Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

This coming week is a fun one. We have a week-long lead up to Halloween! Now, Halloween may look a bit different this year due to COVID-19, but that doesn't mean all of the fun has to be lost. You know what's cool about this holiday? You get to dress up in costumes, and you can add as many layers as you want to them to make them warm so going outside is enjoyable. And, being outside is a great way to spend your time while being COVID-conscious. I say all of that to bring you this awesome bit of news. This week at Anderson Japanese Gardens, all children who come dressed up in their Halloween costumes receive FREE admission to the Gardens along with a pre-packaged bag of treats during regular garden hours!From Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30, bring out your spooky children and enjoy the beautiful fall-scapes of Anderson Japanese Gardens. You'll be outdoors, there's plenty of room to stay distanced from others while enjoying nature and the awesome fall colors!Enjoy nature. Enjoy family time. Enjoy some Halloween fun!If you go to enjoy the Gardens this week, we would love to see your photos! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.comBecome a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

Welcome to the weekend! This weekend is full of spooky events for you and the family. Here's a list for you to check out!Friday, October 23, 2020Metro Staff Hiring Event @ The Workforce Connection - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmFestival of Frights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmParanormal Tour with The Society for Anomalous Studies @ Tinker Swiss Cottage - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, October 24, 2020RECORD STORE DAY Drop 3 @ Culture Shock - view event8:00 am - 6:00 pmFall on the Farm @ Lockwood Park - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmNCG TO-GrOw: Bat Houses @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - view event10:00 am - 1:00 pmAxes & Ales: Round 2 @ Urban Forest Craft Brewing - view event 4:30 pm - 8:30 pmFestival of Frights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmSpook the Dells @ Severson Dells - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmGood Karrma @ Shooter's East - view event 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm Sunday, October 25, 2020Family Field Trip: Jr. Conservationist @ Atwood Park - view event12:00 pm - 5:00 pmFestival of Frights @ Sinnissippi Park - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmMusic at the Dells: Kyshona @ Severson Dells - view event7:00 pm - 8:30 pmGrab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.comBecome a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

The winter holiday season is fast approaching and Mayor Tom McNamara needs help! Each year, the mayor sends out a holiday card to companies and organizations that make our community move forward. Once again this year, he’d like to use a card designed by a Rockford elementary or middle school student.Here are the guidelines:· Design should be secular or appropriate for all religions and should help capture the feeling of the holiday spirit in Rockford.· Artwork must be original and no larger than 8.5” x 11”.· Design should be created with crayon, water colors, paints, pencil, ink, markers, or colored pencil, so that the winning art can be easily reproduced.· The mayor will have some experts help him choose the winner.  The winner will receive:· Their design/name on the holiday card and 10 copies of the card· A $25 gift card to Beef-A-Roo·  A $25 gift card to Rockford Art DeliSubmit your original design by mail to:City of Rockford Mayor’s Office425 East State StreetRockford, IL 61104Entrants should include their name, address, phone number, school, grade, and age. Artwork must be received in the Mayor’s Office no later than November 6, 2020, for consideration.For more information, visit www.rockfordil.gov/holiday.

The winter holiday season is fast approaching and Mayor Tom McNamara needs help! Each year, the mayor sends out a holiday card to companies and organizations that make our community move forward. Once again this year, he’d like to use a card designed by a Rockford elementary or middle school student.Here are the guidelines:· Design should be secular or appropriate for all religions and should help capture the feeling of the holiday spirit in Rockford.· Artwork must be original and no larger than 8.5” x 11”.· Design should be created with crayon, water colors, paints, pencil, ink, markers, or colored pencil, so that the winning art can be easily reproduced.· The mayor will have some experts help him choose the winner.  The winner will receive:· Their design/name on the holiday card and 10 copies of the card· A $25 gift card to Beef-A-Roo·  A $25 gift card to Rockford Art DeliSubmit your original design by mail to:City of Rockford Mayor’s Office425 East State StreetRockford, IL 61104Entrants should include their name, address, phone number, school, grade, and age. Artwork must be received in the Mayor’s Office no later than November 6, 2020, for consideration.For more information, visit www.rockfordil.gov/holiday.

The results are in! After receiving nominations and putting it to the vote, we’ve found Rockford’s favorite Fall Attraction!EDWARDS APPLE ORCHARD!With many types of apples to choose from, the donuts and cider, and all of the goodies inside the barn, Edwards Apple Orchard has become a staple for many Rockford-area families. The first trip out to Edwards for the season marks the arrival of fall.When the world turns to apples, pumpkin spice, and everything nice, we’re blessed to be surrounded by many great places.Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. The other nominees were:Curran’s OrchardEdwards WestFall DiddleyThe Pumpkin PatchValley Orchard

If you are looking for a fun, safe and not-too-scary Halloween celebration for youngsters, then look no further. Discovery Center Museum is hosting “Spooky Science Days” Thursday, October 29 – Saturday, October 31 from 10-Noon and 1-3:00 pm each day. Spooky Science invites families to come in costume and take part in some Halloween hijinks! Concoct gooey globs of slime, create a creature, play Monster Hide and Seek, and more. Have a bone-tickling good time in this event geared for mid-sized monsters and pint-sized poltergeists!                                                               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. 

