Archive for February, 2011

Baker Tilly and ex-mayor committee: ‘School district budget projections in ballpark’

Monday, February 28th, 2011

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Findings of the District 205 budget review were announced Monday, Feb. 28 at a meeting of the Budget Review Consultant Selection Committee.

According to consulting firm Baker Tilly and City of Rockford Finance Director Andres Sammul, District 205, led by Chief Financial Officer Cedric Lewis, did its job in determining next year’s budget hole.

Lewis projects a deficit of $50 million for fiscal 2012.

Baker Tilly’s review concentrated on three areas of the budget, which the Rockford Education Association agreed upon last week. The areas examined were general state aid revenue, corporate replacement revenue and expenses relating to benefits.

Those three areas, and the 2011 budget deficit of $41 million, represent the 2012 hole of $50 million, Lewis said.

Championing Baker Tilly’s stand that the district’s budget projections are in the ballpark, former Rockford Mayor Charles Box said determining a budget is not an exact science.

“The roles of the consultants and our role was not to say the deficit is ‘X’,” Box said. “It was to look at these three items–two revenues and one expenditure– to see if they were reasonable.

“When the budget is prepared, you do it three or six months before the fiscal year. And it changes throughout the year. I can’t tell you what the deficit is going to be.

“The focus here was to get the community, hopefully, on a closer track so you are dealing with apples and apples when the board and the superintendent start making tough decisions about what to close and consolidate. We’re in the ballpark.”

Being in the ballpark, according to the Rockford Education Association (REA), isn’t good enough.

According to Illinois Education Association UniServe Director Mark Michaels, the union may ask the school board to approve a larger study.

That, school board member Jude Makulec (Sub District-D) said, the board will likely vote-down.

Makulec also said, given the numbers and breakdown by Cedric Lewis, the board will vote on Superintendent Dr. LaVonne Sheffield’s $45 million budget-cutting plan tomorrow (March 1).

Baker Tilly was commissioned to audit the district budget earlier this month when the union challenged the validity of the $50 million shortfall.

The union claimed the budget was actually in the neighborhood of $15 million, and could prevent some of Sheffield’s proposed cuts and schools from closing.

School closings, however, may have little to do with budget problems.

“Let’s be honest about this,” Makulec said. “Thinking we won’t close any schools because somebody found some money has been an incorrect assumption. The school building closings are happening because we have too many empty seats in our schools.

“What this report (is) to do (is) help us (determine) the second level of cuts–which are the elimination of programs.”

Secondary cuts include possible elimination of gifted classes and deeper building and staff reductions, especially if the teachers union does not agree to labor concessions.

Before adjourning, former Rockford Mayor John McNamara told the committee tensions between the union and district officials are not the result of malpractice or malfeasance. The root issue, the former mayor said, is a lack of communication and distrust by both entities.

That, McNamara said, has clouded the much larger vision of how to repair a badly in-need school district–one with problems deeper than cash problems.

“We are at a point where we need to to talk about structural problems,” McNamara said.

Former Rockford Mayor Doug Scott was also on the Budget Review Consultant Selection Committee.

The Rockford Board of Education is scheduled to meet at Ellis Arts Academy, 222 S. Central Ave., at 6 p.m. tomorrow.

The meeting has been moved from the Administration Building to accommodate what is expected to be a large crowd.

Posted in Happening Now | 1 Comment »

Clock Tower Resort sold at auction

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

The Clock Tower Resort was built in 1966.

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

The auction of Rockford’s Clock Tower Resort  is over and the facility has been sold, officials at Auction.com said Saturday, Feb. 26.

One of the most visible hotels and convention centers in the city, the Best Western hotel had a starting bid of $2.9 million.

The auction began Feb. 17.

While the final price and buyer have not been announced, the sale is expected to close within the next 30 days. As for the operation of the resort, few changes are expected.

Marketing Manager Matt Mohr said ownership has changed hands more than once in the Clock Tower’s 45-year history.

“It’s business as usual here,” Mohr said when the auction was announced. “We have events planned into March and the rest of the year. We’ve had other owners before.”

The Clock Tower Resort was built in 1966. It offers more than 250 guest rooms and 30,000 square-feet of convention space.

The Clock Tower also houses CoCo Key indoor water park, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Sun Dial Restaurant & Lounge, fitness center, tennis facility and other businesses.

More information about the Clock Tower can be found on its website.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

Tuesday, March 1 school board meeting moved to Ellis Arts Academy, large crowd expected

Friday, February 25th, 2011

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Over-capacity crowds at the Rockford Public Schools Administration Building at several recent school board meetings have prompted officials to move the Tuesday, March 1 open session to Ellis Arts Academy, 222 S. Central Ave.

In the past several weeks, people have been packed into the District 205 lobby, second floor hallways and outside the building because of tight quarters. The temporary  venue will allow more people to sit in on the proceedings.

Tuesday’s session will in the Ellis auditorium, which is about three  to five times the size of the Administration Building board room. However, according to reports as of Friday afternoon, Feb. 25, the news may not be positive for some.

Because of the venue change, there may be no live television broadcast Tuesday, when the board is expected to vote on Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield’s $45 million budget-cutting plan which has at least eight schools on the blocks for closing or repurposing next year.

A lack of live coverage could mean an overflow at Ellis of those who usually tune into WGRE Channel 20 each week, resulting in another space issue.

Reports of possibly moving the meeting from Ellis buzzed as of late Friday, however, district officials said before close of business that the Ellis location will stand until further notice.

The school board did give word that officials are working on a way to broadcast the meeting live from Ellis. If that can’t be done, a tape-delay would be aired.

Tuesday, Feb. 22, a few hundred protesters remained outside the building while the lobby, halls and board room were at capacity for most of the evening.

The Rock River Times will have updates as they develop.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

Board of Education member Saudargas responds to Sheffield’s public scolding

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Alice Saudargas

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

When Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield finished scolding Sub District-C board member Alice Saudargas at the Tuesday, Feb. 22 Board of Education meeting, Saudargas was quickly prevented from defending herself.

Thursday, Feb. 24, the board member responded to what she said were untrue statements and an issue that should not have been aired in a public forum.

Using her time allotted for the weekly Superintendent’s Report, Sheffield spoke of her relationship with former associate Noel Hammatt, stopping short of calling him a racist.

The superintendent also used the time to vent frustration about what she called a rumor involving Saudargas.

Sheffield claimed Saudargas, at Monday’s “Rally to Save our Public Schools” forum, alluded that she could not reach her to discuss the location of Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Sheffield said Saudargas never made an attempt to contact her, unless she did so Monday, Feb. 21, when the Administration Building was closed for Presidents’ Day.

“Ms. Saudargas made reference about being unable to locate me to discuss a possible change in venue for tonight’s meeting,” Sheffield said Tuesday. “For the record, Ms. Saudargas did not contact me by e-mail, or by the phone. Nor did she contact the staff at the Superintendent’s Office at all this week.

“The implication that I am not available to Ms. Saudargas is simply not true.”

Saudargas said she called Sheffield’s office early Tuesday and spoke with the superintendent’s assistant.

“What she said is false,” Saudargas said. “I called Tuesday morning and asked if I could speak to her. I was told she was in a professional meeting and could not speak to me.”

Saudargas said she called about a venue change because her requests in open sessions had not been properly addressed.

Sheffield took further digs at Saudargas Tuesday, saying she often misses private meetings without notice.

“Ms. Saudargas tends not to show up for scheduled one-hour meetings with me,” Sheffield said. “Not only does she not show up, but she doesn’t call to cancel.”

Saudargas said the superintendent’s statements were only speckled with truth, and reeked of fallacy.

“I missed one meeting with her,” Saudargas said. “And, it was my fault. I forgot and I made a mistake. But, I have never missed others. I am at every board meeting, special meetings and private meetings with her. What she’s said was uncalled for.”

Before she could respond to Sheffield Tuesday, Saudargas was stopped by Lisa Jackson (Sub District-A), who intervened to prevent an argument.

“I tried to respond,” Saudargas said. “But Lisa Jackson turned my light off. She advised me not to respond right away when people talk to you like that. Lisa was right. It would not have been a good idea to take on that public battle.”

According to Saudargas, the superintendent called her out Tuesday because of her attendance at Monday’s rally, which was hosted by Watchdogs for Ethics in Education (WEE).

During that session, Noel Hammatt was the group’s keynote speaker. Hammatt is a former vice president of the East Baton Rouge (La.) Parish School Board. At the time, Sheffield was running the Recovery School District and had a brief encounter with Hammatt.

In the encounter, Sheffield claimed Tuesday, Hammatt made racially charged remarks about the ability of minority students to learn in a public school setting.

“I think Sheffield really gave it to me because I was at Monday’s meeting,” Saudargas said. “And, because Mr. Hammatt was there, she didn’t like that a board member showed up.”

Fellow board member Jude Makulec (Sub District-D) and District 205 Chief Communications Officer Mark Bonne were also at the WEE rally Monday night.

Saudargas hoped to resolve tensions between her and the district head, but stands by her belief that Sheffield’s statements Tuesday were unprofessional and personally motivated.

“Here I am, one of her bosses,” Saudargas said, “and she did that.” “You don’t talk to people like that.  It wasn’t right and it wasn’t true. If she had a problem with me, she should have spoken to me privately.

“I wouldn’t mind sitting down for a cup of coffee, friend-to-friend, but I know that probably won’t happen. I know where Dr. Sheffield is coming from. She likes to be in control.”

Saudargas did not comment on how the school board will vote Tuesday in terms of Sheffield’s $45 million budget-cutting plan, or whether the reported deficit of $50 million is correct.

She did, however, express her opinion of Sheffield’s leadership style.

“I’ve been involved in this community for many years,” Saudargas, 94, said. “I’ve been a deputy sheriff, I’ve worked with child protective services and in education. I’ve been around the mulberry bush.

“They made a mistake in hiring this person.”

Posted in Happening Now | 11 Comments »

Joey Didier killer denied parole for 12th time

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Robert H. Lower (Dept. or Corrections Photo)

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Robert H. Lower, the man convicted of killing Joey Didier almost 36 years ago, was denied parole Thursday morning, Feb. 24, and will remain behind bars for at least another three years.

Lower, 72, admitted to abducting, sexually assaulting and killing Didier in March 1975.  Didier, 15, was abducted while delivering newspapers March 4 of that year.

After luring Didier into his car, Lower drove him to a remote cabin west of Rockford, where he assaulted and killed him.

Lower, who is serving a 100- to 150-year sentence, has been denied parole 11 times. Each time he’s eligible, Didier’s family circulates petitions to keep Lower locked-up.

Family members were in Springfield Thursday when the Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously to keep Lower in prison for the twelfth time.

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato and Deputy State’s Attorney Marilyn Hite-Ross were also at the hearing.

Lower was last denied parole in 2008. He’s been in prison for 35 years and is currently housed at the Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro.

Lower will be eligible for parole again in 2014.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

Teen found guilty in shooting near Auburn High School

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

A 19-year-old man was found guilty after a jury trial this week of shooting another teen near the Auburn Freshman Campus in 2009.

According to documents from State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato’s office, Jesus Camacho was 18 when he was the trigger man in a drive-by shooting that injured a 14-year-old student.

The incident occurred Monday April 20, 2009 on the 500 block of N. Pierpont Avenue.  A red Chevy Blazer slowed toward the victim, who was walking to school. Camacho fired a handgun from the passenger seat, hitting the victim in the leg.

The teen suffered a gunshot wound to the upper thigh. Camacho was located a short time later and admitted to the shooting, saying he and the victim were rival gang members.

Camacho was convicted of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm within 1,000 feet of a school and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 1 in front of Hon. Judge Joseph McGraw.

Camacho faces three to 60 years in prison.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

Eureka! Classifieds: Week of Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

Apartments

WANTED: ROCKFORD’S BEST TENANTS! 2-bedroom 1-bath – Across from golf course. Air conditioning, carport, coin laundry, Heat, WATER, GARBAGE INCLUDED. non-smoking BUILDING. Pets? From $630/month. Get 1/2 month FREE with good credit! Discount for manager/handyman. 815/382-7667. 3/2

2202 SEVENTH ST., ROCKFORD 1-bedroom, $385/mo., deposit $385. No pets. 224/388-0286. 3/9

1-BEDROOM VICTORIAN 906 N. Court St. 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/mo. Call Frank 815/964-9767. TFN

524 SO. 3RD ST. Nice, large 1-bedroom with hardwood floors. $425/mo. Heat included. 773/419-6166. 3/9

1-BEDROOM APARTMENTS for rent. 8 different locations in Rockford. $395-$550. 815/964-6270. 3/9

$100 DEPOSIT! 1116 Irving Ave. 1- & 2-bedroom apts. Electric heat. $495-$595. 815/964-6270. 3/9

2-BEDROOM SPECIAL! First 6 months $475/mo. Recently updated. 604 St. Louis. Stateline Rental Properties 815/398-8886. 3/9

MOVE-IN SPECIAL! Only $150 DEPOSIT. 1-bedroom. Clean, recently updated, off-street parking. $420/mo. 1205 39th Ave. 563/210-8001. 3/9

1-BEDROOM HEAT INCLUDED! Hardwood floors, new kitchen appliances, very clean, secure building. Laundry, storage, & parking. No pets! $475/mo. + deposit. 1219 8th St. Chris- 815/979-5966 or Scott- 815/509-3341. 4/20

2-BEDROOM 1640 Maple Ave., Loves Park. Appliances, air, no pets. $500/mo. + $500/deposit. 815/262-9096. 2/23

1- & 2-BEDROOM APT. $425-$500/month, no deposit. Laundry, parking, storage. 815/964-0344. 3/2

NORTHWEST, 1-BEDROOM, $495 & 2-BEDROOM 1-BATH APARTMENTS, $560-$585. On bus line near stores, library, & hospital. A/C, coin laundry. HEAT, WATER, & GARBAGE included. No pets. Pay rent for February, and get 1/2 month’s rent in March free. Some Sec. 8 OK. 815/382-7667. 3/2

2-BEDROOM APARTMENT - North Main & Halsted. Laundry in building, fresh paint. Clean! $550. Call 847/514-0775. Sec. 8 OK. M.R.A.A. 3/9

1- & 2-BEDROOM APARTMENTS East State & Alpine. Laundry in building. Fresh paint. Clean! Starting at $550. Call 815/398-9614. Sec. 8 OK. M.R.A.A. 3/9

3-BEDROOM, 1½-BATH 326 Knowlton. $425/mo. Call Ron- 815/914-1337. 3/2

SOUTH BELOIT - 219½ S. Moore 2BR, $450. 815/235-2260. 3/2

1-BEDROOM APT. Rent $435. Deposit $295. Short-term lease OK. Off-street parking, coin laundry, new carpet. 815/742-4721. 3/23

401 KISHWAUKEE ST. – 3-bedroom, 1 bath. Large upper unit, close to downtown. $600/mo. plus Sec. Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

1735 S. ALPINE #1 – 2-Bedroom, 1 bath. All brick building, ranch style unit. Hardwood floors. Coin laundry. $525/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/ 540-9169. TFN

614 11TH ST. - 2-Bedroom, 1 bath. Possible 3rd bedroom. Upper unit with 1-car garage. $625/mo. plus sec. deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

1-BEDROOM- 1308 12th St. Heat furnished. $475/mo. 815/226-8644. 3/9

Duplex

3-BR, 1½-BATH WELL-KEPT DUPLEX HOME with 1-car, attached garage. ½-mile from CV Mall. Includes appliances, washer/dryer, fenced-in, large, wooded backyard. Furnished or unfurnished, deposit, credit check. No pets. $750/mo. 815/299-1703. 3/9

Townhomes

2-BEDROOM 1½-BATH with basement. 2912 LaSalle Ave., Rockford. $650/mo. 815/378-5123. 3/30

Houses

4-BEDROOM HOUSE- 1624 13th Ave. New windows. $650/mo. 815/226-8644. 3/9

SINGLE-FAMILY 4-BEDROOM COLONIAL. Nice, SE area by Colonial Village. $1,000/mo. 815/608-8200. 3/9

2-5-BEDROOM HOMES FOR RENT. Rockford Area. $550-$950. 815/964-6270. 3/9

218 ALLIANCE AVE. 3-bedroom home. 2-Story, 1-car garage. $695. 815/964-6270. 3/9

3-BEDROOM, 1-BATH on Alpine. 1-car garage. Call Ron – 815/914-1337. 2/23

2011 SCHOOL ST. Spacious 3BR, $650. 709 Plaisance, 3BR, $625. 8226 8th St., 1BR, $525. AVAILABLE SOON- 217 S. Moore, South Beloit, 3BR, $675. 815/235-2260. 3/2

COUNTRY GUEST HOUSE 1-bedroom. All appliances. Very nice with attached garage,
security system. All utilities included in rent. $900 + deposit and references. Bring your horse, but no pets. South of airport near I-39. 815/985-5661. 3/9

3-BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT 2304 School St. $625 plus deposit. 815/962-3344, 815/980-6888. 3/9

5-BEDROOM 2-BATH HOUSE Appliances, trash included. $950 + sec. dep. Sec. 8 welcome. No pets. 815/980-6354. 3/9

717 ELLIS AVE. – ROCKFORD 3-Bedroom, 1-bath. Huge bedrooms. New carpet. Nice corner lot. $695/mo. plus Security D eposit. 815/505-0685. TFN

NEW MILFORD - 6541 9TH ST. 3-bedroom, 1-bath, 1-car garage. Call Ron- 815/914-1337. 2/23

2-BEDROOM AUBURN ST. Completely remodeled, hardwood floors. Sec. 8 OK. Call Ron- 815/914-1337. 2/23

501 ALBERTS COURT - 2-bedroom, 1 bath house. Cute, cottage like feel, secluded on two lots. $525/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

BIG 4-BEDROOM, 2-car garage. Sec. 8 OK. Call Ron- 815/914-1337. 3/2

1221 FOSTER AVE. – 3-bedroom, 1 bath home. Freshly painted 625/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

8012 VICTORY LN. - 3-Bedroom, 1 bath home in Machesney Park. 2-car attached garage, lots of space. $850/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

2641 MARSHALL ST. - 2-Bedroom, 1 bath. Detached 1½-car garage, full basement. $650/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

724 KILBURN AVE. - 4-bedroom, 2 full baths. Huge home with hardwood floors throughout. Call for rent price plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

1295 N. MAIN ST. - 3-Bedroom, 1½ baths. 1-car detached garage. Hardwood floors throughout. $795/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

1224 10TH AVE. - 2-Bedroom, 1 bath. Possible 3rd bedroom. LR, DR, basement. $575/mo. plus Security Deposit. 815/540-9169. TFN

418 S. HENRIETTA – 3-Bedroom, 1 bath. Nice home with large yard and front porch. $595/mo. plus Security Deposit. (815) 540-9169. TFN

Commercial Rental

500 SQ. FT. OFFICE FOR RENT Corner of Forest Hills & Harlem Rd. Utilities furnished with restroom & security system. $475/mo. 815/543-0229.3/2

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

Roommate Wanted

2-BEDROOM APT. SO. BELOIT AREA. $275/mo. Split utilities. 815/742-0936. 3/9

ONE MILE FROM CHERRYVALE MALL 2 Straight male roommates wanted. Quiet neighborhood, utilities included, furnished. $355/$375 + $75 dep. 815/299-1703. 3/9

ROOMMATE NEEDED: $225/mo. + deposit, ½ utilities. Responsible person only. Call 815/243-3126 for details. 3/2

LOW RENT FOR SINGLE PERSON. 815/904-6259. 2/23

Room For Rent

ROOM IN MACHESNEY PARK HOME- Utilities, food, & paper good included. $600/mo. Call for details. 815/621-0209. 3/2

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Homes For Sale

3-BEDROOM, 2-STORY Rockford Memorial area. Very nice neighborhood of stately homes. Fireplace, open stairway, hardwood floors, very good condition. Assessed value – $103,000. Asking – $79,000 OBO. Will consider trades. 815/621-6937. 3/9

2-BEDROOM DUPLEX NEAR SWEDES- All new mechanicals, plumbing, & electrical,
100 amp service each unit. New/updated appliances, refinished hardwood floors throughout, completely redone, beautiful apartments. 2-car garage. Excellent rental history. $75,000. For more info, call 815/988-7710. 3/30

