Archive for June, 2012

Man sentenced to 90 years for 2011 aggravated criminal sexual assault

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Nathan Bell

Online Staff Report

Nathan Bell, 61, was sentenced June 29 to 90 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Judge Joseph McGraw.

Bell was found guilty of three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault after a jury trial in front of Judge McGraw April 26.

Aug. 21, 2011, Rockford police were called to SwedishAmerican Hospital in reference to a criminal sexual assault investigation. Officers learned a female victim was sexually assaulted. The victim was able to provide a description of the suspect as well as a description of the vehicle the suspect drove, which resulted in Bell being developed as a suspect. The victim then identified Bell from a photographic lineup as the person who sexually assaulted her.

Aggravated criminal sexual assault is a class X felony with a sentencing range of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.The defendant was sentenced to 30 years on each count, for a total of 90 years. Truth in sentencing applies. The defendant must serve 85 percent of the sentence and must register as a sex offender for natural life.

Posted June 29, 2012

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Rockford man arrested on cannabis charges after search of Arthur Avenue apartment

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Martez Bradley

Online Staff Report

During the past several weeks, members of the Rockford Police Department have been conducting an investigation into possible drug sales at 1423/1425 Arthur Ave., Rockford.

The investigation led to the issuance of a search warrant for the rear apartment at that address. The search warrant was executed Wednesday, June 27. An adult male and an adult female were located inside the apartment. Investigators also located cannabis, ammunition and a handgun during a search of the premises. The female occupant was later released at the scene without charge. The male occupant, Martez Bradley, was arrested for possession with less than 2.5 grams of cannabis. He was being held at Winnebago County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

Posted June 29, 2012

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Rockford man charged with June 8 armed robbery of Cash Store on South Alpine

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Filbert B. Mendoza

Online Staff Report

Filbert B. Mendoza, 31, of Rockford, has been arrested and charged with armed robbery with a handgun in the June 8 robbery of the Cash Store at 2424 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Shortly after 11 a.m., June 8, a suspect later identified as Mendoza entered the cash store to apply for a loan. Mendoza left the cash store without the loan. However, he returned shortly before noon armed with a handgun demanding money. He left the store with an undisclosed amount of United States currency.

Police detectives conducted a follow-up investigation into the incident. The facts of the investigation were reviewed with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, which authorized the charges against Mendoza.

Mendoza’s bond has been set at $200,000.

Posted June 29, 2012

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Rockford City Market sees record 15,378 visitors so far this season

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Online Staff Report

Attendance levels in the first four weeks of the Rockford City Market season have exceeded the pace set by previous years. So far this season, a total of 15,378 visitors passed through the gates. That’s compared to 10,577 during the first four weeks of last season, a 45 percent increase.

Rock River Development Partnership Chairman Peter Provenzano explained: “We’re excited about the impact the market is having on our community. We set out to create a weekly ritual that would bring people into the heart of our downtown. We wanted them to spend time and money there, and the numbers show it’s working. On a consistent basis, downtown is now a happening place on Friday nights.”

Downtown restaurants say they’re reaping the benefits of the additional downtown traffic. The influx of people is not only generating more business on Friday nights, it’s creating new customers.

Octane is one of several downtown restaurants reporting a full house on Friday nights since the market opened June 1.

“We’re seeing a lot of new faces,” said Octane Floor Manager Sarah Reed McNamara. “We’ve seen a tremendous increase in traffic on Friday nights, and it’s not just regulars. There are a lot of new people.”

If you’re heading to Rockford City Market this Friday (June 29), here’s what you can expect:

Music

Three Good Men — Relax and enjoy the sounds of The Three Good Men — a spinoff version of the widely recognized northern Illinois favorite Men of Our Times. Join trio Pat Doherty, Gary Rothmeyer and Greg Whitson to hear songs you’ll recognize, along with many you wouldn’t expect.

Activities

Severson Dells — The Severson Dells Nature Center will be on hand to make paper butterflies for children’s fingers. The center at Severson Dells Forest Preserve works to link people to nature through education.

Macaroni Kids — Local Macaroni Kids newsletter publisher Taylor Westfall will have crafts for kids.

Rockford City Market takes place every Friday from June 1 through Oct. 12 along Water Street between State and Jefferson streets in downtown Rockford. It runs from 3 to 8 p.m. before Labor Day and 3 to 7 p.m. after Labor Day. The market includes local growers and vendors who sell natural products, including vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and healthy snacks, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings and live entertainment by a variety of performers. Visit www.rockfordcitymarket.com.

Posted June 29, 2012

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Herrera’s record night lifts RiverHawks to victory

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Online Staff Report

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Javier Herrera became the first player in team history to hit for the cycle, going 5-for-5 with a homer and seven RBI Thursday night, June 28, to lead the Rockford RiverHawks to a 13-8 over the Evansville Otters.

Herrera singled in the bottom of the first inning, and his two-out, three-run triple in the bottom of the second inning gave the RiverHawks a 5-3 lead.

Herrera also singled in the fourth inning, and with Rockford holding an 8-5 lead in the fifth inning, Herrera connected on a three-run double down the left field line to extend the lead to 11-5.

He finished off the cycle in dramatic fashion, taking a 2-2 pitch from reliever Tyree Hayes out to left field for a solo home run, his fifth of the season, to extend the Rockford lead to 13-7.

Herrera’s five hits tied a RiverHawks’ single game record last accomplished by Jason James against Evansville June 22, 2009. His seven RBI also matched a Rockford single-game record, last accomplished by Brandon Cohen against Evansville Aug. 5, 2009.

“He was locked in every at-bat,” Manager Rich Austin said. “He came in in key situations and got clutch hits and put good swings on the ball.”

Herrera’s night boosted his average 32 points from .358 to .390. He has five home runs and 38 RBI in 37 games.

The Otters set a season-high with 16 hits, and the RiverHawks had 14 of their own. Rockford’s Rudy Wilson went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI. The two teams combined for seven errors in the game.

Rockford ace Mike Lee (3-0) picked up the win, giving up two earned runs in five innings and striking out nine batters, the third-straight start he has fanned nine.

Bryce Morrow (2-4) picked up the loss for Evansville. Taylor Black homered in the loss for the Otters.

The RiverHawks improved to 14-23 on the season and have won two in a row.

Rockford sends southpaw Ziggie VanderWall (3-1, 3.74 ERA) to the mound Friday, June 29, and Evansville looks to avoid the sweep, countering with southpaw Matt Zielinski (3-3, 4.27 ERA).

June 29 is the NIU Fleece Blanket Giveaway, Home Window Giveaway by EuroTech and Girl Scout Campout.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league in its 20th season. Games are broadcast on NTA-FM (100.5). Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Posted June 29, 2012

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Five arrested following sting at Shorewood Park in Loves Park

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Online Staff Report

Rockford Park District Police and Loves Park Police conducted a sting June 25 at Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park, that resulted in the arrest of five people.

The following individuals were arrested as result of this sting:

· John H. White, 68, public indecency;

· Clarence E. Miracle, 59, public indecency;

· Matthew B. Harmon, 45, public indecency;

· Francis P. Lasalle, 65, battery; and

· Paulo Rodriquez, 75, public indecency.

Last month, Park Police held a neighborhood meeting to talk to residents about safety and security within the park. “We are listening to their concerns about the area, and that is why we put this sting together,” said Rockford Park District Chief of Police Theo Glover.

Rockford Park District Police have implemented other safety steps, and will continue to monitor the park.

The Rockford Park District Police Department encourages community involvement in helping with safety and security of the park system by participating in the Eagle Eye Park Watch program, an effective tool in fighting crime. Shorewood Park residents are a part of the Eagle Eye Neighborhood Park Watchers group. The program is similar to neighborhood watch programs, and is used as a foundation for many other educational programs conducted by the Park Police Department.

Citizens are encouraged to be alert and report vandalism, safety hazards, littering/dumping, fires, crime and other suspicious activity right away by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies or (815) 966-2900 for non-emergencies.

Posted June 28, 2012

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Comptroller: ‘Obamacare’ could cost state as much as $2.4 billion over six years as more enroll in Medicaid

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Online Staff Report

CHICAGO — Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka (R) warned lawmakers June 28 that the Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, informally known as “Obamacare,” could lead to hundreds of thousands of new residents enrolling for Medicaid coverage, and cost the state up to $2.4 billion over the next six years.

The Supreme Court voted 5-4 June 28 to uphold Obamacare. Click here to read about the ruling.

The forewarning from the state fiscal officer comes after the court ruled the federal government can tax residents who do not have health insurance. Given the decision, uninsured residents who qualify for Medicaid are expected to increasingly enroll in the program, and cost the state up to $2.4 billion over six years in the process.

“There is no doubt that this will cost the state, the only question is how much?” Topinka questioned. “We have thousands of residents around the state that are eligible for Medicaid but have never enrolled for one reason or another. We expect they will increasingly come forward, and I urge lawmakers to start saving now for those added costs.”

Medicaid accounts for more than 20 percent of the state budget and continues to grow. Underfunded, the program will end the fiscal year June 30 with an estimated $2 billion in unpaid bills. In an attempt to address those realities, members of the General Assembly this spring voted to limit services and cut an estimated $2 billion from the program.

“Illinois is a textbook example of what can happen if financial challenges are not proactively addressed,” Topinka said. “The state needs to learn from experience, and take steps today to address the increased Medicaid costs that will occur in coming months and years.”

Meantime, Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon (D) supported the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Obamacare.

“The Affordable Care Act is a good law,” Simon said in a statement. “It helps seniors, young adults and middle-class Americans receive stronger, more affordable care. It promotes preventive care, such as checkups and mammograms. And it prevents insurance companies from denying care to people with pre-existing conditions or charging women more based on their gender. The Supreme Court ruling today upholds these commonsense protections and puts our country on a healthier path. In Illinois, I encourage our state leaders to use this ruling as a backdrop as we set policies to make our citizens healthier, train the next generation of health care workers, grow local food systems and find other opportunities to move our state forward.”

Posted June 28, 2012

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‘Obamacare’ narrowly upheld by Supreme Court in 5-4 decision

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

By Shauna Ubersox
Staff Writer

In a close 5-4 ruling Thursday, June 28, the Supreme Court of the United States voted to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, informally known as “Obamacare.”

The law states as a central provision that all Americans must have health insurance.

The majority opinion was written by Chief Justice John Roberts, who was a key component in the case, and who ultimately cast the deciding vote between the divided sides of the court.

The majority opinion statement says that while the Commerce Clause of the Constitution does not give authority to Congress to mandate that people have health care, other parts of the Constitution do.

Obamacare, initially signed into law in 2010, has been hotly contested since its inception. It has been the focal point of Barack Obama’s presidential career thus far, and now that the law has been upheld, it is sure to be the defining legislative decision of his 2008-2012 term. It will also be a huge hot button in the upcoming election season.

The court did put limits on the huge expansion of Medicaid, stipulating that the government could not withhold a state’s current Medicaid care if the state will not participate in the expansion. In Atlanta Tuesday, June 26, President Obama spoke to supporters about the benefits of his health care plan for the American people.

“They understand we don’t need to re-fight this battle over health care,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do that we’ve got 3 million young people who are on their parents’ health insurance plans that didn’t have it before. It’s the right thing to do to give seniors discounts on their prescription drugs. It’s the right thing to do to give 30 million Americans health insurance that didn’t have it before.”

Instead of creating a universal health care system, this new law prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. This includes more than 120 million Americans younger than 65.

Insurers were also denied the ability to put a monetary limit on health coverage payouts, and they are mandated to provide preventive care free of charge.

Women can no longer be charged discriminatory fees when they need to receive health care; this means women will no longer have to pay 150 percent of what men do to obtain health care. More than 20 million women have already received mammograms and Pap smears under the new preventive care law.

Two-and-a-half million young adults can now remain under their parents’ health care plan until the age of 26, making it far easier to obtain higher education and get established in their own right.

Tax credits given to small businesses will now make it easier for owners to give their employees quality, affordable health care choices. This will allow them to eventually enjoy the same lowered rates as large corporations.

Mitt Romney, one of the largest opponents of Obamacare and the presumptive Republican Party nominee for president in the 2012 election, fired back in a press conference Thursday morning.

“If we want to get rid of Obamacare, we are going to have to replace President Obama,” said Romney. “What the court did not do on its last day in session, I will do on my first day if elected president of the United States. And that is, I will act to repeal Obamacare.”

The Atlantic Wire was informed by Romney’s spokesman that within an hour of the Supreme Court decision, Romney’s campaign grossed $300,000 in donations.

April 12, 2006, while governor of Massachusetts, Romney signed into law a health reform measure similar to Obamacare. Named “Romneycare,” the law requires nearly all Massachusetts residents to buy health insurance coverage or face escalating tax penalties. The law also established state subsidies for those without adequate employer insurance and those whose income was below a certain level.

Regarding the Supreme Court’s upholding of Obamacare, U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Ill., said in an e-mail Thursday morning: “The opportunity remains for folks in Washington to come together in support of policies that address the rising cost of health care and put patients and their doctors back in charge of health care decisions, without this tax. I will continue working to roll back the harmful parts of this law so we can get health care reform done right. We can start over and in a transparent fashion work to enact bipartisan, step-by-step reforms that guarantee folks in Illinois and throughout the country are able to access health care that is affordable, convenient and high quality.”

U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., said in a statement Thursday: “The president’s health care law is wreaking havoc on our economy by surging health insurance costs for Americans, hiking taxes, and hurting the efforts of small employers to put Americans back to work. In fact, I have already heard from small business owners in northern Illinois who will either lay off workers or forgo new hires in order to stay below the 50-employee threshold that would require them to purchase costly insurance for their employees.

“Americans are rightfully concerned that their employer-provided health insurance is threatened with this new law, and they don’t want it,” Manzullo added. “I will join with our leaders in the House and support full repeal of the president’s health care law and instead pursue reforms that will truly make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans without destroying our economy and stifling job creation in America.”

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., said in a statement Thursday: “Since its passage, the Affordable Care Act has caused deep divisions over its constitutionality. While I respect the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, I am extremely disappointed that the court has given unrestricted authority to the federal government to interfere in the personal lives of American families. This ruling upholds an additional 2.5 percent tax on hard-working Americans, on top of the tax increases that already exist in this health care law.

“I have voted 40 times to fully repeal the government takeover of health care, block the individual provisions, or de-fund certain programs,” Kinzinger continued. “ The question we must ask ourselves now is whether President Obama’s newly designed health care system is feasible. The administration promised that the legislation, if passed, would control rising health care costs while deficit neutral. However, we now know those claims were false.

“The path toward affordable health care starts with allowing Americans to buy insurance across state lines; providing reduced premiums for individuals and small businesses; protecting seniors and those with pre-existing conditions; allowing younger Americans to remain on their parents’ insurance; enacting real medical liability reform, which is a key element to lowering costs; and creating reforms that will protect the doctor-patient relationship,” Kinzinger said.

“We must work expeditiously to enact real reforms that reduce bureaucracy, does not bypass free market principles, and provide Americans with improved and affordable options when choosing their health care,” Kinzinger concluded.

However, the Supreme Court ruling is a sigh of relief for President Obama and his supporters, who have been waiting with bated breath.

“Whatever the politics, today’s decision was victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold it,” President Obama said in a press conference Thursday. “Today, I am as confident as ever that when we look back five years from now, or 10 years from now, or 20 years from now, we will be better off because we had the courage to pass this law and keep moving forward.”

Sources: cnn.com, washingtonpost.com, swampland.time.com, scotusblog.com, Campaign for Better Health Care.

Posted June 28, 2012

Posted in Happening Now, Nation & World | 1 Comment »

With temperatures expected near 100, area agencies offer tips to stay cool, safe

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Online Staff Report

With temperatures expected to reach triple digits today, Thursday, June 28, the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) and the American Red Cross — Rock River Chapter are offering tips to help keep area residents safe.

The Red Cross warns that the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year as a result of summer’s sweltering heat. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death, if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.

People with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place (see list of local cooling centers at the end of this article), given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool, wet cloths should be applied to the skin.

If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

The American Red Cross offers the following Heat Wave Safety Tips:

Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.

Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m. Take frequent breaks.

Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.

Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or ill and those who do not have air conditioning. Check on your animals frequently, too, to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.

Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED.

The WCHD also added the following tips:

• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. They are caused by exposure to heat and humidity, and loss of fluids. Heat cramps are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim’s temperature-control system, which produces sweat as a way of cooling the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.

General care for heat emergencies

Heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, and have the person drink slowly. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Fan the person. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet towels or sheets around the body. Use a water hose, if available, to cool the victim. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Local cooling centers

Carpenter’s Place, 1149 Railroad Ave., Rockford. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday. Info: 815-964-4105.

Salvation Army, 1706 18th Ave., Rockford. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily. Info: 815-397-0440.

Jubilee Center, Park Avenue and North Court Street, Rockford. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Info: 815-964-5520.

Liberty Baptist Church, 3500 Preston St., Rockford. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Info: 815-964-9913.

Winnebago County Justice Center, 650 W. State St., Rockford. Lobby open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Public Safety Building, 420 W. State St., Rockford. Lobby open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rockford Rescue Mission — Men’s Crisis Center, 715 W. State St. (Rockton Avenue entrance). Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Info: 815-316-4148. Women’s Crisis Center, 809 Cedar St., Rockford. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Info: 815-986-0393.

Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Info: 815-544-9893.

Salvation Army of Belvidere, 422 S. Main St., Belvidere. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Info: 815-544-3892.

Most local State of Illinois facilities are available as cooling centers. Call the Illinois Department of Human Services hotline at 800-843-6154 for more information.