If you’re into vinyl records, you know that Record Store Day is basically like Christmas. It’s something to celebrate and you get brand new gifts in the form of exclusive record drops.This year, with COVID-19 entering the picture, Record Store Day has looked a bit different. Instead of one huge day, it has been split up into 3 separate mini music-lover holidays.The good news is that drop number 3 hits this weekend, and we have some shops here in town where you can celebrate.If you want more info on the special releases for Saturday, check out the official Record Store Day website here: https://recordstoreday.com/If you're a music geek, mask up and head out to see if you can grab one of these exclusive records! Good luck!Culture Shock2239 Charles St.Rockford, IL 61104https://rockfordbuzz.com/culture-shock-clothing-and-records Toad Hall2106 BroadwayRockford, IL 61104https://rockfordbuzz.com/toad-hall-books-and-records

Experience The Darker Side of Victorian Life at Evening of IlluminationLearn how "dying to be beautiful" was true in the Victorian era.Attend a Victorian Mummy Unwrapping Party.Visit a Victorian wake and learn about mourning customs.Join the famous Emily Dickinson for some of her darkest poetry.Hear about the history of the casket industry and how it developed by the late 19th century.Try to contact the dead with true believer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and debunk seances with his friend Harry Houdini.Learn about the development of battlefield embalming during the Civil War.Guided by lantern light around the 13-acre Victorian Village, guests will visit seven 15-minute interactive stations.Admission is by pre-registration only. You can purchase your tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/eveningofillumination or visit the Museum Gift Shop. The registration deadline is 4 pm Thursday, October 29.Cost:$12 per person$10 Museum MemberThis program is recommended for ages 16 and up. Please dress for the weather and walking. This event is rain or shine -- all sales are final. Guests will check in at Gate B.Visitors must wear masks and practice social distancing while on the museum grounds. Hand sanitizer will be available for visitors to use. Also, for the safety of everyone, the staff is involved in daily temperature and wellness checks. History interpreter guides are also wearing masks and gloves at this time.Questions? Call 815-397-9112.Photo Credit: Ashley Durbin Photography, Evening of Illumination 2019

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory invites the community to a celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in the tropical Conservatory. This year’s event, part of the Nicholas at Night series of family friendly events, will be a smaller more intimate version, and will be held Saturday, November 7, 2020, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Advance registration is required by noon on Friday, November 6, 2020, at https://nicholasconservatory.com/nicholas-at-night for this year’s event.The Conservatory will be decked out for the occasion with marigolds, papel picado, and its large La Catrina figure, the holiday’s most recognizable image. The holiday originated in Mexico several thousand years ago to demonstrate remembrance, love, and respect for deceased family members and loved ones in colorful and festive ways, and is rich in symbolism. Attendees will experience the holiday through stories, art, and more.All activities are included with event fees. Due to limited capacity, new rates apply for Nicholas at Night events; rates vary by residency, age, and NCG membership status, and are posted at https://nicholasconservatory.com/nicholas-at-night.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.For additional information about Nicholas Conservatory programs, events, memberships, field trips, and rentals, visit www.nicholasconservatory.com, or call 815-987-8858, where information on accessibility for visitors with disabilities is also available.

Co-Responders Will Aid Those in Mental Health CrisisAfter many weeks of planning and development, officials from Winnebago County, the City of Rockford, and Rosecrance are pleased to announce the launch of the Co-Responder Pilot Program for Rockford and Winnebago County. Municipalities across the country are adopting similar programs where law enforcement and clinicians work together in response to calls that involve a person experiencing a behavioral health crisis. “This new model will provide law enforcement with appropriate alternatives to arrest,” says Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea. “Working with Rosecrance on these calls will allow us to be better serve the residents of our community.”During the three-month pilot, designated unit members will respond together for mental health crisis calls. The cohort group will train together and the program will be adapted based on metrics gathered in the months of November, December and January. The three agencies will share the cost of the pilot through their existing budgets.“We have long acknowledged the need to quickly help individuals who are experiencing a serious mental health episode, and through this pilot program we will identify how we can truly help individuals who need professional services, not jail,” said Gary Caruana, Winnebago County Sheriff. Data will be collected throughout the initial pilot to measure the effectiveness of the program and make changes, as necessary.“Representatives from all agencies are committed to developing an effective program that will provide the necessary response to help individuals in need, while also providing relief to first responders for more relevant calls,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.Rosecrance will assist with training the co-responder team, including Rockford police, county sheriff’s deputies, and Rosecrance staff. “Rosecrance is proud to be part of such a critical endeavor in our community to provide immediate, compassionate response to those experiencing a psychiatric crisis,” said Dave Gomel, president of Rosecrance Health Network. “Together we will ensure the Co-Responder team is professionally trained and competently equipped to address these critical situations.”The co-responder pilot program is expected to launch on November 1, 2020.

The time has come to vote!Fall is a great season to spend here in Rockford. The colors are beautiful, and there are so many things to do. We are setting out to find Rockford's FAVORITE fall attraction. We took your nominations from Facebook, and now it's time to vote!VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERE!

