Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Take a trip to Discovery Town

Discovery Center has a new temporary exhibition…a make-believe, kid-sized city! In Discovery Town children play as they learn about the people and places that make up a community. The exhibition opens January 18 and runs through May 10.Each stop on the trip through town provides opportunities for children to try out adult roles through role play, or as it is sometimes called, “imaginative play.” This cityscape created just for kids promotes problem solving, creative exploration and getting along with others through fun and absorbing activities. The activities also provide practice with essential fine and gross motor skills. Children have the freedom to safely explore, discover, and learn through creative and imaginative play in a pint-sized community. While in Discovery Town, children can explore a variety of settings:Vet Clinic: Give your furry friend (big or small) a checkup, beautify your pet at the grooming table, examine an x-ray, and treat large animals in the corral.Pizza Shop: Take an order, then put together and serve up some pretend pizza!Fire Station: Answer emergency calls, don firefighter gear, climb into the fire truck and battle a blaze! Local Theater: Select a costume and jump onstage to make your acting or singing debut! Town Park: Play outdoor games in this big green space, and test your skills at mini-putt! Post Office: Sort the mail, fill your bag, and make deliveries all over town!Airport: Load the plane, start the engine, and pilot your way home! “Children explore careers through role play,” explains Sarah Wolf, executive director at Discovery Center. When children think about what they want to be when they grow up, they typically enact their desire through role play. Putting on a fireman’s hat and pretending to rescue people or wearing a veterinarian’s coat and pretending to make a diagnosis can empower them to feel that this goal is attainable. While not all children decide so early, it’s fundamental to children’s development for them to understand their potential and their options, and to see themselves in different roles. Admission to Discovery Center and the Discovery Town exhibit is $10 for the public and free to museum members.

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EXCITEMENT: Looking Forward in 2020

No, the title isn’t meant to be a pun (shocker). This is actually about the year ahead of us. If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know we started a few new things here at Rockford Buzz. A lot of it was on the admin side and boring things we’d never expect you to care about. The fun things involve out podcast (Click here to listen & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts), increasing our video output, started a community backer program so you can support the mission of Rockford Buzz (click here to check that out!), a video portion of the Weekend Roundup, and trying to get more contributions from the community. That’s a lot of new stuff for one year. There were bound to be things we didn’t like about our systems and processes. Thankfully Jake and I (yes, hello, this is Courtney writing) don’t mind failing as long as it’s with a purpose and sparks growth. I wouldn’t say we had any epic failures in 2019, but we identified ways to make our posts better and make us happier too.That was all nice and good, but now it’s 2020, and we are EXCITED. There may even be excitement leaking out of our pores. Don’t worry, its all very clean and healthy. . .We are really excited to build on the things we started last year and bring you guys awesome new videos, posts, and more. Jake is even working on a new version of the app as we speak. We hope you’re settling into the new year nicely. This is going to be a good year for us, and we believe it will be for you too. That said – thank you so much for your continued support. Without you, we wouldn’t be here spreading positivity about the place we call home. We wouldn’t be able to hear from amazing people making change here and tell their stories. None of this would many anything without you backing us all the way. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Here’s to an awesome year!

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ELIMINATING EXCUSES: PART 2

This one was pretty personal for me but I know I am not the only one who has had these struggles. To my fellow Mama friends, this ones for you.-Chelshttps://www.adrenalinefitness.net/blog/eliminating-excuses-part-2

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Protecting Your Business Website from Iran

Just posted our latest article. As of the news last night, Homeland Security is warning large AND small corporations to prepare for possible cyberattacks, and that includes your local business website!https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/protecting-your-business-website-from-iran-john-licausi/

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Experience History, Culture and Signature Events

What's happening next at Midway Village Museum? Our 2020 Calendar of Events Is Now Available in PDF format! As Midway Village Museum begins the New Year 2020, the Board and Staff are eager to begin delivering the mission of history preservation and education to you!Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy our popular signature special events including Sock Monkey Madness Festival, The Great War: World War I, World War II Days, and All Hallows’ Eve. Last year’s popular Tipsy History: Prohibition and Oregon Trail: In Real Life will return. New this year, HERstory: Women Who Dared, Children's Storytimes at the Rockford Public Library and the "Roaring In Rockford" exhibit open now through December 31, 2020, at the museum.Also to highlight, the hours of operations are changing and are outlined on the back of the brochure.You can connect with the museum in several different ways! Visit the website for frequent updates at www.midwayvillage.com or your favorite social media channel - search Midway Village Museum.Question? Call 815-397-9112. Click Here to View!Click Here To Download The Calendar of Events

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City Launches New Snow and Ice App

The City of Rockford is excited to launch a new app to help citizens during the winter season. The City’s Snow and Ice app provides information on snow emergencies, odd/even parking rules and a residential progress map, which shows if routes have been completed, are in progress or haven’t been started yet.To download the app to a phone, visit https://815snowinfo.glideapp.io. Users will need to provide an email address for the download; however, users will not receive any emails from the City as a result.Residents can also sign up to receive text alerts about our snow operations by texting ROCKFORDSNOW to 888777.

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The Mayor's View: Steady Progress for Our Community in 2019

It’s been a busy and exciting year for our community. Looking at 2019, I’m pleased we’re making continued progress our three top priorities—public safety, economic development and neighborhood revitalization. Nothing is more important to me and my team than keeping our community safe. When I took office 2 ½ years ago, we made a commitment to attack our crime problem on many fronts. Since then, with City Council support, we’ve invested more than $4 million in training and technology and are at our highest level of sworn officers in more than a decade. Both the short- and long-term results are promising—year to date through November, we’re down 17 percent in violent crime and 12 percent in property crime. Most importantly, since 2017, we’re down 31 percent in violent crime. At the same time, my team has worked to stabilize and strengthen the City’s finances. When I took office, we faced a $23 million dollar projected deficit through 2020. To address this, we sought input from employees, union leaders, municipal finance experts, and a citizen-led Finance Task Force to reduce that deficit. Since then, we’ve passed balanced budgets in 2018, 2019 and 2020, with an overall City workforce that has 1/3 fewer non-public safety staff than our peer communities. Most importantly, we have held the line on property taxes, with no increase, despite facing a pension-funding crisis. By doing so, we left more than $1 million in revenue for 2020 alone in taxpayers’ pockets – where it should be. And, the City’s projected property tax rate fell to 3.00, a 3.8 percent decrease from the previous year.As we look across our city at businesses and organizations continuing their resurgence, we can look at the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and its role as a regional economic engine. RFD is now one of Rockford’s largest employment hubs with UPS, Amazon, Pinnacle, AAR and others employing more than 4,000 people on RFD property. RFD recently cracked the Top 20 in busiest US airports for cargo (checking in at #19) and also was named the fastest-growing cargo airport in the world by Airports Council International. Other signs of success are plentiful across our business community. Ingersoll is now in line to help build the world’s largest telescope. Estwing is moving forward with a major expansion, investing $10 million and adding 30 jobs. Collins Aerospace is spending $50 million on its campus to build a research and testing lab. Specialty Screw opened a $2.5 million expansion, adding 10 employees to the company. Advanced Machine & Engineering has added a $3.5 million investment to its facility, creating 50 new jobs. Investing in our neighborhoods and infrastructure is critical to our community. In early December, our partners with National Resource Network outlined our data-driven approach to neighborhood revitalization, which will include additional investment in residential areas across the community. Coupled with establishing a Land Bank, the reformed Trustee Program and the Vacant and Foreclosed Property Registry, and the highest increase in property values since 1994, I’m excited about the work we’ll be doing to strengthen our neighborhoods. A final and important part of our work is the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed by City Council in November. The $51 million program uses $22 million in Motor Fuel Tax and Sales Tax funds, $9 million in Water Capital Improvement funds and nearly $20 million in leveraged State and Federal funds and will touch every area of the city. My team and I know there’s more work to be done and will continue to be relentless in building a stronger and safer city for all of us. I’m excited about the opportunities we have ahead of us in 2020. Tom

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2 Local Charities Team-up to Deliver Elizabeth’s Wish

The recent holidays were filled with good will, but last month it was extra special as two local charities teamed-up to help a 21-year-old fighting cancer. The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation and The Anna Miller Foundation joined forces to help Elizabeth and her family take a much-needed break from the grueling rigors of her cancer battle.In March, 2012, Nik Ritschel, battling Synovial Sarcoma, inspired the creation of The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation (a.k.a. Nik’s Wish). Nik's dying wish was to help other young adult cancer warriors who missed-out on receiving a Wish. They missed-out because they were diagnosed after turning 18, which made them ineligible for Make-A-Wish type programs. Since 2012, Nik's Wish has granted over 175 wishes in 31 states. The majority of these wishes were in Northern Illinois and the Chicagoland area.In 2016, Nik’s Wish received a grant application from Anna Miller, a Rockford cancer fighter. Like Nik, Anna attended Boylan High School and was also diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. Sadly, before her Nik Wish could be delivered, Anna passed away in January, 2017. Anna always emphasized the importance of kindness, and every day she created unforgettable moments of joy for others. As a result, Anna’s family and friends came together to create The Anna Miller Foundation, with the goal of spreading the happiness and love that Anna so gracefully shared with the world. Last year Anna's Foundation raised the funds needed to deliver Elizabeth's Nik Wish.Elizabeth is from Savanna, Illinois. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia after turning 18. Elizabeth describes life before cancer and her wish: “A typical week for me included attending high school, being highly involved with school activities: cheerleading, softball, clubs including officer positions and 4H. I have not been able to participate in life like my peers. Because of my illness, my parents missed a lot of work. They've made sacrifices to support and care for me. While I still have a way to go, I am making good strides at getting better. A family vacation would be healing for my family.”During October’s chilly Nik’s Home Run event, Elizabeth received a surprise wish presentation of her “Cali” dream vacation. Volunteer Wish Maker, Kelli Ritschel Boehle, working directly with Elizabeth and her family, then made all the arrangements so they could focus on their precious time together and not be concerned about worrisome travel details. On December 14th, Elizabeth, her parents, and brother were transported to the airport by limo and flown to Huntington Beach, California. During their vacation, they enjoyed Disneyland, Universal Studios, and whale watching. The Hyatt Hotel, where they stayed, even provided a special, on the beach bonfire for them. All of this was made possible by the loving legacy of two Rockford cancer fighters. Thank you, Anna and Nik!To learn more about these Rockford-based 501(c)(3) charities and to see how you can help young adult cancer warriors, please visit www.AnnaMillerFoundation.org and www.NiksWish.org, which is a new website

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162nd Annual Burns Scottish Supper

The Rockford Burns Club announces its 162nd Annual Burns Scottish Supper to be held in Rockford on Saturday, January 25th, 2020. Festivities will be held at newly remodeled CLIFFBREAKERS 700 West Riverside Blvd in Rockford, Illinois. Burns Suppers will be held throughout the world in January to celebrate and honor the 1759 birth of Robert Burns. The first Rockford Burns Supper was held on January 25th, 1859 at the Holland House in Rockford. Cocktail Hour will begin at 5 PM with Call to Tables at 6 PM. Dinner's main course will be a choice (at time of reservation) of Prime Rib, Salmon, Chicken, or Vegetarian Lasagna. Classic Scottish accompaniments will be Haggis (of course), Cock-a-Leekie soup and Neeps & Tatties. Non-Member tickets will be available at $70.00 per adult and children's tickets are $15.00 per child (12 years and under). Because seating will be limited, early reservations are encouraged and recommended. Reservation forms and further information will be found at our website: WWW.ROCKFORDBURNSCLUB.COM. Reservations will be accepted through January 22nd. Tables seating up to nine (we recommend eight) are available for groups. Cocktail hour entertainment will be provided members of Rockford's Clan MacAlpine Pipe Band playing the ‘small’ pipes. Program entertainment for the evening will include traditional Scottish Highland Dance performed by the Thistle and Heather Dancers, the Clan MacAlpine Highland Pipe Band (the 15th oldest highland bagpipe band in the US – formed in 1912) and a visit from the Bard himself, as portrayed by local talent John Brandon. Also headlining again this year is local Celtic singing talent, Danny McDade.The Rockford Burns Club is the oldest social ethnic organization in Rockford, and one of the oldest Robert Burns/Scottish organizations in the world. Originally organized to preserve the songs, poetry, and memory of Robert Burns, the ‘Bard of Scotland’, (famous for ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Tam O’Shanter’, and ‘To A Mouse’, among many others), the Club also nourishes and maintains the Scottish identity in Rockford and the surrounding area through fellowship, and the celebration of traditional and contemporary Scottish culture. The Club was organized on November 5th, 1858 in the Jeffersonian debating rooms of W.C. Prouty’s store at State and Wyman Streets. It’s doubtful that the Scots attending that meeting had any thought that we would be here, 162 years later, again celebrating the birthday of Burns. Membership in the Rockford Burns Club is only $10.00 per year and covers the entire family at a single residence. For additional information about the Rockford Burns Club, the upcoming 162nd Annual Burns Banquet, our annual Tartan Day celebration in early April, our annual Founder’s Day observance (November 18th), as well as other Club activities, visit our website at www.rockfordburnsclub.com, or contact:Alex Stormont, President815-234-2840Alex.stormont@rockfordburnsclub.com

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Local Kickboxing Fighter wins competition in Thailand

No Joke Instructor, Ryan Rutherfordcompeted at the 'Max Muay Thai' event on Sunday, December 17th and claimed victory. The 'Max Muay Thai' franchise is described as "The number 1 rated Muay Thai show in Thailand" according to the company's website. Each event is streamed on television in Thailand and online worldwide.Rutherford arrived in Thailand just four weeks ago for a long-term stay to focus on training in Muay Thai.Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the late 20th to 21st century, when westernized practitioners from Thailand began competing in kickboxing.Today, Thailand is home to some of the world's preeminent training centers and competitors of the sport.Ryan's full fight can be viewed via this linkat the 32-minute mark.

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30 Year Local Company starts 2020 led by new 25 year old CEO

30 Year Local Company starts 2020 with a full force expansion led by new 25 year old C.E.O. Bryan Amezquita, a Rockford area native. Along with expanding coverage area and services, investment into new business ventures will bring them into national and global markets. LCU Properties Inc. in Machesney Park has recently purchased and started construction on a West Side Building (1821 Preston) and land off of Tipple Road. Their service based companies will be handling operations within the new locations to better serve the Rockford and Chicago area with their full service property maintenance offerings. The acquiring of another local company Cooling Lawn Irrigation and in process deal with a Chicago Suburb based maintenance company L.A. Daniels Inc. Has helped increased their coverage area and offerings. Their services aim to handle all needs for residential and commercial clients from landscaping, snow, and maintenance to full service moving and delivery. Newly appointed C.E.O Bryan Amezquita started as an Operations Manager at 19 while Attending Rockford University for Early Childhood Education. Since then he has restructured the services companies with new innovative ideas and practices. This ranges from day to day protocols, for more quality work results. To new online features, including voicemail to email phone systems that will increase communication for clients. The ambitious drive from the service companies has started other projects that continue them into new markets world wide. The investment decision came last year after a national industry convention in Kentucky led them in a different direction to produce other products and services. This started Laser Creations Unlimited which allows custom engraving on items that can be purchased online and shipped around the globe. From the success of that project and in housing all of their internal operations for LCU, they continue to shift their sites for the new year. They will be investing into offering full service business solutions that focuses on helping other companies from their websites to daily operations with customized approaches and software. Bryan Amezquita hopes to involve the divisions with more community engagement for 2020 along maintaining the growth of the companies. Personally, he is hoping to release his book revolving around market insights before his first child is expected in March.

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Carrie Johnson Officially Named Executive Director of Rockford Art Museum!

Interim Executive Director Carrie Johnson has been officially named Executive Director/Curator of Rockford Art Museum (RAM). Johnson has been with RAM since 2006, most recently as Curator, leading the development and innovative implementation of exhibitions while overseeing the care for and management of the RAM Permanent Collection. A Rockford native, she has a deep knowledge of the organization and a passion for supporting and working with artists, having also led education department prior to becoming Curator in 2012—a position she has held longer than anyone else in the 106-year-old history of the contemporary art museum. “Carrie’s work to develop connections throughout the art world has brought significant donations of artwork to the RAM Collection, and introduced nationally known artists to our museum and to the Rockford region,” RAM Board President David Boccignone said in an earlier statement. “Her passion for art, education and the community make her a perfect fit to take on the leadership of Rockford Art Museum.” About Carrie Johnson: Watch “On Reinventing Herself, Carrie Johnson” here: https://ourcityourstory.com/rockford/season/3/on-reinventing-herself-carrie-johnson/ and follow along with Carrie’s adventures on Instagram @carrie_maebe.About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. 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.

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Carrie Johnson named Executive Director of Rockford Art Museum

Interim Executive Director Carrie Johnson has been officially named Executive Director/Curator of Rockford Art Museum (RAM). Carrie Johnson has been with RAM since 2006, most recently as Curator, leading the development and innovative implementation of exhibitions while overseeing the care for and management of the RAM Permanent Collection. A Rockford native, she has a deep knowledge of the organization and a passion for supporting and working with artists, having also led the education department prior to becoming Curator in 2012—a position she has held longer than anyone else in the 106-year-old history of the contemporary art museum. “Carrie’s work to develop connections throughout the art world has brought significant donations of artwork to the RAM Collection, and introduced nationally known artists to our museum and to the Rockford region,” RAM Board President David Boccignone said in an earlier statement. “Her passion for art, education and the community make her a perfect fit to take on the leadership of Rockford Art Museum.” About Carrie Johnson: Click here to watch the episode “On Reinventing Herself, Carrie Johnson” from the film series Our City, Our Story; click here to listen in on her conversation with Scott Yates on the “Meet the Artist” podcast series from the Rockford Register Star | rrstar.com newsroom; and follow along with Carrie’s adventures on Instagram @carrie_maebe. About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Connect with us on Facebook @rockfordartmuseumand Instagram @rockfordart #rockfordartmuseum, and go behind the scenes with us on our free mobile app. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.photo of Carrie Johnson by Shelly Mosman, 2019

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RAM open 10 AM–3 PM Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25; free daily admission through Jan. 26

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) will be open holiday hours, 10 AM to 3 PM, on December 24, and closed December 25. Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection is on view through January 26 at RAM with FREE daily admission throughout the exhibition provided by support from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. Bold Abstractions explores new forms of abstract painting from the 1960s, following the heyday of Abstract Expressionism, and features an international group of 33 artists associated with some of the key painting movements of the mid-20th century: Color Field, Post-Painterly Abstraction, Hard-Edge, and Op Art. This 15-week major exhibition, organized by Carrie Johnson, marks the first time the couple’s significant post-war painting collection has been shown at a public institution. Click here to listen to RAM Executive Director/Curator Carrie Johnson lead the Gallery Walk on opening night, which is featured on Rockford Art Museum’s free mobile app. About the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation: Founded in 2014 and based in Chicago and Santa Fe, the recognizes the power of the arts to challenge and shift perceptions, spark creativity and connect people across cultures. Learn more at thomafoundation.org. About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. 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.

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Hulsebus Rockford has a Special Guest

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic is all about making Rockford healthy. But this season they're expanding their horizons to help others from outside the Rockford community. Jake & Dr. Breven talk a bit about the clinic and then get to meet a special guest!

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Celebrate the Holidays with Discovery Center Museum!

With the holiday break coming up, the kids are going to be out of school. That doesn’t mean that have to be bored or not using their brains, though!Our awesome Discovery Center Museum has some events coming up to round out December that will keep the kids entertained. But, they’ll be entertained AND being educated. That’s what Discovery Center does best!First up is Holiday Hoopla!Thursday, December 26 – Monday, December 30 11:00 am – 3:00 pmKids get some hands-on experience making new treasures out of recycled material! They can put their imaginations into gear and make anything from instruments to decorations. Holiday Hoopla is included in general admission!Second, Countdown to Fun!Tuesday, December 3112:00 pm – 4:00 pmIt’s New Years Eve! Get the ball dropping with some arts & crafts fun. Kids can make their own party hats, have fun with noisemakers, and watch the ball drop! There will be a ball drop and confetti at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm! If your kids don’t stay up until midnight, this is a great way to get them the full New Years Eve experience!Discovery Center Museum is a great asset for kids (and parents!) in our community. Spend the holiday season with them and have some fun!

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27-TIME GRAMMY WINNER ALISON KRAUSS COMING TO CORONADO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THIS SPRING

Alison Krauss announces several new Springtour dates which will find the accomplished bluegrass-country singer and musician performing at the Coronado Performing Arts Centerin Rockford, ILon May 15. Windy City, her latest solo album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and Top Bluegrass Albums charts and received two Grammy nominations. The album was produced by Buddy Cannon, whose vocal harmonies Krauss grew up listening to and were the soundtrack to her childhood. “Buddy sang harmonies on everything back then,” Krauss says. She also reveals of Cannon, “I don’t do something unless I feel like I’m called to do it. That’s what I felt like, so I honored it. It’s like the same feeling of when you know something is right musically, with a song or a batch of songs –the same feeling, but this was attached to a person instead of a batch of songs.”Born in Champaign, Illinois, Alison Krauss grew up listening to everything from folk to opera to pop and rock music, but quickly fell in love with bluegrass ¬when she began playing fiddle at the age of five. Shortly after, Krauss began entering fiddle contests. At the age of 14, Rounder Records signed her to her first record deal and she went on to release her debut solo album two years later. The accomplished bluegrass musician became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at age 21. Since 1985, Krauss has released 14 albums including five solo, seven with her longtime band and musical collaborators Union Station, and the Robert Plant collaboration Raising Sand, which was certified platinum and won five Grammys, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year. She’s sold more than 12 million records to date, and her honors include 27 Grammys, nine Country Music Association awards, 14 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards and two Gospel Music Association awards.Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13 at 10am at the Coronado PAC and BMO Harris Bank Center Box Offices, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, and over the phone at 815-968-5222

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Discovery Center hosts New Year’s Eve celebration for families

Three…Two…Fun! Discovery Center is bringing the sights, sounds and excitement of Times Square to the museum…all before bedtime! Ring in the New Year at “Countdown to Fun” on Tuesday, December 31 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. The family-friendly celebration is filled with countdowns to ball drops and confetti showers at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Fabricate a party hat, knock together a noise-maker and more! The event is sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health, and HMC Products. Cost is included with admission to Discovery Center - $9 adults; $9 children ages 2-17 and free for Discovery Center Members and children age 1 and younger. Discovery Center will close at 3 pm on Christmas Eve, and be closed Christmas Day. Discovery Center will be open normal hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day - from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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Have Fun and Avoid Holiday Brain Drain

The kids will soon be out of school for their winter break. But that doesn’t mean it’s “tis the season” for kids to be without reason! The holidays are a great time to exercise the mind. Discovery Center provides the perfect holiday mix…family fun, physical activity and even a little science! And December 26-30 Discovery Center will be celebrating winter with extra fun during Holiday Hoopla, when we’ll merge hands-on crafts with science, math and engineering. We’ve got a rainbow of fun in our drop-in workshop space. Pick up a hammer or grab a screwdriver and put your imagination in gear. See what you can construct using recycled materials, and take what you make from bird feeders and toys to decorations and musical instruments! Then have a blast building with LEGOs, cardboard, wire, and foam! We’ll also have live science demonstrations each day. The extra activities will take place 11:00 am to 3:00 pm each day. Holiday Hoopla activities are included with admission to the Museum– $9/person and free to Members and children age 1 and younger. Planetarium shows are $1.00 for the general public and $0.50 for Discovery Center members. Discovery Center will be open until 3 pm on Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25, and open regular hours (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) throughout the remainder of the holiday season including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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Nom Nom Nom: Meg’s Daily Grind Now Has Cold Brew & Nitro!

Happy Holidays to aaaaaalllllll coffee lovers! Meg’s Daily Grind has stepped up their cold coffee game. In addition to iced coffee and iced Americanos, They now have Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew! It was brand new this week. You KNOW I had to stop in and try it. Now, we consider ourselves to be somewhat coffee snobs. We drink so much of it, why would we want poor quality? Exactly. We wouldn’t. When we were informed of the new brews coming to Meg’s, I’m pretty sure my eyes actually lit up because I had new local coffee to try!I wouldn’t recommend buying both a large cold brew and a large nitro cold brew if you intend on sleeping at night. But, I did. Because I had to try them both immediately. I don’t think I’ve slept yet, but SO WORTH IT!Let me just tell you, if you’re a fan of cold coffee (if you aren’t, I guess I won’t judge but come on) you’re going to be pleased with the new offerings at Meg’s. I drink mine just black. So, I can’t speak for the taste when adding flavor or cream. But with the quality of the brews, I’m sure they’ll be delicious too. If you drink your coffee black like me, you’ll love the cold brew and nitro. It’s so smooth and it’ll give your brain a good kick-start! Do yourself a favor and grab one this week!I’ll even provide the hours for you:Meg’s Daily Grind – PerryvilleMonday – Thursday 5:30AM to 8PMFriday 5:30AM to 7PM Saturday 7AM to 5PMSunday 7:30AM to 3PMMeg’s Daily Grind – AlpineMonday – Thursday 6AM to 9PMFriday 6AM to 8PM Saturday 7AM to 6PMSunday 7:30AM to 5PMHappy coffee drinking, friends! May I suggest grabbing a Meg's giftcard as a stocking stuffer for family and friends? Then they can try the new cold brew too!

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J.R. Kortman Center for Design hosts JingleBling! shopping event Dec. 6 to benefit RAM

J. R. Kortman Center for Design hosts its fourth annual JingleBling! holiday jewelry shopping party on First Friday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Rockford Art Museum (RAM).“We will be presenting the newest arrivals of outstanding contemporary necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from the pearl and jewelry markets of Shanghai and Beijing,” said Doc Slafkosky, gallery director and co-owner. “You can also enjoy ‘The Purse’ art exhibit while enjoying some Christmas cheer served up by Jennifer Langworthy, who will be hosting the Kortman Gallery Bar during this fun holiday shopping party!” Currently on view at Kortman Gallery is ‘The Purse: Art, Design, Fashion, Function,’ a holiday group exhibition featuring work in a variety of media—from ceramics, fabric, watercolor and painting, to sculpture, printmaking, digital imagery and functional objects—by more than 30 Rockford artists. J.R. Kortman Center for Design and Kortman Gallery are located at 107 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. For more information about the event contact the shop and gallery at (815) 968-0123 or go to jrkortman.com. About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. 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.IMAGE features ‘Red Purse’ by Carrie Johnson, from ‘The Purse: Art, Design, Fashion, Function’ exhibition in the Kortman Gallery at J.R. Kortman Center for Design at 107 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois.

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100 Men Who Give a Damn Schedule Holiday Event

100 Men Who Give a Damn Rockford is a group of men who want to make a difference in the community by supporting the Family Peace Center. The next event for this group is planned for Tuesday, December 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s. This holiday event, sponsored by Associated Bank, will provide an opportunity for networking and a chance for men to do a little holiday shopping. Local vendors will have a variety of items for sale, including jewelry, gift certificates and artwork.Cost for the event is $100. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/100MenRKFD.

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Get Your JingleBling On For RAM!

J. R. Kortman Center For Design, 107 N Main Street, is hosting their 4th annual JingleBling event this Friday, December 6, from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. This is a great event to get some holiday shopping done for the jewelry lovers in your life, or just for yourself! The event will feature new arrivals of contemporary jewelry pieces from the Pearl & Jewelry markets of Shanghai and Beijing. You can enjoy some beverages while browsing. The Kortman Gallery bar will be open to fill you up with tasty drinks.A portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards the Rockford Art Museum. Not only can you pick up some unique and thoughtful gifts, you’ll also be supporting our great local art museum. If you missed out on the opening of The Purse: Art, Design, Fashion, Function exhibit, you’ll be able to browse those lovely creations by local artists. What a way to kick off a weekend!

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Midway Village Museum 2019 Holiday Ornament Program

* Order Deadline Extended *Please Place Your Order By Noon Friday, December 6!We’re decorating the Midway Village Christmas tree this year in memory of and in honor of our friends, supporters, and relatives… and you can be a part of this tradition.That’s right! You can honor the life or memory of a loved one, family member, friend, co-worker or community volunteer with a beautifully-inscribed, ceramic ornament this year (and for many years to come) which will initially hang on the Midway Village main lobby entrance Christmas tree, until you retrieve it to take home to hang on your tree, or send it to the honored individual to hang on their tree!Each ornament will be inscribed with the name you will be remembering or honoring this year and comes in a beautiful maroon gift box.There is limited availability so please place your order by Wednesday, December 4. Any ornaments remaining on the Midway tree on Wednesday, December 18 will be mailed to your home, to arrive by Christmas.For additional information, contact Dolores Avram, Administrative Assistant at 815-397-9112, ext. 109 or email at adminstrativeassistant@midwayvillage.com.To honor your loved one, family member, friend, co-worker, or community volunteer, link on the button link below to download the order form for this year's commemorative ornament.https://www.midwayvillage.com/ornament-program.html

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Recents

Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 21 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Take a trip to Discovery Town

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Take a trip to Discovery Town

EXCITEMENT: Looking Forward in 2020

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EXCITEMENT: Looking Forward in 2020

ELIMINATING EXCUSES: PART 2

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ELIMINATING EXCUSES: PART 2

Protecting Your Business Website from Iran

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Protecting Your Business Website from Iran

Experience History, Culture and Signature Events

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Experience History, Culture and Signature Events

City Launches New Snow and Ice App

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City Launches New Snow and Ice App

The Mayor's View: Steady Progress for Our Community in 2019

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The Mayor's View: Steady Progress for Our Community in 2019

2 Local Charities Team-up to Deliver Elizabeth’s Wish

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2 Local Charities Team-up to Deliver Elizabeth’s Wish

162nd Annual Burns Scottish Supper

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162nd Annual Burns Scottish Supper

Local Kickboxing Fighter wins competition in Thailand

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Local Kickboxing Fighter wins competition in Thailand

30 Year Local Company starts 2020 led by new 25 year old CEO

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30 Year Local Company starts 2020 led by new 25 year old CEO

Carrie Johnson Officially Named Executive Director of Rockford Art Museum!

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Carrie Johnson Officially Named Executive Director of Rockford Art Museum!

Carrie Johnson named Executive Director of Rockford Art Museum

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Carrie Johnson named Executive Director of Rockford Art Museum

RAM open 10 AM–3 PM Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25; free daily admission through Jan. 26

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RAM open 10 AM–3 PM Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25; free daily admission through Jan. 26

Hulsebus Rockford has a Special Guest

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Hulsebus Rockford has a Special Guest

Celebrate the Holidays with Discovery Center Museum!

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Celebrate the Holidays with Discovery Center Museum!

27-TIME GRAMMY WINNER ALISON KRAUSS COMING TO CORONADO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THIS SPRING

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27-TIME GRAMMY WINNER ALISON KRAUSS COMING TO CORONADO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THIS SPRING

Discovery Center hosts New Year’s Eve celebration for families

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Discovery Center hosts New Year’s Eve celebration for families

Have Fun and Avoid Holiday Brain Drain

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Have Fun and Avoid Holiday Brain Drain

Nom Nom Nom: Meg’s Daily Grind Now Has Cold Brew & Nitro!

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Nom Nom Nom: Meg’s Daily Grind Now Has Cold Brew & Nitro!

J.R. Kortman Center for Design hosts JingleBling! shopping event Dec. 6 to benefit RAM

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J.R. Kortman Center for Design hosts JingleBling! shopping event Dec. 6 to benefit RAM

100 Men Who Give a Damn Schedule Holiday Event

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100 Men Who Give a Damn Schedule Holiday Event

Get Your JingleBling On For RAM!

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Get Your JingleBling On For RAM!

Midway Village Museum 2019 Holiday ﻿Ornament Program

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Midway Village Museum 2019 Holiday ﻿Ornament Program

Get Your Business, Events, & Deals On Rockford Buzz

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Jackson Charter School

Historic Auto Attractions

Midway Village Museum 2019 Holiday Ornament Program

Midway Village Museum 2019 Holiday Ornament Program