The Fifth Annual Music on the Mall concert series kicks off with Daniel & The Lion from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, May 18, at Edgebrook shopping center, 1601 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. Admission is free.

The concert series runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., every Friday through Sept. 28. First come, first serve seating is available at all concerts, although guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.

“Music on the Mall is the perfect place to listen to great music, enjoy delicious food and unwind after the long work week,” said Edgebrook Events Coordinator Andrea Mandala.

Following is a complete schedule of Music on the Mall concerts:

May 18 — Daniel & The Lion

May 26 — Jodi Beach Trio

June 1 — Between Planes

June 8 — Clair Black & Ed Bodgonas

June 15 — The Danny Boyz

June 22 — Dean Moriarty

June 29 — Firelite Dimmers

July 6 — Daniel & The Lion

July 13 — Doug Fleming

July 20 — Miles Nielsen

July 27 — After 5 Jazz

Aug. 10 — Beat Merchants and Rocktown Strangers

Aug. 17 — Carey Sheley

Aug. 24 — Lucrezio

Aug. 31 — Emery Christiansen

Sept. 7 — Kelly Steward with Greg Whitson

Sept. 14 — Longshot

Sept. 21 —Vince Chiarelli Band

Sept. 28 — Eddie Bogdonas

Edgebrook can be reached at (815) 226-0212.

Posted May 16, 2012

Heavy metal and hard rock fans are a fickle and discerning bunch. Bands that attempt to make a career for themselves by trend-jumping with half-hearted devotion do not last.

Straight Line Stitch has been steadily ascending the ranks of metal and hard rock through authentic and impassioned performances, an organic evolution of their writing and recording, and a tried and true road warrior mentality toward touring.

The band recently re-emerged as free agents looking for a new label home.

“I think, as a band, we are looking forward mostly to just getting back to basics, and at the very heart of that is hitting the road and letting everyone know that Straight Line Stitch is still going strong,” said frontwoman Alexis Brown. “There are some new faces in the mix, but the feeling and the essence of the band is still the same, which is to go out and give it all we’ve got.”

The band will headline a show starting at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 17, at Rockford’s Bar 3, 326 E. State St. Also performing are Beyond Threshold, El Diablo, Vintage Burning and Marquette. Cover is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The club can be reached at (815) 968-9061.

Straight Line Stitch defined who they were early on in their career and held steadfast to their beliefs while making the natural progressions and growth of a committed touring band.

While being genuine at the core of a band’s being is an absolute necessity for credibility and longevity, it gets you nowhere fast if the songs do not matter.

The SLS sound is commanding and universal, engaging casual fans of hard rock and satiating the most stringent fans of metal.

The tenacious musicianship is on full display upon first listen, quickly establishing the virtue of the players.

The balance between aggressive punch and highly charged hook goes a long way to explaining the wide and diverse range of devoted SLS loyalists.

Whether sharing the stage with the titans of metal like Slayer, or playing a coveted slot at the punk-driven Warped Tour, Straight Line Stitch captivates and levels all in attendance.

Vocalist Alexis Brown is a blazing persona that demands the attention of a room. Throughout their songs, Alexis navigates a seamless shift from harrowing screams to heartfelt melody that adds depth and sincerity to their music. Her clean vocal parts never take a back seat to the punishing screams, as they are sung with an assertive power and spirit that soar mightily.

Posted May 16, 2012

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s next “Jazz at Emerson” concert features the After 5 Jazz quartet at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17, at Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford.

After 5 Jazz consists of Dave Ross, piano; Evon Sams, saxophone; Greg Clough, upright bass; and Thom Fishe, drums. The ensemble performs throughout the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. Set list will include jazz classics such as “Take the A Train,” “Misty” and “Three to Get Ready.”

Freewill donations will be accepted; suggested amount $10. Proceeds will benefit the musicians and the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center.

“Jazz at Emerson” takes place one Thursday per month, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Emerson House in the heart of downtown Rockford. Concertgoers can enjoy the swinging sounds of jazz, relax with a glass of wine and light refreshments, and meet the performers after the program. Doors open at 5 p.m., and seating is limited. Visit www.mendelssohnpac.org for more details.

Posted May 16, 2012

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, with Equip for Equality and a 16-year-old high school student from La Grange, filed a joint lawsuit May 16 against the nonprofit Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to ensure student athletes with disabilities have full and equal opportunities to compete in interscholastic sports competitions throughout the state.

Madigan filed the lawsuit jointly with Equip for Equality, a federally mandated legal advocacy organization for people with disabilities in Illinois, and which represents Mary Kate Callahan, a 16-year-old junior at Fenwick Catholic High School in Oak Park.

Madigan said their mutual goal in bringing the action against the IHSA is to ensure all students with disabilities have the right to access every high school program and activity, including interscholastic sports competitions and state meets that feature separate heats to allow disabled athletes to compete.

“Every student athlete should have a chance to compete, including athletes with disabilities,” Madigan said. “Many other states give student athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete. Students in Illinois should have the same chance.”

IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman issued the following statement: “For years, we have looked past disabilities and accommodated student-athletes — as people — in sports like gymnastics, golf, bowling, swimming, cross country and track and field. We’ve been actively engaged, listing to stakeholders, advocacy groups, parents, student athletes and others to determine how to enhance opportunities for our student athletes, all of our student athletes. We are confident that by working together we will help raise awareness about the abilities of people with disabilities and continue to be a leader.”

The joint lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, charges the nonprofit IHSA with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, both of which require that no person be excluded from equal participation in any program or activity of a public entity because of their disability. The laws also prohibit discrimination based on a person’s disability.

Out of 811 high schools in Illinois, 793 public and private high schools are members of the nonprofit IHSA, the only organization in the state through which high schools can compete in interscholastic competitions. But under current IHSA practices, athletes with disabilities cannot compete with able-bodied athletes and cannot advance to state meets offered by the IHSA. Nationally, 15 states already provide an opportunity for student athletes with disabilities to take part in various sporting events.

“Students with disabilities should have the same opportunity to participate and compete in high school sports,” said Zena Naiditch, president and CEO of Equip for Equality. “This lawsuit seeks to bring Illinois in line with many other states, which already fully include student athletes with disabilities.”

The action arose out of complaints brought to Madigan’s office by Equip for Equality and Mary Kate Callahan, who uses a wheelchair because of lower limb paralysis from a condition called transverse myelitis. Though Mary Kate is a member of Fenwick’s swim team and Fenwick supports her participation in competitions, she is not allowed to compete with her team in IHSA meets at the sectional or state championship level.

“By not providing appropriate time standards for high school athletes with disabilities to qualify for state events, the IHSA is punishing disabled athletes,” Mary Kate Callahan said. “We work just as hard and want to represent our high schools at the highest level of competition, just like all athletes. The IHSA is preventing us from doing so.”

Madigan said the lawsuit was brought after attempts by her office to resolve the matter out of court were rebuffed by the IHSA. The nonprofit association filed suit against the Attorney General’s office in April. Madigan’s office had hoped to reach an agreement with the IHSA to allow athletes with disabilities to compete during the same championships as their able-bodied peers.

The lawsuit seeks to allow all students with disabilities to compete and earn points in interscholastic high school meets and to establish qualifying standards and rules for these students so they can compete at state meets, set records and earn medals like all other students. The lawsuit seeks to require IHSA to do so first for swimming and track and field sports for the 2012-2013 school year, and expand opportunities in other sports thereafter.

Public Interest Division Chief Paul Gaynor, Disability Rights Bureau Chief Nicki Bazer and Assistant Attorney General Judith Levitan are handling the case for Madigan’s office. Alan Goldstein, Amy Peterson and Lauren Lowe are handling the case for Equip for Equality.

Posted May 16, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With bipartisan support and agreement from victim advocates and the adult entertainment industry, strip clubs that permit alcohol would have two options to help restore funding to rape crisis centers under a bill passed 8-0 by the Senate Public Health Committee, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon said May 16.

Strip club owners would choose to pay the state a $3-per-patron surcharge on an annual basis, or opt to pay a flat fee based on the taxable receipts they report to the Illinois Department of Revenue each year, under House Bill 1645 Amendment 3.

Clubs that report taxable receipts of $2 million or more would pay $25,000 a year; clubs that report total receipts of $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000; and clubs that report total receipts of less than $500,000 would pay $5,000, according to the legislation.

The $3 surcharge and fee structure in House Bill 1645 Amendment 3 replaced the $5-per-patron entrance fee proposed in an earlier bill.

The new language was agreed to by rape crisis advocates, club owners and sponsor state Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights). House Bill 1645 Amendment 3 now moves to the Senate for a vote.

“I am pleased all the interested parties came to the table with Sen. Hutchinson and my office and agreed on a common-sense way to restore funding to rape crisis centers that have struggled to provide critical services to sexual assault survivors, school children and law enforcement agencies on ever-shrinking budgets,” Simon said.

“Substantial evidence links the consumption of alcohol at strip clubs to negative secondary effects, including sexual harassment, sexual assault and prostitution. This legislation will address the social ills and protect free expression. Clubs that do not want to pay the surcharge or fee can choose to stop permitting alcohol,” Simon added.

The newly-generated revenue will go into the new Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund and be distributed by the Department of Human Services for community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and sexual assault prevention. There are at least 32 rape crisis centers — 10 in the Chicago-metro region and 22 in the non-metro area. State funding for the centers has decreased about 28 percent in the past five years.

Last year, the Texas Supreme Court upheld legislation that funded crisis centers through a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs that permit alcohol based on the correlation between alcohol, live nude dancing and negative secondary effects, such as sexual assault.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge of that decision, effectively opening the door for other cities and states to purse similar measures.

California is among the states seeking legislation; it is considering a $10-per-patron fee.

Simon, a longtime domestic violence and women’s advocate, first voiced her support for Hutchinson’s legislation in February and testified in support of the amended legislation May 16. She visited rape crisis centers across the state this spring to call for a budget-neutral way to restore state funding.

Posted May 16, 2012

Saturday, May 12, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 245 held their 20th Annual Stamp Out Hunger! Food Drive in collaboration with Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition and United Way of Rock River Valley.

More than 49,010 pounds of food was donated by generous individuals in the community who placed a bag of non-perishable food items by their mailbox for their Letter Carrier to collect. All the donated food items will benefit the 13 area food pantries that belong to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition.

Candice Berg, from the Salvation Army, said: “The Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition is thankful for the support our community provides to help those in need. The food collected from the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will help restock area pantries and provide food for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.”

The food that was generously donated by those in the community will help relieve the desperation of those families struggling to put a nutritious meal on their table during these tough economic times.

For more about the annual Stamp Out Hunger! efforts in the Rock River Valley, contact Kelly Pruka, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers No. 245, at (815) 494-5923.

Posted May 16, 2012

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/15/2012

BUCKLEY, MICHAEL Case Number: 11-053327 Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 8:43:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Soper Ave

5/14/2012

ELLIS, HENRY Case Number: 12-059203 Age: 28 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 1:06:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Ashland

GULLEY, MILDRED Case Number: 12-059453 Age: 71 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 5:03:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Other traffic offenses

Bohm Ct

MESDAG, MARK Case Number: 12-059565 Age: 47 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 7:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Pershing Ave

THOMAS, ALFONSO Case Number: 12-059647 Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 10:35:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Sherman Ave

TORRANCE, KENNETH Case Number: 12-053124 Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 12:05:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il.

Charges:

Additional Authorized Charges (See Note Field)

Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Discharged in the direction of a person)

Armed Robbery – Handgun

Ashland Ave

5/13/2012

ADEN, GLENDA Case Number: 12-058689 Age: 57 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 1:30:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Possession of drug equipment

Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (more than 2.5 less than 10)

Reckless Discharge Of A Firearm

Violation Of The Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Act (No FOID)

13th Ave

Page 1 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/13/2012

ANDERSEN, KURT Case Number: 12-058758 Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 1:56:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Other traffic offenses

Traffic speeding

Tallwood Ave

BLACK, MARCUS Case Number: 12-058866 Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 11:30:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Traffic signal violation

8th St

CLEVENZ, RICHARD Case Number: 12-059036 Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 9:20:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

No registration

Yonge

FARRIS, DONIELLE Case Number: 12-059008 Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 5:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61102

Charges:

Canceled/suspended/revoked registration

Improper backing

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Summerdale

GATES, WAYMON Case Number: 12-059076 Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 7:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Battery (Simple)

Burglary – No Forced Entry (Non-Residence)

Lyran Ave

GUERRERO, JAMIE Case Number: 12-058779 Age: 38 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 3:06:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Mila

GUNN, HERSCHEL Case Number: 12-058794 Age: 39 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 5:36:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Blood alcohol content over .08

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Registration/Title violation

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Alder Ave

Page 2 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/13/2012

HEADS, LERONE Case Number: 12-058820 Age: 62 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 9:50:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Charles St

JONES, DAVID Case Number: 11-079335 Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 3:30:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Grant Ave

MAYLUM, ERIC Case Number: 12-058774 Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 2:38:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Seat belt violations

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Brighton Rd

MCMILLAN, CHERYL Case Number: 12-058689 Age: 56 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 12:45:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Violation Of The Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Act (No FOID)

13th Ave

NICHOLS, TRANESHA Case Number: 12-059177 Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 11:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Sandy Hollow Rd

PHILLIPS, JAMES Case Number: 12-059017 Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 5:47:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

N Winnebago St

STALLWORTH, CHARLES Case Number: 12-058211 Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 7:36:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Battery – Handgun

Sablewood

STEPHENSON, ALBERT Case Number: 12-058787 Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 4:00:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Bildahl St

WATT, JOHN Case Number: 12-058835 Age: 39 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/13/2012 9:43:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Blinn Ct

Page 3 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/13/2012

Charges:

Failing to signal/Improper signal

Suspended/revoked drivers license

5/12/2012

BOYD, PAUL Case Number: 12-058451 Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 1:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Trevor

COTTON, DARRELL Case Number: 10-120385 Age: 44 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 7:38:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Broadway

ELLIS, SABRINA Case Number: 12-058392 Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 10:26:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Operating vehicle suspended reg.-no insurance

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Concord Ave

FINET, TIMOTHY Case Number: 12-058518 Age: 51 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 5:00:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Homeless

