Ogden, 58, Rockford, 6/25/10

John Zander, 59, Rockford, 6/26/10

John Spedding, 78, Rockford, 6/26/10

Janet Henson, 69, Loves Park, 6/26/10

Deon Hempsted, 39, Rockford, 6/26/10

Mary Ryan, 93, Rockford, 6/26/10

Bev Savage, 68, Rockford, 6/26/10

Charles Bogan, 48, Rockford, 6/26/10

William Mayfield, 87, Rockford, 6/27/10

Francis Bator, 59, Rockford, 6/27/10

Isaac Maciejewski, 9, Rockford, 6/27/10

Bruce Whitlow, 48, Rockford, 6/27/10

Adeline Armato, 81, Rockford, 6/27/10

Carl Saieva, 40, Rockford, 6/27/10

Patricia Waller, 86, Rockford, 6/28/10

Donna Fransen, 66, Rockford, 6/28/10

Robert Seyersdahl, 84, Rockford, 6/28/10

Bernabe Cortes, 74, Rockford, 6/28/10

Jon Deckard, 64, Rockford, 6/28/10

John Murray, 62, Rockford, 6/28/10

Susan Brinkmeier, 56, Rockford, 6/29/10

Jacob Seibert, 88, Rockford, 6/2910

Donna Fair, 82, Rockford, 6/29/10

Leroy Kline, 82, Rockford, 6/30/10

Alexander Wasson, 58, Rockford, 6/30/10

Earl Christian, 94, Rockford, 6/30/10

Frankie Sterbenz, 38, Rockford, 6/30/10

Ora Rodden, 59, Rockford, 6/30/10

Katherine Mattison, 100, Rockford, 6/30/10

Carolyn McGowen, 67, Rockford, 6/30/10

Claudy Hill, 71, Rockford, 6/30/10

Kelly Althoff, 45, Rockford, 6/30/10

Gordon Lee, 81, Rockford, 7/1/10

Dorothy Brandt, 90, Rockford, 7/1/10

Robert Werkheiser, 71, Rockford, 7/1/10

Lois Brady, 82, Rockford, 7/1/10

Janice Woodhouse, 63, Rockford, 7/1/10

Mary Dehlin, 76, Rockford, 7/1/10

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Beautify your back yard: Five tips to create a homegrown sanctuary

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Contributed by GE Lighting

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, homeowners will be spending more time in the outdoors, especially in their own back yards. Following are a few tips about how you can turn this space into a summer sanctuary:

→ Create an extension of your home with your deck, gazebo or sunroom. Decorate the space with the same fabrics, furniture and accents as the house’s interior to create an outdoor escape. You’ll have the perfect romantic getaway or relaxing nook without leaving your property.

→ Breathe new life into old furniture and reupholster cherished pieces with all-weather fabrics. For items that are wicker or wood, grab a can of paint and a brush to add flowers, swirls and polka dots for a fun, garden theme. For the more artistic decorator, these shapes can be done freehand, or run to your local craft store for stencils and embellishments.

→ Beautify on a budget by taking inventory of items in your home that can be repurposed for the outdoors. Consider an iron headboard that can be painted and used as a garden trellis or figurines that can add accents to flowerbeds. Plus, you’ll knock out two big projects at once: you’ll have a breathtaking back yard and won’t have to declutter!

→ Shed light to create the perfect ambiance to your back yard, especially after the sun goes down. Add a glowing light fixture without attracting bugs with the GE Bug Lite. The bulb has a special coating that makes it invisible to insects so they aren’t swarming your patio party. Or, if you’re looking to illuminate your back yard, try GE’s outdoor LED area light, which provides up to 60 percent energy savings, a longer life and light-level uniformity.

→ Add color with flora and fauna to your outdoor living space. Hit multiple senses by including fragrant flowers as well as eye-appealing plants, such as roses, lilies and herbs. To give the effect of a full garden with a limited budget, plant lush greenery to prevent the yard from feeling too small. Accent your new floral designs with figurines and lawn ornaments of your favorite critters.

Taking the time to beautify a back yard that reflects your style and personality will not only create a go-to destination for you and your family, it will also provide the perfect backdrop for entertaining guests on a warm summer day.

