The Sixth Annual Culver’s Grill Master will be during the annual Culver’s Reunion in Phoenix, and allows employees to showcase skills in carefully crafting a Culver’s favorite — the ButterBurger. Rice and Teshner will compete for bragging rights, cash, prizes and medals as the challenging contest finally culminates.

Beginning in July, all Culver’s restaurants were invited to have their teams take part in an initial web-based regional qualifying test, with the top-scoring 60 teams advancing to the regional competition. To be eligible, team members must complete at least one food safety training course.

Those 60 teams were evaluated in person and in action during restaurant operating hours, with only 20 teams making the cut and moving to sectionals. Those 20 teams competed in November in Prairie du Sac, Wis., leaving eight top teams, which included Rice and Teshner, to vie at nationals. Semi-final rounds were scheduled for Feb. 6. The top four teams remaining were scheduled to compete live at the Grill Master arena Feb. 7.

The first-place team receives a gold medal and cash prize of $1,500 each, with prizes awarded to the top four teams. Regardless of how they place, Rice and Teshner will bring home a plaque to display at the Roscoe Culver’s store as congratulations for placing in the elite top eight teams.

From the Feb. 8-14, 2012, issue

Rosenthal comes from California, which has approximately 15,000 acupuncturists, and wanted to bring this form of medicine to the Midwest and make it affordable to ordinary working people.

He said: “I began learning and practicing natural health therapies in the mid-1970s. I overcame many of my own health issues and was asked to help others. I have always been a problem-solver; my undergraduate degrees are in fields like engineering and design. So, I constantly work to improve my success in treating people’s health problems. … I earned a graduate degree in Oriental medicine and studied with some of the ‘living legends’ in the field.”

The business offers a $15-$35 sliding scale fee, with a $10 paperwork fee on the first visit. Pain, stress and health problems are treated naturally without the potential risks of drugs or surgery where these are not absolutely necessary. He uses hair-fine needles and has just introduced painless “cold laser” therapy, which is FDA approved.

People come to this clinic from as far away as Rockford and Fort Atkinson, Wis. Rosenthal said, “There is no one offering the services I do at this price until you get to Madison, Milwaukee or Chicago, where I have associates who run similar clinics.” He plans to open a second clinic, probably in Rockford, and would like to hire a second acupuncturist. He also wants to bring in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to boost the power of acupuncture and laser therapy even further.

To make an appointment, call (608) 322-4408. For more information, go to the website www.community-acuwellness.com.

From the Feb. 8-14, 2012, issue

Massingill served with the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office for three years before becoming an Illinois State Trooper in 2004. He has served as District 16’s Safety Education Officer (SEO) since April 1, 2007. Massingill’s primary duties include delivering safety presentations about various topics to groups throughout District 16. Massingill has given safe driving presentations at nearly every high school in District 16 and reached nearly 52,000 people in 2011 with safety messages. Massingill also serves as the public information officer for District 16, having given more than 100 media interviews in 2011.

Massingill’s patrol efforts resulted in nearly 150 enforcement contacts in 2011. These contacts include 10 criminal arrests and 17 citations for failing to secure a child in a child safety seat.

Massingill has been one of several troopers presented with an Illinois Department of Transportation Award for his efforts in removing impaired motorists from the road. Massingill was honored for reaching the 75 DUI arrest milestone since joining the Illinois State Police. Massingill has made more than 130 DUI arrests throughout his career.

He serves as a field training officer for District 16 as well as being a field recruiter and child seat safety technician.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Happ left ASI in 2003 to pursue missionary work in Honduras. His family relocated to Costa Rica in 2008, where Happ worked as the director of Information Technology for the Latin American Training Network. In November 2011, Happ returned to Illinois and resumed his position with ASI. “I’m very excited to be back at ASI, working with a great team, on a wide variety of projects,” Happ said.

Ablesoft Solutions, Inc., is a member of the Microsoft Partner Network, serving business clients throughout northern Illinois. Using Microsoft development tools, ASI designs and implements custom database programming for networks and the Internet, as well as providing search engine optimization services, website design and hosting.

Contact Michelle Green, marketing manager, for information at (815) 732-7240.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

“It’s for teachers in the whole area, so that means a lot to me because we’re all in this together,” LaFleur said. “The third-grade teacher, the 11th-grade teacher and I have a bunch in common, and that’s what this award celebrates.”

Area elementary, secondary and higher education teachers are eligible for this award, which is periodically given throughout the year by the Rotary Club, according to Tom Warren, chairman of the Rotary Teacher of the Month Committee.