JOHNSON, CRAIG Case Number: 12-058464 Age: 52 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 1:40:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

Balsam

LEE, DANIEL Case Number: 12-058672 Age: 39 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 10:32:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Possession of drug equipment

11TH ST UPPER

MCDONALD-DOSS, KIWONNA Case Number: 12-058452 Age: 18 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 1:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockord,Il

Charges:

Criminal Trespass To Residence

Garden Ct

MOORE, CAPRISA Case Number: 12-058246 Age: 22 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 1:30:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

Leather Ct

Page 4 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/12/2012

PERRY, MICHAEL Case Number: 12-058658 Age: 49 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 10:06:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property

Disorderly Conduct

Domestic Battery

Railroad Ave/325 Cameron 1c

ROBIN, BRITTANY Case Number: 12-058418 Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 12:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Pepper Dr

SANDERS, JESSICA Case Number: 12-058672 Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 10:32:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Prohibited Occupancy-Condemned/Placarded Premises

Travel Inn On E State St

SCHULTZ, JAMES Case Number: 12-058235 Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 12:44:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Loves Park, IL 61111

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Traffic speeding

Theodore St

SIMPSON, SHAUNDELL Case Number: 12-058452 Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 1:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Winnebago,

Charges:

Criminal Trespass To Residence

Sun Ct

TATE, MARK Case Number: 12-058672 Age: 45 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 10:32:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Prohibited Occupancy-Condemned/Placarded Premises

Homeless

TURMAN, TESSA Case Number: 12-058334 Age: 20 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 5:25:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Winnebago,Il

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Elida

VAZQUEZ, SUZETTE Case Number: 12-019167 Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 9:21:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Home Invasion

11th St / 4935 Linden Rd

Page 5 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/12/2012

WALSTON, JOYAPARIS Case Number: 12-058452 Age: 20 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 1:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

Criminal Trespass To Residence

Obstructing Identification

5th Ave

WILLIAMS, SYLVESTER Case Number: 12-058496 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/12/2012 3:20:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Mfg/Del/Poss. W/intent Del/Mfg (10 grams or less)

Violation Of The Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Act (No FOID)

Shelley Dr

5/11/2012

ALEXANDER, AARON Case Number: 12-047890 Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 7:10:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property

West St

BLANENSHIP, JAMES Case Number: 12-057842 Age: 28 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 12:22:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Aggravated Battery – Other Weapon

N Longwood

BYRD, ANDREI Case Number: 12-057598 Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 12:10:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Assault (Simple)

Searles Ave

CLAY, EVERETT Case Number: 12-057838 Age: 46 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 12:23:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(over $300)

Theft (more than $300- Unauthorized Control)

Bremer St

DANIELS, ERICA Case Number: 12-057661 Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 3:56:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61101

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Traffic speeding

Sablewood Dr

DICKENS, DARIUS Case Number: 12-056966 Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 9:49:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Vehicle

W Jefferson St

Page 6 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/11/2012

DRAKE, ALEXANDRIA Case Number: 12-057654 Age: 22 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 4:00:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Offensive Uses of Property

Remington Rd

FONSECA, JOSEPH Case Number: 12-057734 Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 9:30:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61108

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Traffic speeding

25th St

HARRIS, NICHOLAS Case Number: 12-057986 Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 4:55:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Angola, NY 14006

Charges:

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

Lenox St

HOWARD, GERMAN Case Number: 12-057640 Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 2:11:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Gilbert Ave

MUHLEBACK, PAUL Case Number: 12-057931 Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 2:50:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to State Supported Property

Normandy Ave

TORRES, FERNANDO Case Number: 12-057620 Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 12:32:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Failing to signal/Improper signal

No drivers license

Obstructing Identification

Island Ave

WATSON, MARY Case Number: 12-058199 Age: 41 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 11:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Land

Concord Ave

WEBB, RONALD Case Number: 12-057656 Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/11/2012 3:28:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Aggravated Battery (Peace Officer, Correctional Officer, Fireman)

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Improper lane usage

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Homestead Ln

5/10/2012

Page 7 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/10/2012

AARON, KIEL Case Number: 12-057116 Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 3:21:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Homeless

ALBERT, DELANO Case Number: 12-054247 Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 10:38:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Battery – Handgun

Evergreen St

BAXTER, SHELDON Case Number: 12-057264 Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 1:35:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

Brook Rd

BROWN, KATELYN Case Number: 12-057120 Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 3:10:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Blood alcohol content over .08

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Improper lane usage

Deer Path Rd

CHECK, DANIEL Case Number: 12-040854 Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 10:50:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Union St

DELGADO, ROSE Case Number: 12-057098 Age: 39 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 1:19:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Hovey Ave

HANSON, BRENT Case Number: 12-057479 Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 8:10:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Roscoe, IL 61073

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Wagon Ln

IVERSON, TYVESHA Case Number: 12-057121 Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 3:25:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Obstructing Identification

Other traffic offenses

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

8th St

Page 8 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/10/2012

JEFFERSON, RICO Case Number: 12-057415 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 5:57:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Miriam Ave

LEWIS, JOSHUA Case Number: 12-057211 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 12:27:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Battery (Peace Officer, Correctional Officer, Fireman)

Domestic Battery

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

9th St

MARZETTE, CARTRAYLE Case Number: 12-057562 Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 10:38:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Failing to signal/Improper signal

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Seat belt violations

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Underwood

PIENING-SANCHEZ, LORI Case Number: 12-055585 Age: 40 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 11:15:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

Possession of drug equipment

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Orchard Ave

ROCHA, MICHAEL Case Number: 12-057105 Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 1:40:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Blood alcohol content over .08

Improper lane usage

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Elm St

TATE, MARK Case Number: 12-057249 Age: 45 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 1:00:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Roadroad Av,

Charges:

City Ordinance Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage with a Broken Seal

Railroad Ave

TAYLOR, JUANITA Case Number: 12-057181 Age: 40 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 10:33:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61104

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

19th Ave

THOMPSON, SHANNON Case Number: 12-057474 Age: 27 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/10/2012 8:25:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Roscoe, IL 61073

Edgemere Trl

Page 9 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/16/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/10/2012

Charges:

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Page 10 of 10 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Posted May 16, 2012

Marc Anthony Bell, 18, has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and armed robbery in relation to a May 14 shooting on Lincoln Park Boulevard in Rockford.

At approximately 2:47 p.m., Monday, May 14, Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the area of 302 Lincoln Park Blvd., in Rockford, regarding a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Investigation at the scene determined the victim worked for Direct USA Meat Company. The victim and a co-worker were in a truck in the area selling meat.

They were flagged down by a male, who inquired about purchasing meat. This subject subsequently produced a handgun and attempted to rob the victim. The suspect fired one shot, and the victim was hit in the leg.

An investigation conducted by Winnebago County Sheriff’s detectives was reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and an arrest warrant and search warrant were authorized.

Bell was taken into custody Tuesday, May 15, and is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Posted May 16, 2012

In a recent presentation at Rock Valley College (RVC), Linden Griesbach demonstrated how residents of Winnebago, Boone and parts of Ogle County could meet today’s energy needs using local renewable resources. He also indicated energy released at Byron Nuclear Generating Station, if targeted exclusively for the same area, would nearly meet the region’s energy needs.

The relative importance of nuclear and renewable energy in the world’s energy future remains a topic of debate. As of May 7, Japan’s last nuclear reactor was shut down for maintenance. Reopening their 52 reactors has proven problematic, as local opposition is very strong. Since nuclear power provided more than 30 percent of their energy, replacing it with imported fuels has proven costly and cannot maintain the same level of energy services.

Germany, following the disaster in Japan, declared they would shut down their nuclear power plants and accelerate a transition to renewable energy. According to a Bloomberg report, Germany expects to replace their 17 nuclear reactors that supply about 20 percent of their electricity with a $263 billion investment in solar and wind. If successfully implemented, global support for renewable energy will grow.

In Finland, construction continues on building a safe permanent storage site for nuclear wastes. Construction is behind schedule, and commercial operations planned for 2009 are expected to be in place by 2014. If successful, it will solve a major problem of how to handle nuclear wastes. Success will be hard to define and verify, as safe storage must be maintained over the 100,000 years it takes for the radioactivity to cease.

The long-term storage issue brings us to what Alvin Weinberg, former head of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, declared in the 1970s — that using nuclear power amounts to a Faustian bargain. When properly handled, nuclear power plants are almost nonpolluting and offer lower-cost electricity than fossil fuel plants, but their use demands a level of vigilance and longevity that is beyond society’s experience.

Charles Barton, an advocate of the thorium reactor, indicates Weinberg saw the unending striving for more power and success as dependent on knowledge, energy and other resources inherent in human existence. Along with other scientists, he wanted to continue to explore the secrets of nature and felt society would benefit from the discoveries.

In 1971, Barton describes Weinberg as striving for the following three things:

1. Nuclear safety — if not fulfilled, a threat to humanity’s future.

2. Control carbon dioxide emissions — a threat to humanity.

3. The development of a thorium breeding molten salt reactor technology seen as saving humanity from the adverse consequences of its quest for energy.

Weinberg’s desire to move on to thorium technology led to his dismissal, as supporters of conventional nuclear power plants prevailed in Congress.

This year in the United States, approval to build two new nuclear plants, not thorium-based, in Georgia was granted. Supporters believe the new plants will avoid the economic and safety concerns that cut short the nuclear revolution of the 1970s.

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 May 16-22, 2012, issue

Rockford Park District will host “Animal Mania” at Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 19 (weather-permitting).

This free spring event offers a day of fun in the country for the whole family. Activities will take place in several areas within the park, including the Trailside Centre, Cookhouse, main arena and Children’s Farm. The playground will be available for kids to enjoy.

Activities will include wagon and pony rides, a tractor show, horseshoeing demonstrations, a horse extravaganza, a Birds of Prey presentation by staff of Atwood Center, Pioneer Day activities, and games and crafts.

Children can learn about the park’s animals in the Children’s Farm area, and visit the Cookhouse to observe chicken hatching, sponsored by the Winnebago County and Boone County farm bureaus. (Events and activities are subject to change.)

Admission to the event is free; fees will be charged for some activities, and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Friends of Lockwood Park.

Horse trailer parking and trail rides will be closed for the day of the event.

Event fliers with the schedule of activities will be available at Park District facilities and Customer Service locations.

For more about Lockwood Park and equestrian programs, call (815) 987-8809, or visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood. For about accessibility for visitors with disabilities, contact Customer Service at (815) 987-8800.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Although information about the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) investigation into toxic waste dumping around the Amerock facility in Rockford has been sparse, the probe is continuing, federal and state officials informed The Rock River Times (TRRT). Meanwhile, the investigation into the gasoline contamination of the well water in the area is nearing completion, an IEPA official said May 15.

Maggie Carson, spokesman for the IEPA, told TRRT the gasoline contamination investigation will be considered completed by the state once property ownership where underground storage tanks leaked into the groundwater is established. She said the IEPA investigative team assigned to the case last September is working to “identify the responsible parties and to identify what the options are.”

Once that task is completed, focus will then shift back to the toxic dumping probe.

Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) hooked up 15 homes to city water after finding evidence of components common to gasoline in well water under homes on Soper and Alliance avenues in a four-block quadrant north of Auburn Street and west of the Amerock plant.

Brad Benning of the USEPA Region 5 office in Chicago confirmed to TRRT May 14 that the first part of the two-part investigation is coming to an end. Compensation for cleanup and the hookups to city water from the Mobil and Citgo gas stations on Auburn Street to the USEPA may be forthcoming, both the IEPA and USEPA confirmed.

The probe into gasoline contamination of the groundwater in the area began last September. The screening for metals buried in the area around Amerock took place in April, the IEPA and the Northwest Community Center (NWCC) confirmed.

The IEPA team surveyed the land around Kent Creek, some of which is owned by the NWCC and some of which is owned by the Rockford Park District. It was not confirmed whether any screening took place on Amerock property.

“They did screening to map out underground metals,” Carson said. “Once it’s completed, then it will be shared with the community center owners, other property owners, the media and to the public.”

Carson said the probe in April took place “to map out underground metal with a more sophisticated metal detector.”

NWCC Director Jim Peterson confirmed the probe took place on NWCC property after an access agreement was worked out with the IEPA. “But we have not heard back from them yet,” Peterson said.

Carson said no access agreement was needed for public property probes, only on private property, such as that owned by the NWCC. She confirmed the team also accessed land that included the Mel Anderson Bike Path and the land north of Kent Creek, which is owned by the Rockford Park District.

Carson added that once the probe into toxic waste dumping continues, the investigative team will “do sediment sampling (around the creek) as part of the investigation.”

Benning said the USEPA will be monitoring the toxic dumping probe.

“We’re still waiting on the state to finish up their investigation out at Amerock,” Benning said. “It’s still in its early stages, and I don’t think the state is anywhere close to being done out there yet. Typically, they won’t give out results until their investigation is done and everything is final. They’re hesitant to give out information as they go.

“Things will continue on, and we’ll be in contact with the state for the progress in their investigation,” Benning added. “I’m sure they will be relaying stuff to us if there is a need for support.”

Allegations have been made of dumping of toxic heavy metals, construction equipment and other debris north of Parkside and west of Central avenues in the 1960s and 1970s. Allegations have also been made that Amerock dumped toxic substances into Kent Creek after the plant opened in 1956, continuing through the 1980s, and as recently as this year. The plant is being cleaned up by Denovo Properties, which specializes in cleaning up toxic sites in the United States and then selling them. Past requests to interview Denovo management have been unanswered.

The IEPA launched two investigations, one into groundwater pollution in the area west of Central Avenue and North of Auburn Street in Rockford and the other into allegations of environmental pollution by the Amerock Corporation. The investigation into toxic dumping came in the throes of the discovery by TRRT of five drainage leads from Amerock to Kent Creek.

A team of four former Amerock employees helped TRRT find the five drainage pipes that lead from the north end of the Amerock complex. Two of the drainage discoveries are old, galvanized metal drain pipes measuring 4 to 5 feet in diameter, and two others are old concrete drainage areas in the ground. A fifth pipe is composed of a newer, black plastic that also directs into Kent Creek. All five empty into the creek, and all are 75 to 100 yards from the back of the Amerock building.