For more tips about improving your home’s back yard, visit whatsyourlightingstyle.com.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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To the Editor: No respect for constituents

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Editor’s note: The following is a letter that was sent to U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-16), which the writer chose to share with us.

Dear Congressman Manzullo,

On March 22nd, 2010, a day after my 23rd birthday, I participated in three meetings with the staff of my elected representatives. I was in Washington, D.C., for Ecumenical Advocacy Days and there to learn about the undocumented illegal immigrants in this country. Little did I know, I would end up feeling like I had no voice, much like them.

I was treated with class and dignity by my first two appointments (Durbin and Gutierrez), not so much with the third. I am sorry to tell you, but my third meeting was with your staffers. Michele was very nice and seemed open to different opinions. Your other staffer, on the other hand, was not. He frequently checked his phone and texted even as others in my group were talking to him. When we mentioned that immigration reform would create jobs, he rolled his eyes at us. I felt absolutely terrible about myself.

He said you were working on immigration reform, so we asked him how. He said that when we do business with a foreign country such as Japan, you need to get a visa to travel over there or vice versa, and that takes many days. Your assistant said you are working to change that. Well, I believe that is just business as usual. I would like to see you work for the everyday man and woman.

Big business got us into this financial crisis we are suffering through, and is now responsible for the environmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. I had to finance part of the trip from my own pocket because I firmly believe in the cause. I felt very disrespected that your staffer could not treat your own constituents with the dignity and respect that they deserve. I felt marginalized like the people I had come to represent. Some of my friends have been here close to 20 years, and they are still not able to gain citizenship because they came here illegally. To me, they are more important than speeding up visas so business can continue as usual. Thank you for your time.

Chris Benson

Loves Park, Ill.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | 3 Comments »

Spring-Green Lawn Care offers tips to keep landscapes lush as temperatures climb

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

From press release

LOVES PARK, Ill.—Ever wonder how your neighbors achieve thick, vibrant lawns year after year or how they keep their lawns and landscapes healthy as temperatures continue to rise throughout the summer months? The answer is simple: They work at it!

“This is the time of year people are enjoying their outdoor spaces the most, so it’s necessary these areas are in tip-top shape,” said Jason Jordan, the local owner of Spring-Green Lawn Care. “Keeping lawns healthy now will also make preparation for the cooler weather much easier when the time comes.”

Here are some tips from Jordan to keep lawns and trees looking their best from the beginning of the summer to the end.

1. Address pests: One single insect can lay thousands of eggs, ensuring a continual attack on your lawn and landscape, but if you know where to look for these pests, their impact can be minimal.

For your landscape plants, Jordan says to start by looking at the leaves or needles and keep an eye out for chew marks, feeding trails or curled leaves, as all can be indicators of insect activity.

Insects that bore into the trunk or develop in the tips of pine trees, however, can be harder to locate. If you see a D-shaped hole in the trunk of a tree, that is an indication of a flat-head borer like the Emerald Ash Borer, which is responsible for killing tens of thousands of ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois and putting many other states at risk for sporadic outbreaks.

Jordan says to contact a lawn care professional or county extension office immediately if your ash is beginning to die at the top, as it could be an indication of Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

As for lawns, most surface-feeding insects will hide in the thatch layer during the day, so you need to look for signs of their activity versus the actual insects.

The most obvious sign of surface-feeding insects is turf that is thinning or losing color. If you notice pencil-sized holes, it’s possible your lawn has Sod Webworm.

Jordan says lawn care professionals like those at Spring-Green Lawn Care are trained to inspect and treat lawns for insect damage.

2. Mow, mow, mow your lawn: Mowing is a simple process, but it has more impact on the health and growth of a lawn than any other regular maintenance activity.

Start by setting your mower deck to 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches—Jordan says a soda can on its side should be able to slide under the mower at this height—and mow your lawn when it needs it, as opposed to keeping to a weekly schedule.

Understand turfgrass grows slower in the summer and infrequent rainfall can also play a factor in sluggish growth, so running a mower across drought-stressed turf can hurt instead of help.

Also, since mowing opens up the tip of the grass blade, it’s best to mow early in the morning after the dew has dried or in the evening when temperatures have dropped, instead of in the heat of the day when the most moisture can be lost.

Lastly, Jordan says that because grass is between 80 and 90 percent water, clippings and nutrients can be recycled back into the lawn, providing beneficial organic material for future growth.

