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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Tabitha Hein

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

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

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

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

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

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

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

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

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

After 10 years of operating in Belvidere, Rockford Map will return to the city where it was established and resided for more than 50 years. The company has seen unprecedented growth in the past year and hopes the move will help spur economic redevelopment for the city and downtown area.

Founded in 1944, Rockford Map is the industry leader in the production of highly accurate plat data and maps containing land ownership, parcel boundaries and acreage information. The company maintains property information for more than 1,500 counties and provides GIS data and custom mapping services to a variety of markets, including agribusiness, oil and gas exploration, utilities, real estate, appraisal, recreation, government agencies and other organizations across the country.

Meet the employees of Rockford Map this summer as they get settled in and enjoy some of the exciting and new attractions of downtown, such as Rockford City Market and First Fridays.

For a more in-depth look at services offered by Rockford Map, visit www.rockfordmap.com.

From the May 9-15, 2012, issue

Carroll/Ogle Co. 4-H Horse Project members include front row, from left: Katie Hoffman, Carroll County 4-H; and Kaiti Collins, Carroll County 4-H; and second row, from left: Megan Poole, Pine Creek Valley 4-H Club, Polo, Ill.; Mary Francque, Milledgeville, Carroll County 4-H; Bryan Hollewell, Horse Bowl coach; and Natalie Shaw, Carroll County 4-H. (Photo provided)

The Carroll/Ogle County 4-H Jr. Horse Bowl and Hippology participants had a great day at the state contest held in Champaign. Horse Bowl is a three- or four-person team like Quiz Bowl, and the contest is conducted like Quiz Bowl, but in this contest all the questions are equine related. The Hippology Contest is individual testing on horse judging, oral questions and a written test.

In the Hippology Contest-Junior Division: Katie Hoffman of the Carroll County 4-H placed 23rd out of 39 participants. Intermediate Division: Natalie Shaw, Carroll County 4-H, placed sixth out of 32 participants. Megan Poole, Pine Creek Valley 4-H Club, Polo, placed 19th overall. In the Senior Division: Mary Francque, Carroll County 4-H, placed fourth overall Senior Hippology.

Horse Bowl participants Natalie Shaw, Kaiti Collins, Katie Hoffman and Megan Poole were the fourth-place junior team overall out of 11 participating teams in the state. Individual scores for answering questions: Megan Poole, 14th overall; Katie Hoffman, 10th overall; Natalie Shaw, 13th overall; and Kaiti Collins, 35th overall, out of 47 participants.

The Junior team is coached by Bryan Hollewell of Milledgeville.

From the May 9-15, 2012, issue

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding service of an adult individual or organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.

Judge Yarbrough is a graduate of Ripon College and Northern Illinois University College of Law. Following his admission to the Illinois bar, Judge Yarbrough was employed with the Office of the Winnebago County State’s Attorney from 1990 to 1997. Judge Yarbrough was appointed as an associate judge in January 2007. He presides over juvenile delinquency matters in Winnebago County. His professional memberships include the Winnebago County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association. Judge Yarbrough is actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the YMCA of Rock River Valley, the Blackhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, and the Children and Court Courts Foundation (The Kids’ Place).

The Blackhawk Area Council will recognize Judge Yarbrough, Dr. Rudy Valeez and Crusader Community Health as their 2012 Diversity Award recipients at a Diversity Achievers Dinner at 5:30 p.m, Wednesday, May 9, at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. This awards dinner is held annually to recognize leading individuals, corporations and organizations for their significant contributions in building the awareness of diversity issues and initiatives in the Rock River Valley community. All proceeds will be used to support multicultural Scouting and Career Exploring. For more about this event, contact Tabatha Cruz at the Blackhawk Area Council at (815) 397-0210, ext. 7508, or tabatha.cruz@scouting.org.

From the May 2-8, 2012, issue

Back from a production hiatus, this viewer call-in program will continue to feature Bob Moeller and his compassionate marriage advice, but with former co-host Eric AuCoin retiring, Cotto will join Moeller for this all-new season.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with TLN and Pastor Bob. His wisdom is so practical that I know I’m going to learn much about marriage by sitting across from him every week,” Cotto said. “I look forward to being a small part of helping to build strong marriages.”