TRRT also took a metal detector around the areas north and south of the creek and found large quantities of metal buried in the ground, some of which were located in the areas in and around the NWCC.

TRRT has been sharing its information in the investigation with both the IEPA and the USEPA.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Michael Kleen

By Michael Kleen

In a recent report on crime in Winnebago County, former Rockford Register Star Executive Editor Linda Grist Cunningham concluded that fears about Winnebago County crime are “more hype than fact.”

Given Rockford’s reputation for being somewhere between Mad Max and Grand Theft Auto, Cunningham’s conclusion may be superficially true. However, her assessment fails to acknowledge the profound impact both crime and the fear of crime have on society as a whole, particularly on the local economy.

In other words, crime is not merely an issue of criminal and victim, courts and judges, costs and savings. Crime and the economy are intimately connected, and a safe and prosperous community cannot be built without taking that connection seriously. Dismissing public perception as hype or irrelevant is not helpful.

It is no coincidence Winnebago County has been in the top five Illinois counties in terms of both crime and unemployment rates for more than a decade. Robberies, especially armed robberies, have a devastating effect on business. It is not just money taken during the robbery that is lost — the damage can be measured in terms of customers who stop visiting for fear they will be there at the wrong time, employees who are too scared to come back to work, and in difficulty in hiring new employees. As a result, a business that was already operating at the margins can be forced to close, lowering surrounding property values and adding to urban blight.

Almost every day in Rockford, there is a carjacking, armed robbery or assault. At the beginning of May, for example, a young woman working at the Burger King at the corner of Bell School Road and State Street was robbed at gunpoint while she was leaving work. That night alone, there were two more robberies in the city, including one at an ATM machine on Auburn Street. Another 22-year-old man was simply sitting in his car at an intersection when two men pointed handguns at him and demanded his money. One Subway Restaurant on East State Street has been robbed more than three times since December.

Incidents such as these create a climate of fear that stifles economic activity. Rockford is the third-largest city in Illinois, with a number of fine shops, bars and restaurants in our downtown. Why aren’t they overflowing with customers like those in smaller cities like Naperville, Schaumburg and Aurora? The answer is an ever-present anxiety — a conscious or unconscious decision made on the part of many area residents to evade danger by avoiding entire sections of the city, including any businesses that happen to be located there.

The City of Rockford has done little to address this issue and has occasionally managed to make things worse. Turning off more than 2,300 street lights last year to save money, for example, was a step in the wrong direction. Nothing makes people feel less safe than having to walk home (or to their car) in the dark.

In one flippant response to a resident who inquired about her now darkened street, a Public Works employee told her to rent a light from ComEd if she was concerned about safety in her neighborhood. The concerns of local residents need to be taken seriously, not dismissed.

Some, including the editors at the Register Star, have suggested Rockford is simply suffering from a negative attitude. Like the young orphan girl in the children’s novel Pollyanna, who transforms her aunt’s dispirited New England town into a pleasant place to live by looking at the bright side of every situation, these Rockfordians believe they, too, can transform reality by only looking at the positive, but it will take more than a Pollyanna-esque attitude to turn things around. Problems need to be acknowledged before they can be solved, and so far, wishful thinking has not brought about an economic recovery or reduced crime.

Concrete steps need to be taken to change the perception of public safety (or lack thereof) before any serious economic recovery can get under way. One simple thing the city can do is increase police foot patrols downtown and in high-crime areas. Police officers should be visible at major intersections and should be given responsibility for a square block or section of businesses. This would send a signal that public safety is a high priority, and business owners and their customers (as well as potential criminals) would know police are always within shouting distance. Anti-vagrancy and public decency laws should be vigorously enforced. Finally, Rockford needs a local concealed carry ordinance, so residents can defend themselves if attacked.

Together, these steps would greatly reduce crime and — more importantly — dramatically increase public perception of safety. Only then will the local economy truly begin to recover.

Michael Kleen is a local author, historian, and owner of Black Oak Media. He holds a master’s degree in history and master’s degree in education.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

The second annual SAM’s Safety Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 19, on the grounds of SwedishAmerican Hospital (east side of the hospital campus in front of Camelot Tower and in the Ryan Jury Parking Lot). The event is geared toward children ages 14 and younger, and is being held in conjunction with Emergency Medical Service Week.

Named after SwedishAmerican’s mascot, SAM (SwedishAmerican Mascot), kids will be able to explore the inside of an ambulance; learn about roller skate and skateboard safety; water and sun safety; sports safety; Stranger Danger; firearms safety; and animal safety. They also can visit a decontamination tent where they’ll be able to decon a mannequin and visit our moulage station where they will be made to look like they have been in an accident — from there, they can either go to an ambulance or a splinting and casting station.

The safety trailer from Rockford Fire, a fire engine from Byron, and ladder trucks from Roscoe and Oregon will be on site for kids to explore. In addition, there will be a bicycle safety rodeo (bring your own bike for safety check), car-seat safety checks and a poison prevention attraction.

Kids can meet SAM, the SwedishAmerican mascot, and the interactive Sparky the fire truck and Andy the ambulance.

“These are just a few ideas where we can engage with the community on education and awareness,” said SwedishAmerican Hospital Safe Kids Coordinator Penny Lentz. “Accidental injuries remain the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 14, even though many of these deaths can be prevented. This event also focuses on parents as role models for safe behavior and encourages parents to back up their words about safety with actions.”

The event is free and open to the public. Giveaways and refreshments will be included. Contact Mary McNamara, SwedishAmerican’s trauma coordinator, at (815) 315-6150 for details.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

PECATONICA, Ill. — The Illinois Vipassana Meditation Center (Dhamma Pakasa) invites Rockford-area residents to its ninth annual open house from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 20, at 10076 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, Ill.

Guests will be offered guided tours, an informational video screening, an opportunity to ask questions of a Vipassana meditation instructor, and plenty of delicious refreshments.

Dhamma Pakasa, founded in 2003, hosts10-day residential retreats at its 20-acre site just across the street from the Four Lakes Forest Preserve. During retreats, participants learn a non-sectarian form of meditation called Vipassana, as taught by S.N. Goenka. Vipassana means “insight” or “to see things as they really are.”

Currently, 20 10-day retreats are offered throughout the year to nearly 1,000 participants.

Visit www.pakasa.dhamma.org or call (815) 489-0420 for more details.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Ryan (from left), James Sr. and James IV. (Photo provided)

In honor of Armed Forces Week (May 12-20), The Rock River Times profiles a local family with three family members holding the rank of major in the United States Air Force (USAF).

The U.S. Air Force has three major assets besides aircraft meeting their worldwide air power missions.

The James and Kay Hughes family of Rockford are proud they have three members of the family currently holding the rank of major in the USAF. All have served and flown in combat theaters of operation throughout the world.

James Sr. is a retired Air Force major with 22 1/2 years of service, including a tour at Dang Air Base, Vietnam. He later served in the Illinois Air Guards, 126th Air Refueling Wing at O’Hare.

Major James Hughes IV (Jamie), 39, served 10 years active duty as a navigator on C130 cargo aircraft and is now serving full-time as a member of the Hawaiian Air Guard. He is working in the Air and Space Operations Center for the Pacific, stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

Major Ryan Hughes, 36, served seven years in the Illinois Air Guard before going active duty as a pilot. He is a command instructor pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flying the KC135 Air, refueling tanker aircraft. He is the group director of operations for tanker missions, stationed at Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan.

Both James IV (Class of 1991) and Ryan (Class of 1994) are graduates of Rockford Guilford High School.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Denise Guzzardo

By Denise Guzzardo

Week of May 16-22, 2012

This Week: Venus, the planet of love, in Gemini retrogrades and trines retrograde Saturn in Libra. So, what does all this gobbledygook mean? Romantic thrills, chills and excitement will be in the air. Everyone will seem twitterpated in the language of love. Be cautious not to carry your heart around in your hand, though. You could drop it, slip on your own love juices and crack a tailbone. Enjoy this emotionally transforming week.

Aries (March 21 to April 19) — News of a wedding or birth of a baby puts you in a fabulous emotional place early this week. You are able to indulge in the simple things in life for a moment or two before you get back to the grindstone. Celebrating the love that is exchanged between friends and family can become quite contagious. This energy carries on with you through week’s end.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20) — You may be a little bored with all of the responsibilities on your plate early on this week. This is a great time to distribute tasks to those who are standing on the sidelines with nothing better to do than to watch you struggle. A fresh start with a romantic interest puts things in the proper perspective. You both realize you’re on the same page now.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — An unexpected offer or contract sets you above and beyond your own expectations. You feel as though you can breathe a bit before starting in with your next endeavor. This is a great time to re-evaluate your heath and general well-being. If you have been overindulgent with certain elements, you’re in a prime position to leave these darker aspects behind for good.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — Before you “flee the country,” try setting some boundaries in your own back yard first. If it appears you are revisiting the same type of energy exchanges over and over, take a step back to figure out why. If you remove yourself from the “moment,” you can recognize what’s really at the bottom of it all. By week’s end, an important factor weaves its way into your fabric.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — Be brave and do not let another manipulate your emotions. Instead of worrying about negative aspects that may happen, focus on all of the blessings that have occurred up until this point. This glass-half-empty mentality you have been harboring is not doing you any good and is drawing in more of the same type of energy. The perfect solution for a long-standing problem arrives by week’s end.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — A definite shift has occurred in the way you are handling your own inner fears. Instead of projecting them onto others, you are facing them head on and removing them one by one. As a result, those around you may be more interested in exchanging energy with you. Romance seems to be falling into place. The past is in the past for good now.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — This long, drawn-out legal element or frustrating contract should be put to rest shortly. This will give you an opportunity to focus more on your personal long-term goals. There may be a worry involving the heath of a friend or family member this week. Try to remain objective, and don’t panic. The end result is more positive than the initial problem.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — You may want to focus on a long-term financial plan. You will be in a position to make favorable contacts shortly. As a result, business is booming in one way or another. The weekend provides time to concentrate more closely on a personal matter. You have the perfect solution to a long-standing problem.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — You may be a bit spooked by information you receive during dream time or experiencing strong feelings of déjà vu. Understand the messages we receive are to benefit us and not to harm us. Allow this to work to your advantage, and all will make more sense by week’s end. Fiances are improving shortly. Don’t panic.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — Romance takes a strong turn for the better this week. Time away or hectic schedules actually work in your favor for quality alone time over the weekend with your significant other. There is plenty to share, and unexpected positive news arrives shortly.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — Take it easy on another who is trying to work his or her way through a difficult problem. Sometimes the “tough love” approach doesn’t work for certain individuals as well as others. You will be shocked to hear some interesting information about a person from your past. Keep this to yourself for now.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — Your family will be going through a major healing process as a result of an outside influence. An old romantic problem will be put to rest once and for all, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. As a result, your energy level shifts, and you can focus on your long-term goals now.

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Second, half a trillion dollars, $500 billion, was taken from Medicare funding over 10 years, because we so value “the greatest generation.” That transfer allowed Democrats to claim ObamaCare was completely funded. And Democrats cry that Paul Ryan wants to push seniors off a cliff!

Third, the legislation includes 700 sentences beginning, “The Secretary shall…” referring to Kathleen Sibelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sibelius has granted the state of Maine a waiver from a critical provision of the law (Maine is a Blue State), while denying a waiver to the state of Oklahoma (a Red State). How was this decision made? It’s none of your business. As of January, about 1,200 employers, most of them unions, had been granted waivers. ObamaCare gives the Secretary of HHS vast powers of decision-making, and seemingly no accountability to the Congress, which passed this monstrosity.

Large employers are telegraphing their intentions to pay the $2,000 per employee fine for dropping health care coverage rather than the $10,000 per employee cost of coverage. This will “flush” employees into a pool of Medicaid recipients, passing the costs of the insurance onto Uncle Sam. But not to worry — Uncle Sam can always borrow more from China.

A fellow who is an ObamaCare expert quoted in The Wall Street Journal is our speaker this Thursday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m., at Rockton Community Centre, 302 W. Main St. C. Steven Tucker is lively, informed and can answer your questions. All are welcome.

Jane Carrell
Roscoe

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

John Kurman, “The Smokemakers,” 2009, part of Rockford Art Museum’s “2012 Rockford Midwestern.”

Staff Report

Rockford Art Museum’s (RAM) 72nd Rockford Midwestern opens with a free public opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 19. The public opening will feature a gallery walk from 11 a.m. to noon and a free children’s art activity.

A Members’ and Exhibiting Artists’ Preview is set for 5 p.m., Friday, May 18, with awards presentations and gallery walk by RAM Curator Jessica Caddell, and a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The 2012 Rockford Midwestern marks the 72nd presentation of RAM’s juried exhibition, which began in 1913 as an annual showcase of local artists. Now a biennial competition that surveys the breadth and depth of contemporary art in the Midwest, the exhibition is open to new original artwork in any medium by artists in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin; 675 works by 234 artists were submitted for consideration.

Juror Lisa Stone selected 109 works by 91 regional artists (see list below) for the 2012 Rockford Midwestern. She is curator for the Roger Brown Study Collection at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and serves on the boards of SPACES (Saving and Preserving Arts and Cultural Environments) and Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art.

Awards presented at the preview for members and exhibiting artists May 18 include the prestigious Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award, Best of Show, First Place 2-D and First Place 3-D.

RAM is inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Call (815) 968-2787 or visit www.rockfordartmuseum.org for more information.

2012 Rockford Midwestern related programming

2012 Rockford Midwestern Teacher Workshop — Wednesday, May 30, 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Free for teachers. Registration required. Call (815) 972-2874.

Artist Lecture: Drew Helge and Katherine Webb — Thursday, July 19, 7 p.m.: Free. Rockford natives and exhibiting artists Drew Helge and Katherine Webb offer an inside look at the 2012 Rockford Midwestern. Both have shown their work in glass and fiber, respectively, around the region.

Exhibition children’s classes

All supplies are included with all children’s classes. Registration is required by calling (815) 972-2874.

Illinois WPA Posters — Saturday, June 16, 2-3:30 p.m. For ages 5 and older ($8). Start off this class by checking out the awesome posters created by Illinois artists under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Once you’re inspired, make your own poster to express your thoughts and ideas.

