Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Weekend Roundup December 4-6!

Friday, December 4, 2020Jingle on the Mile @ Miracle Mile VIRTUAL - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmAdaptive Yoga for People with Chronic Conditions (Fri.) – Dec. @ Womanspace - view event10:00 am - 11:00 amFamily Garden Hike @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - view event10:00 am - 10:45 amHoliday Vintage Wonderland Pop Up @ Rockford City Market - view event4:00 pm - 8:00 pmFestival of Lights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event5:00 pm - 11:00 pmCommunity Christmas Spectacular Drive-Thru Experience @ City First Church - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday, December 5, 2020Luminaria Sale @ Village Green North Main - view event8:00 am - 6:00 pmWinter Porch Pot Classes @ The Landscape Connection - view event9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pmJingle on the Mile @ Miracle Mile VIRTUAL - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmCider n Cinnamon -Inside Holiday Pop-Up Shops @ Edgebrook - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmFlo Presents: Pet Pictures With Santa @ Village Green - view event11:00 am - 2:00 pmCheery Carolers @ Beef-a-Roo - view event12:00 pm - 1:30 pmFestival of Lights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event5:00 pm - 11:00 pmCommunity Christmas Spectacular Drive-Thru Experience @ City First Church - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmSunday, December 6, 2020Winter Porch Pot Classes @ The Landscape Connection - view event11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pmFamily Field Trip: American Indians - Their History @ Atwood Park - view event12:00 pm - 3:00 pmFestival of Lights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event5:00 pm - 11:00 pmFollow Rockford Buzz on social media:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/"Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile AppsGrab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.comBecome a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

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Write Your Letters to Santa!

We're in the final countdown to Christmas. Do your kiddos still need to get those letters out to Santa? If you want to use the fancy drop-off boxes here in Rockford that deliver letters straight to the big man in the North Pole, you have until Monday, December 7 to drop them off!Here are the locations around the city:FurstStaffing, 2580 Charles Street, RockfordRockford City Hall, 425 E. State Street (south side of building), RockfordDavis Park, Chestnut & Wyman Streets by the City Tree, RockfordJanenes Event Design Studio Social Café, 607 West State Street, Studio B, RockfordIllinois Bank & Trust, 4571 Guilford Road, Rockford, OR 308 West State Street, RockfordMake sure the kids get those letters written and addressed by Monday so they can get a response! What's more magical than getting a letter back from Santa?

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Winter Holiday Decorating - You've Been Challenged!

Do you take pride in your holiday decorations? Maybe you want to be the best-looking house on the block. Now, you can be entered to win $250 for putting up a beautiful display!This year, the City of Rockford and the RACVB is challenging everyone to spread some joy and holiday happiness. Decorate your home and snap some photos. All you have to do is post them to social media with the hashtag #Decorate815 to be entered to win!From City of Rockford:Post a photo of your outdoor décor to Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter using the hashtag #Decorate815, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $250 cash prize, sponsored by ComEd. (If the audience is only set to “friends,” or your account is private, we will not see your photos. Please make sure they are viewable by the public.) Photos must be posted by noon on Monday, December 14th. Light displays are always fun to drive around and see. Let's spread some more cheer and beauty this year!We can't wait to see all of your photos!

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Podcast Ep. 66 - Majestic Reindeer & Shiny Lights

Rockford is in the full swing of the holiday season. The city is all lit up with Christmas light displays. If you haven't heard, there's also a decorating contest! This week, we talk about some of our favorite decorations and where you can go to see pretty lights all around town!Are you decorating your home this year?Listen and SubscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rockford-buzz-the-podcast/id1476352352?uo=4 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yb2NrZm9yZGJ1enoubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1C4xPSfrxrGq2MP6OKVcY0 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/rockford-buzz-the-podcast Follow us on social media:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/"Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile AppsGrab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.comBecome a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

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Your Input Needed! 11th Street Corridor Study

The City of Rockford wants your input. They're conducting a study of the 11th Street Corridor from Blackhawk Road to Charles Street. The purpose and goals for the study are as follows:Focusing on transportation solutions to improve pedestrian safety, reduce pedestrian fatalities, and beautify the corridorInform the community on how to move forward, beyond the study, while achieving the goals of the communityFocus on improvements within the right of way such as sidewalks and lighting, utilizing a complete streets mentality such that the right of way improvement are conducive to drive economic growthUtilize the improvements within the right of way as a catalyst to attract people to the areaUnderstand that the corridor should be cohesive, while noting the different characteristics of each sectionProvide a conceptual cost for right of way improvements for future programmingThere will be a virtual public meeting on December 2nd at 6:00 pm. Sign up HERE to receive the zoom link. You can also visit the website to provide input and/or register to attend the public meeting: https://projectmeetingonline.com/11th-street-corridor-study/If you have some thoughts or ideas for the city, make your voice heard! We can't wait to see where this project goes.