With more than 10 years of radio experience including news reporting and anchoring at Chicago’s WLS-AM and WIND-AM as well as hosting his own program, Cotto has a history of professionalism and bold faith. He completed a master of divinity degree from Moody Bible Institute and earned the nickname “The Reverend” during his time on the radio. TLN’s President and CEO Jerry Rose has already shared his enthusiasm for the new co-host, saying: “Cisco Cotto is not only a well-known broadcast personality, he is a person with a genuine commitment to the family and strong marriages. He will be an asset to Marriage: For Better, For Worse.”

Cotto is committed to God and his family in action as well as words. Putting family before promising political ambitions, he remains dedicated to his wife, Anna, and their two young children. Cotto’s primary focus now is reaching people for Christ by working to build the new Village Church of Oak Park, Ill., and through his new role as co-host.

Moeller, co-host and co-founder of For Better, For Worse, For Keeps Ministries, extends his own welcome, saying: “I’m honored that someone of Cisco’s impressive broadcasting background will be co-hosting the program. He is a person with deep moral conviction and keen spiritual insight. His personal commitment to preserving and strengthening marriages is real. I’m delighted to be working with him. He’s going to be a real blessing to viewers.”

From the May 2-8, 2012, issue

Elizabeth Meena, a former RVC student who now attends Trinity International University, was awarded the top prize of $1,250. Current RVC student Brianna Koenig was awarded a $500 scholarship and will be attending Illinois State University next year. Both intend to be high school math teachers.

From the May 2-8, 2012, issue

With an emphasis on “Serving The Children,” the Kiwanis Club of Rockford sells kettle corn at various functions throughout the year and parks cars at the Rockford AirFest to raise funds to support both Kiwanis Charities and its Y.E.S. awards programs. One hundred percent of all funds raised go to support Kiwanis charities and service awards. Schools in the greater Rockford area are notified of the application procedures, and students from public and private schools in the Rockford area are invited to participate.

Scholarships are awarded in two categories: the Youth Education Service Awards, based on scholarship and service to the school and community, and the College Grant Awards, also based on scholarship and service to community and school as well as individual financial need. The College Grant Awards were started by a generous donation by the late Willard J. Corbett.

Recipients of the Youth Education Service Awards include the following:

From Keith Country Day School — Ashley Cox, Kanhai Farrakhan, Christina Shields, Paul Steffan and Michelle Zheng;

From Christian Life — Jonathan Stechschulte;

From Rockford Guilford — Rachel Shore; and

From Rockton Hononegah: Alexander Dunker and Emily Vogelhuber.

Recipients of the College Grant Awards include the following:

From Rockford East — Lynsey Rice;

From Rockford Guilford — Ceyda Bertram and Daniel Reitsch;

From Rockton Hononegah — Megan Baade and Rachel Slick; and

From Keith — Lauren Cox.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $187,500 in scholarships annually.

Silver Scholars each receive a $1,250 scholarship and a special medallion. All Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars have been listed in the April 23 issue of the USA Today newspaper.

Saldana is from Belvidere, Ill., and is a participant in RVC’s Running Start program. She is the vice president of Leadership of the Omicron Eta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and plans to major in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Student scholars also receive local recognition during ceremonies held on campus.

Community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit no more than two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

Along with Bender’s position on the board, he will also assume the responsibilities of Survey Department manager. He has been employed with WHA since 1984 and worked in multiple departments in a variety of job functions in both the Rockford and Dixon offices during his tenure with WHA.

Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc., provides land surveying, civil and structural engineering, architectural services, and grant and loan funding application preparation from offices in Dixon, Freeport, Rockford, Moline, Joliet and Sterling, Ill., and Monroe, Wis.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

Most MRI studies of neck injuries concentrate on disc lesions from the second vertebra down, but Dr. Rosa’s research amply demonstrates the critical importance of appropriate MRI imaging of the cranio-cervical junction, including ligaments of the atlas (C1). Damage to the ligaments in this area can cause intractable pain, headaches and other symptoms. Upper cervical chiropractic specialists find that these types of injuries respond well to specialized upper cervical corrections.

Dr. Schalow is the owner of 1st Step Chiropractic, 4519 Highcrest Road, Rockford, concentrating in the NUCCA procedure to correct the imbalanced spine from the cranio-cervical junction.