Head of the Glass — Saturday, July 21, 2-3:30 p.m. For ages 7 and older ($10). Hone your artistic skills in this exciting introduction to glass fusion. Get inspired by the glasswork of 2012 Rockford Midwestern artist Drew Helge and create your own one-of-a-kind pendant.

Mini Midwest Diorama — Saturday, Aug. 25, 2-3:30 p.m. For ages 6 and older ($8). Make your own mini-world in this exciting class. Create a scene from everyday life in the Midwest by designing figures and backgrounds that encapsulate a moment in time.

$5 Fix

$5 Fix — Fourth Thursday of every month (May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $5. RAM offers a program designed for the lunch hour. Use the Art Annex to eat your lunch before heading into the galleries for a bite-sized self-guided tour of the newest exhibitions.

2012 Rockford Midwestern exhibiting artists

“Invisible Man” by Graehound, 2011.

Aviva Alter, Chicago; Leslie Arbetman, Rockford; Christian Arrecis, Peoria, Ill.; Nicholas Barron, Oswego, Ill.; Jay Paul Bell, DeKalb, Ill.; Katie Bell, Rockford; Landis Blair, Crystal Lake, Ill.; Patricia Borowiec, Chicago; Mark Bowers, Evanston, Ill.; Jason Brammer, Chicago; Pamela Callahan, Highland, Wis.; Javier Chavira, Crown Point, Ind.; Chris Cicala, Orland Park, Ill.; Jan Clough, Macomb, Ill.; Mary F. Coats, Iowa City, Iowa; Gina Dabrowski, St. Paul, Minn.; Susan Danko, Parma, Ohio; James Deeb, Evanston, Ill.; Megan Klazura Dehner, Iowa City, Iowa; Christina Ditzler, Rockford; Tabatha Dougherty, Roscoe, Ill.; Jennifer Dyer, Rockford.

Martin Edlin, Louisville, Ky.; Drew Eurek, Rockford; Yale Factor, DeKalb, Ill.; Juan Fernandez, Highwood, Ill.; Aralina Ferrella, Toledo, Ohio; Jeffrey Fraas, Bartlett, Ill.; Emily Franklin, DeKalb, Ill.; Sheila Ganch, Chicago; Julie Ganser, Sun Prairie, Wis.; Teresa Getty, Fitchburg, Wis.; Joseph Goral, Rockford; Meico Gowan, Rockford; Graehound, Bloomington, Ill.; Corey Hagberg, Rockford; Matthew Hagemann, Chicago; Megan Harrigan, Grayslake, Ill.; Drew Helge, Rockford; Paula Henderson, Chicago; Jeanine Hill-Soldner, Algonquin, Ill.; Leslie Hirshfield, Evanston, Ill.; Nikki Hollander, Rockford.

Javier Jimenez, Rockford; Greg Jones, Sylvania, Ohio; Sarah Kaiser, Evanston, Ill.; Lisa Koch, Madison, Wis.; Emily Koehler, White Bear Lake, Minn.; John Kurman, Arlington Heights, Ill.; Tom Linden, Rockford; David Linneweh, Shorewood, Ill.; John Linquist, Machesney Park, Ill.; Victor Lopez, Glenview, Ill.; Kristy Luck, Chicago; Jeanne Ludeke, Rockford; Elyse Martin, Northbrook, Ill.; Nate Mathews, Bartlett, Ill.; Sable Matula, Rockton, Ill.; Sari Maxfield, Chicago; Kari McDonald, Rockford; Donald J. McKenna, St. Louis; Alyssa Miserendino, Chicago; Stephen Moss, Hammond, Ind.; Scott Mount, Rockford.

Hironobu Nishitateno, Loves Park, Ill.; Erin K. Nolan, DeKalb, Ill.; Bradley Nordlof, Rockford; Connie Noyes, Chicago; Alice O’Neill, Madison, Wis.; Sheila Oettinger, Chicago; Brad Pogatetz, Batavia, Ill.; Mary Porterfield, Chicago; Johwey Redington, Loves Park, Ill.; Todd Reed, Bolingbrook, Ill.; Jilian Reints, Belvidere, Ill.; Kelly Riker, Forest Park, Ill.; Tim Roby, Lake in the Hills, Ill.; Ulli Rooney, Sycamore, Ill.; Tammie Rubin, Champaign, Ill.; Jacinda Russell, Muncie, Ind.; Barbara Santucci, Rockford; Vera Scekic, Evanston, Ill.; Corrie Slawson, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Amelia Spinney, DeKalb, Ill.; John Stanicek, Aurora, Ill.; S. Gayle Stevens, Downers Grove, Ill.; Michele Thrane, Arlington Heights, Ill.; Kimberly Thurston, Chicago; Diane Washa, Madison, Wis.; Katherine Webb, Rockford; and Jessica Witte, St. Louis.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Rockford native and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen will be on hand Sunday, May 27, as the RiverHawks take on the Lake Erie Crushers at 3:05 p.m. at RiverHawks Stadium.

The RiverHawks have partnered with the Burpee Museum of Natural History to bring the rocker out to the game and help to raise money for the museum.

“This is a great partnership for us and our fans,” said RiverHawks General Manager Brad Sholes. “To be able to partner up and bring in a big name like Rick Nielsen and help to raise money for a community asset like Burpee Museum at the same time is right in line with our goal to be a larger part of the community in the stateline area.”

Alan Brown, executive director of the Burpee Museum, said, “We are very excited to partner with the RiverHawks’ organization to launch the first step in bringing the Rick Nielsen and his Guitar Exhibit to Rockford.”

Nielsen will be throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitch and will be signing multiple custom jerseys that will be auctioned off to lucky fans. Proceeds from the jersey auction will go to Burpee Museum, along with a portion of the proceeds from the night’s ticket sales.

Tickets to the game are $10 and $7.

April 23, 2012, Rick Nielsen and the board of the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford unveiled plans for Rick’s Picks, a state-of-the-art exhibit that tells the story of Rick’s passions for guitars, music, and rock and roll. Visitors will experience a treasure trove of Rick’s amazing guitars, collectible personal items, stage clothing and Cheap Trick memorabilia, all enhanced by multimedia storytelling support. The exhibit is set to open Aug. 11.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league that will play its 20th season in 2012. The RiverHawks open their 11th season May 18 at River City. The home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., May 25, against Lake Erie. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Antiques

ANTIQUE SALE May 19th, 9am-noon, 4677 Highpoint, #50, Rockford. Cash only please. 815/978-9202. 5/16

Now & Then Antiques and Collectibles Rockford Plaza 2520 Charles St. Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 316-1088 Open 10 to 5 Mon-Sat, 10-3 Sun 6/6

Appliances

REFRIGERATOR COMPRESSOR New, never installed. Fits many fridges. Part W10285060, includes drip tray kit $150. 815/398-4475. 5/30

26 CUBIC FT. SIDE-BY-SIDE refrigerator, $175, Harvest Gold, electric stove $75 815/871-7511 after 5pm. 5/16

ROPER WASHER, large load capacity and Roper dryer, heavy-duty super-capacity, $150 each. Four Hunter ceiling fans (brushed nickel, white, brass, woodtone) $100 firm. Two General Electric AC window units w/remote control, $100 each. Kinetico brand water softener $100 815/978-7610. TFN

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

Cemetery Plots

SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS one crypt, lower level, value $6795, Make offer 815/623-9070. 5/23

BURIAL PLOT in Willwood burial park at Meridian & W. State, Call for more information. 815/631-8839. 5/23

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

1 SPACE IN SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS (Lutheran section). $1,600 + fees. 941/358-0374. janey08@comcast.net. TFN

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

Collectibles

ALEX RODRIGUEZ BOBBLE-HEAD DOLLS 10 left at $75 each or 2 for $130. Valueable collector’s items. 779/771-3907 or 815/315-0662. 5/30

Electronics

8MM PROJECTORS Bell & Howell, Keystone, 1924 Eastman Kodak, Dabrite splicer, Argus viewer/editor 815/962-5376. 5/23

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

Equipment

8 HP KOHLER ENGINE Magnum, side-shaft 1″x3″, can hear run, $145 OBO 815/968-1780. 5/30

HONDA REAR TINE rototiller, FG500, like new condition $495 OBO 815/968-1780. 5/23

RIDING LAWN MOWERS, 2-seater go-karts, a couple snowblowers, Ask for Gator 847/971-5988. 5/16

CUB CADET LAWN TRACTOR 42” deck, 18HP, single Kohler engine, automatic transmission, like new Best offer, 815/968-9781. 5/16

JOHN DEERE LAWN TRACTOR 23HP, Briggs & Stratton 48” mowing deck, double bagger, 44” snowblower, weights chains, push blade $2400 OBO 815/713-8115 after 4pm. 5/16

2 LAWN MOWERS 1 Yardman, 1 Craftsman, both in excellent condition 815/877-8183. 5/9

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

Free Items

FREE FIREWOOD, free hardwood. Firewood needs to be split 815/877-4919. 5/23

Furniture

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, great shape, reasonable pricing. Contact Mike or Janet 815/315-0662. 5/30

SOLID OAK KITCHEN TABLE double pedestal base, 6 bow back side chairs, 2 leaves, expands to 84” $750 815/997-4859. 5/23

MEDICAL CHAIR padded with wheels and food tray, vinyl high back, good condition $35 815/398-4475 5/23

SLEEPER SOFA Excellent condition, full-size bed, neutral colors $150 815/968-7181 or 815/608-4095 5/23

BAKER’S RACK, black, foldable, can be used as a shelf, set of 2, $20 779/537-9476. 5/16

TODDLER BED white wood, free crib mattress included, clean, good used condition, $50 779/537-9476. 5/16

TALL BLACK PUB STYLE TABLE with 5 tall chairs, nice sturdy set, call 815/874-6085. 5/16

CURIO CABINET oak, mantle, lighted, Pulaski, 4 glass shelves, excellent 40” tall, 60” wide, beautiful 815/633-4406. 5/16

CHINA CABINET display & storage areas, smoked glass doors, inside lights, $60 815/636-1546. 5/16

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

3 PIECE BEDROOM SET Excellent condition. $200 OBO. 815/980-7863. TFN

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

Garage Sale

Shopaholics multifamily garage sale: tables and racks full of baby, kids, and adult clothes, tons of toys, household items, tools, exersaucers, baby swing and much more. Everything in excellent condition and priced to sell! 865 Breckenboro. Lake Summerset. May 18th & May 19th 5/16

Gardening

COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOT RENTALS located on S. Mulford. For info call 815/540-3423. Seasonal rate: $40 for one, $35 per plot for 2, $30 per plot for 3+ 5/16

Horses

NEED PASTURE,SHELTER, good fences, N/NW, please call 815/566-2020. 5/30

2006 REGISTERED Peppysandbadger Paint gelding. Has the looks, dispostition & soundness, needs professional training, $400. 779/348-0591. 5/30

Misc. Items For Sale

PROMOTIONAL STUFFED ANIMALS like Tom and Jerry, Snuggles, the Bulls, Rice Krispies, others. Make an offer. 815/234-3111. 5/30

POOL FOR SALE 12’x20’x4’ deep, comes complete, Must sell. Call 815/738-2332. 5/30

RESTAURANT & BAR EQUIPMENT for sale 815/847-0073. 5/30

INTERIOR DOORS WITH HARDWARE solid prefinished, three vinyl windows 24×36, like new ceiling fans 815/874-2353. 5/30

JASON MODEL 304 Astronomical telescope with 5 lenses, 2 metal detectors, 10 fishing poles, 815/962-5376. 5/30

Selmer bundy ii saxophone $60, 815/494-3627. 5/30

BEAUTIFUL TWO 6’ ARTIFICIAL TREES $25, Mountain bike & 10-speed 815/997-7098. 5/23

Antique dishes, Pioneer train model, gas grill with full cylinder 815/335-2189. 5/23

oak kitchen cabinets 15’ base/uppers, side-by-side refrigerator with icemaker, riding lawn mower, 15HP 42” cut, 22” self propelled mower 815/494-1703. 5/23

WASHER & DRYER chainsaw, lawn tractor, dog house, 815/987-6044. 5/23

for sale Lots of knick-knacks, vintage perfume bottles, and baby items, wicker, furniture. Call 815/395-1572 5/23

PAVING BRICKS $1.00, or pallets of bricks $200, three small vinyl windows 815/874-2353. 5/16

SENTRY SAFE 2 vertical drawer with keys, fire insulated safe, $275, call 815/874-6085. 5/16

VASERELY SIGNED LITHOGRAPH title “Nexus” framed 32”x36” $500 OBO, 815/399-1297. 5/16

ELECTRO VOICE PROFESSIONAL 14” silver microphone on stand, older plug and cord type, $100 815/865-5892. 5/16

NEW QUEEN-SIZED magnetic mattress pad, 60’x79’, 2sets new golf shoes, sizes 10eee & 9½ 815/877-4919. 5/16

FOR MEMORIAL DAY silk florals, baskets, flower pots, craft supplies & bows 815/877-4498. 5/16

UPRIGHT PIANO good condition, 5’ long, 3½’ high, 2½’ wide, $150 OBO 815/633-2726. 5/16

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

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

GET CENTURY LINK HIGH SPEED INTERNET! ONLY $14.95/mo. 12 mos. SAVE & Bundle your home Phone. Limited Time CALL NOW! 800-257-1431 N-5/16

MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA MATTRESSES T-$299 F-$349 Q-$399 K-$499 ADJUSTABLES – $799 FREE DELIVERY LIFETIME WARRANTY 90 NIGHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP1-800-287-5337 WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM N-5/16

AT&T U-VERSE for just $29.99/mo! SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (select plans). Limited Time Call NOW! 877-276-3538 N-5/16

BUNDLE & SAVE on your CABLE, INTERNET PHONE, AND MORE. High Speed Internet starting at less than $20/mo. CALL NOW! 800-291-4159 N-5/16

AT&T U-VERSE just $29.99/mo! Bundle Internet+Phone +TV & SAVE. Get up to $300 BACK! (Select plans). Limited Time CALL 800-418-8969 & Check Availability in your Area! N-5/16