1320 NELSON BLVD. Completely remodeled. $60,000. Call Jon- 815/967-8810. 3/2

CENTRAL FLORIDA HOME: 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath, 2-Story. 2,750 sqft. on 1.4 acres. Workshop with water/electric. 5 min to I-4. Near Daytona Beach, Disney World, and 30 min. to Orlando-Sanford Airport. County zoning, no deed restrictions or H.O.A. OK to park RV or Boat. Best (new high school) school district in the area. Sale by owner for $169,900. Contact: dgreenlaw@cfl.rr.com or call 386-561-1352. 2/23

Lots For Sale

5 ACRES, $9750! Southern COLORADO, Level valley land on road, near high mountains and rives, Surveyed, $500 down, $125/month. Owner, 806-376-8690 diane.steed@att.net. N-2/23

GEORGIA LAND- FINAL LIQUIDATION SALE! Augusta Area (Washington Co.) 75% sold, beautiful homesites, 1acre-20acres starting @ $3750/acre. Wonderful weather, low taxes, financing from $199/ month. 706-364-4200. N-2/23

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

EUREKA! Classifieds

AUTOS

Autos For Sale

2007 DURANGO SLT 4X4 Like new. $13,000 Firm. 815/713-7380. 3/9

Motorcycles

WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (KZ900) 1972-1976, KZ1000 (1976-1980), KZ1000R (1982,1983), Z1R, S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, H1-500, H2-750, HONDA CB750 (1969-1975), SUZUKI GS400, GT380, CASH PAID, FREE NATIONWIDE PICKUP. 1-800-772-1142, 310-721-0726. (MCN)

Auto Parts and Accessories

2008 TRAVEL TRAILER 37’ Must sell! Front slide-out. Good condition. Washer/dryer. $13,500 OBO. 815/540-9926. 2/23

TRAILER SALE: 6X10 Dumps $3861 & up, 14′ 14k Dump $5999 & up, Close-Out Snowmobile trailers 22′ aluminum $3899, 10′ tilt $1150, Mower/ATV trailers with LED’s Powdercoat $635 www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com 515-972-4554. (MCN)

Recreational Vehicles

1991 INDY POLARIS SNOWMOBILE, $400. 815-988-5713. TFN

COLMANS COUNTRY CAMPERS We Buy & Consign Used Campers and RV’s Springfield, IL 217-787-8653. (ICAN)

THE BOAT DOCK We Buy & Consign Used Boats! Springfield, IL 217-793-7300 www.theboatdock.com. (ICAN)

Autos Wanted

LOOKING FOR FRONT-END PARTS for 1988 Oldsmobile Delta Royale. FWD. Or whole car. Doesn’t matter if motor trans is bad. Reasonably-priced. 815/980-7863. TFN

WANTED SMALL PICK-UP TRUCK 1988-1996. Call 815/312-1532. 3/9

DONATE A CAR To Help Children and Their Families Suffering From Cancer. Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Children’s Cancer Fund Of America, Inc. www.ccfoa.org 1-800-469-8593. N-2/23

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-2/23

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)

DONATE VEHICLE RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE FOUNDATION SUPPORT NO KILL SHELTERS, HELP HOMELESS PETS. FREE TOWING, TAX DEDUCTIBLE, NON-RUNNERS ACCEPTED. 1-866-912-GIVE. (ICAN)

FOR SALE

Antiques

ANTIQUE GREMAL ACCORDION Works good, looks nice, $120. Anitque roller skates, $40. Call 815/397-4483. 3/2

Appliances

DEEP FEREZER- Excellent condition. 30” deep x 22” wide x 54” long. $300 OBO. 815/977-1266. 3/2

FOR SALE: GAS STOVES $75-$100. Refrigerators $75-$150. 815/382-7667. 3/2

Books

BOOK COLLECTION- Gardening, medical, self-help, religious, health, & prevention magazines. 815/877-4498. 2/23

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE Exercise manual, 375 pg., $2.50. Explorer Manual, Boy Scouts USA, 380 pg., $3.50. Both excellent condition. 815/633-3743. 3/2

Burial/Cemetery Plots

2 PLOTS IN GOOD SHEPHERD SECTION of Sunset Memorial Gardens for sale. Valued at $2,395 each, will sacrifice for $1,500 OBO. 815/980-7863. TFN

RIVER VALLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS Dundee, IL. 4 spaces, Catholic section by the shrine. Make an offer. 815/558-1478. 2/23

Collectibles

MARILYN MONROE AMERICAN CLASSIC COLLECTION DOLLS (6) Beautiful gowns, still in their boxes. $120. 815/874-2353. 3/2

Electronics

3-4’ OLDER MODEL RECORD PLAYER in good condition. $15. 815/708-8491, ask for Leo or Julie. Call anytime. 3/9

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

LAPTOP WITH WINDOWS XP, office, CD drive, wireless-ready. $150 firm. 815/975-5808. 3/2

Equipment

MEYERS SNOWPLOW & PUMP. $500 OBO. Call Sam 815/505-6833. TFN

Fashion & Clothing

BLACK LEATHER JACKET 38-40. Top quality. Never worn. $40. 815/633-3743. 3/9

Firewood

WE HAVE DRY HARDWOODS Split, delivered, stacked. R.E. Marshall Nursery. 815/399-2001. In business 35 yrs. 3/2

Food

100% GUARANTEED OMAHA STEAKS - SAVE 64% on the Family Value Collection. NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 3 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, ORDER Today. 1-866-505-1380 mention code 45069SVH or www.OmahaSteaks.com/family27. (MCN)

Furniture

KING SIZE MATTRESS box spring, & bed rail. All for $185. Contact 815/980-6354. 3/9

TAN FORMAL COUCH with rolled arms, pillows, & cushions. Wonderfully comfortable. $300. 815/962-4518. 3/2

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER holds up to 37” TV, $75. 815/988-5796. TFN

EVERYTHING MUST GO! Sofas, TVs, washer/dryer, bedroom sets, all in great condition. 815/608-8200. 3/9

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-2/23

Horses

NEED TO RENT PASTURE & SHELTER for 2 horses. Call Sherry- 815/566-2020. 3/9

Misc. Items For Sale

1870 HORSE-DRAWN PLOW Computer equipment- towers, keyboards, monitors, 2 color printer/scanner/copier. Microwave. 815/962-5376. 3/9

LOUNGE CHAIR with matching oak endtable, $20. Mither electric saw, $30. Black & Decker sander, $5. Call 815/765-2489. 3/9

MEDIUM, PREVAIL DISPOSABLE DIAPERS. 4 packs, 20 per pack. $30. 815/670-3429. 3/9

A LOT OF CLOTHES & misc. stuff. $100. Everything must go! 815/985-0126. 3/9

LIKE SHOPPING? Try WWW.MW-ADS.COM! Thousands of searchable classifieds from around the Midwest! (MCN)

NEW QUEEN-SIZE MAGNETIC MATTRESS PAD. 30-gallon aquarium with all accessories. Electric snowblower. Golf shoes. 815/877-4919. 3/9

SPRING CRAFTING SUPPLIES Silk flowers. baskets, fabrics, buttons, paints, & special glues. 815/877-4498. 3/2

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

SELLING VINTAGE LPs, 45s. Picture sleeves. 50s, 60s, 70s, rock, blues, jazz, country. Appointment- 815/765-2489. 2/23

Sporting Goods

FULL MOUNT LEOPARD on a tree limb. Older mount, but nice condition. $2,950 OBO. 815/227-4807. 3/9

HEAVY PUNCHING BAG with heavy-duty, 6’ iron pipe & angled iron stand. 815/865-5892. 3/9

Swimming Pools & Spas

MELT AWAY STRESS, aches, pains, detox and lose weight in your own affordable personal infrared sauna. A+ BBB rating. Ships FREE. Visit www.FamilyPoolFun.com/Saunas or call 800-950-2210. (ICAN)

Thrift Store

CRUSADER THRIFT SHOP, 310 7th Street – Open Mon.-Sat. from 11am to 3pm. Special on sweaters: 25¢, 50¢, & $1. Good selection of men’s pants and suit coats. Lots of Easter items. TFN

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH THRIFT SHOP 318 North Church Street. Open Tuesday 9:00am – 1:00pm. TFN

MLEA Treasures Thrift Store. Special 5 for $5! Tues-Fri. 10am-5pm ,Sat. 9-4pm. 1626 Clifton Ave. 815/312-4307. www.midwestLEA.org . TFN

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

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

Sales

10TH ANNUAL WHITETAIL CLASSIC SPORT SHOW & ANTLER AUCTION March 18-20 Grand River Center Dubuque, Iowa Live trout fishing, live animals, kids attractions, seminars, public consignment auction, antlers, taxidermy, guns, vintage sporting goods 563-652-9780 Steve Morehead, www.circlemauctions.com . (MCN)

IOWA’S LARGEST ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS: Feb. 25-27, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, Iowa – Fri., 5-9, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4, 300 Exhibitors. Sunday, March 6, Marriott Conference Center, Coralville, Iowa- 9-4, 150 Exhibitors. Fantastic Shopping Events. 563-652-4529. (MCN)


SERVICES

Adoption

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

ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless, young, married couple (she-30/ he-38) seek to adopt. Financial security. Expenses PAID. Monica & Tom 1-800-790-5260. (MCN)

ADOPTION Love, Family, Support & Security, along with Hugs & Kisses. These are the things we’ll provide your child. Christine & Anthony 1-877-543-1300 Expenses Paid. (ICAN)

ADOPT: Our happy home is filled with love, laughter and creativity, but we long for a newborn to make it complete. Expenses paid. Please Call Bill & Nancy 1-877-647-2766. (MCN)

A BABY TO LOVE: Adoption Active, fun-loving lawyer and nurse financially secure We promise to give your child a wonderful future, encouraging honesty, education and open-mindedness. Call Kristi & Jeff 1-800-300-0755. (ICAN)

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? We can help you! Housing, Financial, & Medical Assistance available. Choose Adoptive family involved in adoption plans. Call 24/7. Forever Blessed Adoptions. 1-800-568-4594. (MCN)

Cleaning Services

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLEANING LADY. Laundry, clean up after kids & pets, organize, & yes, I do windows. 815/621-0209. 3/2

Clock Repair

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

Education

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-2/23

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-2/23

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)

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)

AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high-paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-481-8312. (ICAN)

Financial

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT(1-866-738-8536) Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. N-2/23

REAL CASH! Get $12,500 or more in 12 days or less! No repay! Any Reason! The Vault! 1-512-916-3999 24 hr. message. www.tmhpro.com . (MCN)

TIRED OF EMBARRASSING PHONE CALLS from debt collectors? Stop the calls in 60 seconds! Fast, easy and cheap. Only $39.99. Call 424-249-8208 or visit our website for more info: www.StopTheCallsNow.com . (MCN)

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. 3/9

JOSH OF ALL TRADES – 815/988-1232. Painting, Electrical, Landscaping, Decks, & Odd Jobs. Friendly, Reliable, Fair. 2/23

Hauling

ANDY’S A-1 HAULING, DUMPSTER, & SNOWPLOWING SERVICE “We’ll Dash for Your Trash”. Reliable Service & Fair Rates – Full-service or roll off container. Residential & Real Estate clean-up service. Complete estate, property, house, & garage clean-outs. Locally-owned & operated. Thank You for your Business! 815/965-3289, 815/262-5417. Please recycle. 2/23

Health

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99.00 #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/pill. The Blue Pill Now! 1-888-777-9242. N-2/23

HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY: If you had hip replacement surgery between 2005 – present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. (ICAN)

IF YOU USED THE ANTIBIOTIC DRUG LEVAQUIN AND SUFFERED A TENDON RUPTURE, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. (ICAN)

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 866-675-7123. (MCN)

VIAGRA 100mg and CIALIS 20mg!!!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE For Only $99 #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping SAVE $500 BUY THE BLUE PILL NOW!!! 1-888-236-8014. (MCN)

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-705-4795. (MCN)

Legal Services

NEED A LAWYER REFERRAL? Illinois Lawyer Finder – 800-922-8757 Courtesy of Illinois State Bar Association. (ICAN)

Massage Therapy

CREATIVE TOUCH THERAPY: Alleviate stress, muscle tension, improve circulation, encourage overall well-being. Techniques meet your needs. Contact Glenn LMT 815/965-1787. itreasurefinds@yahoo.com . 6/22

Misc. Services

REACH OVER 28 MILLION HOMES with one ad buy! Only $2,795 per week! For more information, contact this publication or go to www.naninetwork.com . N-2/23

REACH 2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! Do you have a product, service, or business that would be helped by reaching over 2 million households throughout Iowa and the surrounding states? The Midwest Classified Network will allow you to reach these potential customers quickly and inexpensively. For more information concerning a creative classified ad call this publication or Midwest Free Community Papers at 800-248-4061 or get information online at www.mcn-ads.com . (MCN)

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

**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-2/23

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)

DISH Network’s LOWEST ALL-DIGITAL PRICE! As low as $24.99/mo plus FREE HD FOR LIFE! Call for limited time BONUS! Call Now. 1-877-805-7991. (MCN)

EVER LOST AN AUCTION?? Free, Internet Listings! First Accepted Offer, Gets The Trade. Inquire At www.votrust.com . (MCN)

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-2/23

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-2/23

Piano Tuning

DAVID HANSON- Piano Tuning. 815/708-5312. 4/27

Remodeling

SHAMROCK HOME IMPROVEMENTS- See our ad on p.D4. 815/871-4671. 3/9

Rural Living

VISIT THESE WEBSITES FOR AG, IMPLEMENT & RURAL LIVING PRODUCTS & IDEAS: dandkimplement.net : Versatile Tractors our Specialty. (MCN)

Senior Care

GOLDEN AGES SENIOR CARE SERVICE- Private, personal care with 20 years exper-ience. References provided. Reasonable rates. Compassionate care. 815/316-0563. 3/30

Tax Services

TRY IT FOR FREE! New online tax service offers lower cost, fast service, ease of use and great accuracy. Patriot Tax Solutions. Visit www.pub1.pattaxonline.com today! (MCN)

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.

General Help Wanted

HELP WANTED! Make $1000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required.Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram.net (VOID IN SD). (MCN)

NOW HIRING! THR & Associates a mulit-national company has hundreds of buyer positions available that offer salary+bonuses. Looking for professional, friendly, self motivated individuals. Customer service oriented with sales experience. Many salaries starting at $45,000. To learn more & apply visit: www.thrassociates.com. (ICAN)

AVON AGENTS WANTED: Start Your Business Today! 1-800-206-0799; www.PROPEL92.com. (MCN)

$1,000 WEEKLY! Earn $10.00 For Every Email You Send. No Sales! FT/PT. No Experience Necessary. Start Immediately. Apply at: www.CashFlowe.com. (MCN)

Drivers

FEMALE DRIVER WANTED for occasional errands, doctor appointments, shopping, etc. $10/hr, your car. 815/226-3676. 3/2

DRIVERS: $2500 SIGN-ON BONUS. Regional Drivers. Home 3 out of 4 weekends/mo. 300 to 600mi ratio of Davenport, IA. $.36cpm up to $.50cpm. Health Benefits Avail. Jamie/Dolly: 800-593-6433. 2/23

DRIVERS: Murrays Warehouse looking for Regional Drivers. Home Weekends, Running Area WI-MN-IA-IL. Call 800-593-6433 ask for Murrays Recruiting. 2/23

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

DRIVER - Daily or weekly pay. Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years. Safety bonuses paid quarterly. CDL-A, 3 months recent OTR experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com. (ICAN)

DRIVERS - CDL-A WE PAY MORE! NEW PAY ANNOUNCED! OO’S up to 98¢/mile Co, Drivers up to 45¢/mile Lease purchase available 888-428-5228 AmericanCentral.com . (ICAN)

DRIVERS $1000 – $1250 – $1500 Sign-On Bonuses. Hiring Over The Road Drivers. Van, Flatbed, Refrigerated Openings. Call Roehl 1-888-867-6345. (ICAN)

DRIVERS-OTR New Career/ Guaranteed Job? FFE Offering Free Tuition at FFE Driver Academy, Fort Worth, TX. Experienced? $1000 Sign on CO & O/O’s! 800-569-9232 recruit@ffex.net . (ICAN)

DRIVERS OWNER OPERATORS & COMPANY. Flats/Vans. Excellent pay/opportunity. Class A CDL w/at least 2 yrs. current exp. Blackhawk Transportation 888-364-9755. (ICAN)

“YOU GOT THE DRIVE, WE HAVE THE DIRECTION” OTR Drivers APU Equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass. Pets / passenger policy. Newer equipment. 100% NO touch. 1-800-528-7825. (ICAN)

DRIVERS – $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS!!! REGIONAL and OTR Consistent Freight, Great Pay and Benefits! Class A CDL and 1 year experience required 800-677-5627 www.westsidetransport.com . (ICAN)

DRIVERS / CDL TRAINING - CAREER CENTRAL We Train and EMPLOY you. Company Drivers Up to 40k First Year. New Team Pay! Up to .48¢/Mile Class A CDL Training Regional Locations! (877) 369-7196 www.centraldrivingjobs.net. (ICAN)

LOW COST TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING. Immediate OPENINGS with financing available! Great job opportunities after graduation! Join the team today! Millis Transfer 800-937-0880. (ICAN)

DRIVERS – Flatbed OWNER OPERATORS Up to $1000 Sign on Bonus Earn $1.85/mi or more! No age restriction on tractors / trailers. CRST Malone 866-349-6256 www.JoinMalone.com. (ICAN)

Manufacturing

CNC MACHINIST Needed Lunquist Manufacturing Corp. 5681 11th St. Rockford, IL 61109. www.lunquist.com . 3/2

Sales

PART-TIME TELEMARKETING /FUNDRAISING: Performance-driven, flexible hours. great supplemental income. For more info call 815/332-2312. Ask for Leanne. 3/9

Stylists

STYLIST FULL OR PART-TIME Experience and motivation a must. 815/713-7380. 3/9

Seeking Employment

EXPERIENCED DRYWALLER looking for employment. 815/904-6775. 3/9

Business Opportunity

NEWER SALON LOOKING FOR possible partner or possible purchase. 815/713-7380. 3/9

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: Increase your sales up to 100% with our affordable SMS/Text marketing service. Text Gerald to 90210. www.izigg.com/gerald . N-2/23

FRAC SAND HAULERS with complete rigs only. Tons of Runs in warm, flat, friendly and prosperous Texas! Great company, pay and working conditions. 817-769-7621, 817-769-7713. N-2/23

$50/HR POTENTIAL. Get Paid to Shop and Eat. Retail Research Associate Needed. No Experience. Training Provided. Call 1-800-742-6941. N-2/23

$8000+ FOR ENVELOPES! Receive $6-$8 for every envelope stuffed with our sales brochures: Guaranteed! Postage, supplies furnished. 1-800-778-7617 (VOID IN SD). (MCN)

DO YOU EARN $800.00 IN A DAY? YOUR OWN LOCAL CANDY ROUTE. 25 MACHINES AND CANDY. ALL FOR $9995.00 ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 877-915-8222. (ICAN)

ONLINE TRAINERS WANTED. Learn to operate a Mini-Office Outlet online. Free training provided, flexible hours, great income. www.ourfreedomplan.com . (ICAN)

MUSIC

PRO DRUMMER AVAILABLE Any style,seeking working band. Gary- 847/710-8002. 3/2

UP TO $250,000 PAID VINTAGE GUITARS and Amps CASH TODAY FOR your guitars, banjos, mandolins and amplifiers. No one pays more than we do. No one makes it easier for you. One piece of whole collection. Will travel to anywhere in US. BBB accredited Call Joe G 414-241-7225 Creamcitymusic.com . (ICAN)

PERSONALS

THIS BISEXUAL MALE is seeking other guys for dating and possible roommate options. For more details call 216/759-1743. TFN

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ATTRACTIVE TRANSSEXUAL: Educated, outgoing, wants to meet gentleman. Race unimportant. Age 30-60. Serious calls only! 815/516-6298. TFN

SWM 28 LOOKING FOR a Hispanic, Asian, or Jewish woman, 18-42 for LTR, dating, and more. Kids OK. Serious calls only. 779/770-7194. 2/23

ATTRACTIVE SWM 47 SEEKING attractive SWF 30-48 for dating. 815/963-2433. 3/2

SWM 46 seeking SWF, 38-46, for companionship. Rockford area only. 815/871-9911. 2/23

SWM 49 SEEKING female friendship. Call 815/312-1532. 3/2

Public Announcement

LOOKING FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS to sponsor underprivleged & special needs children & adults. Call for details. 815/332-2312. TFN

LOOKING TO NETWORK WITH OTHERS who believe they have been wrongfully terminated from the Rockford School District. 815/874-1888. 3/9

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.
We are looking for a place to hold worship services every Sunday. Reasonable price. Thank you & God Bless. TFN

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? Try Bible call. 24-hour automated service – 815/316-2650. (Church of Christ). TFN

POSITIVE IMAGE CHURCH - Basic Life Skills Programs. Free. 1408 Elm Street. For information: 815/967-9061. TFN

PRE-VATICAN II CHURCH is alive and well. St. Sebastian. Call 815/520-4374. 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

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

www.LinksForLifeCampaign.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

For Sale

7 GERMAN SHEPHERD /PITBULL MIX PUPPIES- $150 each. 6 weeks old. Very friendly. 815/382-2841.3/2

LONG-HAIRED TEACUP CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. 2 adults male chihuahuas, 1 long-haired. $200-$500. Call Vivian – 815/394-3871, 815/608-8200. 2/23

Rescued Pets

RESCUED CATS- 5 pure gray females, 1 tiger female, 2 pure gray males, 1 black & white male. Very sweet & loving, spayed & neutered, shots. Looking for forever-loving indoor homes. $20. Serious calls only. 815/980-7863. TFN

CATS/KITTENS. Spayed/neutered, shots, dewormed. $40 each. 815/332-5913. TFN

Misc Pets

‘PAWS’ NEEDS FOSTER HOMES for dogs. Call 299-PAWS (7297) or visit the website at www.pawshs.org . TFN

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

WANTED
CASH! FOR YOUR ANTIQUES, GOLD, SILVER, OR ANYTHING OF VALUE. Call 815/558-1900. 3/9

WANTED: Snowblowers, riding mowers, ATVs, minibikes, dirt bikes, power wheels, go-carts, antique vehicles, etc. Running or not. 815/397-4483. 3/9

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

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE OVER CELL PHONE CONTRACT. Lasts 8 months. $59/month. 2 new phones. 815/231-6448. 3/2

NEEDED FOR MY SON who is nursing home resident: his favorite music artist, Bob Seger- albums, records, CDs, etc. Thanks for calling, Don, 815/262-0214. TFN

NEED CASH? Diabetic Test STRIPS WANTED. Will pay up to $14 per box. Quick & local. Call Nancy. 815/519-9966. TFN

**OLD GUITARS WANTED!** Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-401-0440. N-2/23

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Classifieds | No Comments »

Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield spars with watchdog group, plays race card against rally speaker

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

After the school board delayed its vote surrounding $45 million in budget cuts at the Tuesday, Feb. 22 meeting of the Rockford Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield used time for her Superintendent’s Report to spar with a watchdog group official.

