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The year is 2020. The Blackhawks somehow have a shot at winning the Stanley Cup.If you told me that fact 5 years ago, I’d tell you, “Of course they do. They’re the best team of the decade!” But, oh how times have changed. The Blackhawks went from the top of the world to, “Do they remember how to keep the puck out of their net?”Granted, when you have that much success in a hard salary cap world, it's hard to keep the gang together and be competitive every single year. The fact that the Hawks were able to win 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years was beyond impressive – and exciting, as a fan. Now, due to aging and losing players to the cap, the Blackhawks are trying to find their new identity. When the season came to a halt due to COVID-19, the Blackhawks had solidified their spot outside of the playoffs. Then, the NHL’s Return to Play plan expanded the playoff picture to include 24 teams, and suddenly the Blackhawks are right back in it.First, they have to get through the high-octane Edmonton Oilers. Oh, and the Oilers have the best player in the world. No big deal, right?Let’s take a look.Recent Playoff Experience This section is a lot happier for the Blackhawks than it is for the Oilers.As mentioned before, the Blackhawks won 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years. There were some sore spots in between, and things went off the rails after the 2015 win.2010: The Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 6 games over the Philadelphia Flyers.2011: After battling back from a 3-0 hole, the Blackhawks lose in Game 7 to Vancouver. Chris Campoli, anyone?2012: The first round series that has somehow defined Corey Crawford’s entire career. The Blackhawks lost in 6 games to the (then) Phoenix Coyotes. They were up against a goaltender named Mike Smith . . . If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s currently on the Edmonton roster.2013: The Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 6 games over the Boston Bruins. 17 Seconds are all it takes to change your fate.2014: My personal biggest hockey heartbreak. Game 7. Conference finals. Los Angeles. Alec Martinez rips a shot at the net in over time. The pucks deflects off of Nick Leddy and over the right shoulder of Corey Crawford. Could we have had a 3-Peat? We’ll never know.2015: The Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 6 games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and half of Ben Bishop’s groin.2016: A first-round Game 6 exit against St. Louis (looking at you, Erik Gustafsson). 2017: Nashville. Hawks got Swept. Only scored 3 goals. I hate it.2018 & 2019: The Blackhawks miss the playoffs.Now for Edmonton –2017: Connor McDavid’s second year in the league. The Edmonton Oilers make the playoffs for the first time since 2006. They make it to the second round but lose to Anaheim in Game 7.Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), past playoff experience doesn’t mean much going into a new year with new teams. But, I will rely on this a bit further down, so laying it out was important.RostersLet’s take a look at the top scorers for both teams in the 2019-20 regular seasonBlackhawks - Patrick Kane: 70GP 33G 51A 84PJonathan Toews: 70GP 18G 42A 60PDominik Kubalik: 68GP 30G 16A 46PAlex DeBrincat: 70GP 18G 27A 45PDylan Strome: 58GP 12G 26A 38PEdmonton -Leon Draisaitl: 71GP 43G 67A 110PConnor McDavid: 64GP 34G 63A 97PRyan Nugent-Hopkins: 65GP 22G 39A 61PZack Kassian: 59GP 15G 19A 34POscar Klefbom: 5G 29A 34PYeah, so, take a look at those top two guys for Edmonton. This is going to be quite the test for Chicago. Fortunately, their roster drops off a bit. But, depth players are typically the most important factor in playoff success. It’ll come down to which team has the strongest depth, and that's something we just can’t predict.Players to WatchNow that we’ve taken a look at the top scorers for both teams, I have some players from each team to watch for in this series.Blackhawks -Kirby Dach: The rookie! Going into this series, I am most interested to see what we get from Kirby Dach. From all accounts, he was one of the most impressive skaters coming into training camp, and he looked great in the exhibition game against St. Louis. Can he be the depth player that breaks out in this series? That’s yet to be seen. Look for him to be an important role player on the penalty kill as well.Dominik Kubalik: Also a rookie – a calder trophy finalist, even. He put up 30 goals in the regular season and potted 2 more on the power play against St. Louis. Will his spark light up the team? Or will he fizzle out in crunch time?Alex DeBrincat: As a sniper, potting only 18 goals in the regular season made for a rough year. He was frustrated, and the monkey was been clinging to his back so hard that it seems like it’ll take a miracle to rip it off. If the Blackhawks want to have playoff success now, and in the future, DeBrincat needs to be a big contributor, especially on the power play.Drake Caggiula: Caggiula is a former Oiler and usually plays well against his old team. Remember the depth players I mentioned? This could be the perfect time for him to step up and make a huge difference.Duncan Keith: I have been more than hard on Duncan Keith for the past year or two. Age was clearly catching up to him and he was slowing down. He looks to have put in a ton of work during the pause. If his feet can keep up with his brain and senses, that would be HUGE for the Blackhawks.Calvin de Haan: Coming off of shoulder surgery, what can we expect from de Haan? In the best of times, he is a steady defender that can slow down the game and make life hard on the opposing offensive players. He took two penalties against St. Louis, but that’s not the norm for him. If he can keep his feet moving and get up to game-speed mentally and physically, it’ll be interesting to see how he contributes.Oilers - Kailer Yamamoto: This is Yamamoto’s third season with the Oilers. He improves every year and was a stand-out in their exhibition game against Calgary. If this kid gets going, it’s one more offensive threat for the Blackhawks to worry about.Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Don’t forget about this guy. He’s struggled through some very, very bad Oilers teams. Just because Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have taken over as the top 2 centers, if you forget about Nuge, he will wreak havoc on you. He has been playing wing on the top 2 lines. Still, don’t discount him. Especially if he gets moved down to balance out the lines.Darnell Nurse: He’s big. He’s fast. He can score. Nurse is a huge threat from the blue line. If he’s at the top of his game, he could take over a game – or even a series. If you have him feeding the puck to McDavid or Draisaitl, you better be tracking that puck well - and doing your damndest to keep it from getting to your goalie.Zack Kassian: Kassian’s role is to make life hard on the opposing team. He’s a pest. He’s a hard-hitter. He'll drop the gloves. Basically, he’s no fun to play against. Plus, he can put up some points playing next to the top two. If he does his job and gets under the Blackhawks’ skin, things could go south for the Hawks very quickly.It’s not even worth telling you to watch for McDavid and Draisaitl – the Two-headed monster of terror.Top StorylinesThe goaltendersIn typical gamesmanship fashion, Jeremy Colliton and Dave Tippett both refused to name their starting goaltender for Game 1 on Saturday.Corey Crawford missed most of training camp after testing positive for COVID-19. He showed up for the last few days and travel to Edmonton with the team. Crawford played the first half of the game against St. Louis and combined with Malcolm Subban to shut them out. It was only an exhibition game, but it was against the defending Stanley Cup Champs and one of the Hawks' biggest rivals. He played well, despite not being tested often.I cannot imagine a scenario in which a healthy Corey Crawford does not get Game 1 between the pipes for Chicago. After trading away Robin Lehner at the deadline, the crease was Crawford’s to lose. He played very well down the stretch and didn’t allow any goals on Wednesday. He may have missed most of training camp, but I don’t sit a 2-time Stanley Cup winning goaltender who has consistently shown up when his team needed him. I like Malcolm Subban. But, if I’m making the decision – Crawford gets the net.Edmonton’s goaltending situation is a bit different. They have Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen on the roster. They also split the decision in their exhibition game on Tuesday. Koskinen got the start, but that doesn’t really mean anything.Here’s where it gets interesting.Koskinen had better numbers in the regular season (18-13-3 2.75 GAA .917sv%) compared to Smith (19-12-6 2.95 GAA .902sv%).Here’s the kicker – Koskinen has no NHL playoff experience. He had a short stint (by short, I mean 4GP) with the Islanders in 2010-11. This is his second year with Edmonton. In the years between, he was minding the net in SM-liiga and the KHL. Mike Smith has a much larger NHL resume and has 24 playoff games to his name. He’s gone 11-12 in those games but sports the best playoff sv% in the league at .938. Again, 24 games – but, that is good.I guess we’ll see what Dave Tippett decides, but that’s a decision I wouldn’t want to make.My guess? We see Corey Crawford vs Mike Smith.Edmonton Oilers Speed vs Blackhawks Defense The most difficult aspect for the Blackhawks facing the Edmonton Oilers may be the speed differential. If we put aside the scoring prowess of the Oilers' two-headed monster, there are speedy legs up and down their lineup. They’re young, they can skate, and they can make you look silly.This young speedy team is going against a defense core of Duncan Keith, Olli Maata, Calvin de Haan, Adam Boqvist, Slater Koekkoek, and Connor Murphy. Keith still has some wheels on him, and Boqvist can skate with the best of them. The rest of those guys aren’t necessarily known as world-beaters on the ice. They’re going to have to rely on solid positioning, no bad pinches, and their forwards getting back to help out.The Blackhawks aren’t known for playing the trap game in the neutral zone, and that won’t start on Saturday. So, they’re going to have to play smart, disciplined, and skate their asses off to keep up. I believe they can do it, but I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if a lot of odd-man rushes go the other way. In that case, it’s up to our goaltenders to be on the top of their game.This is a best of 5 series. If you stop them in Game 1, you can’t get cocky and think you have them the rest of the way. You have to enter each game knowing that at any time, if you slip up, McDavid will be slipping right past you and threatening your goaltender. And, that’s just rude.This series is going to be quite the test for a Chicago Blackhawks team that had no business being in the playoffs. That said, it’s hard to judge a team based on a regular season that ended over 4 months ago. They’ve had all that time to prepare. Both teams are in the same boat, but this is where I come back to the playoff experience. The Blackhawks have a lot of it. They may have a lot of young guys, but at the end of the day, they still have Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad, Duncan Keith, and Corey Crawford on the roster. If anyone knows how to battle through playoff adversity, it’s these guys. If they get in, never count them out.Listen and subscribe to From Center Ice: The Podcast