From the April 18-24, 2012, issue

Jan Mansfield, broker/owner, received the “Diamond Company” award for being the No. 1 company in the nation for franchise production, as well as the award for being the No. 1 franchise for “Sales Bonus Earnings.”

In franchise production, five of the “Top 10 Producing Agents’ nationwide for Gross Commission Income were No. 2 — Debbie Rheingans, No. 3 — Teresa Fogel, No. 4 — Darla Clark and Todd Burghardt, and No. 5 — Roni Paravala. Six of the “Top 10 Producing Agents’ nationwide in Closed Qualifying Sides were No. 1 — Roni Paravala, No. 2 — Teresa Fogel, No. 3 — Darla Clark and Todd Burghardt, No. 4 — Debbie Rheingans, and No. 8 — Jason Taylor.

In personal production, the Emerald Associate Award for $250,000 GCI or 33 CQS was earned by Debbie Rheingans, Darla Clark, Todd Burghardt, Teresa Fogel and Roni Paravala. Sales Champion Award for personal production of $180,000 GCI or 20 CQS was earned by Margaret Archer and Jason Taylor. Sales Master Award for personal production of $135,00 GCI or 81 CQS was earned by Christine Vyborny. Sales Achiever Award for personal production of $90,000 GCI or 12 CQS was earned by Bill Eggleston and Lisa Tracy.

Nextage Professionals Realty (formerly Century 21 Country North), 7210 E. State St., Rockford, is owned and operated by Mansfield. It is a full-service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential, commercial, investment, new construction and property management, and servicing all of northern Illinois.

From the April 18-24, 2012, issue

“We welcome Doris and Charldene,” said Beloit Regional Hospice Executive Director Mary Anne Miller. “We value their perspectives, which complement the current qualities of our board members.”

To sum up why she made the decision to become a board member, Mulder pointed out, “It is important that Beloit Health System and Beloit Regional Hospice continue to partner to improve end-of-life care in this community.”

Schneier noted that for her, “It’s a great opportunity to represent Regal Beloit. In addition, I have an elderly father with health concerns; being involved here will be interesting and helpful to me.”

From the April 18-24, 2012, issue

Elizabeth Meena, a former RVC student who now attends Trinity International University, was awarded the top prize of $1,250. Current RVC student Brianna Koenig was awarded a $500 scholarship and will be attending Illinois State University next year. Both intend to be high school math teachers.

From the April 18-24, 2012, issue

Twenty trash bags were collected. Those who attended were Bob Borgen, Tracy Borgen, Bob Carroll, Rob Claeyssen, Amie Eggenburg, Kevin Eggenburg, Ed Elshoff, Hollie Elshoff, Kay Elshoff, Mike Elshoff, Cathy Koziol and Keith Koziol.

A.B.A.T.E. stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education. The mission of the members of A.B.A.T.E. is to preserve the universal right to a safe, unrestricted motorcycling environment.

Each chapter sponsors fund-raisers for various charities, which helps support the local businesses. The Thunder Rock Chapter covers Ogle County and southern Winnebago County. For more information, go to www.wix.com/thunderrock_il/abate.

From the April 11-17, 2012, issue

Dubbed by its hosts as “the show about nothing,” JB Radio launched earlier this year with a format that covers a range of topics — from local news to new music to tech talk, and just about anything else that comes to mind.

Recent programs have included a live broadcast from Rockford’s popular Olympic Tavern and a special call-in by American Idol Season Five contestant Paris Bennett, who is a Rockford native.

“The addition of the show to PKNRadio.com’s lineup has helped broaden our reach,” said Rob, who spends his days working at a newspaper and his nights running his company, Sonic Rockford DJ Service. “We’ve had callers check in from as far away as Nashville and Seattle.”

Added JB, who works for Maverick Media: “We launched JB Radio for the sole purpose of having complete control of our own radio show. By joining an Internet radio station such as PKNR, the possibilities are endless.”

PKNRadio.com is a 24-hour hot talk Internet radio station based in the Detroit area. The station’s lineup includes regular shows that air Monday through Friday and various shows that air episodes. JB Radio airs at 7 p.m. Fridays and re-airs the following Monday night.

From the April 11-17, 2012, issue

Today, Edwards — a.k.a. K.C. Meadows to her WYBR and WXRX listeners and Cheryl Jackson to her WKKN, WZOK and Q98.5 listening audience — is a speaker and activist against prescription drug abuse and soon will be hosting Speak Now Live, a one-hour radio talk show scheduled to air beginning Saturday, April 7, at 1 p.m. on WFEN 88.3 or 103.3 FM.