LaFleur was nominated by Provost and Dean of Beloit College Ann Davies, and he was subsequently selected by the Rotary Teacher of the Month Committee.

LaFleur has a blog, which he uses to share and debate knowledge outside the traditional classroom, Davies noted. Titled “Round and Square,” his blog covers topics on everything from authenticity and ostracism to the Tour de France and the ethnography of Seinfeld. LeFleur has 20 years of experience as an educator, 13 of which have been at Beloit College.

In the past, LaFleur has also received the Underkoffer Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Alliant Energy Foundation for his teaching at Beloit in 2001 and 2011, and the Charles S. Bassett Teaching Award in 1998 from Colby College. He was also a finalist for the American Historical Association’s Eugene S. Asher Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

A Rockford native and Northern Illinois University graduate, Benjamin is the only martial arts instructor from the Midwest with articles published in Inside Kung-Fu, Black Belt and Blade magazines; as well as in Kelly Worden’s Worden Defense System Newsletter; on Master-At-Arms James Albert Keating’s Maajak World e-zine; and on Alex Jones’ infamous Infowars.com. He is also the author of the poetry collections The Wind of Seasons (Sterling House, 1994) and Crowsongs (Vantage Press, 1998).

With more than 25 years of experience, Benjamin holds advanced black belts in Quanfa and Qin Na Gongfu, Kempo Karate, and Okinawan weaponry, as well as a bachelor’s degree in history and minor in Southeast Asian studies. He has trained under some of the world’s most renowned martial arts masters, including the late great Professor Remy Presas (Grandmaster of Modern Arnis and Black Belt Hall of Fame member), Datu Kelly S. Worden (Grandmaster of Natural Spirit International, hand-to-hand combat instructor for the U.S. Army’s First Special Forces Group, featured on the History Channel), Soke Rodney Sacharnoski (Grandmaster of Juko Kai Intl., featured on TV’s Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and More Than Human) and PKA heavyweight kickboxing world champion “Bad” Brad Hefton.

For more information, call (815) 229-8607 or go to www.closequarterskempo.com.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

This license requires a minimum of 3,000 hours of work while under the clinical supervision of another LCSW, in addition to the successful completion of a state licensing exam. Becoming an LCSW enables her to seek provider status among various insurance carriers; she is an in-network provider for Medicare, Cigna and ECOH. This provides individuals and families another option in paying for this much-needed service — which can, in turn, help ensure those who need this service are able to receive it.

“This achievement demonstrates Ms. Godfrey’s dedication to her profession and the impact that she can have when helping Illinois residents and their families who are facing Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jessica Kirby, director of care navigation services at the chapter. “Through the Care Navigation Program, she meets with individuals and families who have received a diagnosis of dementia to help them assess their current strengths and needs and plan for their care journey.”

Alzheimer’s Association Care Navigation sessions provide clients with guidance, support, coping mechanisms as well as information regarding other community resources. The primary goal is to assist and empower the participants during the current phase of their journey with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. For more about Care Navigation Services, call the Rockford office at (815) 484-1300 or visit www.alz.org/illinois.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

LDR Construction Services, Inc., and LDR Cleaning & Restoration work in unison to form a fully-insured, licensed and bonded restoration company. LDR specializes in the complete repair of fire, smoke, wind, water and vandalism damage to both commercial and residential properties. LDR has been proudly serving all of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin since 1991. LDR handles any size loss and works with all types of insurance providers. LDR adheres to strict industry standards and employs a highly-trained certified staff.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

“By 2008,” she continued, “I had gained more than 90 pounds. I knew I had to do something but didn’t know what to do or how to take the weight off. In March 2010, I went to the doctor and tipped the scales at 281! It scared me to death … I had to do something about my weight before I ended up a diabetic or on medication for high blood pressure.

“On March 15, I decided to give Jenny a call,” McCullough said. “That was the start of my weight-loss journey. I learned many useful things from my consultant that helped me change my habits. My mindset changed from thinking, ‘I live to eat’ to ‘I will eat to live.’ I now know the right nutritious foods to fuel my body and how to moderate portions to enjoy the foods I love. I have also realized that going on a program is not enough. It is a lifestyle change that brings about lasting weight loss results.”

