Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Happy Weekend, y'all! We're back again with some spooky events, and some for the non spooky folks. It's going to be a fun one. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, October 25, 2019Spooky Science @ Discovery Center Museum - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmTrinadora's 21st Century 50s Radio @ Cucina di Rosa - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmParanormal Tour with Midwest Ghost Investigators @ Tinker Swiss Cottage - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmDisney On Ice presents Dream Big @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event7:00 pm70's Party With Skyler Davis @ The Norwegian - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmPink Pop Up Party for 'The Girls' @ The Office Niteclub - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmBoo Bash Weekend @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, October 26, 201970 Years of Hulsebus in Byron - view event8:30 am - 12:00 pmNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmTrick or Treat Meet and Greet @ Once Upon a Dream Performances - view event10:00 am - 1:00 pmRAD Free Print Day - Halloween - view event10:00 am - 6:00 pmCaramel Apple Saturdays @ Sugar Britches - view event10:00 am - 8:00 pmThe Great Pumpkin Market Pop Up @ Rockford City Market - view event10:00 am - 2:00 pmBook Signing with Local Author Kathi Kresol @ Wolf Hollow - view event11:00 am - 1:00 pmSpook-Tacular Haunts @ Anderson Japanese Gardens - view event3:00 pm - 5:00 pmOn State's 5th Annual Halloween Party - view event6:00 pm - 11:00 pmRockford Haunted Locations Tour - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pmQuilt Club Album Release with Warren Franklin @ Culture Shock - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmRockford Symphony Orchestra- The Last Night of the Proms @ Coronado PAC - view event7:30 pm - 10:00 pmMarys Place Halloween Show Extravaganza - view event8:30 pm - 2:00 amThe Office Halloween Party - view event9:00 pm - 2:00 amSunday, October 27, 2019Jazz Brunch w/ The Joel Baer Jazz Trio @ The Norwegian - view event12:00 pm - 2:00 pmDisney On Ice presents Dream Big @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event1:00 pm - 4:00 pmIntro to Vinyl Cutting @ Rockford Makerspace - view event2:00 pm - 3:30 pmSweater Sessions ft. Law and Love @ Taco Betty's - view event5:00 pm - 7:00 pmJohn Crist Immature Thoughts Tour @ Coronado PAC - view event7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

The winter holiday season is fast approaching and Mayor Tom McNamara needs help! Each year, the mayor sends out a holiday card to companies and organizations that make our community move forward. This year, he’d like to use a card designed by a Rockford elementary or middle school student. Here are the guidelines: · Design should be secular or appropriate for all religions and should help capture the feeling of the holiday spirit in Rockford.· Artwork must be original and no larger than 8.5” x 11”. · Design should be created with crayon, water colors, paints, pencil, ink, markers, or colored pencil, so that the winning art can be easily reproduced. · The mayor will have some experts help him choose the winner.  The winner will receive: · Their design/name on the holiday card and 10 copies of the card· Recognition at a Rockford City Council meeting· A $30 gift card to Beef-A-Roo· A $25 gift card to Rockford Art DeliSubmit your original design in person or by mail to: City of Rockford Mayor’s Office425 East State StreetRockford, IL 61104Entrants should include their name, address, phone number, school, grade, and age.Artwork must be received in the Mayor’s Office no later than November 12, 2019, for consideration.For more information, visit www.rockfordil.gov/holiday.

The IceHogs were back in action at the BMO Friday night. I wish I could make you wait until the end of my recap to tell you the result, but I can’t contain my excitement. THE ICEHOGS WON THEIR FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON! To make it even better, they beat the Chicago Wolves!The IceHogs came out flying on Saturday night firing off 17 shots in the first period and putting 3 pucks by Wolves goaltender, Garret Sparks. Dylan Sikura netted the first goal from Brandon Hagel and Philipp Kurashev. With the offensive push came some defensive prowess as well. In the first period, the IceHogs killed off nearly 6 consecutive minutes of penalties. During the last kill, Alex Fortin and John Quenneville teamed up to score short-handed to put the IceHogs up 2-0. Anton Wedin added the third goal with 1:37 on the clock in the first from Jacob Nillson and Lucas Carlsson. Better yet, the IceHogs held the Wolves to just 4 shots on goal during that period. The first period of hockey on Friday night was on of the best I’ve seen from the IceHogs in a long time. They were shooting the puck from all over the ice. Their gap control on defensive entries was on point. They were keeping the Wolves to the outside, and clearly limited their shots at the net. The final two periods were not nearly as exciting. They had 16 shots the rest of the way with no goals. They allows the Wolves to get shots on net – ending with around 30 at the final buzzer. The Wolves also potted two goals. Their first came off of an awful turnover by Beaudin and a misplay by Delia. The second was a backdoor pass on the powerplay that Delia had no chance on. Thankfully, they held down the fort after that and secured the win, but it was dicey for a few moments. Neither team looked overly enthused to grab the win in the third period. It was a good thing the IceHogs were already ahead or we might be talking about them going down 0-4 on the season. There were a lot of positives in that first period. If the team can find a way to put it together like that for 60 minutes more nights than not, they’re going to go far this season. Unfortunately, Friday night’s contest was the last chance for us to see Kirby Dach this year. He was recalled by the Blackhawks shortly after. Even though he went pointless in his games here, he progressed with each one. By Friday night, he was creating chances and playing responsible in his own end. He had a short breakaway chance and nearly pulled it around Garret Sparks for the goal, but he got tripped up in the process. Kirby Dach will be just fine. He had great stick positioning. I was really impressed with the number of passes he was breaking up and shots he was getting in the way of. I’m upset he’s no longer in Rockford, but he’s making his NHL debut tonight. I’ll be cheering him on from afar. Adam Boqvist was a surprising scratch this weekend. Surprising until we learned he took a puck to the face in practice. Hopefully we see him next game. On Saturday night, the IceHogs and the Wolves faced off again. This time they were in Rosemont. I had the joy of watching it from my living room. The teams looked more evenly matched in this one. The Hogs still looked miles better than they did in the first three games, but they weren’t on fire like the first period on Friday night. I’ll take a strong 60 instead of an elite 20 most nights. This time, it happened to work out. Tyler Sikura kicked off the scoring with a trick shot off of Sparks’s pads, off of a defender, and in. Obviously, he meant to do all of that. The Wolves tied it up. Philip Holm broke the tie. The Wolves tied it again. It was a thrilling game, I’m telling you. Regulation was actually rather non-exciting. That could be because I wasn’t at the game. But, overtime was eventful. Tyler Sikura netted his second goal of the game with 11 seconds left. No shootout – thank goodness.I’m actually a fan of shootouts, just not for my team. They’re too stressful. If I had to take away one positive from this game (aside from the win), it’s that Tomkins looked great in net. This was his first AHL start since February 2018, and his work in Indy really paid off. He looked big, he was square to the shooters, and he was moving really well in the crease. I was critical of Tomkins in his first stint here. But, if he keeps playing like this, he may have won me over. The IceHogs are now 2-3 on the season. They’ve scored first in every game so far. There are positives to take away from this team. We just have to hope they can put it all together for a full 60 minutes. I have hope. Do you?If you aren’t subscribed to the From Center Ice podcast, you can find it here: https://podfollow.com/from-center-ice/viewYou’ll get a lot more analysis and a lot more . . . emotion . . . in response to how the team is doing. 