The one-hour talk radio program will deliver thoughtful and detailed discussions of the issues, events and people in the news throughout the nation with primary focus on matters directly affecting the city of Rockford and the stateline area.

Human rights award winner, activist, speaker and author of Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher, Gwen Olsen is scheduled to join Edwards for the show’s premiere April 7. The topic will be “Medication Nation” about the prescription drug epidemic in America that has made its way to the local area.

From the April 4-10, 2012, issue

“I’m very excited to be able to perform with the symphony,” Klinger said. “I know as a musician, I will be able to learn much from working with these professionals. I am very honored to have been chosen to perform.”

He will perform “Concerto in G Major for Flute, First Movement” by Johann Quantz during the concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 14, at the Janesville Performing Arts Center in Janesville, Wis.

Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance by calling the box office at (608) 313-1200, or by visiting the website at http://beloitjanesvillesymphony.org/purchase-tickets/.

From the April 4-10, 2012, issue

The Rev. Fricke has focused experience as a parish re-developer and teacher for faith development and growth for youth, families and adults.

A native of Mt. Prospect, Ill., Fricke comes from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Ill. After his ordination in 1985, Fricke served at several churches in the Chicago area and Nebraska. He is a graduate of Illinois State University and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Fricke was installed at Our Savior’s March 18. He has been preaching at midweek Lenten services at noon and 7 p.m., Wednesdays, and will preach and assist at Easter services scheduled for 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m., Sunday, April 8.

From the April 4-10, 2012, issue

The “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies they believe have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by local third parties.

The Alpine Inn was purchased in 2007 by the Captain’s Cabin, Inc., an Illinois corporation. Upon purchase, the president of the Captain’s Cabin, Inc., Tom Baudhuin, authorized a major capital improvement program financed internally, but made possible by the East State Street/Alpine tax increment financing (TIF) district.

With improvements under way, Baudhuin hired Kathryn Haun as the general manager in 2009. She oversaw the completion of the capital improvements while directing a staff toward maximizing the overall customer experience. Under Haun’s guidance, the Alpine Inn has moved from one of the poorest-ranked hotels on TripAdvisor to one of the highest with a “recommended” rating by the world-renowned hotel rating agency. The Alpine Inn now maintains a regular client list of regional corporations including Byron Nuclear Plant, Sundstrand and Chrysler.

The Alpine Inn is at 4404 E. State St., Rockford. Their phone number is (815) 399-1890.

From the April 4-10, 2012, issue

Ramsby comes to the Red Cross after serving in various capacities at the YMCA of the Rock River Valley for the past 11 years. Since 2009, she has served as executive director of the Y’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. As executive director, she was responsible for day-to-day operations, staff supervision, grant writing, volunteer recruitment and training, donor development, and fund-raising events.

Ramsby’s other positions at the YMCA included seven years as the senior director of Community Outreach and a year as case manager and Learn to Earn program instructor. In these roles, she was responsible for working with at-risk youth, volunteer and staff development, matching youth with volunteers, and all program reports and record-keeping.

She brings extensive experience in grant writing and fund-raising to the Red Cross and is an active member of the Rockford community. She is a member of the Junior League of Rockford and volunteers for the United Way of the Rock River Valley. In addition, she’s been the race director for the OSF Heritage Run Race for four years and is a past chairman of the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign.

Ramsby holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Illinois State University and is completing a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

Community Service Awards are presented every year to dedicated individuals, agencies, partners and companies who have unselfishly assisted the Rockford Park District in helping to fulfill its mission of helping people enjoy life.

Executive Director Tim Dimke said: “This is a chance for us to demonstrate our appreciation for the many dedicated individuals, organizations, agencies, companies and partners. We can’t do it alone, but with the help of others, we can do what we do best, and give our taxpayers a high return on their investment.”