Since then, McCullough has achieved an incredible 145-pound weight loss, losing more than half her initial body weight as well as maintained it for a year. She attributes her success to her weekly consultations, education about the program, the support of her friends, family and Jenny Craig consultant and focusing on “small steps” throughout her journey. She has been featured in People magazine’s Half Their Size issue, on newsstands now, and has been interviewed on The Today Show, E News, The Insider, Inside Edition, Extra and WREX Channel 13 news. Her story has helped thousands of people and inspired so many. She is a true “weight-loss champion.”

Jenny Craig Center is at 5301 E. State in Rockford. McCullough will be there starting at noon, Saturday, Jan. 21, to share her story and answer questions from the public.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

Nineteen women from the Rockford Deanery will be honored this year. Those receiving special recognition are as follows:

St. James, Belvidere: Norma Stein; St. Mary, Byron: Mary Ann Bukoski; St. Mary/St. Patrick, Durand, Irish Grove: Sue Cocoma; St. Bridget, Loves Park: Patti Bishop; St. Mary, Pecatonica: Margaret Bauch; Holy Family, Rockford: Sue Sabrowski; St. Anthony of Padua, Rockford: Marie Falzone; St. Bernadette, Rockford: Phyllis Lee; St. Edward, Rockford: Elaine Grygiel; St. James, Rockford: Nancy Snow; St. Mary’s Oratory, Rockford: Danuta Barnhart; St. Patrick, Rockford: Anne Murphy and Patricia Stahl; Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford: Jean Czerniewski; SS Peter and Paul, Rockford: Maria Teresa Garza; St. Rita, Rockford: Mary Fehrle; St. Stanislaus Kostka, Rockford: Anna Bratko; Church of the Holy Spirit, Roscoe: Clare Hughes; and St. Peter, South Beloit: Junie Pospischil.

A social hour will be at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Cost of the meal is $30 per person. Dinner choices are: Herb Crusted Tilapia and Beef Wellington or Vegetarian Lasagna. The children’s selection is Chicken Fingers and Fries for $13 per child (ages 4-10). Reservations can be made at each parish or by calling Angie Kelly at (815) 964-4284 by Friday, Jan. 20.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

The following students from the Rockford area were named to the Dean’s List during the fall term: Callie Richardson and Connor Hinckley of Rockford; Christian Allen and Lucas Stellato of Loves Park; Marcella Wirtz of Machesney Park; James Slack of Belvidere; Cody Lauderdale of Caledonia; Mackenzie West of Davis; and Kelly Dettman of Marengo.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

Kris Frey

First American Credit Union has announced the addition of Kris Frey as commercial lender and the promotion of Cathy Prusansky as internal audit associate.

Frey has 33 years of experience in the financial industry, mainly concentrated in the area of commercial lending. With his previous roles including VP commercial loans, controller and credit analyst, Frey brings a well-rounded balance of finance and commercial lending experience to the credit union. He has a bachelor of business administration in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Frey is now president of both the Cambridge Youth Football Club, and the Dane and Jefferson County Youth Football League. He’s also a member of the Cambridge Grid Iron Club and a founding/active member of the Community Activities Program in Cambridge. He is a past president of the Cambridge Lions Club and the Grace Lutheran Church. He has also been involved in the Cambridge Optimists Club and Cambridge Hoops Club.

With her talent to lead projects independently and being detail-oriented, Prusansky was an ideal candidate for the position of internal audit associate. During her 12 years at First American, Prusansky has worked in the areas of accounting and operations, often holding responsibilities and managing people in both areas simultaneously.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

Photography services were also provided to IPSEN in Pecatonica; the images will be used to promote new and current product lines.

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens recently hired Brian Thomas Photography to photograph its preview Gala. The company has also donated more than 20 aerial photography flights documenting the construction progression of the conservatory.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

From Rockford: Stephanie Rhoads, Michelle Rhodes and Keanlynn Riggins. From Machesney Park: Kerry Cannegieter. From Freeport: Sara Groves. From South Beloit: Morgan Culvey and Teri Unrath.

Regionally and professionally accredited, Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a Catholic college that prepares students to become caring, professional nurses in acute care and ambulatory settings. Undergraduate students are admitted to the College of Nursing BSN program following the completion of 64 hours of lower division credits from a regionally-accredited college or university. Undergraduates who are licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs) may complete their BSN through the college’s innovative RN-to-BSN program.

The college’s MSN program is open to RNs with a bachelor’s degree. Applicants may choose from one of four MSN tracks: Nurse Educator (NE), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). MSN prepared RNs may pursue a post-master’s FNP, CNS or NE certification.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

With this award, the Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society honors Relay events that achieve significant fund-raising and participant growth. In 2011, Relay For Life of Winnebago County raised approximately $122,491 with nearly 562 participants.

