Community Calendar: Week of April 27-May 3, 2011

Ongoing Attractions

Rockford Public Library Hours – Main Library open Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; East Branch open Mon.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Rock River and Montague branches open Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Rockton Centre Branch open Mon.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lewis Lemon Branch open Mon.-Fri., 2-6 p.m. All library locations closed Sundays.

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. Admission $6 adults, $3 seniors & students, children younger than 3 and Klehm members, free. Info: 815-965-8146.

Anderson Japanese Gardens – 318 Spring Creek Road. Open May 1-Oct. 31. 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: 815-227-4633 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: 815-547-5932.

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. Yoga every Thursday, 9:30-10:45 a.m. $40/four classes or $12/class. Basic Hatha Yoga. Other activities throughout the year. Info: 815-877-0118.

Beckman Mill Park – 11600 S. County Road H, off Hwy. 81. Tours 1-4 p.m. Corn grinding demonstrations, see the blacksmith shop, creamery & visitor center. Info: 608-751-1551.

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.

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 Boulevard & Green Street, 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. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free amplified phone program. Must be Illinois resident and have standard phone service. Application/info: 815-332-6800.

Stretch & Belly Dance Combo Beginners’ 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.

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.

Neighborhood Tool Bank – 907 S. Main St. Loans out tools for gardening & cleanup projects. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Thru Oct. 1. Make appointment in advance. Info: 815-963-6236.

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

Yoga Classes – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave., Rockford. Mondays, 6-7:15 p.m., 6 weeks consecutive, $45 or single classes, $10 each. Register/Info: 815-963-4815.

Jarrett Center – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road, Byron.Visiting display: Images of wildlife, thru April. Info: 815-234-8535.

Summerfield Zoo – 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere. Open two weekends a month, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays. Open one weekday per month. Admission: $7 adults, $5 children. Info: 815-547-4852.

Wednesday, April 27

Safari Sprouts– Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. 10:15-11:15 a.m. Admission $10/child, adults free. Info: 815-895-9777.

“Hire Me!” Series: Session 4 – Rockford Public Library, Main Library second-floor comuter room, 215 N. Wyman St. 6-8 p.m. Ages 13 and older. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

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.

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

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

Rhyme Time Storytime – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 4-4:45 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

Weight Loss Orientation – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health, rotates among three OSF locations. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Wed. Info: 815-395-4505 for times and locations.

“Woman to Woman” Breast Cancer Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info: 815-227-2624.

YA Gaming Tournament – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages 13-19. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Seth B. Atwood Conservation Award Presentation – Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. 5 p.m. social hour & environmental displays. Dinner, 6 p.m. w/keynote address by Christy Webber. In conjunction w/City of Gardens kick-off. Reservations: 815-987-1689.

YA Monthly Movies @ Main: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages 12-19. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Comedy Night w/Mike Malone – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. 8 p.m. Info: 815-877-8007.

Swing Time – Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport. 1 or 7 p.m. Part of Classic Film Series, starring Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Tickets $5 at box office. Info: 815-233-0413 or www.classiccinemas.com.

Thursday, April 28

The Signature Event – Big Al’s Bar, 610 N. Bell School Road. 6-9 p.m. $25/person. Features samples of Rockford’s best food, drink and entertainment. Local beers by Forest City Brewers Club. Emceed by First Friday’s founding comedian, Jeff Schroder. Info: 815-398-6411.

Boy Scout Badge: Fish/Wildlife Management – Byron Forest Preserve District, Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road. 5-8 p.m. $7/scout. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Comedy Roast of Brio – Brio, 515 E. State St. 9 p.m.-midnight. Paul & Karen Sletten will be celebrating six years and refurbishing the restaurant for spring w/new menu items. Entertainment by local personalities. Info: 815-968-9463.

Arbor Day Celebration – Rockford Park District Webbs Norman Center, 401 S. Main St. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. White pine seedlings given to teachers as part of “Let’s Get Growing” series from City of Gardens. Info: 815-987-8898 or 815-987-1689.

