Archive for January, 2013

Durbin, Bustos discuss Thomson prison with Federal Bureau of Prisons director

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Online Staff Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jan. 31, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., discussed the Barack Obama administration’s continued commitment to opening Thomson Correctional Center with the director of the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons, Charles Samuels.

“Now that the acquisition of Thomson prison is complete, the Department of Justice has begun preparing for its activation, and Director Samuels assured us that process is moving forward,” said Durbin, who worked for more than three years to secure the purchase of Thomson prison by the federal government. “When President Obama releases his budget in the next few weeks, it should include funding for prison activation. Over the next few months, I will be working with Congresswoman Bustos to ensure that opening Thomson prison — and bringing jobs and economic activity to northwest Illinois communities — remains a priority.”

Bustos said: “I was pleased to hear today from Director Samuels that continued progress is being made toward the opening of Thomson prison. Thomson prison represents an economic shot in the arm to our region, and I look forward to working with Sen. Durbin over the coming months to make sure this job-creating facility continues to be on track for opening.”

Oct. 2, 2012, Durbin and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) announced that the federal government had purchased Thomson Correctional Center for use as a maximum-security federal prison to alleviate overcrowding in the federal prison system.

The federal government’s operation of Thomson is expected to provide a major boost to the local economy and create more than 1,100 jobs. Annual operation of the facility is expected to generate more than $122 million in operating expenditures (including salaries), $19 million in labor income, and $61 million in local business sales.

The Thomson facility was built in 2001 by the State of Illinois as a state-of-the-art, maximum-security prison to house the most severe criminal offenders. The bulk of the facility was never occupied, however, and is sitting vacant. The facility was constructed on a 146-acre piece of land and has 1,600 beds with eight compartmentalized units designed for maximum inmate supervision and control. The facility is enclosed by a 12-foot exterior fence and 15-foot interior fence, which includes a dual-sided electric stun fence.

Posted Jan. 31, 2013

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U.S. Rep. Kinzinger in Rockford Feb. 1, hosts area traveling office hours Feb. 5-6

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill.

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U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., who represents the Rockford area as part of the new 16th Congressional District, will be in Rockford Friday, Feb. 1, for the Tooling and Manufacturing Association Breakfast at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. The breakfast runs 8-9:30 a.m.

Kinzinger will answer questions on a panel along with State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford; State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford; and Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I).

Kinzinger’s office has also announced it will hold traveling office hours throughout the 16th Congressional District, although the congressman will not be present during the office hours because of his schedule in the United States House of Representatives.

Kinzinger’s office holds traveling office hours to assist residents across the 16th Congressional District. Constituents are encouraged to stop by and ask questions or seek assistance about any issues they may have with federal agencies ranging from Medicare and Social Security to veterans benefits and immigration issues.

Caseworkers and field representatives will be available at the traveling office hours to facilitate questions and personally address any problems residents may have. No appointments are necessary.

Those who cannot attend the traveling office hours, but have questions, can contact the Ottawa District Office at (815) 431-9271.

Following are area traveling office hours, by county:

Boone County — Wednesday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-noon, Belvidere City Hall, City Council Chambers, 401 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere, Ill.

DeKalb County — Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1-2 p.m., DeKalb Municipal Building, Small Conference Room, 200 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, Ill.

Lee County — Tuesday, Feb. 5, noon-1 p.m., Dixon City Hall, Basement Conference Room, 121 W. Second St., Dixon, Ill.

Ogle County — Wednesday, Feb. 6, noon-1 p.m., Rochelle City Hall, Council Chambers, 420 N. Sixth St., Rochelle, Ill.

Winnebago County — Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1-2:30 p.m., Rockford City Hall, Conference Room A, Second Floor, 425 E. State St., Rockford.

Posted Jan. 31, 2013

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Forreston man dies following electrocution at Rockford Lowe’s Distribution Center

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Online Staff Report

At around 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, Rockford Fire Department received a medical call at Lowe’s Distribution Center, 2801 S. Springfield Ave. Upon arrival of paramedics, the victim, 53-year-old Gregory Stewart, of Forreston, Ill., was totally unresponsive with unstable vital signs.

Stewart was transported by ambulance to Rockford Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 4:35 p.m., Jan. 30. An autopsy was performed Jan. 31, and the results were that Stewart was electrocuted.

Stewart was a maintenance supervisor at Lowe’s. He was working in a false ceiling above a conference room when a co-worker heard a noise and called out to Stewart. He went to his aid, brought him down the ladder, and CPR was initiated.

Posted Jan. 31, 2013

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Free pancakes at IHOP Feb. 5 as part of Children’s Miracle Network fund-raiser

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Online Staff Report

Batter up, breakfast lovers! IHOP, one of America’s most popular family-friendly restaurants, known for “everything you love about breakfast,” will once again invite guests to enjoy free pancakes during National Pancake Day Tuesday, Feb. 5, while celebrating Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ 30th Anniversary.

On this day, the restaurant chain hopes to raise $3 million as the first national fund-raising campaign to kick off the 2013 fund-raising year for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Locally, IHOP is at 6960 Argus Drive, Rockford (near Best Buy off Perryville), and can be reached at (815) 394-5315.

During National Pancake Day, the company’s largest philanthropic event of the year, more than 1,500 IHOP restaurants across the country will invite guests to enjoy a complimentary stack of IHOP’s signature delicious buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Guests will be encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital or other local charities. One hundred percent of the donations will help local charities provide vital equipment, life-saving procedures and critical care for sick and injured children.

This will mark the eighth year IHOP has held National Pancake Day, which, to date, has raised more than $10 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. In 2012 alone, IHOP raised more than $3 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities.

“Millions of free pancakes served on National Pancake Day mean millions of miracles for those in need,” said Julia Stewart, interim president, IHOP, and CEO of the parent company, DineEquity, Inc. “The concept is simple, but our mission is ambitious; to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For the past eight years, it has been a pleasure and a privilege for all of us at IHOP to participate in this worthy event, and each year our guests have proved to be incredibly generous, helping us not only reach but surpass our goal. We look forward to continuing that trend this year as we plan to once again flip and serve about 4 million free pancakes for charity.”

Guests visiting participating IHOP restaurants in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will also have the option to purchase “Miracle Balloons” for $1 and $5 each, throughout the month of January leading into National Pancake Day, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Participating restaurants will display the balloons in celebration of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ 30-year anniversary. Those who buy a $5 Miracle Balloon will receive a $5 off discount that can be credited toward their next visit.

For more about National Pancake Day, or to learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and make an online donation, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

Pancake Day is a tradition that dates back several centuries to when the English prepared for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products … hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday. IHOP’s National Pancake Day will take place a week before Shrove Tuesday on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Posted Jan. 31, 2013

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$120 million national settlement reached over faulty foreclosure practices

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Online Staff Report

CHICAGO — Jan. 31, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) joined with 45 of her counterparts to announce a $120 million settlement with Lender Processing Services Inc. (LPS) over allegations that the Florida firm engaged in pervasive “robo-signing” of foreclosure documents and other faulty servicing practices while servicing loans of struggling homeowners.

Madigan and the attorneys general reached the settlement after an investigation into the Jacksonville, Fla.-based firm and its subsidiaries — LPS Default Solutions and DocX, all of which primarily provide support to banks and mortgage loan servicers.

The attorneys general allege LPS and its subsidiaries engaged in widespread “robo-signing” of foreclosure documents and other fraudulent handling of foreclosure proceedings against homeowners.

The states’ investigation revealed a practice by DocX of so-called “surrogate signing,” or the signing of documents by an unauthorized person in the name of another and notarizing those documents as if they had been signed by the proper person, in addition to other fraudulent practices during foreclosure filings.

“Today, we’ve taken another step forward to hold accountable the many players in the marketplace who contributed to the foreclosure crisis,” Madigan said. “LPS and its subsidiaries became a sort of document factory, literally rubber-stamping thousands of foreclosures with no regard for fairness and accuracy in the process.”

A lawsuit and proposed consent judgment was filed in Cook County Circuit Court that requires LPS and its subsidiaries to reform business practices and, if necessary, correct faulty documents it filed in homeowner foreclosure proceedings.

Illinois’ share of the settlement is more than $4 million.

The settlement will prohibit LPS from signing off on foreclosure documents with signatures of unauthorized people or people without firsthand knowledge of facts attested to in the documents.

The agreement will also require LPS implement enhanced oversight and review all third-party fees to ensure the fees have been earned and are reasonable and accurate.

The settlement also will do the following:

• Prohibit LPS and its subsidiaries from engaging in the practice of surrogate signing of documents;

• Ensure LPS has proper authority to sign documents on behalf of a servicer;

• Require LPS to accurately identify the authority that the signer has to execute the document and where that signer works;

• Prohibit LPS from notarizing documents outside the presence of a notary and ensure that notarizations will comply with applicable laws;

• Prohibit LPS from improperly interfering with the attorney-client relationship between attorneys and servicers;

• Prohibit LPS from incentivizing or promoting attorney speed or volume to the detriment of accuracy;

• Require LPS ensure that foreclosure and bankruptcy counsel or trustees can communicate directly with the servicer;

• Require LPS to implement enhanced oversight and review of processes over third parties it manages, including entities that perform property preservation services;

• Prohibit LPS from imposing unreasonable mark-ups or other fees on third-party providers’ default or foreclosure-related services;

• Require LPS to establish and maintain a toll-free phone number for consumers concerning document execution and property preservation services (including winterization, inspection, preservation and maintenance); and

• Require LPS to modify mortgage documents that require remediation when LPS has legal authority to do so and when reasonably necessary to assist a consumer or when required by state or local laws.

Once the judgment is entered by the court, LPS must review documents that were executed between Jan. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2010, to identify documents that need to be corrected. Any corrections required of LPS will be reported to the attorneys general.

Joining Madigan in the announcement were attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the District of Columbia.

Assistant attorneys general Vaishali Rao and Andrew Dougherty handled the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.

Posted Jan. 31, 2013

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Photo: Midway hosts 11th Annual Civil War Symposium

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

The 11th Annual Civil War Symposium was held Saturday, Jan. 26, at Rockford’s Midway Village Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road. Pictured, keynote speaker Douglas Wilson, Lincoln scholar and co-director of the Lincoln studies Center at Knox College, speaks about Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. Two other local Civil War presentations — “Sons of Thunder: The History of Battery H, 1st Illinois Light Artillery” and “The History of the Illinois Monument at Andersonville Prison” were also presented. (Photo by Jon McGinty)

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Bookcase for Every Child project hosts fund-raiser Feb. 14

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

DEKALB, Ill. — A fund-raising dinner aims to help local children from low-income families break the cycle of poverty — with books.

According to the National Institute for Literacy, 43 percent of American adults with poor literacy skills live in poverty. A 2011 study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that children who do not read at grade level by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school than proficient readers. Poor readers who also live in poverty are six times less likely to graduate.

The Bookcase for Every Child project aims to break that cycle by encouraging early literacy. Many low-income families have no books of their own for parents to help their children develop reading skills and a love for reading.