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Kick-Off to the Winter Holiday Season!

photo via GoRockfordOn Saturday, November 28, at approximately 6:52 pm, the Rockford night sky will be lit up with a firework display courtesy of GoRockford and Illinois Bank & Trust. In addition to the fireworks display, the "Stroll on State Merry & Bright Holiday Special" and Davis Park Tree Lighting will be televised on Channel 13 WREX from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Saturday is a day to celebrate the start to the winter holiday season. It's also a day to support our local businesses. It's Small Business Saturday which encourages shopping Small Businesses for your holiday gifts. A lot of our local Rockford businesses are open on Saturday. Many of them also have online shops so you can support them from the comfort of your own home! Put up some holiday decor, support local businesses, then enjoy a wonderful fireworks display. GoRockford has different fireworks launch points around the city. In order to not attract crowds, they won't be disclosing the locations. The City of Rockford and GoRockford are inviting and urging Rockford families to celebrate the night from the safety warmth of their homes. 2020 has been a difficult year all around. Let's all work together to make this holiday season special!

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Weekend Roundup November 27-29!

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Podcast Ep. 65 - Predicting Weather & Giving Thanks

We recorded this podcast on Monday. Jake said there wouldn’t be snow. GUESS WHAT ROCKFORD WOKE UP TO ON TUESDAY?! Blame Jake.On a brighter note, there are two great holidays this week. Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday. We are so thankful for our listeners and followers and for our local business community here in Rockford. This year, more than ever, we all need a little more support. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.Listen and SubscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rockford-buzz-the-podcast/id1476352352?uo=4 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yb2NrZm9yZGJ1enoubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1C4xPSfrxrGq2MP6OKVcY0 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/rockford-buzz-the-podcast Follow us on social media:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/"Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile AppsGrab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.comBecome a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

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Sanctuary Hospice Partners with Franchesco’s to offer Free Dinner to Healthcare Workers & Hospice Families

As a celebration of National Hospice Month, Sanctuary Hospice of Rockford wanted to do something special for their hospice families as well as for our local healthcare workers. So they came up with “Dine & Dash” – a program where those families who are currently under the care of Sanctuary Hospice and any local doctors, nurses and healthcare worker could partake in signing up for a Free Dinner from Franchesco’s!“The response has been overwhelming,” say Michelle Lamay General Manager of Franchesco’s Restaurant Group. “We had over 100 families call in to take part!”Those who took advantage of this generous offer from Sanctuary Hospice will receive a dinner for 4 people including a choice of either pizza and a salad or pasta and a salad. They will pick up their orders TONIGHT (Tuesday 11/24) between 4:30 – 6:30pm from the drive through window at Franchesco’s.“We love this idea and we were happy to partner with Sanctuary Hospice to give deserving people in our local community a boost,” says Michelle Lamay. “We also see this type of “Dine & Dash” program as a real easy option for other local business who may want to offer a holiday dinner to employees as a thank you, but are finding it hard to implement any type of holiday gathering. This is a perfect solution – and we make it easy,” she adds.

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Rockford IceHogs Garage Sale

Are you missing hockey and wanting to fill your fall with some IceHogs goodness? Well, we don't have a start date for hockey yet. But, there is some good nes. The Rockford IceHogs are hosting their offseason Garage Sale on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the arena floor of BMO Harris Bank Center. IceHogs Season Ticket Holders who have paid for or placed a deposit for the 2020-21 season will have early access to the sale from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Masks are required for entrance and fans will enter BMO Harris Bank Center through doors off of Elm Street. Hand sanitizing stations will be readily available at the entrances as well inside BMO Harris Bank Center. Signs, floor markers and stanchions will also be easily identifiable and encourage safe physical distancing. BMO Harris Bank Center and the Rockford IceHogs are closely following all health and safety protocols issued by the Winnebago County Health Department and the City of Rockford. During the sale, fans can stock up on great Holiday gifts including many unique a IceHogs items including game-worn jerseys and equipment and merchandise priced $10 or less! Fans can also grab select merchandise from the IceHogs’ 2019-20 season for up to 60% off! The IceHogs are also debuting NEW merchandise for the upcoming year! All merchandise at the Garage Sale are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and items not sold in-person may also be available for purchase online at IceHogs.com or via auction through DASH in the IceHogs mobile app. Advanced sales and holds are not available. Fans can always browse and shop the IceHogs’ online store at IceHogs.com. The online store is fully stocked with numerous IceHogs-branded novelty items and includes an expanded inventory featuring your favorite IceHogs jerseys, clothing, outerwear, hats, youth items, novelties and gift certificates.

