Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

It's back! After taking a break to sort out a few bugs, the Weekend Roundup is back! Need some plans this weekend? We've got you covered!Friday, August 9, 2019Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 8:30 pmSummer Concert Series! - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmFound.: RAAC ArtsPlace Theater and Dance Show - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday, August 10, 2019Shine Like Gold 5k - view event8:30 am - 11:30 amNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pm24th Honor the Mounds Gathering - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmUnsolved Crimes of Winnebago County - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmToy Take Apart - view event2:00 pm - 3:00 pmGo Go Torpedo - Record Release Show - RnRI Campers Open - view event4:00 pm - 9:30 pmWindsor Pizza Parlor Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, August 11, 2019Babe Shredder Day at West Rock - view event9:00 am - 8:00 pmSUP Yoga - view event9:00 am - 11:00 amPasqua Mercato - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmRooftop Live featuring Swingbilly RFD - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) and Midland States Bank present the 71ST GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, overlooking the scenic Rock River at the Riverfront Museum Park, located at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Held rain or shine, the outdoor festival features 100 juried artists from throughout the country selling original paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints, jewelry and more, with kids activities, a marketplace, live music, food, craft beer and specialty drinks.  Full list of 2019 Greenwich Artists below. More info, artwork images, and links to artist websites at Facebook > GreenwichVillageArtFair > Photos > 2019 Greenwich Artists Gates are open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 (kids under 12 are FREE); tickets are available at local Midland States Bank locations and Rockford Art Museum, or at the gate. Presenting Sponsor for Greenwich Village Art Fair is Midland States Bank; Premier Sponsors are Lon + Dick Behr, Cathy + Rob Funderburg, Dean Alan Olson Foundation, and Joan Stonecipher. Established in 1948, Greenwich is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. Ticket proceeds support Rockford Art Museum throughout the year. For the latest updates, including booth locations as they’re assigned, follow GVAF’s Facebook page @greenwichvillageartfair and @greenwichrockford #greenwichrockford on social media. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org. 2019 GREENWICH ARTISTS listed by medium CERAMICS  SHAWN BARBAGALLO South Beloit, IL  GEORGE BLAIR  New Albin, IA  ETHAN LILLEMOE  Eastpointe, MI  CYNTHIA LINNABARY  Rockford, IL  EILEEN MCDANIEL  Wautoma, WI  HIRONOBU NISHITATENO  Loves Park, IL  ELIZABETH ROBERTSON  Asbury, IA  RICHARD ROBERTSON  Asbury, IA  GINT + REGINA SABALIAUSKAS  Evergreen, CO  MICHAEL SCHAEL  Cambridge, WI  REBECCA SKOW  Iowa City, IA  JIM ULMER  Frazee, MN  FIBER  GERRI AGER  Madison, WI PATRICIA HELLER  Greenfield, WI  DEBBY HENNING  Sharon, WI  JULAINE LOFQUIST-BIRCH  Rockford, IL  MARY MCFARLAND  Brodhead, KY  ANNIE MOHAUPT + JUSTIN WALKER Rockford, IL  PAMELA SIEHR  Madison, WI  SAMUEL YAO  Ann Arbor, MI  GLASS  TAMMY EASTON  Racine, WI  PAT FALK  Owatonna, MN DANIEL FENN  Decorah, IA  STEPHEN MINECK  Vinton, IA  ALAN SIEVERS  Batavia, IL JEWELRY  VILMA BIRBILAITE  Chicago, IL  PETER BRENNER  Elgin, IL  KATHLEEN CLAUSEN  Indianapolis, IN  VENUS CRAMER  Elmhurst, IL  CLAUDIA DARAK  Schererville, IN  BARBARA HAMBERG  Albert Lea, MN  LINDSEY LEHMAN  Morton Grove, IL  GARY MAKI  Iron, MN  MICHELLE MOSS  Stevens Point, WI IVONA LUNA NAROLEWSKA  Chicago, IL  KERRI NORMAN  Brooklyn Park, MN JAN RAVEN  Wausau, WI  NICOLE SALERNO  McKinney, TX  STEPHANIE TANTILLO  Marengo, IL  LINDA THEVENOT  Naperville, IL  PATTY TIRY  Palmyra, WI  REGINA TO  Key West, FL  ROBERT TRISKO  Waite Park, MN  LISA WILLIAMS  Algonquin, IL  KIM WILSON  Fox Point, WI  TESS YEAGER  Noblesville, IN  BART ZIEGLER  Lake Geneva, WI  LEATHER PAUL AUDE  Cary, NC  SHARON CHERNEY  Clayton, WI  MIXED MEDIA  ARTHUR BARTKOWIAK Brookfield, WI  RICHARD BORDEN + PATRICIA DISANTIS East Haddam, CT  RON CLEVENGER  Machesney Park, IL  KIARALINDA  Safety Harbor, FL  NORM KNOTT Rockford, IL ANNE MORRIS  Rock Island, IL  BARRY REITHMEIER  Rockford, IL  SCOT SCHMIDT  Oshkosh, WI  ADAM WEISS  Fort Calhoun, NE  PAINTING  JUSTIN BERNHARDT  Vicksburg, MI  KATE MAY FITCH  Rockford, IL  INGRID HYDE  Rockford, IL  TIMOTHY KOBS  Trempealeau, WI  SEAN MILLER  Washington, IA  DON NEDOBECK  Milwaukee, WI  MICHELE WARD  Iowa City, IA  SABRINA ZHOU Carmel, IN PHOTOGRAPHY  DAVID BARNES  North Aurora, IL  LAURA BATES  Rockford, IL  PHOTOGRAPHY,  BOOTH TBA GARY BRAKER  McHenry, IL  CHRISTOPHER DOHERTY  Jupiter, FL  DEBRA EHMANN + MARTIN ROWE  Waterloo, WI  RONALD GROBERT  Warrenville, IL            DALE + GAIL HORN  Estero, FL  MARY KATOS  Elizabeth, IL  NOVA MACKENTLEY + CHRIS NERI  Paradise, MI RON MELLOTT  Bloomington, IN  JOSH MERRILL  Downers Grove, IL  MIKE MURRAY  DeForest, WI  JASON ULMAN  Deerfield, IL  PRINTMAKING  BENJAMIN CALVERT  Villa Park, IL  KARI MCDONALD  Rockford, IL  SARAH REED-MCNAMARA  Rockford, IL  RICH THEOBALD  Sun Prairie, WI  JAY WENNERSTEN  Carol Stream, IL  ALISON WEUST + JOE TALLMAN Rockford, IL SCULPTURE  STEVE BREWSTER  Poteau, OK CHARLES KRAUS  Wauwatosa, WI  WOOD SALEM BARKER  South Beloit, IL  MARK DREYER  Aurora, IL  JEFF HART  Aurora, IL  JASON WASHA  Dodgeville, WI 