Through the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project, 50 local children will receive handcrafted oak bookcases and a collection of new or gently-used preschool-level books of their very own. The bookcases are built by volunteers, and each bears a nameplate engraved with the child’s name. The bookcases will be presented to children at a banquet in the spring.

In 2011, the all-volunteer project’s first year, 50 families from Two Rivers Head Start received beautiful oak bookcases, each containing 30 or more books.

Thursday, Feb. 14, a fund-raising banquet will be held to raise money for materials and to collect books to stock the bookcases. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road in DeKalb, Ill. Guests will have a choice of a spaghetti or polish sausage entrée.

Tickets are $15.95 each, or tables of eight are available for $125. For the price of a book, diners can enjoy a meal and entertainment provided by the Harambee Percussion Ensemble, a drumming corps based in DeKalb elementary schools. Each diner will also receive a free copy of Learning, Earning and Giving Back, a guide to a happy and successful life by nationally-syndicated columnist Jim Davidson, the founder of A Bookcase for Every Child.

Guests are invited to bring new or very gently-used books appropriate for children ages 3-5. No religious texts or books for older readers, please.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or reserved and held at the door. For tickets or reservations, call John Rey at (815) 758-8577 or send your name, address, number of tickets desired and a check made payable to the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project to P.O. Box 1174, DeKalb, IL 60115. Reservations must be received by Feb. 5. Call Rey for more information.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Program celebrating woman suffrage Feb. 10 in Beloit

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

BELOIT, Wis. — From typewriters to text messages, what did 10 generations of Americans think is normal? What do we consider “normal” today? Beloit author Tom McBride (The Mindset Lists of American History, with co-author Ron Nief) will be featured speaker at Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday Party, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10, at La Casa Grande, 618 Fourth St., Beloit, Wis. Tickets are $38 (or $32 for League of Women Voters).

Make checks payable to: “League of Women Voters — Janesville,” and mail to: 703 Milwaukee Road, Beloit, WI 53511 by Tuesday, Feb. 5. Refer questions to (608) 365-0089. Find the event on Facebook at League of Women Voters of Beloit, Wis.

McBride will share “Today’s Women’s Mindset List” based on his ongoing research with college freshmen (and fresh-women) and ponder how things have changed since the days of Susan B. Anthony and the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

“Susan B. Anthony was a woman of passion and determination!” said organizer Bette Carr. “The Beloit and Janesville Leagues of Women Voters gather each year to honor her efforts to gain the rights for women, which she sought with great energy and eloquence. We celebrate our right to vote and to serve our communities as elected officials.”

Susan Brownell Anthony (Feb. 15, 1820-March 13, 1906) was a prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century women’s suffrage movement. She became a much-sought-after speaker, traveling in Europe and the United States and averaging 75 to 100 speeches a year. Her speeches and writings helped to introduce the idea of women’s suffrage into the United States.

Women’s suffrage in the United States was achieved gradually, at state and local levels, during the late 19th century and early 20th century. It culminated in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which provided: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Deadline Feb. 4 for CBAI Foundation for Community Banking scholarship

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The CBAI Foundation for Community Banking announces its 2013 Annual Scholarship Program, which enables Illinois high-school seniors to enter a statewide essay writing contest. The goal of the program, sponsored by CBAI member banks and thrifts, is to increase public awareness of community banks and their contributions.

This year, the 27th year of the program, the total amount of money offered has been increased to $23,000. A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 a year for up to four years of higher education will be awarded to the author of the best essay submitted to the CBAI Foundation by a participating Illinois high-school senior. As many as 12 first-place awards of $1,000 each and 13 $500 second-place awards are available to cover all of the 13 CBAI-designated regions of the state. An additional $500 will be awarded to the high school of the statewide recipient.

All high-school seniors, regardless of their financial need or plans for higher education, may participate via a sponsoring CBAI member bank. To acquire a list of participating CBAI member banks, visit the website at www.cbai.com.

Essay Deadline: Entries must be received by the CBAI Foundation via the sponsoring bank by 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, to be eligible for judging. Scholarship funds will be awarded in May.

CBAI, a professional trade association representing approximately 400 Illinois banks and thrifts, is headquartered in Springfield.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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‘Northern Illinois Immigrants During the Antebellum/Civil War Era’

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society will hold its regular meeting at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, at Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road.

The topic will be “Northern Illinois Immigrants During the Antebellum/Civil War Era.”

Large numbers of Scottish, Irish, Swedish and Norwegian immigrants settled in our area between 1845 and 1860. What was life in northern Illinois like for these people? This lecture will add substance to the lives of these settlers, and go over the political, religious, economic and social impact of this population on the community.

All interested persons are welcome. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (815) 708-6633. Visit the Genealogical Society on the web at www.rootsweb.com/~ilwbcgs or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/WBCGS.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Call for nominations: 2013 AAF Northern Illinois Silver Medal Award

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The AAF Northern Illinois is accepting nominations for the first Silver Medal Award in the Rockford area. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Silver Medal Award Program was established to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. Annually, AAF member clubs bestow this honor upon outstanding members of the local advertising community.

The recipient does not need to be a member of AAF Northern Illinois.

Silver Medal Award nominations are being taken through Feb. 1. Nomination forms are available for download at www.niadfed.org.

This year’s winner will be announced at AAF Northern Illinois Addy Awards on Feb. 13 at NIU Conference Center.

AAF Northern Illinois (niafed.org) is the trade association that serves the interests of the advertising community in Rockford and the northern Illinois area. The AAF Northern Illinois is affiliated with the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the national organization that collectively represents more than 50,000 advertising professionals and students.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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NIU scholarship money available to the Rockford community

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

DEKALB, Ill. — If you are a Rockford community student who is thinking about attending Northern Illinois University (NIU) College of Business, now is your chance to apply for a scholarship.

Since 2000, the NIU Rockford Club has helped 23 Rockford-area students achieve one of their most important dreams — a college education. The scholarship has been awarded to both incoming freshmen and transfer students who are residents of Boone, Winnebago, Ogle and Stephenson counties.

Scholarship funds are donated by Dr. David Graf, former dean of the NIU College of Business and Economics (UAEU) and his wife, Dr. Diane Graf, an NIU College of Business alumna and retired business educator/administrator. The donation not only helps provide scholarships to worthy Rockford students who wish to attend the NIU College of Business, but also serves as a challenge to the Rockford community who wish to contribute. The Grafs will match each donation, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.

If you know a worthy student who is in need of a financial boost to assure their future educational success, here’s how to apply: http://www.cob.niu.edu/rockfordclub/scholarshipdetails.pdf. The application deadline is Feb. 1.

To make a donation, visit http://www.cob.niu.edu/rockfordclub/donationdrive.pdf.

This year, the scholarship celebration event will be held in Rockford in August.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Mars Explorer to receive 2013 Roy Chapman Andrews Society Award

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By William Green
James E. Lockwood Jr. Director of Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology

BELOIT, Wis. — The lead scientist for the Mars Curiosity expedition will visit Beloit, Wis., early next year to receive the Roy Chapman Andrews Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award.

Dr. John Grotzinger will discuss his research and discoveries on the red planet during the award presentation Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at 4:30 p.m., in Eaton Chapel on the Beloit College campus. The program will be free and open to the public. Earlier that day, Dr. Grotzinger will discuss his work with area youth in an assembly at Beloit Memorial High School.

After a long journey and a complex and nerve-wracking landing, the SUV-size Curiosity is exploring Mars and making new discoveries every day. It is now scooping up dirt samples, using X-rays and lasers to identify the minerals in Martian soil. It is also starting to analyze the Martian air and will soon start drilling into rocks as it drives to a mountain that is almost 3 1/2 miles high.

The one-ton Curiosity has been described as “a six-wheeled geochemistry lab and the most sophisticated machine ever sent to another planet.”

Updates on Curiosity are posted on the Mars Science Laboratory website and on Curiosity’s Twitter feed, @MarsCuriosity.

Dr. Grotzinger is a geologist who studies the early history of Earth and other planets. He is a professor of geology at the California Institute of Technology. Before moving to Caltech, he was professor of earth sciences and director of the Earth Resources Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Among his honors and awards, he has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences and received the National Science Foundation’s Young Investigator Award, the Fred Donath Medal from the Geological Society of America, the Henno Martin Medal from the Geological Society of Namibia, and the Charles Doolittle Walcott Medal from the National Academy of Sciences.

This presentation marks the second time the Beloit-based organization has celebrated explorations on Mars. In 2006, the society recognized the work of Dr. Steve Squyers, principal investigator for explorations conducted using the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

The program featuring Dr. Grotzinger will be the 11th Distinguished Explorer Award event of the Roy Chapman Andrews Society, in association with Beloit College. Founded in 1998, the society’s mission is to honor the legacy of one of the most celebrated explorers of the 20th century by educating the public about Andrews’ life, work and adventures; promoting the value of scientific exploration and discovery; and emphasizing Andrews’ lifetime ties to Beloit. In addition to Dr. Squyers, other previous award recipients include the following:

• Dr. Michael J. Novacek, leader of the first Western expedition to the Gobi Desert since Andrews’ discovery of the first nest of dinosaur eggs there in 1922;

• Dr. Mark Plotkin, ethnobotanist and bio-prospector for new medicines developed from the plants and practices of traditional healers of the Amazon jungle;

• Dr. Robert Ballard, discoverer of the RMS Titanic and founder of the Jason Project, an educational tool enabling students to watch live transmissions from underwater robot explorers;

• Dr. Lonnie Thompson and Ellen Mosley-Thompson, scientific “ice hunters” who examine the climate and environmental history of the Earth through the analysis of glacial core samples;

• Dr. Mark Moffett, Beloit-bred ecologist, who combines science, exploration, and photography in a unique blend of discovery and story-telling;

• Dr. Paul Sereno, paleontologist, discoverer of “Super-Crocs” and dinosaurs, and co-founder of Project Exploration, engaging inner-city students and teachers in science;

• Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer, founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, and former chief scientist for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration;

• Dr. Steve Lekson, archaeologist, curator and professor at the Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado at Boulder; and

• Dr. Nathan Wolfe, virus hunter, founder/director of the Global Viral Forecasting Initiative, and visiting professor at Stanford University.

For information about reserved seating at the award ceremony and tickets for a celebratory dinner with Dr. Grotzinger, contact the Roy Chapman Andrews Society at (608) 514-1722 or at www.roychapmanandrewssociety.org.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Judson University information session Jan. 31 in Rockford

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Judson University’s School of Leadership and Business will host an information session in Rockford for adult professionals seeking undergraduate degrees.

Adult undergraduate degrees are offered in Communications Management, Criminal Justice Management, Human Resource Management, Human Services, General Education, Electives, and Management and Leadership, which offers a new Healthcare Concentration.

The information session will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Rockford campus, 1055 Featherstone Road, No. A.

Guests will have an opportunity to speak directly with the program directors and learn more about the degrees offered. Enrollment advisers will be available to explain the admission requirements and how to get started in the accelerated adult program.

Those interested in attending the event can RSVP to Pam Timmons at ptimmons@judsonu.edu or call (815)-399-3500, ext.2585.