“By supporting Relay For Life of Winnebago County, our volunteers are helping us save more lives faster,” said Mary E. Pierce, chairman of the board of the American Cancer Society’s Illinois Division. “We invite all Winnebago County residents to join us in fighting for every birthday threatened by cancer at this year’s Relay.”

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

“To be successful, we need to understand that the number of members is not a solution for success,” Magdziarz said. “The solution is to have highly qualified designated members who provided professional services that the market is demanding today, and to educate and train our members to provide services that will be demanded in the future.”

Magdziarz was the Appraisal Institute’s president in 2011, its president-elect in 2010, and its vice president in 2009. He continues to serve on the organization’s Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors. He has been an active member of the Appraisal Institute for more than four decades, serving in various capacities on both the regional and national levels.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

More than 1,000 Kubota dealers from across the country convened to receive a first look at the new product enhancements, featuring Kubota’s new M135GX M-Series ag and utility tractor that includes Kubota’s roomiest tractor cab ever. Kubota’s “Growing into the Future Together” theme recognized the company’s dealers for their contributions to the company and their involvement with its overall growth and success. During the meeting, Bobcat of Rockford also attended field demonstrations and classroom sessions, gaining hands-on driving experience for Kubota’s products.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

Kirk Skorzak of Rockford says he never wins anything, and didn’t expect to win a special CUB Energy Saver drawing that covered his summer electricity expenses.

“It’s great. I was totally surprised,” Skorzak said. “I’m retired, so a little extra money along the way sure does come in handy.”

CUB Energy Saver, www.CUBEnergySaver.com, created in a partnership between CUB and New York City-based Efficiency 2.0, recommends hundreds of actions that have been helping families of all incomes slash their electric and natural gas bills by an average of $130 a year. What makes the service unique in the nation is a rewards program that allows people to track their actual energy savings and get shopping and restaurant discounts if they cut electricity use.

“CUB Energy Saver helps customers cut their utility bills, it gives them rewards for being energy efficient, and now it’s given a Rockford resident the gift of free electricity this holiday season,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “It pays to be energy efficient.”

To celebrate its one-year anniversary last June, CUB Energy Saver held a drawing for about 1,400 Illinois residents who joined the online service that month. The top prize was a summer of free electricity (June-August), up to $500. Skorzak was among the 70 winners who recently received their prize money.

Skorzak, whose summer bills totaled $313.64, said CUB Energy Saver made him more aware of the little things he can do to conserve energy and keep his costs down. One recommendation he found helpful was sealing off costly air gaps around doors and windows.

“This tip prompted me to give them another check, and I found gaps where the insulation needed replacing, and some areas that needed to be re-caulked,” he said.

Kolata said: “Rockford has been one of the most energy-efficient communities we have taking part in CUB Energy Saver, and we hope to get more residents to sign up for the free service in 2012. The word is out this holiday season: Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet, it’s great for our pocketbooks.”

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

Volunteers Gus and Lola Gustafson were recognized for 30 years of volunteering. Larry and Lorna Wakefield and Gladys Williams were recognized for 15 years of service, Marcia Shaw and Gloriann Dawson were recognized for 10 years, and Kathy Lundy and Jerry Paris were recognized for five.

Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center has more than 150 active volunteers.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

Most recently serving as the production manager/ballet master at American Repertory Ballet in Princeton, N.J., Keefe is an accomplished teacher of ballet, modern, partnering, composition and jazz techniques. He serves as vice chairman on the Board of Trustees of Dance/USA and has a master of fine arts in dance from the University of Iowa. He has also served on the faculty at Louisville Ballet Academy, Minnetonka Dance Theater, the Princeton Ballet School, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and as the interim studio director of the Lackawanna Performing Arts Center, among others.

An acclaimed choreographer of more than 40 ballets, Keefe has created works for concert and commercial venues for both student ensembles and professional companies in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz and musical theater styles. He also has extensive administrative and production experience, having served as a development associate and event manager for George Street Playhouse and as a free-lance stage manager for several New York City-based dance productions.

Keefe’s dance career started in Chicago with The Lynda Martha Dance Company and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He then danced for numerous professional companies, including Ballet Met Columbus, Louisville Ballet, James Sewell Ballet, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Minnesota Opera, as well as numerous guest artist appearances around the country.

