Community Calendar: Week of Oct. 5-11, 2011, issue

Ongoing Attractions

Rockford Public Library Hours – Main Library open Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. Fri. & 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. Now featuring: Peanuts… Naturally. A lighthearted look at nature with Charlie Brown. $1/person for members; $10/person for public. 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. Featuring “Garibaldi Guard!” honoring the 39th New York Infantry, a regiment of Italian-American men who fought under Giuseppe Garibaldi; runs until Nov. 30. Admission $3 individual, $5 family. 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. Exhibit Stitches and Scraps: Quilts from the Museum’s Collection until Oct. 1. 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 H.O.W.– Every Thursday at Byron Public Library, Route 2. 12-step study group – 5:30-6 p.m. Regular group meets 6-7:30 p.m. Info: 815-734-4662.

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 Highway 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.

Land of Oz Corn Maze – 3262 E. 1951 Road, Ottawa, Ill. 5 p.m. until dusk. Fund-raiser for local Camp Fire Council. Open weekends thru Oct. 30. Night hikes available by reservation only, minimum of six. For information/directions: 815-488-5000.

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.

Singles Together Across Rockford (STAR) – Volleyball/Game Nights resume Sept. 10, 7-10 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park. Second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Info: 815-962-4279.

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.

Winnebago County Health Dept. Flu Vaccine Available – For flu clinic schedule, call 815-720-4264 or go to www.wchd.org.

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. 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., six 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: Byron Museum of History, thru June. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

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.

Coronado Performing Arts Center – 314 N. Main St. Tickets now on sale for Bill Cosby performance of Nov. 5. $37.50-$57.50. Available at box office, or call 815-968-0595 or coronadopac.org.

Tickets for John Mellencamp – Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Tickets available at box office, online at coronadopac.org, or charge by phone at 815-968-0595.

R.I.P. Productions’ Halloween Horror – FearFest 2011, 6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit, Fri. and Sat. 7-11 p.m. Weekdays & Sundays, 7-10 p.m. Screamatorium and Fear Asylum, Belvidere Park District, 916 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere. Fri. and Sat., 7-11 p.m. Weekdays & Sundays, 7-10 p.m. Tickets at various area outlets, or online for Screamatorium and Fear Asylum only at www.trailofscreams.com. Info: 815-965-6772.

Reservations for Beloit Regional Hospice Volunteer Training – 655 Third St. Beloit, Wis. Dates: Oct. 8 and 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Two-day training program. Must attend both days. Info: 608-363-7421.

Registration for Brownie-Try-It: Senses – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Date: Oct. 13. 6-8 p.m. Meet at Keller Center. Register by Oct. 10. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Registration for Boy Scout Badge – Indian Lore – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Date: Oct. 11. 6-9 p.m. Meet at Jarrett Center. $7/person. Boy Scouts ages 10 and up. Register by Oct. 10. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Registration for Hunter’s Moon Hike – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Date: Oct. 14. 8-10 p.m. All ages. Meet at Weiskopf Observatory. Free. Register by Oct. 13. Info: 815-8535, ext. 200.

Registration for Jr. Girl Scouts Sky Search – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Date: Oct. 14. 6-9 p.m. $5/person. Register by Oct. 12. Info: 815-8535, ext. 200.

Registration for Trip to Cave in the Rock State Park – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Dates: Oct. 22-24. Depart Byron at 9 a.m. Meet at Jarrett Center. $275/room includes room in resort and transportation. Register by Oct. 12. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Provena St. Anne Center 25th Anniversary – 4405 Highcrest Road, Rockford. Date: Oct. 23. 2-4 p.m. Auxiliary needs new members. Dues: $5/year. Info: 815-282-0468.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Edgebrook Farmers’ Market – Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1601 N. Alpine Road. Every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Local produce. Rockford Rescue Mission will have bins available for donations. Donations can be dropped off at several locations. Info: 815-226-0212.

Beginning Computer for the Absolute Beginner – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, second-floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. 2-4 p.m. Ages 13 and older. Info: 815-965-7606.