Judson University is a Christian liberal arts university with locations in Elgin and Rockford. With more than 60 majors and minors for traditional and non-traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees, Judson combines professional, quality academics with a supportive environment to help students earn their college degrees even as a busy, working adults. Visit JudsonForAdults.com.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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PAWS Humane Society Fur Ball scheduled for Feb. 9

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Fur Ball 2013, the fifth annual fund-raiser for the PAWS Humane Society, will be Saturday, Feb. 9, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road. The event is a formal to business casual elegant dinner fund-raiser gala that allows PAWS to accomplish the three goals of its mission.

Spend your Valentine’s Day with someone you love — animal lovers! Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment by the Second City Men’s Chorus followed by dinner. Dancing starts at 9 p.m. with the “Can’t Touch This” band. Other attractions are raffle tickets, chance to win an iPad, live and silent auctions, a caricature artist on hand to draw for you, a photo booth available for that romantic snapshot, and MC host Jayne Johnson Happel (was the former team of JJ and Steve Shannon morning show on WZOK in the mornings).

Tickets are $65 per person or $110 per couple; corporate tables of 10 are available. Reservations are needed by Jan. 31. Order e-ticket reservations at www.PAWSHS.org or call (815) 704-3690 or (815) 299-PAWS for information.

PAWS Humane Society

Founded in 1988, PAWS Humane Society has a mission to promote, support and provide for the humane treatment and welfare of animals in Winnebago County and the surrounding areas. It is a volunteer organization, supported solely by donations. PAWS has three organizational goals:

1. Provide low-cost spay/neuter to reduce pet overpopulation and its resulting cruelty.

2. Assist in finding homes for adoptable animals.

3. Provide humane education materials and programs to the community.

Spay/Neuter Assistance: PAWS works with local veterinarians to provide low-cost spay/neuter assistance to people who might otherwise not be able to afford the procedure. They partner with kindhearted people in the community who rescue animals that have been dumped by previous owners. The program allows these rescuers to be able to spay/neuter the animals they rescue at a reduced cost. In 2012, PAWS funded 2,596 spay/neuters.

Adoption Programs: PAWS has a feline adoption center inside PETCO on East State Street. They also have a network of foster homes that allow them to re-home both cats and dogs. The Cat Adoption Program started in 2005 and handles more than 400 feline adoptions annually. In 2012, PAWS placed 441 felines in their forever homes.

The Dog Adoption Program started in late 2010. In 2012, PAWS placed 108 dogs into their forever homes, many who were pulled from being euthanized at local shelters.

Humane Education: PAWS supports the Kind News program, which is an educational newsletter geared toward educating elementary age children about being kind to animals and our environment. PAWS sponsors 274 classrooms in the area. Their volunteers also serve as a resource to people in the community who want to help homeless dogs and cats. They provide information, guidance and often assist them with finding homes for their rescues.

In 2013, PAWS will continue to stand for all of the above and asks for your continued support in making a greater positive impact in animal welfare.

PAWS Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible. If you can’t attend the PAWS Fur Ball but would still like to make a donation, you may send to PAWS Humane Society at P.O. Box 7722, Rockford, IL 61126, or call (815) 299-PAWS or see the website at www.PAWSHS.org.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Voter registration ends, grace period begins

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Tuesday, Jan. 29, was the last day to register to vote before the Feb. 26, 2013 Consolidated Primary Election. Grace period registration begins Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. A voter registering to vote under the grace period law is required to register and vote in the Board of Election Commissioners office at 301 S. Sixth St.

Absentee voting will also be available beginning Jan. 30, 2013. Voters may vote in the office or request a ballot be mailed to them by calling the Board of Election Commissioners office at (815) 987-5750. An absentee ballot application is also available from the website, www.voterockford.com.

The main office of the City of Rockford Board of Election Commissioers is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional weekend hours will be available during grace period; check the website for updated information.

Any questions, please call (815) 987-5750 or visit the website at www.voterockford.com. Winnebago County residents who live outside the city limits of Rockford must call the County Clerk’s Office at (815) 319-4252.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Lutheran Schools Week runs Jan. 27-Feb. 3

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

“There is a great diversity in our schools, and it serves the community well,” said Don Gillingham, executive director of Rockford Lutheran School, as a reason for the launch of a new website that serves as a portal for people looking for information on the Greater Rockford Area Lutheran Schools. GRALS.org provides the searcher with the location of the seven free-standing preschools, the five elementary schools and Jr./Sr. Campus of Rockford Lutheran School. A quick click takes the searcher to the individual websites for each of the schools.

Today there are more than 1,800 students enrolled in Preschool-12th grade schools in the Greater Rockford Area Lutheran Schools. The schools will have special events to mark this year’s observation of Lutheran Schools Week Jan. 27 through Feb. 3.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is helping to extend the reach of the local schools by sponsoring a virtual field trip to Thailand, which will take place Monday-Friday, from 10 to10:30 a.m. at the following locations: Rockford Lutheran Academy, 4700 Augustana Drive, Rockford; Rockford Lutheran Junior/Senior High School, 3411 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; Immanuel Lutheran School, 1045 Belvidere Road, Belvidere; Concordia School, 7424 N. Second St., Machesney Park.

More activities are offered at: Pre-school Circus at Concordia, Machesney Park, Thursday, Jan. 31; Grandparents Day at Rockford Lutheran Academy, Friday, Feb. 1; Faculty vs. 8th Grade Basketball Shootout at Immanuel Lutheran, Belvidere, at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Screening of ‘Them!’ at Freeport’s Lindo Theatre Feb. 6

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

FREEPORT, Ill. — Join Freeport’s Lindo Theatre for the 1951 classic science fiction film Them!, starring James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn and Joan Weldon, at 1 and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Movie admission is $5, and tickets are available at the Lindo Theatre box office, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill.

Them! is the second installment of the ’50s Science Fiction Film Series at the Lindo, which is presented on select Wednesdays now until April.

Them!, one of the first movies to feature “big bugs,” starts off as a simple suspense film with the FBI looking into the mysterious disappearances and unexplainable deaths in the New Mexico desert. When the FBI bring in Harold and Pat Medford, a father and daughter team of entomologists from the Department of Agriculture, they discover giant ants — the result of atomic testing — have been attacking the locals. This sci-fi classic of the atomic age, Them! is considered one of the best science fiction films of the 1950s.

The series of ’50s Science Fiction Films was selected with the assistance of Dr. Ed Finch, executive director for the Freeport Historical Museum, and Alan Wenzel, the speech and communications instructor for Highland Community College.

A brief introduction will be held before the movie, and a discussion led by Dr. Finch and Wenzel will follow the movie. Movie-goers are encouraged to stay after the film to participate in this exchange.

Upcoming Schedule for the ’50s Science Fiction Film Series at the Lindo is Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) March 6, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) April 3 and The Music Man (1962) April 24.

For more about Classic Cinemas, visit www.classiccinemas.com.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Local theaters hold Trivia Night fund-raisers

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The Northwest Illinois Theater Coalition (NWITC) consisting of Back Street Players of Hanover, Plum River Playhouse of Stockton and Mighty Richland Players of Orangeville will host two trivia nights in the upcoming months. The first will be Saturday, Feb. 2, at Route 20 Bar and Grill, 2051 N. AYP Road, Freeport, Ill. Registration and check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m. Arrive early to have a bit to eat, then settle in for an evening of fun and trivia, starting at 6:30.

Teams may be four to six members, and the cost is $10 per person. Early registration can be done by e-mailing nwitc2012@gmail.com. For more details, call Terrie Miller at (815) 273-7825.

A second trivia night will be in late March at Sharks in Elizabeth, Ill. All proceeds will go to benefit the NWITC for their 2013 season.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Monroe Arts Center exhibit captures beauty of Yellowstone

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

MONROE, Wis. — The upcoming exhibition, hosted by the Monroe Arts Center, will be “Here’s Mud In Your Eye,” displayed in the Frehner Gallery. This special exhibition presents works inspired by the amazing natural features of Yellowstone National Park.

Artists Carrie Baxter and Nick Baxter provide an intriguing comparison of the park’s hot springs, mud flats and microbial mats through the eyes of a photographer and a painter.

The exhibition opens Friday, Feb. 1. MAC is at 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis. Call (608) 325-5700 for more details.

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872. Tucked into the northwest corner of Wyoming, this park is an unpredictable 3,472-square-mile landscape filled with geysers, hot springs and mud pots. As a natural wonder, it is one of the most awe-inspiring places of North America, and as such, artists are drawn to it. The “Here’s Mud In Your Eye” exhibition will show works that capture the unpredictable landscape of Yellowstone.

“Here’s Mud In Your Eye,” will present the photography and paintings by two northern Illinois artists, Nick and Carrie Baxter. The show will display a collection of artwork inspired by the natural scenery of Yellowstone National Park, observed by both Nick and Carrie during their visits to the park in 2010 and 2012.

The microbial mats and other surface textures surrounding the Yellowstone geysers and hot springs are decorated with colors and patterns, formed as a result of various types of earth and rock deposits, as well as growth of unique microbes and bacteria that are continually washed over by erupting waters. The multitudes of colors, particularly noticeable in and around hot springs, are caused by different types of microbes and bacteria that thrive in various levels of extreme temperatures. These naturally occurring abstracts are the inspiration for the works presented in the exhibition.

Nick Baxter’s photographs preserve the feel of movement on the surface of Yellowstone. Far from traditional landscapes, these photographs present the flow and rhythm of the ever-changing scenery within the park. Each photo holds a glimpse of the real-life vibrant colors of the life inside the hot springs and bacterial mats.

Carries Baxter’s paintings are inspired by the variety of surface textures observed while touring the park. Her paintings use a mixture of modeling paste and various grades of mortar pastes to build the surface and textures of each composition. The organic forms are then covered with layers of color to create the natural effects, produced over time, by the geysers and hot springs. Her technique of layering paint mimics the natural process that forms, and produces the unusual patterns and gradual growth of the microbial mats.

Together, the two mediums of photography and painting interact with one another to grasp the feeling, vision and even the emotion of Yellowstone National Park. The photographs act as glimpses into the sights of the park, while the paintings provide artist-inspired translations of the emotions produced by the landscape.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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February’s First Friday event at Beloit Fine Arts Incubator

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

BELOIT, Wis. — The Beloit Fine Arts Incubator has announced Thomas Traush’s “Impressions in Light and Color” as its February show.

The show will run through Feb. 22 with an Open Gallery event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1, where the public can meet the artist and view his paintings.

Trausch is a career artist with 36 years of experience and more than 1,400 original paintings in private, corporate and public collections. His work is driven by the use of both light and color — light can impart a spiritual quality while design, shape and the underlying abstract quality behind the painting determines its success.

He works in both oil and watercolor, is a member of the Oil Painters of America, is a Master Signature Member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and has exhibited nationally for the past three decades. He especially enjoys plein air painting and won Beloit’s Edge of the Rock Plein Air grand prize in 2011. His studio is in Woodstock, Ill. You can view works at www.trauschfinearts.com.