“After an extensive search process, RDC is delighted that Matthew is joining our school and company,” said Laura Mruk, board president. “We are extremely excited about Matthew’s visionary leadership and the artistic energy that he will bring to RDC and to Rockford. He will continue and grow our legacy as the premier pre-professional dance company and school in northern Illinois.”

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

He and his wife, Jill, have two sons, Eric and Dan, who will be with him at the retirement party. The family lives in Cherry Valley. Refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome to attend and wish him well for the future.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Christopher Peterson earned his Eagle by having 16 volunteers going to Black Hawk Forest Preserve to pull out honeysuckle trees that had taken over the area. They worked for three hours tugging, digging and cutting down the trees, which were small up to about 8 feet.

Joseph Peterson organized a group of 14 to go out to the Atwood Golf Course to plant 75 trees. It took only an hour once they got started. The trees were donated by the Winnebago County Forest Preserve.

Jordon Peterson organized a group of 15 or more people to go out to Camp Winnebago, YMCA, to make a trail wide enough for cars, through the forest, about 300 feet long, and then covered the ground with mulch.

Wesley Wright organized a group of about 15 people to plant 75 trees in a field owned by the Winnebago County Forest Preserve. It took a couple of hours to complete.

Evan Gallagher organized a group of about 15 people to go to Kishwaukee Gorge Forest Preserve and stain/paint a wooden stairway that leads down to the gorge. It took about 3 hours total.

Through earning their Eagle Scout, the boys showed leadership by organizing their crews in completing a project that was first approved by both their Scout leaders and the Boy Scout office. Each project took months to plan and then to do.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Bishop Doran is a native of Rockford. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood in Rome Dec. 21, 1961. He served in many capacities in the Rockford Diocese until 1986, when he was appointed to the Roman Rota (church court) by Pope John Paul II, where he served until Pope John Paul II appointed him to head the Rockford Diocese April 19, 1994. His ceremony of ordination and installation as the eighth Bishop of Rockford was held at Rock Valley College June 24, 1994, with more than 4,000 people in attendance.

In accordance with the laws of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop Doran submitted his letter of retirement/resignation to the Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio to the United States in Washington, D.C., on his 75th birthday Feb. 20, 2011. The resignation does not become effective until accepted by Pope Benedict XVI, at which time a new bishop will be named for the Rockford Diocese.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

Peter Cancro was a high school student in Point Pleasant, N.J., who began working at Mike’s Subs at age 14. He loved working there, talking with customers, and took pride in knowing which authentic sub sandwich they would order as they entered. When he was a senior in high school, Peter overheard the owner discussing selling the business. With help from his football coach, who was also a banker, Peter was able to buy the business, so at age 17, he became the owner and proprietor of Mike’s Subs.

In the mid-’80s, more and more people said they would like to see more Mike’s Subs when they went on vacation. At the end of summer, people would come and get several giant subs wrapped for travel, to carry back to their homes across the country. Peter started researching the idea of franchising the Mike’s concept. In 1987, Cancro began franchising, at which time he changed the name from Mike’s Subs to Jersey Mike’s Subs to capture the authenticity of where the authentic sub sandwich was born. Today, Cancro is CEO of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc., overseeing more than 500 locations open and under development. The shop will also cater special events for parties at schools, businesses or organizations.

The local Jersey Mike’s can be reached at (815) 226-0118. Visit www.jerseymikes.com.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

“These students should be very proud of their accomplishments. Our faculty and administration team congratulate them and wish them continued success with their education,” said Alan Gibby, Keith Head of School.

Illinois State Scholars rank in the top 10 percent of the state’s high school seniors from 711 high schools in 102 counties. Selection is based on SAT and/or ACT test score results and/or the students’ class rank at the end of the junior year of high school. The program does not provide a monetary award; however, qualified students are encouraged to list the honor on applications for college admissions and scholarships. The prestigious award is given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), which recognized 18,178 high school students from across the state.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

“By planting these trees, we help renew the tree canopy; by expanding community greening initiatives, we restore our entire economy,” said Gummow. “Damage to 70 percent of New Orleans’ urban canopy (100,000 important trees) by Katrina created an urgent need for reforestation and made the city an ideal location for this year’s meeting.”

Affiliates reinforced KAB’s emphasis on community restoration by planting trees in the western New Orleans neighborhood of Pigeon Town.

“Renew – Restore – Regrow” was the theme of the meetings this year, and conference sessions focused on sustainable gardens and tree maintenance, furthering Keep America Beautiful’s national “g.r.o.” initiative started in 2010 to train and educate local organizations in practices for restoring community green spaces. In-depth training included, in part, the planting and care of trees.