Sporting Goods

GUN & KNIFE SHOW June 2 & 3, 2012, Sat 8-4, Sun 8-3, Admission $5, Winnebago County Fairgrounds Pecatonica, IL, email to admin@nirpc.com for flyer. 5/30

GOLF CLUBS (two sets) wheeled bags, tees, balls, $35 each call 815/962-1543. 5/30

MEN’S BIKE 18spd, like new, originally $170, asking $45 815/621-5406. 5/30

GOLF PRO CLUBS 5 irons, 3 woods, putter & bag $35 815/623-2234. 5/30

STANTON HARVARD FOOSBALL table, great shape! Barely used! asking $499, call 815/874-6085. 5/16

Thrift Store

Crusader Thrift Shop,310 7th Street - Open Mon.-Sat. from 11am to 3pm. Most women’s clothes ½ price, lots of nice & new footwear, free stuffed toys with $10 purchase. ½ price on glassware by the window, kids clothes 25¢. Lots of records. We put out new supplies every day. TFN

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

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

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

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

SERVICES

Adoption

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

ADOPTION Loving couple wishes to give love, happiness and security to your newborn. Let’s help each other. Can help with expenses. Donna & Al 877-492-8546 (ICAN)

BECOME A SURROGATE MOTHER Earn $27-$35,000 Seeking Healthy, Stable, Insured 21-39 Year Old Mothers of 1+ Children To Carry A Couple’s Biological Child www.conceiveabilities.com (ICAN)

Child Care

KAY’S LICENSED DAYCARE openings now for ages newborn to 12 yrs. M-F 6am-6pm, EMT & CPR licensed instructor. Contact Kay 815/980-4346. 5/30

Dance

Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Ballroom• Hip Hop• Dancercise Ages 3 – Adult. 815/633-0753. 5/16

Education

Dental Assistant Training Starting Very Soon! www.goodmancareerinstitute.com call (815)-394-7400 for more details 5/30

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

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

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

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant! No Experience Needed! Local Job training & Placement available. HS Diploma or GED & PC needed! 1-877-649-3155. (ICAN)

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home *Medical, *Business *Criminal Justice *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-336-5053 www.CenturaOnline.com (ICAN)

ADULT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA at home fast, no age limit, state registered, nationally accredited, college admission guaranteed. FREE BROCHURE. 305-940-4214 N-5/16

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA-approved training. Financial aid if qualified Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM (888)686-1704 N-5/16

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-5/16

MEDICAL CAREERS begin here Online training for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-5/16

WORK ON JET ENGINES Train for hands-on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified Job placement assistance. Call AIM (866) 854-6156. N-5/16

Financial

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

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

BUYING ROYALTIES AND MINERAL RIGHTS TO PROPERTIES. Tired Of Receiving Small Monthly Checks If At All? Call Now For a No Obligation Cash Offer! 408-202-9307, Liquid
holdings@aol.com (MCN)

FULL RETURN OF PREMIUM TERM LIFE INSURANCE. PREMIUM RETURNED IN 20 YEARS IF YOU DON’T DIE. NO EXAM, NO BLOOD REQUIRED. YOU DIE WE PAY DON’T DIE WE PAY 1-800-559-9847 www.buynoexamlifeinsuranceonline.com N-5/16

Hauling

CHAD’S HAULING & GENERAL LABOR 10-year solid reputation. Garage, basement & estate clean-outs. Yard waste removal, gutter cleaning, tree trimming, etc. FREE Estimates. 15% Senior Discount. www.chadshauling.com 815/979-7593. 6/13

Health & Medical

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

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

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

TAKE VIAGRA/ CIALIS? Save $500.00! Get 40 100mg/20mg Pills, for only-$99! +4-Bonus Pills FREE! #1 Male Enhancement. Discreet Shipping. Call 1- 877-595-1024 (MCN)

TAKE VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG! 40 Pills +4FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement. Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! 1-888-796-8870 N-5/16

TAKE VIAGRA/ CIALIS? Save $500.00! Get 40 100mg/20mg Pills, for only-$99! +4-Bonus Pills FREE! #1 Male Enhancement. 1-800-213-6202 N-5/16

WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS UP TO $26/BOX. PRE PAID SHIPPING LABELS. HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-266-0702 www.SellDiabeticStrips.com N-5/16

Lawn Care

ROTOTILLING It’s PrimeTime for gardening! Call Chris 815/543-5677. 5/23

Legal Services

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

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

CREDIT CARD DEBT? LEGALLY HAVE IT REMOVED! Minimum $7,000 in debt to qualify. Utilize Consumer Protection Attorneys. Call now! 1-888-237-0388 N-5/16

Massage Therapy

Creative Touch therapy: Alleviate stress, muscle tension, improve circulation, encourage overall well-being. Techniques meet your needs. Contact Glenn LMT 815/965-1787. itreasurefinds@yahoo.com. 6/27

Misc. Services

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

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

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

IF YOU NEED IT, you can find it at WWW.MW-ADS.COM. Thousands of classifieds from the Midwest! Refreshed weekly! (MCN)

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

REACH OVER 20 MILLION HOMES nationwide with one easy buy! Only $2,395 per week for a 25 word classified! For more information go to www.naninetwork.com N-5/16

Tree Service

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

PERSONALS

SWM 47, 6’1” 250LBS. muscular, attractive seeks attractive female companion, age/race unimportant. Call 815/312-9076, leave message. 5/30

DISCREET SM seeking lonely women for intimate encounters. If interested call 779/221-9780, older women preferable. 5/30

SINGLE FEMALE Plus-size Christian seeking single male 40-57 for dating, LTR. Text or call 920/342-7017. 5/30

I AM TRANSGENDER 36, looking for someone to date, guys or girls, upper 20’s-40’s. Leave a message. Please don’t call restricted or private, I will not answer. 779/771-9353. 5/30

SWF 31 would like to meet SM 30-45 for possible LTR 779/770-7194. 5/30

BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN SWM age 49, seeking born-again Christian SWF ages 35-50 for dating call 815/963-2433. 5/23

SWM 30 LOOKING FOR SWF for LTR & romance & more. Serious callers only. 779/770-7194. 5/23

SWM LOOKING FOR SF 30-40 for friends, maybe more. Leave a message 815/519-9496. 5/23

BROWNISH BLACK HAIR, 5’6”, seeking SF for dating or LTR, 30-40 815/766-0627. 5/16

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

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

Public Announcement

Play Bingo Free, Old Town Hall Museum in Davis Junction May 20th 1 to 4PM Refreshments Served. 5/16

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, DON’T BE A VICTIM Shooting classes & conceal carry classes. We buy, sell & fix guns, top prices paid. 815/599-5690. www.unitedsportsmensstore.com 5/23

FREE KID’S SUMMER CAMP Freeport, IL Habitat Education, hunter’s safety class & shooting class, June 9-10. Free ladies & kids shooting, Sunday in June. 815/599-5690. www.unitedsportsmensstore.com 5/23

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

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

COME WORSHIP WITH US at Kishwaukee Church of Christ. TFN

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

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

REIKI SHARES at Community of Christ Church, 6103 Forest Hills, 1st Thursdays/month, 6-9pm. TFN

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

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

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

Looking for answers? Try Bible call. 24-hour automated service – 815/316-2650. (Church of Christ). TFN

Positive Image ChurcH – Basic Life Skills Programs. Free. 1408 Elm Street. For information: 815/967-9061. TFN

Pre-Vatican II church is alive and well. St. Sebastian. Call 815/520-4374. TFN

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

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

Organ, Blood, & Tissue Donation

26-YR-OLD DAUGHTER desperately needs kidney Type A+. Waiting 6½ years. 630/400-6849. TFN

Single young mother with 2 children desperately needs kidney donor. Blood type O positive/negative. 815/670-9082. TFN

www.LinksForLifeCampaign.com Read the stories, see the faces of those desperately in need of a lifesaving organ transplant, or set up your own link for free. TFN

The Rock River Times is now offering a special classifieds section reserved for individuals
or families seeking organ donations. This is a totally free service for those who are in need. Please feel free to call: (815)964-9767, fax: (815)964-9825, or e-mail: contact@rockrivertimes.com your FREE 15-word ad for this special section. For more information on organ & tissue donation, visit www.giftofhope.org To contribute to The Angela Rushford Children’s Organ Donation Fund, visit the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Web site: www.cfnil.org .

PETS

Lost & Found

LARGER GRAY FEMALE CAT with stubby tail, lost around 8th St. & 8th Ave. in Rockford. Reward! 815/980-7863. TFN

For Sale

5 KITTENS 6 weeks old, 3 white, 1 gray and 1 turtle. $10-25 each. 815/645-2440. 5/30

Rescue/Foster

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

3 BOY KITTENS- Gold & white.6 months old. All shots. Neutered. Looking for forever-loving indoor homes. $20. Serious calls only. 815/980-7863. TFN

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

‘PAWS’ neeDs foster homes for dogs. Call 299-PAWS (7297) or visit the website at www.pawshs.org. TFN

WHIPS, SCARS, CHAINS and bars. Circus suffering is not entertainment. Boycott circuses with animal acts. 5/16

WANTED: LOVING & CARING FOSTER HOMES for kittens & cats that haven’t been rescued yet, but desperately need to be as soon as possible. If you can help, please call me at 815/980-7863. TFN

WANTED
WANTED: FREE PUZZLES and yarn, also frogs, also Harley Sturgis beer can $50 1998 779/770-2477. 5/30

WANTED: SOMEONE WHO CAN work on a Cub Cadet rear engine riding lawn mower. Call 815/312-9076. 5/30

I BUY OLD STEREO EQUIPMENT. Working or not, also looking for tube equipment & testers. Rick 815/871-2538. 6/20

WANTED A MECHANIC who can work on a 1986 Toyota MR-2, call 815/312-9076. 5/23

WANTED OLD TIME OVAL PHOTO frame, with curved glass, opening of 20×13 inches. 815/874-8478 5/23

i buy old bmx bikes from 1970’s and 1980’s, also Schwinn Paramounts, 815/229-6571. 5/16

Wanted: Rototillers, Snowblowers, Riding mowers, go-carts, minibikes, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, antique vehicles. 815/397-4483. 5/16

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

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

$$CASH PAID – UP TO $25/BOX for unexpired, sealed Diabetic Test Strips. 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID SHIPPING. Se Habla Espanol. 1-888-389-0593 www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com (MCN)

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

WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS UP TO $26/BOX. PRE PAID SHIPPING LABELS. HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-266-0702 www.SellDiabeticStrips.com (MCN)

**OLD GUITARS WANTED!** Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-401-0440 N-5/16

CA$H PAID-UP TO $27/BOX for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. SE HABLA ESPANOL. Emma 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com N-5/16

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Stanley Campbell

By Stanley Campbell

As I said last week, Rockford Urban Ministries (for which I work) is celebrating 50 years of working for the city. I’ve served 26 of those years as director of RUM (as it is affectionately known). I’ve discovered it is difficult to entice churches into urban ministry. I found it easier to attract lay members who are passionate about helping than to encourage pastors or whole congregations to take on projects.

The Rev. Maynard Beal was the third RUM director during the early 1980s. He was an activist’s activist and encouraged the church to get involved in controversial issues. He took on redlining, which was a banker’s practice to draw a red line around a neighborhood and write it off by not underwriting loans. Without loans, a neighborhood devolves into a collection of boarded-up vacant houses. Maynard organized the West End Revitalization Council and proved the harm that local bankers were doing. RUM was able to stop this discrimination and to outlaw redlining, which probably saved some neighborhoods from further decay.

When I was hired, there were plenty of boarded-up houses around the city to keep a nonprofit busy for years. Second Congregational Church, with RUM’s help, started one of those nonprofits. The first thing we did was pray for a carpenter and for someone who could speak passionately about a project. David Stocker, a theater major from Yale with rehab experience, answered the call; and it was a religious call, since we paid him a “monk’s fee.” But David rehabbed houses throughout the west side and put families into homes where their payments were less than the rent they’d once paid. The church, though, used a lot of federal funds, and once those dried up, the program, like a house of cards, collapsed. Live and learn.

You are welcome to hear more stories from 50 years of RUM. The Rev. John Alan Boryk, a former council president, will regale us with stories and prayers. Join us at JustGoods Fair Trade Store at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 24, for a short ceremony and program.

And speaking of ceremonies, Rockford Urban Ministries hosts its annual Memorial Day Service at 7 p.m., Monday, May 28, at JustGoods Meeting Room, 201 Seventh St., free and open to the public. Besides remembering all those killed by war (and yes, we remember soldiers from both sides, as well as civilians who are becoming the main casualties nowadays), our service will also remember those who locally fought against war.

This year, we remember Britomar Lathrop. Quaker, friend of peace and justice, counselor and healer, Brit was an old soul who shared her wisdom and resources with those who needed both. I was one of the recipients who gratefully accepted advice in my early days as a peace activist. She continued to give of herself, and I and the community are much better for it.

This year’s Memorial Day service will be short and sweet. Music, some poems, a remembrance or two, and then some snacks. Nothing special, but memorializing the dead, especially those who died to make us free and keep us from war, is a very special time.

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

I commend you for this frank, truthful “Editor’s Note.” [re: “Public hearings on landfill expansion move to BMO Harris Bank Center,” April 25-May 1, 2012].

These gross violations of the people’s will are happening to a greater or lesser extent, all over our county.

The politicians are not the “Public Servants” any longer.

We the People are the “Public Servants”, working to support the politicians and their salaries, pensions and perks, and their “pals.”

It is reprehensible! “Something’s got to give.”

My best personal regards.

Colin Slater
Belvidere

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

I know we just wrapped up Mother’s Day, and for most people it’s a tad bit early to start thinking about what to get dad for Father’s Day. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t mind planning ahead, I’ve found the perfect gift for dear ol’ dad. If he’s a baseball fan, he’s going to love this; if he’s a Cubs fan, he’s really, really going to love this.

Rockford’s own Canterbury Books and Tours is taking a bus trip into historic Wrigley Field Saturday, June 23. When the tour arrives at the corner of Clark and Addison, there won’t be any Cubs game to watch. But don’t worry, dad’s not going to be disappointed.