Friday, October 18, 2019Fall and Winter Indoor Markets @ Rockford City Market - view event4:00 pm - 8:00 pmBoard Game Night @ Top Cut Comics - view event6:00 pm - 10:00 pmWine Tasting Benefitting Katie's Cup - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmTrue Tales of Things That Go Bump in the Night @ Tinker Swiss Cottage - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs. Chicago Wolves @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmSmudge @ Nordlof Center - view event7:30 pm - 10:00 pmFrosty Fridays: Public Skating @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, October 19, 2019Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of Rockford @ Rock Valley College - view event8:00 am - 12:00 pm70 Years of Hulsebus Chiropractic - view event8:30 am - 12:00 pmNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmCaramel Apple Saturdays @ Sugar Britches - view event10:00 am - 8:00 pmRockford Record Crawl - view event10:00 am - 7:00 pmSomething's Brewing @ Scavenged Parts - view event11:00 am - 10:00 pmAll Hallows' Eve @ Midway Village Museum - view event12:00 pm - 3:00 pmSensational Saturday: Fall Leaf Lanterns (Adults) @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - view event12:00 pm - 12:45 pmOn Tap in the Garden @ Anderson Japanese Gardens - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmFair Trade Presentation @ Rockford Public Library - view event2:00 pm - 3:00 pm5K Fun Run - Benefiting: Family Peace Center @ Prairie Street Brewing Co. - view event3:00 pm - 7:00 pmSpook The Dells @ Severson Dells - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmIn the Outdoors: Tree Trunk or Treat @ Atwood Park - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmGet The Led Out @ Coronado Performing Arts Center - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmThe Hope & Anchor Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, October 20, 2019Trick or Trot 5K Run and Family Walk @ Midway VIllage Museum - view event8:30 am - 10:30 amFall Weekly Ride Calendar - view event9:00 am - 2:00 pmRockford International Festival - view event12:00 pm - 6:00 pmSweater Sessions ft. Quilt Club @ Taco Betty's - view event5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