Posted June 28, 2012

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Police warn far east-side residents of increase in residential burglaries

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Online Staff Report

The Rockford Police Department is encouraging residents on the city’s far east side to be vigilant in securing their property following an increase in residential burglaries in the area.

Police remind residents to keep doors and windows locked, leave lights turned on both inside and outside, and secure outbuildings and detached storage sheds. Also make sure to keep your vehicles locked and keep valuable items out of sight if they are stored in your vehicle, the police added.

Police are encouraging residents to keep a watchful eye out for suspicious behavior and to report any activity to the Rockford Police Department at (815) 966-2900 or 911 in case of an emergency.

Posted June 28, 2012

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Chicago’s NATO costs still being tabulated

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

By Jayette Bolinski and Stephanie Fryer
Illinois Statehouse News

CHICAGO — It’s been more than a month since Chicago hosted the international NATO Summit and its accompanying protesters, but details continue to trickle out about the cost of hosting the two-day event.

Meanwhile, businesses downtown and near McCormick Place — the site of the event — have mixed feelings about how the city handled it.

The 2012 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Chicago, which brought together high-level heads of state to discuss government alliances, technically occurred May 20-21. But some costs, such as security, were incurred in the days leading up to the event. Washington, D.C., is the only other American city to host the summit.

The Ohio House Motel on North La Salle Street, just north of where much of the NATO activity happened, saw a drop in its leisure market — Friday and Saturday guests — that weekend, according to General Manager Larry James.

“Usually on the weekends we sell out. All 50 of my rooms would have been sold on a normal weekend,” he said, noting that he lost probably $500 to $1,000 a night during the weekend of the summit.

Business is back to normal, though, James said, adding that he would support Chicago hosting the summit again.

“After seeing how (the World Trade Organization meeting) was handled in Seattle and the ’68 Democratic Convention (in Chicago), I thought it was handled wonderfully,” he said. “A lot of people who came to Chicago that weekend didn’t have the chance to see the whole city. I think some will try to come back again.”

Chicago officials estimate the cost of hosting the event at $55 million, although they say that will be covered by a combination of federal money and private donations. A nonprofit “host committee” — the Chicago NATO Host Committee — was established to handle much of the planning and organization.

The host committee reportedly is compiling the costs, though it’s unclear when the committee’s analysis may be released.

Some of those costs that have been reported include the following:

• About 3,100 city of Chicago police officers were assigned to NATO duty and incurred overtime. The dollar amount due to the officers has not been disclosed, and the Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents the officers, has been negotiating with city officials. The city has said it expects a federal grant will cover security costs associated with the summit.

• The Illinois Emergency Management Agency sent some representatives to Chicago to be available for an emergency. The workers stayed at the College of Du Page in Glen Ellyn for four days, and the cost was minimal — about $13,600 — according to agency spokesman Patti Thompson.

“This is pretty much within our natural role — preparing for potential emergencies,” Thompson said. “This was a good thing because nothing happened. But if it had, we would have had personnel that would not have been far away that would have been our quick responders.”

• The host committee paid $5.8 million for insurance coverage for 46 days leading up to, and after, the summit. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, the insurance through Lloyd’s of London included a $1.3 million premium for up to $100 million in terrorism coverage, as well as coverage for more minor occurrences, such as automobile damage, medical coverage and more.

• The Chicago Metra, the city’s commuter rail system, reported a cost of about $800,000, which included added security expenses, such as bomb-sniffing dogs, as well as the cost of lost revenue from commuters who found others means of transportation during the summit.

• The Evanston Police Department had about $117,000 in overtime and other expenses, for which officials there reportedly will seek reimbursement. It is unclear how many other suburban police departments had expenses associated with the summit.

• Chicago Parking Meters LLC, which maintains parking meters in the city, reported $65,000 in lost revenue because of street closures and parking restrictions.

• It is unclear if Chicago’s hotel occupancy was affected during the summit. State-compiled figures on sales taxes and hotel taxes won’t be available until later this summer.

Matt Scannell, who works at Wing Stop on Harrison Street, said business at the restaurant didn’t change much during the NATO summit, noting that the hot weather also could have been a factor in any loss of customers. The staff was prepared for a potential influx of business.

“Sunday was the day (the protesters) did the marching, and they marched right by our store. I was told we had a lot of people buying bottles of water and drinks,” Scannell said. “It didn’t really hurt or help the business out. Sunday was a little slower since they had streets blocked off right in front of our store.”

Scannell said he thought the city adequately was prepared for the NATO protesters and said he would support hosting another summit. He said he was glad it was on a weekend.

“Everything was kept to a minimum. We didn’t have any problems, and we were all worried about the marching, with everyone dispersing and going off in groups in different directions,” he said. “We pretty much spent the day watching people come in and out.”

Eric Swanson, owner of Swanson Bows — a shop that specializes in repairing bows for musical instruments in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue — said his business was closed for four days because the whole building was closed — closed and boarded-up, actually — for NATO. He said his wife, who is involved with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, also was affected because the group could not play in Symphony Hall. Youth symphonies that meet in the building on weekends also were affected.

“If you think about it, the whole cultural, artistic side of the city was shut down,” Swanson said. “You would think that is something that NATO members and others participating (in the summit) might have wanted to see.”

Swanson said he found it odd that officials decided to shut down parts of the city for the summit, noting that thousands of people flooded downtown Chicago and Grant Park when Barack Obama was elected president and nothing was closed down then.

“Chicago is totally capable of handling a summit like this. It is interesting that it came to Chicago, but there is no need to shut everything down like that. It is almost un-American. It doesn’t make sense to me,” he said. “(Chicago Mayor) Rahm Emanuel played it up as a big gain for Chicago businesses, like hotels and restaurants, but this city is really made up of small businessmen, and it really wasn’t a good idea for people like me.”

Jayette Bolinski can be reached at jayette.bolinski@franklincenterhq.org.

Posted June 28, 2012

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Japanese view of gardens topic of June 28 event at Anderson Japanese Gardens

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Online Staff Report

Westerners often think of home and garden as two separate things, using different words to describe “inside” and “outside” and placing a thick wall between the two. In Japan, however, the home and the garden function as one single living environment.

Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens welcomes Doug Roth, founder and publisher of Sukiya Living magazine (The Journal of Japanese Gardening), as he focuses on Japanese gardens, Japanese residential architecture, and Japanese interior design that combined to create what he calls “The Sukiya Living Environment.”

Following his presentation, Roth will also be discussing the upcoming Anderson Japanese Gardens’ tour in October to Kyoto, Japan, the “real Japan that tourists rarely see.” The tour will include visiting some of the finest gardens in the world, sampling authentic Japanese cuisine, visiting the studios of artists and craftsmen, and numerous opportunities to learn about traditional Japanese activities including: ikebana, calligraphy and the tea ceremony.

Roth’s presentation begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 28, in the lower level gallery of Anderson Japanese Gardens. Cost is $5 for non-members, free for members. Register by contacting Kathy Boyd at (815) 316-3285 or kboyd@andersongardens.org. Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens online at www.andersongardens.org.

Posted June 27, 2012

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Man sentenced to 7 1/2 years for possession with intent to deliver cocaine

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Online Staff Report

Kevin Jones, 26, pled guilty to the offense of possession with intent to deliver 1-15 grams of cocaine and was sentenced June 22 by Judge Ronald White to seven-and-a-half years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

At around 1:30 p.m., Dec. 11, 2010, a Rockford police officer was parked in the parking lot of 947 School St. observing traffic. At that time, he randomly ran the registration of a green Chevrolet Suburban traveling west past his location. The information returned that the registration was expired.

The officer conducted a SOUNDEX check of the registered owner of the Suburban and found that the registered owner, Jones, had an outstanding warrant.

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the Chevrolet Suburban in the 800 block of North Central Avenue. The officer approached the vehicle, and identified the driver as Jones.

Jones was taken into custody on the warrant, and was searched incidental to his arrest. As a result of the search, the officer located a clear plastic baggie containing 13 individually-wrapped baggies of an off-white rock-like substance in Jones’ front pocket. The estimated gross weight of the off-white rock-like substance was 2.82 gross grams. A portion of the off-white rock-like substance field-tested positive for the probable presence of cocaine.

Possession with intent to deliver 1-15 grams of cocaine is a class 1 felony with a sentencing range of four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections or probation. However, because of the defendant’s prior criminal history, the sentencing range increased to four to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Posted June 27, 2012

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Regardless of Supreme Court ruling on ‘Obamacare,’ health care costs going up

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Andrew Thomason
Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Listening to experts and advocates of all political stripes, it seems health care costs are going to go up, no matter how the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the national health-care law.

The court is expected Thursday, June 28, to present its ruling on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Experts on constitutional law have generally narrowed how the court will rule to three outcomes, as follows:

1. The whole law is rejected

In the first scenario, the conservative court strikes down the law in its entirety.

In that case, look for monthly health insurance bills to go up, Jim Duffett, executive director of the Campaign for Better Health Care, which advocates for more accessible, cheaper health care, said.

“Your premiums will go up, and the reason they’re going up is that you can only squeeze so much blood out of a turnip,” Duffett said.

Duffett said those uninsured will continue to seek treatment in hospital emergency rooms, where the cost of their care is passed on to the hospitals and insurance policy holders.

“More hospitals will go under, more hospitals will be forced to shut this service or that service down, health care costs will go up,” Duffett said.

The more-than-2,000-page law is so complicated that insurers are still grappling with what they can and can’t do, said Robert Slayton, president of the Illinois State Association of Health Underwriters, which lobbies for health insurers.

Striking down the law in its entirety won’t have immediate financial ramifications for people who already have health insurance, Slayton said. But, insurance agents have seen their workloads increase while grappling with the law. If it’s struck down, he said, expect insurance agents to be a bit more accessible.

2. The whole law is upheld

In the second scenario, the court upholds the law.

Jonathan Ingram is a health care policy analyst at the Illinois Policy Institute, a conservative think-tank. He said look for either federal income taxes to go up or for the federal government to start deficit spending to pay for the program.

The plan to create subsidized health insurance for the people without coverage, either through tax credits or expanded Medicaid rolls, would be a huge drain on the federal government’s cash flow, Ingram said.

Ingram said lawmakers in Washington, D.C., should continue to push for a full repeal of the law if it is upheld, but meantime, Illinois “should stop and force the federal government to own up and take responsibility.”

Slowing down the law’s implementation would give extra time for another lawsuit, or federal legislation to rollback most of the law.

Keeping the law is a mixed bag for the people with health insurance, according to Slayton.

“It’s business as usual until you hear otherwise, and when you hear otherwise, it should be an improvement in benefits, but I can’t say it will be a benefit in rates,” Slayton said. “If the cost of health care goes up, (insurance companies) have to adjust their rates to be able to go with that.”

3. Part of the law is struck down, part of the law is upheld

Lastly, the possibility exists that the court only strikes down part, or parts, of the law, while upholding the rest. If this is the outcome, it’s expected the part of the law requiring everyone to have health insurance would be overturned.

“I think that we’re still left with a situation where we have part of a law that is unworkable. We need to repeal the whole law,” Ingram said. “It’s already broken. It’s a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t work.”

Duffett said it would be a blow for consumers if the individual mandate were struck down, but something is better than nothing when it comes to federal health-care reform.

The individual mandate “is not the heart, it is probably 5 percent, maybe 7 percent of Obamacare. There are hundreds and hundreds of other components of Obamacare that continue to be implemented,” Duffett said.

Slayton said this would be the worst of any outcome for insurers and their clients.

As it stands, the law forces insurance companies to cover anyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions. If the law doesn’t also require individuals to have health insurance, Slayton said most people will avoid buying insurance until they are sick and need treatment.

Without people paying premiums when they are healthy, insurance companies will be forced to raise prices to cover their costs.

“It’ll definitely cause the cost of health insurance to go up dramatically because you don’t have the pooling of risks,” Slayton said.

To mitigate that, Duffett is encouraging Illinois to implement a health insurance exchange, regardless of the ruling. It’s basically an open market where residents can compare health insurance plans and prices.

“It doesn’t stop states from moving forward doing that,” Duffett said.

Andrew Thomason can be reached at andrew.thomason@illinoisstatehousenews.com.

Posted June 27, 2012

Posted in Happening Now, Nation & World | 3 Comments »

Madigan, states announce settlement over deceptive exploitation of veterans’ education benefits

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Online Staff Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) joined several of her counterparts, U.S. senators and federal officials June 27 to announce a settlement with a California-based company over allegations that its website, www.GIBill.com, deceptively steered U.S. service members and veterans to use their federal education benefits with the company’s preferred clients in the for-profit schools industry.

Madigan and attorneys general in 19 states alleged QuinStreet fraudulently marketed www.GIBill.com to military service members as a website that was operated or endorsed by the U.S. government or military.

Madigan said the site listed “eligible GI Bill schools,” which misled visitors to believe the posted schools were the ones at which veteran benefits could be utilized. In fact, the list consisted only of QuinStreet clients, which were primarily for-profit colleges.

“This company deceptively promoted its website as an unbiased source of information for service members seeking to further their education and career prospects,” Madigan said. “But in reality, the site was just a front to steer veterans to for-profit schools intent on siphoning veterans’ GI Bill benefits rather than providing the men and women who serve our country with a legitimate education.”

As a result of the settlement, Madigan said the owner of the website, QuinStreet Inc., will pay $2.5 million to the states and turn over its website to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a legitimate, independent source of guidance for service members and veterans seeking help in applying their benefits to higher education.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Madigan made the announcement with several of her counterparts, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, as well as Holly Petraeus, assistant director for Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Deputy Secretary Scott Gould of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Petraeus said: “I applaud the state attorneys general for the settlement announced today to protect servicemembers from misleading and deceptive websites that target their GI Bill benefits. These new consumer protections will help ensure that veterans looking online to learn more about the GI Bill will find accurate information about the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifices for our country.”

Gould added: “At VA, it is part of our mission to support and encourage Veterans as they seek higher education. We must ensure that they are adequately and accurately informed about their education options throughout the process. Predatory, aggressive and deceptive marketing directly inhibits our ability to ensure they understand those options. This settlement is a positive step towards ensuring our veterans have the education opportunities they’ve earned. VA stands with the states’ attorneys general, and all Americans, in protecting veterans from predatory, exploitive or deceptive marketing of any service.”

Many for-profit colleges have increasingly recruited veterans since Congress’ enactment of the Post 9/11 GI Bill in 2008, which made billions of dollars in education benefits available to service members.

According to a February 2011 General Accounting Office report, $9 billion in educational benefits were provided to service members and veterans in fiscal year 2010.

A December 2010 survey of 20 for-profit colleges by the U.S. Senate HELP Committee showed the colleges’ revenue from military educational benefits increased from $66.6 million in 2006 to a projected $521.2 million in 2010 — a 683 percent increase.

Madigan has been an outspoken critic of the for-profit schools industry. Last month, Madigan and her counterparts sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to close the loophole in the Higher Education Act that has allowed many for-profit schools to exploit the education benefits available to American service members, veterans and their families.

Earlier this year, Madigan also filed a lawsuit against the national, for-profit Westwood College for engaging in deceptive practices that left Chicago-area students with up to $70,000 each in debt for degrees that failed to qualify them for careers in criminal justice. According to reports, Westwood College collected $28 million in GI Bill benefits from 2009 to 2011.

In addition to turning over its website to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to operate, the settlement includes the following additional terms:

• Social media accounts associated with GIBill.com must be shut down.

• Other QuinStreet military-related sites must contain clear and conspicuous disclosures to clarify the site is not owned or operated by the U.S. government.

• QuinStreet must disclose that schools listed on its other sites are not the only schools that accept GI Bill benefits and must provide links to the Veterans Affairs page for a complete list.

• Other QuinStreet education-related websites must clarify that schools responsive to a consumer’s search are advertisers or that they pay to appear on the site.

• QuinStreet must cease claims on its other websites that information presented is “neutral” or “unbiased” or that schools are “top” or “best” unless the information comes from an independent source.

• Other QuinStreet education-related sites must clearly explain the sites are owned by QuinStreet and contain identifying information about the company and its business operations.

Assistant attorneys general Michele A. Casey and Akeela White handled the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.

Posted June 27, 2012

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Rock River Valley Blood Center in need of blood donors prior to July 4 holiday

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Online Staff Report

To ensure an adequate summer blood supply, Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) is asking healthy individuals to donate blood leading up to the Fourth of July holiday.

Whole blood and platelet donors and all blood types are needed.

RRVBC’s Jennifer Bowman said: “The Fourth of July is always a challenge. We will be closed on the holiday, and many of our donors are traveling or busy with family and friends. Our hospitals and trauma centers often have increased traffic and patient blood use during the summer. The blood must be ready to go when the calls come in, but we can’t do it without blood donors.”

RRVBC offers a free Cherry Berry Chiller from McDonald’s to all donors, and there are hot dogs on Wednesdays and ice-cold slushies throughout the summer (at select locations).

Donating blood is safe and simple. You are most likely able to donate if you are at least 17 years old (16-year-olds may donate with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health. People taking medications are not necessarily disqualified.

Four community donor centers are available throughout the area (Belvidere, Freeport and Rockford) as well as many mobile blood drives. Log on to www.rrvbc.org for hours, directions and mobile blood drive schedules.

RRVBC serves as a centralized, community blood center and is the sole provider of blood products and services to Beloit Memorial Hospital, Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, FHN, Mercy Harvard Hospital, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rochelle Community Hospital, Rockford Health System, SwedishAmerican Health System and SwedishAmerican Medical Center — Belvidere.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, call toll-free at 877-RRVBC-99 or find RRVBC on the web at www.rrvbc.org.