During public comment, Watchdogs for Ethics in Education (WEE) official Jane Hayes addressed the board, charging district officials with keeping the community in the dark during its decision-making process regarding the budget.

“When the public is uninformed or misinformed, the democratic spirit, which is the foundation of our nation, quakes.” Hayes said. “We will not let if falter and we will not let it fail. We insist on the transparency that has been missing from you for so long under this regime.

“That said, we are taking back our schools for all our children and all our special programs. ”

Hayes cited Noel Hammatt, keynote speaker at Monday’s “Rally to Save our Public Schools,” saying communities do not prosper because of the prosperity of a particular group. When schools fail, she said, it’s not the fault of teachers–but administrators who pit one group against the other.

“Stop pitting parents against teachers, and schools against schools,” Hayes charged. “We believe our school system will fail when the leadership is not responsive to its stakeholders.”

Hayes, a retired District 205 teacher and candidate for the Sub District-C school board seat, told the board her group has attempted to openly discuss information coming out of the Administration Building. In the process, WEE has found a cause to save Rockford schools from toppling.

As if she was prepared to square-off with Hayes, Sheffield fired back, accusing WEE members of manufacturing information regarding her past relationship with Noel Hammatt.

“WEE invited Noel Hammatt to speak at the Unitarian Universalist Church,” Sheffield said. “The implication was that Mr. Hammatt (would) somehow offer some unique insight into my leadership style or thought process.

“For the record, I barely know Mr. Hammatt. He and I had one encounter during the time I served as superintendent of the Recovery School District in Louisiana. And, he’s certainly never been my boss, as suggested by the WEE group.”

Sheffield also accused Hammatt of distorting data and holding the belief that minority students are not teachable, and attempting to educate them is a waste of time.

Sheffield said her opinion of Hammatt, former vice president of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, is based on public statements he made during her encounter with him.

“She accused me of saying minority students–black students–couldn’t learn,” Hammatt said of the exchange. “I told her, ‘That’s not what I said.’ I noted that there are differences in how students learn because of socio-economic and several other factors. But, she immediately pulled the race card.”

Sheffield said she agreed with Hammatt’s challenge for Rockford citizens to stand together racially to solve community problems.

The Rockford Board of Education meets every Tuesday at the District 205 Administration Building, 201 S. Madison St. Meetings begin at 7 p.m., and are open to the public.

Posted in Happening Now | 2 Comments »

Demonstrators loud, school closure vote delayed

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

(Photo by Jim Hagerty)

(Photo by Jim Hagerty)

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

The Rockford Board of Education wasted no time in making a motion centered on school closures last night, (Tuesday, Feb. 22) while  a lively crowd of demonstrators chanted, beat drums and cheered outside the Administration Building.

Before public comments and other nuts-and-bolts discussions, the board voted 6-0 to delay its decision about 2011-12 budget cuts.

The vote has been tabled until Tuesday, March 1.

The board was scheduled to announce which schools it will close last night. However, a special review of what the administration says is a $50 million budget hole is in the process of being reviewed at the request of the Rockford Education Association (REA), the local teachers union.

The union claims the shortfall is approximately $15 million and that many of Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield’s proposed cuts of $45 million are unwarranted.

The review is scheduled to be completed by the end of business Friday, Feb. 25.

Meantime, after approximately 50 speakers made public comment at Tuesday’s session, Lisa Jackson (Sub District-A) fired at the union for challenging the budget and work of Chief Financial Officer Cedric Lewis.

“Members of the public thanked the board for holding off its vote amid concern with the numbers brought forward,” Jackson said. “I have no concerns about the (budget) projections brought forward by Mr. Lewis. I have every confidence in the work that he’s done. I am very disturbed by the assertions by the REA. His integrity and professionalism have been under attack.”

Jackson also championed the job Sheffield has done since arriving in Rockford almost two years ago. In her work with the budget, Jackson said, the superintendent has fulfilled all of the school board’s requests.

“As a board, we gave Dr. Sheffield the charge to bring us a balanced budget without dipping into reserves, ” Jackson said. “She’s done that. Once that budget was brought forward, she was given additional directives to bring back other cuts in case there were no union concessions. She did that as well.

“We didn’t say ‘Make it cuddly and fuzzy and make us feel warm on the inside.’ These are hard economic times that we are living in. And, they are not unique to Rockford. We are going to make the best decision possible. It is not our intent to hurt or harm children.”

Jude Makulec, who represents Sub District-D, thanked teachers and district staff for their work, in spite of mixed messages from the public.

“We hear so many negative things about Rockford Public Schools,” Makulec said. “Yet people come out of the woodwork to tell us how wonderful their child’s school is. There wasn’t a single person that stood up (here) and said, ‘My school really stinks and I am glad your are closing it.’

“Everyone is supportive. When we have to focus on test scores and we focus on the bigger picture, we lose sight of what’s happening in those individual buildings and how connected students and families are with their teachers. I would just like to say, ‘Thank you’ to the staff.”

Bob Evans (Sub District-E) urged the board to settle on a budget cut package and allow the administration to move forward in planning for the 2011-12 school year.

“For the sake of everyone,” Evans said, “we have to stop asking new questions. And, we have to stop suggesting new alternatives, or we will be here forever– juggling balls in the air.”

Some of those alternatives could be included in a revised list of school closures and program cuts. The board, however, did not allude to what those revisions would entail.

Pending results of the Baker Tilly review of some of the fiscal 2012 budget, the board is slated to vote on whether the following schools will close or be repurposed next year:

New Milford School

Jackson Elementary

Stiles Elementary

Page Park School

Dennis Early Childhood Center

Haskell Elementary

Auburn Freshman Campus

Skyview Center

Lewis Lemon Elementary

West View Elementary

If the teachers union does not agree to approximately $10 million in concessions, Superintendent Sheffield said a second list of cuts would be brought before the board. Those slashes could include eliminating gifted classes, Creative and Performing Arts,  Montessori, closing Barbour Language Academy, Ellis Arts Academy, Academic Career Education High School (ACE) and laying off a number of social workers, librarians, teachers and others.

The Rockford Board of Education meets every Tuesday at the District 205 Administration Building, 201 S. Madison St. Meetings begin at 7 p.m., and are open to the public.

Alice Saudargas (Sub District-C) asked the board to consider a larger venue for next week’s meeting to accommodate more people.

As of this report, the meeting is still scheduled to be held at District headquarters.

Posted in Happening Now | No Comments »

Your Horoscope: Week of Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Denise Guzzardo

This Week: Romantic elements are highlighted this week. The shift in the weather and gentle planetary aspects provide smooth sailing for “affairs of the heart.” Those of you who are single will begin to see activity for the right connections. Those of you attached will develop a stronger bond with your significant other. Enjoy these sensitive waves of emotion.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)—Romance has you pulled in two different directions this week. The feeling of “having to choose” is difficult and stressful. Concentrate on your career, and try not to let this get the best of you. By week’s end, you will know which way to go. The behaviors of others will make that clear for you. Take time out for friends and family. You need a little humor.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)—A lucky break is coming your way. This is the direct result of your past efforts and energy. Make sure you are celebrating this newfound direction. Your loved ones are in full support of your growth and development. A new addition may be arriving in the family. A child or pet will brighten your day.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)—If you feel like the walls are closing in on you, you may be absolutely right. This is a good time to make all of the wrongs right from your past, even if you don’t feel like you need to. Hiding your head in the sand will not help matters any; it will only make things worse in the long run. Legal matters will be addressed shortly.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)—Gatherings with friends and family will brighten this week’s energy. Brainstorming with those of like mind will sharpen your creative skills and start you in a new direction. This winter has been hard on all of us, but as of late, you’ve been feeling the stagnation drastically. This week provides the major turning point you’ve been looking for.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)—You may find yourself a little more overly sensitive to a female family member now. Her emotions are hard to understand, but this has nothing to do with you. Try not to take this personally. With work and business, your intuition is right on target. Take advantage of this new burst of energy and productive influences. New people and business opportunities are arriving now. Present yourself in the best possible light. All eyes are on you.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)—The dynamite blast has removed a gigantic, long-standing wall in front of your eyes. Now, all you have to do is dust yourself off and trust no aftershocks or boulders will fall on you this week. You have wonderful projects ahead of you that will fill you with love and light. New friends and surroundings provide just that. Old relationships are back on track as well. It’s good to be home.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)—Finances are a major issue. Respecting money is not the same as worshiping it. Money is a simple exchange of energy, like the air we breathe—there is plenty of it to go around, and it will not buy you happiness. That needs to come from within. Keep this in mind, and move forward with a positive, healthy attitude toward it. All is well that ends well.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)—You are in the right place at the right time to receive an award or a bonus. Someone is looking out for you behind the scenes and is “putting your name out there” for an achievement you deserve. Your personal appearance should be a priority. Put your best foot forward now. All eyes are on you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)—You can finally take a rest from the hectic schedule you’ve been keeping as of late. Now, it’s time to touch base with your inner self and see exactly what you need to do to improve your emotional state. Changes with your intake of junk food, alcohol or smoke will definitely improve your energy levels. Finances are dynamic. Someone is willing to meet you halfway, if you are willing to forgive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)—Large gatherings or impromptu affairs bring plenty of fun and laughter this week. You’ve been feeling like a bit of a grump or an emotional “train wreck,” and like magic, this begins to disappear. Put yourself out there and allow others to “love you up” a bit. You won’t be disappointed.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)—Travel plans are in your best interest now. No matter how difficult it may seem to get away at this point, it is crucial. You have been running on fumes for way too long, and it’s time for a fresh perspective on life. Midweek brings the perfect solution to this element. Go for it.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)—Stay in the here and now, and do not allow the past to affect a blessing in your current lifestyle. You have a diamond in the rough. All you need to do now is polish it and nurture it. You will be amazed at how brightly this will shine for you if you allow it to. A positive breakthrough with career is on the table shortly. Go for it.

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Horoscopes, Your Horoscope | No Comments »

Cubs look to be improved with additions of Garza, Pena

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

As the month of February comes to a close, the Chicago Cubs begin preparing for the 2011 season. Their first Cactus League Spring Training game is this Sunday, Feb. 27. The Cubs will host the Oakland Athletics at Ho Ho Kam Park in Mesa, Ariz.

They follow up Sunday’s game with a split squad game against the Brewers the next day. The Cubs will play a total of 36 pre-season games prior to opening the regular season with a six-game home stand April 1. They open up with three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and then the Arizona Diamondbacks come to Wrigley Field for a three-game series.

Chicago strengthened their roster with the off-season acquisition of starting pitcher Matt Garza and free-agent first baseman Carlos Pena. Garza and Pena come to the Cubs from the Tampa Bay Rays. Garza had a 15-10 record last year and tossed his first career no-hitter in late July. Pena hit .196 and had 28 homers for the Rays last season.

At the Cubs Convention last month, Pena said he felt at ease with his new club almost immediately.

“Just walking in here, I ran into a few [players] and already feel like I’m part of the family,” Pena said. “That’s what we’re trying to do here. We want to make sure we have that chemistry and tight bond. I think we can achieve that here, and I see it already. I’m just glad to be joining the party.”

The 2011 Chicago Cubs will be under the guidance of manager Mike Quade. He took over for Lou Piniella last Aug. 23. He led the team to a 24-13 record in the final six weeks of the 2010 season. He became Chicago’s 51st manager last November.

Cubs’ third baseman Aramis Ramirez recently summed up the team’s expectations for the upcoming season: “We’re very excited, we can’t wait to get on the field and see how it is this year. We finished strong, and hopefully we carry that into 2011.”

The 2011 baseball season has arrived, and I hope so, too!

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

The Second Half: How healthy is your heart?

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Kathleen D. Tresemer
Columnist

There was an interesting Barbara Walters special on television recently, one where she and a few other Second-Half celebrities discussed their diagnoses of heart disease and subsequent surgeries. As a woman in my Second Half, I made a point to watch—contrary to popular belief, I have a heart, too.

Barbara told her own story: how her doctor discovered her faulty heart valve, her open-heart surgery to replace it with a cow valve, and her fears about dying. She interviewed President Bill Clinton, Robin Williams, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and Charlie Rose, all who have had their chests cracked open, their hearts repaired and have since made a full recovery. Walters tells us:

“…many of us are ticking time bombs, and we don’t even know it. Heart disease is America’s No. 1 killer. Half of us will die from it. And it doesn’t discriminate. Every year, the hearts of more than 500,000 women stop beating, twice as many deaths as all cancers combined.”

(Read the transcript of the show at http://abcnews.go.com/Health/barbara-walters-heart-special-matter-life-death/story?id=12810130).

One in two women dies from heart disease—ONE IN TWO! So, if you’re a woman, or you love a woman, keep reading; and there’s stuff for men here, too.

The symptoms of a heart attack are often very different for women and can be overlooked or blamed on anxiety or exhaustion, even by health professionals.

The Department of Health and Human Services/Office on Women’s Health wants women to learn how to recognize signs of a heart attack, especially those they might dismiss. Check out their website at www.womenshealth.gov.

Seven major signs you’re having a heart attack:

1. Unusual or unexplained fatigue unrelated to exercise—Not the kind you’re already used to: shopping, paying bills, doing housework, a job with long hours, spouse, kids, grandkids and the list goes on. This particular fatigue is huge, like you can’t walk to the mailbox or climb stairs without resting. Sadly, many women just write it off to “being busier than usual,” or maybe “I must be coming down with something,” as they run off to pick up groceries or scrub the toilet.

2. Unfamiliar dizziness or lightheadedness—Not to be confused with our usual state of discombobulation, this happens because your heart is not pumping enough blood to your brain. Many women might assume they were dizzy because they were too busy to eat—again.

3. Unexplained nausea, vomiting—This one is sneaky. The actual symptom is lower chest or upper abdominal pressure, but it sort of translates to nausea and vomiting. Women are more likely to focus on puking because we’ve been dealing with puke all our lives. There were nine kids in my family growing up—if someone wasn’t puking, the sun didn’t come up that day.

4. Sharp pain in the upper body, including the neck, back and jaw—No, you haven’t strained something… call 911, because this symptom is a biggie!

5. Severe shortness of breath—OK, breathing is important. Don’t try to explain it away as a result of shoveling 2 feet of snow or hauling wood in 20-below zero weather. (Wait, I just did that!)

6. Heavy pressure on the chest—This pressure is relentless. It may feel like indigestion, heartburn, fullness or squeezing, it lasts more than a few minutes, and may come and go. It doesn’t change when you get into a more comfortable position. It is not because you didn’t get flowers on Valentine’s Day—your heart is demanding medical attention, not a cup of tea or a hug.

7. Cold sweats—These episodes do not resemble hormonal hot flashes, ladies. You’ll know the difference: one’s hot, the other’s cold.

I gotta admit, Barbara got to me. Yes, I had an EKG at my physical a year or two ago, but there’s this nagging voice in the back of my head saying, “Shouldn’t you get a real heart checkup?”

This being Heart Month, I decided to get on the stick. I called my friends at SwedishAmerican Center for Women and scheduled myself for their Wellness Package. The Wellness Program is designed as a one-stop visit for women who are busy—is there any other kind? You get all your basic essentials in one convenient appointment, and you get a free massage, 30 minutes of pampering just for taking care of yourself!

There are three different Wellness Packages, depending upon your needs. The Wellness Package I picked includes a heart scan, because Barbara said I should. In addition to the heart scan, I will receive:

• Mammogram

• Complete physical

• Pap test

• DEXA Scan (aka Bone Density Test)

• Free massage

• Free personalized health assessments, based on results of my testing

In addition, they bill to insurance or—for the uninsured—they work with the Health Department. For questions about the Wellness Program, or to schedule an appointment, contact the Center for Women at (815) 391-7676.

Another choice offered by the SwedishAmerican Center for Women is the Healthy Heart Screenings for Women, which includes cholesterol screening, BMI (body mass index), cardiac risk screening, blood pressure and glucose checks. Fee is only $25—call (815) 490-5863 to make an appointment.

What about the men? SwedishAmerican Heart Hospital offers a non-invasive heart scan that is fast, painless and identifies problems before symptoms are present. Receive results within a week, and a heart professional calls you to discuss them. For more information or to schedule a Heart Scan, call (815) 391-7099.

OK, I’ve scheduled my appointment—I suggest that my Second-Half readers celebrate Heart Month by doing the same!

To learn more about heart health, visit the following websites:

• WebMD Heart Health Center at http://www.webmd.com/heart

• American Heart Association at http://www.americanheart.org

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 Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Posted in Health & Fitness, The Second Half | No Comments »

Downtown radio studio launches first broadcasts

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

WNTA (1330-AM), WGFB (103.1-FM) and WXRX (104.9-FM) will rotate broadcasts from Studio 1. (Photo by Jim Hagerty)

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

There’s now live radio in downtown Rockford. Maverick Media has brought three stations to the space formerly occupied by the Nest, 218 E. State St. Stations WNTA (1330-AM), WGFB (103.1-FM) and WXRX (104.9-FM) will be on a rotating schedule at the new station, officially named Studio 1.

Friday, Feb. 18, the Stone and Double T Radio Program kicked off The X’s maiden broadcast from 2 to 6 p.m. Jim Stone and Terry Turen welcomed several guests including Rockford IceHogs General Manager Mark Bernard and an acoustic performance by rockers The Last Vegas.

Outside speakers allow those on the street to hear everything that’s being broadcast inside.

“We’ll be down here about two to three times a week,” Stone said, as he controlled programming for a special Dale Earnhardt tribute show. “We plan to use the hell out of it. WNTA will be here all next week, 103.1 will also use it. We’ll be here for at least the next few years.”

Stone said the downtown studio was the brainchild of Maverick Media Manager J Chapman, who wanted to follow suit of stations around the country who have spots in the hearts of their cities. In Rockford, the heart is becoming the East State corridor, with a variety of bars, restaurants, MetroCentre and Davis Park events and a host of summer activities.