3. Watch your water: When Mother Nature doesn’t supply enough rainfall, supplemental watering is integral to maintaining a healthy lawn, but Jordan says to remember too much water can be wasteful and even detrimental to the lawn’s lifespan, and too little water can lead to turf that’s more susceptible to disease, insect and weed infestations.

A well-maintained lawn needs 1 inch of water per week to stay green and growing. So, instead of setting your automatic sprinkler system to come up every day to water each zone for 10 minutes, set the system to run only every three to four days for a longer time per zone—a practice that prevents roots from growing closer to the surface.

Jordan says you can also use hoses and a pulsating portable sprinkler, leaving it in one position for 30 to 60 minutes before moving it to another location.

Early-morning watering is best, as watering in the evening can increase the likelihood of disease development because the lawn will remain cool, dark and moist for an extended period of time.

If you are unable to water because of watering restrictions, your lawn will go dormant, the turf’s natural defense mechanism in which it will shut down all non-essential parts, like top growth, to keep the crown alive.

Turf is a remarkable plant, and most varieties can survive for four weeks or more without irrigation of any type, says Jordan; if the drought is severe enough, some lawn renovation may be necessary once it starts to rain or you are able to water again.

Spring-Green Lawn Care remains committed to being environmentally responsible by enlisting the best practices in lawn and tree care and helping to create both beautiful and beneficial lawns and landscapes. Spring-Green has partnered with The Arbor Day Foundation, and for every new Spring-Green customer in 2010, the company will make a donation to plant a tree in a forest that has been damaged by wildfire, insects or disease with a goal of planting a minimum of 10,000 trees this year.

For more information about Spring-Green Lawn Care and its services, contact Jason Jordan at (815) 885-4866, via e-mail at jjordan@spring-green.net or visit www.spring-green.com/jjordan.

From the June 7-13, 2010 issue

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On Real Estate: How to refinance an 80/20 combo loan

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

An 80/20 is a 100-percent financing program composed of a first mortgage (80 percent) and a second, which covers the remaining 20 percent of the purchase price. Borrowers take advantage of 80/20 programs to avoid producing a down payment private mortgage insurance (PMI).

While 80/20s are popular and suitable methods of purchasing a home, it is often wise to consolidate the two loans to eliminate interest and payments on the second.

→ Determine your equity position. Chances are, it may be a year, possibly two or three, before your home appreciates enough, allowing you to consolidate your first and second mortgage. You must, therefore, know where you stand before proceeding with an application. Depending on real estate trends, residential real estate commonly appreciates approximately 3 percent each year. For example, if you purchased your home three years ago for $135,000, today, in a stable market, it’s likely worth $146,000 or $147,000. If you purchased with an 80/20, and you owe $134,000 today, 88 percent of your equity is secured by mortgages.

→ Familiarize yourself with conventional Loan to Value (LTV) guidelines. The majority of lenders making conventional first mortgages (backed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) typically only make loans for 97 percent of a home’s value. Some lenders will lend up to 100 percent on a first mortgage (owner-occupied property).

→ Apply for a conventional first mortgage. Gather your W-2s from the last year’s (tax returns, if you’re self-employed), two most-recent bank statements or any statements from retirement or investment accounts. Meet with a lender and complete a mortgage application package. You will also be required to have your home appraised. A home appraisal will cost you $250 to $500.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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Your Horoscope: Week of July 7-13, 2010