Friday, July 31, 2020Victory Day Celebration: Outdoor Dinner @ Midway Village Museum - view event5:00 pm - 9:30 pmMusic on the Mall with Universal Joint @ Edgebrook - view event6:30 pm - 8:30 pmPistol Pete @ Rock-a-Bago Hall - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pmThe Studio presents Cyrano de Burger Shack @ Sinnissippi Music Shell - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmOwl Walks @ Severson Dells - view event8:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday, August 1, 2020Kayak Class: Moving Water @ Espenscheid Forest Preserve - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmRockford Midtown Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmVictorian Village Seasonal Tours @ Midway Village Museum - view event11:00 am - 4:00 pmDrinks for the Dells @ Carlyle Brewing Co. - view event12:00 pm - 9:00 pmNature Is For All @ Severson Dells - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pmThe Studio presents Cyrano de Burger Shack @ Sinnissippi Music Shell - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmLIVE Music @ Graystone Grill - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmSunday, August 2, 2020Super Stroop Sundays @ Sugar Britches - view event12:00 pm - 6:00 pmThe Studio presents Cyrano de Burger Shack @ Sinnissippi Music Shell - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmAlt Yoga: Yer a Wizard! @ Octane - view event5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Rockford Park District Police invite youth ages 8-16 to participate in its new free three-day Youth Police Academy program to be held Monday-Wednesday, August 10-12, 2020.Ages 8-10 will meet from 9 am until noon, and ages 11-16 will meet from noon until 4 pm.Youth will be introduced to law enforcement through hands-on activities including teambuilding, video scenarios, squad car tours, and discussions, and each participant will receive a t-shirt. The program will enhance participants’ understanding of the police officer’s role, and how this role will help them be a positive member of our community.The Rockford Park District helps decrease juvenile crime by keeping youth actively engaged through lessons, camps, and programs. This program is one of the many free activities offered by the Rockford Park District.Pre-registration is required. For more information about the program, contact Officer Lisa Hodges at LisaHodges@rockfordparkdistrict.org or at 815-289-0047.Register!

Three New Bicycle Racks At Midway Village MuseumAre A Result Of Community Spirit And Generous Donations!Retirement did not slow down Retired Judge Patrick Yarbrough, 59, from pursing a new community program he calls a dream coming to fruition. Only a few months into retirement life, Patrick decided to create a community committee to make his new dream a reality.As an avid bicyclist, he noticed a need in the Rockford area, a place where bikes can be parked and stored safety at area destinations for avid bicyclists, recreation bicyclists and families out on recreational rides. Patrick calls his dream a three-phase goal with Midway Village Museum, being one of three locations he noticed the need for bike racks in the community. As a member of the museum, he rode to a special event and realized there was no place to park, secure and store his bicycle besides a spot along the chain link fencing around the historic Victorian Village. That now, has changed, in a positive way with Patrick leading the way.“I felt we could bring value to the museum and what it offers to our community, and being a part of I Bike Rockford I felt I could bring people in the community together to work on this project,” Patrick said. “Many people in the community bike ride for enjoyment, and the timing could not be better with people seeking additional outdoor activities in their leisure time because of the pandemic. The goal of I Bike Rockford is to get more people riding for fun, exercise and to encourage everyone to get to know their community better. Being able to provide access to bike racks on the museum grounds helps encourage residents to get out and learn more about area history.”Patrick, a lifelong Rockford resident, Guilford High School and Ripon College graduate, began creating a group of community leaders he felt could move the project along just this past January. With snow on the ground, Patrick brought the committee together at Midway Village Museum to tour the museum campus to locate a possible area for a bike rack.With more than 148-acres and numerous entry points to the grounds, three site locations were determined to be convenient and also visible to bicyclists coming to the museum. The three new bicycle racks will provide access to various entrance points at the museum including the Main Museum Center front entrance, the recreation path near the public restrooms and on the south side of the main parking lot near the historic village entrance. The museum project is the second of three destinations in Rockford to receive the bicycle racks. The Veterans Memorial Hall and the Ethnic Heritage Museum are the other two destinations. There is one rack for six bicycles already at Veterans Memorial Hall. Installation on the new bike racks continue with the concrete pads poured this week.To start the fundraising campaign for the bike racks Patrick and his wife, Tammy, donated all the three bike racks to be located on the Midway Village Museum campus. The I Bike Rockford group, Rockford Bicycle Company and Kegels Bicycle Store gave financing to complete the project at the museum including the concrete work needed for the bike rack pads. The concrete work for the bike rack pads is by Paul LaBree of LaBree Concrete Inc.The committee of community members include Patrick Yarbrough, I Bike Rockford; David Brynes, Midway Village Museum; Laurie Anderson, Rockford Park District; Robb Sinks, Kegels Bicycle Store; Ashley Sarver, Gary W. Anderson Architects and I Bike Rockford; Laura Furman, Midway Village Museum; Caitlin Treece, Midway Village Museum; Kevin Polaski, I Bike Rockford; Skip Stienecker, Rockford Bicycle Company; Theotis Glover, Rockford Park District; Jenny Johnson, Rockford Park District; Jocelyn Hare, Ethnic Heritage Museum; Jay Sandine, Rockford Park District; and Ian Linnabary, Reno Zahm, LLP.“We hope many members of the community will utilize and enjoy the bike racks while attending events, visiting the exhibits at Midway Village Museum or when exercising on the recreation path,” said Patrick.”Midway Village Museum is situated on 148-acres with a recreation path circling around the property which measures as a 1.4 mile loop. A new Perryville Road loop was completed last year linking to the original recreation path. On the far southeast side of the property situated at the corner of Guilford and Perryville Road is a resting area with a water fountain.“The new bicycle racks will encourage more individuals to visit the museum, and spark an interest to come to those who may never have been to the museum before,” said David Byrnes, Executive Director, Midway Village Museum. “Outdoor recreation is very popular with more people than ever getting outdoors and riding bikes for exercise and for enjoyment. The timing is perfect to place these on the grounds as a way to invite more people to visit.”

Friday, July 24, 2020Victorian Village Seasonal Tours @ Midway Village Museum - view event11:00 am - 4:00 pmRockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmDATE NIGHT at Whiskey's with Solar Acoustic and Baby Rae'z @ Whiskey's Roadhouse - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmMusic on the Mall with Dan Maguire @ Edgebrook - view event6:30 pm - 8:30 pmRocktown Drive In Movie Fundraiser @ Rock Church - view event6:45 pm - 11:30 pmBob's Karaoke Live @ Rock-a-Bago Hall - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pmThe Studio presents Cyrano de Burger Shack @ The Studio - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmOwl Walks @ Severson Dells - view event8:00 pm - 9:00 pmSecret Serenade @ GreenFire - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSaturday, July 25, 2020North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmVictorian Village Seasonal Tours @ Midway Village Museum - view event11:00 am - 4:00 pmThe Studio presents Cyrano de Burger Shack @ The Studio - view event2:00 pm & 6:00 pmLIVE Music @ Graystone Grill - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmThat Gurl @ Cucina di Rosa - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmRocktown Drive In Movie Fundraiser @ Rock Church - view event6:45 pm - 11:30 pm80 Reasons Live Outside @ Rock-a-Bago Hall - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, July 26, 2020Sunday Farm Stand Pick Up @ Owl's Roost Farm - view event8:00 am - 11:00 amIntro to Kayaking @ Rocktown Adventures - view event10:00 am - 1:00 pmBlack Centered Art Show and Fundraiser @ Misfits Market - view event11:00 am - 4:00 pmThe Studio presents Cyrano de Burger Shack @ The Studio - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wired Café is celebrating TEN YEARS of serving up delicious coffee to downtown Rockford. 10 years is quite the milestone, and we're so happy for them!If you've ever been to Wired, you know that it's more than just a coffee shop. Wired Café is a home away from home for so many people from the 815. It's a place you can go on your best day or your worst day and know you'll be treated to a warm environment, great people, and fantastic coffee.It's a great place to hang out, catch up with friends, read a book, hold a meeting, get some work done, or just walk in to see a friendly face.If you've followed Rockford Buzz for any amount of time, you know we love these folks a bunch. Thank you Crystal, Shanna, Maggie, and the rest of the Wired crew for always treating us with love and for fueling our crazy brains with your coffee and kindness. We don't know what we would do without you!Here's to 10 more!

Bring the family out to the country to find fun, enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in fresh air and nature while engaging in safe recreational activities, and make memories at Rockford Park District's Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Rd. in northwest Rockford.There's a covered pony ring for children ages 1-7, and the Children's Farm Animal Barn with friendly farm animals.To complete their visit, families can relax together on a wagon ride through the park’s scenic meadows and woods.New schedule beginning Saturday, July 11, 2020 - Activities will be available Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm, through October 31, 2020, and include pony rides, wagon rides (departing every 30 minutes), Children's Farm Barn visits, and starting July 11, now include trail rides.Patrons are asked to wear facial coverings while inside the Trailside Centre, Children’s Farm, and when social distancing cannot be maintained outside. Safeguards have been implemented at Lockwood Park to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through routine cleaning, social distancing, and utilization of facial coverings when appropriate, in accordance with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the Winnebago County Health Department.Children's Farm Animal Barn visits are free. Information on fees and ticket purchases for other activities with fees is available onlines or by calling the facility. These are some of the many family friendly low-fee and free activities offered by the Rockford Park District for the community to enjoy.Staff-guided horseback trail rides through the serene woods of Lockwood and Page parks will resume on July 11, 2020. Rides depart hourly from 10 am to 2 pm, and are $33 per person. Rides are for ages 8 and older; equestrian helmets are required, and are provided on site. Reservations are strongly recommended, and are taken online and at 815-987-8809; a deposit is required at the time of reservation.Visitors are welcome to picnic at the park. The park, its facilities, and some programs are wheelchair accessible.Activities may close early if attendance is low; to confirm hours, please call ahead. Information on accessibility and adapted equipment for park visitors with disabilities is available at 815-987-8800.

Speaker: Amy Chatfield, Director of Sales & Marketing- Ad-Vice MarketingAmy has extensive experience orchestrating, analyzing, and adjusting Facebook ad campaigns. From ecommerce, to lead generation, to engagement and brand awareness, she has helped her clients reach countless goals through the use of Facebook audience and pixel data.Listen and learn as Amy shares the framework of Facebook ad campaigns and demystifies the basics of leveraging audience targeting and pixel data to reach your goals.When: Tuesday, July 14th, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Where: Online via Zoom (please click on link below) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84553236226Meeting ID: 845 5323 6226 Cost: Free

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL, invites the community to explore the captivating world of carnivorous plants at its new Predatory Plants: The Carnivorous Plant Display July 9 through November 8, 2020.The display features dozens of species, including Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, trumpet plants, butterworts, sundews, and more.Since many carnivorous plants are quite small, there will be feature areas to get a close-up view of these amazingly adapted plants.The theme is also featured at the Conservatory’s Garden Gate gift store, where whimsical and educational carnivorous plant-themed items are available.Conservatory guests are encouraged to pre-purchase admission tickets prior to visiting. Reduced rates apply for children, youth, seniors, and veterans.In areas of the Conservatory where six feet of social distance space does not allow itself, guests are asked to please wear a mask; masks are required inside the Garden Gate Gift Store.Tickets

Following CDC, state and local guidelines, in addition to recommendations from the Association of Children’s Museums, Discovery Center has made adaptations the guest experience to provide a safe and playful place for learning. Below is a list of modifications to our health and safety practices.MODIFICATIONS TO MUSEUM AND STAFF POLICIESPlan for it. Advance online reservations are required of everyone, including members. Reduced capacity flow through timed tickets with pre-reserved entry and exit times will help maximize social distancing and enhance playful learning.Buy Online. Purchase tickets in advance. Reservations are for 2-hour shifts from 9:30 – 11:30 am; 12:30 – 2:30 pm and 3:00 – 5:00 pm and can be made at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org/ReservationsStaying Safe and Healthy Together. Temperature checks and health screenings will occur for both staff and guests prior to entry to exhibit floor. Hand sanitizer will be available for use prior to entry as well. E-tickets will then be scanned at admission desk. It’s all contactless!Face Coverings. Staff and all guests ages 6 and older are required to wear face coverings. Face coverings for children ages 5 and younger are strongly encouraged, but not required. Exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering. Caregivers visiting with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and similar processing differences are encouraged to let our staff know. Face coverings are not required in the outdoor park when social distancing can be maintained.Visitor Flow: Staff will be monitoring visitor flow into and out of exhibit galleries and the outdoor park to assist with social distancing practices.Increased outdoor experiences. Increased outdoor experiences and demonstrations will allow for increased social distancing.SQUEAKY CLEAN IS ALWAYS IN!Increased cleaning. Discovery Center’s robust cleaning practices have leveled up. Guests will see staff continuously cleaning throughout their visit with CDC approved disinfectant. During times between play visits, staff will do deeper cleaning. Additional practices and protocols include:Reduced high-touch loose items throughout the museum including the Tot Spot Gallery and Grocery Store.Multiple sets of sanitized loose toys to replace used sets after each timed visit.Signage, as well as our staff, will encourage social distancing, handwashing, and other safe behaviors.New installations:Plexiglass sneeze guards at health screening and admission desks.Increased sanitizing stations.Hand sanitizer for all guests at entry.Floor markers and other health protocol related signage throughout museum.WHAT WE EXPECT OF GUESTSWe are committed to providing CLEAN, SAFE, PLAYFUL LEARNING at Discovery Center. We ask that guests follow these guidelines:Plan a different visit day if anyone in their family or group is not feeling well.If someone comes in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, refrain from visiting the museum for 14 days from date of exposure.Maintain proper social distancing from others not in a family or group.Wear a face covering.Wash hands or use sanitizer often.Refrain from bringing in food and eating in the building (water bottles are allowed).For a complete list of our health and safety practices, visit our website at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.orgVIRTUAL PLAYFUL LEARNING AT HOME - #DiscoveryCenterScienceFor guests wanting to connect with us only virtually for the time being, we offer free online learning resources on our website, social media platforms and YouTube channel.

Rockford Art Museum will reopen Monday, July 6, with new health and safety protocols in place—and free admission through the end of the year. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois, across the hall from Discovery Center Museum and next door to Burpee Museum of Natural History.Shortly after closing its doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum was able to extend major exhibition ‘Sonic Disruptions: Buisch + Hogin’ through September 27. Also extended was the special exhibit of taxidermy on loan from Burpee Museum.“We are thrilled to be able to extend ‘Sonic Disruptions’ through the end of summer so more people have the opportunity to experience this engaging exhibition. We are grateful to artists Derrick Buisch and Laurie Hogin for their commitment to the museum and this exhibition,” said Rockford Art Museum Executive Director/Curator Carrie Johnson. “None of this would be possible without support from the artists, exhibition sponsors, museum members and our community.” Exhibition sponsors include the Smith Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and Rockford Area Arts Council.NEWSummer camps will be in full swing, with smaller groups and new health and safety procedures, when we open doors on July 6. The museum will be open 7 days a week, 10 AM–5 PM, with free admission through the end of the year except during the four days of Art in Bloom (December 3–6) when admission will be $7 per person. Tickets are still available for the rescheduled, revamped, Art X fundraiser, now virtual and happening July 17. Ticket holders will now be able to pick up their gourmet barbecue meal (provided by Abreo) on the museum grounds and then return home to tune in to the virtual event. NEW PROTOCOLSThe museum’s top priority in preparing to reopen is the health and safety of our community, visitors, staff and volunteers. As part of our phased reopening, new requirements for visitors will include: face coverings over mouth and nose, wellness checks (no temperature above 100.4, no COVID-19 symptoms) and social distancing. Visitors who are not able to meet the entrance requirements will be asked to return a different day. All policies and practices align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD), and are subject to change as updated. Rockford Art Museum follows all guidelines given from the official State of Illinois Reopening Plan as well as the City of Rockford. Other procedures are based on best practices from research and collaboration with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).Rockford Art Museum is an active part of Rockford’s Clean Hands, Open Doors program, led by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB). The museum has pledged to join with organizations and businesses across the Rockford region to help keep residents and visitors safe by adhering to guidelines regarding face coverings, clean hands, sanitization, social distance, wellness checks, training and protocols, and public health guidelines.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.

As of Monday, July 6, 2020, in celebration of RPL’s “Safe Opening” Rockford Public Library (RPL) will offer a “once in a pandemic” waiving of late fines at all library locations in exchange for the return of any overdue materials, throughout the month of July. “We think that the Safe Opening, after the COVID motivated Shelter-in-Place mandate, is the perfect time to welcome back our customers who may have acquired late fines because of overdue library items,” explains RPL Executive Director, Lynn Stainbrook. “We want everyone in our service area to have an opportunity to utilize all the digital and hands on services available through the Rockford Public Library.”Customers can return borrowed materials to any Rockford Public Library location, where they will be checked into the catalog system with fines waived. Once materials have been checked in, customers are welcome to borrow materials again! Fines will begin accruing again August 1, 2020.About the LibraryThe Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including a performing arts and training center (RPL’s Nordlof Center), the Hart Interim Library and four Branch Libraries. Rockford Public Library informs, educates, entertains, and provides cultural enrichment to the people of our community.

Discovery Center announced today it will reopen its doors to the public on July 8, after temporarily closing for more than three months due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.  The museum has developed a comprehensive reopening plan that expands on almost 40 years of experience operating as a clean, safe, museum filled with playful learning experiences. Those principles, Clean - Safe – Playful Learning, will continue to guide operations as they welcome back guests. Discovery Center’s reopening plan follows state and local guidelines. Discovery Center is an active part of Rockford’s Clean Hands, Open Doors program, led by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB). The museum has pledged to join with organizations and businesses across the Rockford region to help keep residents and visitors safe by adhering to guidelines regarding face coverings, clean hands, sanitization, social distance, wellness checks, training and protocols, and public health guidelines.  Discovery Center recognizes the need for a measured, gradual approach to safely resuming operations. The plan details the steps the museum has taken to ensure the health and safety of guests and staff, including modified operations, significantly reduced capacity, social distancing protocols, enhanced cleaning protocols, exhibit modifications, contactless interactions, face coverings, and best practices in hygiene and handwashing. The museum created a “Welcome Back” video explaining the changes as well as the upgrades to exhibits. https://youtu.be/twpTTfYYEzQ “We know that children need play now more than ever," said Executive Director Sarah Wolf. “Our staff is excited to reopen in a safe way so we can provide much needed respite for families in the Rockford Region. We’ve been hard at work enhancing exhibits and installing two new exhibits in our outdoor park. We can’t wait to see the smiling faces and hear the laughter of curious children in the museum once again!” NEW TEMPORARY HOURS are Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with timed entries and exits from 9:30 am – 11:30; 12:30 – 2:30 pm; and 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Time between visits will be used for enhanced cleaning. Reservations can be made at http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/reservations#Reserve Discovery Center is offering onsite summer camps as well as free online learning resources for summer fun and brain exercise! Summer camps for children ages 3-6 will begin July 7 with modifications to policies and protocols. Camps for children ages 7-12 begin July 13. Details for summer camps can be found at http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/education/summer-camps/summer-camps-overview.  For families seeking virtual playful learning, Discovery Center’s free online resources can be found on the museum’s [whats-happening/playfullearning]Playful Learning at Home webpage, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and their YouTube Channel. The Playful Learning at Home content contains videos of at-home science activities, art projects, storytimes and the adventures of Captain Discovery Center.

Be "In the Outdoors" and experience all that Seth B. Atwood park has to offer during a FREE series of activities that highlight different aspects of the park. Bring the entire family for a few hours of fun in nature. Scroll down for the full schedule of events.All participants must pre-register for the 2020 events. More info!

Food Truck TuesdaysJUNE 16 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2020TUESDAYS4:00 PM - 9:00 PMEnjoy tasty eats from Rockford area food trucks! Up to 12 food trucks will be onsite each week.Visit our website for our interactive map of food truck locations, participating trucks, and menus!https://nicholasconservatory.com/food-truck-tuesdaysVirtual TunesJUNE 17 - AUGUST 26, 2020Wednesdays7:00 PM - 8:15 PMEnjoy musical performances from area artists in the comfort of your own home.Tunes on the Terrace at Rockford Park District's Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (NCG) was canceled this summer due to COVID-19, but the show will go on, virtually.Weekly concerts will be streamed live from Nicholas Conservatory. To tune in live, like the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - Rockford Park District Facebook page.Visit our website for the performance schedule.https://nicholasconservatory.com/virtualtunes

The application deadline for Rockford Art Museum’s 76th Rockford Midwestern Biennial has been EXTENDED through June 29. The 2020 Rockford Midwestern is a juried survey exhibition of new contemporary art in the Midwest today, and will be on view October 9, 2020–January 31, 2021 at Rockford Art Museum, located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Application and more details are available at rockfordartmuseum.org.

For parents wanting their children to exercise their brains a little while having fun this summer, Discovery Center is offering a wide variety of in-person half or full-day summer camps for children ages 7 and older and mini-camps for children ages 3-6. Discovery Center had made modifications to the building, exhibits and summer camp practices to follow or exceed local, state and CDC guidelines and industry best practices. For children ages 7 to 12, Discovery Center has four different STEM camps in July and August covering topics such as natural disasters, chemistry, mini medical school, animal insides, and invention makers. All-day sessions Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and cost is $230 for the public and $210 for members. Before and after-care is available for an extra fee. Half-day camps are $115 for the public and $105 for members. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. For children ages 3-6, Discovery Center has lined up three mini camps in July and August exploring water, math and insects. Choose from 90-minute three-day camp or two-hour Saturday camps. Cost for general public is $48 for three-day camps and $25 for Saturday camps. Cost for members is $42 for three-day camps and $20 for Saturday camps. Details and registration information can be found at http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/education/summer-camps/summer-camps-overview 

I write to you today with a heavy heart. As a museum staff and board, we want to acknowledge the pain, struggle and continued fight the black community faces daily. And, as a cultural institution that promotes listening, a safe environment, and a place where we encourage individuality and unity, we strongly oppose and stand against all forms of racism and oppression. We understand the incredible effort it takes to fight against systemic racism, both in our institution and our city, and we are dedicated to this hard work. We are hopeful that the current protests will help push change that is urgently needed in our country. We lock arms with our black community and are committed to fighting alongside you for true equality.This is a time where we as an art museum and as a community, can reflect on the history of our institution and look to the future for change. We are committed to making the necessary changes to ensure relevant, diverse educational programming and exhibitions, conscious collaborations and broader engagement with our community. Our country is facing an enormity of challenges currently. As we work toward change, we remain committed to inclusion, creativity and individuality. It is the mission of the Rockford Art Museum to foster creativity and build community through visual arts. We want to provide a safe space where every single person feels accepted. With that, we want to remove any barriers that prevent individuals from experiencing art starting by making Rockford Art Museum free to everyone through the end of the year. As we move forward, we dedicate ourselves to change. With commitment and support from our community and one another, we strive to create a safe, inclusive and kind museum for all.Carrie JohnsonExecutive Director/CuratorRockford Art Museum

Hey Rockford! Here is a list of some wonderful black-owned businesses here in the Rockford area! If there are any that you'd like to add, our contact info will be at the bottom of the page!15th & ChrisRestaurant/Food Truck201 15th AveRockford, Illinois 61104(779) 774-4116https://15thandchris.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/15th-chrishttps://www.facebook.com/15thChris/https://www.instagram.com/15th_and_chris/100 Strong Community Safe HouseCommunity Services4111 Auburn StRockford, Illinois 61101(779) 772-7699100strongmen@gmail.comhttps://rockfordbuzz.com/100-strong-community-safe-househttps://www.facebook.com/100STRONGCOMMUNITYSAFEHOUSE/https://www.instagram.com/100strong/103.7 Da BeatRadio Station103.7dabeat@gmail.com(815) 496-0793http://www.1037dabeat.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/103-7-da-beathttps://www.facebook.com/1037dabeat/https://www.instagram.com/1037dabeat/A4 AppraisalAppraisal Services1302 Thoren LnRockford, Illinois 61107(815) 489-9553https://www.a4appraisal.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/a4-appraisalhttps://www.facebook.com/a4appraisal/AnJan's EatsFood Trailer(815) 505-8129https://rockfordbuzz.com/anjan-s-eatshttps://www.facebook.com/AnjansEats/https://www.instagram.com/anjans_eats/Apple Shack Repair ShopElectronics/Repair11706 Main StRoscoe, Illinois 61073(779) 203-8500http://appleshackrepair.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/apple-shack-repair-shophttps://www.facebook.com/AppleShackRepair/https://www.instagram.com/appleshackrepairshop/Aspire Realty and Property Management CoRealtor213 N. 3rd St.Rockford, Illinois 61107(815) 513-6050https://www.aspirerealtypm.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/aspire-realtyhttps://www.facebook.com/AspireRealtyAndPropertyManagement/https://www.instagram.com/aspirerealtypm/Ballard Law Office, P.C. - Tomiko L. BallardLawyer/Law Office321 W. State Street, Suite 201Rockford IL 61101815 961 8760 phone815 642 5280 faxhttps://www.rockfordillawfirm.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/ballard-law-office-p-chttps://www.facebook.com/Ballard-Law-Office-PC-1558093261135835/Banana Cherry BakeryRestaurant/Bakery1274 S Alpine RdRockford, Illinois 61108(815) 977-4547https://rockfordbuzz.com/banana-cherry-bakeryhttps://www.instagram.com/bananacherrybakery/Beautiful You Natural SkincareOnline Retail/Skin Carebeautifulyouscrubs@gmail.comhttps://www.beautifulyounaturalskincare.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/beautiful-you-natural-skin-carehttps://www.facebook.com/Beautifulyouscrubs/https://www.instagram.com/beautifulyou_natural_skin_care/Black Women in Business BeloitExpo/Business Services(608) 302-7589nonilynnsnaturals@yahoo.comhttps://www.facebook.com/BWBEBeloit/The Body Factory Gym/Personal Training 8016 N 2nd St.Machesney Park, IL815-904-9150https://www.thabodyfactory.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/the-body-factoryhttps://www.facebook.com/TheBodyFactory/https://instagram.com/klyde_thetrainerBomb Hair Designs, LLCBeauty/Haircare718 18th StRockford, Illinois 61104(779) 423-1961https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/bombhairdesignshttps://rockfordbuzz.com/bomb-hair-designs-llchttps://www.facebook.com/BombHairDesigns/https://www.instagram.com/bombhairdesigns/Bottle of SonshineSkincare/Online Retailinfo@bottleofsonshine.comhttps://bottleofsonshine.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/bottle-of-sonshinehttps://www.facebook.com/Bottle-of-Sonshine-396611077643994/https://www.instagram.com/bottle_of_sonshine/Carl E. Ponds Funeral HomeFuneral Services200 N. Johnston AvenueRockford, Illinois 61101(815) 963-6981https://www.pondsfuneralhome.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/carl-e-ponds-funeral-homehttps://www.facebook.com/pondsfh/Cheeks PhotographyPhotography(779) 348-8013https://albertriley.shutterfly.com/https://www.facebook.com/CheeksPhoto/https://www.instagram.com/cheeksphoto/Chuc-A-Luc's Fishmarket & GrillRestaurant1104 Elm StRockford, Illinois 61102(815) 962-8292https://rockfordbuzz.com/chuc-a-luc-s-fishmarket-grillhttps://www.facebook.com/Chuc-A-Lucs-Fishmarket-Grill-171460306217843/Collins & Stone Funeral HomeFuneral Services128 S 5th StRockford, Illinois 61104(815) 965-1515https://www.collinsandstonefh.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/collins-stone-funeral-homehttps://www.facebook.com/collinsandstonefh/Distinguished Gentleman's MenswearApparel308 E State StRockford, Illinois 61104(815) 608-5888https://rockfordbuzz.com/distinguished-gentlemen-s-menswearhttps://www.facebook.com/Distinguished-Gentlemens-Menswear-297217947076274/Downtown Shoes and BoutiqueApparel202 N Main StRockford, Illinois 61101(815) 962-1381https://rockfordbuzz.com/downtown-shoes-boutique-24050https://www.facebook.com/Downtown-Shoes-Boutique-199973236706197/Eight Fifteen Capital, LLCReal Estatehttps://www.facebook.com/815Capital/https://www.instagram.com/815capital/Electronic Union RecordsRecord Label/Music/Apparel321 North Church StreetRockford, Illinois 61103(779) 772-5065http://electronicunionrecords.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/electronic-union-recordshttps://www.facebook.com/ElectronicUnionRecords/https://www.instagram.com/electronicunionrecords/Ellis Lawncare & Snow Removal ServicesLawn care815-780-7618shawntayellis97@gmail.comEnhance skin lashes browsBeauty Services129 S Phelps Ave, building 5 suite #508Rockford, Illinois 61108(815) 206-8020https://enhance-skin-lashes-brows-pllc.square.site/s/shophttps://rockfordbuzz.com/enhance-skin-lashes-browshttps://www.facebook.com/ENHANCE.by.Saige/https://www.instagram.com/enhanceskinlashesbrows/Fantasy Hair KlosetBeauty/Hair Care320 N Alpine rd Ste 102Rockford, Illinois 61107(815) 980-8445https://www.fantasyhairkloset.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/fantasyhairklosethttps://www.facebook.com/Fantasyhairkloset-165270257303214/https://www.instagram.com/fantasyhairkloset/The Feels CandlesOnline Retail(815) 721-9737thefeelscandles@gmail.comhttps://rockfordbuzz.com/the-feels-candleshttps://www.facebook.com/thefeelscandles/Fine Mindz IncPhotography/Videography4215 East State room 114Rockford, IL 611081-815-519-1862https://finemindz.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/fine-mindz-inchttps://www.facebook.com/Finemindz/Flickin DesignsApparel(779) 256-1909https://www.facebook.com/815Rockfordillinois/FlyGuy FilmsVideography815-312-6380bookflyguyfilms@gmail.comhttps://www.youtube.com/jayoflyguyhttps://rockfordbuzz.com/flyguy-filmshttps://www.facebook.com/FlyGuyFilms/https://www.instagram.com/flyguyfilms/FvvshopApparel328 E State St Rockford, IL 61104(779) 423-0137https://www.fvvshop.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/fvvshophttps://www.facebook.com/fvvshop815/instagram.com/fvvshopInfinite Soul VibrationsRetail/Holistic Health333 E. State StRockford, Illinois 61104(815) 980-8319https://infinitesoulvibrations.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/infinite-soul-vibrationshttps://www.facebook.com/InfiniteSoulVibrations/https://www.instagram.com/infinitesoulvibrationsrockford/Integrative Healing CenterMedical Care4775 Manhattan DriveRockford, Illinois 61108(815) 986-8205http://integrativehealingdoc.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/integrative-healing-center-24033https://www.facebook.com/integrativehealingcenter/Jamaica On the GrillRestaurant1021 E State St,Rockford, IL 61104(815) 200-1717http://jamaicaonthegrill.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/jamaica-on-the-grillhttps://www.facebook.com/jamaicaonthegrill/J.S. Event Design Studio & Social CafeRental/Business Services607 West State Street Studio BRockford, Illinois 61103(779) 210-1714https://rockfordbuzz.com/j-s-event-design-studio-social-cafehttps://www.facebook.com/janenestephensonSocialCafe/JC's Fish MarketRestaurant/Fish Market4333 W State StRockford, Illinois 61102(815) 708-7467https://rockfordbuzz.com/jc-s-fish-markethttps://www.facebook.com/JCS-Fish-Market-801086896701673/JoeBuckets Training Basketball Skill Development 305 S Madison Street Rockford, IL 61104815-985-5511http://joebuckets.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/joebuckets-skill-traininghttps://www.facebook.com/joebucketstraining/https://www.instagram.com/joebuckets_sensei/JoynHerNetworking/Lifestyle Blog/Vloggerhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQeW_EhwcPh0TMVgx50Fb5Ahttps://rockfordbuzz.com/joynherhttps://www.facebook.com/JoynHer/https://www.instagram.com/joyn_her/Keep it 100 Custom Printing Printing Services1130 Broadway Rockford, IL 61101(779)423-0577https://www.facebook.com/100-Strong-Keep-it-100-Clothing-Apparel-and-More-317863575787756/KellieCheree CandlesCandles/Skincarekelliecheree80@yahoo.comhttps://www.kelliecheree.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/kelliecheree-candleshttps://www.facebook.com/KellieChereeCandles/https://www.instagram.com/kelliechereecandles/Kikifer's Beauty SupplyRetail/Beauty3424 N. Main St. Suite ARockford, Illinois 61103(815) 708-7082https://www.kikiferstore.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/kikifer-s-beauty-supplyhttps://www.facebook.com/Kikifers/https://www.instagram.com/kikifers_beauty_supply/Kikifer’s Entrepreneurial AcademyEducation3424 N. Main St.Rockford, Illinois 61102(779) 232-9571https://www.kikifersacademy.org/https://rockfordbuzz.com/kikifer-s-entrepreneurial-academyhttps://www.facebook.com/Kikifersacademy/https://www.instagram.com/kikifers.academy/King Wingo Photography815-519-5642https://rockfordbuzz.com/king-wingo-photographyhttps://www.facebook.com/KingWingoPhotography/KMproductionPhotography/Videography(708) 930-6644https://rockfordbuzz.com/kmproductionhttps://www.facebook.com/KMphotography2020/LaCresia Soulfood KitchenFood Services330 College AveRockford, IL 61104https://www.instagram.com/lacreasiasoulfood/Marquis GarretteLicensed Health and Life Insurance producer/broker1S450 Summit Ave #230Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181(815) 575-9507‬marquisgarrette@gmail.comMeemic-Redd Insurance GroupInsurance Agency4855 E. State, SuiteRockford, Illinois 61108(815) 713-6869https://www.meemic.com/insurance-agency/illinois/rockford/redd-insurance-group/https://www.facebook.com/ReddInsuranceGroup/https://www.instagram.com/meemic_redd_insurance/Proof TrainingFitness6200 Daytona Dr.Loves Park,Il 61111(815) 708-1358https://rockfordbuzz.com/proof-traininghttps://www.facebook.com/prooftraining/Rawdawg UrbanApparel/Online Retailerhttps://rockfordbuzz.com/raw-dawg-urbanhttps://www.facebook.com/Rawdawgurban/https://www.instagram.com/rawdawg_urban/Rick’s RibsRestaurant349 E Riverside BlvdLoves Park, Illinois 61111(779) 210-3140https://rickylovesribs.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/rick-s-ribshttps://www.facebook.com/rickylovesribs/Rock County JumpstartEntrepreneurship Development for Black-Owned Businesses in the Stateline Area6004 S County Road GJanesville, WI 53547608-466-5230gstevens@rockcountyjumpstart.orghttp://rockcountyjumpstart.orghttp://facebook.com/rockcountyjumpstart Seabreeze Non-Emergency Medical TransportTransportation Services(815) 708-7807email@seabreezenemt.comhttps://seabreezenemt.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/seabreeze-non-emergency-medical-transporthttps://www.facebook.com/nemtseabreeze/https://www.instagram.com/seabreezenemt/Signature Fadez Studio 815Barber/Hair Care3004 Charles stRockford, Illinois 61108(779) 537-7218https://signaturefadezstudio815.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/signature-fadez-studio-815https://www.facebook.com/Signaturefadezstudio815/SIT & SLAYBeauty/Hair Care3840 Broadway Suite F2Rockford, Illinois 61108(779) 210-7062https://rockfordbuzz.com/sit-slayhttps://www.facebook.com/EmpowerThruBeauty/Smokehouse Bar-B-QueRestaurant432 Harrison AveRockford, Illinois 61104(815) 962-5512https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smokehouse-Bar-B-Que/125532960842740?ref=br_rsSNKRS AnonymousApparel/Retail333 E. State St.Rockford, IL 61103(815) 708-7653https://rockfordbuzz.com/snkrs-anonymoushttps://www.facebook.com/snkrsanonymous/Tails of Wonder GroomingPet Care(815) 558-4479tailsofwondergrooming@gmail.comhttps://rockfordbuzz.com/tails-of-wonder-grooming-studiohttps://www.facebook.com/tailsofwondergrooming/https://www.instagram.com/tailsofwondergroomingstudio/TAYLOR + MAXApparel100 W. Main StreetRockton, Illinois 61072(815) 957-0290https://shoptaylormax.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/taylor-max-children-s-boutiquehttps://www.facebook.com/taylorandmax/https://www.instagram.com/taylorandmax/T & C's Cooking CreationsCatering/Food Service(779) 771-4185tccookingcreations@gmail.comhttps://rockfordbuzz.com/t-c-s-cooking-creationshttps://www.facebook.com/tandccookingcreations/Temperature Doctors Heating and ACHVAC Services1000 9th St Unit #9Rockford, Illinois 61104(815) 914-6197https://hvacrockford.net/https://rockfordbuzz.com/temperature-doctors-heating-coolinghttps://www.facebook.com/Temperaturedoctor/Torch BarbershopBarber/Hair Care7817 N 2nd StMachesney Park, Illinois 61115(815) 708-8686http://torchbarbershop.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/torch-multicultural-barber-shophttps://www.facebook.com/torchbarbershop/https://www.instagram.com/torchbarbershop/Warren Photography 365Photography202 N Church StRockford, Illinois 61107(815) 980-0957https://rockfordbuzz.com/warren-photography-365https://www.facebook.com/warrenphotography365/https://www.instagram.com/kodak_warren/WDJR.netMusic Streaming Stationhttps://tunein.com/radio/WDJRnet-s140232/https://www.facebook.com/wdjrnetWhy Envy BoutiqueOnline Retail/Apparelinfo@whyenvyboutique.comhttps://www.whyenvyboutique.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/why-envy-boutiquehttps://www.facebook.com/whyenvyboutique/https://www.instagram.com/whyenvyboutique/Xenaissance PhotographyPhotographyhttps://thexenaissance.com/https://www.instagram.com/xentastic/Your Styles & CutsBarber/Haircare1406 N Main StRockford, Illinois 61103(815) 964-0960https://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Styles-Cuts/1879800962297114Zammuto's Drive InRestaurant/Ice Cream725 Kent StRockford, Illinois 61102(815) 962-9180http://www.zammutos.com/https://rockfordbuzz.com/zammuto-s-drive-in-and-carry-outhttps://www.facebook.com/zammutos/If you want to submit another business, you can send us an email at info@rockfordbuzz.com! Stay awesome!

This is a message from the page Said With Silence via Facebook and email. Dear All, We are being called upon to take action, but many don’t know how. For allies, it must be as listeners first. Many have posted to social media, challenged long time relationships, donated, marched, prayed, voted, and yet we know we need to do more. This group is an effort to bring about a silent sit-in for change. ALL PEOPLE ARE WELCOME, AND white allies are especially called upon to show up. Let’s be clear, what is at stake are black and brown lives. The names being chanted in the streets matter, AND it's a damn shame most of us will never know the hundreds of thousands across the country brutalized and forgotten without a march or movement. It must end, change must come, justice must be sought now, and we cannot relent. We are calling to all in Rockford who receive this invite to meet at 4:45pm outside City Hall.At 4:51:16 we will lay on the ground, face down, hands behind our backs, as George Floyd did when he was murdered. We will stay there silently for the 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the length of time he was filmed dying. At 5:00pm, we will stand silently, fists raised, for an additional 8 minutes and 46 seconds as solidarity. After this time, we will leave peacefully, again, without a word. Children of appropriate ages are encouraged to participate, either fully, or to stand alongside a parent while the other is face down. This should be considered an important experience in empathy, and will surely be followed by tears for many. This is meant to be a completely peaceful sign to the world that there are white people who will organize on their own, on behalf of our brothers and sisters of color, and enact civil disobedience peacefully. Please do not invite or inform anyone who may wish us harm; this is a dangerous choice, even for less than 20 minutes. When you arrive, find a space on the sidewalk which is near the group, but still adhering to the social distancing of 6 feet away, and wait. Please wear a mask, even outside with social distancing to be considerate of all. There will be bells to signal the start and end times. Peace be with all who come. #BlackLivesMatter#ICantBreathe#SaidWithSilence

Speaker: Patrick Helmers, Habanero Media-home of the Sales Babble podcastPodcasting is the new blogging-on demand radio, curated for listener interest. Unlike YouTube or social media, podcasts provide laser-focused communication to share your ideas. Listeners can multi-task while paying attention to podcast messages. According to Edison Research, 70 million people listen to podcasts monthly.In this presentation, you will learn about various types of podcast, why podcasting is relevant for marketing a business and the basic technology behind podcast including equipment, hardware, and audio recording software.When: Tuesday, June 9th, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Where: Online via Zoom (please click on link below) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85003629516Meeting ID: 850 0362 9516 Cost: Free  

LEARN, IMPROVE, PLAY GOLF IN ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT PROGRAMSRockford Park District offers golf lessons and programs for all ages this summer, where participants can learn and/or improve their game from professional staff in a friendly, fun environment.Upcoming offerings include:À La Carte Golf Clinic - for adults ages 18 and up, at Elliot Golf Course June 8, June 15, and June 22, 2020. Each 90-minute session focuses on a specific skill: putting/short game, full swing irons, or full swing woods.PGA/LPGA Junior Golf Clinics for ages 3-17 (grouped by four age ranges) - sessions are June 9-23 or June 13-27. The one-hour clinics feature golf fundamentals, preparation to play on the course and at events, as well as time on the driving range and putting green.PGA Junior Golf League for ages 13 and younger - players will participate in 6-8 matches and 4-6 practices during the season, starting in June and ending in August, 2020 at Elliot Golf Course. Register by June 12, 2020 at https://www.pgajrleague.com/program-search, and search “Rockford Park District.”Participants will be asked to wear a facial covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.For information about fee assistance eligibility and an installment payment plan, as well as on inclusion support and programs for golfers with disabilities, call Park District Customer Service at 815-987-8800. More Info & Register!

Illinois House and Senate Safeguard 2020 Funding for Illinois Arts Council Agency, $50 Million in Capital Arts Funding Appropriated to Arts Alliance Capital Coalition Members Some Good News for the Rockford region! The Illinois General Assembly passed a budget bill last week with several big wins for the creative sector, including $13.3 million in funding for the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and a $50 million investment for the Arts Alliance Capital Coalition that will fuel 36 projects dedicated to permanent improvement in cultural infrastructure across the state—including one in downtown Rockford. Rockford’s Riverfront Museum Park is among the 36 coalition members set to receive major funding for capital projects that will have a lasting impact on Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company and Rockford Symphony Orchestra, all located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford.Beloved annual Rockford events like RAM’s Greenwich Village Art Fair, Discovery Center’s Bubble Fest, Countdown to Fun, and more all take place on site. Although state funding won’t go into effect until after Governor Pritzker signs the bill, this is incredibly encouraging news for Rockford! Having passed the Illinois General Assembly, the budget bill is now on Governor Pritzker’s desk, and he is expected to sign it in the weeks ahead. Riverfront Museum Park is a Rockford Park District facility that serves as a community anchor for the Rockford region because of the organizations inside. Without state funding, the financial burden of making upgrades and improvements to the building would fall on Discovery Center, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company and Rockford Symphony Orchestra, severely impacting the ability of each nonprofit organization to carry out their respective missions. Representing the Riverfront Museum Park districts in Springfield are State Sen. Steve Stadelman and State Rep. Maurice West. Their commitment to this bill, as well as by State Sen. Dave Syverson, State Rep. Joe Sosnowski and others, will help keep arts and culture experiences accessible for everyone in our community for years to come. Arts Alliance Illinois formed the Arts & Culture Capital Coalition to provide advocacy support, bringing together diverse groups representing communities of all sizes. “We’re thrilled that in this era of great uncertainty for the cultural sector, the Illinois General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the arts through maintaining budget levels for the Illinois Arts Council Agency,” said Arts Alliance Illinois Executive Director Claire Rice. “Fueling arts capital projects in progress and planned across the state is an investment in our future. Cultural spaces are not only community anchors, these capital funds will create jobs in the arts and culture, construction, and manufacturing industries.” “Arts, culture, and the creative sector are needed now more than ever,” said Rice. “This is a sector keeping us sane, connected, and inspired during the pandemic, and this critical funding will support both programs and bricks-and-mortar operations. Our sector is and will be a critical part of the healing and restoration of Illinois, and we look forward to working with the legislature, governor, and the IACA as we move our sector into recovery.” # # # The mission of Discovery Center Museum is to create opportunities for playful learning and discovery through hands-on experiences in the sciences and arts. Connect with us on Facebook @discoverycentermuseum and Twitter @discovcenmuseum. Executive Director: Sarah Wolf. More at discoverycentermuseum.org. 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. Executive Director/Curator: Carrie Johnson. More at rockfordartmuseum.org. The mission of Rockford Dance Company is to pursue excellence in the art of dance through performance, education and outreach. Interim Executive Director: Monique Aduddell. More at rockforddancecompany.com. The mission of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra is to enlighten, educate, and entertain through symphonic music. Executive Director: Julie Thomas. More at rockfordsymphony.com. The mission of the Riverfront Museum Park of Rockford Park District is to support and sustain a vibrant and healthy facility that enables our member organizations to showcase the arts and sciences. Facility Manager: Cyndie Howard. More at riverfrontmuseumpark.org. The mission of Arts Alliance Illinois is to build the vitality of communities statewide through service and advocacy, thereby generating resources for the cultural sector and creative industries. Executive Director: Claire Rice. More at artsalliance.org.

As of today, May 29, Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG) is reopen to the public. They’re keeping the health and safety of their guests and staff as their top priority.There will be reduced capacitiesPre-purchased tickets are REQUIRED. You can head over HERE to purchase your ticket. Keep in mind, there is a limited number available for each 30-minute time slot.Fresco will be offering outdoor dining daily from 8:00am – 2:00pm. Reservations are required. Please call 815-316-2256 to make your reservation!You’ll be able to get out and enjoy our beautiful summer weather here in Rockford at the Gardens and/or grab a delicious bite to eat at Fresco. They also have great coffee there. Trust me, I scouted it out for you!That’s not the end of the good news -Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the most beautiful destinations in Rockford. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been there one time or one hundred times, being surrounded by the flowers, waterfalls, beautiful Japanese buildings, and so much more is such a treat.AJG celebrated 40 years in 2019. Being around and open for the community for that many years as well as water damage leads to paths being worn out and hard to access for guests who need extra help with walking, use wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.Last week, AJG announced they’ve received a $30,000 Sustainable Communities Grant from The Community Foundation of Northern IL to complete the Walkways for Everyone Project.They will be replacing some of the wash out prone sections of the gravel pathways to make this beautiful attraction accessible to more guests and make their experience as easy and pleasant as possible.“The Garden has proven to be a place of healing; mind, body, and soul and to properly fulfill this need for connection to nature, we need to provide access to ALL who enter the Garden,” said Tom Furst, Anderson Japanese Garden’s board president.This mission of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is to serve as a catalyst for giving in order to attract, preserve, and grow an endowment for current and future needs of the people of Northern Illinois. Since its founding in 1953, CFNIL has granted more than $73 million for charitable purposes. Learn more about CFNIL’s grant making and commitment to our region at www.cfnil.org.