Hand-Made Journal – Rockford Public Library, Montague Branch, Connie Lane Room, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 5-6 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Swing Dancing – St. Edward Church, 3004 11th St. 8-10:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-914-7441.

Comedy Night – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. 8 p.m. Info: 815-877-8007.

SOUNS for Infants – Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St. For infants & caregivers. 6-6:45 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Support for Grief After Suicide – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 7 p.m. Free. Every other Thurs. Call for schedule/info: 815-636-4750.

Shall We Dance Ballroom Dance – Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Beginners 6 p.m., Intermediate/Advanced, 7 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-718-1814.

A Ministry of Restoration Bible Study – Montague Branch Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 5:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Prayer every Tues. 6:30 p.m. For prayer or info: 815-966-6322.

Intermediate Digital Scrapbooking – Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St. 6-8 p.m. Ages 13 and older. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

Successful Transitions for Children with Special Needs – West Middle School, 1900 N. Rockton Ave. 4-6 p.m. Challenges of students with autism and how to make changes as smoothly as possible.

Tween/Teen Self-Defense Class @ East – Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St. 6-7 p.m. Ages 10-19. With Rich Whitenack from No Joke Martial Arts. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Alan Beaman Program on Wrongful Murder Conviction – Rasmussen College Rockford, 6000 E. State St., fourth floor. Noon. Beaman served 13 of his 50-year sentence following his 1995 trial and conviction for murder of Jennifer Lockmiller. The Center on Wrongful Convictions stepped in & fought to have the charges dismissed. They were unanimously overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court in May 2008. Beaman will be joined by Karen Daniel, Juris Doctor (JD), senior staff attorney at the Center for Wrongful Conviction & clinical professor of law at Northwestern University School of Law.

Friday, April 29

Arbor Day Tree Planting – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. 10:45 a.m. In conjunction w/City of Rockford & guests from Cathedral Baptist School. Educational program at Visitors Center.

Community Forum on Illinois’ New Civil Union Bill, S.B. 1716 – Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA, 7120 Windsor Lake Parkway, Suite 202. 6-7:30 p.m. Speakers from Equality Illinois will discuss the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. Info: 815-639-0312.

Rose N’ Buds Spring Boutique – Cliffbreakers Conference Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. $5 donation, proceeds to benefit Crusader Community Health’s Women & Children’s programs. Info: 815-490-1620.

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

Wellness for the Mind, Body & Spirit Lecture Series: Natural Health – Siena on Brendenwood, 4444 Brendenwood Road. 1:30 p.m. Ryan Hulsebus, D.C. Info: 815-399-6167.

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

Saturday, April 30

Reading the Prairie for Home-schoolers – Byron Forest Preserve District, Jarrett Prairie Center. 1-3 p.m. Free. All ages. Info: 815-234-8535, ex. 200.

Benefit for Jenna Martin – Blackhawk Athletic Club, 2023 Broadway, Rockford. 1-6 p.m. Benefit for breast cancer victim. Raffles, food, 50/50 raffles, live entertainment. Donations may be made to: JennasFightClub@yahoo.com or at any Alpine Bank.

National Prescription Take Back Day – Roscoe Police Department, 10595 Main St. Bring in unwanted and expired medications from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for safe disposal.

Tell-A-Bration! – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 3-4:30 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

A Tribute to African-American Women: Past & Present – Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. 4-7 p.m. Portrayals of women such as Shirley Chisholm, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and others, as well as recognition of notable living women. Info: 815-963-4720 or gaduckett@msn.com.

Literary Evening Downtown – Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Book discussion w/cash bar & light appetizers. Tickets $45 advance, $50 at the door. Registration is required. Info: 815-987-9911.

Saturday Storytime – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 10:30-11 a.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Kundalini Yoga – Lazy Dog Yoga Studio, 5428 Williams Drive, Roscoe. 9 a.m. Info: 970-485-0249.