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

This Week: As difficult as the full-moon lunar eclipse in Capricorn was June 26, we can expect the opposite July 11 with the new-moon solar eclipse in Cancer. Problems that arrived from the previous eclipse will be resolved now. New opportunities and solutions arrive. This is a great time to focus on your long-term goals, dreams and ambitions. The sky is the limit this week. Take advantage of this time frame before Mercury goes retrograde again Aug. 20 . This is a good time to make changes in appearance and focus on a healthy new lifestyle.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)—This will prove to be a very lucky time frame, especially with financial aspects. An unexpected windfall will occur. Your hard work and efforts, as well as your talent, are noticed by others. The media may take a shine to you at this time. A phone call from a friend or lover from the past will prove to be very enlightening.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)­—Disturbing outside influences tend to bring the family close together. The ability to see who the outlaws and the in-laws are arrives with crystal clarity this week. Interesting information is provided from an unusual source. The weekend brings relaxation and romance to a new level.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)—Everything begins to slow down to a snail’s pace for a while midweek. Try not to panic. This is giving you the opportunity to rest and recover a bit from a health issue or an over-booked schedule. Romance opportunities are becoming a focus. Single Geminis are in a position to make new acquaintances. Attached Geminis fall into a second honeymoon stage with their significant other.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)—A friend or romantic interest may call you on the carpet about your behavior. Count to 10 before you lash out and try to take a good look at what they are trying to say. Maybe they are worried about your health and welfare. Don’t dismiss them until you’ve had the chance to digest their intentions. They may be trying to help you out. Your fuse can get quite short at times. Try to lengthen it a bit this week.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)—Your worries about your personal life will become unfounded shortly. The past has greatly affected the way you see your future unfolding. Innocent until proven guilty should become your motto. Trust and be trustworthy, and all will fall into place. Take a day off to get all of your annoying responsibilities out of the way. Once you feel caught up, it’s easier to stay that way.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)—You need to take a step back for some rest and relaxation this week. Although you should be patted on the back for your efforts and your work ethics, try not to overdo this week. Muscle pains or emotional discomfort may be something you will be working through. The body and mind will heal simultaneously. They connect on very powerful levels. Take time out to get together with a friend for a meal. Relax and enjoy some down time.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)—You will be watching the motives of another very closely. Someone is preparing to fall short of their responsibilities and allow you to pick up the slack. You will need to set a boundary with this person immediately, otherwise the inmates will take over the prison. Put an end to ugly gossip that is flying around the neighborhood or workplace. You will be held in high regard if you do.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)—Busy schedules have not permitted you to connect with friends or family as you would wish to—until now. It almost appears as though you may feel a bit estranged from loved ones this week. Try not to take the behaviors of others personally. As information is revealed, you will find those around you have been overwhelmed with emotional issues. Perhaps they were trying not to burden you with these aspects.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)—Romance and finance are the “main course” this week, providing you with plenty of wells from which to draw. You’re making some physical changes that will affect your emotional status in a positive light. Now would be a good time to leave some “bad habits” behind for good. Not only will this improve your health and outlook, this will also fatten up your wallet. An unexpected loss of a female may throw you for a loop at week’s end.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)—Once you make the decision to change residence or a career path, stick to it! Change is not an easy element to deal with. The unknown always kicks up some fear and reservations. But you need to break free of the stagnation that’s been “bringing you down.” Even your loved ones will encourage you to take a leap of faith. Go for it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)—Health issues may be challenging you or a loved one. This is only a temporary vibration that needs to be addressed in a positive light. The diagnosis could be darker and uglier than the problem itself. Time and energy spent toward this will prove to be the best efforts yet this week. Changes will be apparent almost immediately.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)—You need to put your fiery foot down hard now within your home life. The pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey game is up. Everyone is passing the buck with their responsibilities, and you’re stuck trying to do it all. Then, when you fall short, the finger is pointing at you. Delegate your authority and stick to your guns. If you need to kick someone to the curb to accomplish this, so be it. Peace at any price.

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

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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To the Editor: Government cannot solve environmental problems

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

I noticed an interesting juxtaposition in the June 30-July 6 issue. On the front page, you had the article “Waterkeeper News” by Art Norris, about saving the rivers from large polluters and the need for better oversight along with requiring I.E.S. (Environmental Impact Statements). Also on the front page was the usual “Renewable Energy” column by Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl, and finally, the sports page column by Jim Hagerty about the Asian carp problem.

What, you may ask, do these stories have in common? They all are written by people who are dedicated to environmental protection (hardly anyone would argue with that), and they are relying on the government to do the “heavy lifting” in terms of regulation, subsidies, studies, permits, etc. They are all doomed to disappointment. It’s foolish to expect the government to be either wise or effective in stewardship of our natural resources. You need only to look at their problem-solving skills in other areas (the economy, employment/job creation, immigration, health care, etc.).

How effective has the government been handling those?

Our rivers will be polluted, wind and solar energy will prove to be a giant boondoggle, and the Asian carp will find its way into the Great Lakes. Your writers have good intentions, but the road to hell is paved with them.

Richard Gribbins

Polo, Ill.

From the July 7-13, 2010 issue

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