Future Power Sources to Meet Our Energy Needs – Founders Memorial Library, NIU campus, DeKalb. 7:30 p.m. Speaker Theodore Krause of Chemical Sciences & Engineering Division of Argonne National Laboratory. Free. Parking in Visitors’ Parking Lot on Carroll Avenue, west of the library. Info: 815-753-8091.

Breastfeeding Class – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State St. 7-9 p.m. Included in “Baby 101” and Baby Express classes. Info: 815-227-2695.

Hire Me! Session 2 – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, second-floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. 6-8 p.m. Ages 13 and older. Get help with your résumé. Info: 815-965-7606.

Babes and Books – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 11:15 a.m.-noon. Children younger than 2. Develop baby’s literacy & social skills through rhymes, stories, songs. Info: 815-965-7606.

Comedy: Mike Brody & Eric Koconis – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007.

Wednesday Storytime – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 4-4:45 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606.

Turning 65–Get the Facts – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Friends of RPL Community Room, 6685 E. State St. 6-7:30 p.m. Ages 50 and older. Learn about Social Security, original Medicare Parts A and B, Supplemental Insurance and Medicare Parts C and D. Info about eligibility, enrollment, benefits. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Home School Skate and Play – Carlson Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Indoor ice skating from 2:20-4:20 p.m. every Wed. thru May 16, 2012. Open for children 12 and younger. Discounted prices: admission, $2.50 ($3 non-resident); skate rental, $1.50, Playworld admision, $2.50 ($3 non-resident). Family package $20 ($25 non-resident) includes skating admission, skate rental & Playworld admission for up to 4 family members. Info: 815-969-4069 or www.rockfordparkdistrict.org. For people with disabilities, call 815-987-8800.

Gastric Banding & Bypass Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 5-6 p.m. Info: 815-227-2761.

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.

“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.

Kids Club – Rockford Public Library, Montague Branch, Connie Lane Room, 1238 S. Winnebago St..5-6 p.m. Ages 6-12. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Psychology Boot Camp – Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA, 6625 N. Second St., Loves Park. Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. Learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) techniques. Build your mental strengths. Cost: $15 per group session. Register at: 815-639-0300.

Forest City Queen Family Fun Night Cruise – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. 6-8 p.m. Adults (age 18 and older), $5.50 ($6 non-resident); youth (ages 5-17) $4.50 ($5 non-resident); children (age 4 and younger) free; groups $4 per person , ($4.50 non-resident). Various food prices. Info: 815-987-1685.

Thursday, Oct. 6

Medicaid/Medicare qualification and Veteran Benefit filing assistance – Rockford Public Library, Room B, south side, 215 N. Wyman St. 6 p.m. Free.

DeKalb County IL Tea Party Movie Night – Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., Sycamore. 6:30 p.m. John Adams HBO: Time mini-series. Free.

Look, Listen and Learn Storytime – Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Ages 3-6. Info: 815-965-7606.

Preschool Picnic Storytime – Rockford Public Library, Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. Noon-12:45 p.m. Ages 3-6. Info: 815-965-7606.

Excel 2010 in a Day – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, second-floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. 2-8 p.m. Ages 13 and older. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

“Fall” into Books – Rockford Public Library , Main Library Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606.

Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Class – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Registration is required. Info: 815-227-2618.

The Early Catastrophe: The 30-Million Word Gap by Age 3 – Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St. With Judy Pilot Johnson, Early Learning Council of the Rockford Area. 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. 11:45 a.m. Program and lunch, $12, program only, $5. 4-5 p.m., coffee available, donations accepted. RSVP: 815-962-4279 or RALMmail@aol.com.

RAMP’s 21st Annual Changing Attitudes, Breaking Barriers Luncheon – Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. 11:45 a.m. Speaker Stevie Hopkins, director of Awesomeness at 3E Love, a disability awareness clothing line and marketing company. Tickets: $40 each or $300 for table of eight. Info: 815-968-7467.

SOUNS for Infants – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 6-6:45 p.m. Ages under 2. Literacy-building program. Info: 815-965-7606.

City-Wide Concert of Prayer – Northeast Christian Church, 5651 E. Riverside Blvd. 7 p.m. Sponsored by Rockford Renewal Ministries. Free. Info: 815-708-6525.

