Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

@greenwichrockford featured MIXED MEDIA & SCULPTURE artists.1. Anne Morris2. Scot Schmidt3. Ron Clevenger4. Adam Weiss5. Richard Borden + Patricia Disantis6. Norm Knott7. Kiara Linda 8. Arthur Bartkowiak9. Barry Reithmeier10. Charles Krauss11. Steve Brewster

Dodge Ballers are gearing up to hit the court for a great cause. Dodge ball team registrations are now being accepted for the 9th Annual “I Dodged a Ball for a Kid” dodgeball tournament to benefit Children's Safe Harbor.The good natured, family oriented tournament will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison Street, Rockford, IL, at 9:00 AM. The event is a team tournament that will be operated in round robin format. Teams must be a minimum of 6; maximum of 14. The registration cost is only $20.00 per person. Day of event registration is $25.00 per person. Players must be 16 years of age or older. There is no entry fee to observe the tournament however donations are welcome. A prize and 50/50 raffle will also be held during the event. All proceeds will benefit Children's Safe Harbor.For more information about “I Dodged a Ball for a Kid” or Children’s Safe Harbor services access www.childrenssafeharbor.net, email cshdodgeballfun@gmail.com or call 815-316-7772.Children's Safe Harbor provides visitation exchange and supervised visitation services to families in the area free of charge.

It’s only August and the Blackhawks are already playing back-to-back games! That’s the beauty of the prospect tournament. Alexis Gravel got the day off in net for this one, and we got to see free-agent invite Nick Kossoff. Period 1Period one today was way less exciting score-wise. But, it was a lot better in terms of play. Blackhawks got the first goal from Sean Josling (free agent invite) on a set up from Philipp Kurashev. Unfortunately they couldn’t take that lead into the intermission or add to it. Nick Kossoff made a huge breakaway save on Robertson to send the game to the first intermission tied 1-1. Period 2So, they didn’t make me write about slow starts becoming a trend. But here we are in the Second Period section talking about how this period went to hell. The Blackhawks give up two unanswered goals and don’t score on their own powerplay opportunity. A bad second period was an ever-present theme during the 2018-19 IceHogs season, and it has shown itself during the two games thus far this weekend. I’m not confident it’ll change. If that’s the case, we’re in for a long season in Rockford. The Blackhawks managed to get a goal from Tim Soderlund on the powerplay and only trail by one lading into the third. 3-2 Leafs. Period 3The third period didn’t start much better. The Blackhawks give up a goal to go down 4-2 then Dach immediately takes a hooking penalty. Period 3 was a penalty frenzy with the Leafs scoring a PP goal and the Blackhawks scoring a shorthanded goal. The whole time was spent exchanging penalties. I can't even write them all out, I'll be too exhausted. The game ends 6-3. I'm tired. Kirby Dach (77) – 3rd Overall 2019 DraftI have disturbingly little to write about Kirby Dach today. At times I was wondering if he was even playing. He was on the starting PP unit, but he couldn’t get anything done and turned the puck over a couple of time in the process. He wasn’t carrying the puck into the zone like he was trying last night. He seemed nonexistent overall. Well, until he couldn't stay out of the box. Adam Boqvist (27) – 8th Overall 2018 DraftYesterday I was talking about how Kirby Dach is obviously a good player, so he can use these tournaments to test his limit. That’s how I felt about Adam Boqvist in this game. He was trying to stick handle his way through the offensive zone. It didn’t always work out, but I have no problem with trying it out in games like this . . . as long as someone is covering for him at the point and he hustles back in the event of a turnover. What stood out to me was that he was getting time on the first penalty kill unit. I haven’t thought of Boqvist as a penalty killer, but if he can develop into a great two-way defenseman, I will be thrilled. He obviously has the offensive side of the game down, but he broke up a 1v1 rush pretty effortlessly. He looks as confident in his own zone as he does away from his net. That’s great news for the IceHogs and Blackhawks. It doesn’t appear that Boqvist is putting in 100% effort so far this tournament. That’s a but troublesome, but I guess we will see what the next games hold. Cole Moberg (62) – 194th Overall 2019 DraftHonestly, I didn’t know very much about this kid until watching game 1 last night. Then, I kept hearing his name and started paying attention. He was all over the ice. Moberg was a 7th round pick in the draft this summer and plays on the blue line. With a pretty stacked defense prospect cupboard, try not to sleep on this kid. In the game today, he was getting some time on the penalty kill. He was also noticeable in both ends of the ice. He was solid positionally and he’s not afraid to shoot the puck. For the last point alone, I need him to be signed immediately. He’s got a pretty good stick, and for a big guy (6-4), his skating isn’t awkward. Nicolas Beaudin (74) – 27th Overall 2018 DraftThe best way to describe Beaudin is steady. He’s a reliable guy on the blue line and gets in position to break up plays. He sticks with his man while defending and seems like a smart player. Dylan McLaughlin making himself knownSlow StartThe Blackhawks have blessed with me with not having to write about this becoming a trend. They came out looking a lot better than Friday night. They looked energized right from puck drop, and the first period was pretty back and forth. They weren’t getting hemmed into their own zone as much. It’s only one period, but I was more impressed with this first period. The four goals from Friday night would have been good, but let’s be pleased that they came out strong. Special TeamsGilbert and Boqvist getting 1PK time. No goals given up on special teams in the first period. They just have to take it one period at a time and work on improving the PK. They looked significantly better this game. They did On the powerplay, it’s curious to me that Kirby Dach was not playing at the front of the net. He was roving the half-wall and point. With most of the highlights I’ve seen from him, he scores more in close to the net. I don’t think using him in “Ovi’s Office” is the best use of his skill. Not only didn’t they give up a goal on the PK, but they only scored one on the PP. Not a good day for special teams. But, getting any goals on the power play is an improvement. Although, they did have a 4 minute power play that they couldn’t convert on. OverallThis game was a mess. I don't even know what happened after the first period. It just went all downhill very quickly.

Hockey is back on my TV! The 2019 Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan is upon us. As always, the Blackhawks have sent their top prospects to compete. The good thing about this tournament is there are a bunch of players who are fighting for NHL spots. But, if they can't make the big team - many of them will play for our IceHogs. It's a great chance to get a look at a few of our players before they hit the ice for NHL preseason or when the season starts in October.I’m going to watch as many of the games as I can and see who sticks out and how they’re playing. I’ve identified a couple of players I wanted to watch in this game specifically – Kirby Dach, Adam Boqvist, Dennis Gilbert, and Alexis Gravel. So, there will be some thoughts on their games further down this piece. Other than that, I’ll lay out each period and then discuss some of the things I observed in other aspects of the game. Enjoy!Period 1The Blackhawks and the Red Wings. A Storied rivalry – now back on the ice for the prospect tournament. The Red Wings take it to the Hawks early and hem them in their own zone going up 1-0 on the powerplay. The Blackhawks fight back for 4 unanswered goals. Things were looking positive going into the intermission. Period 2So, one of the criticisms of last year’s IceHogs team was that their second periods were garbage. It seemed like they could hold their own in the first and third periods, but the second periods would always kill them. Unfortunately, that happened here in this game as well. The Hawks entered the second period with a 4-1 lead and left the ice to a tie game 4-4. They gave up two powerplay goals, ended up having to kill a 5 on 3 and were an overall mess. There wasn’t a single player who stuck out and looked good. Not even the big two – Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist. Seeing as this game is being coached by Derek King, I am having some serious concerns going into the IceHogs season, but it’s only one game. We’ll see how the third period goes. Period 3Blackhawks look like they have more life than in period 2. Adam Boqvist comes out looking determined an draws a penalty. The Hawks still cannot convert on the powerplay. The Blackhawks couldn't get anything done in period three even though they looked much better than in the previous period. Thankfully, the Wings couldn't either. To overtime. . . OvertimeJust what everyone loves and hates all at the same time. THEY SHOOT, THEY SCORE! Adam Boqvist pots the game winning goal less than a minute into overtime. My three stars of the game1.Mortiz Seider2.Adam Boqvist3.Joe Veleno Now for some thoughts about different aspects of Game 1...Slow StartsThe game did not start well for the team from Chicago. Detroit was all over them - which led to them drawing a penalty and ultimately getting the first goal of the game. Obviously, the Hawks caught some life and stormed back with four unanswered goals, but you cannot expect that to happen every game. You have to hit the ice ready to play and fight for the puck. If they make a habit out of starting games like that, they’re going to get bit more often than not and end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Now, this is only one game so it’s impossible to say whether it’ll become a common thing, but it’s something to look for as this tournament goes on and leading into NHL preseason.Special TeamsThis is the one I wanted to have the best report on. Whether you’re watching the Blackhawks or the IceHogs, you’re likely going to be banging your head against the wall when they’re on special teams. For having such talent, they’re absurdly frustrating when on the PP or PK. That didn’t change here. In the first period, they gave up a goal on the PK and they didn’t convert on the PP. Puck movement was definitely more promising on the PP than we’ve seen during the regular season for both clubs, but it was a small sample size. In the second they gave up two more goals on the PK. This is not looking good. AggressionOne thing I noticed immediately is that the Blackhawks were actually attacking the puck. There was a lot more puck aggression in their game and it was so refreshing to see. If they can keep that going and not get complacent, you’re going to have success. The forecheck and backcheck were aggressive. They were using an aggressive attack off the drive to get to the net. Those are the habits you want to see early and often. The aggression is still missing from the penalty kill which is concerning.PaceFast. Fast. Fast. We’ve got some good skaters in the system and that’s great to see. Adam Boqvist has to be the smoothest skater for the Blackhawks in this tournament, but I didn’t notice any slouches. Kirby DachDach came out in the first period and scored a beautiful goal getting through the defense and deking out the goalie. That move may not work right away at the NHL level with more experienced goaltenders, but it’s not the first time he’s converted on a shot like that. You have to admire the creativity and willingness to try things out. Kirby Dach is obviously a good player. He knows it and the team knows it. He can use these tournaments to test his limits. Dennis GilbertGilbert was on the top pairing with Boqvist which seems to bode well for Gilbert. Boqvist can roam around and lead the offense. He is more of the responsible defensive type with an aggressive edge. I’d like to have seen him use his body more as I know he can from seeing him in Rockford last year. But it’s only game 1. I didn’t notice him much which is good for a player like him. Adam BoqvistIt’s still pretty amazing how smooth of a skater Boqvist is. One of the best things about his game that I’ve noticed is he gets the puck up the ice with a good first pass. He’s being used as a QB on the PP. Obviously they haven’t converted yet, but that’s where he’s meant to play. He rifled the puck home and scored the game winning goal in overtime. You can't be anything but excited for this kid to make the team. IceHogs OR Blackhawks. He's going to make an immediate impact. Alexis GravelWhat a frustrating game for the kid. He looked really good in period one. Things went way downhill in the second. I wouldn’t necessarily say he was bad, but he’s going to want that period back for sure. He did come up with some nice saves, and I need to see more out of him. He’s a very intriguing prospect. He gets the win in overtime after making a game saving sprawled out save on his back with less than a minute to go in regulation.There were two players that weren't on my "watch list" for today that will be going forward. Cole Moberg and Mikael Hakkarainen. They were all over the ice. Overall gameWhen the Blackhawks looked good in this game, they were skating into the offensive zone and driving to the net. They were aggressive on the puck carriers while defending, and they weren’t looking to make unnecessary passes. When things were bad, they were hemmed in their zone way too much. They would fall back into not pressuring the puck while pinned in their end, and they weren’t able to sustain any pressure. It was such an up and down game for them. Hopefully it’s first game jitters. I’m obviously a critic of the coaching staff, and I’m going to give them a pass for game one. But, if this continues, a serious look needs to be given to the bench in Rockford. Looking forward to Game 2 against Toronto tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm on Fox Sports Go.

It's starting to feel a lot like fall here in the Forest City and I LOVE IT! So, get out there and enjoy your weekend. There's so much going on around town. It's going to be a great time. Here's a list of things for you to check out. But, there's always so much more to see. So, click through to our events page for the full list! Have a great weekend!Friday, September 6, 2019Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmMusic on the Mall with Trinadora Rocks - view event6:30 pm - 8:30 pmShifty Shafer Rocks Rock-A-Bago Hall - view event8:00 pm - 12:00 amFrosty Fridays: Public Skating - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe Lone Canary at The Irish Rose - view event9:00 pm - 11:00 pmSaturday, September 7, 2019Cars and Coffee - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmWings of Wonder: The Lorikeet Exhibit - view event9:00 am - 5:00 pmNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmSlow Ride! @ West Rock Wake Park - view event10:00 am - 12:00 pmRockford's Forgotten Driving Park - Summer Lecture Series - view event2:00 pm - 3:30 pmSwedish Crayfish Party - view event 7:00 pm - 10:00 pmWindsor Pizza Parlor Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, September 8, 2019Cycle on Second - view event8:00 am - 11:00 amNational Grandparents Day @ Discovery Center Museum - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmBeattie Is...Arts Festival - view event11:00 am - 6:00 pmRooftop Live featuring Dingo - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmFor a full list of events, check out our EVENTS PAGE!

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

Grandparents can be a huge part of any child’s life and that’s why we want to give them their own day of celebration! On Sunday, September 8, Discovery Center Museum will be celebrating grandparents with FREE admission for grandparents as well as special art activities that highlight their roles in a child’s life.Take some time on National Grandparents Day to show how much they mean to your family. A great gift is simply to take your grandparent somewhere fun. What better place to have fun than Discovery Center? No matter what, the best Grandparents Day activity involves you and your grandparents together, celebrating your family and each other.Regular museum admission is $9/person and free to Members and children ages 1 and younger.Discovery Center Museum is a children’s science museum 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. 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.

September is National Suicide Prevention + Action Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. The goal is to speak openly about the topic of suicide to help erase the stigma surrounding it, and to direct those in need to the appropriate support services. I am no expert and this is just thoughts and opinion based on my own experience and in speaking with several dozen individuals who have attempted or been suicidal themselves. I hope that this helps maybe explain in some degree why and how suicide happens.  First, I have to say that I have found through my own experience and that of many others who have lost loved ones that is can happen to ANYONE. Suicide does not discriminate by age, race, beliefs, social status, or family dynamics. Suicide happens to young, middle aged, old, Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, Asian, Christians, non-believers, rich, poor, middle class, whole supportive families, and broken families. Often times those we lose to suicide are the ones who walked around with the biggest smiles, full of life, and always willing to help others. Often times those we lose to suicide accepted Jesus into their life and love the Lord. Often times those who lose their life to suicide are from loving and highly involved families. Often times those who lose their life to suicide have an underlying diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness such as depression. This is not always the case and sometimes there are no signs or warning and it is simply an impulsive reaction to a circumstance or situation that no one could begin to expect or be prepared to.  I have learned from many who share their stories that when a person becomes suicidal all they see is black. All they see is the pain they are feeling in that moment. All they feel is that pain causes those they love pain. They cannot see the future. They cannot see the past. They can only see that moment. It is almost as if something short circuits in their brain and for some it lasts a few seconds, some it lasts a few minutes or hours. In that time of blackness they feel there is absolutely no other option to make them feel better or their families to not share in their pain, but to die. We all know otherwise, but they do not see any other way. And the truth is, if they are alone in those moments of blackness and pain their thoughts control their actions and they often succeed in ending their pain and life. They did not cause the short circuit in their brain. They did not ask for it. Who knows what causes it….studies show diet, environmental, family history, life circumstances, maturity, and so many other things play a factor.  What I do know is that moment of darkness does not define who they really where as a person. It does not define the type of son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, father, or friend they were. It does not take away their accomplishments or relationships they had with others. The person they were when they were in the light of the world is who they truly are. The person they were when they played the sport they excelled in is who they truly are. The person they were when they played with their little sister and laughed with their friend is who they truly are. Please don’t forget that ever. Remember them for who they were in all the moments leading up to that darkness. Do not remember them for those moments that were out of their control.  I don’t know all the answers to why suicide happens and I wish with all my heart that is didn’t. I wish I still had my son Tommy here with us and all the others who have lost their lives to suicide. I wish that the pain, questions, regrets, and blame the family and friends are left with didn’t have to exist at all. I work tirelessly with many others to try and make a difference, but it’s not enough. We need everyone, we need a community to take a stand and work to make a difference by fighting for resources, education, and laws that will help reduce the numbers of lives we are losing to suicide.  We can all make a difference by becoming educated on the factors that lead to suicide. Every member of our community should understand that throughout life’s struggles we all need the occasional reminder that we are all fighting our own battles and need support. I encourage all of us to take the time to check in with our family, friends, and neighbors on regular basis and to honestly communicate our appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer. Take action this month and help prevent suicide. 

Do you miss being a kid? Yeah, so do we. In this episode, we take a walk down memory lane and laugh about the things we used to do as kids.We have a very special guest in Erin Sturm from Stateline Kids. It's a great conversation.This episode is full of Pro-Tips. Especially about building blanket forts. What more do I really need to say? Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.Listen and Subscribe HERE. Find Erin at the links below:https://www.facebook.com/StatelineKids/https://statelinekids.com/

Rockford Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (RAASE) and the Juvenile Enhanced Response Team (JVERT) of the City of Rockford Mayor’s Office of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention recently received grants from the United Way and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Community Grants Program. With the grants, RAASE and JVERT will implement a program called My Life My Choice in the community. The program, aimed at girls ages 12-18, uses survivor voices to empower vulnerable youth to be agents of change in their own lives and in the movement to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children.The My Life My Choice Curriculum, which was developed in 2002, will be piloted as an after-school program at Lincoln Middle School. The survivor endorsed and led program features sessions on Myths and Facts about Commercial Sexual Exploitation, How to Identify a Pimp, Recruitment Tactics, Substance Abuse, Self-Esteem, Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships.A portion of the grant funds will be used to train 20 teams of two (one advanced clinically trained member and one survivor member). Training will equip teams to provide 75-minute sessions to the target audience for 10 weeks. The goal is to reach more than 115 girls over a 12-month period.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It can be a hard topic to talk about for many different reasons, but we felt it important to discuss it. We wanted to talk about some of the amazing organizations around Rockford that are available to help people who are struggling and also working to end the stigma around Mental Illness. This is an important episode. You are not alone.Listen and Subscribe Here!https://shatteroursilence.org/https://www.facebook.com/eachbreathoffaith/https://naminorthernillinois.org/National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/illinois-suicide-hotlines.htmlhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapistshttps://www.ifred.org/individual-support/suicide-hotlines(800)273-8255 …..1-800-273-TALK National Suicide Prevention Lifeline(877)838-2838 …..1-877-Vet2Vet Veterans Peer Support Line(800)784-2432 …..1-800-SUICIDA Spanish Speaking Suicide Hotline(877)968-8454 …..1-877-YOUTHLINE Teen to Teen Peer Counseling Hotline(800)472-3457 …..1-800-GRADHLP Grad Student Hotline(800)773-6667 …..1-800-PPD-MOMS Post partum depression hotline

‘The Big Chair’ by the late Jim Julin (1956–2012) has been freshly painted and restored to its original color by Rockford artist John Deill. A 2008 refurbishment had resulted in a color change from a very retro green hue to a Swedish-flag blue that remained until now. Originally constructed for the 2002 Kortman Gallery exhibition ‘Furniture: Rockford Made in the 21st Century,’ the 16-foot sculpture became part of the Rockford Art Museum (RAM) Permanent Collection soon after through support provided by Lon and Dick Behr. “The exhibition gave me the opportunity to create something that I had always wanted to make,” Julin said in 2003. “First of all, it’s a tribute to Rockford’s history of furniture making, as well as a nod to all of the ‘old Swedes’ that I came to know when I was a child. The Swedes in the neighborhood were not wealthy, so instead of refinishing an old worn-out chair they would often paint the chair with any color of household paint that they had available.” In 2003 it moved from its original location in front of J. R. Kortman Center for Design, at 107 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, to its permanent residence in the museum’s Armer Ahlstrand Sculpture Garden, just outside the entrance to Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street. The building houses not only Rockford Art Museum but also Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Dance Company and Rockford Symphony Orchestra. John Deill and Jim Julin are both represented in the Rockford Art Museum Collection. Born on the same day, in the same year—April 3, 1956—in the same local hospital, the 2011 RAM exhibition ‘Rockford Made 4356: Deill/Julin’ celebrated their creative and collective vision. About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through art collection, exhibitions and education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.2019 photo of Jim Julin’s ‘The Big Chair’ by Doc Slafkosky of Kortman Gallery, Rockford

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) will be open regular hours, 10 AM–5 PM, on Labor Day, Monday, September 2. The current feature exhibition is Chance Encounter: Julie Heffernan and Shelly Mosman (on view June 8–September 29 at RAM). Rockford Art Museum is also a Blue Star Museum every summer, offering active-duty servicemembers and up to five family members free museum admission from Armed Forces Day (May 18) through Labor Day (September 2) this year. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families each summer. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. Learn more about Blue Star Museums at arts.gov. Follow Blue Star Museums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily, #bluestarmuseums.About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through art collection, exhibitions and education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org. Follow RAM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @rockfordartmuseum, @rockfordart, #rockfordartmuseum.

Believe it or not, school is almost back in session, and as Rockford-area students head to their familiar bus stops, some youngsters will instead be heading to meet their Walking School Bus. Since when did school buses walk? For the past few years, the human caravan known as Walking School Bus has helped students to reach school safe and ready to learn. It’s all thanks to a special partnership between the United Way, Rockford Housing Authority, Rockford Public Schools and the YMCA. Returning this year, the adult leaders of Walking School Bus will guide students age Kindergarten to 5th grade along two routes: From the Fairgrounds public housing complex to Lewis Lemon Elementary School, and from the Blackhawk public housing complex to Constance Lane Elementary. Along the way, these kids will hit other “bus stops” where they’ll meet their peers who likewise live too close to school for a traditional bus. At the end of the day, they’ll be escorted back home. Free to the working-class families along the route, Walking School Bus provides many benefits to our area youth, and it’s just another signal of the ways the Rockford area is transforming from within. “At the end of the day, we’re in the business of removing as many obstacles as we can to ensure people are successful, and that their neighborhoods are successful,” says Grant Schubert, Community Initiatives Director of United Way of Rock River Valley. “We know that if you put obstacles toward attendance in the way, it’s easy to start missing these kids.” Here are three particularly awesome ways Walking School Bus is making Rockford a Top 25 City. It’s Boosting Performance The Walking School Bus provides a number of benefits to youngsters, starting with the fact that it’s getting kids into the classroom who otherwise might not attend, for a variety of reasons. Showing up is the most important way to begin an education. There’s also a cognitive benefit to getting active before the school day, and the mile-long walk to school offers a great way for kids to burn off some energy and get themselves focused for the day ahead. It’s Improving Safety There are plenty of obstacles a child can face when walking to school all alone. They’ll face traffic, not just along busy streets and major thoroughfares. They may pass through gang territory, meet unsavory people or find amusing distractions. Come winter, they may struggle with poorly cleared sidewalks. Walking School Bus takes out the unknown factors by providing a safe, adult-guided means for children to travel to and from school. When the final bell rings at night, these kids head to a safe after-school hangout, thus providing additional time for constructive activities and removing the temptation to misbehave before parents return home from work. It’s Building Community It takes a village to raise a child, and it’s a true partnership that’s making Walking School Bus a success. Funding and cooperation are coming from the United Way, Rockford Public Schools, Rockford Housing Authority and the YMCA. The City of Rockford is stepping up its efforts to keep the routes clear of snow and safe for youngsters. Along the way, altruistic neighbors have pitched in to help make the program a success. But, most importantly, Walking School Bus is lending a hand to busy families and making a powerful difference in improving these families and their children’s futures. “We realize that if we’re not providing these kids with a place to get to school on time, you can do whatever else you want,” says Schubert. “You can work with the police and all that, but the most important piece is getting them in a positive, safe environment, and getting them educated. That’s how you change the trajectory of a neighborhood.”  

Jake and Courtney chat para-motoring, hockey, and then recap their awesome Rockford Day adventure. But the 815 love isn't limited to one day. Learn how to love your town every day!Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.Listen and Subscribe here

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) Curator Carrie Johnson was recently promoted to Chief Curator and named Interim Executive Director of the museum.Johnson has been with RAM for the past 13 years, most recently as Curator, leading the development and innovative implementation of exhibitions while overseeing the care for and management of the RAM Permanent Collection. A Rockford native, she has a deep knowledge of the organization and a passion for supporting and working with artists, having also led our education department prior to becoming curator. “Carrie’s work to develop connections throughout the art world has brought significant donations of artwork to our Permanent Collection, and introduced nationally known artists to our museum and to the Rockford region,” RAM Board President David Boccignone said. “Her passion for art, education and the community make her a perfect fit to take on the leadership of Rockford Art Museum.” About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through art collection, exhibitions and education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org and follow @rockfordart #rockfordartmuseum on social media. 

On August 15th at 8:15 a.m. with the help of Mayor Thomas McNamara, the City of Rockford, Friends of the Coronado Foundation (FOC), and the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) announced plans for the first free-to-the-public world-class performance since the community came together in 2000 to save and restore Coronado theatre. This performance will feature world-renowned Alvin Ailey II Dance Company. Ailey II is universally known as the country’s best young dance talent and most outstanding choreographers. Fans of So You Think You Can Dance will be astounded by the energetic and exciting choreography. These young Ailey members knew they could dance and here they are touring the world with the most prestigious dance company. This performance of Ailey II at the Coronado PAC (314 N. Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois) will take place on Veterans Day, November 11, 2019 and will be free-of-charge.   The mission of the Friends of the Coronado Foundation is “Advocating for and preserving the Coronado Theatre for all to use and share.” In this mission, the Friends of the Coronado has committed themselves to co-hosting an event with the City of Rockford and RAVE that is inclusive to the community we share. All ages and generations are encouraged to attend and share this experience at the community’s Coronado Theatre. The next morning on November 12 at 10am, 100% 2,200 RPS 4th Grade students will come the Coronado to see Ailey through the FOC Reach for the Stars project at no cost to the students or schools including transportation. This combined with the free performance the evening before, will mean 4000 community members will see a special performance at the Coronado in 48 hours. Executive Director of the Friends of the Coronado Foundation Beth Howard says “We truly believe that the Coronado Theatre is a magical place where our community’s memories are cherished. This extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime experience is a performance FOR the community BY the community. Every person and every age, deserves to make memories in this beautiful theater.”Friends of the Coronado is a grassroots volunteer 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1997 to spearhead and manage a capital campaign that resulted in the 18.5 million dollar renovation, restoration and 2001 reopening of the historic Coronado Theatre in Rockford. www.friendsofthecoronado.comHonorary Chairs Tom and Sarah McNamara and their children Olympia and Malachy.

With less than a month to go before the highly anticipated release of their fifth studio album, DIVE BAR SAINTS (out on 9/6), all-Vocal Country entertainers HOME FREE have yet another exciting announcement for fans – they’ve added a second leg to their already massive DIVE BAR SAINTS WORLD TOUR. On top of starting off the New Year with three shows in Australia, the quintet is also set to bring their iconic harmonies back to America, with several additional dates lined up across the U.S. in the spring of 2020. Shortly after, the DIVE BAR SAINTS WORLD TOUR will head north to end the cross-continental trek with a Canadian run through October 2020, marking nearly 100 shows across 16 countries throughout the impressive tour. To add to the anticipation, Home Free has also just released the heart-pulling video for their latest original tune, “Leave This Town.” Produced by ACM nominated producer April Kimbrell and directed by Chris St. Croix, the clip was filmed in an old auto shop just outside of Nashville, TN. Sure to make fans emotional, it features a sincere storyline of a young girl who is eager to get out of her small hometown and her father who is reluctantly counting down the days until she says “goodbye.” In the end, she gives her father the surprise of a lifetime – letting him know she “ain’t ever gonna leave this town.” “Leave This Town” is one of ten original tracks to be featured on Home Free’s upcoming DIVE BAR SAINTS album and serves as yet another taste of what fans can expect to hear when the project drops on September 6 via Home Free Records. Fans can preorder DIVE BAR SAINTS HERE. For more information on HOME FREE and their DIVE BAR SAINTS WORLD TOUR, visit www.homefreemusic.com, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Tickets will be available for purchase at the BMO Harris Bank Center or Coronado PAC box office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.Ticketmaster.com. ABOUT HOME FREE: All-vocal Country entertainers Home Free have made their mark on the music scene selling more than 350,000 copies combined of their popular albums; embarking on major global tours; amassing more than 100 million career audio streams and over 309 MILLION YouTube views; and being declared “Country music fans’ favorite a cappella group” (Taste of Country). Their fifth studio album, DIVE BAR SAINTS, is expected on September 6 under Home Free Records, with a massive DIVE BAR SAINTS WORLD TOUR kicking off this fall, plus the DIVE BAR CHRISTMAS TOUR. Home Free's extensive catalog spotlights five Top 10 albums, including TIMELESS, FULL OF (EVEN MORE) CHEER, FULL OF CHEER, COUNTRY EVOLUTION, and their breakout debut CRAZY LIFE (2014), which hit #1 on iTunes Country chart and #4 overall following their victory on NBC’s The Sing-Off. With praise rolling in from the likes of Perez Hilton, Country Living, FOX & Friends, Rolling Stone, and AXS.com, the extraordinary showmen have continued to electrify crowds with a one-of-a-kind live show while their harmony-laden versions of hits by John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, The Oak Ridge Boys, and more, have built a loyal fanbase. 

Following an October UK run, Third Eye Blind will be touring the US this fall in support of Screamer, their seventh full-length album, out October 18. They will be making a one night stop at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 22 at 8:00PM. Tickets will go on sale Friday, August 23, 10:00AM local time.Going strong for over two decades, Third Eye Blind has broken their own attendance records with 2019’s Summer Gods tour, with Jimmy Eat World and Ra Ra Riot. (Third Eye Blind has offset the tour’s carbon footprint by donating a portion of each ticket sold to a US-based carbon offset project managed by ClimeCo.)The follow up to 2018’s EP Thanks for Everything, Screamer finds Third Eye Blind collaborating with Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells (“Screamer”), Ryan Olson of Marijuana Death Squad and Poliça (“Who Am I” and “Got So High”), and the album’s musical consigliere, Billy Corgan.“We have always been so insular,” says Jenkins, “and on Screamer we adopted an open door policy -- come in, be musical, and follow the song where it takes us.”“It’s an incredible feeling to be in a good rock band,” adds Jenkins. “The gift that’s been given to me is that people view my music as enlivening them.”Screamer will be available everywhere on October 18, and October 11 on the ‘Ten Bands One Cause’ Pink Vinyl Campaign Benefitting Gilda’s Club NYC.Screamer Tracklisting ScreamerThe Kids Are Coming (to take you down) WaysTropic ScorpioWalk Like KingsTurn Me OnGot So HighWho Am ILight It Up2X TigersTake a SideWho Am I (acoustic) Tickets for Third Eye Blind Screamer Tour will go on sale Friday, August 23 at 10:00AM. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, SMG-managed Coronado PAC or BMO Harris Bank Center box office, and by phone at 815-968-5222. For more information, please visit coronadopac.org.www.thirdeyeblind.com @thirdeyeblind 

It had been a special night for Grace and Charles Kalb. December 22, 1937 was Charles’ 46th birthday and their wedding anniversary. The couple were married for 24 years by then. They had already celebrated with a fancy party for their friends at the Faust Hotel.  On this night they had taken Charles’ best friend and business partner, Harry Dunn to a night on the town to celebrate. They were almost back to their house where they were going to eat cake with the couple’s two sons, Charles Jr. who was 18 years old and John Robert who was 13. Both of the boys were home for Christmas break and excited to celebrate this special day with their parents. Charles Jr. attended Northwestern University while John went to St. John Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. The three adults had been to see a show and were driving down Oxford Street toward their house located on Clinton Avenue. Charles always turned onto Cottage Grove to take the alley in the middle of the block. Their house was on Clinton Avenue but the garage opened toward the alley in the back of the property. Charles was proud of the things that he had been able to give Grace and the boys. He loved living in a nice, big house and Christmas was one of his favorite times of the year. The house was all decorated for Christmas and looked very festive. Later, the newspapers would emphasize the contrast with the beautifully decorated lights on the house and the dark scene that played out behind it. Charles slowed down as he made the turn onto Cottage Grove Avenue and Grace mentioned that there was someone behind them. Charles pulled over to let the car pass on the left before he made the turn into the alley. As the car passed Charles’ vehicle the night exploded with gunfire. Later, a 12 gauge clean bore shot gun shell would be found in the street making it very clear to the police that whoever had fired the gun meant to kill Charles Kalb. The slugs entered the left side of Charles’ face piercing his brain and causing instant death.  The glass from the shattered window flew through the car and caused cuts to Grace’s face and damaged her left eye. She began to scream. The car with the shooter or shooters pulled slowly away from the scene. The witnesses would say later they heard the purr of its engine as it slowly made its way down the street. The driver didn’t increase his speed; there was no squealing of tires, just a calm drive down the block. Once the car drove away, Harry Dunn jumped from the car, handed Grace the house keys, and sent her for help. He was concerned for his friend and held his head up to help ease his breathing. But Charles would never take another breath. He died there in his car as his wife ran down the alley screaming for help. By the time the police arrived a huge crowd of people had gathered at the scene. One neighbor, George Mulholland,rushed to Grace’s aid as she approached her back door. He told her that his wife had already called the police and an ambulance. They walked back down the alley both knowing that the ambulance would arrive too late to save Charles. Grace probably thought about how ironic it was that Charles would die on his birthday. She must have been thinking about how differently their wedding day had ended 24 years earlier when she began the day as Grace Sullivan and ended it as Mrs. Charles Kalb.  Grace mentioned to Mr. Mulholland that she didn’t want the boys to see their father in that condition. She grew frantic as the time neared for them to arrive home. Mr. Mulholland agreed to intercept the boys and keep them inside the house. The police arrived quickly. In fact, since the victim was considered high profile, State’s Attorney Robert Nash, Assistant Chief of Police Sheriff Carl Palmgren and the Mayor at the time, Charles E. Brown showed up, as well.Everyone knew who Charles was, especially law enforcement and politicians. Charles and Grace had lived in Rockford for over 20 years at the time. Charles ran his own business and was the head of the Rockford Dyers and Cleaners business.  But he had made his real money running a bookie business.  His office was in the Stewart Square building in downtown Rockford. He held leases for all of the horse race track wires in Rockford and this allowed him to keep all of the other “bookies” away from the downtown area. Rumors have been floating around that some of Kalb’s competitors though he was getting “too big for his own good”. They were upset that he held all of the power to dictate not only where they could open up a shop but also who could run the business.  The former sheriff in town, Sheriff William C. Bell had made things rough for Kalb by raiding his business. But Kalb would cooperate with the authorities and then go right back to business as soon as they left. He was a smart businessman though and the raids were costly.   It was never made clear if Charles made the first move or the Assistant Police Chief Homer Read did. One of them approached the other with a proposition. Charles (along with others in his business) started paying Read an insurance fee. This worked well for all parties until 1934 when the Fire and Police Commissioners brought Read and Charles before a grand jury on charges of bribery. The grand jury indicted both of the men for the charges but the cases were both dropped before they came to trial. Homer Read resigned from the Police Department and Kalb was fined $500.00. Police grew frustrated very quickly with the investigation into Charles’ murder. Newspapers stated that when they went to question some of his fellow businessmen that they met “an impenetrable wall of silence.” Most of the owners suddenly decided to take family vacations in other states.  City leaders were also afraid that Charles’ men would retaliate against whoever had placed the hit on him. They feared what tactics the lesser men would use as they tried to scramble to the top to gain Charles’ share of the business. Authorities decided to shut down the gambling in Rockford. James Kieley who was president of the Rockford Operator’s Association at the time and represented the legitimate gambling establishments in town, agreed to their demands. All slot machines would be removed from business and clubs by January 1, 1938. The legitimate gambling places in town had been hoping that the state would pass new licensing ordinances to help stop all of the illegal gambling. The men felt that the new law would also help to stop the illegal shake down by police officers who would take the bribes to look the other way. In fact, officers discovered an article in Charles’ wallet describing the actions taken in Chicago to hurry the law along. But that decision wouldn’t help Charles or his family.  Grace continued to live in the house on Clinton Avenue. The boys, Charles and John Robert grew into fine men. Charles became an aeronautical engineer, married and moved to California. John Robert became a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force proudly serving his country. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  Charles would have been proud of both of them. Charles Kalb’s murder was never solved. It was a case that had too many suspects and not enough witnesses. Kathi Kresol is a local author and historian. She has been researching Rockford’s past for over a decade. Kathi shares these stories in her books, presentations, and her events. See Kathi’s upcoming schedule on her website: www.hauntedrockford.com.  

Hello beautiful people!Rockford Buzz: The Podcast is now available to everyone. We are still going through the review process on the major platforms, but we are on Spotify!In this week's episode, we sit down and chat about Rockford Day! Don't miss out. You can find the show at the link below:https://open.spotify.com/show/1C4xPSfrxrGq2MP6OKVcY0

Armed with nothing but their sharp wit, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” stars Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take to the stage with their uproarious live improv show The Scared Scriptless Tour, coming to Rockford, IL.. The performance will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 8:00PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 16 at 10AM at www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 815-968-5222 or at the BMO Harris Bank box office. Ticket prices start at $47.50. *Additional fees may apply.Known by TV audiences for their work on The CW Network’s Whose Line is it Anyway?, Colin and Brad improvise new material every night from audience suggestions and participation. “Interactive” in every sense of the word, Colin and Brad will take the audience on a comedic high-wire act... just like a live version of Whose Line! Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter for all ages! Millions of fans are enjoying Colin Mochrie and guest star Brad Sherwood in the triumphant return of ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ on The CW. The highly-rated series is more popular than ever and is now in its 14th season which premiered in June 2018.“A two hour laugh riot,” -Springfield Sun News, Springfield OH“They had the audience in stitches from start to finish” -Deseret, Salt Lake City UTLearn more at colinandbradshow.com.

Rockford has continued to host top-notch entertainment at the Coronado Performing Arts Center and the impressive crowds have followed driving business in downtown Rockford. Not only did the Coronado PAC place first in Best Overall Experience up against 89 other SMG Arenas and theaters (based off of fan feedback and Turnkey Intelligence scores) during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, but it has also received international acclaim as a top ticket selling theater in the industry leading entertainment magazine, Pollstar, ranking the Coronado PAC in the “Top 200 Worldwide Theatres.” In addition, the Coronado PAC team is proudly announcing today that this past fiscal year July 2018-June 2019 has been the BEST YEAR YET! Coronado PAC’s 2018-2019 year included sold out shows by; Sebastian Maniscalco (2) appearancesJohn MellencampREO SpeedwagonJerry Seinfield One Night of QueenPlus, Ron White, Alice Cooper, Iliza Shlesinger presented by 97ZOK, our amazing Broadway series, and many more.Coronado PAC by the numbers (2012-2019)75% increase in EVENT CONTRIBUTION 49% increase in TICKETED EVENTS 40% increase in EVENT DAYS HELD 33% increase in ATTENDANCE“The Coronado continues to be an entertainment venue rich in diversity and character. This year is especially significant seeing that the Coronado PAC is consistently performing above average and providing Rockfordians the opportunity to engage in world-class entertainment. We are proud that the programming hosted in the theater resonates not only in our community, but the surrounding communities. We appreciate the continued support from our stakeholders, local businesses, and the City of Rockford.” –John Phelps Vice-Chairman of Rockford area Venues and Entertainment (RAVE)

The Rockford IceHogs announced that single-game tickets for the 2019-20 hockey season will go on sale next Thursday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at icehogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.Single-game ticket prices start at just $12 and range to $33. Special discounts are also available throughout the season for groups of 15 or more fans and with the IceHogs’ “Me +3” promotion, in which fans receive one free ticket upon the purchase of three tickets to any home game.To celebrate the on-sale announcement, the IceHogs are treating fans to a one-day flash sale for tickets to the Hogs’ 2019-20 home opener. The ticket special coincides with Rockford Day, also known as 8-1-5 Day, and allows fans the opportunity to purchase any upper endzone ticket for the first home game of the 2019-20 season for just $8.15.Please note, the ticket special will only be available on Aug. 15 as part of 8-1-5 Day. Tickets can be purchased online HERE, in-person at BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or by calling (815) 968-5222. Online purchases will be available from 12:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 15 (and include a small service charge), while orders through the Box Office can be placed from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.The IceHogs will host their 2019-20 home opener against the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a free IceHogs calendar, courtesy of Impact Networking.To view the IceHogs’ complete 2019-20 schedule, CLICK HERE.The 2019-20 campaign marks the IceHogs’ 21st season of professional hockey in Rockford and 13th as the top affiliate for the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks. Over the previous 12 seasons, 113 skaters have graduated to the NHL after playing with Rockford, including 84 players with the Blackhawks. In addition, both former IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton and assistant coach Sheldon Brookbank now serve behind the bench for Chicago.Season-ticket plans and mini-packs for the 2019-20 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling (815) 847-6399.