Instead, participants will get the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of Wrigley Field that is usually reserved for the players and other VIPs. They’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the dugout, clubhouse, dressing room, skybox and press box. The highlight of the tour will be the opportunity to walk out onto the field and stand in the spots where Cubs legends Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo once stood.

The cost of the trip is $85 per person and includes round-trip transportation, the Wrigley Field tour and lunch at Harry Caray’s Tavern.

If this sounds better than the customary tie or power tool, you can get more information directly from Canterbury Books and Tours at (815) 398-1454 or by e-mailing them at canterburytours@comcast.net.

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Enjoy traveling along scenic trails through Rockford Park District’s Lockwood and Page parks without riding a horse! Guided trail tours for adults ages 18 and older aboard the Lockwood show wagon provide time to experience nature’s beauty as well as plenty of photographic opportunities during the spring/early summer seasons, or bring your binoculars to identify native Midwestern birds.

Comfortable bench seating and a knowledgeable tour guide provide a relaxing midday excursion, weather and minimum capacity (10) permitting.

Rides operate through May 22, and again June 5-26 on Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., for $6 per person ($8 non-residents). Advance reservations required; purchase tickets at either Rockford Park District Customer Service location (downtown Rockford or Carlson Ice Arena, Riverside and Perryville, Loves Park) or at Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford.

For more information or to arrange private rides, call (815) 987-8809; to learn more about Lockwood Park online, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood. Information about accessibility and support for patrons with disabilities is available at (815) 987-8800.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) has announced the Grand Opening of the new East Side Transfer Center is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 22.

A ribbon cutting featuring comments by Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider and Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) will take place at 10 a.m., followed by tours of the facility and refreshments.

The ribbon cutting is open to the public and one of several activities scheduled during the week of May 20 to celebrate the completion of this facility.

At 725 N. Lyford Road, across from the Cracker Barrel Restaurant, the RMTD East Side Transfer Center was designed by the Larson and Darby Group. The building features eight bus berths, a passenger waiting area for more than 90 passengers, a vending room with café seating for passengers with extended wait times, a state-of-the-art digital information board system, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems and a community room with seating capacity for 50.

Highlighting the lobby area is a terrazzo compass designed by Larson and Darby and laid in by Northern Illinois Terrazzo. Rockford Structures, served as the general contractor, and ARC Design, also of Rockford, served as the civil engineer. Jim Johnson of Rockford Mass Transit served as project manager.

Built to incorporate the look of the surrounding area, the East Side Transfer Center is constructed out of natural stone, brick and glass. The grounds of the facility has been professionally landscaped by Thomas Graceffa and Associates. Interior furnishings and design were provided by Widmer Interiors.

The transfer center cost $6,180,000 to build. An additional $1.4 million was used for the land acquisition and A&E study work. More than 97 percent of the dollars used to construct it were federal dollars with the State of Illinois contributing 3 percent of the funding.

RMTD was able to proceed with construction of this building largely in part because of the $3,693,576 contributed through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As of this writing, RMTD can lay claim to being the first shovel-ready transit project completed in the state of Illinois.

New transit hub for the stateline

The 725 N. Lyford Road station will serve as a transit hub for RMTD routes and Trailways Motorcoach service. Immediate RMTD service will connect passengers using the East State Street route to the newly-started service in Belvidere. Passengers originating in Belvidere will have seamless connections to Rockford destinations on East State Street and the rest of the RMTD system.

Later this fall, RMTD anticipates additional service through this facility connecting routes to the north and up to the stateline area. By year end, it will finally be possible for a transit rider to travel on public transportation from Rockford or Belvidere all the way up to Janesville, Wis. This has long been a vision for Rockford Mass Transit officials and one that will be realized very shortly.

Strategically located close to I-90, the East Side facility also positions RMTD to be a key player in future bus rapid transit service into Chicago and the nearby suburbs.

The new facility will also serve as a ticketing and dispatch location for Trailways Motorcoach Bus service. Trailways provides twice daily service out of Rockford; at 8:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Trailways customers will now be able to purchase tickets and wait for the coaches inside anytime the Lyford Road facility is open.

The Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. with comments from Schneider, Morrissey and other local dignitaries. After the ribbon cutting, refreshments will be served. Attendees and all riders that day will be given a Grand Opening commemorative item to celebrate the day.

In addition to the opening day activities, RMTD will host a family night for its employees from 7-9 p.m., Sunday, May 20. Monday, May 21, district officials are reaching out to the businesses and neighbors surrounding the facility and inviting them for a preview night get-together. From 7-9 p.m., invited guests will have the opportunity to tour the facility and enjoy light refreshments while district employees answer questions about future plans for the facility.

Later in the week, RMTD will host a Regional Maintenance Training session in the Community Room. More than 25 transit maintenance professionals are expected to attend to learn about the latest technologies in paratransit vehicle maintenance. To end the week, RMTD will host an informal coffee between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Thursday, May 24. Community and business leaders are invited to drop by to view the Community Room and learn about RMTD’s room rental program and policy. The district plans to rent the Community Room to businesses for meetings and training sessions with the intent of raising additional revenues.

RMTD provides more than 1.7 million rides each year. The District has a fleet of 64 fixed route and paratransit vehicles, and offers 18 hours of service Monday-Friday, 13 hours of service on Saturdays, and eight hours on Sundays. RMTD also provides service to Loves Park, Machesney Park and Belvidere.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Gee’s Bend, an isolated community in Wilcox County, Alabama, became the home of slaves brought there in the 1840s by Joseph Gee. Playwright Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder has written their history based on extensive interviews with their descendants.

The community could only be reached by ferry, and thus remained very much like it began. It is the tale of three generations of women caring for their families and using scraps of material to create quilts that warmed their loved ones.

In Rockford’s Artists’ Ensemble Theater’s production, Jenniel Wright is Alice, remembering the earliest times from the stories of her grandmother’s days as a slave. As the play begins, daughters Nella (Dorothy Paige-Turner) and Sadie (Jaimie Nicole Turner) are teen-agers living in the ramshackle home much like that of the early slave quarters. Alice is a quilter, and Sadie has acquired her skills. Nella can’t be bothered. David Causey is Macon, a local farmer determined to marry Sadie, and so the story begins.

Marriage and children is the only future for young women of the community, and so Sadie’s fate is decided. It is 1939, and with the Depression, the former slaves have been given the opportunity to buy their land, and better times begin. By 1965, the Civil Rights movement has begun, and Sadie becomes an advocate for voting rights, suffering with others the violence of white racists.

An opportunity arises for these brave women when an Atlanta collector, William Arnett, discovers their quilts. He sees their artistic value, when formerly quilts had been viewed only as utilitarian. By the early 2000s, their value has skyrocketed, and the work of the women of Gee’s Bend is displayed in the New York museums.

Richard Raether’s interpretation of the play incorporates a musical ensemble: Stella L. Adams, Ariana Sanders, and Jayla Williams-Craig with Dorothy Paige-Turner as musical director, sing the music that so well represents the African-based songs of the Gullah people who evolved into the spirituals of Thomas Dorsey and others.

The actors are exceptional. They become the story. Genny Bonavia’s costumes, make-up and hairstyles make the aging process completely realistic, and by the end of the play, Paige-Turner and Jaimie Turner are the tottering old women so familiar to us all.

Do see this exceptional work at Rockford College’s Cheek Theatre, one of Artists’ Ensemble’s best. Playing through May 27, tickets are available by calling (815) 904-2277. Tickets are also available for next season.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Courtesy of The Rock River Times – Warning from the Better Business Bureau.

Work-at-home and fraudulent employment opportunities. Work-at-home and business opportunity scams are frequently found online as well as in the classified sections. They promise high income for minimal work and minimal effort. However, when an interested consumer “applies”, they almost always ask for money up-front to pay for materials, training kits, or investment money. After sending payment, most consumers either have their checks deposited and never hear anything again, or obtain something that is completely useless- essentially junk mail. Internet employment opportunities, mostly found on job boards, looking for “shipping” or “billing managers”, “payment processors”, or anything with a financial sounding name, very frequently turn out to be fraudulent listings that are in actuality looking for victims to commit money laundering by accepting and forwarding payments.-

General Help Wanted

SPARE TIME WORK, Full time income! Get big orders with our catalogs. Call 815/394-1880, No cost, no obligation. 5/30

PART-TIME SALES approx. 25 hours a week, times vary. Must have hardware, plumbing and electrical knowledge. Apply in person only on May 19th, Ace Hardware 3118 Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL. 5/16

WAITRESSES WANTED Jesse’s Place, 815/962-5249. 5/30

SUMMER FUN! WAITRESSES, bartenders & special events chef for summer volleyball leagues, weddings. Great pay! 815/232-5428 rockhollowhuntclub.com. 5/23

HELP WANTED: Local business looking for experienced telemarketers for business to business calling. No selling. Position entails generating leads for sales agents affiliated with a large national health insurance broker. Serious inquiries only. Call Brian at 520 249 1256. 5/16

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

HOME CARE ASSISTANTS Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Intouch Homecare Services for Seniors, has rewarding positions/ all shifts to help seniors to maintain their independence by providing non-medical personal care & housekeeping tasks. Must be at least 18 yrs of age & have HS diploma/GED (or 1 yr related exp).Exp. w/dementia /Alzheimer’s clients preferred. EOE CNAs ENCOURAGED TO APPLY! Apply In Person: 2222 E. State St. Suite 109 Rockford, IL 61104 Email:Audrey.abboud@LSSI.org 5/16

HELP WANTED!!! Make extra income mailing our brochures from home! Helping Home-Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.theworkhub.net (VOID IN SD) (MCN)

ATTENTION in 2007 21,708 people worked from home. You can learn how to work from home to for only $47 dollars. Go To http://www.guspayperclick.com. Sorry no cell phone access. Only laptop and computer. So google us now, before time is up. (MCN)

NOW HIRING: Companies Desperately Need Employees to Assemble Products at Home. No Selling, Any Hours. $500 Weekly Potential. Info. 1-985-646-1700 Dept. MW-501 (Not valid in SD) (MCN)

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

$5000 A MONTH Can Be Made Working Part-Time From Home. Openings Are Limited. Hurry! Attn: Tiran Zaken 61241, 2610 Conejo Spectrum Street, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (VOID IN SD) (MCN)

LOOKING FOR 18-26 men and women to start a fun new job! 2 weeks paid training, hotel/ transportation provided. No exp needed. For interview call 1-970-433-8593 ask for Keith (MCN)

EARN $1,000 – $3,200 A MONTH to drive our new cars with ads. www.PaidDriver.com (ICAN)

MYSTERY SHOPPERS Needed Earn up to $150 per day Undercover Shoppers Needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Experience Not Required Call Now 888-380-3513 N-5/16

Manufacturing

Rockford area manufacturing company in need of 1 full-time Field Service Technician, background in mechanical and electrical a must, panel wiring, knowledge of PLC a plus, travel required. 1 full-time Planer Mill Operator, capable of handling large parts with 1-3 years machine experience. 1 Temporary Roofer experienced with flat rubber roof. Email resume and salary requirements to kkern@roperwhitney.com 5/16

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

Drivers

$2000 Sign On Bonus! Class – A 2yrs Exp. Company Drivers: .38cpm East & .34 all other. Health/Dental/401K Owner Op’s: 78% of line haul, 100% FS. Plate Program, No electronics. Tom 800-972-0084 ext-169 5/16

Experienced OTR truck drivers, full and part-time 815/248-4601 ext. 0#, Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm. 6/6

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

TANTARA TRANSPORTATION is now hiring Company Flatbed Drivers & Owner Operators. Competitive pay & home time. Call Dave @ 563-262-8621 or apply online at www.tantara.us (ICAN)

DRIVERS – CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED! Up to $3,000 Sign-On Bonus for Qualified Drivers! 6mo OTR exp. req’d. CALL OR APPLY ONLINE 877-521-5775 www.USATRUCK.jobs (ICAN)

TANTARA TRUCK REPAIR is seeking an experienced truck/trailer mechanic. Must have knowledge in semi-tractor/trailer repair. Email resume info@tantara.us or fax 563-264-8998 www.tantara.us (ICAN)

DRIVERS – Flexible hometime, Full or Part-time. Modern Trucks. Local Orientation, Quarterly Safety Bonus. Single Source Dispatch. Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com (ICAN)

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

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

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

DRIVERS – CDL-A TEAM with TOTAL! MILES EQUIPMENT BENEFITS 50¢/mile for Hazmat Teams Solo drivers also needed! 800-942-2104 Ext.7307 or 7308 www.Drive4Total.com (ICAN)

CLASS-A TEAM DRIVERS – Dedicated runs to Morton, IL. $1,000/week. $500 Sign On Bonus. Home Weekly. Consistent Miles/Freight. Day one medical. 866-331-3335. www.drivecrst.com (ICAN)

NEW TO TRUCKING? Your new career starts now! *$0 Tuition Cost *No Credit Check *Great Pay & Benefits Short employment commitment required. Call: (866) 574-7923 www.joinCRST.com (ICAN)

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

Sales

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

Business Opportunity

$294.00+ DAILY MAILING POSTCARDS! Guaranteed Legit Work! Register Online! www.ThePostcardGuru.com Earn $95/Hr Working Online! www.FreeJobPosition.com Big Paychecks Paid Every Friday! www.LegitCashJobs.com N-5/16

Seeking Employment

WILL DO YARDWORK, cleaning, painting, elderly care. Any kind of work. 815/965-0119. 5/16

I NEED WORK indoor & outdoor painting, mowing & yard work. Rockford only. 8am-6pm M-Sat, Call 815/977-4494. 6/6

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

URBANA, Ill. — A new University of Illinois study shows human milk oligosaccharides, or HMOs, produce short-chain fatty acids that feed a beneficial microbial population in the infant gut. Not only that, the bacterial composition adjusts as the baby grows older and its needs change.

Even though HMOs are a major component of human milk, present in higher concentration than protein, many of their actions in the infant are not well understood. Furthermore, they’re virtually absent from infant formula. The scientists wanted to find out what formula-fed babies were missing.