“The transformation of public spaces impacts our environment as well as human behavior,” Gummow said. “Advocating for the urban forest truly impacts productivity, property value, safety, health and infrastructure savings.” For more information, visit www.knib.org or call (815) 637-1343.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

Boland is a lifelong native of the greater northern Illinois region and is a graduate of Freeport Aquin Central Catholic High School. He has been with Fitzgerald since 2005, and his duties include being a funeral assistant on funeral services and a pre-need counselor.

Perrone is a graduate of Mt. Morris High School. After attending Rockford College, she held executive administrative roles at several Rockford corporations: Barber-Colman, Newell-Rubbermaid and JL Clark. Prior to her joining Fitzgerald, Perrone was an IT training analyst and a core team member for key software implementations in Madison, Wis.

NFDA’s Certified Preplanning Consultant program, established in 1996, recognizes qualified, knowledgeable individuals who are committed to provide ethical and caring advance planning services for all families. “Those who have earned the CPC designation have achieved a unique career distinction that is highly valued by families that want to plan meaningful funerals in advance,” said Colleen Murphy Klein, who manages the program.

From the Dec. 7-13, 2011, issue

Udulutch was hired Jan. 3, 1973, as an office assistant at Rock County Employees Credit Union. During her career, she has seen several changes. For several years, records were kept on a manual bookkeeping system. A major transition took place in July 1983, when the system was upgraded to an in-house computer.

In March 1978, Udulutch was promoted to president and maintained that position until the merger with First Community Credit Union in October 2011. She plans on spending part of the winter months in Florida and visiting with her grandchildren.

From the Dec. 7-13, 2011, issue

Dr. Harvey Einhorn

Dr. Harvey Einhorn, along with SwedishAmerican Health System oncology clinics, received The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Relentless For A Cure” Award. The presentation took place before the Light the Night Walk Sept. 25 in downtown Rockford.

The society recognized Dr. Einhorn for his dedication to superior patient care. During his speech, Dr. Einhorn mentioned his father was an oncologist, and he actually began following him during rounds and home visits at age 14. Dr. Einhorn said cancer treatment advancements have occurred because of clinical trials and proceeded to share how cure rates have gone up for many types of cancer.

“I was proud to be the recipient of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s ‘Relentless For A Cure’ Award,” said Dr. Einhorn. “I feel fortunate to be a part of such a strong oncology program at SwedishAmerican Health System. Our program gives us access to a broad patient base, cooperative studies and the latest drugs. These endeavors will improve the quality and duration of people’s lives.”

The award was established in 2009 to recognize an individual who has exhibited a lifetime commitment to the LLS mission — to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

From the Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2011, issue

The $1,000 awards, presented at the group’s November meeting, are to be used for tuition expenses. To be considered for the award, students must be pursuing degrees in accounting or finance. Applicants were required to submit a résumé and cover letter applying for a fictitious entry-level staff accountant position. Submissions were then critiqued by members of the selection committee and returned with constructive comments.

From the Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2011, issue

The Leonard Wells Volk Award is presented annually by the Lincoln Forum to “institutions and organizations that perpetuate the Lincoln story.” The award itself is an exquisitely rendered copy of the 1860 Leonard Wells Volk life mask of Lincoln, mounted on a marble base. The sculpture was donated by Forum members Dr. & Mrs. Mark Zimmerman of Vero Beach, Fla.

In announcing the award, Harold Holzer, vice-chair of the Lincoln Forum, noted that the Lincoln-Douglas Society had “transformed the size of the second 1858 Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate.” And that “Lily Tolpo’s statue of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas now adorns the historic setting, visitation has increased, and an adjacent public library has become the scene of exhibitions and historic programs.”

The Volk Award was received on behalf of the Lincoln-Douglas Society by Tim Connors. A delegation of five other members of the Society also attended the awards ceremony: Olga Carlile, Mickey Martin, Carole Dickerson, as well as Bonnie and Jerry Curran.

George Buss, chair of the Executive Committee of the Lincoln Forum, noted that, “Previous recipients of the Leonard Volk Award include Ford’s Theatre, Washington, DC; the Lincoln Home, Springfield, Ill.; and President Lincoln’s Cottage, Washington, DC.”

From the Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2011, issue

The Awards Gala provided an opportunity to give board members, citizen volunteers, businesses, government officials, and media the recognition they deserve for doing so much to advance parks, recreation and conservation. Winners were selected for first place, first runner-up and second runner-up.