Posted June 27, 2012

Posted in Happening Now, Living | No Comments »

State police arrest nine for DUI in Winnebago County

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Online Staff Report

PECATONICA, Ill. — Illinois State Police District 16 Commander, Captain James Alexander, announced the following arrests were made by District 16 troopers between June 8 and 25 for driving under the influence (DUI):

Arrested in Winnebago County — Gary J. Lutfy, 59, of Cherry Valley, Ill.; Adam J. Gunkel, 30, of Hanover, Ill.; Justin L. Lien, 30, of Freeport, Ill.; Marcin K. Lewandowski, 36, Jackson, Mich.; John R. Connor, 51, of Rockford; Evea Ann Lafferty, 20, of Rockford; Andrew R. Rungren, 25, of Rockford; Jose Martinez, 59, of Rockford; and Dustin R. Stehley, 31, of Rockford.

Captain Alexander reminds the public that troopers work diligently to remove impaired drivers from Illinois roads.

Posted June 27, 2012

Posted in Happening Now, Local News | No Comments »

IEPA to release ground scan results around Amerock plant

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Richard S. Gubbe
Contributing Writer

Results from the ground scan completed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) on land owned by the Rockford Park District and Northwest Community Center (NWCC) will be released soon, according to an IEPA official.

The land north of Auburn Street, which was formerly owned by the Amerock Corp., was surveyed for heavy metals by the IEPA last April. An IEPA investigative team scanned the land around Kent Creek, some of which is owned by the NWCC and some of which is owned by the Rockford Park District. It was not confirmed whether any screening took place on Amerock property. Permission to survey the land around the NWCC was given in the spring. The IEPA does not need permission to inspect public park district land.

“The map is nearly complete,” IEPA spokesman Maggie Carson told The Rock River Times (TRRT) last week. “It should be finalized by the end of the week. At that time, they will share it with the property owner, then it will be made available as public information. I’ve asked to be notified when this occurs, and will let you know as well.”

The investigative team plotted the land northwest of the Amerock plant last April and reported to TRRT that screening to map underground metals took place.

The probe in April was used “to map out underground metal with a more sophisticated metal detector,” IEPA investigator Mark Wagner told TRRT last May. He said then his team would explore “the whole northern part of Kent Creek with metal detectors and find out what might be there.

“We’re going to survey as much of that area north of the creek that we are able to get to unobstructed,” Wagner told TRRT.

The metal detector used fits on a 2-foot-by-4-foot, two-wheel cart. Limitations kept them to the areas in the field that is surrounded by trees.

Carson also conveyed an update from the project managers with both the site evaluation team and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) program on the well water contamination in the area around Soper and Alliance avenues.

“The IEPA has met with the owners of the Mobil and CITGO stations,” Carson said. The Mobil site at 4432 Auburn St. is already enrolled in the LUST program. The Mobil station had been notified of a violation in August 1996 and again Feb. 8 of this year. In 1996, the station was owned by Kelley Williamson and is now owned by IRB., Inc., according to the county Tax Assessor listings. The Mobil station was cited in the past for leakage of 600 gallons of product.

“It appears that the contamination may be from a previous owner/proprietor,” Carson said.

The LUST program identifies all LUST incidents reported to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and to the IEPA. Not all underground gasoline storage tanks have been registered with the fire marshal’s office since the program began. The state database from registered underground tanks dates back to 1974. Other storage tanks below ground in the area still contain gasoline, and it’s possible, the IEPA has said, a spill happened from a tank that was never registered.

Carson said the Mobil station “is proceeding with corrective action.” She added that the CITGO station at 4315 Auburn St. is not enrolled in the LUST program. LUST sites are monitored by the State Office of the Fire Marshal.

“The responsible party has not yet been determined,” Carson said. “More data, both ownership and technical, will be needed before a clear path can be identified.”

In the past, the IEPA said the leaking gasoline that found its way east of the gas stations has included other underground storage tanks. TRRT has cooperated in revealing other sites that may have contributed to the leaking of benzene into the well water supply.

“There were gas stations around there in the ’30s,” Carson said when the investigation began. “But most of their storage tanks were emptied and filled with gravel.”

In January, the USEPA hooked up 15 homes to city water after finding evidence of components common to gasoline in well water under homes on Soper and Alliance avenues in a four-block quadrant north of Auburn Street and west of the Amerock plant. The probe into gasoline contamination of the groundwater in the area began last September.

Allegations have been made of toxic heavy metals, construction equipment and other debris being buried north of Parkside and west of Central avenues in the 1960s and 1970s. Allegations have also been made by neighbors and former plant workers that Amerock dumped toxic substances into Kent Creek after the plant opened in 1956, continuing through the 1980s.

The investigation into toxic dumping came in the throes of the discovery by TRRT of five drainage leads from Amerock to Kent Creek and the alleged burying of toxic drums north of the creek.

The IEPA launched two investigations, one into groundwater pollution in the area west of Central Avenue and north of Auburn Street and the other into allegations of environmental pollution by previous Amerock owners. The IEPA also has said it will take soil samples around the creek to determine if chemicals were dumped there in the past from the Amerock plant.

The water investigation began last July when neighbors in the area reported foul water to TRRT.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Amerock & Water Contamination Series, Local News, News | No Comments »

Midwest Museum of Natural History is Rockin’ for the Reptiles

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Scaly, not Scary! The Chicago Herpetological Society gives event guests a chance to meet amazing reptiles up close. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

SYCAMORE, Ill. — Midwest Museum of Natural History (MMNH) in Sycamore, Ill., is home to scaly critters of all shapes and sizes. From boa constrictors to tortoises, these creepy crawly residents are a favorite of guests young and old alike. Meet them and many more at “Rockin’ for the Reptiles” from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 30.

Enjoy live music, games, face-painting, food, a bounce house, balloon animals and lots of live reptiles. Visit with turtles, lizards, and giant snakes from the Chicago Herpetological Society, and learn what reptile pet is right for you. All funds raised will go to the museum to support live animal care and educational programming.

The event will be in the parking lot across the street from the museum at the corner of West State Street (Route 64) and California in downtown Sycamore; rain location is in the museum.

Admission is $5 per person for ages 3 and older. Passes can be bought at the gate and are good for half off museum admission for the day. Live music is provided by Yesterday’s News, Garage Orchestra and Them Changes.

Reptile fans can also sign up for the museum’s Reptile Care Class, offered July 21 and Aug. 17. Children ages 10 and older will work alongside museum staff to learn how to prepare diets for the live animals at the museum and proper handling techniques for snakes and lizards.

Reptiles not your thing? There’s plenty more to choose from this summer, including Sheep Brain Dissection, Jewelry Making and Fossil Workshops. Kids can even get back to nature with their “Down and Dirty” class at Sycamore Park, where participants get their feet wet (literally) in the Kishwaukee River as they learn about all the plants and animals that live there. Preschoolers and their parents can enjoy Safari Sprouts preschool class every Wednesday and Storytime on Fridays.

The museum can be reached at (815) 895-9777 or online at www.mmnh.org.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Baseball: RiverHawks’ road woes continue

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Bill Smith

LOVES PARK, Ill. — The Rockford RiverHawks took two of three games from the Gateway Grizzles at home, but lost two of three on the road at Normal and fell in the first two games at Schaumburg.

The losses dropped the RiverHawks to 12-22 overall, 9-8 at home and 3-14 on the road. Rockford now stands in last place in the Frontier League’s West Division, 9 1/2 games behind the Schaumburg Boomers.

Rockford beat Gateway 5-1 at RiverHawks Stadium Monday, June 18, as they did their damage in the middle innings. Michael Hur hit an RBI single to put Rockford up 1-0 in the fourth inning, and Jet Butler hit his fourth homer of the season, a three-run blast, to extend the lead to 4-0 in the fifth inning. Ziggie VanderWall picked up his third win of the season, pitching six innings of scoreless ball.

The RiverHawks were unable to complete the series sweep the following night, falling 9-3. Gateway catcher Landon Hernandez hit a first-inning grand slam and finished the game 2-for-4 with six RBIs to lead the Grizzlies to victory. Rockford’s Jordan Liette picked up the loss in his second professional start, giving up five runs in only three innings of work. Greg Van Horn went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the RiverHawks.

Rockford hit the road to open a three-game series with the Normal CornBelters beginning Wednesday, June 20. In the first game, the two teams combined for only eight hits, but it was the Cornbelters who would prevail 1-0, scoring the game’s only run on an RBI groundout by Steven Felix in the seventh inning. Rockford would threaten with back-to-back two-out singles in the ninth inning by Greg Van Horn and Daniel Gonzalez, but Evan Button would ground out to second base to end the game. Cody Hallahan pitched a complete game for the RiverHawks, and Ted Obregon was 2-for-2 with two stolen bases.

Rockford fell 3-2 the following night as they were unable to capitalize with the bases loaded and none out in the eighth inning. The CornBelters tied the game in the sixth inning on a Felix homer and took the lead in the seventh on a run-scoring double by Tyler Wiesemeyer, but the RiverHawks loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth on a pair of walks and an error. However, they failed to plate a run and went in order in the ninth inning to lose their third consecutive game.

In the series finale, the RiverHawks won 7-6 in 12 innings despite blowing a five-run lead late in the game. The CornBelters trailed 6-1 going into the bottom of the eighth inning, but they scored three times in that inning and twice in the ninth to send the game to extra innings. Rockford finally broke through for a run in the 12th inning, and Theron Minium pitched two scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win. Javier Herrera went 4-for-6 with three RBI.

The RiverHawks traveled to Schaumburg for a second consecutive weekend to face the Boomers after being swept last weekend. In the opener, the Boomers prevailed 8-5, scoring three times in the eighth inning off reliever Garrett Granitz to break a 5-5 tie. Rockford’s Carlos Luciano went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, and Mike Thomas was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Sunday, June 24, the RiverHawks fell 15-10 to the Boomers as an early 15-0 deficit ultimately sealed their fate. Starter Liette only retired one batter and gave up seven earned runs. Hur went 3-for-5 and hit his team-leading eighth homer of the season, and Thomas stayed hot by going 3-for-5 with five RBI.

Mike Lee’s 2.20 ERA is good for third-best in the Frontier League, while Herrera’s .362 average is second-best in the league. Hur’s eight home runs are tied for fifth-best in the league.

Rockford wraps up their road trip and has an off day before returning home for a six-game homestand, hosting the Evansville Otters from June 27-29 and the Joliet Slammers from June 30-July 2.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league in its 20th season. Games are broadcast on NTA-FM (100.5). Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Theater Review: ‘Working, the Musical’, proves a worthy revival at Timber Lake

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

The company in Timber Lake Playhouse’s production of Working, the Musical. (Photo by Nathan Dahlkemper)

By Bill Beard
Theater Critic

The New York theater scene has featured a great many revivals in the past several years; revivals of some of Broadway’s biggest hits and favorites; some successful, others not so much

About a year ago, Broadway in Chicago hosted a new version of one of my favorite, “off-beat” shows, Working. This musical is based on Studs Terkel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, in which he recorded his interviews of America’s working folks across the nation. Stephen Schwartz took Terkel’s collection of honest, down-to-earth stories, as told by very real people, and with music of his own, together with the compositions of several other successful composers of the period, and produced an evening of drama, comedy and poignant honesty and intimacy, which encompassed the spectrum of the American working class.

I produced Working in the late 1970s in New Hampshire, with college students and local adults. It seemed a privilege just to put it on stage and offer it to audiences. It was so sincere, so truthful, so honest, so very real. So, when I heard last year it had now been revised by Schwartz himself, with additional updated interview materials to bring it into the 21st century, and it was being done in Chicago, I was eager to experience it again. And although it was not quite the same, although I missed some of the group spirit, the encompassing warmth of community, I still felt the new version was wonderful.

Now, stateline summer theater-goers have a chance to enjoy Working, the Musical. Go to Mount Carroll this weekend and see what James Beaudry’s strong Timber Lake company is doing with this new shortened, small cast version. Let me hasten to say that I was pleased to find that Timber Lake has restored the two-act format and has succeeded in bringing back much of the personal, intimate quality of the show. This is obviously because of the talent exploding from these six powerful performers.

The group numbers are solid, from the opening lyrics of “I hear … America singing” to the powerful finale “Something to Point to.” Certainly, one of the high points was the ensemble number, “Un Mejor Dia Vendra,” celebrating the beauty and humility of the lives and contribution of migrant field workers, featuring the solo voices of Andrew Way and the lovely Sharriese Hamilton, as well as the stunning guitar work of Kevin Johnson. Andrew’s work as The Mason was also great, and coupled with the versatile Dryden Meints (so impressive last week in Guys and Dolls), these two handsome dudes rocked the standout number, Hey, “Brother Trucker”!

Handling the more mature male numbers, John Chase, well known and loved in most of northern Illinois’ theaters, came into his own in the touching, beautifully simple number, “Joe,” a poignant portrait of a retired widower.

The distaff side of the cast is completed by the charming Erica Stephan of Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts, and the remarkable Judy Knudtson, well remembered for her work as M’Lynn in TLP’s Steel Magnolias. She is a powerhouse in this production; partly, of course, because she gets to perform three of the show’s best songs: “Just A Housewife,” the teacher’s “Nobody Tells Me How” and the “most fun” number, “It’s An Art,” a celebration of the artistry of The Waitress! Knudtson is spot on with all three of these great character tributes.

Designer Nathan Dahlkemper has been faithful to the Chicago revival’s scenery concept, with six alcoves in an open two-story framework across the rear of the stage, where costume and character changes are in full sight. We are conscious at all times that this is a stage and this is theater, which can make it difficult for the audience to give in to the “willing suspension of disbelief.” And also, with only six performers, bouncing from character to character, song to song, all at a swift pace, we end up with just a bit of an abbreviated feeling, rather as though we are watching a PowerPoint presentation, a sort of computer Photoshop survey. Whereas, the show is based on “real life.” One needs to become absorbed in each experience. So, I must admit that I guess I still prefer the longer, large cast version of this very special musical.

Nevertheless, Timber Lake Playhouse is offering up a fabulous opportunity to see an excellent production of a seldom-done musical, with a superlative group of actor-singer-dancers. Please … don’t miss this chance to see a very special show!

Working plays through June 30; so, you can still see it this weekend. And, I do encourage you to do so. It is a marvelous montage of American life.

For information: (815) 244-2035 or www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

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

Yoga Rockford: At the feet of yoga

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

“If we do not know how to stand on our own two feet, planting deep roots, how is it possible to grow a strong physical vessel to manage our life’s energy?” — Jennie Williford (Photo provided)

By Jennie Williford
Pranayama Yoga Studio

BKS Iyengar, founder of Iyengar Yoga, poses a question: “Why think of the heavens when we have not made real contact with mother earth?” We only want the final benefits of yoga, aspiring to great spiritual heights through breath-work and meditation. We forget that these heights need first a good foundation of disciplined practice and focus of mind, taking ourself out of our head and connecting deeper down into the roots of our own true self. Thus, the practice of Iyengar Yoga brings focus back to the roots of yoga through teaching the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, but also builds the practice of asana (physical postures) from the ground up.

If we do not know how to stand on our own two feet, planting deep roots, how is it possible to grow a strong physical vessel to manage our life’s energy? To not waste or even misuse the energy (prana) we are given, we must nurture our connection to the earth first in a very physical way before we can hurry on to the final goal.

Most of our lives are lived in our head. We literally put on our shoes each day and run into life without thinking of any connection between our feet and the earth. With this disconnect, we become bodiless brains, continually distracted, wasting energy worrying or wishing in the past and the future. Without strong roots, we feel unanchored among life’s constant winds of change. It is only rooted in the present moment that we can find some peace, and it is yoga that can give us the tools to stand still.

Yoga is a step-by-step process for growing into a strong tree with deep roots. The eight “limbs” of yoga take us from moral precepts (yamas) all the way to enlightenment (samadhi). Building awareness through physical postures (asana) begins the process of taking our mind away from distraction and into quietness. The simple act of removing our shoes and reconnecting to our feet can have a strong impact on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Through this connection, we draw the mind away from the distractions of the brain and energize the first chakra (energetic center), bringing balance and focus back to the source of all action. From there, we can move awareness and energy throughout the whole body, getting us out of our head to standing firmly on our own two feet.

So, how about your feet? Have you taken the time lately to really “see” your feet, “feel” your feet? Take your shoes and socks off and take a good look, first with your eyes, and then with your senses. The feet are an amazing form of intricate joints, muscles and tendons. When worked and moved, they are like any other part of our body, becoming stronger and more supple with exercise and use. They are our physical and energetic foundation to all other action, so problems in our feet and how we stand on them can show up anywhere above. When our backs, hips or knees hurt, we never think that something could be going on in our feet to cause these things, but weak roots typically lead to a weak plant.

So, now with your shoes off, stand up. Bring the inner feet together so they feel one another, and lift and spread the toes for a more broad connection to the earth. Actively press into the ball-mounds and heels equally to awaken the arches. This physical lift and support from the arches lifts energy from the earth up into the legs, and ultimately up through the spine. Standing actively and energetically with full awareness and attention is Tadasana (mountain pose), and is the basis for all other standing actions. With Tadasana, we grow deep roots of balance and stability to anchor us in our efforts and actions toward the higher “limbs” of yoga.

Aspiring only to heightened states without this stable foundation can lead to dysfunction and even more distraction, leading us away from a quiet mind instead of toward it. We may delude ourselves into thinking only of the heavens, but until we make real contact with mother earth and with ourselves, the heavens will be out of reach. Come make first contact with your feet and with yourself from 9 to 11 a.m., June 30, at Pranayama Yoga Studio.