The Beloit Fine Arts Incubator is at 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis., and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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A new ‘WAY’ to celebrate Black History Month

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Join Dianna Cole and “Wisdom And You” (WAY) Enterprises for another inspirational, educational first Saturday “It’s ALL In Me” women’s workshop retreat from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Northwest site) at 4881 W. Kilburn Ave. (at the Springfield/Riverside stoplight).

Come and kick off the celebration of February as Black History Month as well as Unity in Diversity! This month’s theme is “Over the Rainbow.”

Hear special music by Carl and Dianna Cole; Betty Pumphrey, pianist; Erin Sanders and Emily Austin, vocalists; the Praise Band conducted by Sydney Kilgore.

Speakers will be Aikiko Fambro, Beth Edwards, Shirley Petty (wife of pastor at Calvary Memorial Church), Billie Holt and Deborah Smith.

Check out the vendors who have beautiful items for sale: Isa’s Boutique of downtown Rockford and The Hat Affair of Elgin, Ill. Sample ethnic foods such as egg rolls, Spanish rice, beans and fried chicken, among other dishes.

For more information and to RSVP by Jan. 31, call (815) 914-1487, e-mail MsCSOGN@aol.com or visit www.WAY4U.net.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Chipotle offers big-game bonus Feb. 3

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Chipotle’s “Burritos by the Box”

Online Staff Report

Pro football fans typically celebrate the sport’s biggest game of the year with food — lots of food — making it the second-largest eating occasion of the year. This year, fans who choose Chipotle for their big-game party can get just a little more to eat, for free. Simply purchase six or more “Burritos by the Box” Sunday, Feb. 3, and Chipotle will give you a free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos when you bring back the receipt from your order to any Chipotle by Feb. 28.

“We have always served great-tasting food made with the best ingredients we can get in a way that is accessible and affordable,” said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “‘Burritos by the Box’ is an option that makes it easy for customers to feed groups of family, friends or colleagues conveniently, and this promotion gives them a little added bonus of free food when they do.”

To order, customers can go to Chipotle.com and download the “Burritos by the Box” order form, or call in their order to the nearest Chipotle (in Rockford, 751 S. Perryville Road; (815) 397-8688).

Burritos can be customized with meat or veggie choices for each guest, or simply placed as a bulk order. The burritos come packed in a box with handles for easy transportation, along with sides of sour cream, chips, medium tomatillo-green chili salsa and house-made guacamole.

Customers can redeem their freebie for the food of their choice, including burritos, burrito bowls, salads or tacos. Fill your chosen vessel with cilantro-lime rice, choice of black or pinto beans, naturally-raised meats (grilled chicken or steak, or slowly braised pork carnitas or shredded beef barbacoa), fresh fajita veggies, house-made salsas or guacamole, and cheese or sour cream made with milk from cows that are never treated with synthetic hormones.

To participate in Chipotle’s “Burritos by the Box” promotion, customers must place their order for pickup Sunday, Feb. 3, giving the restaurant at least 24 hours notice for orders of 50 or more burritos. The last day customers can redeem their receipt for a free entrée is Feb. 28. The receipt must be the original; no copies are permitted. The promotion will be honored by all Chipotle locations.

For more information, go to any Chipotle restaurant or visit Chipotle.com.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Adult Learn to Skate sessions begin Feb. 2, March 16

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The Rockford Park District believes you’re never too old to try something new, or work on improving a leisure skill you loved in the past.

Adults ages 17 and older are invited to sign up for figure skating classes and join others for socializing, motivation and challenge in a fun atmosphere where beginning- to advanced-level participants are welcome.

Six-week group sessions meet at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park once a week for 45 minutes, with skates provided; the next sessions begin Feb. 2 and March 16, for $50 per session ($55 non-resident).

Sessions consist of 15 minutes of practice time, followed by a 30-minute lesson by the Park District’s professional figure skating staff, who also offer private lessons for skaters interested in additional advanced training..

Registration is under way, and will continue until capacity is reached. Registrations are taken online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now), by mail, fax or at Customer Service locations in downtown Rockford or at Carlson Ice Arena, Riverside and Perryville, Loves Park.

Registration information and class description are available online, in the Park District’s Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Program Guide (www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/programbrochures), at Park District Customer Service and facilities, or by calling (815) 969-4069 or (815) 987-8800.

For information about support and adapted sports programs for skaters with disabilities, call (815) 987-8800.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Annual Forest Stewardship Conference March 9

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Debra Levey Larson
Media/Communications Specialist, University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois and Iowa State University will host the annual Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference Saturday, March 9, at Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wis. This is the 19th year for the conference, which annually draws more than 500 woodland landowners, forest and tree enthusiasts, and natural resource specialists from the tri-state area of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

According to Jay Hayek, extension forestry specialist at the University of Illinois, “This annual event has become one of the largest single-day, woodland owner conferences in the nation.”

Hayek said the conference regularly fills to capacity so those interested in participating are encouraged to register early to secure their place and to receive the Early Bird registration discount.

“We have a great lineup of expert speakers covering a wide variety of topics on woodland management, wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreation,” Hayek said. “Seminar topics include timber sale contracts and marketing, woodland erosion, forest vegetation management, timber harvesting techniques, oak regeneration, crop tree management, tree planting tips, invasive species, chainsaw sharpening, pruning, tree identification, tree pests and diseases, chronic wasting disease, using a GPS unit and farm ponds. We’re even offering several seminars on selecting and growing grapes in the Midwest, small-scale homebrewing and traditional bow making.”

This year, there will be a two-hour fly-tying clinic taught by Allen Pattillo and a two-hour fruit-tree-grafting workshop taught by Jesse Randall. Enrollment in the fly-tying clinic and the fruit-tree-grafting workshop will be limited to the first 25 individuals and will include an additional fee. Participants who register for these two workshops will take home an introductory fly-tying kit and five grafted apple trees on certified rootstock.

Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with state agency, federal, and university forestry and natural resource specialists, as well as to visit a wide variety of vendor displays in the exhibition hall.

Participants are strongly encouraged to register for the conference using Illinois Extension’s online registration system, http://extension.illinois.edu/go/tristateforest. This website also contains a downloadable conference agenda, conference location details, mail-in registration form and Sinsinawa Bakery bread ordering procedures.

Additional conference information, such as presentation abstracts and speaker biographies, can be accessed via Iowa State Extension Forestry’s website, www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry.

The cost to attend the conference is $40 per person for early bird registration (on or before Feb. 8), or $50 per person for standard registration after Feb. 8. Registration deadline is Feb. 22. The fee includes a continental breakfast, buffet luncheon, refreshments, resource packet, handouts and a coffee mug. Advance registration is required; no walk-in registrations on the day of the conference will be allowed.

The Sinsinawa Mound Center is in the southwest corner of Wisconsin, 8 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa.

For more information, contact Jay Hayek at (217) 244-0534 or jhayek@illinois.edu.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Orchid Quest 2013 Feb. 2-3 at Madison’s Alliant Energy Center

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

MADISON, Wis. — Orchid Quest 2013, sponsored by the Madison Orchid Growers’ Guild, will be held at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wis., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2-3.

The show runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. One-day entry fee is $7 and a two-day pass is $10. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

The event features huge orchid displays in the exhibit area and thousands of fragrant orchids for sale from vendors. Also, seminars, artwork, painted porcelain, raffle, silent auction and items needed to take care of orchid plants will be featured at the event.

For more details, call (608) 231-3163 or visit orchidguild.org.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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SwedishAmerican, Rosecrance partnernership aims to improve continuum of mental health care services

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Wednesday, Jan. 30, SwedishAmerican and Rosecrance Health Network announced a new partnership aimed at improving the continuum of mental health care services in northern Illinois.

The partnership involves improvements in the delivery of both inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient behavioral health services.

In the area of hospital-based psychiatric care, SwedishAmerican’s board of directors has approved an agreement to contract with Rosecrance for the oversight of SwedishAmerican Hospital’s inpatient mental health unit.

In this new model, SwedishAmerican continues its long-standing focus on inpatient psychiatric services. Nurses providing direct patient care will continue to be employed by the hospital, while the unit’s psychiatrists and therapists will become Rosecrance employees. Management of the unit will be provided by a director who is employed by Rosecrance, but reports to SwedishAmerican’s vice president of nursing.

In addition, SwedishAmerican’s board also has approved the sale of the health system’s outpatient behavioral health clinic, in Camelot Tower, to Rosecrance. March 1, the clinic will close and its services will be integrated with existing Rosecrance operations through its affiliate, Aspen Counseling & Consulting.

Outpatient appointments will continue seamlessly; no interruption of service is expected. To accommodate the growth at Aspen, Rosecrance will announce a new location for outpatient services in the near future.

Patients will benefit from the SwedishAmerican-Rosecrance partnership through an expanded and more specialized base of providers, more comprehensive coverage for SwedishAmerican Hospital’s Emergency Department, additional case management alternatives and a tiered system that provides stronger alignment between mental health service options and patients’ specific needs.

“Our partnership with Rosecrance will help us to more effectively bridge gaps in the current mental health care system, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care in the most appropriate setting, and in a timely fashion,” said SwedishAmerican President and CEO Dr. Bill Gorski. “This is an excellent example of how two respected organizations are coming together to advance the continuity of mental health care in northern Illinois with creative solutions.”

The Rosecrance Health Network Board of Directors also has approved the partnership with SwedishAmerican regarding mental health services. Rosecrance President and CEO Philip W. Eaton said the board believes the agreement will benefit the community and improve access to care by creating a more user-friendly system.

“The goal is to connect the dots between the acute care system and community-based services, creating a seamless transition between levels of care within the same network,” Eaton said. “Every step of the way, clients will be interacting with a unified team of clinical professionals who coordinate care under the same management system.”

SwedishAmerican is a not-for-profit, locally-governed health care system, with headquarters in Rockford. The health system is composed of two hospitals, 30 clinics, a home health care agency and a foundation. Through an exclusive affiliation with UW Health, SwedishAmerican will soon expand world-class cancer services across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin when it opens a new cancer center in October.

Rosecrance, a private not-for-profit with headquarters in Rockford, is one of the most comprehensive behavioral health networks in the state of Illinois. Rosecrance provides substance abuse and mental health treatment to more than 14,000 children, adolescents, adults and families each year.

Rosecrance has facilities in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, along with six offices in Chicagoland. The organization’s headquarters are at 1021 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Rosecrance was founded in 1916. More information is available at www.rosecrance.org.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Benefit for REACT helicopter crew fund Jan. 31 in Loves Park

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

LOVES PARK, Ill. — The Hope and Anchor Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park, Ill., will host a benefit for The REACT Crew Memorial Fund from 5 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31.

The fund was created to honor three members of the Rockford Health System REACT helicopter crew who perished in a crash in a field south of Rochelle, Ill., Dec. 10, 2012.

Flight nurse Jim Dillow, 40, who joined Rockford Memorial Hospital in 1996 and had more than 10 years of experience as a flight nurse; flight nurse Karen Hollis, 48, who joined the hospital as a critical care nurse in 1986 and had more than 10 years of experience as a flight nurse; and pilot Andy Olesen, 65, who had been a pilot for REACT for five years and was one week from retirement, all died in the crash.