“It is important to recognize those who give so much of their time, resources and talents to making the Illinois park, recreation and conservation system one of the best in the nation,” said Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the IAPD.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, received first runner-up for Best Green Practices for utilizing sustainable design and construction principles to create an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly facility. To help minimize the harmful effects of greenhouse gases on the environment, the project has reduced energy consumption by approximately 40 percent compared to the state of Illinois energy code. The project grounds have been designed to support user interaction while providing a habitat that benefits the local environment. The project team of Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens paid special attention to the selection of materials used during construction, and priority was given to materials with recycled content.

The Rockford Park District nominated coach and volunteer Ken Held for the Good Sportsmanship Award. He received first place at the IAPD awards gala. In 1980, Held began coaching at Roy Gayle Baseball Complex, 973 S. Meridian Road. Over the 30 years of his coaching and volunteer service, it is conservatively estimated that more than 30,000 boys and girls have played baseball at the Roy Gayle Complex, long established as a favorite summer tradition.

From the Nov. 23-29, 2011, issue

The presentation will take place at the 23rd Annual Chicago Bulls Day for Kids event at 1770 Centennial Place in Addison, Ill. The ceremony will be held during halftime of the Wheelchair Bulls All-Star game. The three recipients include Joshua Silvern, 13, of Crystal Lake; Peyton Withrow, 13, of Roscoe; and Jose Gonzales, 17, of Chicago. All three kids have mobility disabilities, requiring them to use adapted equipment for sports and recreation.

The United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annual occasion to reaffirm and draw attention to the rights of people who live with disabilities worldwide. Variety, through its “Kids on the Go!” initiative, regularly assists families who can’t otherwise afford to obtain adapted sports equipment such as sports wheelchairs, handcycles and adapted bikes, as well as services designed to increase children with disabilities’ access to the their community, building the child’s sense of independence and self-esteem.

From the Nov. 23-29, 2011, issue

Jessica Caddell

Jessica Caddell became the new curator of Rockford Art Museum (RAM) Oct. 31. She joins RAM after working as collections and exhibitions manager at Freeport Art Museum for more than seven years, where she also managed educational programming. During her time there, she was organizer for Art in the Park Freeport, an annual arts fair cooperative event between the Freeport Park District and the Freeport Art Museum.

Caddell holds a master’s degree in art history and museum studies from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and bachelor’s degrees in art and art history from Texas State University. She has organized exhibitions for numerous galleries in Illinois and Texas.

A native Midwesterner, Caddell said she looked forward to joining the staff of RAM. “The museum has an outstanding collection and an extensive record of dynamic exhibitions,” she said. “I am delighted to be joining the team at RAM.”

From the Nov. 16-22, 2011, issue

Alberto Carrion (left) and Grace Wallace (right) (Photo provided)

Information and Assistance caseworkers Alberto Carrion and Grace Wallace have successfully reached national certification as Certified Information and Referral Specialists in Aging (CIRS-A). Carrion and Wallace join SeniorAssist Director Cheryl Davis and fellow caseworkers Lori Huff and Markesha Brown in successfully attaining the national certification.

Lifescape Community Services COO Manny Carrasquillo said, “Their certifications make our SeniorAssist program one of the only, possibly the only in Winnebago County, 100 percent (certified staff in) Alliance for Information and Referral Services (AIRS) and Certified Information and Referral Specialist-Aging (CIRS-A).”

Carrion and Wallace have been working for this important certification for the past year. This specialization adds to Lifescape’s capacity in serving the thousands of seniors the SeniorAssist department already aids.

Lifescape congratulates Carrion and Wallace for their hard work and achievement in bringing such knowledge and experience to the many seniors served every day.

Certification within the AIRS is a measurement of documented ability in the field of Information & Referral Systems reflecting specific competencies and related performance criteria.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

She has now chosen to use her expertise and passion to incorporate the fusion of food and memories to expand into corporate events, catering, private dining hosting and personalized instruction, under the business name of “Sylvia’s Kitchen.”

Waldsmith has hired HMG-Howard Marketing Group as her marketing consulting team to assist in the expansion of her cookbook series, her personal brand and soon-to-be-launched revamped website, www.sylviaskitchen.com. She is also growing her Facebook page titled Sylvia’s Kitchen (www.facebook.com/sylviaskitchen), where she asks followers to help with an online contest where she could earn $50,000 in hiring grants to employ culinary talent in the stateline area.