Following are 2011 Community Service Award recipients: Aldeen Men’s Golf Association, All Faith Community Center, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc., Arles Hendershott, Bill Hartenberger, Black Healthcare Coalition, City of Rockford, Cooling Land Concepts, Dawn McGirk, David Sidney and Joe Anderson, Divine Divas & Dons, Eclipse Foundation, Edward Jones, Forest City Tennis Center, Gary, Allan, and Adam Hansberger; GiGi’s Playhouse, Gordon Kaye, BMO Harris Bank Center; Irv Johnson, Midway Village volunteer; K-LOVE, Kurt Carlson, Lloyd Johnston II, NAACP; Lowe’s, Mark Packard; New Zion Baptist Church, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Ringland Johnson, Inc., Rock City Jaguars, Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Housing Authority, Rockford Memorial Development Foundation, Rockford Wrestling Club, Rodger Spielman, Rudy Valdez, St. Bridget Church and School, Stenstrom General Contractor, Susan Peterson, Discovery Center Volunteer; Swedish Historical Society, William Charles, Winnebago County, YMCA of Rock River Valley and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

Directors elected to two-year terms were Judy Barnard, Paul Beuth and Jan Lindenmier.

The district highlighted its “top 10” activities and accomplishments for the year. Local organizations were also recognized for their efforts in the fields of Environmental Education and Awareness; Leadership in Progressive Planning; Restoration and Sustainable Living Concepts.

The district also held a silent auction to benefit its Education Fund. More than 50 local businesses, organizations and individuals donated items such as gift cards, prints, wine and cheese baskets, and other unique items, arranged into 36 packages. The silent auction brought in more than $1,900, which will go toward this year’s Northeast Illinois LUC 16 Envirothon competition, the State Envirothon competition, and the District Scholarship Fund.

Dwayne Proctor and his son Brett were presented with the Conservation Farm Family Award. Dwayne Proctor was also recognized for his dedication to the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District. He is retiring from the board after 28 years of service.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum was awarded for its “Restoration and Sustainable Living Concepts.” The museum did restoration work along Kent Creek with the help of the Rockford Park District and Natural Land Institute, changing it from turf grass to more native vegetation. The museum also planted gardens along the outage, utilizing people with the Eco Advocates, a partnership of the Roots and Wings Urban initiative of Angelic Organics Learning Center and Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild Rockford.

The Environmental Awareness and Education Award was presented to Don Miller and Tina Dawson Scott, co-chairmen of the Four Rivers Environmental Coalition River Gathering Committee. This event was a four-day festival last June that celebrated the ecological, recreational, cultural and aesthetic values of the rivers in the region.

The Village of Machesney Park was awarded the Leaders in Progressive Planning Award for their exemplary work in improving their community while caring for the environment, with projects such as flood plain mitigation and restoration of flood-prone homes along the Rock River; and implementing ecologically-aware practices.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

Susan Stephens

The Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association recently announced winners in the 2011 Journalism Excellence Contest. WNIJ (89.5-FM) reporter Susan Stephens was named “Best Newswriter” and took first place in the “Hard News Feature” category in the downstate radio division of the Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association Journalism Excellence Contest.

Judges evaluated a variety of Stephens’ scripts and audio reports in the newswriting category, including stories about a former pilot’s last wish to fly again, Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday, and a visit with a couple giving up their Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home to enter assisted living. It was “Nurse-In in DeKalb,” the story of breast-feeding mothers rallying outside a thrift store, that captured the “Best Hard News Feature” category. All of these stories aired on WNIJ in 2011 and are available at the station’s website, www.wnij.org.

The awards will be presented April 28 at the Illinois News Broadcasters Association convention in Macomb, Ill.

WNIJ is the NPR News station within Northern Public Radio, the broadcast service of Northern Illinois University.

From the March 21-27, 2012, issue

The Family Health Services Center has more than 59 staff members and an annual budget of $3.8 million. Gonzalez will oversee all the maternal child programs offered at the health department, which include the Women Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program, Family Case Management, High Risk Infant Follow-up, Targeted Intensive Prenatal (TIP), Childhood Immunizations, Well Child Exams, Lead Screening, Genetics, Child Care Consulting, Health Works, Adolescent and School Health Initiatives, Blackhawk Park School-Linked Health Center, and the Violence Prevention Collaborative.

Gonzalez joins WCHD with more than a decade of public health experience. She has worked at both the DeKalb and Boone County health departments, in Community Health Promotion, Personal Health Services, and most recently as co-director of the Boone County Health Department. She has a bachelor of science degree in community health education and a master’s degree in public health with emphasis in health administration. Both degrees are from Northern Illinois University. She is an active volunteer with The Haven Network and has been a past board member with the Boone County University of Illinois Extension Council and the Community Action Agency.