Rockford Park District’s Learn to Skate and Jr. IceHogs/Learn to Play Hockey programs offer people ages two through adult of all abilities the opportunity to learn the skills to enjoy ice sports recreation for a lifetime.Group sessions are offered year-round for beginner, recreational, and advanced skill levels, and meet at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park once a week for 30-50 minutes, with skates and helmets provided; the next sessions begin the week of October 22, 2020. Fees vary according to session type and residency; for complete schedules and program details, go online, or call 815-969-4069.REGISTERUnique programs at Rockford Park District ice facilities include Baby Blades for ages 18 months-2 years, and Junior Figure Skaters Training for ages 7-16. Unique hockey programs include Power Skating for the Hockey Player for ages 6-17, Youth Learn to Play Hockey for ages 5-15, plus a variety of specialized camps and clinics for both sports.New instructional programs offered for ages six through adult are: Off Ice Conditioning and Jump Class, and Figure Skating Specialty Class; the next sessions also begin the week of October 22, 2020. Skaters interested in additional advanced training can arrange individual lessons with professional figure skating and hockey coaching staff of the Park District's ice facilities.Registration for skating and hockey programs will continue until capacity is reached. Registration, class descriptions, schedules, and fees are available at online, at Park District Customer Service locations: UW Health Sports Factory in Rockford, and Carlson Ice Arena and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park. Information on fee assistance for eligible residents, as well as possible support and adapted sports programs for skaters and hockey players with disabilities is available at 815-969-4069 or 815-987-8800 (call/text).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 online. 

The Rockford Art Museum (RAM) is proud to announce the winners of the 76th Rockford Midwestern Biennial, that opens today. Chosen by the RAM guest juror, Jim Dempsey of Corbett vs. Dempsey Gallery in Chicago, the award winners are:Best of Show: Judith Meyer from Rockford, IL for “Sandro Senses His Greatness”Juror’s Choices: Krista Anderson-Larson from St. Paul, MN for “Untitled” and Kathy Weaver from Chicago, IL for “Mobbing”Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award, for inclusion in the Rockford Art Museum Permanent Collection: Victoria Fuller from Chicago, IL for “Peanut Plant”These four artists were chosen from the 76 featured art works in this year’s Biennial, which were selected from than 700 submissions to the exhibition. Original artwork in any medium created since 2018 by artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin were eligible for the Biennial.  Admission to RAM is free for the remainder of 2020. The exhibition will be on view during the museum’s hours of 10am to 5pm Thursdays through Sundays until January 31, 2021. The Rockford Midwestern Biennial is organized by Carrie Johnson and juried by Jim Dempsey of Corbett vs. Dempsey Gallery, Chicago; the exhibition and related educational programming are sponsored by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation and Women’s Art Board, and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, the mission of Rockford Art Museum is to foster creativity and build community through visual arts. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Connect with us on Facebook @rockfordartmuseum and Instagram @rockfordart #rockfordartmuseum, and go behind the scenes with us on our free mobile app. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners is ultimately accountable for everything that happens at the Rockford Park District. On Tuesday, August 25, 2020, the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners accepted a letter of resignation from Commissioner Julianne (Julie) Elliott.  Board members and Executive Director Jay Sandine interviewed five very strong board candidate finalists individually at special board meetings on October 5, 2020 and October 6, 2020.  After the interviews, the Board discussed the results, and has decided to select Martesha Brown to fill the vacant seat.  Brown will have to run for the seat in the April 2021 election.  Commissioners are elected to serve six-year terms, and volunteer their time and talent. The primary selection criteria for the office of Park Commissioner was based upon applicants’ community service, previous volunteer contributions of work or time to the Rockford Park District, board experience, and ability to meet the time requirements of the office. “Martesha is going to be a huge asset to this organization and has an extensive record of community service, volunteering, awards, and honors. Martesha also has many years of experience in the parks and recreation industry. She is a respected leader in our community and we are incredibly excited for her to join the board as we work towards achieving our communities’ priorities,” said Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners President Scott Olson. Brown will be sworn in at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 5 p.m. in the board room at Webbs Norman Center, 401 S. Main Street, Rockford. “I am excited to be the first African-American woman to become a Rockford Park District Commissioner and to be a representative for an organization that has made a major impact on my life and the lives of others. From being a participant, volunteer, and previous employee with over 15 years of experience in parks and recreation, it has come full circle to step into this role. I look forward to bringing a diverse and unique perspective to this volunteer experience and am honored to be able to serve the community,” said future Rockford Park District Commissioner Martesha Brown.Commissioner Candidates: ProcessTo be considered for the uncompensated office of Park Commissioner, all applicants were required to be a registered voter, and must have resided within the Rockford Park District boundaries for a minimum of one year. Applicants also needed to provide proof of these two requirements when submitting their interest and application.

Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts are taking the stage at Rivets Stadium later this month! Rivets Stadium has been hosting socially distanced concerts at their spacious venue throughout the summer, and now a local favorite is scheduled to play. The show is Friday, October 23. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The show is at 7:00 pm. Remember to bring your masks. They'll be required when you are not seated at your assigned table. The concert was announced today, so make sure you grab your tickets before they sell out! You can grab yours on the Rivets website here: https://northwoodsleague.com/rockford-rivets/concert-2/

There's just something about a warm summer night, out under the stars, with a hot dog in hand and baseball on the field. Agree?We're lucky enough to have the Rockford Rivets right here in town. They have a great stadium out off of Riverside. If you haven't been to a Rivets game yet, you have to change that in 2021. Not only are the games fun for the whole family, but you get to see some immensely talented players before they make it to he big league - The MLB!The Rivets have season tickets on sale now. For a limited time, you can snag season tickets for $99 per seat. That comes out to $2.75 per game for the 36 game regular season. For more information and to grab your tickets, visit their website here: https://northwoodsleague.com/rockford-rivets/2020/10/05/2021-full-season-tickets-for-99/

Free show opening and winners announced on Friday, October 9Rockford Art Museum (RAM) will open the Rockford Midwestern Biennial exhibition to the public and announce the winning artists of the juried show on Friday, October 9.The 2020 Rockford Midwestern Biennial is the 76th presentation of the museum’s juried survey exhibition of new work by contemporary artists from across the Midwest. From more than 700 submissions, 76 pieces were chosen for the Biennial, from 70 artists residing in six states.Original artwork in any medium created since 2018 by artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin were eligible for the Biennial. Artist awards to be announced on Friday, October 9 include Best of Show and two Juror’s Choice awards—as well as the 2020 Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award, given to the artist whose work has been selected for inclusion in the Rockford Art Museum Permanent Collection.Carrie Johnson, RAM’s Executive Director/Curator said that the Biennial showcases the best-of-the-best art that’s being made now in the Midwestern region. “The Midwestern Biennial is not only an opportunity to show the rest of the country that thought-provoking, well-executed work is happening right here in the heart of the Midwest – but offers our visitors the chance to see the diversity of work taking place across the region. I hope our visitors are moved when viewing these evocative pieces, some of which reflect the current moment we’re in as a country,” she said.The Rockford Midwestern Biennial is organized by Carrie Johnson and juried by Jim Dempsey of Corbett vs. Dempsey Gallery, Chicago; the exhibition and related educational programming are sponsored by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation and Women’s Art Board, and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.Admission to RAM is free for the remainder of 2020. The exhibition will be on view during the museum’s hours of 10am to 5pm Thursdays through Sundays until January 31, 2021.The 2020 Rockford Midwestern Biennial exhibiting artists are:Elisa Ahmer (Leaf River, IL); Mitzi Allen (Chicago, IL); Les Allen (Dixon, IL) ; Ange Altenhofen (Chariton, IA); Stephen Warde Anderson (Rockford, IL); Krista Anderson-Larson (Saint Paul, MN); Nelson Armour (Chicago, IL); Brian Bartlett (Sun Prairie, WI); Jennifer Bock-Nelson (Quincy, IL); Glenn Bodish (Dixon, IL); Carrie Carlson (Orland Park, IL); Eric Carlson (Fort Wayne, IN); Marian Carow (Chicago, IL); Brent Cole (Muncie, IN); Sara Peak Convery (Chicago, IL); Melinda Cook (Freeport, IL); Gina Dabrowski (Saint Paul, MN); Anita Dawson (Columbus, OH); John DenHouter (Edwardsville, IL); Janice Elkins (Oak Park, IL); Jason Erler (Cincinnati, OH); Judith Roston Freilich (Glencoe, IL); Victoria Fuller (Chicago, IL); Rhonda Gates (Rockford, IL); Aris Georgiades (Stoughton, WI); Shelley Gilchrist (Evanston, IL); Barbara Goldsmith (Morton Grove, IL); Joshua Grotto (Chicago, IL); Marcia Haffmans (Minneapolis, MN); Susan Hensel (Minneapolis, MN); Chris Hyndman (Chicago, IL); Frank Juarez (Sheboygan, WI); Stephen Kaufman (Urbana, IL); Nathan Keay (Chicago, IL); Beverly Kedzior (Indian Creek, IL); Mark Keffer (Bedford, OH); Diane Levesque (Kenosha, WI); Erin Liljegren (Madison, WI); Michael Litewski (Zion, IL); Jeanne Ludeke (Rockford, IL); Kim Matthews (Minneapolis, MN); Tom McHale (Rockford, IL); Michael Mejia (Oak Park, IL); Judith Meyer (Rockford, IL); Christine B. Miller (Whitewater, WI); Zach Mory (Glen Ellyn, IL); Scott Mossman (Chicago, IL); Ahavani Mullen (Chicago, IL); Angie Nofsinger (Rockford, IL); Dan Oliver (Chicago, IL); Denise Orlin (Chicago, IL); Deborah Orloff (Sylvania, OH); Raúl Ortiz (Chicago, IL); Suzanne Rampage (Chicago, IL); Elizabeth Rhoads Read (Cedar Rapids, IA); Gina Lee Robbins (Oak Park, IL); Renee Robbins (Chicago, IL); Mark Rospenda (South Bend, IN); Christopher Rowley (Minneapolis, MN); Jeffrey Sanderson (Chicago, IL); Philip Spangler (Chicago, IL); John Stanicek (Aurora, IL); Mary Lou Stewart (River Forest, IL); Robert Studzinski (Columbus, OH); Sharon Swidler (Skokie, IL); Michele Thrane (Arlington Heights, IL); Tom Van Eynde (Forest Park, IL); Kathy Weaver (Chicago, IL); Beth Wemmer (Loves Park, IL); Ryan Zoghlin (Chicago, IL)About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, the mission of Rockford Art Museum is to foster creativity and build community through visual arts. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Connect with us on Facebook @rockfordartmuseum and Instagram @rockfordart #rockfordartmuseum, and go behind the scenes with us on our free mobile app. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.