“I have utilized my culinary arts degree from Blackhawk Technical College (an American Chef Federation accredited facility) on a part-time basis for years, but only recently decided to take the plunge and bring my business to the next level by dedicating myself to it full time,” Waldsmith said.

HMG-Howard Marketing Group has already secured various special events for “Sylvia’s Kitchen” services, including a private gourmet dinner party, a charity fund-raiser called the Singing Stylists benefiting the Rockford Art Museum Nov. 17, the 10-year anniversary event for High Maintenance at Peak Sports Club on Perryville, as well as the salon’s Grand Opening Celebration event for their new location in The Main Street Shopping Center in Roscoe.

Waldsmith still has openings for the holiday season, but she is booking up quickly. Clients who want to host celebrations in their homes and businesses, but don’t have time to plan, shop, prep and execute the event, can make Waldsmith’s services the perfect solution anytime, but especially during this busy time of year. Whether a formal intimate dinner for two, a casual hands-on teaching event or a business function for a large group, Waldsmith works with her clients to ensure the experience for all will blend fabulous food and memories for years to come.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

The “Spirit of Caring” awards were initiated in 1992 to honor special individuals and organizations in our community who have demonstrated outstanding efforts in caring for others. This year, 10 individuals and 12 organizations were nominated for the award by family and friends in recognition of their care and concern for others. Honorees are as follows:

John Mink has given decades of service to many organizations through his support of fund development, board leadership, significant donations and the ability to inspire a high standard of giving from numerous donors. Highlighted service includes 35 years with Rosecrance Health Network, more than 20 years at Rock Valley College Foundation, 39 years with Rock Valley Kiwanis and six years with Wesley Willows Retirement Community. He has received the Rosecrance Castle Award and the Association of Fund-raising Professionals Award for Outstanding Community Service.

William C. Roop is president and CEO of Alpine Bank, which through his leadership and guidance has become the largest local community bank serving Winnebago and Boone counties. Roop has given of himself to local organizations including as chairman of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, first vice chairman of SwedishAmerican Health System Board of Directors, chairman of the Rockford Boys and Girls Club and chairman of the Rockford Area Crime Stoppers. In 2006, he received the Rockford Association of Fund-raising Professionals’ Philanthropy Day Award for Outstanding Fund-raising Volunteer.

Through 35 years and hundreds of individuals served, the Rock River Valley Pantry has grown to be the largest community food pantry in northern Illinois. More than 60 volunteers per week provided 650,000 meals last year alone. The pantry has also become a leader in advocacy and education in its mission to not see one person go hungry in our community through its founding of the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition, partnering with the University of Illinois Winnebago County Extension office and its involvement with the Master Gardeners in creating the Plant-a-Row for the Hungry, which inspires gardeners to donate their excess produce, which equaled more than 13 tons of fresh produce for the pantry last year.

For more information, call (815) 490-1620 or visit www.crusaderhealth.org.

From the Nov. 2-8, 2011, issue

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations. The RVC team represented Austria on the Security Council, the Disarmament and International Security Committee, the Economic and Finance Committee, and Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee. They also represented Greece on the NATO Council.

The members of the Rock Valley College Model United Nations are Thomas Bouril, Megan Brugger, Evan Frisella, Cassie Kasicki, Kathleen McGraw, Ashley Palin, Shawn Steiner, Nathan Tripp and Gloria Wiekert. The team is advised by Crystal Dinwiddie, RVC sociology instructor, and Dr. Martin Quirk, RVC professor of history.

From the Nov. 2-8, 2011, issue

To celebrate 24 years of bringing the arts to everyone, the Arts Council invited its members and friends to gather to elect new board members and officers and bid a fond farewell to retiring members. The 2011-12 Rockford Area Arts Council Board of Directors are as follow: Jim Barbagallo, board president; Rena Cotsones, vice president; Sarilyn Neiber, treasurer; Beth Howard, secretary; Ald. John Beck, ex officio; Elaine Breck; Carole Carbone; Monica Krysztopa, ex officio; Angela Larson; Ian Linnabary; Ald. Doug Mark; Mike Mastroianni; Julie Palkowski; and Scott Saporiti.

The Rockford Area Arts Council supports, promotes and develops the arts for everyone in the northern Illinois region. The Arts Council is guided by the vision of a community in which everyone enjoys and participates in the arts — and a community in which successful artists and arts organizations contribute to the vitality of the economy and quality of life. Visit www.artsforeveyrone.com for more information.

From the Nov. 2-8, 2011, issue