Rockford Area Libertarians Meeting – Villa Di Roma, 1620 Harrison Ave. 7 p.m. Come early if you want to order food. Info: 815-963-1962.

Open Mic – Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St. Free. Info: 815-986-0628.

Sunset Storytime – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Ages 4-10. Info: 815-965-7606.

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

Lecture on Overcoming Life’s Obstacles – NIU, Holmes Student Center, DeKalb. 7 p.m. Two alumni, Scott and Joan Bolzan, give an inspiring program about an accident that robbed Scott of all his previous memory, and how they have coped with the unpredictable. Free. Info: 815-753-1421.

OSF “Stepping Forward” Cancer Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St. 6:30-8 p.m. Info: 815-227-2223.

Support for Grief After Suicide – Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Drive. 7 p.m. Free. Every other Thurs. Call for schedule/info: 815-399-0202.

Learn Self-Hypnosis for Wellness – enTrance Center, 5844 Elaine Drive, Rockford. 6:30-8 p.m. $25. Call in advance: 815-397-5901.

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.

Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W. – Byron Public Library, on Ill. Route 2. 6-7:30 p.m. every Thurs. Info: 815-547-5932.

LGBT Movie Night – Spectrum of Rockford, 7120 Windsor Lake Parkway, Suite 202, Loves Park. 7:30-10 p.m. Ages 16 and up. $10/person/ RSVP: 815-639-0312.

Wine Tasting w/live music by Kelly Steward – Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. 6-8 p.m. $10. Info: 815-282-3033.

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Tues., Thurs. & Fridays during school year, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 815-969-4069.

Teen ‘Scape – Rockford Public Library, Montague Branch, Connie Lane Room, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 4-7 p.m. Ages 10-19. Info: 815-965-7606.

How Will We Pay for College? – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Friends of RPL Community Room, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Ages 15 and older. Info on college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, loans. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Friday, Oct. 7

Salsa Business Network Luncheon – Alvarez Mexican Restaurant, 1600 S. Bell School Road, Cherry Valley. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $12/person at the door. Public is invited, but reservations are required. Info: gloriacudia@comcast.net.

Midtown Farmers’ Market – Seventh Street and Second Avenue, across from Nicholson’s Hardware. Every Friday until mid-October, 3-7 p.m. Local produce, honey, cheese, snacks, crafts, with local musicians performing every week.

Rockford City Market – 200 Water St. between State and Jefferson streets. Thru Oct. 21. 3-7 p.m. 25+ vendors. Live music by Steve Ditzell, entertainment. Info: 815-964-4388 or rockfordcitymarket.com.

Farmers’ Market – HCC Realty, 1240 S. Alpine Road.

RRVBC Blood Drive – Hilander at Byrnwood, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get a 2-scoop sundae from Baskin Robbins and a breast cancer magnet. Register for raffles. Make an appointment. Info: 815-965-7651.

Northern Illinois Jobs with Justice Press Conference & Jobs for All Rally – Memorial Park, corner of North First St. and Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 5 p.m. Jobs with Justice Coalition marks the monthly release of unemployment figures from the Bureau of Labor statistics. Co-sponsored by DeKalb Interfaith Network.

VFW Friday Fish Fry – 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park. 5-8 p.m. With DJ Good Sounds, 7-11 p.m. Tom & Brenda Paulson. Open to the public. Info: 815-654-2195.

NAACP Special Appreciation Award – JT’s Bourbon Street Grille, 1707 N. Main St. 6 p.m. Presentation of a Freedom Fund Award to Anthony S. Foreman, owner of JT’s, as part of a NIMCA-sponsored First Friday in October program. Public is welcome; buffet, $7. Info: 815-964-4400.

Haunted Rockford Tour – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, 215 N. Wyman St. 6-9 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Gather at Main Library and board a bus to visit some local legendary sites. Registration is required. For reservations, call 815-965-7606.

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

Local Teen Art Exhibit – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, Young Adult Zone, 215 N. Wyman St. 3-6 p.m. Ages 13-19. If interested in exhibiting your work, contact Kathi or Amber Kresol at YA Zone or Youth Services Dept. or e-mail kkresol@rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Diabetes Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, St. Francis Room, 5666 E. State St. 6:30 p.m. open discussion. Free. Info: 815-395-5159.

Forest City Queen Friday Grab ‘N Go 30-Minute Lunch Cruise – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. 11:30 a.m., 12:15 and 1 p.m. Adults (age 18 and older), $5.50 ($6 non-resident); youth (ages 5-17) $4.50 ($5 non-resident); children (age 4 and younger) free; groups $4 per person , ($4.50 non-resident). Various food prices. Info: 815-987-1685.

Forest City Queen Friday Night Fish Fry Cruise – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. 6-8 p.m. Adults (age 18 and older), $5.50 ($6 non-resident); youth (ages 5-17) $4.50 ($5 non-resident); children (age 4 and younger) free; groups $4 per person , ($4.50 non-resident). Various food prices. Info: 815-987-1685.

Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA – Harmony Center, 6625 N. Second St., Loves Park. Teen Drop-In, 4-6 p.m. Young Adult Group, 4-6 p.m. Rockford Rainbow Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Bisexual Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Gay Men’s Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Rockford Pride Fest Board Meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Lesbian Women’s Group, 8:30-10 p.m. Transgender Group, 8:30-10 p.m. Cost/Info: 815-639-0312.

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.

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Tues., Thurs. & Fridays during school year, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Extra Friday session begins Sept. 9, 80-10 p.m. Info: 815-969-4069.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Fall Prairie Harvest Day – Nygren Wetland Preserve, Rockton. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Local experts will help volunteers identify and collect seeds of native grasses and wildflowers to help restore the prairie. Wear sturdy shoes, jeans, and bring a snack and bottle of water. Info: 815-964-6666 or www.naturalland.org.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s Fall Clothing Drive – All seven Hilander/Schnuck’s Food Stores. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Clothing, purses, linens, stuffed toys, soft-sided luggage must be in plastic bags, shoes tied together. Info: 815-637-1343 or www.knib.org.

11th Annual Rock & Bowl Car Show – Parking lot west of Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 100 hot rod and classic cars expected to attend and compete for trophies. Free and open to public. Proceeds of car entries benefit Youth of Northern Illinois Bowling Foundation and Boy Scout Troop 425.

Baby Express – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Foundation Room, 5666 E. State St. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $75 per couple. Info: 815-227-2695.

Free Community Shred Day – MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road. 9 a.m.-noon. Maximum limit of 100 lbs. or two boxes per car. Info: 815-226-2260.

Saturday Fun Day – Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Center, 5209 Safford Road. Pony ring/hayrides, $2; trail rides, $22 ($24 non-resident); Children’s Farm visits free. Call to confirm hours: 815-987-8800.

Trip to New Glarus, Wis. – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Meet at Jarrett Center. Visit “America’s Little Switzerland.” Cost: $15/person. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Basics of Solar Electricity – Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Register at IREA: sonia@essex1.com. Info: 815-224-0490.

Advanced Couponing – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Friends of RPL Community Room, 6685 E. State St. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Ages 18 and older. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Tibetan Monks Chant & Demonstrate Sand Mandalas – Womanspace, Anjali Pavilion, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Noon-2 p.m. Tibetan sand mandala painting is an ancient art form of Tibetan Buddhism. “Mandala” means “world in harmony” in Sanskrit. Admission $25, or $20 members. Tibetan shawls, prayer beads, bags, T-shirts available for purchase. Info: 815-877-0118.

Magician Extraordinaire: Magic Matt – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St. 11-11:45 a.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606.

Captain Underpants Saves the Library – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St. Ages 6-12. 2-3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Scrapbook Saturday – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Friends of RPL Community Room, 6685 E. State St. 3-5 p.m. Ages 8 to adult. Bring your pictures. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. Info: 815-965-7606.

Second City Chorus Annual Show – Community Center Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. 7 p.m. Two quartets, tsunami and Second Opinion, and Millers Hometown Band. Reserved table seating, $20, or tickets at the door. Info: 815-332-5611.

Open House at Orchard Hills Landfill – 8290 Highway 251 South, Davis Junction. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bus tours, displays of landfill liner, gas collection, etc., raffle prizes, face painting, kids’ activities, trucks and other equipment on display, free lunch.

Pumpkin Patch Festival Weekend – Lockwood Park, 5209 Safford Road. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hayrides, pony rides, face painting, visit the animals. Admission free; fees for some activities; refreshments available for purchase.

Hub City Hunger Walk – Rochelle Township High School. 10 a.m. 5K/3.1-mile walk along the Rochelle Bike Path. Cost: $15/person or $10 w/food donation; $30/family or $25 w/food donation. Cookout follows for all participants. Info: 815-561-3731.

Branching Out – Welty Environmental Center at Big Hill Park, Beloit, Wis. 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 6 years and up. Cost: $5/student. Register by Oct. 7. Info: 608-361-1377 or e-mail at info@weltycenter.org.

Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) Hall of Fame Banquet – Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. awards ceremony. Entertainment by Mike Alongi Trio. Cost: $30. Reserve by Oct. 1. Info: 815-877-2888.

Beloit Regional Hospice Volunteer Training – 655 Third St. Beloit, Wis. Dates: Oct. 8 and 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Two-day training program. Must attend both days. Info: 608-363-7421.

Paddle Trips – Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St. Paddle the Rock River from Sinnissippi to Atwood Forest Preserve; 9-mile trip. Reservations required. Info: Paddle & Trail at (855) 752-9688.

Forest City Queen Fall Rides – Riverview Park, 321 N. Madison St. Noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Adults, $5.50 ($6 non-resident); youth age 5-17, $4.50 ($5 non-resident); children (4 and under), free. Groups (per individual) $4 ($4.50 non-resident). Advance registration required for 10 or more. Info: 815-987-8800.

Babysitting Class – Ken-Rock Community Center, 3218 11th St. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Two-day class; second class on Oct. 8. Ages 10-13. Fee: $30; pre-registrations accepted. Info: 815-398-8864.

Douglas Nolan Book Signing – Drewelow’s House of Books, 2233 Charles St., #C. Noon-2 p.m. Children’s book, The Cider House Bears. Info: 815-226-2233.

North End Farmers’ Market – North End Commons, 1400 N. Main St. Purchase fresh seasonal produce, cut flowers, plants and bakery items.

Mt. Carroll Farmers’ Market – Market Street Commons, 320 N. Main St., Mt. Carroll. 8 a.m.-noon, May thru October. Includes Learn Great Foods cooking demonstrations at 10 a.m. the first and second Saturdays of each month. Info: 800-244-9594.

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, ext. 216.

Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Extra Saturday and Sunday session begins Sept. 10, 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-969-4069.

Hockey: Rockford IceHogs vs. Grand Rapids Griffins – BMO Harris Bank Center (formerly MsetroCentre), 300 Elm St. 7:05 p.m. Tickets: 814-968-5222 or www.icehogs.com.

Forest City Queen Saturday Evening Sunset Dinner Cruise – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. 6-8 p.m. Adults (age 18 and older), $5.50 ($6 non-resident); youth (ages 5-17) $4.50 ($5 non-resident); children (age 4 and younger) free; groups $4 per person , ($4.50 non-resident). Various food prices. Info: 815-987-1685.

Sunday, Oct. 9

26th Annual BAIRD Head of the Rock Regatta – Starts at Martin Park near Riverside Boulevard bridge. Covers a 2.75-mile stretch down the river and ends at YMCA Log Lodge. Races are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission free to spectators.

Fall Harvest Festival – Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park, 11450 S. County Road H, Beloit, Wis. 1-4 p.m. All ages. Admission charged. Info: 608-361-1377 or e-mail info@weltycenter.org.

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

Old Town Hall Museum – Davis Junction Scott Township Historical Society Old Town Hall Museum, 202 W. Pacific Ave.,one block south of Rt. 72, corner of Pacific and Elm. Davis Junction. 1-4 p.m.

Family Golf – Ingersoll Golf Course, 101 Daisyfield Road. Open practice 1-5 p.m. Admission: $1, ages 17 and younger, $3 ages 18 and older [$1 if accompanied by youth ages 17 and younger). Park District golf permit holders admitted free. Info: 815-987-8834.

Pine Tree Pistol Club – 5454 11th St., Rockford. 1-5 p.m. open to the public for general target shooting on 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Classes in firearms safety and most events open to the public. Info: www.pinetreepistolclub.com.

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. Extra Sunday session begins Sept. 11, 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-969-4069.

Breast Cancer Benefit – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. 1 p.m. Bag tournament. $25 entry fee per team. 10 teams of 2 persons each. Info: 815-633-2552.

Monday, Oct. 10

Identity Theft Seminar – Roscoe Public Library, 5562 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, Ill. Registration 6 p.m.; presentation 6:30 p.m. Free. Featuring John Berlin, Legal Shield representative. Info: 815-873-9300.

Infant/Toddler CPR Class – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State St. 7-9 p.m. Fee: $12.50/person or free to those who attend “Baby 101” or Baby Express. Info: 815-227-2695.

Program on Lap-Band Bariatric Procedure – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, St. Joseph Room, 5666 E. State St. 6 p.m. Free, but reservations requested. Info: 815-227-2274.

Rockford Progressive Meetup – JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 201 Seventh St. 7 p.m. Film: The Secret War. Are we winning the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan? Free and open to public. Info: 815-964-7111.

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

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

Rockford Ostomy Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-397-2514.

Point Man Ministries – Firstborn Ministries Church, 8213 N. Alpine Road. 6:30 p.m. Veterans meet for fellowship and prayer every Monday. Info: 815-742-1993.

Word 2010 – Session 3 – Rockford Public Library, Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 6-8 p.m. Prerequisite: You must have taken MS Word 1 & 2 or their equivalent. Info: 815-965-7606.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Dedication Ceremony for Organ Donaton – SwedishAmerican Hospital, Healing Garden, 1401 E. State St. (enter via Charles Street/Heart Hospital entrance). 10 a.m. Celebrate the gift of life. Info: 815-315-6242.

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

Senior Computer Learning – Rockford Public Library, Main Library 2nd Floor Computer Room, 215 N. Wyman St. 3-5 p.m. Ages 55 and older. Beginning computer class for the true beginner. Class meets weekly for 6 weeks. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Watercolor Class – Womanspace, New Dimensions Studio, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. (4 weeks). 1-3 p.m. Ages 16 to adult. Fee: $80 (members $70) includes 140-lb. paper. Info: 815-877-0118.

Excel 2010 Session 2 – Rockford Public Library, Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 6-8 p.m. Ages 13 and up. Info: 815-965-7606.

Bushels of Apples – Rockford Public Library, Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 4-5 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606.

Kids Club – Rockford Public Library, Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. 4-5 p.m. Ages 6-12. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606.

Conversational Spanish – Rockford Public Library , East Branch Bookworm Bakery & Cafe, 6685 E. State St. 6-8 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Info: 815-965-7606.

“Fall” into Books – Rockford Public Library , Rock River Branch Program Room, 3128 11th St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606.

Teen Wired Café – Rockford Public Library , East Branch Bookworm Bakery & Café, 6685 E. State St.5-7:30 p.m. Ages 10-19. Info: 815-965-7606.

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

Grand Opening: Panchero’s Mexical Grill – 3015 N. Perryville Road. 4-6 p.m. Dollar Burrito Night.

RVC Dental Hygiene Program – RVC’s Stenstrom Center for Career Education, 4151 Samuelson Road. 6-8 p.m. Learn about low-cost dental hygiene or careers. Info: 815-921-3235.

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

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

East Branch 2nd Tuesday Book Group: Moloka’i – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Bookworm Bakery & Cafe, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-8 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Info: 815-965-7606.

Boy Scout Badge – Indian Lore – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. 6-9 p.m. Meet at Jarrett Center. $7/person. Boy Scouts ages 10 and up. Register by Oct. 10. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Kundalini Yoga – Lazy Dog Yoga Studio, 5428 Williams Drive, Roscoe. 7:30 a.m. Info: 970-485-0249.

Sunset Storytime – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606.

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.

Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA – Harmony Center, 6625 N. Second St., Loves Park. Teen Drop-In, 4-6 p.m. Young Adult Meet & Greet, 5-7 p.m. Gay Men’s Group, 7-8:30 p.m. Transgender Group, 8:30-10 p.m. Cost/Info: 815-639-0312.

From the Oct. 5-11, 2011, issue