All contributions given toward The REACT Crew Memorial Fund will be in support of the families of the crew members.

REACT T-shirts will be available for $20 at the event, with proceeds going toward the fund.

Celebrity bartender Aaron Kerr will donate 100 percent of his tips to the fund, and The Hope and Anchor will donate 10 percent of all bar and restaurant sales for the evening to the fund.

For more details, contact The Hope and Anchor at (815) 633-2552.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Battle of the Badges blood drive Jan. 31 in Belvidere

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Thursday, Jan. 31, Belvidere Police and Fire departments will host blood drives in their semi-annual competition, Battle of the Badges.

The competition, which started in 2007, is taking place during National Blood Donor Month. The department that brings in the most donations wins the traveling trophy until the next drive, which is displayed at their respective department.

The drive times are 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at Belvidere Police Department, 615 N. Main St., in Belvidere; and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Belvidere Fire Department, 123 S. State St., in Belvidere.

To donate at the Police Department, contact Dave Dammon at (815) 547-6022. To donate at the Fire Department, contact Al Hyser at (815) 289-5110.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, call the Rock river Valley Blood Center toll-free at 877-RRVBC-99 or find RRVBC on the web at http://www.rrvbc.org.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre offers AFI’s Top Ten beginning Feb. 2

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

DEKALB, Ill. — The Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, Ill., is partnering with several departments at Northern Illinois University and Kish Health System to offer the community the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Top Ten Films of All-Time beginning Saturday, Feb. 2.

Movie dates and times are as follows (beginning with No. 10 on AFI’s list):

10. The Wizard of Oz — Saturday, Feb. 2, 2 and 6:30 p.m.;

9. Vertigo — Tuesday, Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m.

8. Schindler’s List — Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.

7. Lawrence of Arabia — Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.

6. Gone with the Wind — Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m.

5. Singin’ in the Rain — Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 p.m.

4. Raging Bull — Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.

3. Casablanca — Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

2. The Godfather — Tuesday, April 2, 6:30 p.m.

1. Citizen Kane — Tuesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m.

Ticket prices for the films are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. A discounted ticket package is also available for admission to all 10 films with pricing at $50 for adults and $30 for students and seniors.

Based on licensing agreements, the Egyptian Theatre will present a complimentary and rare public showing of Schindler’s List, with no ticket required for admission.

In addition to the film showings, local experts in film, theater, art, history, dance and literature will provide entertaining and informative introductions and lead post-film discussions with attendees.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.egyptiantheatre.org. Become a Friend of the Egyptian and receive free movie tickets, discounts on concessions, advanced ticket purchasing for select shows and 10 percent off at participating downtown DeKalb restaurants.

The Egyptian Theatre is operated by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc., and is at 135 N. Second St., downtown DeKalb, Ill.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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Rescue Mission benefits from area Taco John’s holiday specials

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Once again this year, two Rockford-area Taco John’s restaurants supported Rockford Rescue Mission with holiday specials.

The Machesney Park store at 8304 N. Second St., and the store at 3007 N. Main St., in Rockford, donated a portion of each Nachos Navidad sold through Dec. 25, 2012, to the Rescue Mission.

“We’re always so grateful when community partners like Taco John’s step up to help,” said the Mission’s executive director, Sherry Pitney. “Through promotions like this, they’ve not only allowed the Mission to assist our neighbors who are homeless or have fallen on hard times, they’ve also given their customers a special way to get involved.”

Taco John’s will be presenting a check from this year’s promotion proceeds to the Mission at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at the North Main Street restaurant.

Each year, Rockford Rescue Mission serves more than 156,000 meals, provides more than 57,000 nights of shelter and touches the lives of thousands of struggling individuals through assistance with clothing, medical care, long-term recovery, vocation training, spiritual guidance and more.

Donations to the Rockford Rescue Mission can be made online, 24 hours a day, at www.rockfordrescuemission.org.

Posted Jan. 30, 2013

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U. of I. College of Medicine receives $3 million from C.W.B. Foundation

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

University of Illinois President Bob Easter; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; Dimitri Azar, M.D., Dean of the College of Medicine; and Martin Lipsky, M.D., Regional Dean of the College of Medicine announced receipt of a $3 million gift from the Cedric W. Blazer Foundation. The gift will provide for researchers and cutting-edge technologies to address cell regeneration for people with spinal injuries, lost limbs and debilitating diseases. C.W.B. Foundation Board Member Mark Blazer, Cedric’s son, presented the funds, and is pictured here with Dr. Michael Werckle, a professor, long-time supporter of the college and personal friend of Cedric, who was honored by a professorship in his name. Rockford Chamber of Commerce President Einar Forsman and Janyce Fadden, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, participated in the announcement and details of exciting research and biomedical initiatives made at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford on Tues., Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. (Photo by Mike Werckle)

By Cynthia M. Hall

Leaders of University of Illinois have announced receipt of a transformational gift of $3 million from the C.W.B. Foundation to create, at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, a center that unites renowned physicians, researchers and technologies to produce cutting-edge cell regeneration research in support of people with disabilities.

“On behalf of the University of Illinois, I’m delighted to be here today to announce the C.W.B. Foundation’s generous $3 million gift to establish a new life-changing research center on our Rockford campus. The center will be unique, among a select few focused on the emerging science of cell regeneration, and a point of great pride for both the University and this community,” said University of Illinois President Bob Easter. “It will bring in top researchers who will partner with our experts in medicine, technology and other fields to pursue breakthroughs to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The center could yield cures or pioneering innovation that will enhance quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries, lost limbs or debilitating diseases.”

“We are committed to this endeavor, which could lead to an improved quality of life, something we all strive to achieve for ourselves and our community members,” said Mark Blazer, board member, C.W.B. Foundation. “I am excited to see what is to come.”

“As we are all aware, the world is moving in new and exciting directions,” said University of Illinois Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares. “The information age and globalization is upon us. This requires permeable boundaries between traditional disciplines in order to create the knowledge necessary to meet the challenges of the 20th century. The interface between and among disciplines, and the promise this approach will bring towards greater solutions to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, is what we are here to celebrate today.”

Through a combination of the C.W.B. Foundation gift and matching funds from the university, the college will recruit a senior scientist as the Cedric W. Blazer Professor for cell regeneration research, who will also serve as the director of the research program. A second named professorship will also be enlisted as the Michael A. Werckle, M.D., Professor who will partner with the senior scientist to ensure the success of the research program. Additionally, a curriculum and educational program will be developed for students interested in regenerative medicine. This will expand and enhance the work in this field and, it is hoped, lead to life-changing discoveries. Given this lead gift, the university will have the opportunity to seek additional resources to make the program a reality.

Dimitri Azar, dean of the College of Medicine, adds: “This is a great step forward for the University of Illinois. Tissue engineering is the use of a combination of cells, engineering and materials methods, and suitable biochemical and physio-chemical factors to repair or replace damaged biological tissues or organs.”

In addition, the center will train clinicians, medical students, budding scientists, and graduate and undergraduate students on the science of regenerative medicine. Thus, Rockford will become a hub for training the next generation of clinicians and scientists who will be experts in regenerative medicine for individuals with disabilities.

“The C.W.B. Foundation is the lead funder of this program. Other funding will be sought during establishment of the research program to fully capitalize on this extensive opportunity for the college, the university, the community and the field of cell regeneration. This key gift provides the impetus for amazing research and development at the College,” said Dr. Lipsky.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Your Horoscope: Week of Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Denise Guzzardo

By Denise Guzzardo

Week of Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013

This Week: Utilize this time frame to take a personal inventory on your long-term goals. This is also a time when we can restructure our personal relationships, clearing up any miscommunications that have arrived over the past few months. Fresh starts and new beginnings are on the forefront. Hidden influences and those who have attempted to harm others are revealed. Those who have meddled in others’ affairs will be put in the hot seat now. The truth is never too far behind, regardless of how crafty one may feel they were at the time.

Aries (March 21 to April 19) — Your intuition is working overtime. Be still and listen to your gut. This energy will provide you with new career opportunities as well as heighten your love life. When February arrives, it arrives with a bang. All of your hopes, dreams and ambitions begin to fall into place.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)­ — You may feel as though you are grieving the loss of someone near and dear to you. You may be struggling with keeping your emotions in check. It’s OK to feel something this deep. You will have the resolution you need by week’s end, as well as a sense of peace.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — If you feel like you’re the absentminded professor this week, it’s perfectly fine, and this scattered behavior will not last long. By week’s end, you will begin to feel like yourself again. Try not to worry about the health or welfare of a female friend. The outcome is much better than it initially appears.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — You will be put in a position of authority at this time. You will handle this with grace and ease. Someone needs you to step up to the plate and protect him or her. You have the emotional tools to do just that. Choose your words carefully. Count to 10 before you speak.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — Romance may have had you in the dumps, but now the tables are turning for the better. All of the unforeseen events are out in the open, and you have the tools to battle these difficulties one by one. Before week’s end, a heart-to-heart talk clears the air and sets your mind at ease.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — You’re in a position to have the upper hand at this time. Take these steps to protect those you love, and allow yourself the time and space you need to take care of you as well. You have the tools to accomplish great things in life. Your intuition is dead-on accurate now. Use this to improve the quality of your life.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — Romance becomes a priority this week. You have been so overwhelmed with a business element that there has not been much time for a little romantic rest and relaxation. Even if it’s just a night out on the town, the efforts you take will be received in the best possible light, allowing you to move forward now. Make return phone calls and keep up with business ventures midweek.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — Opportunities arrive to improve the quality of your life, especially in the career sector. You have underestimated your abilities, and your emotional state has caused you to go into a shell. Crack it open and look around. Be open and receptive to change, even if it makes you a bit uneasy at first. Blessings are on the way shortly.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — You’re in the limelight during this time frame, and you may not feel like being there. Heavy emotional conflict has taken a toll on your energy. The best way to recharge your sensitive state is to push through it. Once you become neck-deep in a functioning project, you will forget about all of the conflicts of those around you. Legal matters and financial aspects are highly charged in your favor. Utilize this energy to your advantage.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — Watch that you do not get into a tangle with a loved one or friend this week. Pressures are mounting, and you may not have the tools to deal with these emotions properly. Surround yourself with tried and true individuals who have your back at all costs. Next week, you will see the money pouring in from all directions.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — A pending fear of loss could bring out the worst in your significant other or a family member. Keep the peace. You are clever enough to heed the warning signs and steer someone off into a new direction. Once this sets into motion, there is no going back. Do not allow another to fuel the fire.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — There are no coincidences. This is a time when you are running into everyone from your past. These chance meetings hold the key to future success. You will be expanding your career sector in ways you never thought you could imagine. By summer, all of your hard work and efforts will come to fruition. The past holds the key to your future.

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

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Horoscopes, Your Horoscope | No Comments »

Colorful, eccentric drawings featured in Kortman exhibit

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Staff Report

Artist Mindy Joy Nutter Young is a Rockford College graduate who has made a name for herself in Rockford printmaking circles for elaborate and provocative monochromatic works. Friday, Feb. 1, she will present a new body of work, but this time, presenting elaborate and visually challenging colorful mixed media drawings.