From the March 21-27, 2012, issue

Honored at the NAMI event at Klehm Arboretum March 6 were Mary Gubbe Lee (from left), Steve Vrtol III, Bonnie Gilmore, Sherry Fink, Cindy Krigbaum and Rachel Albreckson. Also receiving awards at the ceremony were Barbara Fredrickson and Eldon Wigget, not pictured. The Stars of Light Theatre Troupe also was honored. (Photo provided)

The Rockford chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) honored eight individuals and recognized a local theater troupe for excellence at an event March 6 at Klehm Arboretum.

The annual Get to Know NAMI event is designed to provide families with information they need to help loved ones who have mental illness. NAMI also uses the occasion to recognize groups and individuals who provide stellar service to those seeking treatment.

Five Rosecrance staff members were honored, along with the agency’s client-based theater troupe. NAMI recognized Sherry Fink, a longtime counselor at the Rosecrance Ware Center; Bonnie Gilmore, manager of the Recovery Resource Center; Barbara Frederickson, volunteer coordinator at the Recovery Resource Center; and Mary Gubbe Lee, training/ volunteer coordinator for Rosecrance and founder of the Stars of Light Theatre Troupe. The ceremony was emceed by Steve Vrtol of Rosecrance, who was honored for his work directing the Stars of Light and other contributions to NAMI.

Stars of Light members received individual awards for their community presentations, which are designed to educate the public about mental illness and reduce stigma. The group is composed of clients and family members, volunteers and Rosecrance staff.

Others who received NAMI awards were Rachel Albreckson, a counselor at Rockford Intervention Center; Cindy Krigbaum, a caseworker at Stepping Stones; and Eldon Wigget, a longtime NAMI volunteer who is a consumer recovery support specialist at Singer Mental Health Center. Wigget was named the “2012 Friend of NAMI.”

From the March 14-20, 2012, issue

Melissa Rorhbacher

Melissa Rorhbacher, D.O., a Roscoe native and Rockton Hononegah High School graduate, recently joined Rockford Health Physicians — Perryville, 3401 N. Perryville Road in Rockford. She specializes in Family Practice medicine and is accepting new patients. Call (815) 971-DrDr (3737) for more information. Dr. Rohrbacher’s clinical interests include preventive health medicine as well as women’s children’s and adolescent health.

Dr. Rohrbacher is board certified and completed her family practice residency at the University of Illinois-Advicate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill.

From the March 7-13, 2012, issue

This year’s National Social Work Month theme, “Social Work Matters,” celebrates the many ways professional social workers make a difference for people every day. The National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter (NASW Illinois) is honoring the work of exceptional social workers and individuals whose work promotes social justice and social change with and on behalf of the people and clients they serve.

An exemplary Illinois social worker being honored this year at the NASW Illinois Jane Addams District Awards event is Social Worker of the Year Lynn Cadmus (AM, University of Chicago), who has worked as therapist at Family Counseling Services in Rockford for nearly 23 years. Subsequently, she accepted a position at Janet Wattles Center (JWC) as therapist, and 16 months later accepted her current position as trauma therapist with the Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP). TIP Court is Winnebago County’s mental health court, and Rosecrance Ware Center (formerly WC) staffs the mental health part of the team. The awards ceremony for the Jane Addams District will take place Thursday, March 15. For more information about the event, contact Jane Addams District Chairman Joan Lodge at jlodge@naswil.org.

From the March 7-13, 2012, issue

Culver’s corporate office announced that Laura Hobart has won Culver’s Excellence in Leadership Award. Only 10 managers were selected for the award out of the more than 428 restaurants in 19 states.

Hobart, along with the other winners, received the prestigious award, special recognition and a $2,500 cash award during the annual Culver’s Reunion in Phoenix in February.

Hobart began her career at Culver’s in 2003 and has been a general manager in the award-winning franchise for five years. Managers were nominated by franchise owners and were evaluated on their ongoing track record of success throughout their tenure in a leadership role. Their level of commitment in delighting guests every day, managing operational performance, supporting True Blue Crew development, improving financial results and growing the Culver’s brand were all scrutinized through a lengthy process.