Maverick Media has headquarters at 2830 Sandy Hollow Road. In 2005, it purchased the stations formerly owned by Radio Works. Studio 1 is across from Carlyle Brewing Company.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | 1 Comment »

Guest Column: Is democracy coming to America?

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

A Wisconsin teacher holds up a sign at a rally outside the capitol building in Madison, Wis., Feb. 19, in protest of a state bill that would eliminate collective bargaining rights for most public workers, including public school teachers, in the state of Wisconsin. (Photo by Dan Kenney)

Reflections on my trip to Madison

Editor’s note: Thousands of protesters have gathered outside the capitol building in Madison, Wis., the past couple of weeks to rally against a bill that would eliminate collective bargaining rights for most public workers in the state of Wisconsin.

The bill would allow unions to represent workers but restrict unions from seeking pay increases above those attached to the Consumer Price Index, unless approved by a public referendum. It would also force unions to have annual votes to stay organized and eliminate union dues. Local police, firefighters and state troopers would retain their collective bargaining rights under the bill. Additionally, public workers would have to pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care coverage under the bill. That would equal an average of an 8 percent increase in state employees’ share of pension and health care costs.

Public employees were promised no furloughs or layoffs if the bill passes. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has said he would have to lay off up to 6,000 state workers if the measure does not pass.

In an MSNBC interview, Walker called the bill “incredibly fair” and said it would help the state avoid sweeping job cuts.

The bill is projected to save $30 million by July 1 and $300 million over the next two years to address a $3.6 billion budget shortfall, as projected by Republican leadership.

Supporters of the Tea Party and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) hold up signs outside the Wisconsin state capitol building Feb. 19. (Photo by Dan Kenney)

By Dan Kenney

History is being made in Wisconsin. The world is watching, and a line has been drawn in Madison. The state has once again become what former Wisconsin Gov. Bob La Follett (R) once called “a laboratory for democracy.”

The capitol truly has been transformed into the “house of the people.” The air filled with unique electricity that only a large number of people gathered together with a common purpose—full of strength and hope—can generate.

One can feel the hair stand up on your neck as you stand in the rotunda with hundreds of all ages, all colors, singing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the united voices echoing off the marble walls.

I often found myself just standing there smiling, looking around me and soaking up the energy that only a democracy in action can generate.

Supporters of the “Tea Party” and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) were also there, but all heated debates I witnessed were civil. One man I spoke with held a sign that read, “Teachers and Senators get back to work.” He told me his story and why he was against unions. His father died when he was 5. He had very little education. He always had to work to support others. And even though he had carpentry skills, he could not get in the union because he didn’t know anyone who could set him up as an apprentice. So, he was against unions because he had been shut out of them. And he was against across-the-board pay raises for all teachers, regardless of their ability.

Protesters and supporters of the Tea Party and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) gather in the rotunda of the Wisconsin state capitol Feb. 19. Protesters are opposing a bill that would eliminate collective bargaining rights for most public workers in the state of Wisconsin. Walker has said he would have to lay off up to 6,000 state workers if the measure does not pass. (Photo by Dan Kenney)

As I listened to his story and the stories of others, it was clear many who are speaking out against the protests are actually just expressing what the liberal class or a true Democratic Party once provided. The ones I spoke with Saturday, Feb. 19, were being affected and beaten down by the same system. They were speaking from their individual pain, but had just been listening to the right-wing pundits for their talking points.

I hope the national debate will move from the present divide of union vs. non-union. Instead, we need to have a conversation about why, for so many years, an increasing share of our national wealth is going to the richest 1 percent while the vast majority of Americans, union and non-union, have seen their own incomes stagnate or decrease. Or why corporations in the U.S. that have outsourced jobs to foreign countries pay little or no taxes.

At any rate, while I stood in the capitol building of Wisconsin, banners everywhere, posters taped to the walls, with the music and singing echoing off the marble, I felt that change, real change might be possible. This time, there is no one charismatic leader; there isn’t any personality cult to distract, it is just honest, hard-working people coming together on a public square, in a public government house, debating the issues of the day and standing up for their rights to gather, to voice their grievance, and to participate in their government.

Dan Kenney of DeKalb, Ill., is a fourth-grade union teacher and co-coordinator of both the DeKalb Interfaith Network and No Private Armies.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 2 Comments »

Hammatt’s challenge: Will 600=3,000?

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Noel Hammatt, a former college teacher and East Baton Rouge school board member, familiar with District 205 Superintendent Dr. LaVonne Sheffield’s tenure in Louisiana, answers questions at Watchdog for Ethics in Education’s (WEE) “Rally to Save our Public Schools” Feb. 21. (Photo by Frank Schier)

By Frank Schier
Editor and Publisher

Noel Hammatt, a former college teacher, and East Baton Rouge school board member during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, was the main speaker at the Watchdog for Ethics in Education’s (WEE) “Rally to Save our Public Schools” Feb. 21. Held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford, the rally was attended by an overflow crowd of 600 people, some of whom had to listen to the program on the intercom in an adjacent community room.

His major message was to avoid the community being divided and conquered by those who wish to pit some parents against other parents and against teachers in general. Hammatt challenged the vastly white crowd to bring five people each to Tuesday’s school board meeting to demand a delay in the rush to close schools and chop the budget based on unverified financial assertions. He stressed only a sincere and constant outreach to all members of the community will bring a transparent solution of diversity for all the children of the school district.

He prompted the crowd to repeat, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” five times, once for each person they would bring to the Tuesday night school board meeting—the goal being to bring thousands to the meeting.

School Board members Jude Makulec (Sub District-D), Alice Saudargas, (Sub District-C) and Public Schools Chief Communications Officer Mark Bonne also answered questions.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in News, Rockford News | No Comments »

JT’s Bourbon Street Grille celebrates Fourth Annual Black History Dinner

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

JT’s Bourbon Street Grille will host a special event to commemorate the Fourth Annual Black History Month Dinner at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, at 1407 N. Main St., Rockford. This year’s theme is “Uniting and Empowering Our Community.”

This year’s guest speakers will be Illinois State Rep. Chuck Jefferson; Alderwoman Linda McNeely; former Alderman Victory Bell; the director of Booker Washington Community Center, Calvin Squire; and the new Rockford NAACP President Lloyd Johnston.

Rock City Unique Steppers are co-sponsors of this event with Divine Moments Chairwoman Tarina Lister serving as hostess contributing to the decor and collages of portraits that depict: “From the TransAtlantic Voyage to a People of Great Achievements.”

The dinner buffet will be comprised of traditional Southern cuisine staples that have appeared on the tables of generations of African-American homes from pigs’ feet to prime rib, as well as other Southern welfares for a modest cost  of $10 per person. This is a cultural event open to all who have learned to harmonize and appreciate all our wonderful diversity.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in News, Rockford News | No Comments »

Astro-Weather: Week of Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Guy Spiro

Wednesday, Feb. 23—Yesterday’s major energy for initiating projects and positive changes along the lines of spirituality will remain with us through today. Those involved in these kinds of things will want to make good use of it and, it is hoped, have been using it well since last Sunday. Aside from major energy, a brief period of erratic irritability may occur in the mid-predawn, but this will pass quickly, if it’s noticed at all. Take a communicative and disciplined approach, and pay attention to relationships in the early through mid-morning. Some exaggerated emotional responses and coercive attitudes may arise in the late afternoon, but these should not amount to much, and good moods should follow shortly after. Relax, and enjoy the company of those you care about through the evening. The later evening through the late night is open.

Thursday, Feb. 24—Be aware of two major energies today. The first is of the cautionary persuasion, and you will want to deal carefully with it. This energy easily leads to people running into restrictions and frustrations. Many will want to get on with things and seem to have the wherewithal for accomplishment, but other realities will tend to intrude and impede. This is not the strongest form of this energy, but foolish acting out can still bring harsher and longer lasting consequences than at other times. The second is very good for looking within, coming to greater self-understanding and initiating positive changes. A short moon void of course period occurs this morning, running from 5:14 until 6:45, when the moon enters Sagittarius. At that point, the energy will shift, and general moods tend to become more expansive and open to a wider range of ideas. Minor energies are mixed, at best. Watch the late afternoon in particular for the potential for some very bad moods. Good choices can result in good times, but between the cautionary major energy and the wrong choices, there can be some spectacular blow-ups. Don’t be involved, and don’t get dragged in or splashed by those who are.

Friday, Feb. 25—High energy from yesterday will tend to linger through today. Make good use of the positive, and let the cautionary fade out without your involvement. Four more major energies arise today. They are all related to yesterday’s positive energy, and extend and greatly amplify it. Light will be shed on things normally kept hidden and under the surface, but not in a threatening way for most people. This will mostly be about illumination, greater understanding on many levels and making positive changes on deep levels in big ways. Some very interesting headlines may occur as changes in the outer world continue to swing toward greater liberality and enlightenment. Think, communicate, teach, learn and grow. This is very much a go-for-it day, and it will be a tremendous social Friday night. Have a great time.

Saturday, Feb. 26—High energy from yesterday will remain very much with us through today. Reread and apply well. Make the best possible use of it. Late Friday-night social scenes will likely be very positively energized well into today’s predawn. Have a great time. Good moods should run strongly through most of the morning. Some minor erratic emotional responses may occur into the midday, but these will pass quickly. Do be aware of a short moon void of course period this afternoon from 12:09 until 1:32, when the moon enters Capricorn. At that point, the energy will shift, and general moods tend to become more down to earth and concerned with accomplishment. The rest of the afternoon is open, and good moods return through the evening. This should be a fun social Saturday night for most of us.

Sunday, Feb. 27—Late Saturday-night social scenes will be highly energized well into today’s predawn. It may not be as high energy as last night, but is still worth going for. Some emotional overreactions may arise in the mid-predawn, but good moods follow for the really late-night crowd. Good moods continue through the morning, so the early risers get in on this as well. Some minor spaciness may occur in the mid to late afternoon, but this is likely to come and go with little notice. Do watch for some potential for hard attitudes into the later evening. Don’t let silliness spoil the end of what should be a nice day for most people.

Monday, Feb. 28—Be aware of three major energies today. Two of the three argue for a three-day weekend. The first is very good for taking relationships and artistic matters to more spiritual levels. It is also positive social energy, and that is, of course, what many will do with it. The second and third peak tomorrow morning, but come into focus through today. The second is good for looking within, coming to greater self-understanding and making positive changes. The third is high social energy and is great for fun, stimulating and unusual activities. Plan something you’ve wanted to do but never taken the opportunity to. Go off the beaten path for a change. Minor energies are of little help through most of the day, and good choices will be needed to get the most out of it. Moods will improve through the evening and the late night. Do be aware of a short moon void of course period tonight from 10:03 until 11:14 when the moon enters Aquarius. At that point, the energy will shift, and general moods tend to become more independent and free-thinking. Have fun tonight, but try to avoid making commitments through the void of course.

Tuesday, March 1—High positive energy from yesterday will remain with us through today. Reread and make good use of it. Be aware of three more major energies. The first throws a curveball at the above. This energy can bring problems to relationships where people not only don’t make an effort to get along, but some go looking for trouble. Don’t let discussions turn into arguments. The second indicates a general shift in relationship energy and artistic matters toward a more independent and free-thinking mode. This is Venus entering Aquarius, where it remains until the 27th when it enters Pisces. The third peaks tomorrow morning, but comes into focus through today. Read ahead and apply carefully. It is in bad combination with today’s cautionary energy. Aside from major energies, minor energies are more positive than otherwise. Make the right choices, and good moods are more than available. Make the wrong ones…

Guy Spiro, editor of the Monthly Aspectarian magazine and Astro-Weather (lightworks.com), has been a professional astrologer, astrology teacher and Tarot reader for 30 years. Visit http://www.guyspiro.com/Untitled-5.html for more information. The monthly Astro-Weather overview is available online at rockrivertimes.com.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Astro-Weather, Horoscopes | No Comments »

Guest Column: Letter to Board of Education and Dr. Sheffield

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Rachel Leon

To the Board of Education representatives and Dr. Sheffield:

I am writing as a concerned parent of three sons who attend two different schools in District 205, both of which have been proposed to close. I am well aware of the devastating financial situation facing the district and how we arrived here. I understand that because our budget crisis is so severe, many cuts need to be made. I do believe there is plenty of room to make these cuts at the administrative level, but as I understand it, that alone would not fix the deficit. There will be cuts that directly impact our children, cuts whose consequences will run deep within our community.

The cut I am most concerned about is the proposal to close the Maria Montessori Magnet. Yes, I am a parent of two children who attend the school, and so obviously, on a personal level, this proposed cut would have a direct effect on my family. However, I also believe this cut would have an impact on our community.

Our economy here in Rockford is obviously quite grim, and we as a city need to attract new businesses to the area to bring in new jobs. More people working will bring in tax revenue the city and district are currently not receiving, which is the only we can get out of the budget crises facing both these entities. Businesses looking to establish themselves in a community look closely at the city’s school district. They look to see how the schools are because the success or failures of a school district not only reveal the desirability of a community, they also are a reflection of the kind of quality of life a city offers. A large reason why Rockford is struggling to bring in new businesses is the unsettling statistics of our schools.

Take our elementary schools, for instance. Of the 36 elementary schools in Rockford, eight have met adequate yearly progress (AYP) set by No Child Left Behind.

Yet, Dr. Sheffield has proposed to close three of the eight schools that are actually meeting AYP and are successful.

Maria Montessori is among the three. Montessori also has met all five of Dr. Sheffield’s vision goals. Montessori has a high attendance rate and low discipline issues–between 96-98 percent and a low attrition rate, less than 4 percent of our students leave the school. The school has had only 18 discipline referrals, six of which were bus referrals. Montessori has a 98-100 percent attendance rate for Parent-Teacher Conferences, and the minimum attendance to their monthly Family Nights are 200 people. The Parent-Teacher Council won an honorable mention from PTO Today. Parents and teachers alike have written grants for Montessori from science education grants to a green technology grant that made it possible for the school to install solar panels, which now help to reduce the building expenses.

Some believe that Montessori programs are expensive, and it is true that it is costly to begin such a program because of the initial cost of materials. Montessori’s start-up funds were obtained through a grant, and the materials are already available. Montessori’s budget is moderate compared with other schools in the district, according to the budget available on the RPS 205 website. The school does have high salary costs due to all teachers having at least a master’s degree, most of whom have been with the district for many years. Montessori has a high retention of teachers, and the staff’s attendance rate is 96%. On top of all that, Sue Haney-Bauer, the principal of Montessori, won the 2011 Administrators Golden Apple Award.

I know the cries of Montessori parents to keep the school open can easily be brushed aside as the parents of children who got lucky in a lottery system and “won” a place in an amazing school whining when their luck ran out. However, this is another reason to keep Montessori open. It is the most requested elementary school in the district; people want to send their children to Montessori because they see that the school is working. Many parents would pull their children out of their neighborhood school tomorrow if it meant the children could attend Montessori. The desirability of Montessori prompted this lottery system and a lengthy waiting list, which is unique in this district.

The unfairness of not every family being able to attend Montessori is a reason to open another Montessori magnet school, not close the one our district currently has. A look at the Illinois School Report Card shows how well Montessori is doing, and closing a successful school that is actually working well would be reckless. Keeping Montessori is not just about the students the school currently serves, but the wider Rockford community. Maria Montessori Magnet School stands as a diverse, academically-successful school with strong family involvement, no truancy and low discipline problems with a low staff turnover rate, which is exactly what both Rockford citizens and prospective businesses want to find in our community’s schools.

I urge you to vote “no” on this proposal.

Rachel Leon is a mother of three children in the Rockford School District.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 3 Comments »

Lifescape Community Services offers caregiver support group & training

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

A six-week support group for family caregivers will be offered by Lifescape Community Services beginning Feb. 24. The sessions will be held Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford.

More than 50 million Americans provide care for someone else, including spouses or other family members, neighbors and friends. These sessions will provide area caregivers with information and techniques for becoming more skilled in their caregiving role. Topics include caregiver wellness and mental health, terminology, and issues faced by caregivers, including decision making and preparing for future needs. There is no cost to attend.

Reserve your space by calling Cheryl Davis at Lifescape Community Services at (815) 963-1609. Walk-ins also are welcome.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

Cory Chisel, Kelly Steward entertain at Kryptonite

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

(Photo by Frank Schier)

Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons (top photo), Kelly Steward (right photo) and Steepwater Band (not pictured) performed at Kryptonite Saturday, Feb. 19. The Wandering Sons, an Americana/folk-rock band founded in Appleton, Wis., consists of Chisel and Adriel Harris. Past members include Rick Setzer, Paul Mannone, Miles Nielsen, Dan McMahon, Adam Plamann, Noah Harris and Charles Koltak. Chisel was named the “Artist of the Year” at the 2010 Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards, and the group’s song “Born Again,” off their 2009 album Death Won’t Send a Letter, was named the “Record of the Year.” Steward is a classic singer-songwriter in the vein of Emmylou Harris, Shelby Lynne, Tift Merritt and Kelly Willis. Upcoming shows at Kryptonite include 500 Miles to Memphis with Whiskey Train Friday, Feb. 25, and Cylinder 6, Saturday, Feb. 26. Visit kryptonitebar.com for details.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Music, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Danica Patrick finishes 14th in NASCAR event

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

Former Roscoe resident Danica Patrick had a successful return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In the first race of her sophomore season, she had a strong qualifying run and started in the fourth position for the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona.

Patrick moved her No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet to the front of the pack and became the first woman in history to lead a lap at the famed racing venue in a NASCAR-sanctioned event. She ended up recording her best finish (14th) in her short NASCAR career.

Patrick will compete in 11 more Nationwide Series races this season in addition to her full-time schedule in the IZOD Indy Car Series. She will compete in the next three Nationwide Series races—Phoenix International Raceway (Feb. 26), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 5) and Bristol Motor Speedway (March 19).

Patrick will then take some time off and focus on her IndyCar schedule. She won’t return to the Nationwide Series until the race at Chicagoland Speedway (June 4). She’ll return to the Daytona International Speedway July 1. She’ll continue with races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Aug. 20), Richmond International Speedway (Sept. 9), and Kansas Speedway (Oct. 8). Patrick will conclude her second NASCAR season with the final three races on the Nationwide Series schedule—Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 5), Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 12) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 19).

Race tracks that were not on Patrick’s 2010 schedule but among her 2011 plans are Bristol, Richmond, Kansas and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which is in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Patrick has raced at Richmond and Kansas in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

“This is going to be an exciting year in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet,” said Patrick. “I have a much different perspective heading into this season. I know a little more of what to expect, and I’m not as out of my element. I’ve had a year to work with my team, and there is a comfort level that comes with returning to some of these tracks. It’s obvious experience goes a long way in this sport. Thanks to everyone at Go Daddy and JR Motorsports that have been incredibly supportive throughout this process.”

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Guest Column: Parents of School District 205 must hold Sheffield accountable

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Bradley D. Maynard

I’ve e-mailed rrstar with this and will send it to Dr. Sheffield after I send it to you. I have worked in the district for over a decade and am currently watching a district afraid to speak out. This letter is my way of venting my frustrations over the current situation that I feel has smothered the creativity of our current educators.

Wake up, Rockford!

While I understand, and cautiously respect Dr. Sheffield, I am concerned that her bosses, the parents and voters of Rockford, have remained silent while she quickly dismantles this district. Understandably, she is on the defense with all the accusations about her flying about, but that doesn’t mean she can have free rein to make drastic decisions that affect our children–the very children she claims she has in our best interests.

With her latest “behind doors” decisions concerning athletics and the closure of schools, I question if her knee-jerk solutions are the true answer to the financial woes facing all of us, her bosses. (Remember, we elected those responsible for hiring her.) I, personally, see no forward thinking on her part. Next year’s deficit, according to her, is already at an estimated $7 million. What private committees will she be holding in the coming months to cure that inevitability?

She claims that she is for a “World Class Education,” but every action she’s taken up to this point during her tenure has pointed to a direction less than that of her mission statement. How is eliminating higher-level courses, though the board sees otherwise since they will approve classroom cuts if seats aren’t filled, helping to produce students capable of competing in today’s workplaces?

While she has challenged us to bring ideas to the table for her consideration to cut the budget shortfall, I have nothing substantial to suggest. However, I have to question her as to what brought us to this circumstance. How much money was spent in purchasing and initiating a new curriculum that even the board was made aware of last minute? What was the added cost of having, what I believe to be, an unnecessary cabinet of officers? Moving the Parent Resource Center?

Moving the district’s Facilities Department? $41 million for a contract with a private security firm? I could go on and on with what we all should view as wasteful spending when, by her words, children come first, but it’s pointless when those proposals have already been approved by our elected board.

We are on a sinking ship, Rockford, and our children will be the victims. At this point, we need to be our children’s lifeboats and take the lead in rescuing our school system. Contact your school board members. Contact the superintendent. Be their boss and demand better!

Bradley D. Maynard has been a resident of Rockford for more than 15 years.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | No Comments »

On Music: Britney Spears, Sony release ad-littered new video

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Britney Spears released a video for her new single, “Hold It Against Me,” last week, marking what appears to be a 4-minute, 30-second commercial.

As brands like Sony, PlentyofFish.com and the pop star’s Radiance perfume are flashed in a barrage of sublimity, the clip honors the promise reportedly made to Spears that the production would be in good taste.

Sony emerged the biggest benefactor as computer screens, cameras and HDTVs appeared throughout. It’s no secret who called the shots there. Sony owns Jive Records, Britney’s label. Even as execs promised her ad placement would be in good taste and feature her, insiders say Britney had little to say about the production.

Spears isn’t exactly aging, yet some of her fan base has moved on since she was pulled from a promotional tour. Baby One More Time launched the then-17-year-old into pop stardom within a few months back in 1999. In a decade since, the former opening act for ’N Sync has scored five No. 1 albums, three No. 1 singles and became one of the best-selling artists of all time. To date, Spears has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

According to Britney’s manager, Larry Rudolph, the forthcoming Femme Fatale is her strongest record ever and could be considered a departure. Rudolph called the new disc “more of a dance record.” The album is slated for a March 29 release.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Music, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Bulls won the lottery with Derrick Rose

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By S.C. Zuba
Sports Columnist

I’d be willing to bet you one thing right now: you’ll probably never win the lottery.

You can buy as many scratch-offs as you’d like, pick as many Powerball numbers as you possibly can and spend as much time in front of a slot machine as you can stand, but you’ll probably never win big.

Luckily for Chicago Bulls fans, their team won the lottery three years ago. In 2008, the Bulls defied all odds and won the NBA Draft lottery. With their pick, they selected Derrick Rose out of Memphis, and the rest is history.

Think back to before that draft. The Bulls had a 1.7 percent chance of walking away with the No. 1 overall pick—and they did. It’s almost as if it was fate.
Almost three years later, the Bulls are still collecting on their winnings.

Last weekend, Rose became the first member of the Chicago Bulls to start for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game since Michael Jordan did it in 1998.

Rose is averaging 24.9 points, 8.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds through 53 games this season. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise his name instantly soars to the top of the mid-season MVP talks.

The addition of Rose to the Bulls has literally changed the face of this franchise. After the dynasty of the ’90s came and went, fans wondered if the Bulls would ever be exciting again. To be fair, it’s tough to top the likes of Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson.

I am certainly not suggesting the Bulls are anything close to what they were in the ’90s, but they are definitely fun to watch again. Rose has been the catalyst for this change.

In an interview before the All-Star Game, Rose discussed his long-term goals for his career. Let’s just say they’re pretty lofty goals—exactly what you would want from the face of your franchise.

“Winning is everything,” Rose said. “That’s the only way you get noticed and create a legacy in this league. There have been a lot of great scorers before me, and after I get done playing, there will be a lot more after me. But only a few people can say they have enough rings to wear five days a week.

“That’s what I want to get to. I want to be like Magic or Kobe or Mike who have five or six rings and give you something to brag about.”

Sounds good to me, Derrick.

Rose simply does it all. He’s a leader on and off the court, he puts the time in during the offseason, and he’s committed to winning at all costs.
I accept the fact that I’ll never win the lottery, but I love the fact that my team did.

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Guest Column: Gangs 101

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Eric Howanietz
Free-lance Writer

The question of gangs presents itself regularly in any narrative of community organizing in Rockford. But many times, this question remains unanswered in the dialogue of neighborhood associations and community policing efforts.

The Ellis Heights Weed and Seed, in collaboration with the Winnebago County Health Department hosted the “Gangs 101” seminar, Febuary 9-11, at the Winnebago County Justice Center. This seminar was presented by the Missouri Regional Community Policing Institute, part of a nationwide network of policing institutes called COPS (Regional Community Policing Institutes). The funding for “Gangs 101” came via the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which is a branch of the Bureau of justice affairs and under the preview of the U.S. Attorney’s office, and ultimately all falls under the U.S. Department of Justice.

The federal grant program known as Weed and Seed comes with the motto of “Weeding out the bad and seeding in good,” and splits its million-dollar budget between law enforcement activities and community redevelopment projects.

Writing on the wall

Dropping in on the Gangs 101 seminar at the justice center was easy enough for any interested citizen; but after an hour of listening to a lecture about gangs in North America, I was confronted by Sgt. Hoey of the Rockford Police Department’s Community Services Department. He emphasized the course was designed for law enforcement and not appropriate for the general public. I was not allowed to attend the rest of the day’s lectures, but I noticed Joe Owen, president of Orchid Neighborhood association, and Harlan Johnson, who is part of Rockford Violence Prevention Collaborative. To my knowledge, at the time neither was a member of law enforcement.

What I saw in my hour of unauthorized attendance was a detailed breakdown of Hispanic and Latino gangs in North America. This mostly focused on “Norteños”, “MS-13,” and “18th Street” gangs. There were detailed slides of the graffiti and tattoos of various gangs and an analysis of the cryptology that is associated with it.

What especially caught my eye was a slide of a mural depicting a gang member in vivid detail. Special attention was given to the tattoos illustrated on the figure in the mural and the gang symbolism behind those drawings. The slide had been cropped from a bigger mural to only show those details, but just at the edge of the cropping, one could see the unmistakable illustrated aura of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The fact that this was only a partial view of an even bigger symbolic work left me with the feeling that many of these viewpoints weren’t looking at the bigger picture.

Even later, a Fox News segment was used as source material of gang activity. It showed masked teen-agers flashing gang signs and pistols. This was sharply contrasted by final clips of a police funeral with blaring bagpipes for the closing shot. If this were intended to raise the blood pressure of law enforcement in attendance, I could not say. But it struck me as incredibly uninformed because of its source.

Speakers and presenters

In a later interview, Moses E. Robinson of the Rochester Police Department and speaker at the seminar, talked of his efforts as a school resource officer. He said, “Kids call themselves something (gangs) because the culture of gangs is so popular.” He outlined how youth culture ties into gang culture, which is tied into prison culture, and eventually segued into the influences of MTV, which accelerates the progress of gangs in popular youth culture. “Addressing gangs in a community is a comprehensive approach dealing with mental health, social issues, and community issues” says Robinson. From his perspective, we don’t know whether we have a problem; but we still have youth culture and a level of disconnected youth threatening people in authority. Robinson emphasized that a clique becomes a gang when it becomes involved in crime and violence.

Sharon Weigler, director of the Ellis heights Weed and Seed, and host of the seminar, said she acts as a mediator between law enforcement and the community. Asked about gangs in Ellis Heights, she said, “What if? is the question. And if so, where do we go from here? Youth are in need as a given.”

Community members

Joe Owen and Harlan Johnson were easy to spot at the seminar, and later both spoke independently about the “Gangs 101” presentation.

Harlan Johnson is a part of the Violence Prevention Collaborative and Rockford’s “Partners for Excellence” at West Middle School. Johnson attended two days of the seminar but was not permitted to attend the third day of the conference, which covered gang suppression tactics in Rockford.

While at the conference, he commented that in relation to Chicago, Rockford’s gang problem didn’t seem as bad. This comment was met with scoffs from local law enforcement, who said that on a per-capita basis, Rockford’s gang problem was more serious than Chicago’s. Working out of their own opinion, this is the impression Rockford’s law enforcement officials have come to.

But the most interesting topic from the seminar that Johnson mentioned was community gang assessments. This is a comprehensive study of gang activities in a community and is the only real gang analysis that a city can make.  These are large studies that cost up to $250,000, take up to four years to complete, and go way beyond the scope of law enforcement. Many times, universities need to get involved in the research, along with community leaders and education officials.

There are federal grants available for gang assessment studies, but many times cities shy away from them. The studies can be considered a display of “dirty laundry” for a city, and it is difficult to bring a mayor or a Chamber of Commerce to the table on such a project.

Johnson explained that what he learned in the conference is that most people who are not directly affected by gangs don’t even notice them. There is a tendency in communities to avoid paying attention to them unless family members are involved.

This makes it even harder to get the will to do an assessment. The point at which a city is usually forced to admit an issue is after a high-profile tragedy occurs. From this, the lecturers say, “The price to the community incurred from a tragedy is always greater than the cost of an assessment.”

In Johnson’s opinion, the city of Rockford should have a gang assessment, and the findings of the study should be available to the public. “It’s hard to argue with statistics,” says Johnson. At the seminar, speakers admitted that “Shotgun” approaches don’t work, and prevention efforts need to be focused and based on data.

Rockford P.D.’s Community Services Unit

Along with being president of Orchid Neighborhood Association, Joe Owen is also interning with the Rockford P.D.’s Community Services Unit and was allowed to attend “Gangs 101” for two days of the three-day seminar.

Owen has been actively participating in neighborhood associations since 1994 and feels that the people of his neighborhood are the ones who took a stand and facilitated change in their community. “All they did was talk when I first attended my neighborhood association in 1994,” says Owen. But after the first night when he said, “You need to take action,” he was nominated vice president.

Taking a close look at graffiti in his neighborhood, Owen is careful to make distinctions between hip-hop art and gang symbols. But after the conference, he says, “I’m not a blind guy anymore, I can read that braille…” Owen claims that nearly every neighborhood in Rockford has gangs, and every high school in Rockford is associated with a gang.  But like many in the community when asked what the gangs are in Rockford, he says, “I don’t know.”

In 2004, Owen claims that police were so apathetic to the community that police responding to a fellow neighbor’s call would say, “look where you live, lady, move!” In time, conditions in the neighborhood improved along with police relations, but Owen says, “You’re never going to get rid of gang activity completely.”
Word on the street

Talking to youth in Rockford brings a pretty consistent knee-jerk reaction of, “Bah! There aren’t any gangs in Rockford!”

“You may see some guy acting all tough, but when you say, Ya right, spit your lit, they got nothing.” This is a reference to gang creeds, which most gangs are required to memorize as part of initiation.

Whether or not gangs are Rockford’s issue, it still maintains a pretty healthy drug culture. Coming with this are layered wild rumors of a huge network of grow houses, the convenience of small airports around the city, and strange shipping companies that line the highway. “I don’t want to seem ignorant about gangs in Rockford, but the face of gangs just isn’t that apparent,” says one 20-something.

Criminalization and market share

Gangs for so long have been associated with stable minorities and poverty. Any elementary look at gangs will find their primary driver is the street economy of narcotics. This may be the only means of income available to disadvantaged minorities in gangs. But for as long as anyone can remember, a dime bag of weed has been the same weight for the same price; and it only looks like it will get cheaper. Stresses on market share and scarcity of commodity have evaporated, thus creating exploding markets for drugs beyond simple street territories. They may still be involved, but the drug trade is far beyond the scope of street gangs in our day and age.
The one place where gangs still dominate is in prisons. More than half of all American prisoners are serving time for nonviolent drug charges. And in these prisons languish disproportionate percentages of minorities. Gangs have become institutionalized cultures of incarceration. From these prisons, law enforcement has created its own womb of criminalized sub-culture, which, in turn, justifies more prisons, harsher laws, and longer sentences. All the while, drug culture has become more common, accepted and prevalent. The old taboos have vanished, and every day we come into contact with stable functioning drug users. Faced with a cheap, readily available commodity, is law enforcement the only one “dealing” with gangs any more?

Gangs of Rockford

What gangs are in Rockford…?

What are their numbers…?

What territory do they occupy…?

What is the nature of their operation…?

Deputy Chief Greg Lindmark could not be reached for comment on the Gangs 101 seminar.

Admissions of speakers

• D.A.R.E. does not work

• Curfew laws have questionable results

• Peer-based programs don’t work

• Scared Straight is ineffective

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | No Comments »

‘Am I dreaming?’ Rookie Trevor Bayne wins Daytona 500

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

One day after turning 20 years old, Trevor Bayne celebrated by making history. The NASCAR rookie held off veterans Carl Edwards and Bobby Labonte to become the youngest winner ever of the Daytona 500.

In his first-ever start in “America’s Great Race,” Bayne took the checkered flag in NASCAR’s season-opener. Immediately after crossing the finish line, an exasperated Bayne radioed his crew and questioned the reality of the situation: “Am I dreaming? Is this real? I don’t even know where to go.”

The rookie did end up finding his way to victory lane. After pulling in his No. 21 Ford, he was immediately joined by his legendary owners, the Wood brothers. This was the first time a Wood Brothers Racing Team car had won the Daytona 500 since David Pearson won in 1976. This was the Wood Brothers’ fifth Daytona win.

Last year’s series champion Jimmie Johnson was involved in an early-race accident and brought home his Lowe’s No. 48 in the 27th position.

The series moves to Phoenix this weekend for the Subway Fresh Fit 500. The green flag is slated to drop this Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3:15 p.m. local time on Fox Sports (channel 39). Last year, Ryan Newman took the checkered flag in the second race of the season.

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Three move on to state in regional Poetry Out Loud competition

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

Three area high school students will represent northern Illinois in the State Poetry Out Loud Competition, which will be held in Springfield, Ill., March 11.

Joy Avery (Auburn Freshman Campus) was the winner of the regional competition, held Feb. 17 at Ellis Arts Academy. Niambi Thompson (Roosevelt) was first runner-up, and the alternate was Xaiver Kimbrough (Auburn Main Campus).

All three receive an expenses-paid trip to Springfield for the competition, a dinner reception Friday evening, a stay at a hotel and day pass Saturday to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

The winner of the state competition advances to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals April 28-29 in Washington, D.C., where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.

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

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

Poetry Out Loud encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, which help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary heritage. Last year, more than $100,000 in prizes was awarded to students and schools. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

The Rockford Area Arts Council was one of seven organizations throughout the state that was asked to hold Poetry Out Loud regional competitions. The competition was held at Ellis Arts Academy. Volunteer judges for the event were David Causey, George E. Davis, Erik Lewis, Anne O’Keefe and Karen Walker.

Tabulator was Laura Kenison. Colin Higgins served as prompter. Local poet Tricia Sheridan was the emcee and host of the event.

Sharon Nesbit-Davis, Education/Outreach director of the Rockford Area Arts Council, was the regional coordinator.

“We were highly impressed with the student presentations this year and pleased to have five schools participate,” Nesbit-Davis said. “We hope more will join us in 2012. This year’s teachers are already planning for next year.”

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Peppino D’Agostino performs Feb. 26

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

Charlotte’s Web for the Performing Arts is pleased to present Italian guitar virtuoso Peppino D’Agostino in concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, at The Emerson House (directly behind or east of the Mendelssohn PAC), 420 N. Main St., Rockford.

Peppino D’Agostino is an international treasure who is charting a personal journey through the compositional fingerstyle guitar genre. Peppino is known for his dynamic and mesmerizing performances covering and blending folk, Irish, Italian, Brazilian, flamenco and jazz traditions. Peppino’s newest CD, Made In Italy, was released April 22, 2008, on Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings. In 2007, he was voted Best Acoustic Guitarist by the readers of Guitar Player magazine in GP’s 2007 Reader’s Choice Awards as well as performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Peppino has a cover feature on the current issue of Fingerstyle Guitar magazine.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Advance tickets are available at: Rockford Area Arts Council, 713 E. State, (815) 963-6765; both Postal Shoppe locations: Edgebrook Center, (815) 397-7301 and 2205 S. Perryville, (815) 484-0940; JustGoods, 201 Seventh St., (815) 965-8903; new outlet: Nikki’s Café, 604 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis., (608) 207-3101; or by mail: send a check and SASE to 306 Theodore St., Loves Park, IL 61111. Indicate artist or performance date on check. Credit card payment accepted only at www.charlotteswebofrockford.org via PayPal. There is a $1 ticket processing fee included. Print your receipt. Info: Call (815) 964-2238.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Grammy winner Marty Raybon performs in Monroe, Wis., Feb. 26

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

MONROE, Wis.—Rarely is a voice heard that is not just unforgettable, but it is also undeniable. Whether he’s singing bluegrass, country, or gospel music, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Marty Raybon’s talents are unmatched.

At 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center (PAC), Raybon and his band Full Circle will present an electrifying evening of entertainment. For more than three decades, this dynamic singer continually thrills audiences with his down-to-earth, natural harmony of voice and strings, along with incredible vocals and enthusiasm.

From the very first time he was heard as lead singer of the Gold-certified group Shenandoah, Raybon was instantly recognized as a truly gifted talent. From 1985 to 1996, he led Shenandoah to 22 singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts, including 13 No. 1 singles such as “The Church on Cumberland Road”; “Next to You, Next to Me”; and “Butterfly Kisses.” His vocal abilities have garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including those from Gary LeVox, lead singer of the mega group Rascal Flatts, who views Marty as “the greatest singer on the planet to this day.”

Country music star Josh Turner said: “Marty gets inside a song and turns it inside out. When you listen to him sing, he makes every word sound important and makes you feel as though he is singing straight to you…he’s a great singer, a great artist and a great man.”

Joining Raybon on stage will be the members of his band, Full Circle, one of country music’s busiest bands. They include Chris Davis (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Daniel Grindstaff (banjo, guitar, vocals) and Tim Raybon (bass guitar, vocals).

Raybon’s latest venture is the release of his newest CD, At His Best. This current collection includes the singles “Daddy Phone,” a touching ballad about a father’s desire to maintain a connection with his son after a divorce, and “The Heat Is On,” which showcases both Raybon’s musical versatility and signature vocal warmth.

Raybon has appeared on all the major television networks and has been featured in numerous hit music videos. He has received awards from the Country Music Association, International Bluegrass Music Association, Academy of Country Music, and a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for the single “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart,” with Alison Krauss.

While many artists have come and gone, Raybon is still around making music and has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. He has circled the globe entertaining millions along the way, sharing with his audience a voice filled with emotion and compassion that not only comes from a melody or a great lyric, but from the heart.

Reserved seat tickets for Marty Raybon and Full Circle are $35, $25, $20 and $15, and may be purchased by calling the Monroe Arts Center at (608) 325-5700, or in person at the box office,1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis. Additional information regarding this performance and other MAC events can be found online at www.monroeartscenter.com.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Auburn tops Hononegah for conference crown

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Chase Robinson of Hononegah goes up for a jumpshot against Auburn. The Indians’ senior finished with 4 points in the loss. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

By Matt Nestor
Sports Columnist

It appeared early after the Auburn Knights opened up a 20-11 lead in the second quarter that they were going to cruise en route to wrapping up the NIC-10 championship.

But the Hononegah Indians would not go away quietly. After closing out the second quarter on a 10-2 run to pull within 1, the Indians opened up the third quarter with a basket to take a 1-point lead.

The Knights proceeded to outscore Hononegah 23-8 the remainder of the quarter, and went on to defeat the Indians 57-44 to finish off the conference title.

“It feels good,” Auburn’s senior guard Anthony Strickland said of clinching the conference crown. “We’ve worked so hard in practice. We had to keep our composure. This time of the season, we have to keep our composure and work hard to keep playing.”

Fred Van Vleet got Auburn off to a good start by scoring 9 of his team’s 13 points in the first quarter on his way to 22. But after continuing that roll into the second quarter, their defense started to break down.

Jake Hribal, who scored 10 points off the bench, and Coop Lewis, who scored 9, were able to work off back cuts and back screens for easy layups to help pull the Indians close by the half and into the lead to start the third.

But after the early third-quarter bucket, the Knights cleaned up their defense. That, paired with a hot hand by Strickland, who hit four 3-point shots for 12 points, allowed the Knights to cruise to a win.

“Defensively, I thought we did a better job on the ball and a better job recognizing what they were doing with their screens,” Knights Head Coach Bryan Ott said. “It’s a matter of cleaning up possessions, and it didn’t hurt that Strickland got hot.”

Ott also cited a great performance by senior Tavious Ford, who scored 7 points and did a great job defending the Hononegah big men and helping the Knights out-rebound the Indians, 32-21.

More than anything with the win, Van Vleet said he and his teammates were most pleased with the defensive effort with the IHSA tournament right around the corner.

“That is what I want to hang our hat on at the end of the day is that we are resilient,” he said. “We can always rely on defense when we are on a drought offensively. We can just build up stops and build up stops and eventually, those shots will start falling.”

The Knights came back the following evening with their next goal intact. A 68-59 win over Harlem kept Auburn undefeated in conference play with one game left.
LaMark Foote scored 27 points to help offset a 23-point effort by Harlem’s Michael Proscia in the win.

Hononegah, who is now a game behind Boylan for second place in the conference, kept a game behind by topping Jefferson 47-27 behind 17 points from Carlos Hendrix.

In other NIC-10 action:

• Armani Flannigan had a huge weekend for the Boylan Titans as they try to finish the season strong. First, a 25-point effort from Flannigan helped the Titans come from behind to top East 76-66. The senior poured in 35 more the following night in a 97-80 win over Guilford.

• East followed up another tough loss to Boylan with a 68-56 win over Belvidere North to wrap up fourth place. Javon Henderson led the E-Rabs with 20 points.

• Harlem topped Belvidere by a final of 65-55. Brenton Benedict scored 21 to lead the way for the Huskies.

• Belvidere picked up their second conference win in a 65-55 win over Freeport behind 21 points from Quinten Canty.

• Jefferson topped Guilford by a score of 61-59. Jared Mayes scored 25 points to lead the way for the J-Hawks.

• Freeport beat Belvidere North 61-58 in overtime. Luke Norman led four Pretzels in double figures with 16 to help offset the Blue Thunder’s Brandon Schwebke, who scored 25.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Guest Column: Call President Obama today to help save independent family farmers!

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Food Democracy Now! Team
info@fooddemocracynow.org

Tell President Obama it’s time to level the playing field for America’s family farmers – end the rules that favor agribusiness.

Call the White House today to tell President Obama to enforce fair market GIPSA rules for farmers today!

There’s been a lot of bad news out of Washington, D.C. lately. In the past three weeks, we’ve called on President Obama to retract his decisions on three newly-approved genetically-modified (GMO) crops. Incredibly, more than 110,000 American family farmers and citizens have signed a letter calling for a more comprehensive regulatory process that effectively and democratically investigates the impact that genetically-engineered crops have on human health, the environment and farmers’ long-term ability to meet the challenges of 21st-century agriculture.

At the same time, while GMOs pose a serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods, human health and the environment, they are not the only threat that farmers and our food supply face today. Of equal importance is the unparalleled control that corporations have over contract arrangements with family farmers.

Already in the last year, the USDA has written a set of proposed fair market contract rules under Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) that would make it illegal for packers and slaughter houses to unfairly discriminate against poultry, hog and cattle farmers. Unfortunately, those rules have not been finalized, and giant agribusiness meat interests are pressuring Secretary Vilsack and the Obama administration to weaken these vital rules that would provide fair market contract protections for small and midsized farmers for the first time.

Please call the White House today and urge the Obama administration to stand up for family farmers to make sure they receive fair market contracts and no longer experience unfair price discrimination.

Go to the following link for the White House phone number or e-mail: http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/348?akid=297.232872.ok3uUR&t=7

Today’s livestock producers are caught in an unfair system that traps them in debt and forces them to take whatever contracts Big Ag cartels offer them. And even though the Packers and Stockyards Act specifically prohibits price discrimination by meat packers against small family farm and ranch operations, it has been a standard industry practice for decades.

According to our friends at the Center for Rural Affairs, it’s common for meat packers to “routinely pay five or six cents more per pound, more in some cases, in purely volume-based premiums to the largest hog producers simply because they are large.” And while six cents doesn’t sound like much, for an independent family farmer operating with 150 sows, it amounts to receiving $56,000 a year less at market for their livestock. And no one can afford that type of loss, especially America’s family farmers.1

These practices are not only unfair, but they are undemocratic and place family farmers at a serious disadvantage in the marketplace. At a time when the Obama administration and Washington, D.C. are talking about creating jobs and improving economic opportunities for families everywhere, one of the simplest things they could do to improve opportunities for family farmers and rural America is to allow farmers to have access to fair markets. The best way to do this is to tell the Obama administration to finalize the fair market contract (GIPSA) rules today.

Go to the link below to tell President Obama it’s time to stand up for family farmers. Not only are they the backbone of our democracy, but they are the ones who provide us with the best, most sustainably-raised food in the country.

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/348?akid=297.232872.ok3uUR&t=9

Thanks for taking action — your support is greatly appreciated! We need your help to keep the pressure on! If you can, please consider chipping in as little as $10 to help us continue this fight.

To contribute, go to: http://fdn.actionkit.com/go/donate/133?akid=297.232872.ok3uUR&t=12

We rely on folks like you to keep us going. Thanks again for your support.

Thank you for participating in food democracy—your action today may save family livestock producers and help free our food supply from corporate control.
Dave, Lisa and the Food Democracy Now! Team

Sources: 1. “Corporate Farming: A Reasonable Hope for Fairness,” Center for Rural Affairs, August 2010.

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/349?akid=297.232872.ok3uUR&t=14

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | No Comments »

Tuskegee Airmen at Memorial Hall Feb. 26

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

Meet members of the Tuskegee Airmen from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States armed forces, fighting in World War II. Formally, they were the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

At 1:15 p.m., a documentary film titled Nightfighters will be shown. At 2:15 p.m., one or more Tuskegee Airmen will discuss their stories and memories, followed by an opportunity for autographs and photos. Tuskegee Airmen books and merchandise will also be available at the event.

For more information about the event, contact Veterans Memorial Hall at (815) 969-1999 or visit veteransmemorialhall.com.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Left Justified: Schools are governed by law

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Stanley Campbell

I think the biggest shock for teachers came when police were removed from the schools, and rowdy students had to be dealt with in a more lenient manner. It was a way for the then-new administration to take control and change the ease with which many teachers used their penal skills, often to the detriment of minority students.

But, as with many plans, they went awry when there were no alternatives in place. Discipline broke down, and anarchy reigned (at least for a few days). Order was quickly restored, but not before the difference between school and prison was demonstrated.

I usually side with teachers on many disputes. It is a hard job. I went to Guilford at the invite of a teacher, and was planning to give a talk to five classes. By the third class, I was exhausted.

Teachers must teach, counsel, discipline, administer, clerk and answer to angry parents. They are not allowed to have prejudices (though a few wrongly exhibit theirs).

In this latest struggle, accusations are being thrown about doing away with teachers’ unions, whether there’s a $5 or $50 million budget shortfall, and the honesty of our school administrators. God help those in charge.

And those in charge are coming up for election. How do we get a chance to meet them?

I’ve been involved in a number of candidate forums, and found them to be among the best and quickest ways to at least familiarize myself with those seeking public office.

Candidates for the Rockford School District 205 Board of Education will participate in an open forum beginning at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 6, hosted at First Presbyterian Church, 406 N. Main St., downtown Rockford (parking in the lot north of the church).

The program is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries, Rockford Urban Ministries, American Association of University Women, and the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford.

The forum provides a neutral, informational setting for church and community members to see and hear about issues and candidates appearing on the April 5 election ballot. The order of the evening is as follows:

School Board candidates each will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves.

The moderator will then question candidates. Each candidate will have a 2-minute summation. Susan Stephens from WNIJ Public Radio will serve as the moderator. We expect the forum will last approximately two hours. Tables will be provided for campaign literature. Refreshments will be served.

The church is accessible for those with special needs. Everyone will enter at the North Main Street door. The church is across the street from Beattie Park.

Past forums hosted by these organizations have been very well attended, and I hope you avail yourself of this oportunity.

And say a prayer for the schools.

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Commentary, Left Justified | No Comments »

Kick-off party for new writers’ group In Print set for March 12

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

• In Print offers opportunities to writers of all ages who desire to improve their writing

From press release

If you are a professional writer or aspire to be one, there is a new organization in town: In Print, www.inprintwriters.com, a professional writers  group affiliated with the prestigious Chicago Writers Association (CWA). In Print’s collaboration with CWA creates an extensive networking environment otherwise unavailable to writers in the Rockford area.

In Print offers opportunities to writers of all ages and genres who desire to improve their writing and become professionals or advance in their profession. These opportunities include writing seminars, critiquing and editing services, and trips to regional events and writing venues. Members receive information about conferences, contests, and classes; referral listings of agents; and a monthly newsletter. Annual membership is $30 and includes membership in the Chicago Writers Association.

Kristin Oakley, In Print president said: “Other writing groups in the region address the creative aspects of writing and offer emotional support for poets and writers of prose. In Print will offer these services while focusing on the needs of professional writers who are working toward publication or are expanding their professional network.”

In Print members are hosting a kick-off party from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 12, at the Cherry Valley Library (755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, Ill.).

“Our kick-off party is one way to meet the In Print members and learn more about what we have to offer,” Oakley said. “Local author and journalist Kelly Epperson will provide entertainment at this event as our keynote speaker.”

For more information, contact Oakley at kristin.oakley@comcast.net or call (815) 654-8639.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Returning to the softball diamonds

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

There’s about six or seven weeks left in our bowling season. For the past several years, as soon as bowling is over, my thoughts immediately transition from the lanes to the greens. Traditionally for me, golf takes over immediately following the last ball of the final frame. I’d like to do something different this year.

At the end of January, I turned 50 years old. It dawned on me that with any luck, I’ll still have plenty of years to pursue my passion for golf. However, my softball playing days might be slipping away right before my aging eyes.

Therefore, I’m hoping to change things this spring. I want to resurrect my once-productive softball career. I’m not ready to retire the glove just yet. Granted, I may not be able to play at the same caliber as I did a few years ago, but I think I’d still be able to hold my own with guys in my age bracket. I know there is a league out there for us close to over-the-hill guys.

Defensively, I’m confident enough that I can still contribute to a team in need of a pitcher or a first baseman. Offensively, I’m strictly a singles hitter. That’s my softball résumé in a nutshell. If you’re reading this, and your team is in need of another warm body to fill out this year’s roster, shoot me an e-mail.

If I do catch on with a team this season, I’ll even offer to buy the first pitcher or two of beer following our first practice. That’s assuming teams in this type of league still hold practices?

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Literary Hook: Experiencing the ‘perfect storm’

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Christine Swanberg
Author and Poet

We have recently experienced what some have called an epic blizzard. Blizzards and storms require a set of circumstances to be considered “The Perfect Storm.”
Here in the North, we can almost see the great Norse mythological god, Odin, invoked through swirling winds and drifts. We might call him Old Man Winter.

Here is a poem by nationally-known poet, Ellaraine Lockie. Though it is set in a different state and in a different season, you’ll “get the drift,” if you’ll pardon the pun.

A Perfect Storm

The green brown August lawns jump and squirm
A slimy silk quilts streets and sidewalks
with tens of thousands of frogs
after Odin sucked them up and spit them out
during one of his tantrums

Not many of the Montana farm town people
believe in a Norse storm god
But they bow down to the Bible
that reports rain of manna and quail
Some know Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz
fell from meteorological fact
And enough old-timers remember the frog rain
that hammered their windshields in the ’30s
The same quarter-sized species living
in the swamp on the southeast edge of town

Back then, the place was just as divided
between mystics who believed the frogs were sent
to obliterate grasshoppers from wheat fields
And those who believed in opportunity
Cooks who changed the supper menu
from steak to gumbo
Fishermen with walleye bait on their hooked fingers
And teen-agers who collected the creatures
to sell in the nearest city pet store
If they hadn’t slicked the roads
with entrails for entertainment

Today’s flood of frogs attracts more national news
than the birthright to Pearl Jam’s bass player
More than the world’s largest tractor
Even more than the homegrown U. S. senator
The town has already planned an official
frog-themed Christmas
One resident told reporters
that the biggest blessing is Odin
So drunk on all the attention that maybe
he’ll storm away this seven-year drought
The resident asked to remain anonymous

Bio: Ellaraine Lockie is a widely-published and awarded poet, nonfiction book author and essayist. Her seventh chapbook, Stroking David’s Leg, was awarded Best Individual Collection for 2010 from Purple Patch magazine in England, and her eighth chapbook, Red for the Funeral, won the 2010 San Gabriel Poetry Festival Chapbook Contest. She also teaches both poetry/writing and papermaking workshops and serves as poetry editor for the lifestyles magazine Lilipoh. These poems are from her forthcoming chapbook, Wild as in Familiar, to be released from Finishing Line Press later this year.

Christine Swanberg has published about 300 poems in 70 journals and anthologies. An interview with her appears in the 2008 Poet’s Market.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Literary Hook, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Becca’s Closet moves, hosts fashion show March 5 at CherryVale

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries invites the public to a community fashion show featuring dresses and accessories that have been donated to Becca’s Closet. Area high school girls will serve as fashion show models.

The fashion show, “Becca’s Closet Walks the Runway,” will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 5, in the Centre Court at CherryVale Mall. Formalwear donated by several mall stores will be included in the show. The event is free, and will highlight the mission and purpose of Becca’s Closet, while raising awareness of this community resource and its change of location and management.

Housed at 1502 Parkview Ave. for the past six years, the Closet has been relocated to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1829 N. Rockton Ave., situated directly across from West Middle School. In conjunction with the move, a leadership transition has also taken place. Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries, a partnership organization of area ELCA congregations, has recently accepted responsibility for oversight and continued operations of the chapter.

Becca’s Closet will reopen at its new location Saturday, March 12, just in time for the spring prom season.

The first Becca’s Closet was the brainchild of Rebecca Kitman, a 16-year-old Florida high school sophomore.

Becca recognized there were many girls in her community who were unable to attend their high school proms and homecomings because they could not afford to purchase formalwear for the dances. She launched a dress drive to provide prom dresses and accessories free of charge so no girl would have to miss these special events.

Becca was tragically killed in an automobile accident shortly after starting her “closet.” Her friends and family continued the mission by forming a national “Becca’s Closet” program, with 90 chapters to date. Rockford is the only city in the state of Illinois with an active Becca’s Closet chapter.

The Rockford chapter serves as a boutique that collects and distributes formalwear to hundreds of young women from Rockford and the surrounding communities. More than 500 dresses are given away annually in Rockford.

For more information about Becca’s Closet, “Becca’s Closet Walks the Runway” fashion show, or to donate dresses and accessories to Becca’s Closet, contact Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries at (815) 962-4279 or RALMmail@aol.com.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Bishop Thomas Doran submits his retirement

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

In accordance with the laws of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop Thomas G. Doran will submit his letter of retirement/resignation to the Apostolic Nuncio to the Vatican in Washington, D.C., in view of his birthday on Feb. 20, 2011.

Canon 401 section 1 states: “A diocesan bishop who has completed his 75th year of age is requested to present his from office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will make provisions after he has examined all the circumstances.”

Bishop Doran turned 75 on Sunday, Feb. 20. “What happens next is, we wait,” Bishop Doran said in a recent interview with his diocesan Catholic newspaper, The Observer. A bishop is not considered to have resigned or retired until Pope Benedict XVI accepts his letter and appoints a successor. A special birthday issue of The Observer was published detailing the process and features an interview with Bishop Doran in addition to his regular column reflecting on this milestone.

The papal nuncio will forward Bishop Doran’s letter along with a short list of suitable suggested candidates on to the Vatican. The process can take anywhere from six months to two years. Until then, it is business as usual for the 11-county Rockford Diocese.

Bishop Doran is a native of Rockford. He was ordained to the sacred order of the priesthood in Rome on Dec. 21, 1961. He served in many capacities in the Rockford Diocese until 1986, when he was appointed to the Roman Rota (church court) by Pope John Paul II, where he served until Pope John Paul II appointed him to head the Rockford Diocese on April 19, 1994. His ceremony of ordination and installation was held at Rock Valley College on June 24, 1994, with more than 4,000 people in attendance.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Keith School wins 11th consecutive WYSE regional

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

For the 11th consecutive year, Keith Country Day School captured first place in its division at the World Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) regional competition, hosted at Rock Valley College on Feb. 11. The team netted a perfect score of 500 and garnered 12 individual medals.

“To have continued success in a competition like this really speaks to the quality of our faculty and our students,” said Leo Dombrowski, who monitors the WYSE team and is the school’s middle and upper school science teacher.

Designed as an academic challenge and administered by WYSE officials, the regional sectional and state competitions are a series of tests created for the brightest high school students in Illinois and Missouri. Friday’s competition saw six different Keith students place first individually in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Math and Physics.

Test material is drawn from senior high school and freshman level college curricula and written by teams of college and university faculty. Subjects for the events include biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics, and physics. Each test production team produces three tests of increasing levels of difficulty, regional, sectional and state finals. Students compete as individuals and as part of a team where they have 40 minutes to complete multiple-choice tests that range in length from 30 questions (computer science) to 100 questions (English).

In 2007, Keith won the WYSE state championship. It was the first time a school in the stateline won the state title. Following Friday’s regional win, the academic team advances to the WYSE sectionals in March at Northern Illinois University. The team will need to finish in first or second place at the sectionals to advance to the April state championships.

Keith Country Day School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school. Located on a 15-acre campus overlooking the Rock River, Keith serves students from age 3 through grade 12 from the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. More information about Keith School is available at www.keithschool.com.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | 2 Comments »

Public high school debates set for Feb. 26 at Heartland

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

The Fourth Annual Truth Talk Debate, which features teams from each of Rockford’s six public high schools, takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 26, at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road.

The debates, sponsored by the Nu Pi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., began as a way to observe Black History Month. Although this year’s debate questions don’t focus on racial issues as they have in the past, the event continues to celebrate student success, honor the tradition of debate and provide thought-provoking dialogue on contemporary issues.

Student teams spend weeks preparing arguments and rebuttals for the debate. This year’s questions are:

• Should students be guaranteed a free education?

• Do violent video games lead to increased violence in children?

• Have schools done enough to eradicate bullying?

Truth Talk IV is free and open to the public, partly through the generosity of Heartland Community Church. Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield serves as emcee for the competition between the six high schools: Auburn, East, Guilford, Jefferson, Roosevelt and ACE (Academic Career Education).

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

First-ever Sustainability Summit set for Feb. 26

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

From press release

John and Jane Q. Public, elected and appointed officials from Boone and Winnebago counties, as well as groups invested in the region’s future, are invited to attend the first-ever Sustainability Summit for the region. It takes place from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Northern Illinois University Rockford auditorium, 8500 E. State St. Attendees are asked to RSVP.  There is no cost, as the summit is made possible through a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant.

Purpose of Summit: Engage a Community in Plan Implementation

Summit organizers seek to engage a wide range of organizations and individuals to implement the first-ever regional plan for sustainable development. The planning process is made possible through a $600,000 grant awarded to this region from HUD. There are 16 team topics for which people can volunteer in the broad areas of Social (safety, civic vitality, cultural life, health & wellness), food, housing); Economic (education, access to opportunity, poverty reduction, economic development, technology, transportation); and Environmental (waste management, energy, biodiversity, land water, built infrastructure).

The Rockford Region is one of the few communities to receive a sustainability implementation grant. It is the first step toward accessing millions of dollars in federal funds to fully implement the region’s sustainability plan.

Why Sustainability?

Boone County Chairman Bob Walberg and Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christiansen agree that a united sustainability plan is imperative for the region’s future. Chairman Walberg said, “To be economically competitive in the global marketplace, we must change our regional decision-making process and create a new model of sustainability. That will align the important areas of our lives such as housing, transportation, education, recreation and more. That is how we will be in the world-class region that we know we can be.” Chairman Christiansen added, “More companies will invest in our region with quality jobs if they believe we are a world-class place worthy of their investment. This sustainability plan will get us to that level.”

Keynote Speakers

• Randy Blankenhorn, executive director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, “Go To 2040 Presentation”—Metro Chicago’s first comprehensive regional plan

• Charlotte Kahn, director and co-founder of The Boston Indicators Project at The Boston Foundation, “Sustainability Indicators”—award-winning initiative fosters dialogue and tracks progress on shared goals

Additional Speakers, Resources

• Steve Ernst, executive director of Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and Genevieve Borich, executive director of Rockford Region Economic Development District, on “Sustainability Process”

• John Lewis, Northern Illinois University director of Regional Development Institute, “Call to Action”

• Boone County Chairman Bob Walberg

u Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christiansen

• Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey

Networking opportunities will be available throughout the summit and during the break. To register for the summit, contact Christina Washington, Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning, at (815) 964-RMAP or online at RSVP FORM, chris.washington@rockfordil.gov.

A news conference will be held during a scheduled break from 10:50 to 11:20 a.m., to announce the details of the $600,000 HUD grant for the Rockford Region Sustainability Plan.

For more information, contact Steve Ernst, executive director, RMAP, at (815) 764-7627 or steve.ernst@rockfordil.gov—www.rmapil.org, or Genevieve Borich, executive RREDD, at (815) 969-4252 or gborich@myedd.org —www.myedd.org.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Guest Column: Freedom Fever in District 205

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Jane Hayes

Corrupt regimes (whether in Rockford, Chicago, Egypt or Algeria) have to be abolished and overturned for the public good. We need to build our trust in leadership, just as Egypt is building its democracy.

The history of civil disobedience and public demonstrations shows that the public will reign victorious over dictatorial regimes. Thankfully, our local school board heard the public outcry and narrowly voted to have an independent audit done of the school budget, which will be paid by the Rockford Education Association.

Thank you for seeing that truth, transparency and trust are inviolable public concerns that must be addressed. Thank you for being accountable to the pro-democratic ideals that have elected you. We have had so much chaos over the past year-and-a-half when what we call for is stability throughout the district.

Perhaps Rockford will be the bellwether and model for a nation that is tired of Broad graduates and monied forces exerting influence by trying to take over our schools. We, the people, will not let this happen! We have the voice, and must use it collectively to restrict the mishandling of funds and needless school closings. Our most valuable assets, our children, are at stake as posturing occurs on which schools to close and which programs, regardless of how successful, to demolish.

At Court Street Methodist Church Saturday, Feb. 12, the people had their voices heard, and now, we must unite to empower our voices in a single-minded mission to save our schools and many beneficial programs.

According to Abraham Lincoln: “Public opinion is everything! With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.” After this successful public meeting, we adjourned to attend the board meeting where, once again, there was no room for the overflow crowd. Such human indignity denies the public its place, so we have contacted the attorney general’s office about the Open Meetings Act. The school board and leadership could easily convene board meetings in a public school, which would be far more accommodating to the general public.

Just as Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the public will continue to exert rights of civil disobedience until the wrongs are rectified by the people.

In Gandhi’s words, “For me, every ruler is alien that defies public opinion.” I say, our Freedom Fever must be taken seriously before it becomes Freedom Fervor.

Jane Hayes is a member of Watchdogs for Ethics in Education and a candidate for the Rockford Board of Education in Sub District C.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Guest Column: Students need adequate planning guides

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Dawn Shirley

At the last school board meeting, Jude Makulec expressed frustration at the lack of communication between the district administration and school board members. Jeanne Westholder and other board members also spoke on the communication theme. I would add that it is not just a matter of communication, but also of respect. To illustrate, I’ll use my recent experiences with District 205.

On Jan. 12, I sent the following letter via e-mail to all of the school board members:

To whom it may concern:

I have three children in the Rockford Public Schools. One attends RESA, another Auburn Freshman Campus, and the third is at Auburn Main Campus.

I am troubled by the way registration for next year’s classes has been handled, particularly for the high-school students.

1) All three were required to sign up for classes without any parental involvement or even notification.

2) Those at Auburn were given only a list of classes to choose from, no course descriptions.

3) They felt “rushed” in choosing their classes for next year.

4) The Auburn students were told that many of the classes listed would not be available next year and that Band was on the list of classes likely to be cut.

5) It is their understanding that this is not a preliminary survey, but actual course sign-up.

6) The Auburn students were also required to sign a document falsely stating that they had gone over their class choices with their parents.

7) It is the understanding of the Auburn students that their counselors were required to handle class choice this way by the administration downtown.

This is troubling to me because I don’t understand why the administration would seek to circumvent parental involvement, particularly in something as important as course selection. This year, it is even more important since the existence of certain classes is dependent on enrollment.

Equally troubling is the precedent set by the students being required to sign their name to something they know isn’t true. After all, in a short amount of time their signatures will be legally binding.

In the past, the kids have been given a booklet with full course descriptions and time to go over the choices with their parents at home.

The way this course selection has been handled so far this year has done little to foster the atmosphere of trust and respect necessary for a quality education.
I am sure that I am not alone in asking the administration to please step back and start this process over.

I received a response from only one board member, Jude Makulec, who said that she had forwarded my concerns to the superintendent.

The next day, I received an e-mail from Earl Hernandez saying that the problem had been “addressed last week.” The letter not only didn’t answer any of my questions, but the tone of it made me feel as if I had been patted on my head and sent on my way.

Now if Mr. Hernandez had simply informed me that parents would be notified shortly of their child’s course selections, everything would have been fine.

As it was, his response was frustrating to me. I wrote again to Jude Makulec, who was also frustrated by the lack of information coming from the administration.
I sent an e-mail to Dr. Gaffey, principal of Auburn, who replied the same day, directly answering my questions. He said that band would not be cut and that he would be putting an announcement in February’s newsletter about course selection.

I spoke also to a number of other people employed or involved with the school district. I was told that the same instructions had been given to all of the high schools on how to handle course selection by the downtown administration. I was told that Auburn counselors followed these instructions, which did not include instructions for informing parents. Some counselors–like my daughter’s at Freshman Campus–sent a copy of the course selections home. Others didn’t.

I was still concerned about parents not being aware that course selection had taken place. Like me, they would be expecting something to be sent home closer to the end of the year. Given the late issue of the last Auburn newsletter, I was concerned that Dr. Gaffey’s announcement wouldn’t be published in time.

In hindsight, I should have spoken again to Dr. Gaffey, but I was viewing this as a district administrative issue, and I felt district administration was dismissive of my concerns.

I decided to e-mail my concern to every parent address I could get my hands on–those listed in the gifted program directory. Soon I began to get responses from other parents who were as upset as I was.

On Jan. 24, I received a copy of another e-mail from Earl Hernandez. The following is the portion pertaining to Auburn:

I wanted to send a message correcting some of the inaccuracies that have been conveyed via e-mail the past several days concerning the scheduling of classes for next school year. There is absolutely no truth to the statement that the administration changed course selection procedures this year. All of the high schools were directed to send home proposed schedules with a form of notice advising parents to sign approving the schedules or requesting changes to the schedule.

Over two weeks ago, when we became aware of the confusion over whether or not parents were given the opportunity to have input into their children’s course selections at Auburn, I directed principal Gaffey to personally make sure that the erroneous instructions were corrected, that every student be given a planning guide and a copy of a proposed schedule and that the students and their parents have time to look it over and accept the schedule or make recommended changes. I know that Dr. Gaffey issued planning guides to all of the students and provided them with the information for parents. In fact, when I copied him on one of the parents who sent Ms. Makulec an email saying, among other things, she had no input in her child’s scheduling, Dr. Gaffey told me he personally had spoken to this parent and when he asked how he could help with the child’s schedule the parent said, “…I don’t have a problem with my son’s schedule. I’m just talking about other parents I’m aware of.”

While I admit the major confusion at Auburn stemmed from errors made by the counselors in the freshman campus a little over two weeks ago as it relates to scheduling next year’s sophomores, that same day I had Dr. Gaffey deliver 350 planning guides to the freshman campus for distribution to the freshman students with the new instructions inviting parents to peruse the schedules and respond approving or requesting alterations. In addition, Dr. Gaffey was instructed to have the main campus counselors work with next year’s sophomores and their parents instead of having the freshman team handling it.

This response was infuriating. I’m not sure if he was trying to play Jedi mind tricks, or if he was actually so grossly misinformed. Obviously, the procedure had been changed if only in that a filled-in form was sent home instead of a blank one. Also, the information regarding the instructions to the schools ran counter to what I had been told by employees at Auburn and by what I and others had experienced.

My son had still not received anything. Other parents had still not received anything. Planning guides were made available via an announcement over the loudspeaker, not issued as Earl Hernandez says.

Then to blame the confusion on the counselors at Freshman Campus? When they were the ones who actually had taken it upon themselves to send their students’ course selections home?

I was also amazed at how he could take a parent’s concern for all students and parents, not just her own family, and somehow turn that into a bad thing.

To quote the words of another parent whom I shared the letter with, “I was really not over- the-edge angry about the scheduling–just a little upset? But this e-mail? Are you kidding me?”

The next morning, I received an announcement from the Parents for Gifted Education that a planning guide and the students’ course selections would be given to the students either today or tomorrow. Curious to be happening now since Mr. Hernandez was so sure that it had already.

At the school board meeting, I was struck by the huge effort which the downtown administration put into explaining how they had done everything right. Again, all that was needed was to say that parents would be receiving information in the near future and that changes would be allowed to the students’ selections. The impression I was left with was along the lines of methinks they doth protest too much. I’m not saying that I actually believe that there is some kind of conspiracy; it’s just that their response made me feel like their focus was on making themselves look good.

It was refreshing to hear Dr. Gaffey take responsibility not only for the problem, but for the solution, even suggesting they might mail information to parents. However, he still insisted that course selections were entered and then sent home with the students. I know this wasn’t true because I still had nothing in writing for my son.

In talking to Dr. Gaffey later, he seemed genuinely surprised to hear this was the case, but didn’t insult me by denying it the way Earl Hernadez had. He listened to what I had to say and answered my questions directly and completely without trying to make excuses, or trying to make himself look better. In short, he communicated. If parents and school board members had gotten this kind of answer at the beginning, things would have turned out much differently.
It is obvious that our district, like many others, is going to have to make a lot of changes. Change is never easy, but it is always more difficult when people feel that they aren’t respected. This was a small but important issue that could have been handled quickly and easily. However, the way the district administration and some school board members handled it made parents, kids, teachers, counselors, and even other school board members feel that District 205 lacks the respect it should have for the community it serves.

It is possible that the lack of respect was not intentional, but simply defensiveness in overdrive. Unfortunately, intentional or not, the result was the same. I hope that when District 205 deals with the really big issues coming up like school closings and budget shortfalls,  everyone involved will remember the way such a simple issue ballooned into a huge production, stop posturing, and really communicate.

Dawn Shirley is a Rockford resident with students in Rockford District 205.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »

Arts & Theater Calendar: Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

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. Featuring “In My Place,” an exhibition of works by Jennifer Mullin, thru March 19. Free. 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.

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. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-4 p.m. Free. Info: 815-753-1936.

Rockford College Art Gallery – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. Featuring “Decreation,” the works of Michael Velliquette and Trent Miller, thru March 18. 3-6 p.m., Tues.-Fri. 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.

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. Featuring “Aspiring Artists Student Exhibition” thru March 26. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. 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 .

Charlotte Hackin Art Studio & Gallery – 6278 Brynwood Drive. Info: 815-639-1318.

Bliss Beads Studio & Gallery – 161 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. Featuring “Weather or Not: Landscape Paintings by Gerard Erley” thru March 5. Weekly classes in bead jewelry making, silversmithing and flamework glass. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Info: 815-517-0164.

Wednesday, Feb. 23

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Landscape Impressions – JustGoods, 201 Seventh St.. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Info:815-965-8903 .

American Folk Artist Frederick Ueck, A Retrospective – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608-313-9083.

in/VISIBLE – NIU Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-753-1936.

Art Teachers Exhibit – Womanspace, Gallery 1, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-8770118.

Thursday, Feb. 24

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

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Landscape Impressions – JustGoods, 201 Seventh St.. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Info:815-965-8903 .

American Folk Artist Frederick Ueck, A Retrospective – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608-313-9083.

in/VISIBLE – NIU Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-753-1936.

Art Teachers Exhibit – Womanspace, Gallery 1, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-8770118.

Hands Across the Sea & Trouble in Tahiti – Rockford College, Cheek Theater, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4100.

Moby Dick Rehearsed – O’Connell Theatre inside Stevens Building on Northern Illinois University’s DeKalb campus. 7: 30 p.m. Info: 815-753-1600.

Friday, Feb. 25

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Landscape Impressions – JustGoods, 201 Seventh St.. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Info:815-965-8903 .

The Works of William Thomas & Joshua Filer– Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info: 608-313-9083.

in/VISIBLE – NIU Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-753-1936.

Hands Across the Sea & Trouble in Tahiti – Rockford College, Cheek Theater, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4100.

“Quiet Beauty,” photos by Jim Phillip – Crimson Ridge, 735 N. Perryville Road. 4-8 p.m. Free. Info: 815-988-4919.

Moby Dick Rehearsed – O’Connell Theatre inside Stevens Building on Northern Illinois University’s DeKalb campus. 7: 30 p.m. Info: 815-753-1600.

Fuddy Meers – Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica. 8 p.m. $10 door/$8 season pass. Info: 815-239-1210.

Willie Wonka Jr. – New Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $10 adults/$8 students & seniors. Info: www.ctpytp.org.

Art2Go – Hoffman House Banquet Room, 7550 E. State St. 6-9:30 p.m. $50. Info: 815-877-0118.

Saturday, Feb. 26

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Landscape Impressions – JustGoods, 201 Seventh St.. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Info:815-965-8903 .

in/VISIBLE – NIU Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Noon-4 p.m. Info: 815-753-1936.

Hands Across the Sea & Trouble in Tahiti – Rockford College, Cheek Theater, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4100.

“Quiet Beauty,” photos by Jim Phillip – Crimson Ridge, 735 N. Perryville Road. 1-5 p.m. Free. Info: 815-988-4919.

Rebel Art Productions Presents: Traveling Handmade Boutique Event by Local Artists – Nikki’s Café, 604 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. 4-10 p.m. Info: 815-405-3279 or 815-262-4897.

Moby Dick Rehearsed – O’Connell Theatre inside Stevens Building on Northern Illinois University’s DeKalb campus. 7: 30 p.m. Info: 815-753-1600.

Fuddy Meers – Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica. 8 p.m. $10 door/$8 season pass. Info: 815-239-1210.

Willie Wonka Jr. – New Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $10 adults/$8 students & seniors. Info: www.ctpytp.org.

Sunday, Feb. 27

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Hands Across the Sea & Trouble in Tahiti – Rockford College, Cheek Theater, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4100.

“Quiet Beauty,” photos by Jim Phillip – Crimson Ridge, 735 N. Perryville Road. 1-5 p.m. Free. Info: 815-988-4919.

Moby Dick Rehearsed – O’Connell Theatre inside Stevens Building on Northern Illinois University’s DeKalb campus. 2 p.m. Info: 815-753-1600.

Fuddy Meers – Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica. 2 p.m. $10 door/$8 season pass. Info: 815-239-1210.

“The Show Must Go On,” presented by Sheila Vayenas Productions – Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St. 3:30 p.m. $10. Info: 815-964-9713.

Monday, Feb. 28

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

The Works of William Thomas & Joshua Filer – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608-313-9083.

in/VISIBLE – NIU Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-753-1936.

Art Teachers Exhibit – Womanspace, Gallery 1, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-8770118.

Tuesday, March 1

Pause and Affect: Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod – Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Info: 815-968-2787.

Landscape Impressions – JustGoods, 201 Seventh St.. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Info:815-965-8903 .

The Works of William Thomas & Joshua Filer – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608-313-9083.

in/VISIBLE – NIU Hall Case Galleries, 1201 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-753-1936.

Art Teachers Exhibit – Womanspace, Gallery 1, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Info: 815-8770118.

“First and Third” Open Art Studio – Rockford Public Library Main Branch Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 4-7 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Posted in Arts & Theater Calendar, Vibe Calendars | No Comments »

Community Calendar: Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

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. 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 – Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1829 N. Rockton 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.

Logan Museum of Anthropology – 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. Featuring “Bruins and Bear Teeth” March 1-June 18. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Sun. Info: 608-363-2677.

Wednesday, Feb.23

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.

Golf Indoors – Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 per bucket of range balls. Thru March 9. Info: 815-885-1135.

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 Niteclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Every Wed. Info: 815-758-2715.

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

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

Dating for GLBT Singles Support Group – Spectrum of Rockford GLBTQ, 7120 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Loves Park. 7:30-9 p.m. Info: 815-639-0312.

XBox Kinect Challenge – Crosstown Pub, 105 W. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-0800.

Healthy Lifestyle Sessions – First Presbyterian Church, 406 N. Main St. 6 p.m. Info: 815-262-1776.

Extreme Comedy – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.

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

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069.

Golf Indoors – Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Info: 815-987-8800.

Afternoon with the General: Major General John Borland – Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. Info: 815-969-1999.

Sex and Love Addiction Recovery Group – Spectrum of Rockford GLBTQ, 7120 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201 & 202, Loves Park. Every Wed. thru March 9. 7:30-9 p.m. Info: 815-639-0312.

Rockford Area Economic Development Council First Quarter Investor Event – Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 710 W. Riverside Blvd. 5 p.m. Info: 815-987-8118.

“A Human Mind as an Upside-Down Brain”: Visiting Philosopher Lecture by Daniel Dennett – Pearsons Hall, Moore Lounge, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. 7:30 p.m.

Lunch & Learn: World Religions Series: Buddhism – Fountain View Room, Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Noon-1 p.m. $10. Info: 815-877-0118.

Thursday, Feb. 24

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. 5:30 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.

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

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

“The Church’s Role in Helping the Immigrant,” by the Rev. Michael Mann – Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main St., Roscoe. 7 p.m. Free. Info: 815-964-7111.

Friday, Feb. 25

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

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

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

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069.

Harris Winter Wonderland Outdoor Skating – Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St. Info: 815-968-5600.

Service Over Self : Major General John Borland – Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. Info: 815-969-1999.

Career and Internship Fair – Rockford College, Maddox Theater, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-226-4000.

Affordable Pet Vaccine Clinic – Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Info: 1-877-475-7729.

Saturday, Feb. 26

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.

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

Kundalini Yoga – Lazy Dog Yoga Studio, 5428 Williams Drive, Roscoe. 9 a.m. Info: 970-485-0249.

Harris Winter Wonderland Outdoor Skating – Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St. Info: 815-968-5600.

Volunteer Recruitment Fair – Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St. Info: 815-964-2424.

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

Parks Chamber Annual Business Expo and Pancake Breakfast– Loves Park City Hall Civic Center, 100 Heart Blvd. 8 a.m.-noon. Info: 815-633-3999.

23rd Annual Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet – Lena-Winslow elementary, junior high and high school gymnasiums, 401 Fremont St., Lena, Ill. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-233-1357.

Indoor Bag Toss Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics – Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road. 2 p.m. $20 per team. Info: 815-509-8670.

Fourth Annual Black History Month Dinner – JT’s Bourbon Street Grille, 1407 N. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $10. Info: 815-964-4400.

First-Ever Sustainability Summit – Northern Illinois University, Rockford campus auditorium, 8500 E. State St. 8:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 815-764-7627.

Island Beach Bash Benefit for Special Olympics – Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. 6 p.m.-midnight. $10 advance/$15 door. Info: 815-398-6411.

Give a Hoot for Girl Scouts – Big Hill Park at Welty Environmental Center, 8606 W. County Road H, Beloit, Wis. 4-6 p.m. $5 per Scout. Junior Girl Scouts and older. Info: 608-361-1377.

Illinois Renewable Energy Association Food Class – IREA headquarters, 1230 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon, Ill. Info: 815-732-7332.

Singles Together Across Rockford Volleyball & Game Night – Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park. 7-10 p.m. $3 at door ($2 with snack; free for first-time visitor). Info: 815-962-4279.

Meet the Tuskegee Airmen – Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. 1-4:30 p.m. $5 adults; free for students and seniors.

Sunday, Feb. 27

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.

Keeping Culture Alive Through Music – Macktown Forest Preserve, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton. Info: 815-624-4200.

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069.

Harris Winter Wonderland Outdoor Skating – Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St. Info: 815-968-5600.

Wolves of the Midwest – Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road. 2-3:15 p.m. Info: 815-335-2915.

23rd Annual Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet – Lena-Winslow elementary, junior high and high school gymnasiums, 401 Fremont St., Lena, Ill. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 815-233-1357.

Cakes for the Queen of Heaven – Fountain View Room, Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. 7-9 p.m. $40/four sessions or $15/session. Info: 815-877-0118.

Monday, Feb. 28

Zombie Night – 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.

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.

Naughty Bingo – Crosstown Pub, 105 W. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-0800.

Monday Evening Zumba Classes – Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 1340 S. Alpine Road. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Info: 636-795-8553.

Gamblers Anonymous Weekly Meeting – Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St. 6-8 p.m. Info: 815-904-5634.

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069.

Service Over Self : Major General John Borland – Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. Info: 815-969-1999.

Supper and Film: The Last Station – Fountain View Room, Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. 6-9 p.m. $10. Info: 815-877-0118.

Green Technology in the Auto Industry – JustGoods meeting room, 201 Seventh St. 7 p.m. Free. Info: 815-397-6546.

Indoor Adult Golf Clinics – Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Noon-12:50 p.m. and 1-1:50 p.m. $17 per clinic; $20 non-resident. Thru March 14. Info: 815-987-8800.

Tuesday, March 1

“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.

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

Sunset Storytime – Rockford Public Library East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Babes and Books – Rockford Public Library Main Branch Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Senior Computer Learning, Session 1: Intro to Computers – Rockford Public Library Main Branch, second-floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. 1-3 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Edgar Cayce A.R.E Meetings – 1615 River Bluff Blvd. 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.

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.

Kundalini Yoga – Lazy Dog Yoga Studio, 5428 Williams Drive, Roscoe. 7:30 a.m. Info: 970-485-0249.

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

Harris Winter Wonderland Outdoor Skating – Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St. Info: 815-968-5600.

Public Skating – Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St. Info: 815-963-7465.

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069.

Service Over Self : Major General John Borland – Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. Info: 815-969-1999.

“Get Fit After 50 … Safely” – Rock Valley College, Physical Education Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Info: 815-921-3931.

“Good Dollars and Sense” – Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, 315 N. Main St. 6-8 p.m. Info: 815-987-6203.

Golf Indoors – Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Info: 815-987-8800.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Volunteer Orientation – Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-964-2424.

“Though East is East, and West is West, together, the twains can do best” – Rock Valley College main campus, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Presentation by Prof. Kanwal D. Prashar. Free. Info: 815-921-4009.

Free Pancake Day – IHOP, 6960 Argus Drive. Free short stack of pancakes with request for donation to Children’s Miracle Network or other local charity. Info: 815-394-5315.

Golf Indoors – Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 per bucket of range balls. Thru March 9. Info: 815-885-1135.

Special Education and the Law – Hampton Inn of Freeport, 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, Ill. 4 p.m. Info: 815-233-1128, ext. 103.

Food Pantry Fund-raiser – Leaf River United Methodist Church, Route 72, Leaf River. 2:30-4 p.m. Info: 815-238-7550.

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Community Calendar, Vibe Calendars | 1 Comment »

Music Calendar: Feb. 23-March 1, 2011

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Wednesday, Feb. 23

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.
Karaoke with Mike – Rusty Nail, 1804 18th Ave. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Every Wed. Free. Info: 815-397-2510.
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.
Ross Margitza Jazz Show – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. 7 p.m. Info: 815-787-9547.

Thursday, Feb. 24

Open Stage – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Every Thurs. Info: 815-962-7944.
The Monday Morning Dixie Band – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 6-9 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-624-6018.
Madman John & 1st Entertainment Services Karaoke Contest – Shooter’s Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. Info: 815-399-0683.
Karaoke – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Every Thurs. Info: 815-965-0931.
Open Mic – Cronie’s Grill, 9032 N. Second St., Machesney Park. Every Thurs. Info: 815-282-2262.
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.
DJ/Karaoke – Crosstown Pub, 105 W. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-0800.
Harlan Jefferson – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. Info: 815-624-8877.
Battle of the Bands: Never Whas/Rubic Steel – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.
Torque Padroni w/Mos Scocius & Perceptions – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. 8 p.m. $7. Info: 815-787-9547.
Angry Chair, Sparkplug Assassins & Helium Fuse – Otto’s Niteclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. Info: 815-758-2715.

Friday, Feb. 25

Karaoke with Mike – Victory Tap, 2315 Harrison Ave. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Fri. Free. Info: 815-399-8822.
Murder By Death w/Fake Problems & Buried Beds – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. 8:30 p.m. $13 advance/$15 door. Info: 815-787-9547.
Sixteen Candles – Otto’s Niteclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. Info: 815-758-2715.
Augustana College Choir’s “Homeland Tour” – First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St. 7 p.m. Free. Info: 815-962-6691.
Chicago A Cappella Presents: “Roll, Jordan, Roll: The Spiritual, Old and New” – Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-964-9713.
Rockford Pipe Band – Cherry Bowl, 7171 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Info: 815-229-2970.
500 Miles to Memphis/Whiskey Train – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.
Vintage Vinyl – Shooter’s Bar & Grill East, 7171 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Info: 815-332-5229.
Alphadrop, Popeye Jonesin’ – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. Info: 815-962-7944.
One Sweet Jane – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.
The Sensations – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. 8:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-398-6411.
Dueling Pianos – Franchesco’s, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Info: 815-229-0800.
Dean Moriarty Jazz Band – Café Belwah, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-363-1110
The Crave – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.
The Steve Doiel Trio – Domenico’s Italian Restaurant, 547 E. Grand St., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-365-9489.
Andrew Jess – Crosstown Pub, 105 W. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-0800.
Line Dancing with Kelly – Boonie’s Roadhouse, 7940 S. Main St. Info: 815-962-1567.
Madman John & 1st Entertainment Services Video DJ Show – Club Impulse, 132 W. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-361-0000.
DJ – Sports Page Bar & Grill, 3907 Broadway. 9 p.m. Info: 815-399-3185.
DJ – Miranda’s Pub & Grill, 6116 Mulford Village Drive. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-381-0073.
DJ – Oscar’s Pub & Grill, 5980 E. State St. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-6100.
DJ – Manor Nightclub, 293 Executive Pkwy. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-394-0077.
DJ – Brewsky’s, 4414 Charles St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-9300.
DJ – Cousin’s Bar & Grill, 510 S. Perryville Road. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-316-2660.
DJ – RBI’s, 3870 N. Perryville Road. 9 p.m. Info: 815-877-5592.
DJ – Tad’s, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 9 p.m. Info: 815-654-3500.
DJ – The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St. 9 p.m. Info: 815-965-0344.
DJ Jonny – Shooter’s Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. 8 p.m. Info: 815-399-0683.
DJ – Casey’s Pub, 77307 N. Alpine Road. 10 p.m. Free. Info: 815-316-2274.
DJ Mark & Lana – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-624-6018.
DJ – JD’s Sports Bar & Grill, 908 W. Riverside Blvd. Info: 815-639-9488.
DJ/Karaoke – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.
DJ/Karaoke – Jayne’s Place, 2229 Anderson Drive, Belvidere. Info: 815-544-5153.
DJ Foley – The Breeze Sports Bar & Grill, 3801 N. Perryville Road. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-633-4141.
RPM’s DJ Service – Backstop Bar & Grill, 1830 Union Ave., Belvidere. 8:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-547-8100.

Saturday, Feb. 26

Karaoke with Mike – Rusty Nail, 1804 18th Ave. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Sat. Free. Info: 815-397-2510.
Peppino D’Augustino – Emerson House, 420 N. Main St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-543-7627.
RAMI Youth Charity Jam Auditions – Tebala Shrine Temple, 7910 Newburg Road. 5 p.m. $3/free for younger than 6. Info: 815-546-3021.
Oberhofer w/Cadence Fox & Kuda Fang – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. 8 p.m. $8. Info: 815-787-9547.
Legend Haz It, Train Company & Mathien – Otto’s Niteclub & Underground, 118. E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. Info: 815-758-2715.
Marty Raybon – Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, Wis. 7:30 p.m. $35/$25/$20/$15. Info: 608-325-5700.
Bullet – Big Cities Lounge, 905 E. State St. Info: 815-965-6026.
Cylinder 6 – Krypto Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.
Static – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. Info: 815-962-7944.
Smokin’ Gunz – Shooter’s Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. Info: 815-399-0683.
Clutch Cargo – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. Info: 815-398-6411.
Big Money Grip – Shooter’s Bar & Grill North, 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-654-3900.
Rollin’ Whiskey – JJ’s Roadhouse, 5555 N. Clark St., Monroe Center. Info: 815-393-4700.
The Sensations – Shooter’s Bar & Grill East, 7171 CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-332-5229.
Karaoke w/Ma & Pa Kittle – Grant Park Tavern, 3015 Kishwaukee St. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Info: 815-397-9819.
Dueling Pianos – Franchesco’s, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Info: 815-229-0800.
Big Daddy Woo Woo – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-633-2552.
The Silver Creek Band – The Grove, 100 E. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-1002.
Mr. Big Stuff – Rascal’s Bar & Grill, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park. Info: 815-636-9207.
Infinity – Murphy’s Pub & Grill, 510 S. Perryville Road. Info: 815-986-0950.
Hillbilly Rockstarz – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.
This Side Up – Town Hall Lounge, 5624 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-636-9996.
Men of Our Times – Splitter’s Bar & Grill, 5318 N. Second St., Loves Park. Info: 815-877-6051.
Grey Matter Mechanics – Domenico’s Italian Restaurant, 547 E. Grand St. Beloit, Wis. Info: 608-365-9489.
DJ Dance Party – Crosstown Pub, 105 W. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Info: 815-765-0800.
KJ Laurie & 5 Star Karaoke – Cimino’s Pizza, 7113 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815-966-1223.
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 – Swilligan’s Pub, 200 N. Church St. Info: 815-965-6414.

Sunday, Feb. 27

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.
KJ Laurie & 5 Star Karaoke – The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815-965-0344.
“GEMS IX” presented by Rockford Wind Ensemble and RWE Honors Youth Band – Rockford First Auditorium, 5950 Spring Creek Road. 3 p.m. $15/$12/$6/$5. Info: 815-227-8550.
Opole, Philharmonic of Poland Orchestra – Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. 3 p.m. $45 adults/$15 students. Info: 815-871-6697.
Daniel and the Lion w/Anna Vogelzang, Pearl and the Beard & Lucrezio – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. 5 p.m. Info: 815-787-9547.

Monday, Feb. 28

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.

Tuesday, March 1

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. Info: 815-965-0931.

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

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Music Calendar, Vibe Calendars | No Comments »

The political circus is coming

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Oh, no, not again! At the end of next year, November 2012, the Republicans and Democrats will be holding their backstabbing contest all year long. And while all of this mayhem is happening, I would like to dedicate a rock and roll song to both of these (uncouth) political parties. And it’s even “an oldie but goodie” tune. “Here I am, stuck in the middle, With jokers on my left (liberal Democrats) and jokers on my right (winged Republicans). And I’m troubled, undecided, and in between With both of you and you. Oh, no! Oh, yeah!”

Philip J. Wilson
Rockford

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Mr. Green Car: 2010’s 10 top sellers, and how to double your gas mileage

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

By Allen Penticoff
Free-lance Writer

I recently heard that despite survey after survey indicating consumers would like to buy hybrid vehicles, sales of hybrids in 2010 were only 4 percent of the total for passenger vehicles and light trucks. So, this kind of report gets me to thinking. What are Americans buying? Here are the top 10 sales figures. First is the model, the unit sales in 2010, followed by the percent increase (+) or decrease (-) in sales over 2009.

1. Ford F Series trucks: 528,349 / +13.9 percent

2. Chevy Silverado trucks: 370,135 / +27.0 percent

3. Toyota Camry: 327,381 / -7.3 percent

4. Honda Accord: 311,381 / +18.9 percent

5. Toyota Corolla: 266,218 / -33.2 percent

6. Honda Civic: 260,218 / +31.3 percent

7. Nissan Altima: 229,263 / +23.5 percent

8. Ford Fusion: 219,219 / +20.0 percent

9. Honda CRV: 203,714 / +23.5 percent

10. Dodge Ram trucks: 199,652 / +93.0 percent

Where did the best-selling hybrid, the Toyota Prius, fit in? Pretty far down the list at 140,928 units, an increase in sales of only 1.6 percent. By contrast, Toyota’s luxury Lexus division sold more than 1 million vehicles.

It is tough to make analysis and assumptions about these numbers. Marketing and special offers make a big difference in what is selling. The perceived quality and value of a vehicle is a factor in some models, not in others (many Ford truck people wouldn’t be caught dead in a Chevy truck, and vice versa). Personally, I find just these top 10 unit sales numbers to be astounding. Where are all these people with the money to buy new cars? But it is happening despite a “sluggish” economy.

I’d analyze (my best guess) that Camrys are down in sales, but still a winning volume, as there is a lot of competition in the mid-size sedan market. While the numbers here make it look like we still really like to drive around in our trucks (and from street-side observations, there is no let up in this), you have to look at the total number of trucks versus the total number of smaller passenger vehicles to see that cars still dominate sales overall—and many of them are reasonably fuel efficient.

I wish the truck numbers were smaller and the Prius numbers bigger. But a variety of forces keep that from happening. Our low taxes on fuel for one; attitudes is another. The majority of consumers in the U.S. don’t really care enough about their environmental impact—or even the impact on their bank account—to concern themselves much with what fuel costs. This does not bode well for the newer expensive plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming out. Early adopters will buy them, but will they really catch on and be the new wave of transportation sitting in our driveways?

How to double your gas mileage with the vehicle you currently are driving

Switching gears a bit here. Lately, I’ve had several conversations around consolidating trips and planning routes to get the most of every mile driven. The simple solution to doubling your gas mileage is to drive half as much.

If you have to drive to work or school every day—you are limited some in what trips you leave out. Yet, could you walk, bike, car pool or work from home? When you do have to go out, try to eliminate special trips for some item or errand—particularly if you don’t REALLY need to do it right now. Make a list of errands you need to accomplish in pencil. Move things around so you can travel in a loop or line that does not involve doubling back until you are returning from the farthest destination. Think about what side of the street a destination is on—it is almost always easier to make right turns in and right turns out of a parking lot or side street. Left turns can be hazardous and waste time and fuel. The “right turn rule” often makes the nearest stop the last. United Parcel Service figures this all out for their delivery people—so should you. With a little practice, forethought and patience, you can cut down on your driving considerably—saving you time, money, aggravation and doing a little bit to help the planet.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Fast Lane, Mr. Green Car | No Comments »

Enforce current immigration laws

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

The immigration reform most needed now in our nation is rigorous enforcement of current laws. For decades, crooked employers have been effectively subsidized with billions of dollars in illegal alien labor.

Under the abundant blessings of corrupt government officials, big agbiz has laid out the red-carpeted welcome mat for illegals.

Since the authorization of E-verify, there is no excuse for “unknowingly” hiring illegals.

Our nation has no obligation to pander to businessmen and lobbyists representing or accommodating those who choose to violate our laws.

When owners and operators are hauled off in handcuffs to face felony charges with liens against their property, the illegals they’ve traditionally employed will self-deport.

In addition to federal penalties, state and local governments should assess impact fees to cover all socioeconomic costs attributable to illegals.

Even if mega-dairies are forced to haul their cows to the nearest sale barn, any short-term gaps in the national milk supply will soon be filled by honest family farmers. The same evolution will occur throughout all businesses dependent on an illegal workforce.

Our citizens will cope and flourish when our laws are enforced and respected by the rest of the world.

Sylvia Pagel
Winnebago, Ill.

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | 1 Comment »

Tales from the Trough: IceHogs still grasping for wins

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

IceHogs rookie Igor Makarov swings around the net looking for some help during Friday's game against the Chicago Wolves. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher 
Sports Columnist 

The Rockford IceHogs started out their last busy four-game week with a tough game against the Peoria Rivermen Wednesday, Feb. 16. There wasn’t much scoring in this game, with a total of 3 goals finding the twine. The good news is that the IceHogs held the advantage on goals. 

This is the type of game the ’Hogs needed to play, minus the penalties. The team needed a confidence booster, and holding a team to just 1 goal was a big help.
On the other hand, discipline was an issue as the ’Hogs committed seven penalties, although they were 6-for-7 on the penalty kill. 

Rockford’s rock, Jeff Taffe, continued his tear and put the ’Hogs ahead first. Early in the first, Ben Smith set up Taffe for his 17th of the season, while the ’Hogs were on their second power play. Rockford did have a very brief 3-second 5-on-3 opportunity, and the goal was scored just moments after Peoria got their fourth skater back. 

Evan Brophey doubled the lead late in the second with a set-up from All-Star Brian Connelly to put the ’Hogs up 2-0. 

Alec Richards played a very solid game in net, stopping all 24 shots he faced in the first two periods. 

The Rivermen would continue to blast shots at Richards, but he remained stalwart and fended off 10 more shots in the third without letting one by. It wasn’t until 19:58 into the final period that Peoria finally managed to get one past Richards and end his bid for a shutout. Graham Mink slammed the door on the shutout, while the Rivermen had their final powerplay attempt of the game. But after losing four straight games, this bout had to give Rockford some confidence going into the rest of their busy week. 

Friday, Feb. 18, the Chicago Wolves drove into town, and the ’Hogs hoped to keep their momentum going from their previous matchup against Peoria. 

Rockford would take the first lead of the game with just under 6 minutes remaining in the first. Ryan Potulny, who is closing in on Taffe for the team lead in goals, netted his 15th of the season. Taffe extended his scoring streak to 10 games as he and Connelly were both credited with assists on the goal. 

Ryan Garbutt would get the equalizer 2 minutes later for the Wolves, sending the game to a 1-1 tie after 20 minutes. 

For the rest of the second period, it was all Chicago. The Wolves netted three goals in the second, with the final two coming late in the period and in a span of 44 seconds. Jason Krog, Andrey Zubarev and Tim Miller all scored for the Wolves, giving them a commanding 4-1 lead after two. 

Rockford would make a game of it in the third. Potulny scored his second powerplay goal of the night a few seconds shy of the midway point, with Taffe and Brandon Pirri assisting on the goal. 

Kyle Beach would bring the ’Hogs to within 1 with the ’Hogs’ third powerplay goal of the night. Once again, Taffe and Connelly would get the helpers on the goal. 

Rockford pressured more, but the comeback would come to a screeching halt when Jassen Cullimore committed a slashing penalty with just more than 2 minutes remaining in regulation, leaving the ’Hogs shorthanded through the remainder of the game. 

The Wolves fought off the Rockford onslaught and rode back home with a 4-3 victory. 

For Saturday’s game, the Houston Aeros flew back in to the MetroCentre and played the game as if it were their home ice. Houston outshot, out-hit, and out-played the ’Hogs en route to a 5-3 win. 

Houston’s Jon DiSalvatore gave the Aeros the first lead of the game, and Justin Falk made it 2-0 with 5 minutes remaining in the first. 

With time winding down, Potulny tied Taffe with his 17th of the season, with only 39 seconds remaining in the period. Taffe would once again extend his scoring streak as he and Beach were given assists on the goal. 

Houston would reclaim their two-goal lead exactly 1 minute in the middle frame with Maxim Noreau tallying his ninth of the season. 

Rockford would cut the lead down to one once again. Pirri would light the lamp for the eighth time this season, and Peter LeBlanc and Mathis Olimb would get helpers on the goal. 

Both teams would remain scoreless until 6 minutes into the third. Beach would score his 13th of the season, knotting the score at 3-3, and giving the fans some hope of a come-from-behind win. 

Chad Rau would put the comeback a little further out of reach with his sixth goal of the season around the midpoint of the frame. Robbie Earl and Justin Falk would both get their second points of the night with assists on the goal. 

Veteran Jed Ortmeyer would seal the deal with an empty-net goal with 30 seconds remaining in the game, sending the Aeros flying away with a 5-3 victory. 

For their fourth game of the week, and third in four days, the ’Hogs hosted the Rivermen once again Monday, Feb. 21. Rockford was hoping for similar performances from their team and, it was hoped, match their 2-1 win from five days ago. 

Peoria’s Mink was not about to let that happen. He scored the lone goal for the Rivermen Wednesday and would continue his scoring where he left off. Mink scored the first two goals of the game, the first on the powerplay under 4 minutes into the game, and 4 minutes later. 

Once again, it was Taffe to the rescue, closing the gap to 2-1 late in the first with his partner in crime, Potulny, getting the assist. 

But Peoria would come back with two more first-period goals and go into the locker room with a massive 4-1 lead after 20 minutes. 

That lead would be extended to 5-1 when ’Hog-killer Mink completed the hat trick while on the powerplay at the 8-minute mark of the second. 

Down 5-1 going into the third, a comeback didn’t look to be in the cards for the ’Hogs, but Connelly made an effort to stack the deck. Just more than a minute into the third, Connelly would notch his fifth of the season, with Shawn Lalonde and Pirri on the assist. 

LeBlanc would close the gap to 5-3 at the midpoint of the third, with his ninth of the season with only 33 games played. 

The comeback would fall short for the ’Hogs, and the nail as put in the coffin by, who else, Mink. His 18th goal of the campaign and third powerplay goal of the night sealed the deal and had the Rivermen rowing home with a 6-3 romping of the ’Hogs. 

Rockford has another busy four-game week. Wednesday, Feb. 23, the ’Hogs headed to Rosemont to face the Chicago Wolves. The team then plays three consecutive games, Friday, Feb. 25, at Peoria, then home Saturday, Feb. 26, to host the Admirals, then a flight back down to Houston Sunday, Feb. 27, against the Aeros. 

From the Feb. 23-March 1, 2011, issue 

Posted in Online Exclusives | No Comments »