Sharon Donovan, the U of I’s Melissa M. Noel Endowed professor in Nutrition and Health, explained: “We refer to HMO as the fiber of human milk because we don’t have the enzymes to break down these compounds. They pass into the large intestine, where the bacteria digest them.

“We’re curious about the role they play in the development of the breast-fed infant’s gut bacteria because the bacteria found in the guts of formula-fed infants is different,” Donovan said.

With this study, Donovan is gaining insight into the mystery. For the first time, scientists have shown a complex mixture of HMO and a single HMO component produce patterns of short-chain fatty acids that change as the infant gets older.

A healthy microbiome has both short- and long-term effects on an infant’s health. In the short term, beneficial bacteria protect the infant from infection by harmful bacteria. In the long term, beneficial bacteria strengthen the immune system so it can fend off chronic health problems such as food allergies and asthma, she said.

In the study, breast milk was obtained from mothers of preterm infants at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, and the HMOs were isolated and analyzed. The scientists tested bacteria from 9- and 17-day-old sow-reared and formula-fed piglets. Because piglets grow so rapidly, these ages reflect approximately 3- and 6-month-old human infants.

The colon bacteria were added to test tubes containing HMO and two prebiotics commonly used in infant formulas. These mixtures were allowed to ferment and then sampled to see how the bacterial population was changing over time and what products were being produced by the bacteria.

“When the HMOs were introduced, the bacteria produced short-chain fatty acids, at some cases at higher levels than other prebiotics now used in infant formula,” Donovan said. “The short-chain fatty acids can be used as a fuel source for beneficial bacteria and also affect gastrointestinal development and pH in the gut, which reduces the number of disease-causing pathogens.”

Further, different HMOs produced different patterns of short-chain fatty acids, and the composition of bacteria in the gut changed over time. “It was distinctly different at 9 vs. 17 days, making it likely that the functions of HMO change as the human infant gets older,” Donovan said.

According to Donovan, HMOs are critically important in understanding how breastfeeding protects babies.

“Several companies are now able to synthesize HMO, and in the future, we may be able to use them to improve infant formula,” Donovan said. “There’s evidence that these compounds can bind to receptors on immune cells and, to our knowledge, no current prebiotic ingredient can do that.”

The study was published in the April issue of the Journal of Nutrition. Co-authors are Min Li, Laura L. Bauer, Xin Chen, Mei Wang, Theresa B. Kuhlenschmidt and George C. Fahey Jr., all of the U of I. Funding was provided by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Tabitha Hein

U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., announced the winner of the 2012 Illinois 16th Congressional District High School Art Competition.

Students from high schools across northern Illinois submitted 16 pieces of art for this year’s competition, in which the winner receives two free airplane tickets to Washington, D.C., for the national reception in June. Also, the winning artwork will be displayed in the halls of Congress with other winners for the next year. Winners may also qualify for a $3,000 scholarship to the prestigious Savannah Center for Art and Design (www.scad.edu).

This year’s first-place winner is Tabitha Hein, a senior at Huntley High School in Huntley. Tabitha’s winning piece is a color pencil drawing titled “French Quarter.” The second-place winner is Michael Anthony Abboreno, who attends Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. The third-place winner is Andrew Plautz, who attends North Love Christian School in Rockford.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

FitMe Wellness has unveiled its latest program geared toward the improved health and wellness of the Rockford community. Starting May 1, FitMe members and non-members will be able to purchase a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share from Hazzard Free Farm and pick it up at FitMe Wellness on Thursdays from May 17 through Oct. 25.

“We have members who are here day in and day out, burning calories and working hard at their own health and wellness,” said Greg Georgis, owner of FitMe Wellness. “It occurred to me that we could do more to bring in options for them to consume better calories.”

FitMe Wellness is at 2595 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, and can be reached at (815) 904-6000.

Georgis said the decision to expand the offering to non-members is part of his personal commitment to improving the health and wellness of the Rockford community.

“We hope you stay here and exercise,” said Georgis, “but sometimes healthy eating is where people start, and if we can provide that doorway into a healthier lifestyle, than that is a step in the right direction.”

To complement the CSA offering from Hazzard Free Farm, FitMe is also offering classes with a certified nutritionist to support you in your health and wellness goals. The first seminar, free to the public, was May 1. Other classes are to follow, with at least one per month. These seminars are for members only, with memberships starting at $29.95 and no charge to join.

Hazzard Free Farm & CSA offers 14-week memberships for the Summer Session starting at $25 per week for the half-share box containing six to eight items per week. Big Box shares start at $35 and contain nine to 12 items per week. Boxes contain items such as locally-grown stone ground grain, honey, mushrooms, herbs, spinach, cucumbers, carrots and much more.

Hazzard Free Farm & CSA is a community farm growing grains, vegetables, herbs and more. Their Certified Naturally Grown produce is available through their CSA, farmstand and at many local organic grocers and restaurants. Its focus is on sustainability, quality, diversity and convenience.

“We’re excited to partner with FitMe Wellness and bring our healthy, locally grown food to more of the Rockford community,” said Andrea Hazzard, owner of Hazzard Free Farm & CSA. “We share a goal of making a healthy lifestyle the norm for more Rockford residents, and we are excited about this opportunity.”

For more about FitMe Wellness and its unique health and wellness programs, visit www.fitmewellness.com or https://www.facebook.com/fitmewellness.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

American Craft Beer Week is upon us yet again. Monday, May 14, kicked off a weeklong celebration of craft beer all across the nation, while places like Chicago, Seattle, San Antonio, Colorado and Long Island, N.Y., celebrate their own regional beer weeks.

Rockford’s Screw City Beer Festival is celebrating American Craft Beer Week with ScrewDrive, a beer-tasting and exclusive one-day-only pre-sale for 2012 Screw City Beer Festival tickets.

ScrewDrive caps off Beer Week Saturday, May 19, at Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St., in downtown Rockford.

From 4 to 7 p.m., ScrewDrive will offer a top-flight selection of more than 20 craft beers to sample, with appetizers provided by The Olympic Tavern.

An additional selection of rare and vintage beer from Founders Brewing Co.’s Breakfast Stout line will be sampled to a limited group of 30 people. The Founders tasting includes a 2012 Screw City Beer Festival promotional T-shirt and Founders glass.

Aside from an evening of sampling rare and limited brews, ScrewDrive will be the only chance to purchase 2012 Screw City Beer Festival tickets before they go on sale to the general public in July. This limited block of general admission and VIP will be available for purchase at discounted prices only for those who attend ScrewDrive.

For those unfamiliar, Screw City Beer Festival is Rockford’s annual craft beer festival held every September in downtown Rockford near the intersection of Main and State streets. Founded in early 2011 by a group of local business owners and craft beer enthusiasts, Screw City’s inaugural fest was met with a virtually sold-out crowd, rave reviews, and awarded the State of Illinois Governor’s Award for Best New Event/Festival of 2011.

Visit the festival’s new website at www.screwcitybeerfest.com for more about Screw City Beer Festival and ScrewDrive.

American Craft Beer Week is important because it celebrates an industry whose economic impact often goes overlooked. In an industry completely dominated by a few corporate breweries, craft beer has seen double-digit annual growth in both dollar value and volume over the past few years. This speaks volumes for a small and independent sector that comprises just more than 5 percent of the overall beer industry in the United States. Besides sales and production growth, the industry is constantly expanding with a 10 percent increase in operating breweries from 2010 to 2011, adding to the 100,000-plus existing jobs.

Held every May since 2006, American Craft Beer Week exists to highlight an industry that not only produces a fresh, high-quality, and locally-made product, but also an industry that gives back to their communities and neighborhoods, values innovation and tradition, helps promote the idea of quality over quantity, and has helped cultivate the United States into the best place on Earth to drink world-class beer.

This year, American Craft Beer Week spans May 14-20 with hundreds of breweries, retailers and bars in all 50 states accounting for thousands of special events

For more regarding American Craft Beer Week, visit www.craftbeer.com.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Operator of the Year: First Place, Darryl Mitchell; Second Place, Bernard Barnes; Third Place, Lance Bressler.

Paratransit Operator of the Year: First Place, Joe Eterno; Second Place, Eric Fishe; Third Place, Dominic Eterno.

Mechanic of the Year: First Place, Jim Donnelli; Second Place, Jim Groshans; Third Place, Tim Blackman.

The RMTD management team has selected these employees based on their safety record, attendance record and overall job performance for calendar year 2011. These employees will be recognized for their accomplishments at an Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon Friday, May 18. Each employee will receive a personalized gift and a savings bond in appreciation for their efforts.

RMTD has been recognizing Employees of the Year since 1989. In addition to honoring the first, second- and third-place Employees of the Year from each of the three departments, the district will also honor the 21 employees who have achieved perfect attendance during calendar year 2011.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

I learn so much from local residents, and I recently had an education regarding the Barbara Olson Center of Hope and the good works done there.

Mary Gwardys, executive assistant with Barbara Olson Center of Hope, was one of the winners of my print advertising promotion in the April 4-10 issue of The Rock River Times. Mary and her husband joined me this past Friday, May 11, for the promotion “prize,” a fish fry dinner at the Lithuanian Club.

I had planned on sharing more advertising tips with Mary over dinner, and I did, but I took away much more by getting a crash course on a valuable non-profit in the area, Barbara Olson Center of Hope, an organization with the mission to: “Help individuals with developmental disabilities reach personal goals through individualized skill development, vocational opportunities and community service.”

What intrigued me most about this organization is that not only does it provide programs for more than 180 teens and adults with developmental disabilities, but many of the programs benefit the community and local businesses.

Of its many participant and business programs, Barbara Olson Center of Hope offers document-shredding, computer hard drive destruction, a source for employment and volunteer services, and somewhat quaintly, “GourMutts” all-natural dog biscuits.

The services are great activities and experience for participants, and the community can benefit as well. So, while your contributions to the organization are most welcome, you might help out a bit more by taking advantage of one of the many community services.

Mary told me The Rock River Times is delivered to her office, and that’s how she learned of my promotion. From that, she responded, won, and I’m the beneficiary of learning about a great local organization. I’m now sharing my experience with you, and I hope at least some of you contact the Barbara Olson Center of Hope to contribute or simply learn more about this valuable organization. Print advertising does work.

To learn more about how you can help the Barbara Olson Center of Hope (or how it may be able to help you), call (815) 964-9275 or visit www.b-olsoncenterofhope.org. Read more about GourMutts Dog Biscuits at www.gourmutts.org.

The Guest Column “Growing your business: Print ads that drive sales” originally appeared in the April 4-10, 2012, edition of The Rock River Times.

Paul Gorski is a Cherry Valley Township resident and a former Winnebago County board member.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Wild Ones — Rock River Valley Chapter, will host Dr. Phil Nixon, a University of Illinois educator specializing in entomology, from the Urbana-Champaign campus, at their next meeting, 7 p.m., Thursday, May 17. This meeting will be at a new location, Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

Dr. Nixon will give a PowerPoint presentation about beneficial and invasive insects. Insects exist in balance in the various ecosystems that they inhabit. Herbivorous insects feed on plants, certain ones increasing in number as their host plants become more dominant. Plants respond by producing chemical and physical protection. Predators, parasites and diseases of plant-eating insects increase in number and impact increased insect host numbers. Humans artificially increase the numbers of certain plant species through the processes of agriculture and landscaping. Associated insects then increase in numbers, which humans call pests. These pests are partially controlled by beneficial insects, but some pests are from other ecosystems around the world. These exotic, invasive pests attack native plants that have little natural chemical and physical protection from them. They also arrive without their natural control agents. Several of these beneficial and invasive insects will be addressed. Dr. Nixon will have samples and insects to view before and after his program.

This is a partnership among Wild Ones, U of I Extension, and the Rockford Park District. If people want to enter the greenhouse before or after the program, they may pay a reduced fee of only $3. This evening program is after regulation hours for the Conservatory. People are asked to call to reserve space so the Conservatory can get a better idea of how much set-up is needed. Telephone the U of I Extension office at (815) 986-4357 or register through their website at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6602.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize before the 7 p.m. meeting, and browse the merchandise tables and check out the library and Wild Ones information booths.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Terry Mohaupt at (815) 399-8432 or e-mail mohaupt@comcast.net.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Autos

2000 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3 engine- sport/red $1800, OBO, 120,000 miles. Text Joe 779-200-0903 or call Anita 815/601-5977. 5/23

FOR SALE WIFE’S VAN light blue sharp ‘04 CT&Z, good runner, loaded, leather heated seats, DVD, hitch, air, 3.8, 121,000 miles, $6795 OBO, 815/988-0705. 5/16

Auto Parts & Accessories

PARTS FOR 1996 DODGE STRATUS motor, transmission, tires & more. Make offer. Call for info 815/962-9385. 5/23

TRAILER SPECIAL! 16′ Carhauler w/brakes, LED’s, ramps $1999.00, 500 gallon Tank Trailers $3599.00, 7′ x 14′ – 14,000lb. Dump Trailers $6299.00, CLOSE-OUT SALE on all Zack Shacks & Snowmobile Trailers! 515-972-4554 www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com (MCN)

Boats

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

Motorcycles

99 KAWASAKI DRIFTER 1500 12K miles, mint condition, $4900 OBO 815/394-0884. 5/23

WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE KAWASAKI 1967-1980 Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, ZIR, KZ1000MKII, W1-650, H1-500, H2-750, S1-250, S2-350, S3-400 Suzuki GS400, GT380, CB750 CASH PAID. FREE NATIONAL PICKUP. 1-800-772-1142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com N-5/16

Recreational Vehicles

MANY NEW RV ITEMS: odorless withholding tank solution, sewer hose, hand pump kit, more 815/397-5124. 5/30

TRAILER FOR SALE with addition on Lake Wisconsin 815/222-5660. 5/30

COLMAN’S COUNTRY CAMPERS We Buy/Consign Used Campers and RV’s! 217-787-8653 (ICAN)

US ADVENTURE RV Midwest’s Largest Showroom Rentals – Sales – Service – Body 2.9% APR (wac) Airstream – Winnebago – Starcraft Holiday Rambler – Fleetwood usadventurerv.com Davenport, IA 563-468-4678 Joliet, IL 815-726-1900 (ICAN)

Autos Wanted

CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960 N-5/16

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3-Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-757-6941 (MCN)

MISC AUTOS: CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not Sell your Car or Truck TODAY Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3805 (MCN)

DONATE VEHICLE RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE FOUNDATION SUPPORT NO KILL SHELTERS, HELP HOMELESS PETS. FREE TOWING, TAX DEDUCTIBLE, NON-RUNNERS ACCEPTED. 888-333-0478 (ICAN)

A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research foundation! Most highly-rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax Deductible/Fast Free Pick Up. 800-771-9551 www.cardonationsforbreastcancer.org N-5/16

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330 N-5/16

DONATE YOUR CAR to CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND of AMERICA and help end CHILDHOOD CANCER. Tax Deductible. Next Day Towing. Receive Vacation Voucher. 7 Days 1-800-469-8593 N-5/16

DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Non-runners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 1-800-578-0408 N-5/16

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Brenda Richter

By Brenda Richter

Grocery stores offer more than 40,000 products, the majority of which are processed foods.