From the March 7-13, 2012, issue

Passive House establishes the lowest energy demand framework of any building standard in the world. Meeting the standard means maintaining indoor comfort without a traditional heating or cooling system.

The designation attests to the ability to skillfully balance energy gains/losses and design of building envelope, mechanical and other systems. The minimized energy demand combined with continuous filtered fresh outdoor ventilation results in the most efficient, comfortable, healthy and durable buildings where owners and occupants enjoy the lowest lifetime cost of ownership. The standard may be applied to residential, commercial or industrial buildings, retrofit or new construction.

Joseph Zimmer is a licensed architect in Illinois and Wisconsin and an International Code Council Certified Building Official. His architectural practice specializes in custom, high-quality residences and small commercial buildings. He also offers commercial building and energy conservation code consultation to building owners, contractors and fellow architects. Offices are in Rockford (815-965-7105) and Lake Geneva, Wis. (262-275-9091).

From the March 7-13, 2012, issue

TRRT: How did the Chamber Choir happen to be asked to perform?

Heuer: We were asked through the athletic director, Thomas Newton. He had spoken to the Milwaukee Bucks a couple weeks ago, and they asked if we had a group who might perform the National Anthem at their game against the Bulls. We made a tape and sent it in.

TRRT: How many are in the choir?

Heuer: We have 43. This is a fabulous opportunity for each of the students. It will be one of the lifetime memories they will always remember.

TRRT: Have they performed any other places?

Heuer: Yes, we performed for Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary this past fall for the Anti-Bullying Campaign. That was through the Rockford Area Arts Council and Wonderland Books. They had started the special campaign and asked us to perform. We had also performed a couple years ago with Greg Morton [for his program] “Three Cups of Tea.” It was a fund-raiser at the Coronado and also Puri Peace Plaza.

From the Feb. 29-March 6, 2012, issue

Hutcherson is the son of the late Fred Hutcherson Jr. (1912-62), a pilot with a famous career in Evanston, Chicago and Miami, and in South, Central and North America. He was recognized as the first African-American pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. But it was his dedicated service during World War II as a flight instructor at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama that eventually earned him a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal.

This medal was America’s highest civilian honor and was given in 2007 to the Tuskegee Airmen as a group for their contribution as World War II pilots.

Last month, Fred Hutcherson III accepted the medal on his father’s behalf, receiving a bronze replica of the Tuskegee Airmen medal. The medal cited the all-black Tuskegee Airmen’s “unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.” The reference was to President Harry S. Truman’s 1948 Executive Order No. 9981 endorsing equality of treatment and opportunity in all U.S. military groups. This act eventually ended racial segregation in the U.S. armed forces.

Flight Officer Hutcherson learned to fly at age 18, after his father gave him an open-cockpit biplane, the OX5 Travel Air, slightly larger than a Piper Cub. He spent much of his time flying at the Northwest Airport in Des Plaines, and by the time he was 20, he was managing the airport.

He also spent some time at the Curtiss Wright airfield, established in 1929, before Glenview Naval Air Station took it over. He watched the planes take off and land and was even allowed to tinker with obsolete, out-of-commission engines. About 1932, he was named manager of Northbrook’s Sky Harbor Airport, where he found a couple mentors.

But he wanted to fly for his country. When he found he was not wanted because of his race, he headed to Canada, where he became a flight instructor for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1940. The next year, he volunteered for the RCAF Ferry Command, a new program that would put him in the air. After rigorous testing, he was graduated into the command and became one of only 33 men, and the only black man, to fly much-needed bombers to England for the war.

By 1942, Capt. Hutcherson had flown across the Atlantic many times, and his name appeared in Chicago newspapers. A women’s group was formed to support the troops. In 1943, Capt. Hutcherson left the RCAF Ferry Command, and with a six-month deferment, signed on with the British West Indian Airways as a transport pilot based in Miami. In late 1943, the Army finally drafted him and sent him to Tuskegee Army Air Field, where he trained black pilots with the U.S. Air Corps until the end of the war. After the war, he and other Tuskegee pilots started the DODO chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., named after the dodo bird, which, like them, was flightless.