For more information about Pranayama Yoga Studio, visit www.yogarockford.com or call (815) 968-9642.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Living, Naturally Rockford, Yoga Rockford | No Comments »

Mission Marts to consolidate into former Bob’s Ace Hardware on 20th Street

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

Rockford Rescue Mission has announced it will consolidate its two Mission Mart locations into a single larger facility in the former Bob’s Ace Hardware building at 2710 20th St. The Mission will renovate the building and anticipates a grand opening early fall.

According to Executive Director Sherry Pitney, the Mission seized the opportunity to purchase the property — which was offered below market value because of the many benefits it will afford the Mission and the community.

“The centrally-located site with extended hours will be more convenient for shoppers as well as friends who donate items,” Pitney said. “And the expanded warehouse will allow us to be more efficient in processing the donations, so we can offer a greater inventory of clothing, household items and furniture. In turn, that will lead to increased sales with greater income to support our programs and services and greater tax revenue to support the community.”

In addition to being sold to the public, donations of clothing and other material goods received at the Mission Mart are provided to residents of the Mission’s long-term recovery programs and crisis shelter guests. They’re also shared with other community organizations to meet the needs of the families and individuals they serve.

The new Mission Mart will also enable the Mission to expand its vocational training curriculum to include landscaping and lawn maintenance, warehouse management, as well as an enhanced retail and customer-service experience.

Pitney said Mission leaders also feel good about this opportunity to “repurpose” a building that has been empty.

“It’s important to note as well that the acquisition of this property will result in a substantial annual cost savings over our current lease arrangement, allowing us to be better financial stewards of donor funds,” she added. “We are grateful to our faithful friends and customers who have made our Mission Marts popular shopping destinations, and I’m confident they’ll be pleased by the amenities of our new facility and the greater variety and larger inventory of items they’ll be able to select from.”

Pitney invites Mission Mart customers and donors to watch the Mission’s website — www.rockfordrescuemission.org — for updates on the renovation’s progress and plans for the grand opening in the fall. The current locations at 1405 Kishwaukee St. and 1235 Sandy Hollow Road will continue to operate at full capacity until the new store opens.

Additional information is available on the Mission’s website, www.rockfordrescuemission.org, where customers can also sign up to receive weekly e-mails about Mission Mart special offers and sales.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since 1964, Rockford Rescue Mission provides nutritious meals and safe shelter for thousands of hungry and homeless men, women and children every year, along with recovery programs and outreach services to rescue, recover and restore the lives of those who are struggling in the Rockford community.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

Keepin’ it Kleen: The consequences of Rockford’s misplaced priorities

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

 

Michael Kleen

By Michael Kleen

In a recent column in the Rockford Register Star, Chuck Sweeny asked the open-ended question of whether Rockford’s spending priorities are in order. In answering his own question, he criticized various government spending projects, including the much-celebrated (but seldom used) $8 million bus station on the city’s east side. He almost sounded like a conservative. His analysis, however, barely scratched the surface of the problem, and he ultimately failed to explain the alarming consequences of our government’s misplaced priorities.

Fundamentally, the question of Rockford’s spending priorities is a question about the purpose of local government. The purpose of local government, I believe, is to provide certain basic services. Included among those services are an impartial and efficient court system, as well as public infrastructure, sanitation and safety. Those are needs, and local government should devote most, if not all, of its time, talent and resources to addressing those needs. Everything else is a want that can be provided by government but is best filled by the private sector.

In the upside down world of irresponsible public policy, however, wants are given priority over needs, and as a result, government struggles to fulfill its basic obligations, and politicians incessantly complain that the government is underfunded.

It is not that Rockford is lacking in revenue, however. Residents pay as high as $6,000 a year in property taxes, or nearly five-and-a-half times the national average, and a local sales tax on top of that. One would think the city should have perfectly paved roads, exemplary public schools and safe neighborhoods. Why is that not the case? The answer is that a large percentage of those funds go to grow bureaucracy and toward politicians’ pet projects and not to where they are needed. Public safety, as well as other basic services, suffers as a result.

Irresponsible government spending threatens public safety by shifting tax dollars away from where they are needed most. This is best illustrated by the City of Rockford and the Rockford Park District’s bizarre quest to extend a government monopoly over the area’s sports and outdoor entertainment industry. Millions of dollars in public revenue are being spent on new sports facilities and bike paths. $7 million alone has been allocated to a riverwalk. How many police or emergency personnel could be hired with that $7 million? How many street lights could be installed? How many streets cleaned and repaired?

Meanwhile, many Rockford residents live in fear of burglaries and home invasions, and hard drugs are sold openly in some parts of the city. Just recently, a 26-year-old Rockford man was released from prison on parole for a home invasion only to attempt the same crime again, this time on the home of an elderly woman. Fortunately, her son was there to fight off the intruder. Fifty-seven-year-old Michael Studer, who was shot and killed while simply sitting in his car outside a gas station on Auburn Street, was not so lucky.

The first civil right of every American is to be free from crime, violence and disorder. Yet, the City of Rockford’s attitude toward public safety borders on neglect. It is an atmosphere of permissiveness that led to two unrelated fire bombings in one week, one on a Catholic school bus and another on a parked car on North Winnebago Street. Obviously, no city can prevent every crime, but one wonders about the brazenness of such attacks. It has become apparent to many delinquents that they can commit their crimes with impunity in the streets of Rockford.

It is a matter of priorities.

This issue is about more than whether to spend tens of millions of dollars on public projects of one kind or another, it is about a failure of public officials to recognize their proper role as stewards of the public purse and of the public good. With only so many resources to go around, priorities are everything. Yet, politicians seem more concerned with putting their name on a plaque on the wall than they do with the average citizen, who has to live with the consequences of their misplaced priorities.

Michael Kleen is a local author, historian, and owner of Black Oak Media. He holds a master’s degree in history and master’s degree in education. Read his previous columns online at makleen.com.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Commentary | 13 Comments »

Autos, boats, motorcycles and RVs: Week of June 27-July 3, 2012

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

AUTOS

Autos

1984 CHEVY Scottsdale truck, $1100 773/580-4415. 7/3

2001 DODGE RAM Sport, small V8, 81,500 miles $6900 815/633-0537. 6/27

Auto Parts & Accessories

CAMPER SHELL fits 6’ bed $350 815/633-1419. 6/27

TRAILER HITCH, Corvette fits /early 70’s $25 815/624-7214. 6/27

COBRA RIMS & TIRES $300 OBO. 815/977-5955. 7/3

TRUXEDO-TONNEAU COVER fits 1999 and newer GMC extended cab trucks, $295, Call 815/874-6085, like new! 7/3

4 TIRES on rims, fits mid-size GM’s 215/60/15 like new, $120 815/980-7863. TFN

TRAILER SALE: Dump Trailers 5′ x 10′ & 6′ x 10′ & 7′ x 14′; 500 gallon Tank Trailers; Golfcart-Mower-ATV and Utility Trailers. Motorcycle hauler & pull behind. Used & enclosed Car Haulers. Information & prices: www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com 515-972-4554 (MCN)

Boats

LOWE 14FT.LAKE JON BOAT and trailer, 2011 trolling motor, vests, oars, battery, anchor, $500 815/440-4440. 7/11

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

Motorcycles

2008 LINHI MOTOR SCOOTER 150 cc’s, new, 45 original miles $1700 815/968-8579. 6/27

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Recreational Vehicles

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Autos Wanted

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DONATE YOUR CAR to CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND of AMERICA and help end CHILDHOOD CANCER. Tax Deductible. Next Day Towing. Receive Vacation Voucher. 7 Days 1-800-469-8593 N-6/27

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From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Cars, Classifieds | No Comments »

Kishwaukee River turned red, foamy

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Susan Johnson
Copy Editor
and Frank Schier
Editor & Publisher

Sunday, June 24, a large section of the Kishwaukee River in Boone and Winnebago counties turned an odd shade of red, complete with a scummy foam of the same color.

The incident was reported to The Rock River Times by Sam Stanfa, a Rockford-area kayaker, who was out to the Kishwaukee River the morning of Sunday, June 24.

After one call to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Sunday, Stanfa said he tried again Monday. “I called the IEPA back, and they said it was algae bloom,” Stanfa said. “They said it is ugly but harmless, so I’m assuming they know what they’re talking about. They took samples. The conservation police were all over the place, and they took samples. Yesterday [June 24] about noon, I was going down to the river to see if it was clouded or dirty or clear, and it was pretty obviously not normal for me. I’ve never seen anything like it. So, I called my wife about it, and we took pictures of it. When I called Frank (Schier), he told me to call Sterling IDNR, and they checked around with the people here, and found out it was the algae. [They said] sometimes it’s green, sometimes it’s blue or brown, it was really strange because the one [branch of the] river was covered and the other wasn’t. At Perryville where the two rivers join, the Kishwaukee was all covered with this algae bloom, and the south branch was clear. They said it will last several days, maybe a week or two. It happens when the rivers are low and clear.”

Dan Sallee is a regional fisheries biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Office of Water Resources.

Sallee said: “The conservation police and the Illinois EPA were out there yesterday (June 24). They did a thorough investigation. The Illinois EPA took samples, but their conclusion was — and my guess was, with Sam, that this was a ‘low-water bloom.’ What that means is, our waters are very rich in nutrients with lots of food in our water. When we have these low-water conditions in hot, sunny weather and clear water, these micro-organisms (bloom) rapidly reproduce and create high numbers, depending on the species. Sometimes we get calls of bright green paint, sometimes brown, blue or green, depending on what species of micro-organism it is. These micro-organisms increase in numbers, so that people believe it is a pollution event when actually it is just micro-organisms.

“That is what we believe happened here,” Sallee said. “It is a quasi-natural event. That means that we no longer have the same water quality that we had ‘in nature.’ We remove water from the streams and add discharges to the streams; nutrient cycles get out of balance. That is, blooms may well have occurred anyway, whatever we did. We withdraw water for irrigation and everything else that goes on. We can’t say exactly what is naturally occurring. We don’t know exactly when it happened. The nutrients build up gradually; somebody noticed it and called us, just like if you dump something in the water, it happens.

“The conservation police and the Illinois EPA saw some evidence of it as far upstream as the Mill Race at Belvidere Park on the north branch, down to near the junction with the Rock River,” Sallee added.

Sallee also related that there is nothing “natural” about 600 pounds per acre of nitrogen being spread on agricultural areas or heavily fertilized household and commercial lawns running off into local tributary creeks and the Kishwaukee itself.

Noting nitrogen and phosphorus are the common “nutrients” that cause algae blooms, Nathan Hill, Rockford Park District natural areas maintenance coordinator, related that the river level and weather conditions may make such algae blooms more likely, considering the normal discharge levels of waste water and sewage treatment plants from Belvidere and DeKalb. He said normal discharge levels could become abnormal under current conditions, even though the discharges are perfectly legal according to permits issued with normal conditions in mind. He also pointed out certain permits allowed for higher levels during heavy usage hours.

Calls were made to the mayors of Belvidere and Cherry Valley, who were out of the office at the time, asking for any information available.

Steven Larsen, owner of Larsen’s Landing Outfitters, a canoeing/camping company on the Kishwaukee river near the mouth at the Rock River, said, by late Sunday afternoon the river had turned red with foamy scum gathering on the shorelines, which was still in evidence on Monday.

A June 26 e-mail provided to The Rock River Times from Bruce Yurdin, manager of the Watershed Management Section of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency sent to Arlan R. Juhl, director of the Illinois Office of Water Resources of the IDNR, stated: “Not a spill but we did get complaints about reddish water and foam on the Kishwaukee starting over the weekend. We investigated that on Sunday and Monday. Today, we had the same complaint (different complainant) about the Mazon River. Both instances appear to be caused by the weather and the activity of algae, under low flow, sunshine and high temperatures.”

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Local News, News | 1 Comment »

Energy fairs focus on environment, efficiency

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

Representatives of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association have had a presence at the Midwest Energy Fair in Custer, Wis., over its 23 years. It fills a valuable niche in Wisconsin, as the state is without fossil fuels, and billions of energy dollars leave it every year.

If we look at the facts regarding rising carbon emissions, deteriorating environmental conditions and the rising costs of finding and bringing oil to the marketplace, it would be wise to take advantage of energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities now before prices once again spike upward.

A new and stimulating presentation at the Midwest Fair this year was a project using artistic murals telling the story of the “True Cost of Coal” based on interviews with Appalachian citizens adversely affected by mountaintop removal. It reminds audiences of just how harmful our coal addiction is, and points out the widespread damage to human health and the natural environment that comes from our energy-wasting consumer society.

Since our booth was near the children’s tent, we also heard the fun parents and their children were having with lively storytelling and audience participation in humorous songs. There will again be child-oriented sessions to ensure they have activities to enjoy during the Illinois fair.

Tabling our booth gives us a chance to hear what others are doing and planning to do in the near future. One long-term participant shared his methodical approach to first reducing his energy demand to the point where the service charge from the utility often exceeds charges for his energy consumed for a month. He has followed the energy-saving advice he received at energy fairs and feels he can now afford to invest in a small solar electric system and a solar hot water system. He expressed a sense of pride in his success of cutting excessive energy consumption.

A large part of his success was his and his wife’s willingness to both cut their energy consumption through behavioral changes, as well as buying energy-efficient appliances. They are not just buying products claiming to be green, but are living and enjoying simplified lifestyles.

Presentations, equipment and installers will be at the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair (Aug. 11-12 at Ogle County Fairgrounds) ready to assist participants in weaning themselves off the fossil fuel roller coaster and increasing their energy security.

As people active in prairie preservation, we are pleased prairie interest groups and native prairie plant merchants will be present.

For the past few years, we have been exploring the potential of putting to practical use fall-harvested prairie plantings as a fuel source to capture the carbon normally released in using fire as a prairie management technique. Bob Thomas’ presentation will outline interest in prairie plants as a biofuel.

One of our fair exhibitors is offering to supply prairie plants to a nonprofit organization willing to install a prairie on a roof. To be considered for 1,000 free prairie plants, the potential recipient must agree to offer an educational program about prairies.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Renewable Energy | No Comments »

Auto News: Mr. Green Car: Prius C — the inexpensive hybrid

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

The Toyota Prius C gets 53 city/46 highway miles per gallon, and owners report averaging 53.2 miles per gallon. (Photo by Allen Penticoff)

By Allen Penticoff
Free-lance Writer

With millions of hybrid Toyota Priuses on the road, the market-dominating manufacturer has been expanding the choices based on this popular platform. There is a plug-in Prius, a bigger, station wagonish version, the Prius V, and a new slightly smaller, economical model, the Prius C, which is the subject of this review.

To expand sales into the lower end of the automotive market, Toyota stripped some of the frills from a regular Prius. Their aim — to have the lowest-priced hybrid available.

The price, as tested, was a handful of dollars under $20,000 — which is a price point where many of the new compact cars are ending up after loading them up with options and upgrade packages. In the Prius C, you’ll be missing out on the frills, but saving big dough with great fuel economy. Want to spend more? There are many options to personalize your Prius C. (Toyota uses the lower case “c” with this car; I’m using upper case for easier reading.)

Toyota Prius C. (Photo by Allen Penticoff)

I was quite intrigued by this car. My wife spotted a coral-colored (“Habanero”) one on a recent trip to San Diego, Calif. — “I like that!” So, for her, I did some online research of auto magazine reviews. One reviewer for Road & Track really did not like its performance. Now, I had to know.

Anderson Toyota’s sales manager, Troy Hancock, let me have their one and only metallic black Prius C for as long a drive as I’d like. I took advantage of his offer and drove it much more than most of my review cars. What I found disproved the Road & Track negative review.

First, I took note of the interior. It is all hard plastic; no vinyl. But it is textured in a pleasing way, and combined in colors and patterns that do not scream cheap.

The two-tone cloth seats were quite comfortable. There was room for four adults to ride in comfort. My legs had no conflicts with the interior.

Several useful spaces were provided for stuff and beverage holders. Visibility out is good, except to the rear, where a smallish backlight is

Toyota Prius C. (Photo by Allen Penticoff)

blocked by the rear seat headrests.

Gone is the keyless start — just a regular, old-fashioned key on the steering column. I did find it odd that one had to turn the key to start the car, like you normally would — except that it does not start — it is just “ready.” Keyless start is an available option. The cost to replace one of these electronic fobs is quite expensive — I’d stick with a key. It is ready to roll on one of its two electric motors, until speed or climate control demand the engine starts.

Despite using it several times, the floor-mounted shifter comes off as a bit odd — the position and the accompanying letter don’t line up, and it does not feel natural — but it would be something one would quickly become accustomed to. The electronic-controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) has only reverse, neutral, drive and “B,” which is for engine braking, such as for going down a long, steep hill.

A nearby parking lot found the handling excellent. I also discovered it had a forklift-like ultra-tight turning radius. Parallel parking should be a cinch in the smallest of spaces.

Next, I drove off onto the streets to test ride and acceleration. I did note that as the Prius C changes from electric drive to running with the engine,

Toyota Prius C. (Photo by Allen Penticoff)

there is a moment when the engine buzzes a bit as the transmission spins and engages. It was not long before I ceased to noticed this happening.

There are no “gears” per se in a CVT transmission; the transmission matches the load to engine power as needed in a seamless fashion.

City street acceleration was adequate and even from a dead stop to freeway speed, and a bit beyond, proved to be plenty for the average driver. Perhaps the Road & Track tester had mistakenly left the power selected in the ECO mode, which de-tunes the engine and air-conditioning to have slower responses and, therefore, better fuel economy. Other Priuses have this feature, and the owners report it feels sluggish. Most feel more comfortable in normal mode. The Prius C does not have the “power” mode its bigger siblings have. Edmunds’ test says 0-60 was a leisurely 11.3 seconds — I believe most owners will be satisfied with its acceleration — I was.

The Prius C does have an EV mode that is pure electric, but it is limited to 10 mph — then, the engine will start anyway after a display warning, “EV mode deactivated for excessive speed.” I found in normal mode it ran on pure electric power quite a bit and switched from electric to gas at about 18 mph under normal conditions. The EV mode may be preferred in stop-and-go traffic jams. Ride was typical of a small car, but with little harshness on the rougher surfaces.

Like all hybrids, it is eerily quiet at stops. I like to turn off the A/C and fan and roll down the windows, just to experience the quiet. Don’t like the quiet? The sound system more than adequately fills your cabin with music. The speed display is a large digital number in the center of the dash. There, one finds the smallish display of other information. Following shutdown, a “trip summary” comes up showing your miles and fuel economy and trip cost. But I had to lean forward to read it.

Owners will be happy with the numbers they are reading. EPA rates the Prius C at 53 city/46 highway miles per gallon (compared to 51/48 for a regular Prius). Owners report averaging 53.2 miles per gallon. The window sticker gives the Prius C a “10” or best rating for fuel economy and a “7” for smog/pollution rating. This smog rating earns it a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. The sticker claims the average annual fuel cost would be $1,100, and save you $7,100 over five years compared to an “average” car. That’s where the real beauty of the Prius C lies.

The Prius C has nine airbags and many other safety features, but has not been rated yet. Warranty is eight years/100,000 miles for the hybrid system, 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain and 36 months/36,000 miles bumper to bumper.

The Prius C is 100 percent sourced and built in Japan. Why, I’m not sure. A lot will be sold here, and it would seem prudent to build them here, rather than ship them halfway around the planet. Despite the lack of domestic production, I’ll have to give the Prius C two thumbs up. If you can live without fancy appointments in your car and are happy with good economical performance, the Prius C should be on your short list of cars to buy.

A reader recently challenged my statement that the Kia Soul should attain 40 mpg. His experience was less than EPA ratings, much less than my optimistic 40 mpg. I had started guessing/assuming some of these cars rated at 35 highway mpg should do better — that is something I will no longer do. I will report the EPA ratings, or if there are owner reports of mileage on the EPA site or other independent testing for the review vehicle — I may report those and note them as such. No more guessing.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Fast Lane, Mr. Green Car | 2 Comments »

Your Horoscope: Week of June 27-July 3, 2012

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Denise Guzzardo

By Denise Guzzardo

Week of June 27-July 3, 2012

This Week: A deadlock or stalemate will be broken as a result of recent planetary activity. Now is the time to take action and begin to manifest your long-term goals. Try to move through these options gracefully, as opposed to as a bull in a china shop. Karma is working overtime this coming month. Make sure, as a result of your actions, it’s working for you and not against you.

Aries (March 21 to April 19) — A love from your past will pop up this week, creating some confusion for you. You may not know what to do with this aspect or exactly why this has a recurring theme now. When all is said and done, you will have the knowledge you need to move forward into the present. You may even be grateful you are where you are today.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20) — You feel overworked and underpaid again this week. Take a break. You need your rest, and you need to regroup with family and friends. You will not miss out on any important deals by allowing a little time away from the workforce. In fact, you may find that with a little down time, you will be on top of your game by midweek.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — You may want to take into consideration the feelings of all parties involved before plowing through anymore outside emotional elements. It’s best not to judge unless you have walked a mile in another man’s moccasins. If you are a Gemini who has been a victim of someone else’s carelessness and lack of consideration to your feelings, it’s time to take a stand. Better yet, close the door completely to this chapter in your life.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — You may be very bewildered by a past love or friendship resurfacing at this time. Questioning the motives or the unexplained synchronicity will only drive you crazy in the long run. Take a step back and see what evolves from this aspect. At the end of the day, you will find you have learned more about yourself than you expected to out of this. This shifts the way you perceive others permanently.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — You’re taking a lighter approach to a deeper issue at this time, and this is for the best. If you show some compassion toward the feelings of others, you will learn a tremendous amount about yourself in the process. We have no control over the actions and behavior of others. If we can just live in the moment, we will have peace in our hearts.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — An unexpected gift or honor will be bestowed upon you this week. You will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome of this endeavor. You have finally become confident enough to trust the universe’s “bigger plan.” In the grand scheme of things, everyone comes into our lives for a reason. This is a time to celebrate our own life as well as the lives of others.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — You may have to step in and curb the vicious gossip in your work or your social settings this week. You can make a big difference with kind words of wisdom and support. If you choose to participate in this negative activity, it will only come back to hurt you more. Midweek brings in some new business ventures to your current work environment. Go for it.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — This is a great time to consider your long-term career path and possibly look for a different work environment. You are starting to make connections that will have lasting effects on your future. Put your best foot forward, and realize all eyes are on you. First impressions sink in deep.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — It’s back to the grindstone with a very productive and financially lucrative week ahead of you. Get plenty of rest, and don’t overindulge in your own personal “bad habits.” You will not want to feel the physical pressure of unhealthy aspects. All eyes are on you, so you want to be at the top of your game. You won’t regret it.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — Time to make plans for a grand-scale trip or a weekend getaway. You have put in way too much “overtime” not to take a break now. Even if this cannot be in place for the next week or two, committing to something that’s “all about you” is not a bad thing.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — Romantic elements may feel a bit off early this week. It may be best to just walk wide of this instead of taking a crowbar to it. If you allow another to catch up to you emotionally, all will fall magically into place by week’s end. If you “cop” an attitude, you may end up paying severely for it in the end.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — You may find yourself missing someone or something dreadfully early on this week. A quiet household or work environment could be intensifying this aspect. Gather with those who love and admire your qualities. A dinner or movie is just the trick to put you back on track.

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

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Horoscopes, Your Horoscope | No Comments »

Best-kept secret in Rockford

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

It’s been said that a society is judged by how it treats its most needy members. If that’s true, then the work being done at the Barbara Olson Center of Hope reflects very well on our city. I attended the ribbon-cutting of their new Community Therapy Clinic (CTC) sensory center last week. Their sensory program is one of the first in Illinois and in the country to reach out to ADULTS with autism. The newly-opened CTC is available to teens and adults with disabilities from within the community, not just the clients of the BOCOH.

As a parent of a son who is autistic, I have learned firsthand how important it is to incorporate elements of a sensory program into daily activities. We know that the prevalence of autism in children is now 1 in 88. Those children will one day be adults, and will need the kind of expertise that is being developed and utilized at the BOCOH. I applaud the BOCOH for being the leader in incorporating cutting-edge scientific methods of therapy for adults with autism. As a father of a child who will continue to need such services as an adult, this gives me hope.

Dr. Kendall Boone
Rockford

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

St. Paul Lutheran to install new associate pastor

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

The Rev. Keffie Deen, II

St. Paul Lutheran Church & School on Sunday, July 1, will install its new associate pastor for full-time ministry at its parish of two sites and school. The Rev. Keffie Deen, II, will serve in the areas of youth, young adults, outreach and evangelism, school sports, Bible teaching and general parish ministry. As an African-American minister, Pastor Deen brings a diversity in racial composition to parish staffing for St. Paul that reflects the changing nature of the parish itself to a racially diverse congregation along with its school, which enjoys a roughly half-and-half white/black ratio for its student body.

Pastor Deen grew up in Milwaukee and came into church involvement with his family through a Missouri Synod Lutheran congregation’s school ministry. After high school, he attended Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon), where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Theology & Youth Ministry in 2003. Pastor Deen continued his studies to earn his master’s of divinity at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, after which he served his first call as chaplain and religion teacher at Lutheran High North in St. Louis.

Pastor Deen began his work with St. Paul Lutheran June 10. He’s been actively getting to know people and learning the workings of this parish with two sites on the west side, one at Locust and Horsman with the school, and the other at the intersection of Springfield/Riverside and Kilburn Avenue.

His installation will be at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 1, at St. Paul’s Northwest site, 4881 Kilburn Ave., with a meal and reception to follow. Pastor David Thies, the senior pastor at St. Paul, said: “Pastor Deen brings freshness and excitement to the diverse ministries of our parish. His gifts are uniquely suited to our needs as he joins our church and school team of workers proclaiming salvation and discipleship through Jesus Christ in learning and living.”

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Community News and Notes, People In Our Times | No Comments »

Disability Resource Fair June 29 at Magic Waters Waterpark

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

Rockford Park District will host the Seventh Annual Green Bear Disability Resource Fair from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 29, at Magic Waters Waterpark, 7820 CherryVale Blvd. N, Cherry Valley, Ill.

The annual event provides the opportunity for families to explore resources and activities for more enjoyable living, explore the waterpark’s many accessible and disability friendly features, and visit with companies and organizations that support people with disabilities.

The event also provides parents concerned about their child’s development the opportunity to talk with professionals and other parents. More than 20 vendors will be on hand at the event, with information about community resources for families and individuals with disabilities. Some of the fair’s vendors will have information about family resources and early intervention.

A traditional cookie-decorating station, which will include sugar cookies as well as gluten-free sugar cookies, will also be included. All who plan to attend are encouraged to wear their swimsuits to have fun in the water.

Magic Waters will be open to all who purchase a ticket; admission is $7.50 per person in advance at Rockford Park District Customer Service locations (downtown Rockford, or at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park), or $12.99 per person at the event. Admission includes giveaways and entertainment, a Splash Pass for faster access to rides, as well as use of the park’s accessible features, such as water bean bag floating chairs and floating wheelchairs, in addition to the variety of attractions, thrill rides, amenities and food options at the waterpark.

Magic Waters staff, along with Rockford Park District Therapeutic Recreation staff, will be available throughout the park to assist with activities and helping individuals ride the tube slides who may need assistance up the stairs.

For more information, visit the Events page at www.magicwaterswaterpark.com or call (815) 987-1606 (for TTY only: 888-871-6171).

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

Unions — what’s the big deal?

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Union, what’s the big deal, and why should I support and hire union craftsmen in 300 words or less?

Unions gave us the weekend and the 40-hour week and protection against working more than seven days in a row without substantial payment and time off for breaks and meals.

As unions negotiated with employers for worker health coverage, the government paved the way for all workers to get company-paid health coverage with the National War Labor Board. During the war in 1942, wages were frozen for all, but employers were allowed to give employees health insurance and other fringe benefits.

Unions were the driving force with the family medical leave act, allowing for the worker to have time off without pay for family medical problems. Before then, your mother could be on her death bed, and your employer could ignore your need to leave, and fire you for tending to your family!

As you laugh at me for holding that picket sign complaining about the lower than standard wages some employers pay out-of-state workers, remind yourself how things would be if there WERE no one thinking of you!

Daniel Robert Smyth (not Smith)
West Side — Rockford

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Local business professional earns certification

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Patrick Joseph Fitzgerald, CFSP, a funeral director with Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Rockford, has recently qualified for the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

A number of professions grant special recognition to members upon completion of specified academic and professional programs, and “CFSP” is funeral service’s national individual recognition.

The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, since its 1976 founding, has had as its goals: (1) to recognize those practitioners who have voluntarily entered into a program of personal and professional growth; (2) to raise and improve the standards of funeral service; and (3) to encourage practitioners to make continuing education a lifelong process in their own self-interest, the interest of the families they serve, and the community in which they serve.

To initially receive this award, the practitioner must complete a 180-hour program of continuing education activities and events. In addition, the practitioner is required to accumulate 20 hours per year to recertify. Credits are awarded by the academy for work leading to personal and/or professional growth in four areas: academic activities, professional activities, career review (for retroactive credit) and community and civic activities.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Community News and Notes, People In Our Times | No Comments »

Rockford celebrates Independence Day June 28-July 4

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

• Parade begins at 5 p.m. at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue, fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m., July 4

Staff Report

Rockford will celebrate the 236th anniversary of the July 4, 1776, adoption of the Declaration of Independence with a series of events running June 28-July 4.

Among the highlights of Rockford’s Fourth of July celebration is the largest fireworks show in the state of Illinois. More than 4,000 shells will light up the night sky over the Rock River beginning at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 4. The show will last approximately 30 minutes, and is synchronized to music on radio B103 (103.1 FM) and televised on WTVO Channel 17.

The spectacular fireworks dazzle the audience with large, colorful, breathtaking displays that are computer fired to ensure precision and accuracy.

SkyConcert 2012 opens the gates in Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., in downtown Rockford, at 3 p.m. for preferred seating to view the fireworks. (No food, pets, coolers or sparklers allowed.) Admission is $6 for the north side of Davis Park, which includes entertainment by The Dirty Fishnet Stockings band. The south side of Davis Park will offer entertainment from the Charlie Daniels Band from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost for the Charlie Daniels Band is $20 to $50. Tickets can be ordered at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, 300 Elm St., by phone at (815) 968-5222 or online at www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. Fireworks can be viewed from either side of Davis Park.

The annual Fourth of July Parade kicks off at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue at 5 p.m. The parade route travels from there down Seventh Street, then west on State Street, then west to Wyman Street, then south on Wyman to the railroad trestle on South Main Street, where it disbands.

Several food vendors are ready for business on the west side of the river along Wyman Street during this time.

Some of the parade participants have included the Rockford Police Color Guard, City of Rockford Pipe Band, Rockford Park District Police, Little Miss & Mr. Fourth of July winners and contestants, war veterans, Boys and Girls Club of Freeport, Rock River Valley Girl Scouts, Clan MacAlpine Pipes & Drums of Rockford, American Youth Soccer Organization and many others. This year’s Honorary Grand Marshal is Mimi Murphy, news anchor for WTVO Channel 17.

Following is the complete schedule of events for Rockford’s Fourth of July celebration. Visit www.rockfordfireandice.com for more information.

Thursday, June 28

7:30 p.m. — Rockford Park District Free Music in the Park at Sinnissippi Music Shell, featuring the Ac Rock, one of America’s great a cappella quartets.

Saturday, June 30

7:07 p.m. — Rockford Speedway: Stanley Steemer Star Spangled 76, Gilley’s Cool 5 Series Round II, Mobil 1 Mid-Season Championships, Late Models, Sportsmen, American Short Trackers, Road Runners, Flagpole Race, plus fireworks.

Tuesday, July 3

5 p.m. — Flag Retirement Ceremony sponsored by Wanchanagi District Boy Scouts of America & the Rockford Fourth of July Committee. Next to Symbol in Sinnissippi Gardens.

7:30 p.m. — Rockford Park District Free Music in the Park Concert at Sinnissippi Music Shell, featuring the Rockford Concert Band Patriotic Concert.

Wednesday, July 4

7 a.m. — MELD Classic 8k Run (7 a.m.), 2-Mile Run (7:05 a.m.), 1-Mile Fun Walk (8:30 a.m.). Begins on Madison Street under Jefferson Street bridge near the Trolley Station.

8:30 a.m. — Patriotic Breakfast sponsored by the Rockford Fourth of July Committee & Stone Eagle Tavern. Free continental breakfast to the first 1,000 people. Keynote speaker is State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford. Music Shell in Sinnissippi Park.

Noon — Meet Great Human Beings and get your picture taken. State and Main, Rockford.

3 — The Dirty Fishnet Stockings and Friends entertaining on the north side of the Lorden Building inside Davis Park, downtown Rockford. Join the fun with food and beverage available for purchase. Gates open at 3 p.m.

4:50 p.m. — Motorcycle Parade

5 p.m. — Rockford Fourth of July Parade. Televised on WTVO Channel 17. Featuring the new Rockford Drum & Bugle Corps in their first appearance. Parade kicks off at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue at 5 p.m. and ends near Davis Park (see above for details).

7 p.m. — The Charlie Daniels Band on the south side of the Lorden Building inside Davis Park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

9:30 p.m. — SkyConcert Fireworks Show begins. Synchronized to music over Davis Park in downtown Rockford. Davis Park offers the best view to see the incredible fireworks show. Bring your radio and lawn chair.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

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

Comptroller updates state transparency website

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka announced June 20 that she has added payment totals for state vendors and listings and compensation for all state officers and board and commission members as part of the latest enhancements to her office’s transparency website, The Ledger.

Launched in April, The Ledger set a new standard for state transparency by allowing taxpayers to click their way through everything from the state’s daily receipts and bill backlog numbers to state agency budgets and expenses.

In announcing the initiative, Topinka vowed to add to the site over time and provide even more information for public inspection. The Ledger can be found at ledger.illinoiscomptroller.com.

“We launched the most comprehensive, up-to-date online financial database that Illinois has seen — but we were not satisfied with stopping there,” Topinka said. “In meetings with constituents and media, I asked for suggestions on what else they would like to see, and these changes reflect those discussions.”

Specifically, Topinka said The Ledger now includes the following:

• Payment totals for state vendors;

• State officers and their compensation;

• State boards and commissions, members and compensation;

• Links to lobbyist information filed with the Illinois Secretary of State; and

• Links to General Assembly members and information.

“This is another step in our ongoing effort to provide information and restore the fiscal integrity of our state,” Topinka said. “And let me assure taxpayers that we’re not finished yet, so stay tuned.”

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in News, Statehouse News | No Comments »

Jobs and Opportunities: Week of June 27-July 3, 2012

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

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

The village of cherry valley is seeking individuals for the following positions: part-time Front Desk Receptionist, full-time Administrative Assistant, part-time Village Clerk. Wages for all three positions will be based on applicants’ experience and qualifications. Detailed job descriptions for all three positions can be found at www.cherryvalley.org. The Village of Cherry Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications will be accepted through EOB on Friday June 29, 2012. Send applications and résumés to: The Village of Cherry Valley, Attn: David W. Nord, Village Administrator, 806 E. State Street, Village of Cherry Valley, IL 61016. 6/27

KHLOROS KAFé part-time cook. Experience & references a must. Call John 815/988-5688. 7/11

WANTED: LAWN CARE HELP part-time, working up to full-time. Will train, DL helpful. 815/243-1075, leave message. 6/27

HELP WANTED: Local business looking for experienced telemarketers for business to business calling. No selling. Position entails generating leads for sales agents affiliated with a large national health insurance broker. Serious inquiries only. Call Chris at 815/505-5470. 7/3

Work at home commissioned salesman needed to sell sports memberships, contact alan at lockerroomtech.com 7/3

HELP WANTED: Local business looking for experienced telemarketers for business to business calling. No selling. Position entails generating leads for sales agents affiliated with a large national health insurance broker. Serious inquiries only. Call Brian at 520 249 1256. 7/11

HOME CARE ASSISTANTS Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Intouch Homecare Services for Seniors, has rewarding positions/ all shifts to help seniors to maintain their independence by providing non-medical personal care & housekeeping tasks. Must be at least 18 yrs of age & have HS diploma/GED (or 1 yr related exp).Exp. w/dementia /Alzheimer’s clients preferred. EOE CNAs ENCOURAGED TO APPLY! Apply In Person: 2222 E. State St. Suite 109 Rockford, IL 61104 Email:Audrey.abboud@LSSI.org 6/27

HELP WANTED!! Extra income! Mailing Brochures from home! Free supplies! Genuine opportunity! No experience required. Start immediately! www.theworkhub.net (VOID IN SD) (MCN)

LIVE-WORK-PARTY-PLAY! Play in Vegas, Hang in LA, Jet to NYC! Hiring 18-24 girls/ guys. $400-$800 wkly. Paid expenses. Signing Bonus. 1-866-251-0768 (MCN)

NON-PROFIT SEEKING HOST FAMILIES to host high school foreign exchange students. Students know English, and have own insurance and spending money. Wonderful way to learn about new cultures. 1-888-266-2921, www.ie-usa.com (MCN)

$8000+ FOR ENVELOPES! Receive $6-$8 for every envelope stuffed with our sales brochures: Guaranteed! Postage, supplies furnished. 1-800-538-7420 (Not Valid in SD) (MCN)

ACTORS/MOVIE EXTRAS needed immediately! $150-$300/day depending on job. No experience, all looks needed. 1-800-561-1762 Ext A-104 N-6/27

MYSTERY SHOPPERS NEEDED Earn up to $150 per day Undercover Shoppers Needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Experience Not Required Call Now 888-380-3513 N-6/27

Manufacturing

CNC Machinist, Apprenticeship training scholarship available. Lunquist Manufacturing, 5681 11th St. Rockford, IL. Apply in person. 7/11

Drivers

Drivers: CDL-A Route Delivery. Need Drivers for New Business in Elkhorn. $2,000 Sign On Bonus! $58K AVG 1st yr, $63 AVG After 2-3 day routes. Excellent benefits. Need 1 year T/T experience www.MBMCareers.com 7/11

$2000 Sign On Bonus! Class – A 2yrs Exp. Company Drivers .38cpm East & .34 all other. Health/Dental/401K. Owner Op’s 78% of line haul 100% FS. Plate Program, No electronics. Tom 800-972-0084 ext-169 7/3

Experienced OTR flatbed drivers, full and part-time 815/248-4601 ext. 0#, Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm. 7/18

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED – Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies! One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com (MCN)

ROEHL DRIVER TRAINING CENTER: America Needs Safe Professional Drivers! Develop the skills you need to become a driver today with RDTC’s 3 week Program to get your Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) *Tuition Assistance Program *Minimal Out-of-pocket Costs *17 day Nationally Recognized Training Program. Call Today! 888-867-6347 Or find out more about this great opportunity at Goroehl.com (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-OTR POSITIONS, Average 2,000-2,500 miles per week. Home Weekly. Tuition Reimbursement. Up to $1,200 Sign On Bonus for Experienced Drivers. deBoer Transportation 800-825-8511 www.deboertrans.com (ICAN)

TANKER & FLATBED Independent Contractors! Immediate Placement Available Best Opportunities in the trucking business CALL TODAY 800-277-0212 or www.primeinc.com (ICAN)

ATTENTION FLATBED DRIVERS: Great Starting Pay & Benefits. Fuel, Safety & Referral Bonuses. Home Weekends. Call & apply for a new career with gypsumexpress.com. 866-317-6556 ext.5. (ICAN)

DRIVERS: Experienced Drivers Needed! Ask about our NEW PAY SCALES for Company & Owner Operators today! Central Refrigerated (877) 369-7892 www.centraltruckdrivingjobs.com (ICAN)

DRIVERS – CDL-A TEAM with TOTAL! MILES * EQUIPMENT * BENEFITS Hazmat Teams Start at 50b/mile. OTR & Dedicated Runs Available 800-942-2104 Ext. 7307 or 7308 www.Drive4Total.com (ICAN)

OTR DRIVERS Premium Pay Package Start up to .46 cpm Hiring South of I-80 Call Today! 800-441-4271 X IL-100 HornadyTransportation.com (ICAN)

DRIVERS - CDL-A TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED! Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus for Experienced Drivers! New student pay AND Lease Program Now Available! 877-521-5775 www.USATRUCK.jobs (ICAN)

DRIVERS – New Freight lanes in your area. Annual Salary $45K to $60K. Flexible hometime. Modern Fleet of trucks. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com (ICAN)

Sales

GROWING HOME SERVICE AGENCY in need of part-time sales position (hourly & commission), part-time receptionist, experienced telemarketers 815/708-0008. 7/11

NATIONAL MARKETING ORGANIZATION LOOKING FOR SELF-MOTIVATED BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS FOR SALES AND MANAGERIAL POSITION. 815-282-3480. 7/4

Seeking Employment

I NEED WORK yard work, mowing grass and other jobs. Rockford only. 8am-6:30pm M-Sat, Call 815/977-4494. 7/3

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Classifieds, Jobs | No Comments »

Guest Column: Merit pay for teachers not as good as it sounds

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Amy Orvis

By Amy Orvis

Merit pay for teachers — sounds good, doesn’t it? Monetary reward for a job well done!? After all, shouldn’t those who give it their all, making huge educational impacts on their students, receive more money than the disinterested or lackadaisical teacher whose primary educational goal is to survive intact until Friday’s dismissal bell? Or even more than the once-dynamic teacher whose passion wore off before retirement was attained?

Sounds reasonable. So, where’s the rub? Why aren’t all of us teachers lining up in full support, especially the ones who deserve the extra pay? Ahh … there’s part of the reason: “deserve.” How is a determination made as to who the “deserving” even are?

But, we’ll continue with that later. Of more immediacy to me is the triple insinuation that: a) my motivation for teaching is primarily financial gain, b) I am not already giving 100 percent to my students, and c) I believe that any part of my teaching could be improved by changing my goal from educating the whole child and helping to ignite/promote compassionate global citizens, creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, life long learners, and future leaders, to that of the short-term goal of readying a group of students to score highly on a set of corporately-designed standardized tests (see below).

So, as for point a) motivation (please pick up a copy of Daniel Pink’s book, Drive) — I’m not a carrot and sticks (i.e., merit pay) worker. To me, teaching is a passion and an art. I am driven by deep intrinsic motivation because I love what I do, I love my students, I love to learn and I am enamored by creative endeavors.

I teach because I dash around the house on Saturdays collecting objects that have the root “mot” or “graph” in their names to fill in our “Realia” museum, or lay awake at night visualizing how I’ll display all the “tion” words my students race in with each day.

I teach because I spring out of bed at 3 a.m. with a dance idea to help students remember the difference between perimeter and area, and because I am in love with words, energized by my students, and get excited over professional books.

I teach because I have found the career that fits me to a T, truly want my students to thrive under the time I am blessed to have them (and thus, point b) — do give them 100 percent. I am not suggesting that I can afford to teach for free, or that I don’t believe that teaching is of enough value to our society to warrant a respectable salary. But to have someone honestly believe that I would “perform” better with a monetary bonus dangled in front of my nose if 72 percent of the class regurgitated items 79-89 correctly as opposed to 71 percent (point c)?

Listen to Theresa Amabile, professor at Harvard University, “The desire to do something because you find it deeply satisfying and personally challenging inspires the highest levels of creativity, whether it’s in the arts, sciences or businesses” (and certainly education).

Daniel Pink cites numerous studies that show that the “goals that people set for themselves and that are devoted to attaining mastery are usually healthy,” but conversely, goals set by others … standardized tests and so on — can sometimes have dangerous side effects.”

Such as? Mr. Pink suggests the following list (and I certainly concur), “Carrots and Sticks: The Seven Deadly Flaws”:

1. They can extinguish intrinsic motivation;

2. They can diminish performance;

3. They can crush creativity;

4. They can crowd out good behavior;

5. They can encourage cheating, shortcuts and unethical behavior;

6. They can become addictive; and

7. They can encourage short-term thinking.

Further, as Edward Deci, author of Intrinsic Motivation, opines, “when organizations use rewards like money to motivate staff, that’s where they’re most de-motivating.”

Frankly, the whole idea of objectifying the ART of teaching as if our children are products or robots, makes me ill.

The question still seems to beg, then — leaving the carrot sticks in the refrigerator drawer, how about rewarding those who do go the extra mile for the thrill of a job well-loved and also well-done? In a perfect world, perhaps. But instead, we loop back around to the previous question: “How is it determined who “deserves” this pay? Test scores? Peer reviews? Administrative evaluations? Parental recommendations? Student surveys? Some conglomeration of all of the above?

Shall I respond to each of these individually, or can I perhaps lump some of them together? Parental, student and peer input? The word subjective comes quickly to mind and topples those creative towers (perhaps Dad doesn’t like teacher’s homework policy, Student A got a D in math, Student Z enjoys teacher’s quirky sense of humor, Teacher A and Teacher B are in a church group together …).

Well, principal evaluations ought to be a valid measurement. The evidence-based Charlotte Danielson model is truly a valuable tool for both teachers and principals to encourage self-reflection as a route to excellence. So, through principal observation … oh, wait … although all of the principals I have worked with consider classroom observations to be one of their favorite duties, and partake in them every chance they get, there are also stacks of bus referrals begging to be attended to, communication with hundreds of parents, cafeterias that need monitoring, principal meetings to attend, bullying to confront … how to be present enough to truly get an accurate and consistent picture? Perhaps if we hire multitudes more principals (yeah, right). And, although I am fortunate enough to have always worked with the best of the best in my career, I do know of cases where nepotism, or prejudice, or simply personality conflicts do exist; and even if not intentional, subjectivity is, once again, bound to rear its ugly head.

This brings us to test scores: objectivity at its prime. Can we say “cultural/regional bias”? How about the “Pineapple test question”? (Google it.) Let’s not even mention the whole narrowing of the curriculum piece. Better yet, let’s mention it, “Put away that science experiment, Mr. Smith, and permanently shelve that brain research discussion, Mrs. Johnson. Those topics are not on the test!” Neither are the appreciation of art, literature, music. Neither are love, respect, giving, prudence, critical thinking, perseverance (except in the case of the Hare versus the Pineapple). Oh, and do the tests accommodate those with other learning styles, those who are not good written test-takers, those who come from a variety of backgrounds, those whose larger worries are the threats of a bully or of an abusive uncle? How about those whose gifts lie outside the test parameters?

Merit pay? Hmm … I suppose it is intended to get and keep quality teachers. Well, perhaps to that end we might have more rigorous requirements to obtain a professional teaching certificate, a salary to reflect that, a reliance on professional educators for making educational decisions, and creative autonomy for these professionals (many outstanding teachers have left the profession for lack thereof. I know that a couple years ago, I could have lost my job if my superintendent knew we were making a Latin roots display and planning a poetry coffeehouse night instead of “learning” roots and poetry from the mandated Pearson series — same company that writes pineapple questions no one can answer, creates test prep to prepare for their test questions, bribes superintendents to purchase their wares, and now wants to rob our schools even further by selling teacher evaluation kits to see how well we are “teaching” their products). Let’s follow Finland’s example.

Merit pay? You won’t find me in that line. I’m too busy doing what I really love.

Amy Orvis is a national board-certified Rockford Public School District 205 teacher.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 1 Comment »

Rockford’s Tilted Kilt hosts cruise nights through Aug. 17

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

Rockford’s Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at Best Western Clock Tower Resort will host a cruise night from 5 to 8 p.m., Fridays, July 6, July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 17.

Owners of classic muscle cars, rare antiques, tricked-out trucks, custom motorcycles, or other interesting modes of transportation are invited to display their vehicle during “Four Wheel Fridays.”

Participation is free, and exhibitors will receive special discounts on food at the Tilted Kilt and chances to win prizes, including a $100 Tilted Kilt gift card for fan favorite. Participants should pre-register their vehicles at www.tiltedkiltrockford.com.

Admission to attend is also free. Spectators will enjoy the live DJ playing car enthusiasts’ favorite music, be eligible to win door prizes, and receive special offers at the Tilted Kilt.

“Four Wheel Fridays” also hopes to attract exhibitors and guests from outside the Rockford area. Exhibitors can receive a discounted room rate, with or without CoCo Key waterpark passes, at the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center. The special rate is only available by calling the resort at 1-800-358-7666 and mentioning the “Four Wheel Fridays” event.

For more information or to sign up as an exhibitor for the Tilted Kilt’s “Four Wheel Fridays,” visit www.tiltedkiltrockford.com. The Tilted Kilt can be reached at (815) 229-4193. Best Western Clock Tower Resort is at 7801 E. State St.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Fast Lane | No Comments »

Hockey: IceHogs re-sign winger Svendson for 2012-13

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

The Rockford IceHogs, members of the American Hockey League (AHL) and top affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks, announced they have re-signed forward Brandon Svendson to an AHL contract for the 2012-13 season.

In 39 games with the IceHogs in 2011-12, Svendson accumulated 4g-10a-14pts. The winger also appeared in five games with the Binghamton Senators after beginning the year with the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL), where he notched 13g-22a-35pts. Svendson signed an AHL contract for 2011-12 with Rockford Jan. 23 after playing seven games on a PTO.

The Maplewood, Minn., native has skated in 230 games throughout his professional hockey career, including 176 contests in the AHL with Rockford, Binghamton and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

“We’re very excited about having Brandon back with the IceHogs for the upcoming season,” said Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard. “His character and ability as a player were very evident this past season, and his veteran presence is a great fit for our younger locker room.”

Svendson attended Rockford’s training camp last fall on a tryout, but was sent to Kalamazoo to start the season before getting another opportunity in January with the IceHogs.

“I’m really happy about returning to Rockford, and it’s a great situation for me to come into a place where I’m familiar with the organization and staff,” said Svendson. “It’s exciting to come back to a roster with a lot of returning players and good core group of guys. Pro hockey is unpredictable and anything can happen, but it’s a good opportunity for me to help the team and build on last season.”

The 5-foot-10, 176-pound forward has also appeared in ECHL contests with the Idaho Steelheads, Elmira Jackals and Kalamazoo Wings. Svendson helped Kalamazoo reach the 2011 Kelly Cup Finals, where he racked up 5g-7a-12pts in the postseason.

Before turning pro, Svendson attended Bowling Green State University (NCAA), where he played four seasons with the Falcons. He totaled 32g-44a-76pts in 148 collegiate games at BGSU.

Season ticket packages for the IceHogs’ 14th season of professional hockey in Rockford, including sixth as the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, are now on sale. Call (815) 847-6399 to reserve seats or visit icehogs.com for more information.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Banwarth House in Elizabeth hosts beekeeping speakers

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Allen Reed and Andrea Dubnick (Leaf River) will present “Beekeeping: the Queen of Hobbies,” about their adventures of keeping bees in northern Illinois, June 30. The talk begins at 1 p.m. at Banwarth House, an 1876 historical building, at 408 E. Sycamore St., Elizabeth, Ill.

Reed and Dubnick have kept bees for five years outside of Leaf River in Ogle County. They both have historical interests, and will include an overview of honey hunting and beekeeping throughout human history.

“The first three rules of beekeeping,” said Reed, “are these: You will get stung sometimes. Don’t open hives when the weather is cloudy and cold. And put three beekeepers together, and you’ll get at least four different opinions — on any topic!”

Dubnick added: “The first time I was ever stung was years ago when I leaned against a wall where a bee was catching her breath. I deserved that sting — I didn’t see her, and I squished her! I said to Allen, ‘I guess now we find out if I’m allergic.’ Apparently, I’m not!”

The couple moved from Chicago to Ogle County in 2003, and have regularly volunteered as historical interpreters at Apple River Fort, also in Elizabeth, since 2004.

Call Diane Sipiera at (815) 858-2014 for more information.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Eureka! Classifieds: Week of June 27-July 3, 2012

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

FOR SALE

Appliances

WHIRLPOOL WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER 10,000 BTU, $50 firm. 815/440-4440. 7/11

HAIER DORM-SIZED REFRIGERATOR $60, excellent condition 815/227-4807. 7/11

WHIRLPOOL GAS DRYER works great. Call 815/544-6004 $75. 7/3

12,000 BTU A/C works good $100, 2 dehumidifiers, $40 each. 815/871-7511. 6/27

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER $50, 815/877-5929. 6/27

GE 1000 WATT MICROWAVE, turntable, excellent condition $40 815/980-7863. TFN

ROPER WASHER, large load capacity and Roper dryer, heavy-duty super-capacity, $150 each. Kinetico brand water softener $100 815/978-7610. TFN

WASHERS, DRYERS, STOVES, refrigerators, ladders & lawn mowers, power tools, furniture items. Warranties included, delivery available. 815/721-6318. TFN

Cemetery Plots

2 SPACES Arlington Memorial Cemetery, $1750+fees, 815/708-6347, leave message. 7/3

4 CEMETERY LOTS at Willwood Cemetery 815/877-0145. 7/3

6 PLOTS Willwood Cemetery Call 815/289-7333 for information. 7/3

FOUR PLOTS Christus Garden Sunset Memorial Gardens. Asking $2000/plot. Seller will pay all fees. 815/520-7602. 7/3

WILLWOOD CEMETERY 4 spaces Concordia area $1795 each. 815/877-0145. TFN

1 SPACE IN SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS (Lutheran section). $1,600 + fees. 941/893-5283. janey08@comcast.net. TFN

RIVER VALLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS Dundee, IL. 4 spaces, Catholic section by the shrine. Valued at $6,000 – Make offer. 815/558-1478. TFN

Crafts

FREE PLASTIC CANVASprojects books and canvas 779/537-1484. 7/3

Electronics

Used XEROX 5028 black and white office copier. Includes storage base; 15 page sorter; two letter size, one legal size and one 11”x17” size paper trays; one extra toner. Copy cartridge partially used. Automatic doc. feeder needs repair. $500 OBO. Call 815/964-9767 M-F, 9:30-5:00 and ask for Frank. TFN

Equipment

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

Food

SAVE 65 PERCENT & Get 2 FREE GIFTS when you order 100 Percent guaranteed, delivered – to – the-door Omaha Steaks – Family Value Combo NOW ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1- 866-414-8037 use code 45069SQL or www.OmahaSteaks.com/fvc69 (MCN)

Furniture

DROPLEAF TABLE with formica top. Used, sturdy, good shape. $50 OBO, in Byron 815/978-7690. 7/11

LANE SECTIONAL SOFA good shape, $200 815/298-0426. 7/11

36X84 CONFERENCE TABLE with wood grain laminate top, nice condition $50 firm. 815/440-4440. 7/11

2 HARD MAPLE WOOD DRESSERS with mirror $250 OBO 815/566-0500. 7/11

OAK ROLLTOP DESK 57½” wide and antique oak desk chair Call after 4pm, M-F $300 815/713-8115. 7/11

TWO FRANKLIN OFF-WHITE micro-fiber suede-like recliners. Very clean, no pets/kids. $300 for both. 815/969-8899. 7/11

LA-Z-BOY ROCKER recliner, $60 OBO 815/977-5955. 7/3

SLEEPER SOFA neutral colors $125, pine glider rocker $30, black wooden rocker $15 815/968-7181. 6/27

ROLL -TOP DESK solid dark oak, 30-year-old, antique, excellent condition, 30” deep, 54” wide, 50” high, 7 drawers. $900. 815/398-7941. TFN

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

Garage Sale

GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE over 1500 items, this Saturday 11 to 6pm, furniture, antiques, glassware, miscellaneous. 172 E. Greenview, Machesney Park. 6/27

MULTIGENERATIONAL SALE infant boys, large women’s, teacher household, June 28-30, 521 Vale Ave. 6/27

MOVING SALE Poplar Grove, Thurs. June 28, Friday June 29, 3pm-7pm, 13032 Oak Lawn Ln. Items must go! 6/27

HUGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE June 28, 29 & 30, 514 W. 9th St., Belvidere, IL. Cheap prices, clothes, household items, misc. 6/27

204 S. 6TH ST. Many items, Friday and Saturday 9am-? 6/27

24 E. CENTER ST., MT. MORRIS children’s clothing, large 4ft. pool, lawn mowers, various yard equipment, various household items. June 28-30. 6/27

Misc. Items For Sale

CHICAGO WHITE SOX 2 tickets July 7th game, club level, parking included, aisle seats, $100 for both. 815/494-3770. 7/11

DELUXE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR 250lb. weight limit. Folding type, excellent condition, accessories, little use. $165, 815/323-9297. 7/11

ONE HALF T.W. diamond engagement ring, 14 carat gold band $900 cash only. 815/397-5092. 7/11

ELVIS PRESLEY slot machine, uses fake coins $250 815/332-4117. 7/11

fine art and collectible sale Vargas-Erte, calendar-pin -up 779/770-9621. 7/11

marilyn monroe American Classic Collection dolls (6) Beautiful gowns still in their boxes $120 815/874-2353. 7/11

WET TILE SAW Marvel & football card collections, fishing poles & reels, microwave. 815/962-5376. 7/3

wURLITZER ORGAN $350, in-ground basketball hoop $60, Ping piong table top $60 815/877-0145. 7/3

TWO WEDDING DRESSES $20 each. 815/484-4163. 6/27

LEATHER COACH PURSE, silk scarves, old mirrors, milk glass, primitives, furniture 815/395-1572. 7/3

aIR CONDITIONER UNIT twin tem.. 7700 BTU air, 4000 BTU heat 110V $100 firm. 7/3

2 complete twin beds one $60, one $80, mini refrigerator with freezer 2’x4’, microwave, nice, 2 single beds $50 each item. 815/489-9006. 7/3

NEVER USED SECURITY SYSTEM Residential $50 cash. Call 815/633-5719. 7/3

20 BAGS OF STOVE PELLETS $2.50/bag cash, you haul. 815/721-1864. 7/3

FIREWOOD FOR SALE by the face-cord, cheap! 815/441-3636. 6/27

BRONCO RIDER 2 SEATER for wooden swingset $50, wanted under water hulahoop for swimming pool. 815/391-5190. 6/27

STEEL CABINETS 16”X30” 30lbs. $20 815/621-5406. 6/27

WHIRLPOOL WASHER $150, Refrigerator, good beer cooler $35, slot machine with moveable cart & keys $150, grandfather clock, as is, $35 815/985-2924. 6/27

MANTIS DELUXE TILLER. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book! 866-542-5009 (MCN)

DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL – 888-543-6232 (MCN)

HYPNOTIZE YOURSELF With Professional Results! Save Thousands! Satisfaction GUARANTEED! Complete Package Including RUSH Delivery And FREE MYSTERY GIFT $10! Neuman, PO Box 1157 – Dept H, Saint George, UT 84771, 435-673-0420 (MCN)

MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA MATTRESSES T-$299 F-$349 Q-$399 K-$499 ADJUSTABLES -$799 FREE DELIVERY LIFETIME WARRANTY 90 NIGHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP1-800-287-5337 WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM N-6/27

AT&T U-VERSE for just $29.99/mo! SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (select plans). Limited Time Call NOW! 877-276-3538 N-6/27

HOT-TUB/SPAÉ Deluxe 2012 Model Neckjets, Therapyseat, Never Used, Warranty, Can Deliver. Worth $5950. Sell $1950. (800) 960-7727 N-6/27

BUNDLE & SAVE on your CABLE, INTERNET PHONE, AND MORE. High Speed Internet starting at less than $20/mo. CALL NOW! 800-291-4159 N-6/27

AT&T U-VERSE just $29.99/mo! Bundle Internet+Phone +TV & SAVE. Get up to $300 BACK! (Select plans). Limited Time CALL 800-418-8969 & Check Availability in your Area! N-6/27

Sporting Goods

ELLIPTICAL NORDICTRACK like new, hardly used, computerized, uphill, $600 815/963-7783. 7/11

FOR SALE brand new children’s bike 18” with training wheels $39 OBO 815/621-5406. 7/11

2010 YAMAHA GOLF CART fully equipped, like new, one owner, new $8000, sacrifice $5000 815/494-5694. 7/3

Sportcraft Silver Line Turbo Hockey Table For Sale. Rail-mounted LED scorer, arcade-style legs with leg levelers for installation flexibility, tri-lam, polycoated, high-gloss playing surface, new patent-pending centrifuge blower and plenum air-box design for maximum and even air pressure, complete with all accessories, 2 pushers and 3 pucks. Assembled Sportcraft hockey table dimensions: 84″ x 48″ x 32.” Table is in great shape, barely used for $100. 815-964-0102. TFN

BRAND NEW 16” children’s bike, $35 OBO 815/621-5406. 7/3

Thrift Store

Crusader Thrift Shop,310 7th Street - Open Mon.-Sat. from 11am to 3pm. Abundance of children’s clothes, 10¢ to $1. Most ladies spring/summer clothes ½ price (except new). Our 25¢ & 50¢ racks are back again! 90% of books ½ price. 2 like new highchairs, lg microwave, many afaghans ½ price, like-new stroller, lots of buttons. We now have our parking place in front of the store again. We put out new supplies every day. TFN

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

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

Brooke Road Thrift Shop, 1404 Brooke Rd. Lots of clothes, shoes, knick knacks, and misc. Open Wednesdays, 9-12. TFN

MISSION MART THRIFT Benefits Rockford Rescue Mission. 1405 Kishwaukee St. 1235 Sandy Hollow, M-S 9-5pm. TFN


SERVICES

Adoption

Loving married couple wishes to adopt a child, newborn to 24 months. Stable home. Michelene & Richard 877-507-5471. hope2adopt@comcast
.net. Provider ID #012998 TFN

ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless, young, married (ages 31/34) couple seek to adopt. Doctor dad and devoted mom. Financial security. Expenses paid. Beth & Ari. 1-888-729-9030 (MCN)

ADOPT – Happily Married, Financially Secure, Christian Couple Yearn To Adopt A Newborn, Expenses paid. Please call Doug & Ellen. 1-877-742-6061 (MCN)

HAPPILY MARRIED young couple (30’s) seeks to adopt and complete family. Full Time Mom/ Devoted Dad. Financial security. Expenses Paid. Call Lenny & Christina 1-888-537-5055 (MCN)

Art Gallery

1018 7TH ST. DAN TAY ART GALLERY open 9-5pm, Wednesday & Thursday, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean paintings. 6/27

Cleaning

HAVE YOUR HOME SPARKLE & shine! Call Carolyn 815/391-5085 Licensed & bonded.6/27

BETWEEN CORNERS CLEANING SPECIALISTS weekly, bi-weekly, monthly service schedules. Free on-site estimates. Homes, offices, apartments, Call 779/771-4658 or 779/500-9654. 7/11

Education

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800-401-2385 www.CenturaOnline.com (MCN)

WORK ON JET ENGINES – Train for hands-on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-231-7177. (MCN)

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA-approved training. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 800-481-8312 (ICAN)

MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at SC Training! No Experience Needed! Job placement after online training! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-877-649-3155. (ICAN)

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA-approved training. Financial aid if qualified Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM (888)686-1704 N-6/27

MEDICAL CAREERS begin here Online training for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-6/27

WORK ON JET ENGINES Train for hands-on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified Job placement assistance. Call AIM (866) 854-6156. N-6/27

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-6/27

Financial

EVER CONSIDER A REVERSE MORTGAGE? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 866-215-9894 (MCN)

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT Cash Now!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates Apply Now By Phone! 1-800- 568-8321. www.lawcapital.com (MCN)

CREDIT CARD DEBT? LEGALLY HAVE IT REMOVED! Minimum $7,000 in debt to qualify. Utilize Consumer Protection Attorneys. Call now! 1-888-237-0388 N-6/27

Handyman

JOHN B’S No job too small, I do it all! Local. 509/218-1677. 6/27

Hauling

ANDY’S A-1 HAULING SERVICE We’ll Dash for Your Trash. Reliable service & Fair rates, full service or 15-yard dumpster, residential or real estate clean up work, entire estate, property, house & garage clean outs. Locally owned & operated. Thank you for your business! 815/965-3289 or 815/262-5417. 8/29

CHAD’S HAULING & GENERAL LABOR 10-year solid reputation. Garage, basement & estate clean-outs. Yard waste removal, gutter cleaning, tree trimming, etc. FREE Estimates. 15% Senior Discount. www.chadshauling.com 815/979-7593. 6/20

Health & Medical

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 1-888-737-9930 (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)

CANADA DRUG CENTER is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 866-983-1784 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. (MCN)

TAKE VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG! 40 Pills +4FREE for only $99. #1 Male enhancement. Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! 1-888-796-8870 N-6/27

TAKE VIAGRA/ CIALIS? Save $500.00! Get 40 100mg/20mg Pills, for only-$99! +4-Bonus Pills FREE! #1 Male Enhancement. 1-800-213-6202 N-6/27

Legal Services

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. WIN or Pay Nothing! Start Your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 888-835-8412 (MCN)

*BEEN DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Thousands of disabled Americans are denied each year. We may be able to help. Free initial consultation. Please call Carter Law Firm 1-800-808-9630 (MCN)

NEED LEGAL HELP? FREE REFERRAL Call 877-270-3855 Courtesy of the Illinois State Bar Association at www.IllinoisLawyerFinder.com (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. 6/27

Misc. Services

LOSE BELLY FAT Lose inches off your waist. See results in as little as 45 minutes. Try it for $25. The ultimate body applicator tightens, tones and firms. Get the sexy body you deserve. Call for an appointment today Contact Rena Day dayrena.myit
works.com 815/391-4589. Start your own business, become a distributor today for as little as $99. 8/8

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)

SEARCH THOUSANDS OF CLASSIFIED ADS FROM AROUND THE MIDWEST! Give it a try! Go to http://www.mw-ads.com. Ads from Free Papers offer you great bargains. (MCN)

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

TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call PaperChain at 931-922-0484 or e-mail info@paperchain.com (MCN)

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SAVE MONEY! Struggling To Make Ends Meet? Visit Us For All The Latest Printable Coupons, Deals, Giveaways & The Best Savings Around. Never Pay Full Price Again! 615-613-3306, www.Blissful-Savings.com (MCN)

NEED TO PLACE YOUR AD in more than 300 Illinois newspapers? Call Illinois Press Advertising Service 217-241-1700 or visit www.illinoispress.org (ICAN)

REACH OVER 20 MILLION HOMES nationwide with one easy buy! Only $2,395 per week for a 25-word classified! For more information go to www.naninetwork.com N-6/27

Tree Service

Tree removal and trimming Bucket truck service, stump grinding/removal, skid-loader work. Fully insured. References available. 815/378-0671. 9/5

Weddings & Occasions

Need an inexpensive caring minister for your special event or for counseling? Call Dr. Chuck Olson at 815/342-6064. 7/11

PERSONALS
CHRISTIAN WIDOW WOMAN 58 years young seeks Christian gentleman for friendship. Call 815/708-2795: days. 7/11

SWM SEEKS SGM to help out of closet, very willing for intercourse. Own house. 779/537-4105. 7/11

SWM 47 looking for sexy, adventurous females. For info call 815/312-9076. 7/11

SWM 50, seeks clean girl that I can love and pleasure. Own house. 779/537-4105. 7/11

SWM 60’S SEEKS IN SHAPE SWF’s and Spanish, Asian females for friendship and fun times. 779/200-5208. 7/11

VERY NICE SENIOR LADY would like to meet a nice senior man in his 70’s for friendship. Call Nola 815/742-1513. 7/11

SWM 47 SEEKS THE companionship of a financially stable female. For info call 815/312-9076. 7/3

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALE 36, looking for companionship, friendship, warm-hearted female. Race unimportant. 312-388-1507. 7/3

SWM SEEKS TWO MD WOMEN+ Age, size unimportant, your pleasure my concern. Own house 779/537-4105. 7/3

SWF 65 SEEKS SWM over 60 for walks, concerts, BBQ’s, movies, museums, summer fun! 815/961-2611. 7/3

AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE, 50 looking for companionship, candlelight dinners, dancing, kind and warm single man, race unimportant. 779/770-5569. 6/27

WHITE, ATTRACTIVE freaky, bi-sexual couple seeking freak couples or freaky single women for fun, excitement. 779/348-5192. 6/27

BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN SWM age 49, seeking born-again Christian SWF ages 35-50 for dating call 815/963-2433. 6/27

I AM TRANSGENDER 36, looking for someone to date, guys or girls, upper 20’s-40’s. Leave a message. Please don’t call restricted or private, I will not answer. 815/766-2067. 7/3

WHITE TALL GUY 30 would like to meet a single white lady 30-45 for romance and LTR, Rockford area. Call or leave message 779/770-7194. 6/27

THIS BISEXUAL MALE is seeking other guys for dating and possible roommate options. For more details call 815/290-9012. TFN

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

MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-877-737-9447 N-6/27

Public Announcement

BUSTRIP TO LITTLE NORWAY and Mt. Horeb Coffestuen, July 21st. Sons of Norway Vahalla Lodge $30 inclusive. Call 815/226-4884 for info. 7/11

ANNUAL PECATONICA RIVER QUEEN Sunday, July 29th 815/599-5690, usyf.org. Volunteers needed. 7/25

come worship with us at 10th Street Church of Christ 815/397-1855. TFN

COME WORSHIP WITH US at Kishwaukee Church of Christ. TFN

MORRIS KENNEDY/NASHOLD SCHOOL- all class reunion. Sat. July 21st, Blackhawk Springs Park, 5260 S. Mulford Rd. For info call Barb 815/282-8439 or Olga 815/229-5992. 7/18

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS Court St. Methodist, Mondays at 6pm. TFN

REIKI ENERGY HEALING resumes at RVC, 3350 N. Bell School Rd. on Wednesdays, Starting February 15, 6-9pm. TFN

Al-Anon, support group for families and friends of alcoholics. Help-line: (815) 399-0456. TFN

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

Power of the Blood SDC Ministry 816 Marchesano Dr, Rockford, IL 61102. We are looking for a building. Services currently held every 3rd & 4th Thursday @ 7pm. APOSTLE EDWARD A. JOHNSON OVERSEER I’ll pray for you & you pray for me. Watch God change things! 779/770-9853, 815/904-0080. Thank you & God Bless. TFN

Welcome to St. Sebastian Orthodox Church. Traditional liturgy every Sunday, 10:30 am, 2415 Charles St., Suite 20×1, Rockford, IL. Call 815/520-4374. TFN

Organ, Blood, & Tissue Donation

26-YR-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. 815/670-9082. 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 Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Web site: www.cfnil.org .


PETS

For Sale

2 MALE KITTENS 4 months old, $15 each. 779/770-9134. 7/11

AWESOME AKC BLACK LAB (Famous Dave) desires AKC female Lab (stud service) 815/963-7848. 7/11

SHIH TZU PUPPIES purebred, 1st shots, worming $450 779/537-9476. 7/3

Rescue/Foster

MY NAME IS PEPPER I am a very sweet & loving 1½ yr old female black Lab & pitbull mix. I am looking for a forever loving home with you. I have been spayed and have all my shots. $50, serious calls only. 815/980-7863. TFN

3 BOY KITTENS- Gold & white. 9 months old. All shots. Neutered. Looking for forever-loving indoor homes. $20. Serious calls only. 815/980-7863. TFN

RESCUED CATS- 2 pure gray females, 2 pure gray males. Sweet & loving, spayed & neutered, shots. Looking for forever-loving indoor homes. $20. Serious calls only. 815/980-7863. TFN

‘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. TFN


WANTED

LOOKING TO BUY: oak furniture. We have tables, beds, benches and more. 815/968-5903. 7/11

WANTED: A SMALL ENGINE mechanic to fix my rear engine Cub Cadet model 804 815/312-9076. 7/3

wanted: old antique wood fishing lures, reels, rods Rockford Freeport lures also. 815/868-2425. 7/3

wanted – good mechanic to replace oil seals in a 1986 Toyota MR-2. Call 815/312-9076

wanted: boy scout memorabilia Emblems, badges, medals, pins wanted. Pre-1960’s if possible. 815/544-3918. 6/27

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

PAYING CASH! Diabetic Test STRIPS WANTED. Will pay up to $17 per box. Quick & local. Call Nancy. 815/519-9966. TFN

FAST PAYMENT for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Free Shipping, Best Prices and 24 hour payment. Get paid and help others. Call Patti at 855-578-7477 or visit us at www.TestStripSearch.com (MCN)

**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-6/27

CA$H PAID -UP TO $27/BOX for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. SE HABLA ESPANOL. Emma 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com N-6/27

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Classifieds | 1 Comment »

Toronzo Cannon & Cannonball Express at Sinnissippi June 30

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Toronzo Cannon & Cannonball Express performs at the Sinnissippi Music Shell at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

Charlotte’s Web for the Performing Arts notes that this will be their 14th year of collaborating with the Rockford Park District in the three-concert Saturday Sinnissippi Summer Series. The next concert will be at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St.

Kicking it off with some high-energy Chicago blues, marking his Rockford debut is Delmark recording artist Toronzo Cannon & Cannonball Express. Growing up in the shadows of Chicago’s blues mecca, Theresa’s Lounge, had a lasting effect on Toronzo Cannon. As a kid, he listened to the raw, soulful sounds of legends like Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters.

“It wasn’t just the music that got me, but the effect on the people,” he recalled. “I knew right then, that was what I was gonna do.” These experiences led him to pick up his first guitar as a teen-ager and begin to learn to sing and play the sounds he heard.

Inspired by the three Kings (Freddie, B.B. and Albert), a little Hendrix and some ’70s R&B/Soul, Toronzo soon developed his own sound. “If I wasn’t gigging, I was hitting every jam session I could find. I couldn’t get enough,” he said. It was during this time that he developed his own powerful, gospel-flavored vocal style and electrifying stage presence.

Mark Thompson, former president of Crossroads Blues Society, writes: “While some fear for the future (of blues), Toronzo Cannon uses vibrant material coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm to provide ample evidence that the blues tradition is safe in his hands.”

Charlotte’s Web gives a great big “thank you” to the Rockford Park District for making the Charlotte’s Web Summer Series at Sinnissippi possible free to the community. Rain site is Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St. Call (815) 987-8800 after 2:30 p.m. on the day of the concert for rain site info. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Picnic baskets are welcome, no alcohol.

The Rockford Park District welcomes the opportunity to assist guests with special needs. The Music Shell is wheelchair accessible. An assistive listening system is available for those who are hard of hearing. For special assistance, call (815) 987-1600 (voice/TTY) at least 48 hours in advance.

For more about concerts, call (815) 964-2238 or visit www.CharlottesWebofRockford.org.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

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

Local student to attend summer science program

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Local student and budding scientist Ceyda Bertram is one of only 19 American students chosen to attend the prestigious summer science program at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, one of the world’s foremost centers of scientific research and graduate study.

Ceyda, a college-bound Rockford resident, applied for the 44th annual Dr. Bessie Lawrence International Summer Science Institute (ISSI) to pursue her passion for scientific research. She is looking for new experiences in science, and the variety of programs excited her to know she will learn things she may not have the chance to otherwise.

ISSI, a four-week, intensive science exploration, affords students the opportunity to work in small groups with world-renowned scientists and graduate students, conducting actual, ongoing research. Participants select a subject area in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer sciences. Senior Weizmann Institute scientists give supplemental lectures, and participants are invited to join departmental talks and visit the campus’ state-of-the-art science facilities.

Ceyda attended Guilford High School in Rockford and has previously done cancer research through the Summer Science Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford Campus. The first summer Ceyda was an intern, studying protein pathways and their alterations after chemotherapy in melanoma cells. Her second summer, she was both a volunteer and a mentor to a new intern.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Community News and Notes, People In Our Times | 1 Comment »

Guest Column: Food allergies on the rise: Illinois kids need to be protected

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Dennis L. Vickers, M.D., MPH
President, Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

Odds are you know someone with a food allergy. For reasons not yet fully understood by the medical community, food allergies have become more prevalent in recent years, and their effects can be devastating. Because first-time allergic reactions are most likely to occur in childhood, it is critically important that we safeguard our kids against this very real threat.

One in 13 children now suffers from some type of food allergy, and of those affected, nearly 40 percent suffer from allergies that are severe to life-threatening. These allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can result in death, which accounts for more than 300,000 hospital visits by children every year.

And since children spend so much of their time in class, it should be no surprise that 25 percent of first-time anaphylactic reactions among children occur in school. This harrowing statistic proves we must have a safety net in place for the children who are not aware they have a food allergy, in case the worst happens.

The tragic case of Katelyn Carlson, the Chicago student who lost her life to a severe anaphylactic reaction in 2010, was a powerful wake-up call for parents, teachers and health care providers across Illinois. The day she died, Katelyn was not carrying epinephrine, the life-saving medication used to treat anaphylactic reactions. Since her death, Illinoisans have spoken out in favor of allowing schools to carry epinephrine for kids like Katelyn, and this grassroots movement led to real change last fall.

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation in August 2011, allowing schools to voluntarily maintain a supply of emergency epinephrine auto-injectors (commonly known as EpiPens) for students who have forgotten their prescription at home or who do not have a known allergy.

Prior to this, only students with a personal prescription could carry epinephrine at school, and undiagnosed children who experienced a sudden reaction had to wait for emergency services to arrive, thus losing precious life-saving minutes. While the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) applauds and celebrates the intentions of the new legislation, many physicians are unaware of the legislation or reluctant to prescribe epinephrine to Illinois schools.

Some physicians and nurses believe they will be held liable should a child have an adverse reaction to the epinephrine — a belief that is entirely unfounded and inaccurate. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) even issued a statement to emphasize that under the new law, a physician who provides a standing protocol or prescribes a supply of emergency epinephrine to a school is to incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, for any injury arising out of the use of an epinephrine auto-injector.

The legislation also clearly states that a school’s employees will incur no liability for the administration of epinephrine, provided the agent acted in good faith.

ICAAP calls on the entire medical community in Illinois, including our 2,000 members and their colleagues, as well as school officials and parents across the state, to learn more about this legislation, and to protect our children and begin stocking life-saving epinephrine in Illinois schools. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.

Dennis L. Vickers, M.D., MPH is president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

Guest Column: Kish alcohol ban has returned river to citizens

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Editor’s note: The following guest column is in response to the June 13-19 editorial “Kishwaukee booze ban continues Dumb to Dumbest,” by Frank Schier, editor and publisher of The Rock River Times.

By Ron Sabbe

Frank Schier, shame on you! Your rant and attack on the Friends of the Kishwaukee River (FOTKR) was disgusting and inaccurate. I know some of these members, and they are not “environmental elitists,” as you imply. It is not their goal to have the Kish a “river less traveled,” as you opined. Also, what about the statement that “oddly, many members of FOTKR … attend green drink events”? Are you equating having a beer at a social gathering with drinking on the Kish, tossing cans and bottles into the river and using profanity? That is a false equivalency, Frank. You also write that littering and parking problems have been vastly overblown. How would you know? I’ve been canoeing the Kish for nearly 50 years, and have lived on the banks of this gem of a river for 22 years. During this time, I can say the littering gets worse every year.

Contrary to what Mr. [Steven H.] Larsen (Larsen’s Landing Outfitters, June 13-19 guest column, “Freedoms being denied by alcohol ban at Kish access sites”) writes, the vast majority of litter is beer cans, soda cans and beer bottles. The busiest day of the week is not Saturday but Sunday, at least on the stretch of river from Baumann Park to Kishwaukee Forest Preserve. If you want to see litter, canoe this stretch on Monday after a warm weekend and take notice of the disgusting amount of trash left behind.

Mr. Larsen states “a very few irresponsible individuals” are to blame. I view this river every day, and I can confidently say he could not be more wrong, and is vastly underestimating the problem. He also laments that a “resident who wants to share the silent sport of paddling with his child … will no longer be able to crack a cold one.” If you want “silent paddling,” you better be off the river by 11 a.m., or that silence will have disappeared. Instead, you will hear screaming and hollering (not all alcohol-fueled) and profanity (mostly alcohol-fueled). Be prepared to explain the meaning of this profanity to your child.

Then, there is this “freedoms being denied” idea. There is no freedom to drink alcohol wherever one desires. Laws dictate when and where it is acceptable. Your freedoms end where mine begin. The freedom to enjoy public parks (preserves) should not be denied by the behavior of ne’er-do-wells soaked in alcohol.

It has been two weeks since the ban began, and the behavior on the Kish has changed. We have observed less littering, profanity and rude behavior to an unbelievable degree. The Kish has been given back to the citizens who would like to share this beautiful river with family and friends. Come out and enjoy the river and nature. Now that’s freedom!

Ron Sabbe is a resident of Cherry Valley, Ill.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 4 Comments »

Following the recent negative sports headlines

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

If you’ve spent any amount of time recently watching the television news, you’ve probably noticed that not all of the sports-related stories have come after the weather segment. Unfortunately, many of the recent sports stories that are making the news portion of the broadcast aren’t positive in nature.

The coverage of the Jerry Sandusky trial has managed to sicken me almost daily over the past few days. June 22, Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of 48 charges of sexual abuse of young boys over a 15-year period. I hope he is put away for the remainder of his life — as legal experts predict the 68-year-old former Penn State assistant football coach will be — and the national media make a conscious effort to ignore him. That’s what I intend to do.

Roger Clemens hasn’t thrown a blistering fastball in a Major League Baseball game in several years, yet I’ve heard more about him in the last week than what I feel is necessary. Multiple stories have rehashed his troubles and the congressional investigation that followed.

Did he take performance-enhancing drugs while pitching for the Boston Red Sox or didn’t he? Did he know if there were any steroids in the shots he was being given? Did he lie about the entire subject under oath? In a career in which he earned several records and honors, it’s sad that these questions will continue to haunt him, regardless of any jury’s decision.

He won bicycling’s most prestigious event, the Tour De France, a record seven times in a row. Almost a decade later, Lance Armstrong is still fielding questions about doping. Although he’s never failed a drug test, the accusations continue to dog him. He’s currently banned from competing in Iron Man triathlon events. This story is far from over, and will undoubtedly continue to be talked about by anchormen instead of sportscasters.

Finally, I did see a positive sports-related story on the news last week. It was the 40th anniversary of Title IX. The law is most commonly associated with equal rights for women in high school and collegiate athletics. What is truly ironic is that the original statute never mentioned anything about sports. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity.”

Regardless of its original intention, Title IX has provided millions of deserving girls and young women with the opportunity to participate in athletics and pursue scholarships and professional careers that weren’t available prior to its adoption in 1972.

I make an effort to watch the national and local news programs as often as I possibly can. It’s not that uncommon to hear something negative concerning a professional athlete, coach, manager or owner during the news. It’s almost predictable that it will involve drugs and/or alcohol.

What truly is a rarity is when a positive sports-related story makes it into the news segment of the broadcast. On the occasion that it does happen, it ceases to be just sports, and it really does become news.

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

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Public safety tip from the Rockford Police Department

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

Now that summer is here, the Rockford Police Department would like to inform the public, especially parents, about the city’s curfew ordinance.

Any minor younger than 17 years of age cannot be present in or upon any public assembly, building, place, street or highway in the City of Rockford between:

12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday or Sunday, or

11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, inclusively, and 6 a.m. on the following day, while not accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible companion at least 21 years of age approved by a parent or legal guardian or while not engaged in some lawful occupation.

Parents, be mindful of your child’s location after dark.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Local entertainment groups premiere feature film June 30

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

June 30 at the Tebala Shrine Auditorium, Matthew Cichella and Never Submit Entertainment will present their first joint feature film release, Poetic, for an intimate world premiere screening in Cichella’s hometown of Rockford. Two short films, Travis Legge’s Taxidermy and Myke Wilson’s Invitation, will be shown prior to the main screening.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased either at the door or in advance at www.poeticmovie.com, and advance tickets are available at Disc Replay. All seats are general admission.

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Scares That Care charity in an effort to assist women and young children who have been badly burned and/or injured.

Proceeds from this show will specifically be used for an 8-year-old boy who was badly burned on more than 80 percent of his body and lost his father in the fire.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the film begins at 8 p.m. For more information, e-mail mcefilms@gmail.com.

Poetic is an intense, character-driven psychological thriller that centers on a world full of deceit, passion and revenge. One couple finds themselves caught in the middle of this when they are kidnapped by “Cowboy,” a mysterious and merciless renegade killer who takes karma into his own hands.

Now prisoners in their own home, the couple is turned against one another and forced to relive their dirty little secrets. Their domestic quarrel turns into a nightmare they may never awake from.

The original soundtrack for this film was created by Rockford’s own talent. Artists include Holland Zander of The Sensations and Steve Lindsay & Whiskey Train; Tom & Crystal Parrott from Nikovtyme; and the Hall of Fame Trophy Gang.

Alcoholic beverages will be available in the Tebala Shrine Pyramid Club, featuring Hayes beer products. All patrons must be 21 with valid photo I.D. to purchase alcohol.

The film is unrated, although it contains adult language, graphic violence and graphic sexual images. It is not suitable for anyone younger than 18. Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and no one younger than 13 will be allowed to attend. Poetic was created in association with Plastic Age Productions and Cazares Entertainment.

Tebala Shrine Temple is at 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

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

Group alleges lawyers for Nora, Ill., megadairy are misleading USEPA, Department of Justice

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Staff Report

WARREN, Ill. — In a letter to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) dated Dec. 12, 2011, megadairy lawyer David Crass, of Michael Best and Freidrich, promised to begin performing a series of tests at the Nora megadairy site no later than March 26, 2012. These tests, which were designed to scientifically prove the presence or absence of fractured bedrock under the megadairy, were agreed upon in late 2011 after a series of meetings between the USEPA, the DOJ and representatives of the megadairy.

Yet, in an article in the April 19, 2012, issue of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Donald Manning, another lawyer representing the megadairy, told reporters there is no dye-tracing project under way.

Neighbors of the site say there hasn’t been any activity at the megadairy all year, except for the removal of building materials. Nora is a small village of about 120 in Jo Daviess County in northwestern Illinois.

The DOJ stepped in after the megadairy repeatedly refused to fully answer questionnaires provided by the USEPA, asserting the USEPA had no right to investigate the facility. Once the DOJ stepped in, lawyers for the megadairy met with the USEPA and finally agreed to the dye tracing.

According to reports by nearby residents, preliminary work to conduct the testing began in 2011, when they gave megadairy scientists access to their property to sample perennial springs in preparation for the study.

However, Matthew Alschuler, president of the 501(c)(3) pro-agriculture group Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (HOMES), said: “The Traditions megadairy appears to be ignoring USEPA’s mandates once again by not performing these tests. If the megadairy really wanted to prove the facility won’t contaminate our drinking water, they should complete the testing they agreed to, instead of further provoking the USEPA and the DOJ.”

Sept. 2, 2011, the Illinois EPA denied a permit that would have allowed the megadairy to build a 14-acre manure pond over the headwaters of a tributary to the Apple River. A spokesman for Illinois EPA mentioned their agency would like to see the results of dye tracing tests before reconsidering any permits for this site.

The letter, written by Crass, was recently obtained from the USEPA via the Freedom of Information Act. Upon request, HOMES will provide a copy to any interested parties.

For more about HOMES and to help support the cause, visit www.StopTheMegaDairy.org.

HOMES is a tax-exempt, pro-agriculture group of farmers and citizens dedicated to protecting family farms, rural communities, human health, and the environment by promoting sustainable agriculture and conserving natural resources.

From the June 27-July 3, 2012, issue

Posted in News, Regional News | No Comments »