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Midway Village Museum December Hours!

Ranked by visitors to Northern Illinois as a top attraction, Midway Village Museum is an authentic experience combining history, heritage and the exhibition of artifacts to create an unforgettable, educational visitor experience.During December the Midway Village Museum Main Museum Center is open to the public with modified hours and with small groups of 10 only allowed inside the museum center. Visitors have the chance to view many permanent exhibits in the Main Museum Center featuring the "Many Faces, One Community" immigrant experience exhibit. These are self-guided and is a walk through experience of the Main Museum Center exhibit galleries. Additionally, many other exhibits feature early pioneer life in Rockford, the sock monkey and its ties to manufacturing and the Rockford Peaches. Free guided weekend tours are available through Sunday, November 22. Reservations are also required for these tours and are also on a first come, first served basis. To make a reservation for the two hour free guided weekend tour click here https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midwayvillage/items/265960/?full-items=yes&flow=59316. Museum Members are free, however reservations at this time are required. Members may call the Front Desk and speak to a museum representative to make a reservation. Call 815-397-9112.All social distancing protocols are required by visitors to the museum campus at this time. Tours will be in groups of 10 people or less. Everyone on the museum campus must wear a mask. Advance registration is required.Visitors arriving to the museum with no reservations are on a first come-first served basis.Check the museum website for any hours of operation changes which may possibly occur due to COVID-19 guidelines.Questions? Call 815-397-9112.

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Discovery Center’s Annual Bubble Festival to go Virtual This Year

The Bubble Festival is one of Discovery Center’s longest running annual events, and every year the performances sell out. Each year children are mesmerized with the bubble shapes “bubbleologist” Geoff Akins creates with ordinary soapy water and imagination! Like so many other events this year, the festival is going virtual. Families can enjoy Geoff and his Bubble Wonders show from the comfort of their own homes on Saturday, November 21 at 10:30 am. Bubble Wonders is an uplifting show, full of surprises, using bubbles to inspire others to follow their dreams. Geoff creates huge dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round & even the impossi-bubble SQUARE bubble! Geoff combines incredible bubble wizardry with whimsical words of wisdom and leaves the audience feeling like truly anything is possible! At the end of the performance, Geoff hosts a live, interactive Q&A with viewers. Children can ask questions, get tips, and try creating their own bubble magic! “The show will be done over Zoom, and there is a limited number of reservations available, so we suggest people purchase tickets soon,” says Discovery Center Marketing Director Ann Marie Walker. Akins performs about 300 shows a year and has entertained more than one million people during his career. He has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, National Geographic Channel, and WGN. His corporate clients include Google, Toyota, Macy’s, IBM, Whole Foods and many more. He has been entertaining and educating children for more than 30 years. In addition to ticket purchases supporting Discovery Center’s efforts to serve the Rockford Region, a portion of all proceeds will go to the Northern Illinois Food Bank as part of Geoff’s FEED HOPE Tour. Virtual seats are just $10/family for museum members and $12/family for the public. A separate reservation is required for each device with which viewers wish to log on and watch the show. Reserve tickets at http://bit.ly/BubbleWonders or call 815-963-6769. The event is sponsored by Dr. Zak’s Tooth Fairy Castle Pediatric Dentistry and Thermo Fisher Scientific, with additional support by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. About Discovery Center MuseumDiscovery Center Museum is a children’s science museum providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits and an award-winning outdoor park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. Discovery Center and earned a 2020 Trip Advisor “Traveler’s Choice” award. Discovery Center Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $9 adults, $9 children (ages 2 to 17) and free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Current temporary hours open are: 10:00 am-Noon and 1-3:00 pm Wednesday – Sunday. For additional information regarding Discovery Center Museum, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