But Flight Officer Hutcherson found a way to stay in the air, working as a flight instructor at the Ravenswood Airport, on Touhy north of where O’Hare Airport now is. In 1946, he and two former Tuskegee Airmen founded a pilot school in Haiti. He also began selling small planes, and in 1949 moved on to become chief pilot for a new airline in Colombia, South America, the Sociedad Aeronautic Medellin (SAM). In 1951, he was flying for Midway Air Lines Charter Service out of Sky Harbor and by 1956 had his own charter firm based at Meigs Field.

Flight Officer Fred Hutcherson Jr. died July 6, 1962, at Evanston Community Hospital. He was survived by his wife, Regina Laurent Hutcherson, and their son, Fred III. He was buried at Montrose Cemetery in Chicago with full military honors and an aerial salute from pilots flying in formation. Almost 50 years later, June 18, more than 100 family members, friends and fellow Evanstonians attended the posthumous presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to “a true American patriot,” as U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky called him.

From the Feb. 22-28, 2012, issue

In announcing the partnership, Brunner said: “As a Real Estate Broker, I work with the client to secure a property, while Sally works with the same client to aid in decorating their new residence. It has come to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for all concerned.”

For clients who may be interested in securing a winter or retirement home/condo in the southwest Florida market, Brunner said this is definitely the right time to be investing in this real estate market. “However,” he said, “because some neighborhoods and communities do not appear to make economic sense, the use of a qualified and very experienced Real Estate Broker is essential. And the usage of a qualified, affordable and skilled interior decorator will make your investment even more valuable.”

Brunner advises people to check out the website at www.douglasbrunner.com to learn about properties that are available. Contact him at doug@douglasbrunner.com, or call (239) 949-5954. For interiors, go to Sally Bradley’s website at www.sallybradleyinteriorsrockford.com. She can be reached at sallybnaples@aol.com or by calling (239) 298-0745.

From the Feb. 22-28, 2012, issue

The new Rockford Park District Foundation board members serve a three-year term, which has already begun, and continues through October 2014. Twenty-nine volunteers compose the Rockford Park District Foundation Board of Directors.

The Rockford Park District Foundation was created in 1979, and assists the Rockford Park District by securing philanthropic support on its behalf, and enhancing awareness of the district’s benefits to the community.

For more details, contact Stacie Talbert, CFO/Foundation director, (815) 987-1695; e-mail stacietalbert@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

From the Feb. 15-21, 2012, issue

Matthew Eighmy, Samantha George, Abid Haseeb, Andrew Hudson and Lloyd Kevin Sy completed a rigorous application process and are among 15,000 students nationwide who qualify for more than $34 million that will be awarded as part of the 57th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Being a National Merit Finalist means that these students have shown a dedication and aptitude toward their education; they’ve worked hard to maintain a high GPA, performed well on their ACT and SAT, and formed good relationships with their teachers,” said Auburn Principal Ryan Reinecke. “We’re very proud of them and enjoy being able to highlight such wonderful accomplishments by our students.”

The field of potential finalists began with about 1.5 million juniors who took the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Only 16,000 students, including six from Auburn, went on to become semifinalists. (That group represented less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors and included the highest-scoring students from each state.)

Now, the finalist category has been narrowed to only 15,000 — and just 8,300 of those students will receive Merit Scholarship awards. Judges select winners based on a number of factors, including academic records, recommendation letters, student essays, performance on college entrance exams, and extracurricular activities and leadership. Scholarship announcements will be made this spring.

From the Feb. 15-21, 2012, issue

Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fund-raisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fund-raising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy.

AFP represents 30,000 members in 229 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fund-raising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fund-raising profession. For more information, visit www.afpnet.org.

The Rockford Area Chapter of AFP has 66 members representing not-for-profits in the areas of education, health care, social services, environment, arts, community organizations and religion.

From the Feb. 15-21, 2012, issue

Cathy Krusey

Cathy Krusey, R.N., a nurse in the Pediatric Outpatient Surgery Unit at Rockford Memorial Hospital, was recently named Rockford Health System’s 2011 Employee of the Year.

Krusey was chosen from 12 individuals named as Employees of the Month last year — out of a pool of 3,000 employees. She received the award at a special dinner Jan. 19 honoring all nominees.

For the past three decades, Krusey has been devoting time and talents to her health care career at Rockford Health System. She was applauded for providing exceptional care to her pediatric patients and was recognized for outstanding clinical expertise and compassion toward patients and co-workers.

From the Feb. 8-14, 2012, issue

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