The exhibit, titled “The Bathroom Diaries,” is, according to the artist, “a collection of intensive drawings, which act as an interpretation and honest evaluation of ideas relating to mortality, isolation, and the pursuit of life and love.”

Young’s reference to the bathroom in her title is a metaphor for a small space withdrawn and confined where we prepare ourselves for the day.

“The bathroom is not only the place for literal cleansing, but is simultaneously a place for me to cleanse, purge and prepare matters of the heart and mind,” Young said.

Some of Young’s printmaking imagery of skeletal forms, nudes, and wild birds and animals appear in her eccentric drawings with much more elaborate, colorful and eye-dazzling detail.

Doc Slafkosky, Kortman Gallery director, said: “There is so much going on in her drawings that you really need to spend some time looking them over and thinking about each one of them. Mindy has a lot to say in her art, and she does in these powerful works of alluring and seductive fantasy.”

When she’s not drawing or printmaking, Young, the artist with two middle names, is also pursuing a career in wedding and family photography. She is committed to a lifestyle of creativity and working with people.

An opening reception for “The Bathroom Diaries,” drawings by Mindy Joy Nutter Young, will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1. The opening coincides with First Fridays Downtown. The art will be on display through March 30.

The gallery is upstairs at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St.

Call (815) 968-0123 or visit jrkortman.com for more details.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

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

A 45-year career ends

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By JoAnn Leggero Jenkins
Rockford resident

It is with great pride and much sadness that I am announcing after 45 years with the United States Postal Service, I will be retiring effective Jan. 31, 2013. I have been very fortunate to have had a career that I am able to say I very much have enjoyed and found pleasure in serving my many customers. I chose to publicly make this announcement as I feel it is a way to inform all of you.

You have all been a large part of my life and have been my extended family. I would like to thank all of you very much for this opportunity. I will deeply miss all of you as you all hold a special place in my heart. To many of you who have lost loved ones along the way, I hope God has helped you find peace. To those of you who have serious illnesses, I will continue to pray for you every day as I have since the day you chose to confide in me.

I wish all of you and many others a blessed future. I hope all of you will keep in touch one way or another. Feel free to contact me if you ever feel the need; I will always be there for you as I have in the past. I intend on taking a short vacation; then I will be working hard to help my son, Brian Jenkins Leggero, achieve his aspiration of being elected Alderman of the 1st Ward of Rockford in the Republican Primary Feb. 26, 2013. I know in my heart that my son Brian will work as hard for the people of the 1st Ward and the City of Rockford as I have for all of you.

I would like to thank Mr. Frank Schier and everyone at The Rock River Times for giving me this opportunity to reach out to all of you. Now in closing, I will use the name given to me by my supervisors and co-workers when I sought employment just for the Christmas holiday 45 years ago, and the rest is history.

J J

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | 8 Comments »

Heart Hospital hosts heart care events at Giovanni’s Feb. 4

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Staff Report

Monday, Feb. 4, The Heart Hospital at SwedishAmerican will present the “18th Annual Cardiology Millennium” for professionals and “Heart Care: Ask The Experts,” a free public event for the community, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Cardiology Millennium Conference

The Cardiology Millennium Conference is a one-day conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. that explores many of the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The event kicks off with Vincent Bufalino, M.D., updating attendees on the latest developments in cardiology and how health care reform will change the practice of cardiovascular medicine.

Under the tenure of Barry Franklin, Ph.D., the cardiac rehabilitation program and stress-testing laboratories at William Beaumont Hospital have achieved national and international recognition in the treatment and evaluation of coronary artery disease. Dr. Franklin’s talk will focus on recent advances in preventive cardiology and successful strategies for counseling cardiac patients.

Keith Swetz, M.D., will define the differences between palliative care and hospice care and when each should be considered in the care of advanced heart failure.

In addition, other experts will speak about congenital heart disease in adults, new approaches to treating hypertension and updated indications of PCI in the era of evidence-based medicine.

Cost of the Heart Conference is $125, which includes breakfast, lunch and conference materials. For further information or to register, call HealthConnect at (815) 968-2500, or go to SwedishAmerican’s website at www.swedishamerican.org.

Heart Care: Ask The Experts

“Heart Care: Ask The Experts” is a free public event beginning with educational exhibits at 5:30 p.m. The program begins at 6 p.m. with a welcome and update from SwedishAmerican CEO Dr. Bill Gorski. Then, hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Jeffrey Royce, who will present a heart-healthy cooking demonstration with Giovanni’s chef and co-owner, Al Castrogiovanni.

At 7 p.m., Dr. Kenneth Brin, cardiologist and medical director, will moderate a panel of physicians as they discuss the latest innovations in heart care and answer questions.

Admission is free. Register at www.swedishamerican.org or call (815) 968-2500.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

Invisible energy impacts

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

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

The cold spell brings back childhood memories when we could see the resource we were consuming. Our homes were heated with coal, and overnight, the fire dwindled down to a bed of glowing coals. With adequate blankets, we were warm in bed, but getting up in the morning was a challenge. A few shovels of coal were added to send a stream of warm air up to the floor register. We siblings would rush to the register and jockey for a position to capture some warmth.

As we grew older, we were expected to feed coal into the furnace or take ashes out to spread on ice-covered sidewalks.

With the arrival of natural gas, the coal furnace disappeared, as did our involvement with our heating system. We no longer saw coal being delivered to homes or ashes spread on slippery spots on the sidewalk.

Concern about the source of energy supplies or the pollution involved was never a topic in our households. Most adults were pleased by the cleanliness and convenience of natural gas. The cost of energy was important, and adults were there to remind us to turn off a light, shut the door and turn down the thermostat at night.

The indifference of much of the public is changing as oil, gas, coal, wind, solar and grid developments expand and cover ever larger areas of the landscape. Wind farms and solar farms are increasingly visible. Potential resources of natural gas available through fracking are widespread, including most of Illinois and much of Wisconsin

Spokespeople for the energy industry speak confidently of a future of abundant fossil fuel supplies, if only environmentalists and government would let the market work its magic. The outcome is portrayed in the positive light of a growing economy, jobs and secure energy supplies.

Others point out the high risks involved in dramatically expanding our consumption of fossil fuels and the necessary infrastructure to serve it. When we seldom saw the adverse impacts of our energy consumption, it was easy to accept the dismissal of any adverse impacts and focus on the price, availability and promised economic benefits.

A recent book, Energy Overdevelopment and the Delusion of Endless Growth, published by the Post Carbon Institute, provides a pictorial overview of the impacts of our endless pursuit of energy supplies on our planet and its residents. Along with the colored photography are writings of 30 authors focused on the true costs, benefits and limitations of all our energy options. It makes the case that our growth-based energy systems are toxic to nature and people, and leave no sacred places or untouched landscapes.

With the cold, our minds are focused on staying warm. Retaining body warmth starts with appropriate clothing, whether indoors or outdoors. Without it, our body lets us know we made the wrong decision. For society, the adverse consequences of our energy decisions were obscure, as the benefits are instant and the consequences are distant. Will their visibility stimulate a public rejection of energy economy?

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 Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Renewable Energy | No Comments »

Community Advocate Award goes to Beverly Edwards

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Crusader Community Health Staff Council Board Members present the Second Annual Community Advocate Award. Pictured, from left, are Evelyn Meeks, president; Beverly “Bam” Edwards, award winner; and Betty Guerrero, vice president. (Photo provided)

The Second Annual Crusader Community Advocate Award was given to Beverly “Bam” Edwards, an outreach case manager at Crusader Community Health since 1995. Rain, wind, snow or sleet, “Bam” is out in the “fields” making sure Crusader patients get in for their appointments. She will find “lost” patients and outreach them so they can get the care they need.

This award was initiated in 2011 to honor the memory of Annie Dandridge, a Crusader staff member, who passed away in April 2011. “Annie” was an extraordinary individual who always exhibited unique kindness and concern for others.

Crusader Community Health is a community-based, not-for-profit, Illinois corporation whose mission is to serve the Rock River Valley area with quality, primary health care for people in need. Services are available on a sliding discount basis. Crusader Community Health has four locations: Crusader Community Health on West State Street, 1200 W. State St.; Crusader Community Health on Broadway, Uram Building, Broadway and Seventh Street; Crusader Community Health Belvidere, 1050 Logan Ave., Belvidere; and Crusader Community Health Loves Park, 6115 N. Second St., Loves Park. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 490-1600, or for more information, visit www.crusaderhealth.org.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013,  issue

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

Blackhawks start season 6-0

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

They are one of the six original teams that formed the National Hockey League. They have a long and storied 86-year history. They’ve won multiple Stanley Cups. But never before have the Chicago Blackhawks won six straight games to begin a season. Their 6-0 start to the 2013 season is the best in franchise history.

The team will be going for their seventh win in a row tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 30) when they take on the Minnesota Wild. This game will be the first of six straight on the road for the Blackhawks.

The Wild will be playing their second game in two days. They hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets last night in Minnesota. (Results of that game were unavailable at press time.) The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are coming off a much-needed two-day break.

Chicago will get another two-day rest before resuming their road trip. They start the month of February in Canada. Friday, Feb. 1, they take on the Canucks in Vancouver. The next night, they’ll face the Flames in Calgary.

Then, it’s on to San Jose, Calif., to meet up with the Sharks on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Thursday night, Feb. 7, they’ll be on the ice in Phoenix against the Coyotes. The trip concludes with a game against the Nashville Predators Sunday night, Feb. 10.

The Hawks won’t return to action at the United Center until Tuesday night, Feb. 12, when they host the Anaheim Ducks. That will be the first of seven-straight home games for Chicago.

According to Head Coach Joel Quenneville, their depth has been vital to their success early this season. The Blackhawks made barely any additions to their roster during the offseason, so their core remained intact.

“We have our so-called third and fourth lines playing against anybody,” said Quenneville, who added that one of his goals this season is to reduce the pressure on his star players. “In the past, that was probably a stricter and a tighter matchup for us. It helps take minutes away from our top guys, one or two a game. Over the course of the season, that’s going to be valuable at critical times. We don’t want these guys to absorb all the responsibility of our team success. I think getting other guys to contribute and add to that mix is something we’re looking to inject this year. We feel we’re getting some nice complementary work from across the board.”

Another key factor is the outstanding play of goaltender Corey Crawford. He’s seeing the puck extremely well and says he’s never felt more confident playing between the pipes. In the five games he’s played, he’s allowed nine goals for a 1.78 goals-against average. He’s also has a .933 save percentage.

It’s extremely unlikely the Hawks will be able to survive the current road trip with an undefeated record. That being said, it’s not that far-fetched to think they could return home with a double-digit win total and only a loss or two. Bon voyage, Blackhawks!

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

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Yoga Rockford: The purpose of yoga postures

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Jennie Williford
Pranayama Yoga Studio

Out of the 196 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that describe the practice and philosophy of yoga, only three have to do with the familiar practice of postures, or asanas. Mainly, this is because the practice of yoga is to ultimately focus and quiet the fluctuations of the mind.

The body is merely a physical tool, a doorway through which we may begin to capture mental focus. But in studying these three sutras (below*) on asana, we can bring some depth and understanding to the real purpose of yogic postures.

Sutra II.46: “Asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit.”

As the body moves, so does the mind. Thus, learning to hold the body firm without wanting to change or adjust position becomes a great tool to begin focusing the mind.

Once our body is firm and in balance, we may more easily draw our intelligence and awareness back toward the self.

A steady intelligence, focused inward, leads us away from our usual external disturbances and distractions and brings a quieting effect to the consciousness.

As the body and mind are then completely engulfed in the experience of a pose, our inner self (“spirit”) has a chance to rise to the surface, melting away the darkness that typically covers the knowledge of our inner grace.

Sutra II.47 “Perfection in asana is achieved when the effort to perform it becomes effortless and the infinite being is reached.”

Bringing balance back to body and mind is not without effort, however. And, all the writings on yoga make it clear that the practice takes discipline. Anyone who has tried to sit still and focus their mind on one thing, without distraction, for even 5 minutes can tell you that it is not easy when mental and physical distractions quickly appear. This is why we are given postures as the third step on the yoga path as very tangible tasks that call for the full attention of the mind.

With practice, we uncover all our bad habits and imbalances, and through effort, break through them one by one, layer by layer.

Once the obstacles are removed and the body and mind are brought to alignment, then consciousness freely and evenly expands throughout our being, and even the maximum of physical effort becomes effortless.

Sutra II.48 “From then on (after the perfection of asana), the practitioner is undisturbed by dualities.”

This effortlessness in posture is a surface experience of the true unity of yoga.

“Yoga,” in Sanskrit, means “union,” the union of our true inner self (purusa) with our outer Nature (Prakrti). We are distracted and disturbed in mind and body because we become attached to the changing sensations and experiences of life, forgetting that our true Self is an unchanging, steady guide from within.

Like a boat ignoring the lighthouse, we are pulled into the dualities of Nature, thrown by the waves and dashed against the rocks.

Asanas give us the opportunity to take control of our own life, to study our external nature and how our body and mind react under varying situations. Then, as we move back into the unpredictability of life, we are more able to find steadiness and stability of mind.

Just as the lighthouse does not remove the waves, but gives a focus to guide the boat home, so yoga does not take away our experience of life, but guides us on a more stable path to rediscovering our own inner light.

Though asanas are just a small part of the practice of yoga, it is no wonder they have become a popular aspect of modern busy life. They are a middle path between the hustle and bustle of our normal day, and the harsh, immediate quiet of sitting meditation.

As these three sutras point out, the real purpose of postures is to help the mind begin the journey back to the self, guiding us toward a more balanced and aligned experience of life itself.

* All Sutra quotes are taken from Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation and commentary by BKS Iyengar

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

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Naturally Rockford, Yoga Rockford | 1 Comment »

Agitate, America!: It’s all Obama’s fault

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Nancy Churchill

By Nancy Churchill
A Progressive Visionary

“It’s all Barack Obama’s fault!” right-leaning pundits thunder on the eve of the inaugural, warning of sinister plans for Republicans coming up.

Obama is responsible for their losses, if not their very ideology, goes the narrative, because, of course, Republicans couldn’t possibly have failed on their own.

Charles Krauthammer (Fox News, Dec. 27, 2012) credits Obama with ruthlessly and intentionally shattering Republican opposition. “His objective from the very beginning was to break the will of the Republicans in the House, and to create an internal civil war. And he’s done that,” he said.

Obama is “tempted by a shiny political object: the destruction of the congressional GOP,” according to Michael Gerson (Washington Post, Jan. 14, 2013). Since he “knows that Republicans are forced by the momentum of their ideology to take positions on spending that he can easily demagogue” (say what?) … “[h]e is in a good position … to expose their internal divisions and unpopular policy views.”

Translation: Obama is not only responsible that Republicans’ policy views are unpopular, he is diabolical for exploiting their helplessness in the face of the momentum of their unpopular ideology!

David Brooks (New York Times, Jan. 17, 2013) predicts a new Democratic strategy: to “Kill the Wounded” going forward. They should, he said, “force Republicans to cast an awful vote: either [to] offend mainstream supporters or risk a primary challenge from the right,” and thereby take the House in 2014.

Sorry, you’ve got the wrong guy. You attribute to Obama the same sentiment expressed by Mitch McConnell (National Journal, Oct. 23, 2010), who actually said the words, “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”

Obama never said anything like that, but because the right never saw him as fit to be president in the first place, their current implosion must somehow be all his doing.

The guilty party is in your mirror, Republicans. After you refused to extend the Violence Against Women Act, pass the Dream Act or a jobs bill; tried to obstruct health care reform and prohibit gays from marrying; passed one anti-women’s health bill after another; attempted to kill unions; sneaked into bills poison pills allowing giant industries to move jobs overseas, foul our air and water, and with impunity frack the ground under our feet (I could go on), we decided to cast our lot with the other party.

So, despite your voter suppression last November, we stood in line, some of us for hours, to elect the guys that “to [us] shall seem most likely to effect [our] safety and happiness.”

So, if you need to blame someone for your disarray, caused by the “forced momentum” of your unpopular ideologies, blame us, the voters — or at least the 53 percent who gave the election to Democrats (minus the districts gerrymandered to undemocratically secure perpetual Republican rule).

It’s not Obama’s fault, it’s ours. Remember us, the voters? “We, the People?” Obama’s just doing our bidding, because, well, you know, that’s his job.

Nancy Churchill was raised in the D.R.C. (Congo), raced stock cars on short dirt tracks for 25 years, and is a proud, lifelong member of “We, the People.” She lives in Oregon, Ill.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Agitate, America!, Commentary | 6 Comments »

Youth nature programs begin Feb. 2 at Rockford’s Atwood Park

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Staff Report

Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center invites youth ages 6-12 for Atwood Wanderings activities each Saturday in February (Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23).

Youth can enjoy experiencing and learning in a fun way about nature through the variety of three-hour morning or afternoon outdoor and indoor programs at the 325-acre Seth B. Atwood Park.

Program topics include “A Walk Through Time,” “Wilderness Explorer,” “Woodland Survivor” and “Birds of a Feather.”

The fee per program is $7 per person ($9 non-resident), or participants can bring a sack lunch and save $2 by registering online for same-day morning and afternoon programs. Parents are welcome to attend with their children.

These programs may fulfill requirements for Cub Scout and Brownie/Junior badges; program descriptions and schedules can be found in the Rockford Park District Winter/Spring 2013 Program Guide available at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/programbrochures and at Park District offices and facilities.

Register at least one week in advance, either online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now), or by mail, fax (with credit card) or at either Park District Customer Service location (downtown Rockford or Carlson Ice Arena, Loves Park).

If registering for same-day morning/afternoon programs, contact Customer Service to receive the $2 discount.

More about Atwood programs, facility rentals and group activities and retreats is available at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood. For information about disability support and accessibility for people with disabilities, call Customer Service at (815) 987-8800.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Meet John Doe: The iPod killed On the Waterfront?

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Paul Gorski

Did the iPod doom Rockford’s long-running On the Waterfront (OTW) festival? Maybe not the iPod itself, but technology has changed how people “consume” music and put pressure on the festival.

There’s no doubt musical tastes change over time. Midwest Ballroom radio host John “Radio” Russell laments the challenge to find good, easy-listening radio on today’s airways (“Investing in entertainment for seniors,” Sept. 12-18, 2012, issue).

The Midwest Ballroom show, heard locally on WTPB-LP 99.3, features ballroom, big-band and easy-listening vocal music, with a focus on regional talent. John also interviews musicians who played the local music venues that have since closed.

I also recently heard Doug McDuff speaking with guest Chuck Sweeny on WNTA about the vanishing music venues for younger residents, caused in part by what they thought was the loss of a thriving “garage band” culture from the ’60s and ’70s that used to fuel these clubs.

By the time OTW started in the early 1980s, music on vinyl was transitioning to CDs. Mixed tapes became mixed CDs, which could be easily duplicated and distributed to friends and family. The trend to listening to your choice of music on demand had started.

Later, as music companies gouged consumers on CD pricing, downloading pirated music as MP3 files on the Internet became popular. A variety of MP3 players were released, but there was no single market leader, many seeing it as a technology subculture.

Apple’s iPod MP3 player changed all that. Apple didn’t have the first MP3 player, but when it released the first iPod in 2001, it offered the first mass-marketed MP3 player linked to a legitimate online music library. The iPod was a hit.

Back in Rockford, OTW seemed to be holding its own in the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s. Through the help of the city, volunteers and others, the festival was popular and affordable.

However, ticket prices and the costs of touring increased across the nation. Regional festivals like ours had to withstand these increased costs, the downturn in the economy, and customers now accustomed to music on demand, rain or shine.

Today in 2013, if you don’t want to be tied to the iTunes store, you can stream music online using Pandora Radio or a similar option on your computer, tablet and smartphone — music on demand, wherever you are. Unless you are really in the mood for live music, it is hard to compete with that.

Not only do regional festivals need to compete against price and technology, so do the brick-and-mortar music venues. Sporting events now dominate facilities like our BMO Harris Bank Center and the Sears Centre and Allstate Arena outside Chicago.

Fewer local music venues and fewer concerts at some big facilities clearly indicate a change in our live music tastes. If technology isn’t a cause, I encourage you to share your ideas online or send a letter to editor. Or simply reminisce about your favorite OTW concert.

If you are in the mood for hearing live music, check out the Vibe Calendars section of this paper for a list of upcoming events. Looking for live music for an event? You’ll find a list of local musicians in the Musician Directory at rockrivertimes.com.

Paul Gorski (www.paulgorski.com) writes the Meet John Doe (social commentary) and Tech-Friendly (technology trends with a local flair) columns. This article is a fusion of both and he flipped a coin to determine which column title to give it this week.

Posted in Commentary | 9 Comments »

Japanese Snow Viewing Tea Ceremony at Anderson Gardens

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Staff Report

Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens will offer a rare opportunity to participate in a yukimi chakai, a traditional Japanese Snow Viewing Tea Ceremony, Saturday, Feb. 2.

The demonstration will take place in Anderson Japanese Gardens’ 16th-century Sukiya-style Guest House at 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Upon arriving, participants will gather in the Visitors’ Center, where they will enjoy a hot cup of genmaicha, roasted rice-flavored tea, while viewing the picturesque beauty of the gardens below.

Following this warm introduction, guests will be guided through the winter landscape to the Guest House. At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants are invited back to the Visitors’ Center to view an extraordinary display of tea bowls and other tea ceremony-related items that will be available for purchase.

Kimiko Gunji, professor emeritus of Japanese Traditional Arts and Culture and the former director of Japan House at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will be the host of this event.

The tea bowls are crafted by Jason Armour, one of Gunji’s esteemed students. Armour’s goal is to help people “find beauty in plainness and tranquil simplicity through set naturalistic aesthetic values” — a concept derived from his interpretation of the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi.

Gunji explained: “As technology continually advances, human beings are so enraptured by its power and capability; however, through this captivation, they often succumb to surrendering the very element that makes them human: the use of their five senses. My concentration is to impart to those with whom I encounter through my teachings and my art the significance of becoming a fine human being through the vitalization of the senses and the natural manifestation of one’s kokoro.”

The Japanese word kokoro can be translated into “mind, spirit and heart.”

Tea ceremony times will be 10:30-11:10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.; 1-1:40 p.m.; and 2-2:40 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required. Space is limited to 15 participants for each of the Tea Ceremony times. For reservations or more information, contact Katie Weston at (815) 316-3306 or by e-mail at kweston@andersongardens.org.

Professor Gunji will also teach the proper tea-serving procedures Sunday, Feb. 3. The class will be from 10 a.m. until noon and is limited to 10 participants. The cost is $25 per participant and reservations are required.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

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

Photos: Local hovercraft firm in Microsoft Outlook commercial, ‘Daily Planet’

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

New Commercial Concept for Microsoft: Rockford’s Universal Hovercraft originally constructed a professional model hovercraft, which then had the cockpit cut off and substituted with a plywood and trash can cockpit to fit the “homebuilder/gearhead/geek” theme of the Microsoft commercial shot in Altadena, Calif., Jan. 27. Bill Zang, co-owner of Universal Hovercraft, said they even took off the headlights and replaced them with flashlights from Home Depot to give the home-made effect. He said Microsoft’s special effects department contacted his firm and two other firms to put in bids on the commercial. Zang won the bid and had only one week to prepare and trailer the craft out to California. The commercial will air in mid February, and Zang believes it will promote better picture sharing on Outlook.com, formerly Hotmail. (Photo by Bill Zang)

Jim Gill, the owner of Reel EFX, the special effect firm hired by Microsoft to produce a new Outlook.com commercial, is seated in Rockford’s Universal Hovercraft (UH) modified to fit the “One Up/You Can Do it Yourself” theme of the commercial. Preparing to shoot into the “Garage” set, is an assistant cameraman for Director of Photography Paul Cameron, known for his work on Collateral, Man on Fire, Gone in Sixty Seconds and Swordfish. Zang and his two-man crew were also allowed to watch another filming for a commercial in the new series at Disney Golden Oaks Ranch, Newhall, Calif., featuring a speeding van that flips onto its side and catches fire. Zang said the ranch has a city of storefronts, just a few feet deep, that was just finished. Segments featuring UH for Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet show, will be filmed in Rockford later this week. (Photo by Bill Zang)

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News, Photo Galleries | No Comments »

Super Bowl XLVII: Harbaugh brothers to go head-to-head

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

Unless you’ve been aboard the International Space Station and void of all news sources, you must be fully aware that the Super Bowl features a battle of brothers. Jim Harbaugh will be coaching the San Francisco 49ers, and his brother John Harbaugh will be on the opposite sideline guiding the Baltimore Ravens.

Because of the nature of hype combined with the media circus that traditionally accompanies the Super Bowl, we, as fans, are about to be inundated with every piece of Harbaugh information and trivia imaginable. By the time the game kicks off, it’s entirely possible that football fans all across the globe will know which brother liked which vegetable and who was better at coloring in kindergarten. We can rest assured there won’t be any tidbit of minutia left in the locker room when these two brothers lead their teams onto the field Sunday (Feb. 3) evening.

The competitive nature of the international media that cover this sporting spectacle will no doubt pursue any angle that could put them one step ahead of their competitors. I’m guessing there will be multiple interviews not only individually and as a tandem with Jim and John, but also with their parents, neighbors, teachers, coaches, friends and anyone else who pretends to offer some morsel of information about them.

I can’t imagine the pressure they will be under this week. There’s bound to be some sleepless nights for the coaching duo between now and Sunday. In addition to the herculean task of preparing their respective teams for the biggest game of their careers, they’re going to be bombarded with a barrage of inane questions about things that have absolutely nothing to do with football.

After the umpteenth time they have to answer the same question phrased quasi-differently, I wouldn’t blame these two coaches if they were to become a bit annoyed with the press. I hope the often-feisty Jim Harbaugh doesn’t lose it when some overzealous reporter asks him, “As children, did you and your brother wear Underroo boxers or briefs?”

Granted, that may be a bit of an exaggeration of how ridiculous the questions can get during Super Bowl week, but you get the idea. All I’m suggesting is that the media take a tiny step back this week and try not to irritate these two brothers as they go about the business of preparing for the Super Bowl.

As difficult as that might be, I’m hoping for the best. Good luck to both Jim and John Harbaugh. I don’t really care which brother wins the game. I’m predicting Jim’s 49ers, but I won’t be surprised if John’s Ravens pull it out.

The story of brother vs. brother in the Super Bowl is great for the game. At some point, I hope they both get an opportunity to take a moment and let the significance of this occurrence sink in and relish the fact that their story will forever be etched in not only Super Bowl history, but also football history, even if they do have to answer a bunch of silly questions along the way.

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

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Loves Park man lands 40-inch muskie

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Dan Krueger of Loves Park, Ill., caught this 40-inch muskie using a sucker, Thursday, Jan. 24, in Pewaukee, Wis. Have a unique picture or story you’d like to share? Send it to us at contact@rockrivertimes.com. (Photo provided)

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

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

Where government really gets its money

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Too many people seem to think the government has an endless supply of money to dole out to them, without realizing it really comes from them as taxpayers. How many times does one hear people say, “Oh, the government pays for it” with no concern as to where the government gets it?

Greedy ones who only think of themselves with their groups for more from the government would be better served by working for a healthier economy that would benefit everybody. This greed often leads to unemployment for many of those with their demands. A real road to full employment would be a healthier economy, as espoused by most Republicans (especially those that are in the Tea Party).

On the other hand, the Democrats, especially as led by President Barack Obama, placate unions, lawyers, environmentalists and other special interest groups in demands that lead to a worsened economy.

Michael A. Smith
Rockford

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | 2 Comments »

Mars explorer to visit Roscoe manufacturer Jan. 31

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Staff Report

BELOIT, Wis. — Thursday, Jan. 31, the chief scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory Mission will be visiting a Roscoe, Ill., company that manufactures parts for the Mars rovers.

Dr. John Grotzinger will receive a tour of Forest City Gear, 11715 Main St., Roscoe, Ill., by the heads of the company, Fred and Wendy Young.

Grotzinger is this year’s recipient of the Roy Chapman Andrew Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award. During the award presentation Friday, Feb. 1, he will give a lecture titled, “Mars Science Laboratory Mission: First Results.” The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 4:30 p.m. in Eaton Chapel on the Beloit College campus, 700 College St., Beloit, Wis.

For more about Dr. Grotzinger’s visit to Beloit, visit www.roychapmanandrewssociety.org.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in News, Regional News | No Comments »

Guest Column: Live blues music lives, but will it continue to?

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Steve Jones
President, Crossroads Blues Society

Live music is the essence of musical performance. Artists may go into the studio to lay down their tracks and record their songs, but the delivery of their art to a live audience truly is where the rubber meets the road.

As president of Crossroads Blues Society, I get to hear a lot of music, both live and recorded. Our group serves the Rockford area as a nonprofit organization working to bring the blues into area schools. We believe the blues are important because they represent the core of all the popular music we listen to today.

The blues have been pronounced dead or dying from time to time. In the 1960s, long-haired white boys from England resuscitated the blues. In the 1970s, we saw two of Saturday Night Live’s comedians catapult the blues into our living rooms and hearts. The 1980s saw a guy from Austin, Texas, pretty much single-handedly restore the blues to the mainstream.

The blues grew and grew from the field hollers of the plantations melded with the songs of the churches and the traditional music of western Africa. The Mississippi Delta, the Piedmont and East Texas gave it a variety of flavors. From the diddly bow to a beaten old guitar, it grew; the small orchestras of 1940s and 1950s and the electrified Chicago scene expanded the blues. It adapted, crossed racial and cultural lines, and became jazz, country, rock and roll, R&B, soul, rap, hip hop and pretty much everything we listen to today.

The blues still exist in the world. Last year, there were 526 blues festivals. People everywhere come out in droves for the blues. They support the blues, love the blues, keep the blues alive across the U.S. and globally; everywhere but in Rockford.

For nearly the past 30 or so years, the blues have lived in Rockford clubs like the Adriatic Live Music Bar (formerly Big Cities Lounge), which has brought great blues acts to Rockford. Attendance at live music events has declined over the years. One can make excuses about locations and personalities and the economy, but drive up and down State Street on a Friday or Saturday night, and the movie theaters and chain restaurants are packed. Sure, there is the occasional big hit show that many people will come out for, but an average Friday or Saturday night may see fewer than 10 or 15 people wander in to check out the sounds of a local tavern. Attendance like that means the blues are not going to pay to keep the lights on and doors open.

We are all busy people today. We work hard, we spend hours to make sure our spouses and significant others are taken care of. We strive to make sure our children are accommodated, protected and nurtured. But we need to also take care of our inner souls. Music feeds that inner soul, and the blues is something primal that we all can understand.

The blues shows in clubs in town are generally not expensive. They range from free/$5 and under to perhaps $10 and occasionally $20 when a bigger act is featured. The last I checked, a movie, popcorn and soda for two costs more than a blues act and a few beverages at a blues club. It’s not like going to the Coronado and dropping $100 or more on a pair of tickets. We’re talking about hot, extraordinary bands that play right in front of you and the cover is maybe $10; this is music you can take in and absorb though all your senses.

We need to take advantage of these places that offer us such an entertainment value. I’ve watched weekend crowds dwindle to sizes of shows that one would not have expected on weeknights back in the heyday of live music. It can only be saved from extinction if people come out and listen. This newspaper has done a hell of a job promoting and highlighting live music here in the Rockford area; it’s not like the word is not getting out.

I urge you to come out on a Friday or Saturday night and sample the fares at our local clubs. You don’t have to spend a lot, and you only have to stay for one set to really get your money’s worth. We have such a rich assortment of music that has been available, but it is going away because of a lack of support. You need to hear it live; it’s better live than on the radio or your headphones from your MP3 player. You become a part of the experience, and interaction fuels the artist who, in turn, fuels your own feelings. It is more fulfilling and more enjoyable to be there as the music is being made — it will never sound exactly that way ever again, and you might miss the best performance ever by not going out to listen.

Check out what’s happening each week here in The Rock River Times in the world of local live music. There is so much to be appreciated, but without your support, it won’t last much longer.

Steve Jones is the president of Crossroads Blues Society. He has lived in the Rockford area for 16 years, moving here after retiring as a Navy Commander in nuclear submarines. Originally from New York City, Steve has been a music fan since his youth. He and his wife and family all love music and attend live music shows as often as possible. Crossroads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit staffed entirely by volunteers who work to raise funds to conduct Blues in the Schools programs; since May 2002, they have done 108 programs for more than 32,000 area students.

From the Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | No Comments »