As the summer faded away into hockey season, I couldn’t help but to be beyond excited. That was, until I watched the first Blackhawks preseason game and remembered that I’m never actually ready for hockey. It was game one of the preseason. It realistically meant nothing. Yet, there I was – sitting in my living room, sweating, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. I swear this can’t be good for my health. But – I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now, here we are in the regular season. The NHL and AHL are both in full swing, and I have already nearly lost my voice twice from screaming from my seat in 203. In both of the home games we’ve had so far, the IceHogs have scored first. Against Grand Rapids, Anton Wedin ripped a shot glove side. Against Laval, Philip Holm put one home from the slot on the second shot of the game. Seeing as we scored first, both of these games looked promising. Then, it all went downhill from there. The IceHogs lost to Grand Rapids 4-2 and had another losing performance against Laval (3-1). They are now 0-3 on the season and I am slowly losing my sanity. We have a 4-way tie for the leading point scorer on the team with . . . 2 points. Dylan Sikura (2G)Anton Wedin (1G 1A)Philip Holm (1G 1A)Jacob Nilsson (2A)We have 6 players with 1 pointMatthew Highmore (1G)MacKenzie Entwistle (1A)Chad Krys (1A)Philipp Kurashev (1A)Tyler Sikura (1A)Kris Versteeg (1A)The rest have zero points, so I’m not going to bother listing all of them. But, two big names on the zero point list are Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach. Dach has only played 2 games. But, Boqvist has played in all 3, and I expected at least an assist from him by this point. I can’t put all of the blame on just these two for not scoring. It’s clear from the lists above that the team is not doing anything close to what they should be to win games.The team has looked a lot like last year’s team. The only difference is the players on the ice. It’s a lot of dumping the puck, losing board battles, and not shooting the puck. They can’t score on the powerplay, and the penalty kill is not doing it’s job. Basically, they haven’t won a game because they aren’t doing anything correctly as a unit. On to Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist. Boqvist has looked like just another guy out there. I understand that it’s 3 games into the season and its his first year pro, but he looked impactful during preseason games with the Blackhawks, so I expected a bit more fire from #27. To me, he has looked a bit lost and hasn’t used his speed. I often lose him on the ice because he’s not standing out. Usually, that’s what you want in a defenseman. But, with the skill this kid has, it’s been a bit disappointing. I’m not sure this is all on him, though. The whole team has been playing a very boring style. It’s like they are being told to slow the game down. With the amount of young guys we have, I want to see them play fast and fun. But, alas, I am not the coach. Maybe I should be. I would drill it in their heads to get the puck to the net. Kirby Dach has been the better of the two. In a surprising move, he was sent down a few hours before the home opener for a conditioning stint in the AHL. This is a loophole the Blackhawks found to get him some AHL time. Because of his age and CHL contract, he wouldn’t normally be able to make an AHL appearance for another year. His injury allows the Hawks to send him down on a 14-day conditioning stint while technically still being on the NHL roster. Dach hasn’t put up any points yet, but he has looked solid on the other end of the ice. There have been many plays that stuck out to me where his stick has been in the right position to block shots and passes. Dach is coming off of a concussion, so him not putting up points yet isn’t discouraging to me. It’s more encouraging that he doesn’t shy away from contact and he goes to the boards to try to win pucks. He’s playing the right way. The points will come. The next IceHogs game is tomorrow night right here at the BMO Harris Bank Center. They kick off the Illinois Lottery Cup series against the Chicago Wolves. It’ll be the first of twelve games between the two clubs. I’m hoping to see Dennis Gilbert in the lineup to ward off Chicago’s dirty play against the Hogs. I’m also looking to see Gilbert absolutely stapled to Kirby Dach’s line in case they target the kid. I’m sure I’ll leave the game utterly frustrated. But, if there were ever a time to come out swinging and get that first win, tomorrow is the time. It doesn’t help that the IceHogs have a home and home against the Wolves this weekend. They’ll be in Rosemont on Saturday night. I’m already getting my yelling voice ready. It takes a lot of warming up to get these vocal chords ready. If you don’t have tickets to tomorrow night’s game, grab them here: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/rockford-icehogs-vs-chicago-wolves/event/040056F1DB8D2FDBIf you aren’t subscribed to the From Center Ice podcast, you can find it here: https://podfollow.com/from-center-ice/viewYou’ll get a lot more analysis and a lot more . . . emotion . . . in response to how the team is doing. 

If you’ve been in Rockford for the Christmas season, you’ve surely heard of the Festival of Lights. Every year, families come out to Sinnissippi park and drive through the beautiful Christmas light display with scenes sponsored by local businesses and groups. It’s always been a tradition in my house. I assume it is for many other families as well. I always go on Christmas Eve and it really gets you in the mood to go home, get to bed early, and wait for Christmas morning to see what Santa put under the tree. Don’t forget to eat plenty of cookies and watch Rudolph, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and The Grinch. But that’s a Christmas tradition. This new household tradition is SPOOKY and also family-friendly. The Festival of Frights, much like the Festival of Lights, is being held at Sinnissippi park and features a half mile route of family-friendly Halloween displays.  Donations are accepted and will go towards purchasing Halloween costumes for kids in need right here in our community. You may also donate used Halloween costumes on November 1. Any kid who donates a costume on Friday, November 1, from 3-6 pm will receive a special treat. This sounds like such a cool idea and I was excited as soon as I saw it pop up. I know I’ll be participating, and I hope you do too!The Festival of Fright will run from October 19-31st and be open from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Get your spooky on!

Back for a sixth season, Christmas at the Farm is gearing up to host another premier holiday shopping experience. Co-hosted by Nellie’s Barn Sale and Meyer’s Tails Up Farm, the event is the first holiday market of the season in Stateline region. Held on the grounds of Meyer’s Tails Up Farm, 5390 Irene Road in Belvidere, Illinois, it’s easy to access just off I-90 at the new Irene Road exit ramp.Shoppers can peruse both vintage and new seasonal goods both indoor, heated tents and outdoors. “Our market has become a popular holiday event because of the quality of our vendors and the selection of their curated goods. We carefully select artisans and vintage dealers based on their unique products and their ability to create eye catching displays,” says co-host Ann Campos. The show touts that shoppers can find something for every lady on their holiday shopping list. The building and tents are filled with “on trend” décor, ornaments, florals and accessories. Shoppers can browse vintage Christmas items including plaid thermos’s and blankets; trendy jewelry made from vintage items and new; gorgeous women’s boutique clothing, wraps, and accessories; hand crafted hats and mitten sets, totes and purses; seasonal florals; hand painted signs and wall décor; hand poured scented candles and lotions; retro-style tees & caps; painted furniture; nostalgic candy; repurposed items & décor; and funky junk with a holiday twist. In addition to the 30+ vendors selling their wares, shoppers will enjoy the live holiday music, strolling carolers, bar with hot cocktails and drinks, tasty food trucks, sweet treats, signature coffee, latte & gourmet cocoa, and a crackling bonfire. To top it off, all shoppers can get a free photo taken by a professional photographer. “Our shoppers return year after year knowing they’ll find a unique item that can’t be found in a box store or at the mall,” say Campos. “Shoppers love knowing they can buy a one-of-a-kind gift and support a small business at the same time.”Christmas at the Farm admission is $5 for 13 years and up and sold at the gate only on the days of the event. Show hours are Friday, November 1 from 5 to 9pm and Saturday, November 2 from 10am to 4pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission. The increase in the number of shoppers each year has resulted in the event organizers to add a VIP early buyer hour. The TINSEL TICKET is an early buyer admission that allows the shopper to get in the show one hour earlier than the general public to avoid the crowds. The ticket is $25 and allows the ticket holder to VIP treatment on Friday, November 1 from 4 to 5pm. TINSEL TICKET holders are gifted with a keepsake shopping tote filled with coupons and gifts from the vendors, a complimentary drink, and the annual keepsake Christmas at the Farm mini-poster. TINSEL TICKETS are limited and selling out quickly. Purchase online only at https://tinselticket2019.eventbrite.comPhotos of vendor items and show information can be found at www.facebook.com/christmasatthefarm.

Some people claim that they don’t sense ghosts. But there are some who claim to know just by walking into a house that there are spirits lingering there. The family that moved into a house on the corner of School Street and Central Avenue knew almost immediately that they had some unseen presence in their new home.The house was around one hundred years old when the couple moved in with their six children. It was moving day and the young wife was cleaning the house with her sister. The previous tenants had left some old furniture in several rooms. The front room had an old armchair that had seen better days. The women moved the chair into a hall way so they could wash the floors. They moved on to another room to start the next cleaning project. Later when they returned to the front room, the chair was back in the original spot.The women said they knew from that moment on that something was not quite right about the house. In an article written for the Register Star from 1987, the family claimed that though they were startled at times, they were never really scared by their spirit. It was rather unsettling though when they were home all alone and the stereo would turn on and off. They were also frustrated several times when something that they had just set down would be moved to a completely new location. One time the young wife had arrived home and set her keys on the counter. When she went to leave a little while later, the keys were no longer on the counter. She found them several hours later in the basement, a room she hadn’t gone into since she arrived home.The young family claimed that they thought the ghost was a man who must have had children. He seemed to like to spend time in their youngest child’s room. They had a rocking chair in the room and sometimes it would begin to rock by itself. It made a distinctive sound as the runners moved back and forth on the carpeting. They would often hear their daughter talking to someone though no one happened to be in her room at the time.The young couple did a little digging into the history of the house and found out that the haunting had started years earlier. They questioned several of the previous owners about their experiences in the home. It was soon clear that these strange encounters had gone on for decades.Most of the stories were similar, footsteps coming down the stairs, things moved from place to place including heavy pieces of furniture. One family that had lived in the home during the early 1970’s had trouble with their attic light going on by itself. Apparently, the father thought his sons were trying to play tricks on him. He decided to end their fun by removing the light bulbs from the sockets. No one laughed when they came home late one night to see the light shining in the attic. The dad marched the boys right up those stairs all the way to the attic. They ran down quickly when they realized the light sockets were still empty.One elderly lady that lived in the house in the late 1960’s claimed that she too was visited by the spirit. She would often hear the heavy footsteps walking on the second floor. They always seemed to stop by the front bedroom. One day she was alone in the house and heard the footsteps walking across the hallway to the front bedroom. She went up to find the room completely empty. She sat down on the bed for a while. She had decided that she imagined the whole thing and was just about to get up when she felt a presence sit down on the bed next to her. She said she saw the bed move like a large adult had sat down.The older lady had questions of her after that incident. She found out from the neighbors that a family built the house in the 1890’s and generations of the same family lived in the house. The elderly woman always felt that the ghost was the head of one of those generations. She felt he looked after the families that stayed there.The young couple that purchased the house in the 1980’s felt the same protective spirit. They soon got used to items moving around and sound of footsteps walking through the fourteen room house. The young wife even named him Henry. She decided to leave the armchair in the front room just where Henry liked it.Research into the house on School Street proved that some of the history was true. The house was built around 1893 by Julia Ginders. Julia and her husband Joseph had arrived in Rockford around 1878. Joseph passed away and Julia built the large house on School Street for her daughters. Mary S. and Fannie lived in the house on School Street with their mother until her death in 1904. Mary would marry Harry B. Andrews in 1892 in the home on School Street. The newspaper articles describe a very fancy wedding for the young couple.The couple stayed in the home after the wedding and eventually would raise their two children there. Harry would become a prominent lawyer in Rockford and opened his own firm in the Brown Building downtown. Later his son Charles would join him in the firm. The Andrews family was well known on the West Side of Rockford and Harry donated a large parcel of land to build a park in his father’s name. Andrews Park still exists a few blocks up from the house on School Street.Harry Andrews died in the house on School Street on August 5, 1941. Mary lived in the home until the time of her death in 1961. She left her children an estate worth $170,000 when she passed away. Harry and Mary’s children built successful lives of their own and moved out of the house on School Street. Mae never married and Charles became a lawyer like his father. Harry would be proud to know that Charles’ daughter also became a lawyer.Though there would be no way to prove that the spirit felt in the house located on School Street is Harry Andrews, the home owners certainly felt that they knew who they shared their house with. Harry was proud of his family’s legacy to Rockford. He also was proud of being a protector for his family and maybe, he still watches over those who live in the big house he once called home.Kathi Kresol has been offering historical haunted events in Rockford for 15 years. She also has several presentations where she tells of the local legends of hauntings. Visit the website at www.hauntedrockford.com to see her upcoming schedule and to read some of Kathi’s stories.

Saturday, October 12, 2019Lockwood's Pumpkin Fest - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmNational Fossil Day Celebration @ Burpee Museum - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pm28th Annual Bahama Bracket Nationals @ Rockford Speedway - view event11:00 am - 10:00 pmRockford IceHogs Home Opener! @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event6:00 pmPHANTASMAGORIA - A Graveyard Bash @ Tawdry Toast Artcade - view event6:00 pm - 11:00 pmThe Detour Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, October 13, 2019October Dealer Days @ Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques - view event10:00 am - 6:00 pmLockwood's Pumpkin Fest - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmAutumn at the Arboretum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmSpooky Brunch @ Taco Betty's - view event10:00 am - 2:00 pmJamie Winn in the Art Annex @ Rockford Art Museum - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmTrunk or Treat @ Tinker Cottage - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The first place recipient was Anthony Valiulis inventor of the Accutrack which utilizes RFID tags and Bluetooth with sensor inputs for retail merchandise inventory. Valiulis won $5,000 for business investment. Second place and a $1,000 cash prize went to David Pack inventor of Box Blox, self-assembling, connectable, and collapsible life-size building blocks. Coming in at third place was Matt Reed inventor of the Buildboard, which is a web and mobile home remodeling marketplace and project management platform that connects homeowners and contractors. Reed wins $500. University of Illinois student Mark Van den Avont won the Young Entrepreneur Award and $500 to invest in his HexNest. It’s a replacement for foam to create a gymnastics mat that has better impact-attenuating properties. The Dale Falconer Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award was awarded to Branden DeWitt, for Nabeau, an organic/biodegradable fire proof gel that extinguishes fire with amazing capabilities. DeWitt wins a 6-month membership for NIU EIGERlab’s co-working space, located at NIU-Rockford. Nearly 40 innovators and entrepreneurs competed in the 2019 FastPitch. The innovative ideas “pitched” by competitors included new products and processes for manufacturing, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Cash prizes for the winners were donated by generous regional companies. 

Courtney doesn't have a voice, Jake uses his spare time to poke people in the belly. This podcast is jam packed full of stories from our very eventful past two weeks. We cover some cool events coming up in town. Then, there's a fierce debate at the end that we need you to help us settle.Events:RAM Bold Abstractions Exhibit Opening: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/bold-abstractions-paintings-from-the-thoma-collection-openingRockford IceHogs home opener: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/rockford-icehogs-home-openerPhantasmagoria: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/phantasmagoria-a-graveyard-bashRockford Record Crawl: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/rockford-record-crawl-oct-19Basketball back at the BMO: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/nba-g-league-preseason-chicago-v-iowa-sioux-falls-v-wisconsinListen and subscribe here!

October 7, 2019-Jay Owenhouse, a legendary escape artists and one of the most awarded illusionists in history, is returning by popular demand for a special performance in Rockford -one night only in “Dare to Believe!”, an illusion spectacular. The show has been voted by audiences and critics alike “One of the Top 10 Live Shows in America”. Jay has amazed millions on T.V. in “Masters of Illusions” and ‘Magic on the Edge’. The Salt Lake Tribune calls him “Simply Amazing!” and The Tokyo Times calls the elaborate production “Truly Magic, a Must See!”Jay welcomes you into his mysterious world of wonder and the impossible. You will experience a night of grand illusions with the most amazing magic in the world, Bengal tigers up close, dangerous escapes, and inspiring storytelling. Seeing Owenhouse live is an evening that will leave you breathless with a feeling of childhood wonder that “anything is possible!”Owenhouse spent 2008 touring China and Japan, Where Jay’s show received the “Best Touring Family Show in Asia”-award. Now back in the U.S. He is working on his new T.V. Series and receiving critical acclaim for his live show “Dare to Believe!” Caught by the magic bug at four years old, Owenhouse first performed as a freshman in high school. Since then, in the spirit of “giving it away to keep it,” he’s invented magic effects and designed illusions not only for his show, but also for other magicians of world renown. Come See Why-Hollywood entertainment journalist, Mark Ebner, calls The Magic of Jay Owenhouse, “[With apologies to PT Barnum] the greatest touring Family show on earth."Rockford IL.The Coronado Performing Arts CenterSaturday November 2, 2019 at 7:30PMTickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, the BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado PAC box offices, and by phone at 815-968-5222. For more information, please visit coronadopac.org

Rockford’s legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship is alive and well! See for yourself Wednesday, October 9at NIU-Rockford as innovators and entrepreneurs vie for cash prizes, networking and mentoring opportunities at NIU EIGERlab’s 13th Annual FastPitch competition.In a three-minute pitch, FastPitch competitors share their passion, research and an outline of their business plan. In the first round of competition, participants present their pitches to a panel of judges and get valuable feedback. Top score-getters win one of 12 places in the final round of competition.“FastPitch is the highlight of the year for NIU EIGERlab,” said Dr. Rena Cotsones, NIU Associate Vice President for Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. “The ideas and presenters are diverse and offer solutions to a wide variety of problems you see every day in your business, your home, your backyard and beyond.   The doors open to the public at 5 p.m. and guests are welcome to visit with FastPitch participants in an expo environment to learn about their innovations. The finalists hit the stage in the NIU-Rockford auditorium at 6 p.m., pitching for prizes and visibility in front of potential business partners, funders and customers.As the judges’ votes for the final round are tallied,winners from last year’s FastPitch competition will share what they’ve learned and how their businesses have grown in the past year. For full details, visit the NIU EIGERlab website at www.eigerlab.org. For additional information, contact Tina Leombruni at (815) 965-3522 or email tleombruni@eigerlab.org.

WOW! There is a lot going on this weekend. ArtScene weekends are some of our favorite times of the year. We've got that coming at you and so much else! Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, October 4, 2019Vintage Shop Hop Hidden Treasures Mall - view event10:00 am - 7:00 pmFearless - Fall Art Scene at Octane - view event11:00 am - 11:00 pmInto The Art- Horseflower's Fall ArtScene Show - view event4:00 pm - 10:00 pmFall and Winter Indoor Markets @ Rockford City Market - view event4:00 pm - 8:00 pmNGAS Fall Art Scene: Javier Jimenez - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmArtScene: Fall 2019: Express-O Yourself @ Katie's Cup - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmFall Art Scene at the Market @ Rockford City Market - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pm2019 GSR Oktoberfest @ Loves Park City Hall - view event5:00 pm - 12:00 amFall Art Scene at Division & Co: Photographs by Paul Mannone - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmFall Art Scene 2019- Oh, You Pretty Things! @ 317 Art Collective - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmHispanic Heritage Month Family Paint Night @ Rock Valley College - view event5:30 - 7:00 pmFall Art Scene| Free performance: Cory Wicklund & Andrew Yarbro @ New Genres Art Space - view event6:30 pm - 8:30 pmFrosty Fridays: Public Skating @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, October 5, 2019North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmOlde English Faire @ Stronghold Center - view event9:00 amHeritage Harvest Festival @ Midway Village Museum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmCaramel Apple Saturdays @ Sugar Britches - view event10:00 am - 8:00 pmCider n Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair @ Edgebrook - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmRALLY RKFD Presented by Northwest Bank of Rockford - view event11:00 am - 3:00 pmSensational Saturday: Fall Leaf Lanterns (Kids & Families) @ Nicholas Conservatory - view event12:00 pm - 12:45 pmTeen Advisory Board @ Rockford Public Library - view event1:00 pm - 2:00 pmStar Wars Reads Day @ Rockford Public Library - view event2:00 pm - 3:30 pm2019 GSR Oktoberfest @ Loves Park City Hall - view event2:00 pm - 12:00 amSpooky Saturday Magic Show @ Rockford Public Library - view event3:00 pm - 4:00 pmFall Art Scene: Free interactive performance! @ New Genres Art Space - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmArtScene: Fall 2019: Express-O Yourself @ Katie's Cup - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmRockford Roasting Co. 5yr Birthday Block Party Bash - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmFearless - Fall Art Scene at Octane - view event5:00 pm - 11:00 pmRockford Crawl Drink and Draw @ Rockford Roasting Company - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmTwisted Crypt Haunted House - view event7:00 pm - 11:30 pmDynamite Society @ Dusty Boots - view event8:00 pm - 12:00 amSunday, OCtober 6, 2019Fall Weekly Ride Calendar / New start times - view event9:00 am - 2:00 pmCider n Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair @ Edgebrook - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmHowl-o-ween Pawty @ Canine Corners - view event11:00 am - 3:00 pmMayor's March Against Domestic Violence - view event12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Crusader Community Health will break ground on the construction of a $13 million building project at 1200 West State Street. The new 48,000 square foot facility will dramatically improve and modernize the delivery of medical, dental and behavioral healthcare services to current and future patients.This Crusader project, scheduled to be completed in January 2021, demonstrates the commitment of Crusader to its current location and will enhance the millions of dollars invested in the improvement of the West State Street corridor.Tuesday, October 8, 20191200 West State StreetRockford, IL 6110211:30 amEast Parking LotPlease join the Crusader Community Health Board of Directors, Crusader Community Health Foundation Board of Directors, Crusader Executive Management team and staff, Mayor Tom McNamara and Crusader neighborhood supporters for this historic event in Crusader’s 47-year history. Learn how this endeavor will benefit our patients and the Rockford community for years to come.

Head Coach Derek King announced that Kris Versteeg will serve as team captain for the 2019-20 season.In addition, forwards Matthew Highmore, Jacob Nilsson and Tyler Sikura have been named alternate captainsInfo | https://bit.ly/2nTEIKu

For the past twelve years, Jeff Dunham and his somewhat-inappropriate-proteges, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, have filled arenas across the U.S. and the world with their multiple, blockbuster tours. This fall, Dunham and his cohorts will set out on their brand-new international tour, “JEFF DUNHAM: SERIOUSLY!?” Dunham and his guys will be making a one night stop in Rockford, IL on Saturday, January, 11 at 5:00PM.In addition to Dunham’s new tour, the world-renowned performer’s new Netflix Originals stand-up special entitled “Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself” premieres this September. This will be Dunham’s second Netflix Originals special, and the eighth in his string of record-breaking stand-up television events. The impressive event was shot in front of 16,000 fans at the American Airlines Center in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, where Dunham introduced his new character, “Larry”, the personal advisor to the President, who has now earned his spot with the troop on the tour.Dunham has built an entertainment empire over 30-plus years of non-stop touring and performance innovation. With 10 million followers on Facebook and 2 million YouTube subscribers, amassing well over a billion views, the comedian/ventriloquist has carved out his own unique space in the comedy world. His accomplishments have led to record-breaking viewership with his standup specials on Netflix, NBC, and Comedy Central. His astonishing arena packing power puts him on par with major music acts like Luke Bryan and Metallica.Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, October 7 at 10am at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.Ticketmaster.com. *While supplies last*

The Rockford IceHogs today announced that the 2019-20 edition of the monthly talk show, Bud Light Hog Talk, will be held at the newly opened Skybox located inside the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two at 8800 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park.The one-hour show will run from 6-7 p.m. and features live interviews with head coach Derek King and two IceHogs players. Fans are invited to attend each free event to listen to the in-depth interviews, participate in Q&A sessions and sign up to win a variety of great prizes from the Hogs. IceHogs broadcaster Joey Zakrzewski will host each show and take requests for questions on social media prior to the segment.This year’s event location, Skybox, features several new amenities for fans during this year's talk-show series. The sports bar’s headlining attraction is four floor-to-ceiling sports simulators, which allows fans to play 14 different sport simulations, including hockey, golf and football. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to challenge the IceHogs players at Hog Talk on the sports simulator at each event.Skybox, which is owned and operated by the Rockford Park District, also features a full-service menu and bar in a spacious, newly-opened facility.For those unable to attend the show in-person, the broadcast will live stream here, courtesy of SportsFan Radio 1330, and through IceHogs.com.Below is the full 2019-20 schedule for Hog Talk. Please note: show times, dates and guests (once announced) are subject to change.Hog Talk Dates:Monday, Oct. 7 (Derek King, Matthew Highmore, Kris Versteeg)Tuesday, Nov. 12Tuesday, Dec. 2Monday, Jan. 6Monday, Feb. 3Monday, March 16Monday, April 13

Tonight at the City Council meeting, City of Rockford staff will recommend that aldermen certify the Hard Rock proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). Three groups - Forest City, Gorman and Hard Rock – are all vying for one license for Rockford. City Council must certify one or more proposals to send to the IBG for approval by October 25. “I want to thank all three groups for their commitment to this process and to Rockford. They believe in our city, they want to invest here and they see vast potential in a community that is turning a corner,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “All three groups devoted significant time, money, creativity and resources to their proposals.” Staff has reviewed each of the proposals for the Rockford casino license in conjunction with its industry consultants and RFP review team. They have looked at financial viability, revenue projections, revenue sharing, job creation, transportation, diversity hiring, speed to market, and overall impact to the City. Below is a summary of the staff’s evaluation:FOREST CITY: The Forest City proposals also has several attractive features. The plans include a hotel/casino, but also additional non-casino developments such as a water park, golf complex, entertainment venue, additional hotel and campgrounds. However, the proposal also has some very important weaknesses. Forest City has not provided evidence to confirm commitments for its equity financing. Its proposal also does not contemplate approximately $46 million of expenses associated with the casino. Given the lack of details regarding sources of debt and equity funding and incomplete data, there is a significant risk that financing for the casino/hotel project may be unavailable or insufficient at this time. Although Forest City’s proposal is attractive and ambitious, Staff cannot recommend certification due to uncertainty related to a number of items, including commitments for the non-casino developments.GORMAN AND COMPANY: The proposal submitted by Gorman & Company is the only proposal that includes a downtown development. Although it has attractive features, Staff cannot recommend the Gorman proposal at this time for a variety of reasons. Gorman has not secured a casino operator, has not provided a complete financing package; it has made no application for zoning; it must relocate an existing manufacturing business; and it has no experience developing a casino property. In addition, on September 27, Gorman submitted a nonbinding letter of intent by which an entity not affiliated with Gorman would consider assuming the role of applicant and operator. There is no sufficient basis for assessing the viability of this latest proposal and it’s financing, and therefore, we have been unable to engage in good faith negotiations. Unfortunately, the downtown proposal is not developed to the point where we feel confident the Illinois Gaming Board would issue a license at this location.HARD ROCK: After review and consideration of all of the responses and weighing the totality of the strengths and weaknesses against the City’s objectives, City Staff recommends that City Council certify the Hard Rock proposal to the IGB. Hard Rock has the strongest and most complete proposal. Its financing structure is credible. The Hard Rock proposal includes realistic and sustainable minimum gambling tax guarantees, along with additional revenue sharing payments to offset impacts to the City. Hard Rock has agreed to a minimum payment of $7 million annually of gaming taxes to the City. Hard Rock also agreed to additional revenue sharing payments, a portion of which will be used to offset impacts to Police, Fire, and Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence, and will also be applied toward economic development in disadvantaged areas of town, establishment of a philanthropic entity controlled by City Council, or other purposes as determined by the City. The Hard Rock proposal has the greatest guarantee for long-term benefits to the City of Rockford.“We know that a casino will bring hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, along with added revenue to help us continue the work of stabilizing our City’s finances both in the short term and long term. My responsibility as mayor, and that of our team and the City Council, was to select the proposal or proposals that had the BEST opportunity to provide the MOST benefits to Rockford,” explains Mayor McNamara.As with any staff recommendation, City Council will consider the opinion rendered by City staff and then make a final decision. Per the gaming expansion legislation, aldermen must certify one or more proposals and applicants must file with the IGB no later than October 25.“This is an exciting time for our city as we continue writing a new and more prosperous chapter in Rockford’s history,” says Mayor McNamara. “The potential benefits of a casino development fit with my commitments to improve public safety, strengthen our neighborhoods and grow our economy. In the long run, we will ALL benefit when this casino is fully operational.”

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) opens new art exhibition Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection on Friday, October 11, with a gallery walk 5:15–6 p.m., members preview 6–7 p.m., and free public opening 7–8:30 p.m. at RAM, located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. The exhibition remains on view through January 26, 2020, with free daily admission provided by support from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation.This major exhibition explores new forms of abstract painting from the 1960s, following the heyday of Abstract Expressionism. Highlighting color-based, geometric, and perceptual experiments, this selection of works from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation Collection includes 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. Bold Abstractions at Rockford Art Museum marks the first time the Thoma’s significant post-war painting collection has been shown at a public institution.Bold Abstractions includes work by Josef Albers, Peter Alexander, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Antonio Asis, Karl Benjamin, Judy Chicago, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Gene Davis, Ronald Davis, Thomas Downing, Friedel Dzubas, Wojciech Fangor, Lorser Feitelson, Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Gilliam, Frederick Hammersley, June Harwood, Charles Hinman, Paul Jenkins, Julio Le Parc, Morris Louis, Alvin Loving, Helen Lundeberg, John McLaughlin, Ed Mieczekowski, Kenneth Noland, Jules Olitski, Matilde Perez, Paul Reed, Julian Stanczak, Tadasky, Anne Truitt, and Victor Vasarely.This exhibition is organized by Carrie Johnson. Support for Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection and its related programming—including free daily admission to all visitors for the duration of the exhibition—is provided by the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation, and partially supported by a Partners in Excellence grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.About the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation: Founded in 2014 and based in Chicago and Santa Fe, the Thoma Foundation 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 help make life in Rockford better for people of all ages through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.

The 2019 Women’s Art Board (WAB) Annual Fall Luncheon features book reviewer Jenny Riddle who will bring to life characters from Sally Field’s bestselling memoir In Pieces. This popular annual fundraiser includes a silent auction, raffle, books and gift shop with items from the Rockford Art Museum Store. Doors and auction open at 11 AM, luncheon and program begin at 12 PM. Sponsors include Carma + Amos Yoder; Lon + Dick Behr, Cherry + Dave Beto, Heritage Way Advisors LLC, Raymond James, Joan Stonecipher; Baird/The Gillette Group, Susan + Taylor Carlin, Darlene + Thomas Furst and Julie Humpal/REMAX Property Source. Presented by Women’s Art Board and chaired by Holly Squicciarini, ticket proceeds help the group support Rockford Art Museum. Limited seating, reservations required. Tickets available at (815) 968-2787. WOMEN’S ART BOARD ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON FEATURING JENNY RIDDLE WED, OCT 16, $60 DOORS/AUCTION OPEN 11 AM LUNCHEON/PROGRAM 12 PM GIOVANNI’S, 610 N BELL SCHOOL RD, ROCKFORD LIMITED SEATING, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED $60 PER PERSON, $600 PER TABLE OF 10 FOR TICKETS CALL RAM AT (815) 968-2787 About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to help make life in Rockford better for people of all ages through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park 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. 

America’s favorite dance show is going back on tour this winter with “Dancing with the Stars –Live Tour 2020.” The longest tour to date will be dancing through Rockford, ILon Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. The all-new production will feature fan-favorite professional dancers wowing audiences with every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. The show continues its legacy of performing showstopping routines alongside new numbers choreographed just for the live show ranging from the time-honored dances of the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa, Tango -and everything in between. In the longest and most expansive North American tour to date, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, glamour and glitz they see in the ballroom every Monday night live in their hometowns.The tour delivers a spectacular night of dance performances from world-renowned dancers including Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, with more surprise casting to be announced.Tickets for “Dancing with the Stars –Live Tour 2020” are on sale now. To purchase tickets and to get the full list of tour dates, please visit dwtstour.com. VIP packages will be available through VIPNation.com, giving fans the chance to purchase premium tickets, meet and greet opportunities with the cast, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities. “Dancing with the Stars -Live Tour 2020” is produced by Faculty Productions in association with BBC Studios.“Dancing with the Stars” airs Monday nights at 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT on ABC. Episodes can also be viewed the next day on ABC.com, the ABC app and Hulu.Tickets are available for purchase at the Coronado Performing Arts Center or BMO Harris Bank Center box office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs today announced they are hosting a watch party at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the Chicago Blackhawks’ preseason game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m. CST. Season Ticket Holders can also pick up their tickets at the event in the lower lobby at the arena.Fans are invited to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the free event to watch a Chicago Blackhawks squad which will feature several players from the Rockford IceHogs’ 2018-19 team. The contest will be shown in the Blue Flame Lounge and on the BMO video board. All fans are invited to stop by beginning at 1:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the contest.The event is free to attend and will include:-Open skate on the BMO Harris Bank Center ice (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)-Autographs from select players attending Rockford IceHogs training camp-Food and drink specials-Viewing of the Blackhawks game in Blue Flame Lounge and on video board-Season Ticket holder Pickup Party (tickets can be picked up in the lower lobby)-Appearance by Hammy-New inventory of team merchandise from Oink Outfitters*Fans must bring their own skates to skate on the ice, as rentals will not be availableFans are asked to enter through the Elm St. doors to attend this free event. For additional information or questions, call the IceHogs front office at (815) 986-6465.

The BMO Harris Bank Center announced today that basketball is back on Friday, November 1for one night only in Rockford, IL with a preseason double header featuring four NBA G League teams playing on the newly refinished basketball court featuring Fred VanVleet’s logo. VanVleet is a Rockford native and former player in the NBA G League who now starts for the NBA Champion Toronto Raptors.The event begins with a 5PM tip-off with the Windy City Bulls, NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, and facing Iowa Wolves, NBA G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. At 7PM, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, NBA G League affiliate of the Miami Heat, face the Wisconsin Herd, NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks. The special event is being hosted by the BMO Harris Bank Center, in partnership with the Windy City Bulls, who will be starting its fourth season on November 9as members of the NBA G League, the official development league of the National Basketball Association.The Windy City Bulls play their home games at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates and in its first three years, have seen several players make the jump to the NBA level, including Brooklyn star Spencer Dinwiddie, the Golden State Warriors’ Alfonzo McKinnie, and Ryan Arcidiacono with Chicago.More information about the Windy City organization may be found at its official website www.WindyCityBulls.com or on social platforms @WindyCityBulls.The NBA G League consists of 28 teamsall affiliated with NBA organizations and is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing coaches, players, officials and staff for success at the NBA level, while also serving as the league’s research and development laboratory.Tickets start at only $10* and will be available for purchase at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or over the phone at 815-968-5222 starting on Friday (tomorrow), September 27 at 10AM. All tickets purchased for the November 1 preseason game will also be good for a voucher to attend a Rockford IceHogs game to see the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as the opportunity to attend a Windy City Bulls regular season game at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.*Additional fees may apply *Vouchers are only redeemable on specific gamedates