Weiskopf Observatory–Public Viewing – Byron Forest Preserve District, Jarrett Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. Begins at dusk, every Saturday. Free. Info: 815-234-8535, ex. 216.

Celebrating Our Children – Informing, Educating and Training Ourselves – Rock Valley College Stenstrom Center, 4151 Samuelson Road. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Discussion of issues such as immigration, college education, and bullying. Food & childcare will be provided.

Haskell Parent Academy – Haskell Elementary School, 515 Maple St. 9-3 p.m. Open to parents who have students enrolled at any Rockford Public School.

Saturday Spectacular: Stories with SNAP! – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 11-11:45 a.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606, option 4.

Summerfield Zoo Opening – 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $7 adults, $5 children. Info: 815-547-4852.

Sunday, May 1

Fly In Drive In Pancake Breakfast – Courtesy Aircraft Hangar, 5233 Falcon Road, Chicago/Rockford International Airport. 7 a.m.-noon. Aircraft ramp open to public for aircraft viewing. Info: 815-601-4554.

Tours of Beckman Mill Park – Beckman Mill County Park, 11600 S. County Road H, off Hwy. 81. 1-4 p.m. Corn grinding demonstrations, see the blacksmith shop, creamery & visitor center. Info: 608-751-1551.

“Made in Africa” – Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St. 2-4 p.m. Thru end of July. Admission: $3 individual, $5 family. Info: 815-962-7402.

“Garibaldi Guard!” – Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St. 2-4 p.m. Thru end of November. Admission: $3 individual, $5 family. Info: 815-962-7402.

Summerfield Zoo Opening – 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $7 adults, $5 children. Info: 815-547-4852.

Holy Humor Sunday – Third Presbyterian Church, 1221 Custer Ave., Rockford. 10:15 a.m. with Dr. Murray Hanson. Broadcast on 99.3 FM radio. Info: 815-654-3887.

Good God Questions – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 9:15 a.m. Every Sun. Free. Info: 815-964-4609.

Huntington’s Disease Support Group – OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, St. Anthony & St. Joseph Rooms, 5666 E. State St. 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-282-0600.

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

Monday, May 2

Spring Break – Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. Planetarium Shows, 1 & 3 p.m. Live science demonstration in theater, 2 p.m. Art activities, 1-4 p.m. Info: 815-963-6769. April thru October. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Colonel Elmer Ellsworth Display – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, Local History Room, third floor, 215 N. Wyman St. Noon-8 p.m. Thru May 31. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

Pig: Delicious – Social Urban Bar & Restaurant, 509 E. State St. 5:30 p.m. for drinks, 6:30 dinner. Five-course meal. $50/person excluding tax & gratuity. Space is limited. Call to reserve: 815-708-0877.

Yoga Class – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave. 6-7:15 p.m. Single classes, $10 each. Info: 815-963-4815.

Chocolate City Nightlife – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. 9 p.m. Every Mon. Info: 815-621-4319.

Videogame Armageddon – Kryptonite Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931.

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.

Tuesday, May 3

On the Waterfront Film Fest featuring selections from Rockford’s On the Waterfront Festival’s first OTW Film Fest 2010 – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 7 p.m. 815-787-9547.

Family Story Hour – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. 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.

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

Edgar Cayce A.R.E Meetings – 1615 River Bluff Blvd. Every other Tues. 7-8:30 p.m. Info: 815-234-2394.

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

Teen ‘Scape – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 4-5:30 p.m. Ages 10-19. Mingle with other teens, play board games, Wii or Playstation, surf the Internet.

Adult Grief Support Group – Beloit Regional Hospice Office, 655 Third St., Suite 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.

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.

“Get Fit After 50…Safely” – Rock Valley College, Physical Education Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Info: 815-921-3931.

Senior Computer Learning No. 1: Introduction to Computers (6 beginning classes) – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, second-floor Computer Room, 215 N. Wyman St. 3-5 p.m. Ages 55 and older. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606, option 5.

From the April 27-May 3, 2011 issue