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Shattered Dreams

The news that awaited Maude M. Stuart when she arrived in Rockford from Chicago was devastating. The doctors that were treating her fiancé Harry Wellman were not optimistic about his survival. Maude and Harry were supposed to be married on Christmas Eve in 1901 but doctors now feared that family members would be attending Harry’s funeral instead of his wedding. Maude was only 19 years old and lived close to Harry in Chicago. The newspapers all described Maude as very pretty and extremely stoic throughout the ordeal.Harry Wellman was only twenty four years old in 1901. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as a tank inspector for the water division and lived in Western Springs, Illinois. Harry was in Waterloo, Iowa to repair a water tank when he secured a seat on the Omaha Special passenger train on December 14, 1901 to hurry home to his fiancé and his upcoming wedding. Harry had been away from home for over three weeks, leaving Maude to work with the families to finish the last minute wedding preparations.Maude was with Wellman’s family when the news of a horrendous train wreck was delivered in a telegram. They hurried to Rockford to be with Harry still unaware of what had actually happened. Harry’s arm had been horribly mangled in a train wreck that occurred on December 14, 1901.The newspapers called this accident the worst in Winnebago history during that time and stated that it should have never happened. A freight train that was traveling west had a head on collision with a passenger train that was approaching from the east. The accident happened two miles east of the city and the details of this horrific crash proved that it was astonishing that anyone survived. The trains both caught on fire immediately after the crash and people who survived the initial impact were once again in danger. They fled the train with clothing in tatters and terribly injured. That December night was frigid with temperatures falling well below the zero mark adding another type of threat for the passengers.Nine men were killed in the initial wreck and more perished from the fire. Though the men that died that night were not from Rockford, the community joined together to care for the living and the dead.Harry was in such excruciating pain after the accident that he begged his rescuers to throw him into the snow so he could freeze to death. They worked to keep him alive until help arrived. Harry was brought to Rockford with several other train wreck victims and treated in the City Hospital. He was the most severely injured of all the survivors and doctors decided that amputation was the only way to save Harry’s life. They amputated Harry’s arm right below the elbow.Maude stayed by Harry’s side through his long, painful recovery, never giving up on the dream that one day they would walk down the aisle in the wedding that she had worked so hard to plan.It took two long years for Harry to regain his health during which he fought the Illinois Central Railroad for a reasonable settlement for the loss of his arm. They finally compromised on $12,000.00 which at that time was the largest sum ever paid for a claim of any kind.The couple was finally married in 1903 and though it wasn’t quite the wedding she had originally planned, the day was a dream come true for this young couple.Kathi Kresol is a local author and historian. She has been researching Rockford’s past for over a decade. Kathi shares these stories in her books, presentations, and her events. See Kathi’s upcoming schedule on her website: www.hauntedrockford.com.

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Massage Therapist with a Heart for Veterans

When Lieutenant Will Webber asked Jena on their first date, she knew that it was only a matter of time before her life was going to be completely immersed into the military life. Five children and 30 years later, the Webbers are not strangers to the hardships that come with the military.“I think we moved 10 times in the first 10 years of our marriage.. if you count TDYs and TLQs.” B-52 pilot, SAC warrior Lt Will Webber said. During an overseas tour in Panama, the Webbers opened their home to feed single service members and give them a safe place to hang out. “While on tour our kids loved playing with the guests and had many babysitters.” Meanwhile, Jena made her delicious meals to share with everyone. “We have so many memories of those days. We learned to speak Spanish, got to know some of the locals, and we had a big iguana that lived near our home that we called ‘George’.”Their oldest son, inspired by his family, started serving as an instructor pilot in the Air Force.After 12 years, the Webbers left military life, and settled in Rockford, IL. Jena went back to school, to become a licensed massage therapist. She is an approved provider for Optum Health Veterans Program. “When they called and asked me to serve as a therapist for veterans, I jumped at the chance. It is such a privilege to give back to the men and women in uniform and say ‘thank you’ in my own way. There was nothing harder or more life changing than the years we spent as a military family.” Jena Webber works at Chris Scott Wellness as a massage therapist and pilates instructor.Chris Scott Wellness is well known in the community. A leader in alternative pain management using medical massage, physical therapy, and medical pilates.Chris Scott Wellness1752 Windsor RdLoves Park, IL 61111(815) 977-3747

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Twisted Stitches Virtual Yarn Party with Rockford Public Library

If you are a knitter or crocheter, you know these activities can be extremely social even if you are just working on your own project. Due to COVID-19, many crafting groups have not been able to get together and meet for some community chats while crafting. Rockford Public Library is swooping in with a VIRTUAL yarn crafter hangout. You can get some great conversation, meet others with the same hobby, and show off what you're currently making!Twisted Stitches is happening: Tuesday, November 10 from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pmTuesday, November 17 from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pmPlease register to receive a link to join this meeting via Webex at https://bit.ly/31NIxkX.

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Nik’s Wish Pivots from Lincoln Test Drive to Virtual Tour!

On Thursday, November 12th at Noon or 4pm (your choice), enjoy a brief Virtual Tour of Lincoln luxury vehicles. Then take a short Survey. For each participant completing the Tour and Survey, Lincoln will donate, $25 to Nik’s Wish. If at least 150 of you participate, Lincoln will donate $3,750 to Nik’s Wish!For the past two years, Belvidere Ford Lincoln (Manley Motors) has hosted a Test Drive a Lincoln mini-event during our October Nik’s Home Run big-event at Rivets Stadium. In 2018, the Test Drive raised $3,260 for Nik’s Wish from Lincoln; in 2019, it raised $3,440. Due to this year’s pandemic, we had to drastically cut-back on our in-person Nik’s Home Run and couldn’t hold the Test Drive. Amazingly, considering the circumstances, Nik’s Home Run fell just $3,000 short of our $60,000 goal (to provide wishes for 10 young adult cancer warriors).Accordingly, our wonderful Test Drive coordinator, Karen Manley Kahler smartly pivoted by making arrangements so we can now do a Virtual Lincoln Tour on November 12th. If we can get enough of you to participate, we can easily make up that $3,000 shortfall!If you’re at least 18 years old, here’s how you can participate in the Virtual Tour to help Nik’s Wish:1. Bring up the Registration Form using this link: https://dtg.events/PXQXK82. In filling out the form, use your unique addresses. NOTE: If you and your loved ones use the same addresses, only one of you will be counted.3. Select Noon or 4pm CDT for your Virtual Tour. Different vehicles are featured on each Tour: Noon: Aviator & Navigator 4pm: Corsair & Nautilus4. Submit the Form and you’ll receive a Confirmation email with a Zoom Link to your November 12th Virtual Tour.5. On November 12th, a few minutes before your chosen time, select the Zoom Link. Then Kick Back (for about 24 minutes) & ENJOY the Tour!6. Complete a short Survey & CA-CHING, Nik’s Wish gets $25!Please INVITE all your Family & Friends to also participate and help out our young adult cancer warriors like Jerri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNFQj1-RIbU&feature=youtu.beAll proceeds benefit the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation (a.k.a. Nik’s Wish). Nik’s Wish is a Rockford based, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charity, whose mission is to BRING JOY throughout the nation to young adults (18-24), and their loved ones, fighting cancer. We do this by granting and then fulfilling wishes for these young cancer warriors who are too old for Make-A-Wish type programs. Since its founding in 2012, Nik’s Wish has granted over 190 wishes in 34 states. To learn more, visit our website www.NiksWish.org or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NikolasRitschelFoundation/.To date, thanks to the hard work of Lincoln dealerships throughout the United States (like Manley Motors), the Lincoln Driven to Give program has raised more than $11 million for local schools and nonprofit charities like Nik’s Wish.

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Nicholas Conservatory Field Trip Opportunities

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory invites school groups to escape to the tropics with its newly redesigned field trips for 2020/2021. Group programs of 30 or 45 minutes can be scheduled as virtual, virtual plus hands-on kits, or in-person, with a variety of topics from which to choose.Current field trip topics include:Great Greenhouses Learn how the Conservatory captures the power of the sun to extend seasons and grow tropical plants year-roundPredatory Plants Discover the fascinating world of carnivorous plants, and learn how and why these plants have adapted to eating insectsA Plant’s Life Explore the life of plants by taking a closer look at the functions of each part of the plant, and what plants need to grow For virtual programs, fees range from $25 per group plus $1 per student (without activity kit), to $40 per group plus $3 or $5 per student (includes activity kit), depending on program length and option chosen.For in-person visits, fees are $8 per student ($10 non-resident), and $5 per chaperone ($8 non-resident); teachers are free. Safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District. The District has worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois, and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure a fun and safe recreational experience. Complete information is posted at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/playitsafe.To book either type of field trip, visit https://nicholasconservatory.com/book-a-field-trip or call 815-987-1654. For more information about Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens and other virtual and in-person programs and classes, at-home activity boxes, in-person admission fees and facility hours, as well as memberships, events, facility rentals, and group activities, visit www.nicholasconservatory.com or call 815-987-8858, where information on accessibility for in-person visitors with disabilities and special needs is also available.

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Smashing Pumpkins at Discovery Center Museum

Have you ever wanted to take your jack-o-lanterns and launch them into the air with a catapult? What about taking a big mallet to the the pumpkin and seeing what will happen?Pumpkins aren't only fun for carving. They're also great for destroying and eating. Livestock find them particularly yummy. Why am I asking? Discovery Center Museum's annual Smashing Pumpkins is coming up this weekend. On Sunday, November 8, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm you can witness pumpkin destruction that is fun and educational for the whole family. From Discovery Center:Newton’s laws of motion take on new perspective as jack-o’-lanterns turn into exciting science! Choose a method to smash, crack, split or pitch your pumpkin…our new “Mighty Mallet,” new “Smash-a-tine” or perennial crowd favorite giant catapult! We’ll even show you what happens to pumpkins when liquid nitrogen is added to the fun! At the end, pumpkin pieces are collected and fed to local livestock, so everyone wins! That's right - Not only are you having fun launching, smashing, cracking, or splitting your jack-o-lanterns, you're also helping to feed local livestock!Advance registration is required. Masks are required for indoor and outdoor activities. Admission for indoor + outdoor activities is $9/person. Admission for outdoor activities ONLY is $3/person. Museum members and children ages 1 and younger are free. Register online at http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/reservations#Reserve The event is sponsored by Dr. Zak’s Tooth Fairy Castle Pediatric Dentistry and Thermo Fisher Scientific, and is also partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

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Color the World Orange Day: CRPS Awareness

In 2014, Color the World Orange Day was founded to bring awareness to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS). It’s the first Monday in November, which is today. When I saw this come across the internet this morning, it caught my eye because I’d never heard of it. I did some research and had to look up if any of our facilities here in Rockford treat CRPS.I hope this is helpful if you may be struggling or know someone who is struggling with an undiagnosed condition. The good news is that we do have healthcare professionals here in Rockford that do treat CRPS. Here is some more information for you.Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a painful, and often debilitating disorder which is believed to be a malfunction of the nervous system. There is not one known cause, but many patients have a history of injury or trauma.Some symptoms of CRPS include, but are not limited to:Prolonged and excessive pain. In the case of injury, the pain develops long after healingPins-and-needles or burning sensationsInflammationIncreased skin sensitivityMuscle pain and weaknessJoint stiffnessCRPS can be long-lasting or could go into remission fairly quickly after onset. Thankfully, treatment is available. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and/or psychotherapy.We have two wonderful healthcare facilities here in Rockford that treat patients with CRPS.A lot of the info in this piece came from OrthoIllinois’s page on CRPS which you can find here for more information: https://www.orthoillinois.com/hand-wrist-elbow/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps/OrthoIllinois5875 East Riverside Blvd.Rockford, IL 61114(779) 771-7000324 Roxbury RoadRockford, IL 61107(815) 398-9491https://www.orthoillinois.com/Rockford Pain Center2902 McFarland Rd #202Rockford, IL 61107https://rockfordpaincenter.com/

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Get Early Holiday Shopping Done at Roxy Carmichael!

I’m going to let you in on a secret. Something I really enjoy is getting my holiday shopping done early. I love giving gifts, so being able to have everything purchased and ready to go before the last minute rush is so satisfying.Do you relate to that feeling? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to know what that feels like, but shopping always ends up getting shoved to the back burner . . .Well, I’ve got an event for you to check out!Roxy Carmichael is hosting a Holiday Open House this week from Tuesday to Saturday. What better way to get some of your shopping done early?Here’s what you can expect:A gift with every purchaseDraw for a holiday discount of 10-35% off of your regular priced purchaseGet a free $10 gift card with every $50 gift card you purchaseFree gift bag wrappingFree 25% off Roxybucks coupon to use on your next visitA free Roxy Shopper Bag if you spend $200+!See, there are more incentives to shopping early than just peace of mind.Roxy Carmichael is located at 310 N. Alpine RoadHoliday Open House Hours:NOVEMBER 3, 4 & 5 - 10 am til 6 pmNOVEMBER 6 & 7 - 10 am til 4 pmHappy Shopping!

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Weekend Roundup October 30 - November 1!

Happy Halloween! The spookiest weekend of the year has arrived! Here is your Weekend Roundup :) Friday, October 30, 2020WIFR Annual Halloween Blood Drive @ Rock River Valley Blood Center - view event6:00 am - 1:30 pmSpook-Tacular Week! @ Anderson Japanese Gardens - view event9:00 am - 5:00 pmSpooky Science Days @ Discovery Center Museum - view event10:00 am - 12:00 pmFamily Garden Hike @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - view event10:00 am - 10:45 amHalloween Open Hours @ Scavenged P – ARTs Antiques + Oddities - view event11:00 am - 6:00 pmLegacy of Steven Larsen Zoom Series October - view event12:00 pm - 12:30 pmScience For All! @ Burpee Museum - view event5:00 pm - 6:00 pmLGBT History Month Movie @ Nordlof Center - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmFestival of Frights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmEvening of Illumination @ Midway Village Museum - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Axe Marks The Spots Halloween Glow Throw @ Axe Marks the Spot - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, October 31, 2020Cell Phones for Soldiers @ Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmSpooky Science Days @ Discovery Center Museum - view event10:00 am & 1:00 pmFall on the Farm @ Lockwood Park - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmHalloween Open Hours @ Scavenged P – ARTs Antiques + Oddities - view event11:00 am - 6:00 pmKa-Bao: an Octane/Disco Chicken Collab @ Abreo Restaurant - view event11:00 am - 3:00 pmTrick & Treat @ Wolf Hollow - view event12:00 pm - 5:00 pmHalloween At 317! @ 317 Art Collective - view event12:00 pm - 4:00 pmCell Phones for Soldiers @ Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmFestival of Frights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmAxe Marks The Spots Halloween Glow Throw @ Axe Marks the Spot - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmSunday, November 1, 2020Family Field Trip: Howl at the Moon @ Atwood Park - view event5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

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INDOOR YOUTH GOLF LESSONS BEGIN IN NOVEMBER

Rockford Park District invites youth ages 5-18 to sign up soon for recently scheduled indoor golf instruction programs that begin November 3 and 9, 2020 at the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park, IL.The Junior Series is for ages 5-7, 8-12, and 13-17, in sessions that meet once a week either Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, November 3-17 or November 4-18, 2020, for the fee of $45 ($54 non-resident). Lessons are led by certified instructors, with focus areas specific to each age group, from introductory game-based learning, to emphasis on mechanics, to enhancement of individual skills, respectively. For complete program descriptions of the three instruction levels, visit www.golfrockford.org/lessons.LPGA/USGA Girls Golf is for girls only, ages 8-11 and 12-18, and meets Monday evenings, November 9-December 21, 2020. This national program promotes enjoying golf for a lifetime, while also inspiring girls to feel confident, build positive self-esteem, and live active and healthy lives. PGA and certified instructors lead the lessons, which focus on the “5 E’s” of the program; the fee is $90 ($108 non-resident). For more information about the national program, visit www.girlsgolf.org.Schedule details for both programs are posted at www.golfrockford.org/lessons.Register at least one week prior to each session start date, either at www.golfrockford.org/lessons, or at Park District Customer Service locations: UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford, or Carlson Ice Arena or Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park. Information about fee assistance eligibility and an installment payment plan, as well as on possible inclusion support and programs for golfers with disabilities, is available from Park District Customer Service at 815-987-8800.A PGA Jr. Simulator League is planned for Saturday mornings, November 14-December 19, 2020, at Skybox at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park - check www.golfrockford.org/indoor-golf for more information to come soon!Safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District. The District has worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois, and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure a fun and safe recreational experience. Complete information is posted at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/playitsafe.

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Museum Offers Visitors Free Weekend Tours Starting Saturday, October 31

Midway Village Museum will open its Victorian Village and Main Museum Center free to the public as a special way to say we are sorry for any frustrations visitors felt when trying to come out to the recent All Hallows' Eve Drive Thru special event. Overwhelming attendance, resulted in many visitors arriving to the museum and not being able to be a part of the day.The museum staff extends this free opportunity to enjoy the museum, its campus and learn about Rockford's past as a way of telling the public we are listening to the feedback and comments associated with the All Hallows' Eve Drive Thru special event. The museum is opening its doors for visitors to come and enjoy a free two-hour guided experience in both the Victorian Village and Main Museum Center. Visitors will enjoy a seasonal guided tour and walk through the permanent exhibits inside the Main Museum Center, with an Interpreter in period costume discussing a variety of aspects of Rockford history including life during the years between 1890 to 1910. A history Interpreter will provide the entire two-hour tour. The free weekend tours are available on the dates listed below: Saturday, October 31Sunday, November 1Saturday, November 7Sunday, November 8Saturday, November 14Sunday, November 15Saturday, November 21Sunday, November 22Tour HoursThe Victorian Village and Main Museum Center tour will last two hours and begin at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. and are on a first come, first served basis. The last tour begins at 2 pm. There are only 20 tickets available for each tour time to accommodate for social distancing due to COVID-19. Click here to receive your complimentary tickets to make a reservation for the two-hour guided tour https://tinyurl.com/freetourweekendsatMidway. Visitors & Museum Members Must Make A ReservationYou must make a reservation to visit the museum during these free days. To make reservations go to https://tinyurl.com/freetourweekendsatMidway or call to speak to a Front Desk representative during regular business hours at 815-397-9112. Museum members interested in these tours should also make a reservation by going online or calling the museum's Front Desk to speak to a museum representative.Walk-in visitors will be served on a first come, first served basis, with the possibility of a wait until the next tour is available. Visitors should dress for the weather and wear walking shoes for these tours as part of the tour is outside. Tours are planned with social distancing guidelines and everyone on the museum campus must wear a mask. In addition to a guided tour of the Victorian Village, visitors will learn stories about Rockford history inside the Main Museum Center and view many artifacts related to Rockford's past including the Many Faces, One Community exhibit. Visitors will receive an activity and treat for each child to take home.Should you have further questions, please call 815-397-9112.

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Spooky Science Days at Discovery Center

If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to celebrate Halloween, Discovery Center Museum has got you covered! Get the kiddos dressed up in their costumes and masks and head over to Discovery Center for SPOOKY SCIENCE DAYS!Thursday, October 29 – Saturday, October 31 from 10-Noon and 1-3:00 pm each day.You'll be able to create slime, creatures, and more! Think of all the usual Discovery Center fun and ramp it up even more for a Halloween celebration!Admission includes all activities and is $9 per person for the general public; free for members and children ages 1 and younger. Parking is free at 711 N. Main Street. Advance reservations required. Reserve tickets online at https://discoverycentermuseum.tamretail.net/SelectEvent.aspx?eventid=1004681 or call 815-963-6769. Face coverings are required for everyone ages 6 and older.This event is sponsored by Dr. Zak Pediatric Dentistry and Thermo Fisher Scientific and it is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

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Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 14 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Weekend Roundup December 4-6!

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Weekend Roundup December 4-6!

Write Your Letters to Santa!

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Write Your Letters to Santa!

Winter Holiday Decorating - You've Been Challenged!

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Winter Holiday Decorating - You've Been Challenged!

Podcast Ep. 66 - Majestic Reindeer & Shiny Lights

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Podcast Ep. 66 - Majestic Reindeer & Shiny Lights

Your Input Needed! 11th Street Corridor Study

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Your Input Needed! 11th Street Corridor Study

Kick-Off to the Winter Holiday Season!

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Kick-Off to the Winter Holiday Season!

Weekend Roundup November 27-29!

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Weekend Roundup November 27-29!

Podcast Ep. 65 - Predicting Weather & Giving Thanks

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Podcast Ep. 65 - Predicting Weather & Giving Thanks

Sanctuary Hospice Partners with Franchesco’s to offer Free Dinner to Healthcare Workers & Hospice Families

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Sanctuary Hospice Partners with Franchesco’s to offer Free Dinner to Healthcare Workers & Hospice Families

Rockford IceHogs Garage Sale

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Rockford IceHogs Garage Sale

Midway Village Museum December Hours!

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Midway Village Museum December Hours!

Discovery Center’s Annual Bubble Festival to go Virtual This Year

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Discovery Center’s Annual Bubble Festival to go Virtual This Year

Shattered Dreams

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Shattered Dreams

Massage Therapist with a Heart for Veterans

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Massage Therapist with a Heart for Veterans

Twisted Stitches Virtual Yarn Party with Rockford Public Library

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Twisted Stitches Virtual Yarn Party with Rockford Public Library

Nik’s Wish Pivots from Lincoln Test Drive to Virtual Tour!

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Nik’s Wish Pivots from Lincoln Test Drive to Virtual Tour!

Nicholas Conservatory Field Trip Opportunities

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Nicholas Conservatory Field Trip Opportunities

Smashing Pumpkins at Discovery Center Museum

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Smashing Pumpkins at Discovery Center Museum

Color the World Orange Day: CRPS Awareness

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Color the World Orange Day: CRPS Awareness

Get Early Holiday Shopping Done at Roxy Carmichael!

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Get Early Holiday Shopping Done at Roxy Carmichael!

Weekend Roundup October 30 - November 1!

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Weekend Roundup October 30 - November 1!

INDOOR YOUTH GOLF LESSONS BEGIN IN NOVEMBER

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INDOOR YOUTH GOLF LESSONS BEGIN IN NOVEMBER

Museum Offers Visitors Free Weekend Tours Starting Saturday, October 31

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Museum Offers Visitors Free Weekend Tours Starting Saturday, October 31

Spooky Science Days at Discovery Center

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Spooky Science Days at Discovery Center

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