Helping local youth football players sharpen their skills in a fun yet responsible way is more important than ever especially during a global pandemic. Youth need ways to stay active and engaged which is why the Rockford Park District and USA Football are teaming up for a special event.  A free USA Football Kick, Throw & Go™ Skills Challenge will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 5:30 p.m. CT at Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park (2004 Ogilby Rd., Rockford, 61101). More than 100 boys and girls age 5-14 from across Rockford and neighboring communities will take the field in three age divisions for an exciting night of football. Prizes and giveaways for all participating youth players will be provided by the Chicago Bears. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, is the Bears’ official youth football development partner. The Rockford Park District’s 2020 youth football season has been modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Oct. 7 USA Football Kick, Throw & Go event is the league’s first competitive football outing of the season. To mitigate virus spread, Rockford Park District youth football will be confined to intra-squad scrimmages only this fall. As part of USA Football’s Return to Youth Football Initiative, Kick, Throw & Go features six skill stations highlighting passing, running and kicking. Each skill is aligned with USA Football’s Football Development Model, a skill-learning progression designed especially for young athletes centered on fun, fundamentals and safer play.  USA Football Kick, Throw & Go Skills Challenge skill stations include the following: Passing DistanceSpeedPunting AccuracyPassing AccuracyAgilityKicking Distance “A hidden consequence of this pandemic is how kids have missed their favorite sports in addition to the mental and physical health benefits that they provide,” said USA Football Executive Director and CEO SCOTT HALLENBECK. “This is why we created Kick, Throw & Go, as part of our Football Development Model player pathway. This is a fun, exciting and responsible way for kids and families across Rockford to win back time together on the field.” “I’m glad USA Football created Kick, Throw & Go,” said LAMONT JONES, Rockford Park District youth sports and community outreach manager. “We’re pleased to be among the dozens of youth programs across 20 states hosting this event. The direction and procedures USA Football has put in place offers a tremendous opportunity for Rockford-area kids. We’re excited to have the Bears be part of this special night as well and appreciate their generosity in recognizing our players and families.”

The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors voted to look for available land for purchase in 1853. The county realized it needed to deal with the issue of those people who were not able to support themselves and the issue of those deemed insane. Their solution was to develop a working farm that would be sustained by its own crops grown by the people housed at the farm. It was decided to buy the farm of John DeGroot located on Elmwood Road. The need for housing was a problem almost immediately when a cholera outbreak filled the small farmhouse to capacity. The County Board decided to move the house to land located on North Main Street at the present day site of the River Bluff Nursing Home.This was a time when care of the mentally ill consisted of confining them, not caring for them. The conditions under which they lived was no better than if they were animals. During warm weather, the completely insane were kept in a “stockade” that was open to the elements. During inclement weather and colder temperatures, they were penned in cells that were placed near the kitchen wall. When the temperatures rose, the stench that came from these inmates was ”unhealthy and unbearable.”In the fall of 1856, there were forty nine people served by the farm during the year, eight of them died. It was decided that the county would place a “potter’s field” cemetery in the back of the property. At first, only the inmates who passed away were laid to rest behind the building. Lter it would be expanded to include unidentified transients, suicides and those who could not afford a “proper funeral.”In the fall of 1861, the farm served 39 persons, six who were insane, three of these had to be confined. Wadley Favor was superintendent during this time. The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors would arrange annual visits to the home to make sure the “clients” were properly cared for. These visits were usually a big deal and held with “much fanfare.”The County Board granted permission in 1863 for an annex and the next year a “22 foot square” outbuilding was built with an 8 foot ceiling. It housed, according to the records, “three insane persons, two raving lunatics, and one entirely naked man whom it is impossible to keep clothed.” Other reports from 1863 state that the main building housed 36 inmates. The farm was by this time self sustaining, raising its own crops and livestock.In 1873, an article includes a description of the poor house at this time: “a frame building that had two stories 26 by 40 feet that housed 21 cells and a bathroom.” An article in 1875 stated that the Superintendent of the time, George Weaver visited the Elgin Asylum to see if they had any openings for insane patients. The Superintendent refused Weaver’s request explaining that Winnebago County had a quota of twelve for insane patients and that the county had already exceeded their limit and sent twenty. The superintendent from Elgin explained that Winnebago County had a “larger proportion of insane persons than any other county in the state.” The county had sent twenty insane persons to be held at Elgin and there were nine more confined at the poor farm.In 1883, a new two story building was built and renamed the Winnebago County Almshouse. It used a “brick veneer to cover a wooden frame”. The day of March 5, 1884 began with bitter cold temperatures but that didn’t discourage an amazing 600 people that arrived to visit the brand new Almshouse. They rode trains from cities all over Northern Illinois. Sleighs were there to meet the trains to take the visitors the rest of the way to the home from the depot located at the bottom of the bluff on the the Rock River. Visitors were very impressed with the ornately decorated reception rooms with chandeliers and carpets. The “cells” as they had previously been called, were now referred to as “apartments” and plainly but nicely furnished.The State’s Attorney, Mr.Works was introduced and proudly announced to the crowd that the new building was considered by experts to be “the best constructed public building in the state of Illinois”, according to the local newspapers of the day. Works called it a “glowing tribute” and stated that it should make the county proud that such a wonderful place was made for the poor and homeless.Superintendent Sam Jones spoke next and stated that though at one time the Winnebago County Poor House was once considered “the worst in Illinois”, this new building was a new beginning. He spoke of the Board’s visits to other almshouses in the state and choosing one to use as a model. Jones promised that this new house would serve anyone who needed help despite color, age,or religious persuasion. Most who visited that day agreed it was a wonderful “haven” for the county’s indigent. The paper titled the article “Pauper’s Palace.”In 1893 Alexander Collier was the Superintendent of the Almshouse. There were sixty four inmates on the 200 acre farm. One great advantage of the new building built in 1883 was that the violently insane were separated from the others.In November of 1904, the poor house is found to be in bad shape. The newspapers claimed it was dirty, dingy and not fit for anyone to live in. In 1905, it was decided to transfer the insane patients to Bartonville Insane Asylum. The County Board also decided to listen to Dr. Crawford at the Almshouse and create a sick ward at the poor farm that would include an operating room. The emphasis of the new ward would be the medical treatment of Rockford’s poor. In 1907, an inspection showed the almshouse to be greatly improved with a separate house for any contagious diseases, something that the staff had requested for many years.In 1919, the newspapers told the story of John Leffler. Leffler was born and raised in Rockford. Sometime around 1870, he decided to leave Rockford and see what adventures might be waiting beyond the city limits. He traveled first to Iowa where he applied his knowledge of carpentry skills to work on the state capital building. The promises of riches led Leffler to travel all the way to California where he finally settled in Los Angeles. During his travels, he lost track of his relatives in Rockford. Leffler grew older and began to think of his childhood and the family he left behind. He decided to return to Rockford but because of his financial situation he had very little money. So John Leffler, at the advanced age of eighty seven years old, decided to walk all the way to Illinois. He left Los Angeles and when his money ran out, he was able to live off the kindness of strangers. Leffler walked over the mountains, rivers and plains until he reached Kansas City.Unfortunately, it was here that Leffler ran into disaster. He was walking along the railroad when he was struck by a train. The police ambulance took him to the hospital where it was decided that his leg needed to be amputated. Leffler shared his story and his quest to reach Rockford with the nurses and doctors. They were all very touched by his story and decided to help the old man. They put him on a train to Rockford and made arrangements through the local Traveler’s Aid Society to meet him at the train station.Leffler was picked up and a representative of the Society found him short term lodging while the Overseer of the Poor, George Wilson, assisted in searching for Leffler’s family. Unfortunately, George searched in vain. It was decided to admit Leffler to the County Poor Farm where he stayed until his death.In July of 1930, the Winnebago County Poor Farm got a new look. Superintendent Conklin told the Rockford Republic reporter that all eighty of their beds were filled. He went on to explain that they had to turn some very needy people away because they just “could not care for anymore.”Up to this time the back of the building had been turned into a county hospital and held an additional thirty beds. The county had finally voted to expand the building portion and construction was beginning on the 136 feet by 32 wide addition. It would provide the home with a much needed hospital that would hold a hundred more beds.The farm was still a working farm that included one hundred forty seven acres that the county owned and an additional one hundred thirty seven acres that the county rented. There were also one hundred fifty seven hogs, cattle, and forty seven sheep. The “inmates” that were able to work helped with the animals and the crops. Tucked behind the new building, closer to the tree line, there was the Winnebago County Poor Farm Cemetery, basically the county’s potter’s field. Prior to 1885, the potter’s field was found on Owen Center Road two miles northwest of the new location. In that year, the bodies were all moved to the quiet spot along the Rock River. They had markers during the 1930’s but most of them contained numbers instead of names. “Few people ever visit the potter’s field and no flowers cover the graves. No one ever stops there in search of the grave of a loved one. Those buried in the potter’s field are truly forgotten.” Superintendent Conklin stated.By 1932, the Winnebago County Poor Farm was in financial straits. Smaller townships in the surrounding area agreed to pay the farm for providing care for their poor and did not follow through with their part of the bargain. They were behind almost $45,000. They estimated in cost over $.70 per patient per day for the home and almost $2.00 per patient for the hospital to run the Poor Farm. An average day at the farm saw over one hundred patients plus another thirty five in the hospital. Those patient who were physically able helped with whatever farming or housekeeping chores needed completed. But many of the inmates were too sick or too old to be much assistance.Polio hit Rockford hard hard in the summer of 1945. In a four month period, 382 cases were reported statewide. 194 cases were reported in Winnebago County and most of the patients were treated at the County Hospital. The peak was during the week of August 5 to August 13 when 57 people were stricken. During that summer, 36 people died from the outbreak, most of them were children. Nurses were brought in from all over the country to help with the patients, at the peak, over 200 of them worked at the County Hospital.The worst cases were contained at the County Hospital, including the patients who required the iron lung machines to help them breathe. An office was set up in the Faust Hotel where families could receive information since it was necessary to quarantine the patients. There was a special Polio Committee formed to help with the epidemic. It released warning to parents to keep their children at home and away from the pools, theaters, playgrounds, anywhere they would be around other children. The committee also made requests of the community for blankets, doctor’s gowns,and other items.Other nurses visiting the people who were stricken with lesser severe cases. One of these nurses, Pearl Hixson would visit the homes to check on the patients. She was accompanied by Robert Anderson who was a food inspector.In 1945, doctors were not sure what caused polio. They had no idea why that particular year was so bad. The summer of 1945 had twice the number of polio cases than the year before. DDT pesticides were used around the eight different milk pasteurization plants and the hospitals. The spraying was suggested to help cut down the amount of flies and proper garbage handling was also emphasized. The DDT was sprayed from big trucks with 30 hand pumps. A ban was put on high school sports in the fall of 1945 while authorities tried to get the situation under control. Other towns, such as Freeport, took the drastic measure of closing theaters and other places where people would gather in groups. Rockford struggled with the polio issue for years until Jonas Salk’s vaccine arrived in 1955, but it never again grew to the numbers that were experienced in 1945. Later people, as well as the newspapers, would refer to that year as the “Summer of Fear.”By 1949, the financial struggles to keep the hospital and home open caused the County to look at other options. The idea that the county decided upon was to turn the poor home portion into a nursing home. This plan would shift the responsibility from the township to the state. The land was still used as a farm with livestock.In the later part of the 1950’s, the decision was made to use the farm to grow crops to feed the livestock which would be used to supply the milk and meat used at the nursing home. This decision would reunite the two entities for the first time in five years. Previously, the County Farm and the County Home for the Poor were conducted jointly for over seventy years until 1953 when they were separated.In the 1960, the livestock was sold off and the County entertained the idea to turn the farm portion of the land into the River Bluff Forest Preserve but that idea was eventually rejected.In 1966, Elsie Bickford a resident of River Bluff Nursing Home passed away. She lived at Riverbluff for seventy six years. Elsie was only eleven years old when her grandmother, who raised Elsie since the deaths of her parents, became too ill to care for her. Elsie moved to the Winnebago County Poor Farm on May 15, 1889. At the time Elsie came to the home, there were other children living there. One by one each of the other children went to live with families, until Elsie was the only child left at the home. She worked in the laundry and then eventually other jobs were added. Elsie passed away on April 14, 1966 at the age of eighty seven years old.In 1968, a referendum was passed to build a replacement for the 80 year old building that had once again, grown dangerously overcrowded. The old building was filled with 204 patients with another 70 on the waiting list. The beautiful new building was opened in 1971.The Winnebago County Poor Farm Cemetery fell into neglect especially since the last burial in 1953.Weeds covered the stones and many of the graves were vandalized. One young man, Michael Spring worked on the cemetery for a while trying to keep back the grass and mend the broken tombstones. Michael was a member of the Scout Troop 424 and worked on the cemetery as part of an Eagle Scout project. Eventually it was decided to remove the remaining stones and place a memorial marker for the over six hundred men, women, and children that were buried there. The stone was placed just off a nicely paved path that runs behind the present day Riverbluff Nursing Home. It serves as a reminder that many in our community who struggled to provide for their loved ones because of illness or financial difficulties were cared for by the facility and laid to rest here in this peaceful spot. The plaque designed by Dick Farrell Forest Hills Monument Company was dedicated on June 22, 1973. :IN MEMORIAMMORE THAN SIX HUNDRED MENWOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE INTERREDIN THIS GROUND FROM THE YEAR1884 THROUGH 1954.TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE KNOWNAND UNKNOWN WHO LIE BURIED HERE.THIS MEMORIAL IS REVERENTLYDEDICATED BYTHE WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD~ 1973 ~“Winnebago County Board of Supervisors.” 5 October 1852 Rockford River Democrat (Rockford,IL) : 4“County Poor Farm.” 11 April 1855 Rockford Republican (Rockford,IL) : 2“Winnebago County Board of Supervisors.” 2 October 1856 Rockford Republican (Rockford,IL) : 1“Winnebago County Board of Supervisors.” 10 October 1861 Rockford Republican (Rockford,IL) : 1“They are Satisfied with All They Saw.” 6 October 1873 Rockford Journal (Rockford,IL) : 6“The County Insane.” 11 September 1875 Rockford Journal (Rockford,IL) : 1“Poverty’s Palace.” 5 March 1884 Daily Register (Rockford, IL) : 3“Aged John Leffler Taken to Farm Home.” 7 August 1919 Rockford Republic(Rockford, IL) : 4“Erect Buildings on Picturesque River Frontage.” 20 July 1930 Rockford Republic (Rockford, IL) : 17“County Farm Closing Looms Board Warns.” 21 June 1932 Morning Star (Rockford, IL) : 1“Prove Peak of Polio is Past.” 21 August 1945 Register Republic (Rockford, IL) : 1“Prepare Polio Survey Chart.” 6 September 1945 Morning Star (Rockford, IL) : 9“Report on Use of DDT Sprays.” 16 October 1945 Morning Star (Rockford, IL) : 11“Nursing Home Plans Readied.” 8 November 1949 Morning Star (Rockford, IL) :4“County Farm May Produce Food For Nursing Home.” 19 August 1958 Register-Republic (Rockford, IL) : 23“Elsie Bickford Dies: Lived at River Bluff for 76 Years.” 15 April 1966 Morning Star (Rockford, IL) :36“Scout 13, Restores Dignity.” 31 August 1967 Register Republic (Rockford, IL) : 21“River Bluff Seeks Our Help.” 4 June 1968 Register Republic (Rockford, IL) : 4“Dedication at Cemetery To Be Sunday.” 22 June 1973 Register Republic (Rockford, IL) : 26

I don't know about you, but breakfast is one of my favorite parts of the day. There's something about breakfast food that just comforts the soul. It's fortunate that we're in Rockford, because we have so many great options!Out of curiosity, we had to put out a vote to see which restaurant was Rockford's FAVORITE for breakfast!Clearly, y'all think we have a bunch of great options too! There was a 3-way tie!CONGRATS TO:JOHNNY PAMCAKESTHE NORWEGIANSTOCKHOLM INNAll of these restaurants are wonderful and have becomes staples in the Rockford dining experience. Next time you want to eat out for breakfast or pick up food, definitely consider one of these options! Or eat out three days in a row. That's a great option too!Follow us on social media:Instagram: @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

October 9th, from 5-10 pm, and October 10th from 3-8pm, 317 Art Collective, located at 317 Market Street in downtown Rockford, IL., will open a new group show as part of the Rockford Area Art Council's Art & Culture Showcase.The show is titled "PROPAGANDA", and features 25 area artists of vastly different backgrounds and cultures.With the current volatile situation in America, politically, racially, environmentally, and monetarily; the pandemic, and the extremely important upcoming election, 317 Art Collective thought it would be a perfect time to investigate the subject of propaganda.Propaganda has been used by every country, cause, and political party in attempt to sway opinion in specific directions. It was the original MEME. In comes in the form of posters, TV ads, billboards, "news" articles and public art.It will be fascinating and entertaining to see how this group of artists each put their own personal spin on the subject of propaganda.Admission is free. Cash bar provided by Prairie Street Brewing Co. Masks are required to enter and social distancing will be observed. Show will hang through November.Please visit www.317artcollective.com

Anderson Japanese Gardens is committed to helping our region persevere through challenging times by providing a peaceful, natural environment that can be enjoyed by all. Starting in October, the Garden will feature unobtrusive instrumental music that encourages a sense of calm contemplation for guests strolling throughout the garden.  Soundscapes for Strolling is a passive listening experience that takes place in the Garden of Reflection every Thursday afternoon in October. Musicians will play from 3:00 until the Garden closes at 5:00. The experience is FREE for Garden Members and only the cost of regular Garden admission for non-members.October 1: Screw City Swingers; Gypsy Swing & Latin Jazz StandardsOctober 8: Rockford Wind Ensemble Clarinet QuartetOctober 15: Joel Ross, Pianist, Rockford Symphony Orchestra; Light Classics & Jazz StandardsOctober 22: Stirling String Quartet; Past & Current Music Academy & RYSO StudentsOctober 29: Juliann & Graham of J&G; Immersive Sound, Chant & Spoken Word  Anderson Japanese Gardens enthusiasts are strengthened by the resilience and compassion that being in nature brings. While the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the Gardens’ varied and dynamic program offering, Anderson Gardens is grateful to provide a safe and accessible outdoor setting for all to enjoy.   About Anderson Japanese GardensAnderson Japanese Gardens’ mission is centered around family, friends, and community. It evolved from an individual’s vision to create a unique amenity for the Rockford region into an internationally renowned public garden. Today, the Garden operates as a nonprofit and attracts nearly 100,000 guests annually. For additional information regarding programming and events, visit us at www.AndersonGardens.org.  

Last week, we set out to find Rockford's favorite pizza restaurant. This week, we are searching for another important meal - BREAKFAST! We took nominations from our Facebook page. Now it's time to vote for your favorite!CLICK HERE TO VOTE!The winner will be announced on this week's Rockford Buzz Podcast episode. You can listen and subscribe here!Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.comBecome a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

Last week on the Rockford Buzz Podcast, we were talking about how much we love pizza and how there are way too many great local pizza joints for us to name on one episode.So, we enlisted some help from Facebook. You nominated your favorite pizza restaurants, and then we took it to the poll! The race was tight, but we had a winner!SALAMONE’S CHERRY VALLEY!Congrats on winning the vote for Rockford’s favorite pizza!If you haven’t been to Salamone’s, they’re located at 103 S Cherry St in Cherry Valley. They’ve got you covered for Dine-In, carry-out, or delivery.Give them a call at (815) 332-4111 or visit their WEBSITE.If you missed the podcast episode where we announced the winner, you can find that HERE.