According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, at least 75 percent of the processed foods contain one or more genetically modified (GMO) ingredients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to approve genetically modified foods, which is debilitating to the health of our society.

Many people do not realize the majority of GMO crops have been genetically engineered to withstand spraying of herbicides, such as Monsanto’s Roundup. Its active toxic ingredient, glyphosate, is systemically transported throughout the plant and into our environment and food chain.

According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, “there is more than a casual association between GMO foods and adverse health effects.” The U.S. government does not require labeling of GMO foods.

How do you avoid GMOs? Choose organic fresh produce and reject products that likely contain GMOs, such as soy, corn, dextrose, corn starch and soy lecithin. Purchase organic seeds and plants for your garden. Move toward a high raw food, plant-based diet, and learn to make yummy foods, chemical-free that provide you with living quality nutrient value.

My raw food classes offer a lot of variety with nutritional information. Join my monthly e-mail newsletter for free recipes, attend a seminar at the Green Festival or Health Freedom Expo in the Chicago/suburban area.

Brenda Richter is a graduate of Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, where she received her certification as a Raw Culinary Arts associate chef and instructor. She’s passionate about sharing the living foods lifestyle, and teaches raw culinary arts classes in the Rockford area.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column outlining my goal of walking a total distance of 250 miles prior to Halloween. The reason I chose the 250-mile number was roughly based on an average of a mile per day between the start date and the end of October.

I knew full well I wouldn’t be disciplined enough to get out and walk every single day, but I also knew that once I got started, I would go farther than a mile each time I did make it out to walk. Based on that logic, I thought it was an attainable goal.

In that original column, I also stated I would periodically provide updates with how things were progressing. After receiving a few inquires as to how things were going, here is my first report.

I should begin by acknowledging the several supportive e-mails I received immediately after that column first appeared and the subsequent ones inquiring about my progress. In the beginning, it was good to get that boost of encouragement. It was precisely what I needed to get started. Those of you who’ve sent me subsequent e-mails inquiring about my progress have helped me stay motivated.

As soon as it was warm enough to get outside, I started walking around my neighborhood. Those first few walks in the early part of March were brisk, so I didn’t go as far as I thought I would each time. I walked a total of eight times in March and logged 12 miles.

The highlight of getting started was having my 11-year-old daughter, Meredith, join me on several of those outings. She and I had some great talks and laughs as we got in our exercise. I also found out she had never walked the bike path along the Rock River. Now, I’m proud to say, she knows exactly where the 1-mile and the mile-and-a-half markers are located along the route.

I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I only walked five times in the entire month of April. That only added up to a total of 9 miles. I’m blaming my lack of productivity on two things.

The biggest obstacle was a nagging backache that seemed to bother me for a couple of weeks. Then, when I did finally feel like I could walk without being hunched over, the weather wasn’t conducive to being outside for any prolonged period of time.

The good news is so far this month, I’ve already equaled the number of times I’ve been out walking compared with last month (five) and I’ve logged 17.5 miles as of 6 p.m., Sunday, May 13. That brings my total to 38.5 miles since I went public with my goal. I hope to get in another 4-6 miles by the time this column appears in print.

I’d like to once again thank the many people who’ve offered their support and encouragement, and to those of you who smile, wave or even say “Hi” or “Good morning” as we pass each other coming or going. I hope you’ll continue to do so. It provides that little extra that makes me want to go back each time! See you out walking.

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Alderman (R-12) and Rockford Park District Events and Recreation Project Manager John Beck looks on as Valerie Johnson shares memories of her husband Davey Johnson, as son Steve looks on, and they announce the fund-raising efforts for the handicapped accessible fishing pier in honor of the former alderman, city clerk and Winnebago County Clerk. (Photo by Frank Schier)

Staff Report

The Rockford Park District and Rockford Park District Foundation kicked off fund-raising efforts May 15 for the David F. Johnson Accessible Fishing Pier Project. A news conference was held at the future site of the permanent fishing pier located along the Rock River, just south of the Auburn Street bridge. The accessible pier would be accessed via the Rock River Recreation Path, and wheelchair parking is nearby.

The ability to fish requires accessibility, but for those with physical disabilities, those opportunities are very limited. At this point, even the largest body of water in the Rockford area, the Rock River, has no wheelchair-accessible features.

“Handrails and other accessible features are not typical along the shorelines of local rivers, lakes and ponds. This accessible pier would mean anglers with disabilities would have a safe spot to take part in the sport they love,” said Events and Recreation Projects Manager John Beck.

Members of the Rockford chapter of AMBUCS (a service club promoting independent lifestyles for people with disabilities) and local fishing clubs approached the Rockford Park District to offer to help raise funds for pier construction. The cost for this project is approximately $110,000. If at least $50,000 is raised, the CBW Foundation will provide a challenge gift of $25,000.

Fund-raising efforts

Unveiled at a riverside press conference May 15, the architectural rendering of the accessible fishing pier comes from an idea of longtime friends of Davey Johnson, Bob Bell and Gale Ekern. Bell said someone called the pair and Johnson, “just a bunch of worm soakers” many years ago, and the name stuck. Another longtime friend of Johnson’s, Sunil Puri, related several fishing trips with Johnson and former Rockford Mayor Charles Box in northern Wisconsin, where Puri had the impression the locals had never talked to someone from India or related to many African-Americans. Johnson was noted for his irreverent humor. Puri noted Box and Johnson fought constantly in city council but were good friends outside of council chambers. Puri pledged the first $5,000 for the pier and to host the project fund-raiser at his Radisson Hotel & Conference Center June 14. (Illustration by Scott Sanders)

The Rockford Park District Foundation is helping to raise money to build the accessible fishing pier. The pier will be named after David F. Johnson, an avid fisherman, Rockford alderman, and local disability advocate.

“Dave was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 14. Despite his health, his true passion was fishing, and he loved teaching others how to fish. This project honors his many years as a strong advocate for accessibility to buildings, for public transportation, and sidewalk curb cuts,” said Valerie Johnson, Dave’s wife.

For 30 years, Dave and world-class fisherman Babe Winkelman were friends and fishing buddies.

To help raise money for the accessible fishing pier, Winkelman and other area friends, like Founder and President of First Rockford Group Sunil Puri, are hosting a fund-raiser called “Babe Winkelman’s Tribute to Professor Bass, Davey Johnson” June 14. The fund-raiser will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford, with a VIP reception beginning at 5 p.m. for anyone who contributes $100 or more. Tickets are $30 each, and $300 for a table of eight.

Purchase tickets or make a donation at the following Blackhawk Bank locations:

• 2475 N. Perryville Road, Rockford

• 3101 11th St., Rockford

• 9609 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park

• 5206 Elevator Road, Roscoe

• 2141 N. State St., Belvidere

Tickets can also be purchased at:

• Rockford Park District Foundation, 401 S. Main St., Rockford

• Lynch Family Chiropractic, 3806 E. State St., Rockford

Make checks payable to: DFJ Accessible Fishing Pier Fund. The fund-raising event includes a fish fry and special silent auction with 30-plus items from Dave’s fishing/outdoor art and object collection. All money raised goes to the David F. Johnson Accessible Fishing Pier.

For more information about Babe Winkelman’s Tribute to “Professor Bass, Davey Johnson,” contact event organizer Valerie Johnson at (815) 262-9717 or davebigbass2@comcast.net.

For more information or questions about how to make a donation to the accessible fishing pier, contact Lisa Alexander, Rockford Park District Foundation donor relations coordinator, at (815) 987-1632 or via e-mail to: lisaalexander@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

I am pro business and new business, but I am also pro fairness. The 1 percent sales tax hike referendum that was approved by voters states the funds would be used to fix our roads and infrastructure. “Paving the way to our future” was the slogan used. The referendum did not say the funds could be used for kickbacks/rebates to bars, restaurants or special interests. I do not believe the referendum would have passed if it did.

I wonder if other bar and restaurant owners feel this is unfair to them? I also wonder how the new bar owners feel about taking an unfair advantage over other local bars and restaurants (their peers), especially in the downtown area. I question the legality and fairness of this city council action.

I hope either the city council reverses this or the new bar owners would use good sportsmanship and fairness as their guide and refuse taking our sales tax dollars meant for repairing our roads, sidewalks and infrastructure.

Brian Jenkins Leggero
Candidate for 1st Ward Alderman, City of Rockford

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

FOR RENT

Apartments

ON THE RIVER – Studio apartment, between Byron & Rockford. Utilities furnished, lease & deposit required. No pets. $350 815/967-0822. 5/16

2-1/2 BEDROOM, 510 Market Street., 1 bath, downtown Rockford, off street parking, rent $695, 815-316-8864. TFN

2 BEDROOM, 1623 Parmele St. Unit 2, 1 bath, off-street parking, rent $495, 815-316-8864. TFN

2-BEDROOM 1702 Maple Ave., Loves Park. Appliances, air, no pets. $490/mo. + $490/deposit. 815/262-9096. 5/16

BEAUTIFUL 2-BEDROOM UPPER UNIT washer & dryer, new appliances, large backyard, 1214 10th St. $550, 815/540-6757. 5/16

1-1/2 bedroom apartment, 1625 Parmele St., 1 bath, off-street parking, washer/dryer hook-ups. $525/month. 815-316-8864. TFN

3-BEDROOM APARTMENT, 512 Market Street, downtown, 1-bath, spacious rooms, beautiful hardwood flooring throughout, off-street parking. $695 rent, 815/316-8864. TFN

Houses

4-Bedroom house, 1820 Sandy Hollow Road, 1 bath, 2-car garage, fenced in yard, rent $1,295, 815-316-8864. TFN

3-bedroom home, 4169 Stage Coach Trail, 1.25 bath, 2-car garage, large den, finished basement, access to Tullocks Wood pool and tennis court. $1,195/month. 815-316-8864. TFN

3-BEDROOM HOUSE $700/month + deposit 815/978-6044. 5/23

4-BEDROOM HOME located at 834 Montague St on Rockford’s south side. Large rooms, 1st floor laundry, mostly new carpet, off-street parking. $765/month water, sewer, garbage included (up to $50/month) 815/235-2260. 5/16

3-Bedroom house, 812 18th Ave. 2 baths, 2-car garage, rent $795, 815-316-8864. TFN

4-Bedroom house, 1622 Greenwood St. 3.5 baths, 2-car garage, rent $1,100, 815-316-8864. TFN

4-Bedroom house, 522 Rome Ave. 2 baths, 2-car garage, fenced-in yard, rent $895, 815-316-8864. TFN

3-Bedroom house, 1029 Sterling Dr. 2 baths, 2-car garage, rent $895, 815-316-8864. TFN

2-Bedroom house, 1628 Greenwood Ave., 1 bath, 2-car garage, rent $850, 815-316-886. TFN

3-bedroom home, 2114 W. Jefferson St, 1 bath, hardwood floors, 1-car garage, large back yard. Section 8 OK. $650/ month. Call Nic 815-505-6502. TFN

Large 4-bedroom home, 1819 Hancock St. in the Edgewater neighborhood, 2-baths, basement, 2-car garage, fenced-in back yard. A lot of room in a great neighborhood. $995/month. Call Nic 815-505-6502. TFN

3-BEDROOM HOME, 1826 Cumberland Ave. in the Edgewater neighborhood, 2 baths, hardwood floors, semi-finished basement, 2-car garage, gazebo, fenced yard, many many upgrades. Must see to believe. $1,100/month. Call Nic 815-505-6502. TFN

3-bedroom house, 420 Napoleon St., 1 bath, $695 rent, 815-316-8864. TFN

Commercial Rental

3 storefronts available Will build to suit. 917 S. Main. Each space 1,400 sq.ft. mol. Contact Kerry Knodle, CCS, Inc. 815/963-6236, kknodle@youthbuildrockford.org. TFN

Roommate Wanted

ROOMMATE WANTED to share house, Rockford Plaza area. Must like dogs. $400/month. Contact Greg, 815/742-1264. TFN

Homes For Sale

2-YR-OLD HOME on approx. ½-acre. 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage. Well-established subdivision near Jefferson HS. Contract available. Mid-100s. 815/398-3762. TFN

OWNER WILL FINANCE. Bank or seller won’t finance? We help! No qualifying. No credit! Low Down. Call Today. 1-800-563-2734, kanthony@cigrealty.com (MCN)

AVAILABLE NOW 2-4 Bedroom Homes. Take Over Payments. No Money Down. No Credit Check. Call Now!! 1-866-319-5174 N-5/16

Mobile Homes

14’x66’ MOBILE HOME- 3BR, full bath. Newer windows &furnace. $13,500. 815/871-3801. TFN

Lots For Sale

CANDLEWICK LOTS FOR SALE $6,600. Terms available. With ownership come amenities including fishing, boating, golf, swimming & family activities. Please call 815/398-3762. TFN

LENDER-ORDERED LAKE LIQUIDATION SALE! Saturday 5/19 only! 2+ acres with FREE boat slips only $29,900. Was $69,900. Boat, ski, fish on 160,000 acre Kentucky Lake. All infrastructure completed. Own for pennies on the dollar. Excellent financing. Call now 1-800-704-3154, x 3753 (ICAN)

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue