Sept. 22, 2011, South Beloit Police officers were sent to 608 Wheeler Ave. in South Beloit, Ill., in regards to the death of an infant boy. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to assist.

Upon arrival, South Beloit officers and deputies found 6-week-old Jackson Betts deceased. An autopsy conducted by the Winnebago County Coroner’s office determined the death was because of lack of adequate food and medical care.

Results of an investigation conducted by Winnebago County Sheriff’s detectives were reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and a warrant was authorized for first-degree murder for the child’s mother, Kayla A. Lund, 23.

The warrant was issued May 23, and Lund was arrested the same day and lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Posted May 23, 2012

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/19/2012

COOK, JOANN Case Number: 12-061924 Age: 47 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/19/2012 12:45:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Battery – Knife/Cutting Instrument

Other criminal offenses

Columbia Ave

DUNAGAN, SONGELA Case Number: 12-062469 Age: 36 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/19/2012 10:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Benderwirt

PROTZ, CHRISTOPHER Case Number: 12-061982 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/19/2012 2:23:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Loves Park, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

Operating vehicle suspended reg.-no insurance

Other Driver License Offenses

Sheridan

WILSON, JEANETTE Case Number: 12-061985 Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/19/2012 2:15:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

Underwood St

5/18/2012

BOOKER, KENNETH Case Number: 12-061416 Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/18/2012 4:39:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

Javelin Dr

GORSKI, RICHARD Case Number: 12-061378 Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/18/2012 12:36:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61104

Charges:

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

Disorderly Conduct

Homeless

KLINEFELTER, JONATHON Case Number: 12-061378 Age: 37 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/18/2012 12:36:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Homeless

MARTINEZ, JONI Case Number: 12-061400 Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/18/2012 2:30:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61103

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Pheasant Run

Page 1 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/18/2012

SANDERS, NAKIA Case Number: 12-061413 Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/18/2012 5:54:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

S Johnston Ave

ZACKERY, RUFUS Case Number: 12-048656 Age: 48 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/18/2012 10:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Blackstone Ave

5/17/2012

AGUIRRE, MIGUEL Case Number: 12-061310 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 10:02:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 6114

Charges:

Improper lane usage

No drivers license

Innsbruck Dr

BURKS, ROBIN Case Number: 12-061324 Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 10:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

School St

CARTER, DONNA Case Number: 12-060813 Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 12:35:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

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

Acorn St

CRUZ, JAYME Case Number: 12-060850 Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 3:48:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Reckless driving

Sign violation

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Traffic speeding

Montague Rd

FORD, MELVIN Case Number: 11-140113 Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 1:05:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Forgery (Checks)

Kilburn Ave

LEAVY, DARNELL Case Number: 12-061324 Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 10:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

School St

Page 2 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/17/2012

Charges:

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

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

Obstructing Identification

Probation violation or revocation

Unlawful Use Of Weapons By A Felon

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

LOVE, JANICE Case Number: 12-045024 Age: 33 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 10:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Violation Of An Order Of Protection

Harrison Ave

LOVE, JANICE Case Number: 12-061324 Age: 33 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 10:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

School St

MILLER, AUNDRE Case Number: 10-032364 Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 2:00:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Chicago, IL

Charges:

Burglary: Vehicle parts or Accessories from Vehicle

S Carpenter St

WILLIAMS, CORNETTA Case Number: 10-027092 Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/17/2012 2:00:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford Illinois,

Charges:

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

N Johnston

5/16/2012

COOPER, ANNETTE Case Number: 12-060204 Age: 42 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 4:09:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Louisville, KY

Charges:

Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (less than 2.5)

W Wheatmore Dr

ELLIS, JOHNNIE Case Number: 12-060265 Age: 52 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 2:42:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Improper lane usage

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Delaware St

FISHER, ROBERT Case Number: 12-060668 Age: 39 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 7:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

City Ordinance Soliciting Business on Public Ways

Homeless

FORT, REGINALD Case Number: 12-060265 Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 2:42:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Concord Ave

Page 3 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/16/2012

Charges:

Aggravated Assault (Peace Officer or Fireman)

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Service to other agency- Sheriffs dept

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

HOLLOWAY, CHRISTOPHER Case Number: 12-060773 Age: 37 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 10:57:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

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

Harrison Ave

KLECKLER, NATHAN Case Number: 12-060227 Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 1:29:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Forest View Rd

KREINZ, ANTHONY Case Number: 12-060696 Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 8:09:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Possession of 30 grams of less

Forest Ave

PITTMAN, DESMOND Case Number: 12-023465 Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 2:25:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

N Horsman St

POUNCY, TYWAN Case Number: 12-060204 Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 4:09:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Endangering the Life or Health of a Child – Family

Fleeing to elude police officer

Improper lane usage

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Holland St./3208 N Main St

QUAM, WADE Case Number: 12-060666 Age: 50 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 7:28:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Cherry Valley, IL 61016

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Drugs

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Silver Maple Trl

SCOTT, CORY Case Number: 08-133658 Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 10:24:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

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

Van Wie Ave

Page 4 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/16/2012

SMITH, NATHAN Case Number: 12-060696 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 8:09:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department South Beloit,Il 61080

Charges:

Failing to signal/Improper signal

Oakland Ave

TESSMAN, MARK Case Number: 12-060237 Age: 61 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 1:20:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Improper lane usage

No drivers license

Custer Ave

TRIPP, JAYSON Case Number: 12-060447 Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/16/2012 1:33:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Operating vehicle suspended reg.-no insurance

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Haskell Ave

5/15/2012

ALVAREZ MARIN, ERNESTO Case Number: 12-060162 Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 9:35:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

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

Obstructing Identification

Other criminal offenses

Oakley Ave

ALVAREZ, ERNESTO Case Number: 10-102135 Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 9:37:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

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

Oakley Ave

BRELSFORD, MATHEW Case Number: 12-059834 Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 10:58:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Heroin Possession (not more than 15 grams)

Endangering the Life or Health of a Child

Arcadia Ter

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

DAUGHERTY, WILLIAM Case Number: 12-054858 Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 11:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

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

Trenton Ave

Page 5 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/15/2012

FLINT, MARTEZ Case Number: 12-059866 Age: 42 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 11:50:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

Heroin Delivery (more than 1 but less than 15 grams-church property)

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

Obstructing Identification

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

Illinois Ave/406 Tay

GARCIA, ANABEL Case Number: 12-060162 Age: 20 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 9:35:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61101

Charges:

No drivers license

Obstructing Identification

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Oakley Ave

HALL, WESLEY Case Number: 12-060194 Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 11:50:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Battery (Simple)

Concord

HEIM, CHARLES Case Number: 12-059709 Age: 37 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 3:03:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Belvidere,Il

Charges:

Cocaine Possession (less than 15)

Possession of drug equipment

Other traffic offenses

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Praire

HILL, CATHERINE Case Number: 11-123240 Age: 40 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 12:35:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Theft (more than $300- Unauthorized Control)

Linden Rd

OVERA, YAZMIN Case Number: 12-059913 Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 1:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Improper turning

No drivers license

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Maeve Ln

SANDERS, ERIC Case Number: 12-059958 Age: 44 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 1:55:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61101

Charges:

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

Arthur Ave

Page 6 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/15/2012

SWIFT, CAROLINE Case Number: 12-059697 Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 2:04:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Blood alcohol content over .08

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Improper lane usage

Traffic speeding

Kenilworth Dr

TATE, LATOYIA Case Number: 12-059731 Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 7:00:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

Shalck Dr

WENTZ, SARA Case Number: 12-059834 Age: 28 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/15/2012 10:58:00AM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department South Beloit, IL 61080

Charges:

Endangering the Life or Health of a Child

Lawney Ct

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

PENNIE, MONTEZ Case Number: 12-047698 Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 12:30:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Fleeing to elude police officer

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Creekview

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

Sherman Ave

Page 7 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Report Updated 5/20/2012 6:05:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

5/14/2012

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

Suspended/revoked drivers license

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

WALTERS, ROBERT Case Number: 12-059537 Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 6:45:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Trevor Cir

WATSON, MARY Case Number: 12-059665 Age: 41 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 5/14/2012 11:53:00PM

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Concord Ave

Page 8 of 8 All subjects are presumed innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law

Posted May 23, 2012

Rockford police are investigating the shooting death of 18-year-old Dwayne Buchanan, who was shot and killed at the BP gas station, 3721 Auburn St., Rockford, shortly before 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 22.

According to police, a van occupied by four or five people was involved in the shooting. Another individual was injured in the shooting and walked in to a local hospital.

A press release from the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy will be performed on Buchanan May 23 to determine the exact cause of death. Buchanan suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Rockford police shift commander at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 23, 2012

Verne Smith was awarded the Rockford Area Music Industry Award for “Biggest Music Fan of All-Time” in 2001. He died Jan. 12, 2011, at age 64 of esophagus cancer. His death left a huge hole in the local music industry. (File photo)

Staff Report

Verne Fest, a two-day festival tribute honoring Rockford’s No. 1 music fan, Verne K. Smith, will be from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday, May 25, and noon-11 p.m., Saturday, May 26, on Davis Park’s North Lawn, 300 S. Wyman St., downtown Rockford.

Smith, awarded the Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Award for “Biggest Music Fan of All-Time” in 2001, drew the respect of so many local musicians that organizers of the event could not accommodate all of the bands asking to perform.

Smith died at age 64 Jan. 12, 2011, after a battle with esophagus cancer. A staple at live music events, Smith’s passing left a huge hole in the music community. Sometimes known as “Dancin’ Verne,” Smith was often the first to arrive at gigs, sometimes before the bands, and the last to leave.

The goal of Verne Fest is to raise funds to create a permanent memorial at Davis Park in honor of Smith, a RAMI Scholarship in Smith’s honor, and to make a donation to The Arc of Winnebago, Boone & Ogle Counties.

Smith participated in The Arc’s Independent Living program.

Tickets to the event are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate, and free for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available exclusively through the BMO Harris Bank Center box office, 300 Elm St., Rockford, online at www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com, or charge by phone at (815) 968-5222.

Following is the musical lineup for the event:

Friday, May 25

5-6 p.m. — Rollin’ Whiskey

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Prime Time Live Band

8-9 p.m. — The Missing Links

9:30-11 p.m. — Big Daddy Woo Woo with special guest Harlan Jefferson

Saturday, May 26

Noon-12:30 p.m. — Daybreak (RAMI Youth Charity Jam winner)

12:45-1:30 p.m. — Black Damage

1:45-2:45 p.m. — Rubik Steel

3-4 p.m. — RIVE (members of Suite Oblivion and The Merkins)

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Iron Cross

6-7 p.m. — Pulse 18

7:30-9 p.m. — Audiodrive

9:30-11 p.m. — RIPT (reunion show)

Event updates will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/events/328464957219632/.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — The 41st Annual Young at Heart Festival is set for Friday-Monday, May 25-28, on the grounds of Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, Ill.

The event will feature live music, carnival rides, fireworks, a beer garden, food, a kids’ fishing derby and Young at Heart Parade.

Headlining this year’s festival is country star Jo Dee Messina, along with fan favorites The Blooze Brothers and festival newcomers Generation.

Sunday, May 27, is Kids’ Day and will feature popular children’s entertainers Jim Gill and Susan Salidor.

Those who purchase buttons in advance save $2 off gate prices. Buttons are available at outlets all over the region (visit www.youngatheartfestival.com for locations).

Buttons are good for all four days of the festival and cost $6 in advance or $8 at the gate. Children 8 and younger are admitted free.

Family Fun Packs of four buttons and four coupons good for $2 off ride wristbands are available for $24 (a $32 value).

Call the Parks Chamber of Commerce at (815) 633-3999 for more information about the 41st Young at Heart Festival.

The Young at Heart schedule is as follows:

Friday, May 25 (gates open at 6 p.m.)

Special event

5 p.m. — Opening Ceremony

Music schedule

7-8:30 p.m. — Howard and the White Boys

10-11:30 p.m. — The Blooze Brothers

Saturday, May 26 (gates open at noon)

Special events

9 a.m. — Young at Heart Parade (starts at Woodward, 5001 N. Second St., Loves Park)

3-4:30 p.m. — Young at Heart Idol Contest

9:30 p.m. — Fireworks Spectacular

Music schedule

(Country Music Day)

5-7:30 p.m. — Kharma

8-9:30 p.m. — Jo Dee Messina

10-11:30 p.m. — Anthony Billups

Sunday, May 27 (gates open at noon)

Special event

3-5 p.m. — Home Depot Craft Tent

Music schedule

1:15-2 p.m. — Jim Gill

2:15-3 p.m. — Susan Salidor

5-6:30 p.m. — Redline 7000

7-9:30 p.m. — Green Thirteen

10-11:30 p.m. — Generation

Monday, May 28 (gates open at noon)

Special event

Noon-2 p.m. — Memorial Day Variety Show

Music schedule

3-5:30 p.m. — Clutch Cargo

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

I’m writing in response to Michael Kleen’s recent “Keepin’ it Kleen” column “Crime smothers economic recovery” (May 16-22 issue of The Rock River Times).

Kleen’s main point appears to be that “crime and the economy are intimately connected,” and I fully agree. I also agree that Rockford’s decision to turn off street lights was short-sighted, but I do not agree that crime will necessarily “smother” our economic recovery.

Residents do not want to live or shop in high-crime areas, and businesses do not want to locate to such areas. So, crime can hurt economic growth. But a poor economy can also foster a high-crime climate.

Which comes first: crime or bad economy? In our community, I think we have a little of both. And in our case, better-paying jobs would help lower the crime rate.

Kleen seems baffled as to why Aurora, Ill., has a lower crime rate than Rockford, believing they are similar communities. Rockford and Aurora, with its population more than 190,000, are not that similar. One of the most significant Aurora-Rockford differences is Aurora’s median home price of almost $171,000, compared to Rockford’s $93,000. Since property taxes are the major source for police funding, Aurora simply has a larger tax base to pay for more police and fire services.

Rockford also has a higher poverty rate than Aurora. While median household incomes are similar between the two cities, the median income for individuals is higher in Aurora, which means more people are working in each Rockford home to achieve the same household income level.

Aurora is a fast-growing community of employed people, many of whom commute by train to Chicago for better-paying jobs. The jobs aren’t in Aurora, but you can get to a good-paying job via a 50-minute train ride.

Yes, we must take positive steps to reduce crime, but we must go after better-paying jobs that will help drive down the crime rate. Rockford residents don’t have the option of a 50-minute train commute to Chicago for work, so we need to create good jobs here.

Local leaders can’t simply target warehouse and fast-food jobs, and we can’t rely on increased landfill revenue to fill government coffers. We need to think big, we need to plan for success. We need to create a new economy. As Kleen points out, “Winnebago County has been in the top five Illinois counties in terms of both crime and unemployment rates for more than a decade.” I think we can both agree that’s not the plan we want for the next 10 years.

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The Rev. Timothy Draper

The Rev. Gerard Christianson

Bishop of Rockford David J. Malloy ordained two men to the priesthood for the Rockford Diocese Saturday, May 19.

The Rev. Gerard Christianson and the Rev. Timothy Draper became priests at an 11 a.m. ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford.

Christianson, 51, is a native of Chicago, son of Edward and Margaret Christianson. His home parish was Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church in Niles. He attended St. Theola Grade School in Chicago; Our Lady of Ransom Grade School in Niles; graduated from Maine East High School in Park Ridge. He went on to attend Loyola of Chicago, Oakton Community College in Des Plaines and Northeastern Illinois University. He was a high school math teacher for many years before entering studies for the priesthood, which he completed at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

Draper, 26, was born in Arlington Heights, son of Mark and Renee Draper. He is a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Rockford. He was home schooled but also attended Forest Park Elementary School in Kenosha, Wis.; Meridian Junior High School in Stillman Valley; Stillman Valley High School, Stillman Valley; and Rock Valley College, Rockford. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., and Kennick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

The two men are the first to be ordained priests by Bishop Malloy, who himself was ordained a bishop Monday, May 14, in Rockford.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Annual Photography Contest entries will be accepted from June 15 to July 31. Submit your best photos showcasing the beauty of the environment here in northern Illinois. Your winning photo will gain you recognition for your work and could be used for publication and other promotional use. In addition to this recognition, photographers submitting winning photos will be awarded prizes from Camera Craft. Visit www.knib.org or www.cameracraftinc.com for contest rules. (Photo by Dave Donahue)

Staff Report

Loves Park, Ill. — Camera Craft offers two photography seminars in May in support of the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Annual Nature Photography Contest. The first seminar was Tuesday, May 22, and featured Landscape Photographer Bradley Nordlof of Northern Leaf Imaging.

Tuesday, May 29, avid amateur photographer Dave Donahue will present a program about Close-Up and Nature Photography based on extensive work in the National Parks and wilderness areas. This seminar will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and include a Q&A session. The fee for the seminar is $20; all proceeds go to Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. Registration is required; space is limited.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Annual Photography Contest entries will be accepted from June 15 to July 31. Submit your best photos showcasing the beauty of the environment here in northern Illinois. Your winning photo will gain you recognition for your work and could be used for publication and other promotional use. In addition to this recognition, photographers submitting winning photos will be awarded prizes from Camera Craft. Visit www.knib.org or www.cameracraftinc.com for contest rules.

Since 1988, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful has positioned itself as an outcome-based organization engaging all elements of the community to enhance neighborhoods by reducing, reusing and recycling our world’s resources for future generations. For additional information regarding Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful events and programs, call (815) 637-1343 or visit www.knib.org.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Karen Virnoche (right photo) at the “bra line” by a sign for the BREAST Yard Sale in Town. (Photo provided)

By Karen Virnoche

OREGON, Ill. — The annual BREAST Yard Sale in Town hit a milestone last year. To date, the sale has raised more than $70,000, and we are going to hit $75,000 and more this year.

The barn is full. Donations of all kinds have been arriving daily and include items from several estates as well as donations from lingerie companies.

The sale begins on Memorial Day, Saturday, May 26, and will run every day from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., rain or shine, through Father’s Day, June 17.

The BREAST Yard Sale in Town is more than just a yard sale. People come to talk about their experience with cancer. I try to provide some sort of comfort and support for them because I have faced cancer four times and I have lost many loved ones to the disease.

People who know me find out I am passionate about finding a cure and ending cancer in our lifetime. The yard sale is a “safe place” to express yourself through laughter, tears and talking about memories. No one is in a rush. Time is on our side at this event. It is a very comfortable, enjoyable place, and people know all the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society.

We are in this together. The power of friends and community in fighting cancer! Come to the BREAST Yard Sale in Town at 1194 Mud Creek Road in Oregon, Ill. You will enjoy the experience and always find something you can’t live without!

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Fire erupted on the roof of the former Amerock factory on Auburn Street May 17 after employees of a salvage company reportedly started a tank with fiberglass ablaze.

The fire started about 1:15 p.m at the former hardware plant in the 4400 block of Auburn Street. Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten said a salvage company was using a cutting torch when materials accidentally caught fire. He said employees tried to extinguish the blaze, but then had to call the fire department. The fire was brought under control by the Rockford Fire Department shortly thereafter. No one was reported injured.

The building is owned by Rockford Development Group, a limited partnership company. The limited partnership is listed at 1818 Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, by the Winnebago County Recorder’s office. Rockford Development Group bought the property from Denovo Rockford/Bellwood LLC in November 2010 for $1.9 million.

Many sources reported to The Rock River Times that toxic materials were blown out onto the roof during the years of Amerock’s manufacturing operations. Those sources alleged the roof material would be evidence of alleged pollution at the site. It is unknown if this is the section of the roof sources alleged was toxic.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The portrait, titled “The Prodigy,” was auctioned Thursday, May 3, at the Lexington Foundation’s Derby Gala and Wine Auction to benefit cancer victims in Kentucky. The painting measures 31 inches by 34 inches, and the framing and matting were generously donated by South Hill Gallery. (Image courtesy of www.stonestreetfarms.com)

By Susan Johnson
Copy Editor

We’re in that in-between time, building up hopes (or anxieties) between the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. Whether or not you followed the winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, here’s something to consider. These Triple Crown races (or any other races) make up a small portion of a race horse’s life. What happens before that prime testing season, and what happens once it’s over?

Riding on hope — Rachel’s new foal

Thoroughbred horses are born every year, but one particular arrival was anticipated with more than ordinary interest. Following the retirement of 2009 Preakness winner and Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, it was arranged to breed her with the 2007 Preakness champion and two-time Horse of the Year, Curlin. Rachel’s new foal, a colt, was born Jan. 22, 2012, and became an instant celebrity along with his famous mom. Stonestreet Stables, near Lexington, Ky., where the horses are staying, has been taking full advantage of the publicity.

They established a contest, open to virtually anyone anywhere, to suggest a name for the foal, and were literally overwhelmed by the response. A total of 6,521 name suggestions — some historically based, some denoting royalty, offering tribute to the owner, Jess Jackson (now deceased), some whimsical or funny — were received. The submissions came in from all over the U.S. (including several from Alaska), Denmark, England, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Jackson, who campaigned both Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, died of cancer April 21, 2011. His widow, Barbara Banke, now operates Stonestreet and co-owns Rachel Alexandra in partnership with Harold McCormick. The stables is expected to choose a winner by the end of summer.

As a special tribute, artist D. Lee, a horsewoman and artist who lost her husband to cancer, was commissioned to paint a special portrait of the foal. Lee spent some time with Rachel and her baby on the farm, and Lee’s skill in capturing the foal’s unique personality is evident in her work. His eye, reminiscent of Rachel’s, perfectly reflects his heritage. He is a beautiful bay colt with a blazing white star on his forehead and immediately captivates anyone who sees him. Rachel is said to be a devoted mother who took to the foal immediately.

The portrait, titled “The Prodigy,” was auctioned Thursday, May 3, at the Lexington Foundation’s Derby Gala and Wine Auction to benefit cancer victims in Kentucky. The painting measures 31 inches by 34 inches, and the framing and matting were generously donated by South Hill Gallery.

Now, let’s look at the other end of the spectrum — what happens when a horse reaches the end of its career — and this applies not just to thoroughbreds, but other horses as well. We thank PETA for granting permission to reprint the following article from their 2011 Annual.

Racehorse saved from slaughter

PETA’s undercover investigator was documenting conditions at a crowded, terrifying livestock auction in the Midwest, where thousands of thoroughbreds discarded by the racing industry end up, when she met a timid, frightened mare. The horse was painfully thin and covered with wounds from being bitten and kicked by other horses who had lashed out in fear in the chaos of the auction. She was jammed into a holding pen so crowded that she could barely move. She had no way of knowing that she faced a horrifying journey and a bloody death at a slaughterhouse.

Her lip tattoo identified her as a racehorse who had started out with great promise, the relative of champions, but she had never won a race. Her name was Coming Home, the granddaughter of Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled and cousin of Eight Belles (who shattered both front ankles in the 2008 Derby). Coming Home was cast off by the racing industry at just 6 years old, and like 10,000 other thoroughbreds every year, she was sold to a “kill buyer” who planned to send her to a slaughterhouse in Canada or Mexico.

That’s when PETA’s investigator stepped in. A deal was struck with the kill buyer, and instead of ending up on a meat hook, Coming Home headed for rest, rehabilitation, and retirement on a PETA founding member’s beautiful mountain ranch.

The horse-racing industry breeds more than 30,000 new foals every year, and owners pay millions of dollars for the chance to acquire a winner — but turn their backs when horses don’t make the grade, as most do not. PETA is demanding that the people who bring these horses into the world also provide a decent retirement for them.

We have met with and asked the Jockey Club — which registers all thoroughbred racehorses — to require owners and breeders to pay a fee for each foal, stallion and broodmare registration and set the money aside in a retirement fund. In a letter to the Jockey Club on PETA’s behalf, Secretariat star James Cromwell wrote, “These magnificent animals should not end up on a meat hook after a terrifying journey to a terrifying death.”

Thanks to the support of generous PETA members who make investigations like this one possible and to everyone who helped along the way with care and transport, Coming Home has finally come home for good. She is now safe, her bony frame is filling out, and she is gaining back her muscle tone, as she walks and runs with other horses, with her head once again held high.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Dear Mayor Morrissey, staff and City Council members,

On Friday, May 18 at approximately 5:30 p.m. while enjoying the peace and tranquility of my home, I heard my mother yell out two blood-curdling screams. Upon entering the kitchen, I saw an intruder in my home. He had my mother pressed up against the wall with a knife to her throat.

At that point, I was fighting for my life and that of my mother. After seven minutes had passed, the fight of my life was over. The intruder, assailant, thief, homicidal maniac, devil was gone. He had fled out the same door of which he had entered, with me following after. Unfortunately, he got away.

Over the last several months within a three-block area of my home, there have been three home invasions, three drug operations shut down, gunfire in the middle of the day on Broadway, numerous prostitutes and vehicles trolling the neighborhood on an endless basis, looking for drugs and prostitutes. My neighbor and his wife were riding their motorcycle on Broadway when they were involved in a hit-and-run accident. His wife landed on the hood of the truck. The truck sped away, running through three red lights with her hanging on for dear life until she slid off as he rounded a corner.

Mayor Morrissey, there is a sickness in this city, a cancer. I don’t have the answers about how to fix it, and I don’t think you do, either, but something must be done. Something has to change. As with all cancers, if it isn’t treated, it ends up killing its host. I think the city of Rockford and its citizens deserve better.

Respectfully,
Toby Haldeman
Rockford

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Whether you were “green” before the color was fashionable or whether you’re just ready to find the “shade” that works best for you, here’s information about doing just “one green thing.”

No matter how you are getting there — plane, train, boat or automobile — packing lighter has to be a “greener way” somewhere along the way. Here are just a few thoughts …

If you don’t have the perfect piece of luggage, somebody does, so borrow what you need. Make sure it rolls so you aren’t straining. If you think you have the right size bag, choose something smaller. I don’t care where or when you are going, you don’t need as much as you plan to take. And if you are moving from place to place, you will thank me.

Going for 10 days? Take undergarments for five and wash them out. Or, there’s the “Allison” plan. She taught me to take my most worn items and throw them away as I travel. This works for all clothing, I’ve found.

Plan your wardrobe around just a couple of colors. Black works for me (doesn’t show dirt as much), but khaki blends in well, too. Just mix and match the items so several blouses/tops go with several pants/skirts … you get the drift. Toss in a couple of colorful (but lightweight) scarves for accents.

Cotton is my favorite fabric, but always choose lightweight and natural fabrics. Take items for layering rather than taking sweaters. If you must have a pair of jeans, wear them, as they take up too much room in the suitcase. One good pair of walking shoes (wear them) with a pair of ultra-lightweight tennis shoes in the bag will get you through almost anything anywhere, honest. Take a jacket (only if you must) and wear it.

Ready to pack? Roll your clothing like a sailor. You may discover you can take an even smaller bag, and your back will thank you!

For more information, e-mail Jan Herbert at JanHerbert@RockfordParkdistrict.org.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Fred Kirschenmann

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

Last year, Fred Kirschenmann, our keynote speaker for the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, was unable to attend because of health problems. We are pleased he will join us this year to share his views about how to redesign the human adventure toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

Dr. Kirschenmann will present “Redesigning the Human Adventure: Challenges and Opportunities.” He sees the human enterprise on the planet as having reached a critical juncture. We have lived as though natural resources were inexhaustible and natural sinks limitless. The consumptive lifestyles of the last century have us reaching a point where many of the resources that made those lifestyles possible in the short term make it absurd in the long term. We now confront some major challenges that present us with unprecedented opportunities to rethink and redesign our future.

Dr. Kirschenmann’s broad background includes active involvement in efforts to make our food systems more sustainable. He is a distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. The center was created by the Iowa Legislature to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources.

He is president of Kirschenmann Family Farms, a 2,600-acre certified organic farm in Windsor, N.D. About 1,000 acres are native prairie used for grazing livestock, which restorationists may consider emulating on their holdings. The remaining acreage is a diversified operation. Up to nine crops are raised each year in three different rotations. They have more than 100 brood cows and raise calves until they are yearlings.

The farm has been featured in National Geographic, Smithsonian, Audubon, Business Week, the Los Angeles Times and Gourmet magazine. Several research studies have been done on the farm.

When serving as director of the Leopold Center from 2000 until 2005, Kirschenmann saw his position as an opportunity to think about the direction in which agriculture should go in the future. He sought to implement the principles of sustainability in a way that works for farms and farm families. He continues to work at the center, and in 2008 accepted a part-time position with Stone Barns in New York to explore ways rural and urban communities can work together to develop sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Kirschenmann earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Chicago, and has both university teaching and administrative experiences. He credits his philosophical studies with training him to ask the questions behind the questions, which has served him well in farming and leadership roles he has held in national organic agricultural organizations.

Cultivating an Ecological Conscience, published in 2010 by the University of Kentucky, is based on his essays about farming, philosophy and sustainability.

He acknowledges the role of Aldo Leopold’s thinking in shaping his perspective on needing to solve our problems ecologically. Society continues to fail to utilize knowledge of biology and how systems work as we apply one solution to a very specific problem, which then creates problems elsewhere in the system. He sees local community economics as healthiest when they are as self-reliant as possible, particularly where food and agriculture are concerned. A similar focus on local energy sources would also contribute to rebuilding local communities.

Kirschenmann’s presentation will challenge people to redesign our activities toward sustainable goals.

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 23-29, 2012, issue

Antiques

CHILDREN’S SCHOOL DESKS and chairs, Royal typewriter from late 1950’s 815/877-4498. 6/6

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

GE 1000 WATT MICROWAVE, turntable, $50 815/980-7863 TFN

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

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

TWO SPACES Roscoe Cemetery, $2000 each. 608/364-1904. 6/6

4 LOTS WILLWOOD in Concordia Area $1795 each. Will discount. 815/877-0145. 6/6

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. Valuable 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

CRAFTSMAN 8HP RIDING lawn mower, good condition $175 815/871-7511 after 5pm. 6/6

LAWN MOWER Yardman with bagger, self-propelled in excellent condition 815/877-8183. 6/6

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

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

Furniture

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

TV ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Special built 57” wide, 58” tall, A beauty! Asking $175 815/621-5406. 6/6

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

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

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

Garage Sale

ESTATE SALE Wed-Fri. 779/770-9621. 5/30

1001 S. MAIN ST. Sidewalk sale, everything must go!! Pictures, shoes, African attire, etc. New & old. Th-Sat., 9-5pm. 5/23

HOUSEHOLD GOODS, some furniture, knick-knacks. Don’t miss this! 7965 Cricklewood Dr., Roscoe. May 24th-26th, Th & F, 8-5pm, Sat., 8-12pm. 5/23

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

LAWN TRACTOR TIRES (2) 15×6.00 (2) 20×8.00 plus seat $15 for all 815/874-8478. 6/6

FOR SALE SEARS KENMORE sewing machine with pedal, excellent condition. $50 815/566-1581. 6/6

8PKS. OF mED. DIAPERS 20 in each pk. $50, call 779/203-5309. 6/6

ROLAND DB-500 160 W tube/solid bass amp $325, call Jake 847/323-3112. 6/6

OLYMPIC-SIZE TRAMPOLINE and a vintage wheel horse mower (needs some work) 815/543-0899. 6/6

HANDMADE WOODEN CANES Ask for Phil 815/962-0530. 6/6

WURLITZER ORGAN $300 815/877-0145. 6/6

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

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)

BUNDLE & SAVE on your CABLE, INTERNET PHONE, AND MORE. High Speed Internet starting at less than $20/mo. CALL NOW! 800-291-4159 N-5/23

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-5/23

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-5/23

STOP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR TV! Satellite is cheaper than cable! Packages from $19.99/mo.ÐFREE movies, FREE upgrades & FREE HD: Limited Offer-CALL NOW! 800-364-5192 N-5/23

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-5/23

Sporting Goods

2010 YAMAHA GOLF CART fully equipped, like new, one owner. $8000 new, sacrifice $5800 OBO. 815/494-5694. 6/6

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

Steel Buildings

STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only 25×36, 30×42, 40×60, 80×150. Selling for Balance Owed! Must Move Now! Still Crated/Free Delivery! 1-800-411-5869 x201 (MCN)

Thrift Store

Crusader Thrift Shop,310 7th Street - Open Mon.-Sat. from 11am to 3pm. Many kid’s clothes & toys, $1 and under. 90% ladies clothes on sale, 3 pair ladies pants $1 (not new ones). Entire books on sale. Large microwave, like new baby buggy, highchair like new, Robey drill & charger. In need of brown paper grocery bags. 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

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

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

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

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

ADULT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA At Home 4-6 Weeks. Tuition $199.00. Accredited. FREE Class Ring. College Admission Guaranteed. FREE BROCHURE. 305-940-4214 N-5/23

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-5/23

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-5/23

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-5/23

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-5/23

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)

ALL PARENTS RECEIVE TAX RETURN $1500 for 1 child, $3000 for 2, $4000 for 3. www.x-presstaxes.com , 1-800-583-8840. 24 hr. msg. (MCN)

CREDIT CARD DEBT? LEGALLY HAVE IT REMOVED! Minimum $7,000 in debt to qualify. Utilize Consumer Protection Attorneys. Call now! 1-888-237-0388 N-5/23

YOU DIE WE PAY DON’T DIE WE PAY. FULL RETURN OF PREMIUM TERM LIFE INSURANCE. PREMIUM RETURNED IN 20 YEARS IF YOU DON’T DIE. NO EXAM, NO BLOOD REQUIRED. 1-800-559-9847 www.buynoexamlifeinsuranceonline.com N-5/23

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)

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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)

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

REACH 2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! Do you have a product, service, or business that would be helped by reaching over 2 million households throughout Iowa and the surrounding states? The Midwest Classified Network will allow you to reach these potential customers quickly and inexpensively. For more information concerning a creative classified ad call this publication or Midwest Free Community Papers at 800-248-4061 or get information online at www.mcn-ads.com (MCN)

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

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

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

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

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-5/23

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

FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT widower, mid-60’s, wants to meet the second Mrs. Right, ages 50-70 815/319-0643. 6/6

SWM 48 needs the affection of an older woman, 55-80 years young. Must travel to Freeport, race unimportant 815/275-8195. 6/6

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. 815/766-0627. 5/30

WHITE TALL GUY would like to meet a single Hispanic lady 30-45 for romance and LTR, call or leave message 779/770-7194. 6/6

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, 30-40 779/771-9353. 6/6

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

SOS LIBERTY These high school students can explain why our HUGE national debt will hurt their generation. All invited Tues. June 5, 6:30 pm to Belvidere Community Center, 111 W. First St to hear SOS LIBERTY. 5/30

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

For Sale

KITTENS 7 weeks old, long hair, $15 each 815/262-3944. 6/6

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

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

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

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

WHIPS, SCARS, CHAINS and bars. Circus suffering is not entertainment. Boycott circuses with animal acts. 6/6

wanted
WANTED: CAT CARRYING cage, 779/500-4518. 6/6

280 LB. MAN IN NEED of free folding wheelchair & hand crutches 815/633-2049. 6/6

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

Wanted: Rototillers, Snowblowers, Riding mowers, go-carts, minibikes, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, antique vehicles. 815/397-4483. 6/6

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)

BUYING JUNK CAR BATTERIES: for a limited time paying $6.00 each/we pick up. Also buying catalytic converters, alternators, starters, electric motors & copper. 217-653-7480 (ICAN)

**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-5/23

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-5/23

WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS UP TO $26/BOX. PRE PAID SHIPPING LABELS. HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-266-0702 www.SellDiabeticStrips.com N-5/23

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Denise Guzzardo

By Denise Guzzardo

Week of May 23-29, 2012

This Week: After this incredible solar eclipse May 20 in Gemini, the floodgates of communication should have opened far and wide. Venus is still marking her retrograde, so there could be a little confusion left in the romantic sectors of some individuals for a while now. At least the communication dam has broken. One way or another, solutions will arrive eventually to move forward to a more productive and positive lifestyle.

Aries (March 21 to April 19) — Those around you will be more than willing to honor your contributions in life. Receive these salutations gracefully, and don’t be shy about it. Admiration should be viewed as a reflection of the soul. Finances arrive midweek with a fantastic payoff. You’re in a productive mindset this week, and all aligns favorably by week’s end.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20) — Romantic aspects may need a re-evaluation period midweek. However, try not to throw the baby out with the bathwater too quickly. This is just a temporary setback that can resolve itself with love and patience. If you lose your cool, you could cause permanent damage. Family could pile on additional “drama” this week. Hide in a closet, if need be.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — Your personal relationships are beginning to shift for the better. You may need to ask your significant other if they need any financial or emotional help this week. They may be too proud to say they are feeling stressed. Midweek, you have a financial windfall arriving. Sometimes by “paying it forward,” financial blessings come full circle.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — A long-standing agitation with a client or a co-worker will magically come to an end. Instead of focusing on lack, focus on gain. Out with the old, and in with the new. You will find an admiration arrive from an unexpected source this week. Visualize this moving into a loving and productive light.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — Allow this peaceful, gentle life to come, and keep it that way. Release your worries to the universe, and allow the powers that be to take care of them one by one. You will see career and romantic elements magically fall into place. Receive the love that is available. Accept that you deserve it.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — Take the edge off your tone and try to be open to a softer demeanor. The fear you could come across too delicate has actually worked against you this past year. Put your feelings out there, accept them, and receive love from those who are willing to share it with you. Midweek, your energy begins to shift for the better. Hang on to this element. Humor is the best medicine.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — Celebrations with friends and family need to be accentuated. It’s easy to fall into a rut and self-loathing. However, no one benefits from that kind of energy. If it makes you feel any better, everyone has been running a bit low on energy. It makes it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As the astrological sign of Leo really moves into full effect, you will see the difference.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — Focus on the home front first and foremost. So many other individuals may be pulling at your energy source that you may be inadvertently neglecting precious cargo within your own realm. Someone is craving your love and affection. Allow this to fall into place, and let friends and family know how much you care.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — Finally, you are beginning to see your energy improve. Loss and emotional upheavals have taken their toll on you over the last few months. Although the little Sagittarius “ray of sunshine” always appears to shine through, the faking it until you make it had finally caught up with you. During this week, you are back in your body and emotionally available to keep up with your long-term goals. Blessings come from unexpected sources.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — A friend or family gathering will shed some light on your emotional state this week. After all of this time, you are really getting to know your loved ones and heritage. These unexpected connections help you to “know thyself.” After all is said and done, you feel empowered by the exchange of energy you have experienced this week.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — Your business and family life will put you in a place of contentment this week. All of the stress that had occurred previously has magically disappeared, putting you in the “Zen” place emotionally. As you turn the corner with your fears and concerns, enlightenment will surround you and your loved ones.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — OK, well, you may have felt a little crazy these past few weeks, but trust me, this will resolve itself this week. All of your fears and concerns will magically melt away by week’s end. When all is said and done, you may find you worked yourself into a frenzy over nothing. Take note for future reference: it’s never over until the fat lady sings.

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Coleus, lantana, cuphea, marigold and alternanthera. (Photo courtesy of Melinda Myers, LLC)

By Melinda Myers
Gardening Expert, TV & Radio Host, Author and Columnist

Get out the shovel and trowels — it’s Memorial Day weekend, and that means gardening for many. Spend a bit more time getting your garden off to a good start and reap the benefits all season long. Proper planting and post-planting care means less maintenance, fewer pests and more produce and beautiful flowers in your landscape.

Start by selecting healthy plants free of insect and disease problems. There’s no need to spend money on problems. And keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Instead, look for compact plants with sturdy stems. The leaves should be deep green or the proper color for that variety. Avoid plants that show signs of stress, such as spots, brown leaf edges and holes. And when all things are equal, purchase the perennials with multiple stems.

Keep your purchase properly watered before and after planting. Check transplants daily and twice a day when temperatures rise, watering as needed. Increase success and reduce the stress transplants often face. Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ Spray to protect potted plants from drying out until you are able to plant. Or, apply to transplants to get your plants off to a vigorous start. These organic products are not fertilizers but rather naturally-occurring molecules that work like an immunization to help new and established plants better tolerate heat, drought, insects, disease and other challenges plants face.

Prepare the soil before planting. Though not glamorous, building a good foundation for your garden will pay off this season and beyond. Dig 1 or 2 inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter, and a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer into the top 12 inches of the soil.

Now, slide, don’t pull, the plants out of their containers to avoid damaging their roots and stems. If they resist, gently squeeze small, flexible pots, or roll larger pots on their sides over the ground. This loosens the roots, releasing the pot from the container.

Gently tease any roots that encircle (girdle) the root ball. Or, use a knife to slice through girdling roots or the tangled mass that often develops at the bottom of the pot. This encourages the roots to explore the soil beyond the planting hole. And a bigger root system means healthier plants that are more productive and beautiful.

Set your plants at the same depth they were growing in their container. Tall, leggy tomatoes are the exception. These can be planted deeper or in shallow trenches to encourage roots to form along the buried stem. Cover the roots with soil, and gently tamp to ensure good root-to-soil contact. Water new plantings thoroughly, moistening the rootball, planting hole and beyond. Spread a thin layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other mulch over the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and keep the roots cooler when hot weather moves in for the summer.

Check new plantings every other day, and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Gradually reduce the frequency until your plants only need to be watered once a week in heavy clay soils and twice a week in sandy soils. Of course, you’ll need to water more often in hot weather.

And don’t forget about the rest of your landscape. Plant strengtheners can be applied to established plants to prepare them for the often stressful season ahead. Treated plants will be better able to tolerate heat and drought as well as attacks from insects and diseases.

So, get out and start planting to make this the best gardening season yet.

Nationally-known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and The Garden Book for Wisconsin. She hosts the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments, which air on 89 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. Visit www.melindamyers.com.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

A series of events in downtown Rockford will pay tribute to fallen veterans on Memorial Day, May 28.

The annual Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 9 a.m., Monday, May 28, at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue. The parade will follow the traditional parade route and end at Beattie Park. The United States Marine Corps will be this year’s featured branch of service. Grand Marshal will be United States Marine Corps Major Clark Pollard, retired. Area police and firefighter units, along with local school marching bands and the Phantom Regiment marching band, will be participating in this year’s parade.

The annual Naval Ceremony will be held immediately following the parade behind the Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. Major Clark Pollard, retired, will be a featured speaker. This patriotic service will also include a welcome address by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R), opening prayer, singing of the national anthem by Donna Lamb and formal program including the sinking of the ship by Members of the Navy Club Ship No. 1.

A Memorial Day Program, featuring the history of Memorial Day and the Grand Army of the Republic, will be at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., from 11 a.m. until noon, Monday, May 28. The program will honor the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battle at Shiloh and the veterans from Winnebago County who fought there. The program is presented by The Sons of The Union Veterans of the Civil War and Veterans Memorial Hall.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Grand Valley ranks among the top schools in terms of Gilman Scholarship winners. Collectively, Hernandez and eight other Grand Valley students will get $34,500 in scholarships.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is operated by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute for International Education.

Hernandez is a cell and molecular biology major and will study in Costa Rica.

The deadline for students who want to apply for winter 2013 Gilman Scholarships is Sept. 25. For more information, contact Amanda Cuevas at cuevasam@gvsu.edu or visit www.gvsu.edu/fellowships.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Staff Report

Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens will hold a “Let’s Get Growing” session from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 24, at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

This session will be an introduction to vegetable gardening for the novice gardener, and will include a planting demonstration and question-and-answer period.

Those in attendance will receive a “garden to go,” complete with a tomato plant and a variety of seeds to get your garden started.

Admission is free and is limited to the first 50 people who pre-register. Pre-registration is required.

“Let’s Get Growing” is a series of events offered by the Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens program. The City of Gardens’ mission is to provide community-wide enhancement of public and private places to create a beautiful, healthy and safe environment in which to live, work and play.

To register or for more information, contact Brenda Smith at (815) 987-8863, brendasmith@rockfordparkdistrict.org, or fax form to (815) 987-8860. Pre-registration is required to receive a “garden to go.”

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Donald Driver is the all-time leading wide receiver in Green Bay Packers history. He has experienced the highs of Super Bowl glory and the lows of growing up homeless and living in a U-Haul truck during his youth. Now, he’s involved in a competition that bears no resemblance to anything else he’s ever done in his past.

Driver and his dance partner, Peta Murgatroyd, are among the three finalist couples competing for the coveted mirror ball trophy on the hugely popular ABC television series Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). They are matched up against William Levy and his partner Cheryl Burke and Katherine Jenkins and her partner Mark Ballas.

One of those three couples was crowned champion last night (Tuesday, May 22). Those results were unknown at the time I was writing this column. Regardless of whether Driver walks away with the trophy, he’s still a champion in my book.

As all of my friends, and many of you who regularly read my columns know, I’m not a Packers fan by any stretch of the imagination. I do not like anything about that team. Having made that crystal clear, and even though he plays for them, I’m not afraid to say Driver has earned my respect.

The guy seems to be the quintessential family man. He and his wife, Betina, have three children — Cristian, Christina and Charity. They have repeatedly been the focus of the DWTS cameras glowing with pride and support for their dad while he is on the dance floor.

He and his wife created the Donald Driver Foundation in 2001 with a focus on homelessness, education and health and wellness initiatives. He has donated thousands of hours of his time for hundreds of community appearances.

His children and his commitment to education drove him to write three children’s books revolving around the lovable character “Quickie.” The books’ illustrations and stories are based on Donald’s family. He read his latest book, Quickie Goes to the Big Game, at the Library of Congress at an event that featured First Lady Michelle Obama.

He’s not only a gifted athlete, a loving husband and father, he can also definitely dance. I don’t know whether he’ll end up walking away with the mirror ball trophy or not. It really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. What does matter is that he’s represented not only his team, but more importantly his self and his entire family very well in the eyes of this viewer.

I’ll never be a Green Bay Packers fan, but thanks to Driver’s story and his performance on the show this season, I am a Donald Driver fan!

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

We were told our taxes weren’t going up! Now, most of us are seeing an 8 to 12 percent property tax increase this year. My taxes alone went up around $500.

Then, suddenly, the landfill wants to be expanded by more than 200 acres and, in the process, the chairman, who during his campaign claimed he was there for the “little guy,” now has banned citizens from speaking to the county board reps directly about the landfill.

And, to add insult to injury, just last week it was reported that the county is voting on giving pay raises to the chairman and four county officials. The raises would be upward of $8,400 total. This is outrageous!

The two county board members (Cabello and Gambino) who want support to move on to Springfield need to spearhead the lead to stop this abuse of power and exercise fiscal restraint. After all, if they can’t show leadership in stopping government waste here in Winnebago County, how will they ever accomplish anything in Springfield?

I certainly don’t expect Chairman Christiansen to stand up against the pay raises any more than he will stand up against the landfill expansion, but let’s see if John Cabello and Frank Gambino have the guts to do what’s right.

Mike Castronovo
Rockford

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Alignment Rockford appears determined to pry open the mother of all cans of worms with their high school academy proposals. If, as has been said, the proposal is motivated, at least in part, because students complain what they are learning in school isn’t relevant, that in itself should send up red flags, for what adolescents often think is not relevant to learn is the very thing they need to learn. Heck, everyone knows “brung” is the past tense of “brang,” so why bother with any more of that “irrelevant” English stuff?

This leads to a deeper problem the Johnny-head-in-wind advocates will face with their proposal. Just because high school students have reached a certain chronological age, doesn’t mean they have mastered comparable academic skills. To give one example, I used to post cursive alphabet charts on bulletin boards around my classroom for students to refer to as needed when writing compositions. I didn’t insist on strict adherence to cursive penmanship, but expected it to be used as a guide for uniform, legible penmanship. One student, noticing the charts, turned to a classmate, and I overheard him say: “It’s embarrassing to see one of those in a classroom. I haven’t been in a classroom with one of those since I was in the fourth grade.”

Later, while correcting his paper, I had to mark more than a dozen primer word spelling errors of the fourth-, third- and second-grade variety. There is much more of that than the public realizes, and just because adolescents think they are ready to take on the “relevant” subjects that presumably interest them, that doesn’t mean they are prepared to do so.

In addition, Alignment Rockford will come up against the “Feel Good Curriculum, Self-Esteem” crowd of teachers that insist a “positive image of one’s self” comes before all else, no matter how unrealistic it may be. I once had a student tell me her career ambition was to become a doctor. She said her science teacher advised her so because the highest grade on her most recent report card was a “C” in basic science. When I asked the teacher, a Golden Apple recipient, no less, about it, she admitted that was what she had told the student. “I thought it was important for her to think big.” How about thinking realistic?

Alignment Rockford is sure to have fun coping with that mentality.

Back in the 1970s, Rock Valley College conducted a one college credit humanities course in conjunction with District 205 high schools that gave students an earned college credit prior to their high school graduation. The course was carried out in conjunction with high school English classes, but had to be abandoned because of scheduling conflicts with other, mandated courses of study, that would no doubt be deemed “irrelevant” by some students, such as state-required courses in American history, government, and the U.S. Constitution, to name a few. And the Alignment Rockford proposal will face the virtually insurmountable difficulty in dealing with that same set of circumstances, to say nothing of what will likely be the need for remedial classes in basic academic skills to bring students up to where they need to be to take “relevant” career courses.

District 205 schools once offered at both middle and high school levels a viable, even enviable, vocational and industrial arts program for Rockford public school students, much of which got trashed during the People Who Care witch hunt. I think business and community leaders would be further ahead bringing their influence and prestige to bear on revitalizing those programs than in putting their efforts in “high school academies” that, for various reasons, are certain to fail.

Tim Hughes is a former teacher in Rockford School District 205 who coached debate and taught English at Auburn High School for 20 years. At Auburn, he coached three debate teams to first-place national championships.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Beginning Wednesday, May 30, and running through Wednesday, Aug. 29, Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) will feature “Hot Dog Wednesdays” and Ice Cold Slushies at donor centers in Rockford and Belvidere.

RRVBC will provide hot dogs and all the fixings to donors on Wednesdays. RRVBC will also feature ice-cold slushies each day throughout the summer.

Jennifer Bowman, public relations and marketing manager for the RRVBC, said: “Donors are our lifeline. The summer months are an especially challenging time to maintain a stable and adequate blood supply. This is a small way for us to thank our donors and hopefully encourage more people to donate. We encourage people to consider donating during their lunch hour on Wednesdays, and we’ll provide the lunch.”

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

Following are RRVBC locations and hours:

• Headquarters and Downtown Donor Center, 419 N. Sixth St., Rockford — 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday; and 7-11 a.m., Saturday.

• Perryville Donor Center, 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford — 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday; and 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday-Saturday.

• Belvidere Donor Center, 1740 S. State St., Belvidere, Ill. — 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday; and 7-11 a.m., second Saturday of each month.

• Freeport Donor Center, 461 E. South St., Freeport, Ill. — 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday-Friday; and 7-11 a.m., second Saturday of each month.

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

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, call toll-free at 877-RRVBC-99 or (815) 965-8751, or find RRVBC on the web at www.rrvbc.org.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

ROCKTON, Ill. — Rockton Chamber of Commerce and Rockton United Methodist Church will offer a farmers’ market from 4-7 p.m., every Wednesday, May 23-Oct. 31, in the parking lot at Rockton United Methodist Church, 102 Chapel St., Rockton, Ill.

“We started the farmers’ market to bring the community together, and give them something they’ve been wanting for a long time,” said Denise Conway, a representative from the church. “We think this farmers’ market is going to really take off.”

For more about the market or information about becoming a vendor, call the chamber office at (815) 624-7625. Vendor applications can also be downloaded from the chamber’s website, www.rocktonchamber.com.

From the May 23-29, 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

DOG GROOMING STATION FOR RENT must have 1 year professional experience & your own equipment. References preferred. Pampered Pet 815/282-9663. 6/6

cAREGIVERS NEEDED. WORK FROM HOME. Share your heart and home with an adult with developmental disabilities. Illinois MENTOR offers an average monthly stipend of $1100. Call Chad at 815/282-6153 x13. 6/6

Mechanical Engineer - Finite Element Analyst, Rockford, IL. Assist internal/external design teams w/CAE; identify, formulate & solve technical problems. Perform FE modeling & analysis using Ansys. Use design & analysis skills to perform structural, dynamic & stress analysis on mechanical & electronic equipment including: Structural & dynamic analysis involving modal analysis, prediction of vibration response levels, loads & stresses of electronic enclosures/printed wiring boards/components. Environments include random vibration, sinusoidal vibration & shock; Stress analysis of electronic rack structures, heat exchangers, electronic enclosures/printed wire boards/components, & mechanical hardware. Environments include sustained acceleration loading & pressure loading; Structural analysis of gears & gear systems, gearbox housing covers, gimbal assemblies, valves, valve springs, & composite rotor sleeves; Vibration & shock analysis of metal & composite holding tanks; High speed spindle modal analysis. Must have BS in Mechanical Engineering & 5 yrs exp in CAE/FE Modeling & Analysis or a MS in Mechanical Engineering & 1 yr exp in CAE/FE Modeling & Analysis. With either combination of education/exp, must have exp w/component systems. Mail resume to IT Management, 4216 Maray Drive, Rockford, IL 61107 Attn: JoAnn Coffey. 5/23

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

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. 7/11

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

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)

15 OPENINGS. Work From Home Program, $1500-$7500/mo. Learn while-U-earn. BBB accredited and government compliant. Ideal for stay-at-home moms! Mentoring and live phone training. www.teamcoach2.com (MCN)

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

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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-5/23

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

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DRIVER WANTED for occasional errands. Must have excellent air conditioning. $10/hr. 815/226-3676. 6/6

Drivers: REGIONAL/OTR. 2500/ 3000 wkly all miles pd.! Good Benefits! Home time wkly & wk ends! Refrigerated exp. a plus CDL-A 2yrs exp. 25 yoa. 800-321-3460 x 211. 6/6

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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)

NEUMANN FARMS TRUCKING: Full or part-time drivers needed immediately. Dedicated local and regional freight. 1 year recent experience and good MVR needed. 309-949-2216 (ICAN)

CLASS-A TEAM DRIVERS - Dedicated runs to Morton, IL. $1,000/week. $1000 Sign On Bonus. Home Weekly. Consistent Miles/Freight. Day one medical. 866-331-3335. www.drivecrst.com (ICAN)

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DRIVERS-OTR Positions, Average 2,000-2,500 miles per week. Home Weekly. Tuition Reimbursement. $1,000 Sign On Bonus for Owner Operators. deBoer Transportation 800-825-8511 www.deboertrans.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)

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DRIVERS - Knight Offers Hometime Choices: Express lanes, 7/ON-7/OFF, 14/ON-7/OFF, WEEKLY. Full and Part-time. Daily Pay! CDL-A,3 months recent experience required. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com (ICAN)

Sales

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Seeking Employment

EMPLOYMENT WANTED female, office, cleaning 779/500-4518. 6/6

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

URBANA, Ill. — A new multi-university study reports that differences in bacterial colonization of the infant gut in formula-fed and breast-fed babies lead to changes in the expression of genes involved in the infant’s immune system.

The study, published in the April 30 issue of BioMed Central’s open access journal Genome Biology, is an Editor’s Pick. The research was a joint effort of University of Illinois, Texas A&M University, Miami University and University of Arkansas scientists.

Mihai Pop, of the University of Maryland, in a review of the study for the publishing journal, said: “This study provides a first insight into the interactions between microbes and the developing infant and how these interactions are affected by diet. It also demonstrates the power of new experimental and analytical approaches that enable the simultaneous analysis of the microbiome and the host response.”

There is strong evidence that the colonization of the body by microbes has an important influence on the development of infants’ immune systems, he added.

In the study, the researchers compared the genes expressed in cells from the intestines of three-month-old exclusively breast-fed or formula-fed infants and related this to their gut microbes.

The human intestine is lined by epithelial cells that process nutrients and provide the first line of defense against food antigens and pathogens. Approximately one-sixth of the intestinal epithelial cells are shed every day into feces, providing a non-invasive picture of what is going on inside the gut.

The baby’s gene expression profile was compared to the genes contained in the microbes in its gut, or the bacterial metagenome. This analysis provides a picture of who the bacteria are and what they are doing.

The study showed babies that had been fed only breast milk had a more diverse bacterial colonization than formula-fed babies. The scientists also found a link between the expression of genes in the bacteria and genes of the immune system in the baby.

Robert Chapkin, of Texas A&M University, said: “While we found that the microbiome of breast-fed infants is significantly enriched in genes associated with ‘virulence,’ including resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds, we also found a correlation between bacterial pathogenicity and the expression of host genes associated with immune and defense mechanisms.”

Iddo Friedberg of Miami University in Ohio said the differences in virulence genes probably do not reflect an infection.

“The breast-fed babies had a larger complement of gram-negative bacteria than the formula-fed babies,” Friedberg said. “Gram-negative bacteria have genes that, although classified as ‘virulent,’ can activate the immune system but not cause an infection in the process. We are now studying this finding in greater depth.”

U of I scientist Sharon Donovan said: “The findings show that human milk feeding promotes the beneficial microbe population in the gut and crosstalk between these bacteria and the immune system of the infant, and are helping us to define exactly why breast is best.”

Co-authors are the U of I’s Mei Wang and Sharon M. Donovan; Robert S. Chapkin, Scott Schwartz, Ivan I. Ivanov, Laurie A. Davidson, Jennifer S. Goldsby and David B. Dahl of Texas A&M University; Iddo Friedberg of Miami University; and Damir Herman of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Funding was provided by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Hatch support through the U of I Division of Nutritional Sciences Vision 20/20 program, and a USDA-NIFA Designing Foods for Health grant.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Fans of Todd Rundgren are in for a rare treat June 1-2 when he takes the stage with the award-winning Rockford Symphony Orchestra at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford.

The two concerts will feature Rundgren performing some songs many of his long-time fans have never seen him perform live, despite attending dozens to even hundreds of his concerts during his 40-plus-year career. Tickets for both concerts are available at the Coronado’s website, coronadopac.org/, or by calling (815) 968-0595.

The Rockford concerts will mark Rundgren’s first-ever symphonic shows in the United States. Last September, he performed shows in the Netherlands with the Metropole Orchestra. The producer of the event, Co de Kloet, decided which songs they would perform, and according to Rundgren, the choices were based principally on songs where the original arrangements on the records had an orchestral flavor to them. The symphonic charts have not been performed since.

The setlist for the two shows included songs Rundgren had never performed live, such as his first hit song, “We Gotta Get You A Woman,” and the quirky “Onomatopoeia,” which, as the name suggests, is full of vocal imitations of different sounds. Another song performed during the Netherlands concerts was “Wailing Wall,” a beautiful ballad believed to be performed live only once by Rundgren more than three decades ago.

As part of the agreement for Rundgren to perform with the Metropole, he was given the charts to all of the songs they performed together, and those are now in the hands of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Along with the songs mentioned earlier, Rundgren and the orchestra will be performing his popular mainstream hits like “Hello It’s Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends,” “I Saw The Light” and fan favorites such as “God Said,” “Pretending To Care” and “Love Of The Common Man.”

Rundgren announced on a recent RundgrenRadio.com online radio show that he would be performing with the Metropole Orchestra again this fall, but with a different list of songs.

“I’m going back this November and performing again with the Metropole Orchestra, and we’re going to alter the show somewhat — we are going to come up with some other songs,” Rundgren said. “I don’t know which ones are getting cycled out, but there will be some other songs orchestrated.”

Melinda Cain from RundgrenRadio.com said: “Looking at Todd’s calendar for the rest of the year, it appears these two shows in Rockford will be his only symphonic shows in the United States in 2012. The concerts at the Coronado could very well be the only opportunities in the U.S. to see some of these songs performed live by Todd with an orchestra. If he performs in the U.S. with an orchestra next year, he will have new charts from the November concert with the Metropole Orchestra, and the setlist would likely be different.”

Another unique happening for the fans attending the Rockford shows is the addition of guest guitarist Jesse Gress to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for the two concerts. Gress has served as Rundgren’s touring guitarist for more than 20 years.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The Rockford Sports Coalition, in partnership with Rockford Public School District 205 and Rockford College, will have three showings of the Oscar Award-winning documentary Undefeated this week to raise funds for Rockford athletics.

The film, which won this year’s award for Best Documentary, was produced by Rockford native and Rockford Boylan Catholic High School graduate Dan Lindsay. It is a story about an inner-city school in Memphis, Tenn., that went from a losing program to a winning one behind a group of athletes led by their volunteer coach.

The movie will be shown at Rockford College’s Maddox Theatre, with showings at 7 p.m., May 23, as well as two showings May 24 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the theater or at the School District administration building.

In addition to the film, a 30-45 minute question-and-answer session will be held with Lindsay following the film, as well as a silent auction provided by GQ Sports and refreshments provided by the college.

“It’s going to be a real nice event with a nice partnership between Rockford Public Schools, Rockford College and the Rockford Sports Coalition,” Rockford Public School Athletic Director Mat Parker said.

In addition to raising funds to help athletics in Rockford at all levels, the film gives a positive message about the difference sports can make in the lives of high school students.

“Put preconceived notions aside,” coach and star of the documentary Bill Courtney said of the film’s message, “Remember, these are boys that are searching for what it means to become a young man. Their personal, internal definition of what that is and how they are going to walk that walk depends largely on the adults that surround them.”

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The MQ-1 Predator Drone will be featured in Rockford AirFest’s static display Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3. AirFest is also the only show in the Midwest that will feature the Predator Drone this year. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) announced it has secured a MQ-1 Predator Drone as a static display for the 2012 AirFest Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3.

The aircraft from a U.S. Air Force base is incredibly rare at airshows, both international and domestic. The 2012 Rockford AirFest is one of only three airshows in the country to ever host a Predator Drone. AirFest is also the only show in the Midwest that will feature the Predator Drone this year.

The Predator is an armed remotely-piloted aircraft that has gained prominence for its role as an intelligence collection asset as well as executor of combat missions. It is capable of performing a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike, buddy-lase, convoy/raid overwatch, target development and terminal air guidance.

The revolutionary aircraft has gained fame in recent years for its use to combat terrorism in the Middle East. While its missions and specific uses are typically classified, Drones have been credited for gathering intelligence from and completing successful combat missions against major terrorist targets.

RFD Director Mike Dunn said: “This aircraft is on the same level as the F-22 Raptor that we featured at AirFest in 2009. You just don’t see these aircraft because they very rarely come to airshows. Between our performers and very unique static displays, this year’s AirFest is going to be especially memorable. The size and prestige of our statics are really outstanding this year. It’s a real honor to RFD and our 2012 AirFest that the U.S. Air Force is allowing us to host this aircraft.”

The Predator will be accompanied by a crew of six technicians, who will be responsible for assembling the aircraft when it arrives in Rockford. While in town, the Drone will be under very strict security restrictions.

The Predator will be part of the 2012 AirFest’s focus on honoring the U.S. Air Force. The B-52, another rare airshow display, will also be featured at AirFest to celebrate the aircraft’s 60th anniversary.

The 2012 Rockford AirFest featured performers are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. A full list of displays and performers, as well as ticket information for AirFest, is available at www.FlyRFD.com. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and free to children younger than 5. Call (815) 969-4000 for more information.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Autos

1994 F150 PICKUP Excellent mechanical condition, body has some rust. $1200 OBO 815/312-9076. 6/6

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

Auto Parts & Accessories

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

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

TRAILER SALE! 20′ – 14,000 lb. Aluminum Electric Speed Loader (skid loader) Trailer, 83″ x 14′ 14,000 lb. Dump Trailers, 500 Gallon Tank Trailers, 16′ Carhaulers $1999.00, Used 7′ x 12′ Aluma Cargo Ramp Door, 6′ x12′ V-Nose Ramp Door $2536.00. Motorcycle Trailers! 515-972-4554 www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com (MCN)

Boats

OLD BOAT complete, $350 OBO. 815/520-3915. 6/6

***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-5/23

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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-5/23

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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-5/23

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful wants to thank the many dedicated volunteers and sponsors who made the Great American Cleanup a huge success despite a cold and rainy start. While tons of trash were picked up April 28, some volunteers decided (because of the weather) to take the following week to finish up. Targeted areas of need were cleaned from South Beloit to New Milford, from Pecatonica to Cherry Valley, and areas in between with the help of townships, cities, the county to include landfills, law enforcement and volunteer inmates. Thank you to the businesses, hospitals, industries, groups, individuals, banks and clubs. Kids and seniors worked side by side; a tip of the hat to the police who assisted.

The good that comes with all of this effort is, in part, to bring awareness of civic responsibility. By doing our part in making every day a clean-up day, we are together working to improve our community.

Keep it up, Winnebago County; we’re looking better!

Thank you,

Frank Manzullo
Litter Control Coordinator
Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful
Loves Park

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

In regard to the article in The Rock River Times titled “Nicholas Conservatory’s green roof contract: Does it pay to play?” (May 9-15 issue), the Rockford Park District would like to respond.

The Park District is governed by the Park District Code and the Illinois Compiled Statutes — Public Contracts, which requires all contracts for supplies, material or work involving an expenditure greater than $20,000 be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. There are exceptions to this law, such as utilities, telecommunication and computer supplies/services, professional services and other specific contracts for services outlined in the law. In the case of the Nicholas Conservatory green roof project, it was subject to the Public Contracts law and the lowest responsible bidder ordinance.

The Rockford Park District goes to great lengths to be in compliance with all laws, rules and regulations that govern the Park District and our operations. Additionally, the district prides itself in being transparent and above board about all information and processes, including financial and procurement operations. The Park District was following state statutes and laws surrounding public contracts and the lowest responsible bidder laws.

To make perfectly clear, the financial commitment made by the Winnebago County Board through Resolution 2011-R-8, passed 18-8 Aug. 11, 2011, for the county to provide $800,000 from landfill host-fees contributed only to the second phase of construction at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Phase II at the Conservatory is all outdoor projects that include gardens, walkways, fountains, parking and boat docks. All Phase I construction was completed through funds received by private donations (97 percent) and state grants (3 percent). None of the host-fees were ever used in the Phase I construction of the Conservatory, which included all work performed by Christiansen, Inc.

Christiansen, Inc., did not receive any work on the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens project through the landfill host-fee agreement.

The district issued a Request for Bids for the Nicholas Conservatory green roof to more than 56 companies. The bid required certain roof specifications, including a minimum of a one-year warranty. All vendors that responded, Christiansen, Inc., McDermaid Roofing & Insulating, and Carlson Roofing were all deemed to be responsible bidders and met the district’s established specifications, terms of delivery, quality and serviceability set forth in the bid request. With all vendors meeting the specifications outlined in the bid request, the contract was awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, Christiansen, Inc.

The language in the Request for Bid stated “the Rockford Park District does not award on price alone” is only used as secondary criteria in the event vendors respond with the same exact pricing.

All Rockford Park District team members take our responsibilities with regards to transparent and open procurement operations very seriously, and strive daily to ensure all legal requirements are met in a fair and unbiased manner, and be excellent stewards of public funds. Anyone wishing to review any and all bid specifications and bid results with any Park District project may do so at any time. Just call us!

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The aerial hoops act in Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam.” (Photo by Matt Beard)

Staff Report

Cirque du Soleil’s critically-acclaimed production Quidam will perform seven shows in Rockford June 13-17 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St.

Tickets are available for all performances at www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam or by calling (815) 968-5222.

Quidam had its world premiere in Montreal under the Big Top in April 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and been experienced by millions of people.

In December 2010, Quidam embarked on a new journey — performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters.

Following is a synopsis of the show: Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world — the world of Quidam — where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.

Show times will be 7:30 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, June 13-15; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 16; and 1 and 5 p.m., Sunday, June 17.

Tickets range from $35 to $70 for adults, $28 to $56 for children 12 and younger, and $31.50 to $63 for military, seniors and students.

For show and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

I know I’m not the first to ever write a column about the price of concessions at a professional sporting event. It’s probably been done thousands of times in newspapers and magazines of every size and circulation. I realize it’s not a unique topic relevant only to this area. It’s something that fans are forced to endure in every arena, stadium and ballpark in the country.

I want to add my 2 cents worth; actually, it’s more like $40-$50 worth. I recently had the good fortune of attending a major league game at Wrigley Field. That good fortune was quickly reduced to pennies, thanks to a few eats and drinks.

Let’s start with the price of hot dogs. A ballpark dog is now $5. I’m not exactly sure, but I think you can buy a whole package of wieners, a package of buns and a bottle of mustard for about that same amount. The more exotic bratwurst was $5.50. I went with a brat, my daughter opted for the more traditional hot dog. Then, we had to have something to wash them down with.

That brings me to the liquid refreshments. We had two diet soft drinks. They were $5 each. That’s $30 a six pack for those 20-ounce bottles. It’s a good thing I was with my daughter. Had I been with one of my buddies, we probably would have chosen an adult beverage over the soft drinks. A 16-ounce aluminum can of your favorite barley pop was $7.50. That’s the equivalent of $60 a gallon; makes unleaded regular look extremely inexpensive at $3.749 a gallon.

A medium-sized bag of peanuts was $4. I originally thought this was the bargain of the day. There were enough peanuts in the bag for both my daughter and me to share. They were fresh, crunchy and salty.

Here’s the part I didn’t calculate into the $4 price tag on that bag of salted, in-the-shell treats: it’s impossible to eat that many peanuts without your tongue swelling to double its original size because of the sodium intake. To survive the remaining six innings, we had to have two more soft drinks. That meant my $4 bargain quickly turned into $14.

What’s a trip to the game on a sunny 85-degree day without a frosty malt to make the seventh-inning stretch complete? That little cup of chocolaty imitation dairy dessert product and the accompanying wooden spoon was another $4. I’ll never again complain about the price of Ben & Jerry’s or Haagen Dazs, at least those products are real dairy desserts. I can’t imagine what they would cost if they were sold at sporting events and came with a wooden spoon.

Don’t even get me started on the $35 hats!

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The Keystone pipeline is a project that would give the U.S. a huge boost in local oil supply. Obama refused to sign the permit that would allow it to cross the boundary between Canada and the U.S., costing thousands of jobs. Following that, he went to Oklahoma to take credit for work on the southern portion of the pipeline, a function over which he has no control.

Obama, through the Department of Energy (DOE), has granted loan guarantees to countless “green” companies, many of which were in trouble at the time. As predicted, many of those companies have gone broke, costing thousands of jobs, and leaving taxpayers to pick up the cost of the loans.

Most recently, Obama, through the DOE, has issued new rules that will effectively cut coal-powered generating plants by 25 percent, costing thousands of jobs. People in West Virginia alone are projecting 30 percent increases in their electric rates.

When this president gets in front of an audience and talks about creating jobs, please look at what he is doing, rather than what he is saying.

Dave Willis
Rockford

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

URBANA, Ill. — A new study that looked at the hunger trends over a 10-year period found that 14.85 percent of seniors in the United States, more than one in seven, face the threat of hunger. This translates into 8.3 million seniors.

“In 2005, we reported that one in nine seniors faced the threat of hunger,” said Craig Gundersen, University of Illinois associate professor of agricultural and consumer economics and executive director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory, who led the data analysis on the study. “So, unlike the population as a whole, food insecurity among those 60 and older actually increased between 2009 and 2010.”

According to the study, from 2001 to 2010, the number of seniors experiencing the threat of hunger has increased by 78 percent. Since the onset of the recession in 2007 to 2010, the number of seniors experiencing the threat of hunger has increased by 34 percent.

Gundersen said the fact that seniors in our country are going without enough food because of economic constraints is a serious problem that will have greater implications for senior health.

“Compounding the problem is that food insecurity is also associated with a host of poor health outcomes for seniors, such as reduced nutrient intakes and limitations in activities of daily living,” Gundersen said. “Consequently, this recent increase in senior hunger will likely lead to additional nutritional and health challenges for our nation.”

The increases in senior hunger were most pronounced among the near poor, whites, widows, non-metro residents, the retired, women, and among households with no grandchildren present.

“What may be surprising is that out of those seniors who face the threat of hunger, the majority have incomes above the poverty line and are white,” Gundersen said.

Other key findings in the study are that those living in states in the South and Southwest, those who are racial or ethnic minorities, those with lower incomes, and those who are younger, ages 60 to 69, are most likely to be threatened by hunger.

This study is the first in a series of annual reports on the state of senior hunger in the United States. The report was based on data collected from the Current Population Survey, which includes 18 questions in the Core Food Security Module, the module used by the USDA to establish the official food insecurity rates of households in the United States.

“Senior Hunger in America 2012: An Annual Report” was co-authored by James P. Ziliak of the University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research. It was prepared for the Meals on Wheels Research Foundation, Inc., and published in May 2012.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Stanley Campbell

By Stanley Campbell

Here’s a blatant attempt at getting you to support a fee for you to pay as you enter a state park (which is presently free of said cost).

PLEASE CALL state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, and state Rep. Chuck Jefferson, R-Rockford, AND URGE THEM TO RESTORE OUR PARKS AND PROVIDE FUNDS FOR MAINTENANCE AND STAFF.

Over the last five years, Office of Land Management (the Illinois Department of Natural Resources [IDNR] division that oversees Illinois state parks) has lost 24 percent of its staff, resulting in reduced services to IDNR constituents. The division now has 374 staff managing approximately 500,000 acres of public land at 324 sites. That’s just more than one person per site. During the same period, Land Management has experienced a total reduction in general revenue dollars of 40 percent.

The state park system faces more than $750 million in deferred maintenance and capital needs, including deteriorating bath and shower facilities, outdated and dangerous electrical systems, and inability to repair roads, bridges, and trails damaged because of storms and age-related deterioration.

Many site structures have leaking roofs. Equipment needs are quickly moving to a point where repair is no longer economically feasible. Vehicle and other equipment repairs frequently exceed the value of the vehicle or piece of equipment. Most of the vehicles used by Land Management employees exceed 100,000 miles. Land Management is often unable to afford fuel to operate its fleet. Without a dedicated revenue stream, IDNR will soon be forced to make extremely difficult decisions about the future accessibility, vitality and safety of our state parks.

Two bills have been in the legislature that attempt to address the devastating cuts to IDNR by the imposition of small annual or other special-use fees for visitors to the state parks. This revenue is desperately needed. Several states, including Wisconsin, charge user fees for their parks, which are well maintained. Illinois needs to follow suit — now.

Sen. Syverson and Rep. Jefferson are on record OPPOSING these fees for the parks. They claim they don’t support fees because they can’t be assured IDNR will get all of the fees. The bills are being modified to make sure IDNR gets the fees. Tell them, if they are concerned about the state raiding these fees, to support dedicated fees that go exclusively to IDNR. Morale at the parks is very low because staff have been trying to maintain them without adequate equipment and funding.

I know it is counter-intuitive to encourage the state to raise fees on your free state parks. But we are in an economic crisis, and charging a couple bucks may make our environment just a little better.

Memorial Day addendum

My friend reminds me that at least five soldiers and veterans commit suicide every day, and so we will commemorate those who died because of their service to this country. Rockford Urban Ministries hosts its annual Memorial Day Service at 7 p.m., Monday, May 28, in the JustGoods Meeting Room, 201 Seventh St., free and open to the public.

Besides remembering all those killed by war, our service will also remember those who locally fought against war. Nothing special, but memorializing the dead, especially those who died to make us free and keep us from war, is a very special time. You are welcome to join us, if not in person, then in spirit.

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Nearly 200 top scholars at the middle and high school levels will be recognized during the 2011 Academic All-Star Salute.

The red-carpet affair, which celebrates academic excellence and recognizes the top athletes and artists in Rockford Public Schools, will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 24, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St.

Board President Harmon Mitchell will emcee the event. The evening’s guest host is Steve Shannon from WZOK.

Entertainment will include a selection from Auburn High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast, a performance by the middle school CAPA dance team, and a number by the Guilford High School jazz ensemble.

Admission is free and open to students who are being honored. Each family received up to four tickets.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

FOR RENT

Apartments

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

6846 HARRISON AVE. 2-bedroom duplex $525, 815/226-8644. 6/6

2-BEDROOM APT. – 1227 So. Sixth St. Stove, refrigerator. Newly remodeled. Section 8 OK. $550. 815/566-2480- Tom. 6/6

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

1716 12TH AVE. 1-bedroom house for rent, clean $500. 815/226-8644. 6/6

2-BEDROOM $550, 1428 Mulberry, 2-bedroom $560, 504 Lexington, 3-bedroom $750, 1120 S. Central, 4-bedroom $765, 834 Montague 815/235-2260. 6/6

404 MIRIAM AVE $700, ½ off 1st month’s rent, all new inside, lots of space. 3-bedroom, 1-bath, 2-car garage, 1 main level- BR, LR, DR, office, new kitchen. 1st floor laundry. Nice large bathroom with storage. Call 815/398-8886. 5/23

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

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

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

LOW / NO DOWNPAYMENT PROGRAMS Available for Qualified Buyers Low Fixed Rates – FHA/VA/USDA Call Paula Wykoff NMLS#137830 Cherry Creek Mortgage Co. NMLS#3001 217-522-5191 WWW.PaulaWykoff.com 616 S. Grand West, Springfield, IL 62704 Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee Equal Housing Lender (ICAN)

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)

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

CHICAGO — Charter Fitness, with a location at 5825 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, is giving a free gym pass to any member of the military who is on short-term leave from active duty.

Members of the military only need to present their military IDs and leave papers to receive the free pass. The pass is good for the duration of leave and entitles them to full benefits at their local Charter Fitness location.

“Every time I come home on leave to see my family, I get my workout in at Charter Fitness,” said David Keltner, SSGT, U.S. Army. “The staff is very friendly and helpful, especially here in Homer Glen, and they always let me work out on a free pass.”

As for locally-based military and their spouses and children, Charter Fitness is waiving the joining fee. This $0-to-join offer is also good for members of the police and fire department, as well as their spouses and children.

Dan Collins, director of sales for Charter Fitness, said: “We at Charter Fitness are very grateful to our service men and women for the sacrifices they make. We just want to show our thanks and make things a little easier and more comfortable for them and their families.”

Charter Fitness in Rockford can be reached at (815) 633-3500. Visit www.CharterFitness.com for more details.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — To pay down overdue bills, Illinois Senate Democrats want to siphon cash from special funds that support myriad projects — including Boy and Girl Scouts, tourism, energy assistance and transit development.

The fund raids are part of a broader budget crafted by Senate Democrats that was approved in part by a senate committee May 21. The proposal wants to use $403 million from more than 500 special funds to pay down $8.5 billion in overdue bills the state owes vendors and schools.

Senate Democrats project $1.9 billion in special funds will go unspent by the end of fiscal year 2013.

State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, is carrying several pieces of legislation that make up the Senate Democrats’ budget. She said the raids would be a one-time event and said the state would not reimburse the funds.

Targeted special funds include Autism Awareness Fund, Boy Scout and Girl Scout Fund, Coal Mining Regulatory Fund, Drug Treatment Fund, Insurance Financial Regulation Fund, Military Affairs Trust, Pesticide Control Fund, Real Estate License Administration Fund and Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Fund.

“We found other dollars, we found this, for lack of a better word, these stashes of money,” state Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, said May 21.

Senate Republicans attacked the Democrats for spending more than the $33.7 billion revenue estimate the General Assembly agreed to budget by earlier this spring.

State Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, said spending more than $33.7 billion would put the legislature on track to maintain last year’s income tax increase when it sunsets in 2014.

Speaking during a rare Springfield press conference May 21, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) would not say whether he supports raids.

An Illinois Supreme Court ruling last year paved the way for the Senate Democrats’ plan. In that case, the court considered the legality of the legislature’s 2004 sweep of $1.2 million from the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund. The fund is supported by a percentage of motorcycle registration fees and funds motorcycle training courses around the state.

The Supreme Court ruled that all money paid to state funds may be used at the state’s discretion, regardless of the fund’s purpose.

The pain isn’t over for the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund: Senate Democrats said they may tap it again this year.

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

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Rosie’s Birthday Club will be celebrating its 1,000th birthday at Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave., Rockford, from 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, May 30.

Over the last 1,000 birthdays, Schnuck’s has been generously donating birthday cakes for Rosie’s to help make these celebrations a success. Presents have also largely been donated by Heartland Community Church.

Rosie’s Birthday Club’s mission is to celebrate a child’s special day. The goal is to provide and deliver a present to children in the Rockford area who may otherwise not receive a gift on their birthday.

Rosie’s believes children, no matter their circumstances, should be honored and made to feel special on the one day of the year that belongs just to them.

Rosie’s Birthday Club provides birthday presents and birthday parties for children at Northwest Community Center Boys and Girls Club, Carlson Boys and Girls Club, Second Congregational and RockHouse Kids.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

ROCKTON, Ill. — DuWayne Patriq Jones of Stephen Mack Middle School in Rockton, Ill., had a great weekend at the Illinois Elementary School Association (IES) state finals.

Jones placed first in the 400-meter dash for the IESA seventh-grade boys’ division with at time of 53.51. He made it to the semi-finals in the 100-meter dash, and placed 12th overall, just missing the finals with a time of 12.58. He was also the anchor leg in the boys’ 4-by-400-meter relay that placed third overall in state with a time of 4:03.

Overall, the Stephen Mack Middle School team did well and is bringing home seven medals and one state championship title.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

DIXON, Ill. — Individuals can enjoy grilled sandwiches over the holiday weekend and support a charitable organization at a Memorial Weekend Cook-Out to be held in Dixon, Ill.

The Cook-Out will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 25-26, at Dixon Food Center, 500 Chicago Ave., Dixon, Ill. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association — Central Illinois Chapter, Rock River Office.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, brats and pork chop sandwiches will be available for purchase for $3.50-$5.50 per sandwich. A meal deal including chips and soda can be purchased for an additional 50 cents.

Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. Funds raised through ticket sales benefit the care and support of area residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease through the Alzheimer’s Association — Central Illinois Chapter, Rock River Branch, in Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties. For more information, contact the Rock River Office at (815) 285-1100. Orders can be faxed to the office at (815) 285-1116.

The Alzheimer’s Association — Central Illinois Chapter is a donor-supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties in northern, central and west central Illinois. Its three office locations — Dixon, Peoria and Quincy — provide educational and supportive services to help people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers understand and deal with the disease and its impact on their lives. For additional information, visit the agency website at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or call free of charge at (800) 272-3900.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The garbage collection for City of Rockford residents for Monday, May 28, and the balance of that week will be delayed one day because of the Memorial Day holiday. Residents who normally have garbage pick-up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, and so on through the subsequent days of the week. The Household Hazardous Waste Site at 3333 Kishwaukee St. will be closed for the weekend of May 26 and 27 because of the holiday.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The Avalon String Quartet are, from left, Cheng-Hou Lee, Blaise Magniere, Marie Wang and Anthony Devroye. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center will present the Avalon String Quartet in a concert titled “Rasumovsky Gets The Last Word” at 7 p.m., Friday, June 1, in Mendelssohn PAC’s Emerson Auditorium, 415 N. Church St., Rockford.

Concertgoers can experience the power and passion of Beethoven, enjoy light refreshments, and mingle with the artists after the concert.

The Avalon String Quartet, one of the country’s leading string ensembles, was formerly in residence at Juilliard School and Indiana University, and is now in residence at Northern Illinois University.

This concert is part of the quartet’s special six-concert series of Beethoven’s string quartets for Mendelssohn PAC this season. This program features three of Beethoven’s most revolutionary and popular works, commonly known as the “Rasumovsky” quartets after the Russian nobleman who commissioned them. These three pieces occupy completely distinct sound worlds, but Beethoven links them with brilliant musical threads. Though composed as a set, they are seldom performed that way; now, the Avalon String Quartet presents them as they were originally conceived.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. The sixth concert has been postponed until the fall of 2012.

Mendelssohn can be reached at (815) 964-9713 or online at www.mendelssohnpac.org.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Staff Report

Rockford Area Arts Council is taking applications for ArtsPlace 2012, the summer arts apprenticeship program for youth ages 14-18. Applications will be accepted until seats are filled.

ArtsPlace will run from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays, June 18-Aug. 9, at Rockford College Clark Arts Center. ArtsPlace is a free program, supported by grants and donations. Bus transportation is provided, if needed.

ArtsPlace artists and teams are dance with Tamara Newquist, theater with Richard Raether, spoken-word poetry and/or jewelry with Tricia Sheridan, sculpture with Marco Basurto and painting with Maya Simmons. Printmaking artist Bruce McDonald is the on-site project director.

Youth work on teams directed by the artist and create original work that is performed and exhibited at the conclusion of the program. Apprentices share in the proceeds from ticket and art sales. Through the process of creating art, participants learn valuable work skills such as productivity, reliability, perseverance, respect and cooperation.

Applications are available online at www.artsforeveryone.com or at the Rockford Area Arts Council, 713 E. State St., Rockford. Call (815) 963-6765 for more about ArtsPlace.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The Rockford Police Department will join state and local law enforcement officers for the 2012 Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement campaign. During the campaign, officers will be cracking down both day and night on motorists who fail to wear their safety belt.

Because nighttime passenger vehicle occupants are among those least likely to buckle up and therefore more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes, nighttime enforcement has become a priority of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Of those who died nationwide in nighttime crashes in 2009, nearly two-thirds (62 percent) were not wearing a safety belt at the time of their fatal crash.

The Rockford Police Department will be participating in a series of details to locate people who are not compliant with the seatbelt laws during the Memorial Day holiday season. The Rockford Police are able to participate in these special details because of a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Seat belts save lives. Buckle up, Rockford.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

The Rockford Jefferson J-Hawks became the second Rockford public school to name a former Illinois High School Association state champion to run its football program.

The J-Hawks named former Stillman Valley standout and Rockford College assistant football coach Patrick Babcock to be the head coach of their football program.

“We’re extremely excited to have coach Babcock come to Jefferson,” Jefferson Principal Don Rundall said. “The experience he brings, the knowledge that he brings and the state championships that he has behind him are a great addition to our program.”

Babcock was a key player for the 1999 Stillman Valley Cardinals team that won a state championship. He also was a part of the last Big Ten championship for the University of Illinois.

Since that time, he coached at Macalester College before moving to Rockford College to coach in 2007.

The J-Hawks have been a program on the upswing in recent years, going 3-6 and 4-5 the last two season. Babcock said the key as he steps into the program is to continue to build on the foundation that has been laid.

“It’s a matter of continuing to build on that relationship with hard-nosed football,” he said. “Continue to be in the weight room and continue to take the program in the same direction it was going.”

He also said it will take time to establish his program. But with the full support of the school, he said the program should continue to improve.

“There is potential for growing pains and learning pains as we get in there,” Babcock said. “But, hopefully, you don’t take a big step back.”

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue