Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Anderson Japanese Gardens is hosting its popular craft beer event, On Tap in the Garden, on Saturday, October 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Representatives from local and regional microbreweries will be pouring samples of their most popular selections. Tickets are only $25 for Garden Members and $30 for Non-Members.Tickets are limited and available online. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit www.AndersonGardens.org and navigate to On Tap in the Events Menu. Guests must be 21 and older to gain access to the event area. On Tap takes place outdoors and is a rain or shine event.About Anderson Japanese GardensAnderson Japanese Gardens evolved from an individual’s vision to create a unique amenity for the Rockford region into an internationally renowned public garden. Today, the Garden is operated as a nonprofit and attracts nearly 100,000 guests annually.For additional information regarding programming and events, visit us at www.AndersonGardens.org. Stay connected by following Anderson Japanese Gardens on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

On October 2nd Forest City Float will celebrate its Grand Opening at 223 E. State St. Suite 202, with a Ribbon Cutting by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce at 10am and then an Open House to the public from 6-8pm.  Forest City Float, an expansion of Namaste Studios, has added Floatation and Infrared Sauna Therapies to their already diverse offerings at Namaste Studios. The expansion has tripled their space in the heart of the River District, allowing for reception for all services and spacious suites for new therapies.​"In this time of constant flows of information and external stimuli, the need for an oasis, a sanctuary, is very clear." said Mike Bogard, Float Studio Manager. "Making time for yourself, to recharge the batteries, to essentially reset your nervous system, is absolutely crucial in this climate."Namaste Studios opened in September of 2010. At the time, they offered Yoga, Qigong, and Meditation classes. In 2012, Acupressure and Reflexology were added. It had always been in the plans to expand the space to include a reception area for their students and in 2014 the thought of adding Floatation Therapy briefly came up but was quickly dismissed due to the apparent impossibility of having float pods on a second floor. Then in 2017, the owners had the opportunity to experience floatation therapy in Milwaukee, WI and it rekindled the dream. Plans were made, construction began, and the second floor was reinforced. The owners are very excited about offering such therapies to the Rockford area. Helping people find a space of peace and calm to develop true strength is their focus.  "We are not just reducing symptoms of mental illness," said Dr. Justin Feinstein, the Assistant Professor at the Laureate Institute of Brain Research, "we are enhancing mental wellness." when asked about the benefits of Floatation Therapy.As Rockford natives, Forest City Float looks forward to serving the Rock River Valley with services for self care, empowering individuals with the tools for mental wellness.  

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have assigned defenseman Philip Holm and forward Jacob Nilsson to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.Holm, 27, was named a Kontinental Hockey League All-Star last season after recording 26 points (7g, 19a) in 61 regular-season games for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. The blueliner then led his team in scoring during the postseason, tallying one goal and a team-high four assists in seven playoff contests.The Stockholm, Sweden native has combined for 38 points (12g, 26a) in 63 career AHL games between Utica and Chicago from 2017-18. Holm also made his NHL debut during the 2017-18 campaign with Vancouver, logging 15:12 of time on ice over 21 shifts on Feb. 23 at Vegas.Nilsson, 25, was named the IceHogs’ 2018-19 MVP after totaling 32 points (15g, 17a) and finishing second on the team with eight multi-point efforts in 62 games. The forward was the only team skater with two three-point games on the year and he notched the Hogs’ lone hat trick of the season with three goals on three well-placed shots on Jan. 6 vs. Iowa. Nilsson was also a key weapon on Rockford’s power-play unit, tying for the team lead and ranking sixth among all AHL rookies with eight power-play goals during the 2018-19 campaign.Additionally, the Morrum, Sweden native earned his first career NHL promotion last season, making his NHL debut on Dec. 23 vs. Florida. He skated in two NHL contests before the conclusion of the campaign.

The Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday announced they have assigned defenseman Adam Boqvist (BOH-kwihst) and forward Aleksi Saarela (sah-REH-lah) to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.Boqvist, 19, completed his first season in the OHL in 2018-19, leading all London blueliners and ranking third overall on the team in scoring with 60 points (20g, 40a) in 54 games during the regular season. He was named a Second-Team All-Star for his efforts before capping the campaign with 13 points and a team-high 10 goals in 11 playoff games for the Knights.The Falun, Sweden native was originally selected eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Draft.Saarela, 22, won the 2019 Calder Cup with Charlotte, leading the team in goals and ranking second in total scoring with 54 points (30g, 24a) in 69 games during the regular season. He then continued his scoring pace during the playoffs to notch 15 points (7g, 8a) in 17 games during the Checkers run to the AHL title. Saarela also made his NHL debut during the 2018-19 campaign, skating with the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Washington Capitals on April 20.The Helsinki, Finland native was originally selected by the New York Rangers in the third round (89th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

As we round out Suicide Prevention Month, Xavier Whitford joined us to talk about how she transformed her pain into a purpose. It's not easy to talk about the worst thing to happen in your life, but she uses her story to help others. Xavier is an inspiration to us, and we were thrilled that she joined us to chat.Click here to listen and subscribe!Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Catch up with XavierWebsite: https://www.xavierwhitford.net/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/xavier.whitfordEach Breath of Faith: https://www.facebook.com/eachbreathoffaith/Follow us on social mediaInstagram: @TheRockfordBuzzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/"Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

The ice is in. The roster is starting to take shape. IceHogs hockey is almost back at the BMO. I can already hear the skates on the ice, the puck going from tape to tape, and the goal horn blaring. It’s really what all of my dreams are made of.Before the boys of winter take the ice here in town, there’s a Blackhawks preseason game to watch featuring our IceHogs.As the big club takes off overseas for the final preseason game and the season opener in Prague, there’s a game in Boston on September 28.Since there are no preseason games scheduled for the IceHogs, the staff at the BMO and the IceHogs organization worked hard to put together a great event for fans to get a first look at their team. On Saturday, September 28, as the Blackhawks (IceHogs) take on the Boston Bruins, the BMO will be open to the public for a viewing of the game.Come hang out at the BMO Harris Bank Center, grab some food, grab some drinks, and be merry! They’ll be showing the game on the big screens and the ice will be open for skating.The Details:What: Preseason Watch Party! [Watch the Blackhawks game, skate on the ice, food and drink specials, new merch items, player autographs]When: Saturday, September 28, 2019 1:30 pm – 4:30 pmWhere: BMO Harris Bank Center [Watch the game in the Blue Flame Lounge or on the video board. The Ice will be open for skating]More info on the event page HERE!Hockey is back, y’all. Let’s rock the BMO!

Make your pitch in front of a group of business leaders and investors at NIU EIGERLab's Fast Pitch competition October 9 at NIU-Rockford. You could win $5,000 to invest in your idea!We want you to compete at Fast Pitch - and we want you to be successful doing it. To get ready for the big day, join our pitch training sessions October 1 and 3 between 5:30 to 7 pm at NIU-Rockford.We will help you craft a winning pitch. The cost is $15 for both sessions.Get pitching! Click here to register Questions? Call us at (815) 965-3522

This October Experience Southern Wisconsin’s Extreme Halloween Event! R.I.P. Productions once again brings you one of the largest and most terrifying Halloween experiences in the region! The scale and variety of this event offers something to thrill even the boldest of Halloween fanatics and will feature over 20,000 square feet of horror, indoor waiting, movies, concessions and gift shop!R.I.P. Productions has been the producers of annual thrilling and spine-chilling haunted events since 2002...from the Screamatorium, Northern Illinois’ #1 haunted attraction to Illinois’ TOP 10 haunt...the original Trail of Screams. We take pride in SCARING people!SCREAMATORIUM Haunted House, Wisconsin’s Ultimate Haunted House, is not only one of the scariest haunted houses in Wisconsin, but has been striking fear into the hearts of terrified visitors since 2008 in the Northern Illinois area and this year has risen the bar offering new excitement, over the top thrills and nonstop action packed experiences in the HISTORIC LANDMARK LOCATION (the old Brodhead Middle School built in 1906) featuring over 20,000 square feet of horror in a real haunted historic building! SCREAMATORIUM is also notable for its custom special effects, amazing actors, unique themes, and extremely detailed sets. Don’t miss one of Wisconsin’s best haunted houses...visit Screamatorium this Halloween season!Owner and Operator, Ann-Margret Naber has a special message for guests: "Every attraction is designed for maximum intensity and thrills, don’t expect to catch a breather here!" Check out our Midway of Terror featuring a full concession stand with everything from sweet treats, nachos,popcorn, hot and cold beverages and all your favorite foods to satisfy your hunger for fear and browse our “Little Shop of Horrors” for souvenir t-shirts, glow in the dark items and other fun things that make your skin crawl.Located at  406 10th Street, Brodhead, WI 53520. Event times are Fridays & Saturdays, 7 pm-12 a.m.Weekdays and Sundays 7-11 pm. Visitors in line by closing times will be admitted that evening.Parental Advisory for the Screamatorium is strongly advised for ages 13 and under. Open September 27-28, October 4-5, 11-13, 18-20, 24-27, 31, November 1-2.  General admission is $20.00. Tickets can be purchased at the event or online at www.screamatoriumhauntedhouse.com. For more information or group rates call the Frightline at 815-871-9063.

The Stateline Chamber and Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce to present 2nd Annual Influential Women in Business Luncheon at the Eclipse Center in Beloit on September 18th, 11-1. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Diane Hendricks The Statline Chamber is proud to present the 2nd annual Influential Women in Business Luncheon, in partnership with the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce. This year's sold-out event draws a record-breaking crowd of 600 people.The event will feature keynote speaker, Diane Hendricks, named #1 on Forbes’ 2019 America’s Self-Made Women list. Diane M. Hendricks co-founded building products distributor ABC Supply Co., Inc. (ABC) with her late husband Kenneth Hendricks in 1982. Since 2007, Diane has been the Chairman and sole owner. Diane is also Chairman of Hendricks Holdings Co., Inc. (HHC) and Northstar Medical Technologies, LLC.The event will also honor 3 area women with the NextGen, Role Model and Executive Influencer Awards. The Stateline Chamber and Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce jointly plan this event yearly, with each Chamber alternating hosting duties.

A little rain never hurt anyone! It might be a bit wet this weekend, but that shouldn't stop you from getting out on the town. There are so many great things to do indoors and out! Here's your Weekend Roundup!Saturday, September 21, 2019North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pm2019 Rock River Valley Video Game Convention @ Cataclysm Games - view event9:00 am - 9:00 pmSummertime Outdoor Flea Market @ Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques - view event9:00 am - 4:00 pmWorld War II Days @ Midway Village Museum - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmStorytime with Rockford Public Library @ Rockford Art Museum - view event10:00 am - 11:00 amMonarch Release & Insect Festival @ Burpee Museum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmFall for Rockford 2019 - view event2:00 pm - 9:00 pmGlow in the Garden @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmTwelfth Night @ RVC Starlight Theater - view event7:30 pm - 10:00 pmThe Hope & Anchor Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, September 22, 2019Slow Ride! @ West Rock Wake Park - view event10:00 am - 12:00 pmWorld War II Days @ Midway Village - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmArsenic & Old Lace @ Pec Playhouse Theater - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have reassigned forwards Tyler Sikura and Kris Versteeg and defensemen Chad Krys and Jack Ramsey to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.Krys, 21, tallied 30 points (8g, 12a) as an alternate captain during his junior season at Boston University in 2018-19, including potting a career-high eight goals. The Ridgefield, Connecticut native then made his pro debut with Rockford on March 27 vs. Milwaukee and finished the year with four assists in nine AHL contests with the IceHogs.Ramsey, 23, served as an alternate captain during senior season at University of Minnesota in 2018-19 before making his pro debut with the Indy Fuel. The Chanhassen, Minnesota native, who is completing a position change from forward to defensemen, notched one goal in four ECHL games last year with Indy.Sikura, 27, followed a campaign in which he was named the IceHogs’ 2017-18 team MVP with accolades as Rockford’s Unsung Hero of 2018-19 with 19 points (7g, 12a) in 50 games. The Aurora, Ontario native served as an alternate captain last season and enters 2019-20 with 58 points (30g, 28a) over 124 AHL games with Rockford from 2017-19.Versteeg, 33, split the 2018-19 campaign between the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and Swedish Hockey League (SHL), combining for 16 points (7g, 9a) in 23 games during the regular season. The Lethbridge, Alberta has won two Stanley Cup Championships with the Chicago Blackhawks and enters the 2019-20 season with 127 career points (46g, 81a) in 139 AHL games between Providence (2005-07), Norfolk (2006-07) and Rockford (2007-08).The Rockford IceHogs Training Camp roster now stands at 26 players with 15 forwards, nine defensemen and two goaltenders.

Vic Rivera joins us to chat about celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month here in Rockford. We talk about a wide variety of topics from Mayor McNamara signing to the proclamation to discussing where we can go from here to grow the awareness and celebration. It's a great conversation! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE! You can find Vic online here:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/vic.monstaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicmonsta/

Coffee keeps us going. So, we brought in a guest that knows a thing or two about coffee. Justin Carner is the mind behind Velvet Robot Coffee! Learn how Velvet Robot came to be and the difference between Chattanooga, TN and Rockford.You can catch Velvet Robot down at City Market and hopefully in a brick and mortar shop soon! If you haven't tried their coffee yet - that's your assignment.Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE!Catch Velvet Robot Online:Rockford Buzz:https://rockfordbuzz.com/place/velvet-robot-coffee-labFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vrcoffeelab/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetrobotcoffee/

Discovery Center Museum will host 7 Family Fun Day events between September and December of 2019. Designed as educational and entertaining programs for families, Family Fun Days focus on a specific subject matter and then explore that subject through various means, including activities, demonstrations, make-and-take projects, and performances.Below is the schedule of events: Bubble Festival & Worldwide Day of PlaySaturday, September 28Two amazing events packed into one day! Bubble-celebrity Geoffrey Akins-Hannah is back with buckets of sudsy science fun! His live performances are sure to bring smiles. After the show, pop into the Bubble-Palooza Playground to devise your own brilliant bubbly tricks as you test your soapy skills with bubble art, math, and science activities for the whole family! Don’t forget to celebrate Worldwide Day of Play with outdoor park activities designed to get you off the couch and unplugged in the name of play! Experiment with wind and be a victor in the Family Fun Challenge! Sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health and Edwards Orchard of Poplar Grove.Bubble Performances at 10:30 am; Noon; 1:30; 2:30; and 3:30 pmAdvance tickets: $4 members; $5 public –can purchase online at Discoverycentermuseum.orgTickets at the door: $5 members; $6 publicMuseum admission is extra.  Spooky Science Friday, October 25; 6:00–9:00 pm $5 members; $10 publicShow off your Halloween costume during this not-so-scary night of Halloween high-jinks at Discovery Center Museum! Explore the museum and follow the map to find goodies galore from one exhibit to the next! Concoct gooey, glowing, globs of slime, make monstrous crafts, and meet some scientific heroes from beyond the grave. Engage in astonishing science activities that look like mystifying magic, pick up a Nobel Prize, tromp through the park in the dark, and more! Sponsored by OSF HealthCare; Thermo Fisher; HMC Products; Sjostrom & Sons; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.  Smashing Pumpkins Sunday, November 3; 1:00–4:00 pmSnatch that pumpkin off the porch and bring it here! Watch as turn your spent squash into a parking lot projectile, or use it for target practice! Join the fun of watching Jack-o-lanterns fly, create your very own catapult, and celebrate with autumn activities and shattering experiments. Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by Sjostrom & Sons, Inc. and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Toy Trains!Sunday, November 10, 11:00 am-2:00 pmMonday, November 11, 11:00 am-2:00 pmChug on over to where your imagination rides the rails with amazing model trains, courtesy of our friends from the Rock River Valley Division of the National Model Train Association. Assemble and decorate wooden train cars that fit your magnetic train set at home! Then its full steam ahead with special crafts, train activities and play for the whole family! Sponsored in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Grinchy Green ScienceFriday, November 29; 11:00 am–3:00 pm Saturday, November 30; 11:00 am–3:00 pm It’s time to drape the red and green—heavy on the green! Dive into the holiday spirit with art and science activities during two days of festivities featuring green fizz, Grinch gunk, and tons of decorative tape! Squirt and swirl colors, design a Whoville hat, make a marble-ous game, and more!  Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by Thermo Fisher; HMC Products; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Holiday HooplaThursday – Monday, December 26–30; 11:00–3:00 pmWe’ve got a rainbow of fun in our drop-in workshop space. Pick up a hammer or grab a screwdriver and get your imagination in gear. See what you can construct using recycled materials, and take what you make from bird feeders and toys to musical instruments! Then have a blast building with LEGOs, cardboard, wire, and foam!  Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by OSF HealthCare and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Countdown to Fun! Tuesday, December 31; 12:00–4:00 pmThree...Two... FUN!” It’s midnight – somewhere, and Discovery Center is counting down every hour! Fabricate a party hat, knock together a noisemaker, and prepare to be showered with confetti! It may be cold outside, but it’ll be STEAM-y at Discovery Center Museum where the New Year rings in with science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health; HMC Products; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. ABOUT DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUMDiscovery Center Museum is a non-profit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children under five, and an outdoor science park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, and one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. In 2018 Discovery Center earned the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame distinction. The Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $9 adults, $9 children (ages 2 to 17); free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Hours of operation are: 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

One-Day Bubble Festival Features Bubble Celebrity Geoff Akins-Hannah Rockford, IL – Geoff Akins-Hannah considers himself both a magician and a bubbleologist. Akins-Hannah will demonstrate his skills as both during five live “Bubble Wonders” performances at Discovery Center’s 2019 Bubble Festival on Saturday, September 28.  Bubbles and imaginations will run wild! Akins-Hannah does amazing things with ordinary soap and water. Following each live performance, audiences will be invited to test their own bubble skills with bubble art and activities in the Bubble-Palooza Playground. It’s sudsy-science fun! The event is sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health with addition support by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Geoff creates huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones, bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round & even the impossi-bubble SQUARE bubble! He blows bubbles…and minds! The theme of the Bubble Wonders show is Anything is Possible. Positive messages about the power of persistence and following your dream are woven throughout the shows. “His shows usually sell out, so I suggest people reserve seats online in advance,” says Discovery Center Marketing Director Ann Marie Walker.  Geoff Akins-Hannah performs about 300 shows a year and has entertained more than one million people during his career. He has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, National Geographic Channel, and WGN. His corporate clients include Google, Toyota, Macy’s, IBM, Whole Foods and many more. He has been entertaining and educating children for more than 30 years.    Shows are at 10:30 am; Noon; 1:30 pm; 2:30 pm; 3:30 pm. In advance: $5 Public/$4 Members (through 5:00 pm on Sept. 27)At the door: $6 Public/$5 Members(Museum admission extra for General Public: $9 adults; $9 children; age 1 and younger is free)Reserve tickets online at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org or call 815.963.6769. Discovery Center Museum is a non-profit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children six and younger, and an outdoor science park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, and one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. The Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $9 adults, $9 children (ages 2 to 17) and free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Hours of operation are: 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

Every Wednesday During October 2019General Photography & Portrait Sessions Permitted from 3:00 – 6:00 PMGarden Entry Allowed until 5:30 PMSenior Photos | Engagement Photos | Birth AnnouncementsKids’ Portraits | Family Portraits | Holiday Card PhotosAll Photography Sitting Fees Waived | Regular Garden Admission Rates ApplyNo Advance Reservations Required | Professional & Hobby Photographers WelcomeSorry, No Homecoming Groups, Wedding Parties or Commercial Photography SessionsBring Your Own PhotographerGroups Size Restricted to Eight | Larger Groups may be Accommodated with Advance RegistrationLimited Time Only: Tripods Allowed During Special Portrait HoursQuestions? Call Admissions at 815.316.3351

One doesn’t have to look very far to see remnants of the early Native Americans that settled in this area. The names of parks, streets, and even our county name all honor the first settlers to the area.The local Native Americans left another legacy for those who would later claim the land. They shared the legends of the people with the first white settlers in the area. One such legend takes place in what is now Rock Cut State Park. It speaks of ghostly sightings and lost loves and mirrors other similar tales told across the country. The local version of the story involves the large rock known as Lone Rock located near the West Lake Picnic area of the park.According to Rockford newspaper articles from the early 1930’s the legend was spread from the Native Americans to the first white men that came to the area. It was a legend meant to be shared by camp fires on chilly fall evenings. The area now known as Rock Cut State Park was once inhabited by the warring tribes of Native Americans. One Native American chief had a lovely daughter who was much admired by the braves in the tribe. The Chief wanted to make a good match for his daughter and looked at the other leaders for a possible husband. He final selected an elder from the tribe. But the young maiden had already lost her heart to another brave warrior. The couple would meet in secret at the top of Lone Rock. They spent many stolen moments on the rock, making plans for the future when they could live together as man and wife.But those plans were not meant to be.  Their secret liaisons were discovered and brought shame to both families. The maiden’s father was furious with his daughter and following the traditions of the tribe decided that the young couple should part ways. Hardening his heart against his love for his daughter, he made a decision that would seal all of their fates. The chief sent the young brave into battle with a neighboring tribe, hoping that the distance between the two would end their love for each other. He believed that the young maiden would forget the young warrior in time and come to love the man he had chosen for her. The young maiden spent her days on the rock waiting for her love to return home. She carried the hope that the warrior would return victorious and her father would have a change of heart. Then came the fateful day when the warriors returned to their home.  The young woman was on the rock as they road back into the village. She knew before a word was spoken that her brave warrior was not among them. After a short while, the chief decided the girl had spent enough time in mourning and plans were made for a wedding ceremony between his daughter and the elder.  The night before the ceremony was to take place, there was a great feast. The young maiden attended but didn’t take part in the feasting or dancing. She eventually slipped away from the fire and made her way to the top of Lone Rock. The maiden stood on the edge of the rock a long time, the tears streaking her lovely face as she remembered the man she loved. Her father had noticed her absence and knew where she had gone. He arrived at the rock just as his daughter ran off the edge. His heart shattered as he heard her body hit the creek bed below. The chief never recovered from the grief of realizing what his pride had cost his family.There have been many claims of ghostly sightings of the young maiden in the Lone Rock area of Rock Cut Park. Some see the form of a young girl standing or sitting on the large rock. Others claim they only hear the sounds of a woman crying.  One article spoke of a man who came into the area just as dusk was falling. This hiker was confused by the sounds of drums and then horrified as a woman’s scream pierced the air. Looking up, he saw the figure of a young girl throw herself over the edge of the rock. The hiker raced down into the creek bed to offer assistance but could find no evidence of what he had witnessed.  On his way out of the park, he flagged down a park ranger to tell him of the disturbing experience. It brought him no comfort when the ranger explained the legend of Lone Rock. Another article from a later decade claimed that other hikers had seen a young couple sitting on top of the rock. At first, the hikers thought the two were part of a photography shoot. They were both dressed in the clothes of Native Americans.  Those that witness the couple all claim that the people they saw were as solid “as you or me”. Every single one of them stated they had no idea they were seeing anything strange. Not until the couple disappeared right before their eyes. Kathi Kresol has researched Winnebago County history for over a decade. Kathi loves to share the stories she finds in her books, articles and presentations. Kathi will be co-hosting the Illinois Paranormal Conference with Samantha Hochmann of the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum on Saturday, September 28, 2019. For more information about the vendors and speakers, visit the website at www.hauntedrockford.com . Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the event.

This weekend sure is something! There are some big events in Greenwich Village Art Fair, Main Street Market, and Toad Hall's 46th birthday. But, it sure doesn't stop there! Check out this packed list of fun activities!Friday, September 13, 20191 Year Anniversary Celebration @ Roxy Carmichael - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmMosaic World Film Festival @ Nordlof Center - view event11:00 am - 6:00 pmRockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmPlay Ball for Penny VIP Reception @ Indoor City Market - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmMusic on the Mall with That Gurl @ Edgebrook - view event6:30 pm - 8:30 pmDog Sees God - Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead @ Nordlof Center - view event7:30 pm - 9:30 pmFrosty Fridays: Public Skating @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, September 14, 2019Penny Marshall Memorial Dedication @ International Women's Baseball Center - view event9:00 am - 10:00 pmUrban Farmgirl's Main Street Market @ Boone County Fairgrounds - view event9:00 am - 4:00 pmDodgeball Tournament @ UW Health Sports Factory - view event9:00 am - 2:00 pmNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmFriends of RPL Book Sale - view event9:00 am - 4:00 pmFall Daylily Sale @ Klehm Arboretum - view event10:00 am - 1:00 pmSlow Ride @ West Rock Wake Park - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pm71st Greenwich Village Art Fair @ Riverfront Museum Campus - view event10:00 am - 6:00 pmToad Hall's 46th Anniversary Sale! - view event11:00 am - 6:00 pmTamale Fest IV @ Don Carter Lanes - view event12:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe Detour Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, September 15, 201971st Greenwich Village Art Fair @ Riverfront Museum Campus - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmHot Diggity Dog Festival @ Klehm Arboretum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmFamily Golf Day @ Aldeen Golf Course - view event2:00 pm - 4:30 pmAle Yeah Yoga @ Prairie Street Brewing Co. - view event3:30 pm - 5:00 pmFRIENDS Trivia @ Rural on Tap - view event4:00 pm - 6:00 pmRooftop Live featuring The Lone Canary @ Taco Betty's - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Article By: Chris RobinsonThe Chicago Blackhawks notched an emphatic win over Minnesota on Tuesday to conclude the 2019 NHL Prospect Tournament with an overall record of 2-2-0 and seventh-place finish. The team bookended its schedule with impressive wins, downing the eventual champion Detroit Red Wings in the tournament-opening matchup on Friday before cruising past Minnesota 6-1 in the final game on Tuesday.With the tournament officially a wrap, here are a few notes and tidbits of interest from this year's Blackhawks squad:DIRTY DOZENTwelve different skaters combined for Chicago’s 16 goals through four games at the 2019 NHL Prospect Tournament…No other team at the showcase featured more than 10 skaters with goals this year.ROCK ROOTSEach of the six players who skated with Rockford during the 2018-19 season notched at least one point at the 2019 Prospect Tournament…Dennis Gilbert (1a), Brandon Hagel (3a), Reese Johnson (1g), Chad Krys (2a), Philipp Kurashev (1g, 1a) and Dylan McLaughlin (1g) combined for 10 total points on three goals and seven assists for Chicago.BO KNOWSNicolas Beaudin paced the Hawks and tied for first among all Tournament skaters with a +5 plus/minus rating over his four contests…He finished even-or-better in each of those games and posted a +2 in both the opener and finale for Chicago…Beaudin’s +4 rating was the best for a Blackhawks skater since 2017 when Luc Snuggerud led the entire showcase with a +8 rating.ALEXA, PLAY “CAN’T TOUCH THIS”Goaltender Alexis Gravel went 2-0-0 and led the entire tournament (18 goalies) in both GAA and save percentage for the Blackhawks…His 2.49 GAA was .32 points better than any other goalie and his .915 save percentage was .018 points better than the next-best mark…Gravel has now combined over the last two years at the Prospect Tournament to post a 3-0-0 record with a 2.39 GAA and .917 save percentage in four total appearances.BEST DEFENSE IS OFFENSESix of the Blackhawks’ seven defensemen registered a point at the 2019 tournament…That total of six D-men with points tied for the most of any team at this year’s event…Chicago has now led the Prospect Tournament in total defensemen with points for three straight years:2019 (six D-men with points)2018 (five D-men with points)2017 (five D-men with points)IN THE BLACKThe Hawks’ defense finished second in the tournament with just 15 goals allowed…Only Columbus (13 goals allowed) surrendered fewer goals in 2019…Chicago has now finished first or second in goals allowed in four straight Prospect Tournaments:2019 (2nd, 15 GA)2018 (2nd, 12 GA)2017 (2nd, 10 GA)2016 (1st, 9 GA)IF YOU AIN’T FIRST, YOU’RE LASTThe Blackhawks outscored opponents 10-2 in the first period through their four games this year…Chicago also scored its first goal of each game within the first seven minutes of play:Game 1: first goal at 6:09Game 2: first goal at 6:36Game 3: first goal at 6:51Game 4: first goal at 4:19NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins | 6 p.m.The Rockford IceHogs will host their home opener for the 2019-20 season on Saturday, Oct. 12 against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 6 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 4,000 fans in attendance to Rockford’s first home game of the campaign will receive a free IceHogs calendar, courtesy of Impact Networking. Call the IceHogs front office at (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com to purchase tickets.

Stunning examples of work from more of our JEWELRY artists that will be showing at @greenwichrockford this weekend!1. Venus Cramer2. Regina To3. Robert Trisko4.Lisa Roberts5. Tess Yeager 6. Jan Raven7. Kathleen Clausen8. Lindsey Lehman9. Michelle Moss10. Patty Tiry

Wonderful works from ten of our JEWELRY artists that will be showing at @greenwichrockford this weekend. (More to come!)1. Barbara Hamberg2. Bart Ziegler3. Claudia Darak4. Gary Maki5. Ivona Luna Narolewska6. Jan Raven 7. Kathleen Clausen8. Kerri Norman9. Kim Wilson10. Linda Thevenot

A preview of pieces from exhibiting @greenwichrockford FIBER & LEATHER artists!1. Samuel Yao2. Patricia Heller3. Mary McFarland4. Paul Aude5. Pamela Siehr6. Julaine Lofquist - Birch7. Debby Henning8. Gerry Ager 9. Sharon Cherney10. Annie Mohaupt + Justin Walker

After the heavy bowling ball of a topic last week, we took a lighter approach to the podcast this week and chatted about some of the things we nerd out about. There's hockey talk, video game talk, board game talk, vinyl talk, and so much more. You can click HERE to find your streaming service of choice and to subscribe!Culture ShockToad Hall (Toad Hall Anniversary Event)Top Cut ComicsCamera CraftVideo game conventionCollector's BenchIceHogsBMO Harris Bank CenterRockford Area Arts Council317 Art Collective

@greenwichrockford featured GLASS & WOOD artists!1. Alan Sievers2. Daniel Fenn3. Mark Dreyer4. Pat Falk5. Salem Barker 6. Jeff Hart7. Jason Washa 8. Tammy Easton 9. William Schueler10. Stephen Mineck