Stateline Robotics Team 4655 has proven that FIRST Robotics is really more than just robots. The students and mentors recently completed a project for Jack, a local grade school student with Cerebral Palsy, that gives him the ability to be independently mobile for the first time.  Jack’s condition affects muscle tone, posture and body movement. His family received a grant for the Power Wheels Wild Thing motorized chair. However, it was not made for a child with cerebral palsy and needed some work. The family reached out to Stateline Robotics and asked for help.  The team started talking with the family and meeting with Jack to make-over his new "car". After months of meetings, planning, rewiring, reprogramming, changing the seat, adding a new joystick and other improvements for Jack the team gave him his customized car on Wednesday, July 24th. The excitement in Jack and his family is infectious With practice he will be able to do so many things that seemed out of reach for so long.   Jack’s mom has said "The students may never know the real impact they are having on him (Jack) because it seems so simple. But they should know they are changing his life."  Stateline Robotics is also working on instructions for how to make all of these changes, the instructions will include pictures, videos and a parts list with prices. They plan to share this with other robotics teams around the world. 

The City of Rockford, the Small Business Development Center (SBCD) and Hempstock Pharms are co-hosting a small business forum on Thursday, August 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main Street. The event will focus on business opportunities in marijuana and hemp. Speakers include State Rep Maurice West II and Stacy McCaskill, SBDC Director for Sauk Valley Community College and Founder of Hempstock Pharms.Limited seating is available. RSVP to L’Toya Simpson at ltoya.simpson@rockfordil.gov.

Perhaps the best part of summer is that it’s so easy to get out of the house and get active. But step outside on a nice summer day and you might start to wonder, “Where is everybody?” The demands and distractions of our modern world make it too easy to sit around all day, and this behavior is killing us. Literally. About a decade ago, Dan Buettner and National Geographic led a study of several “blue zones,” where the longest-living people on Earth exemplify nine core traits, among them a commitment to physical activity, spirituality and healthy diet. Buettner’s Blue Zones traits have been top of mind for Transform Rockford’s Healthy Lifestyle’s spoke team. They know it’s critical in a state where fully one-third of adults and one-sixth of our kids are overweight. We don’t fare any better in Rockford, where Winnebago County ranked 97th among Illinois counties in health outcomes, according to a national County Health Rankings study. Our health behaviors, our socioeconomic factors and our physical environment all contribute to an overall lack of true wellness and a predominance of chronic disease. If Rockford is going to rise to the top, it’s time to start reversing course. How do we do that? It starts when we get up, get active and take charge of our personal wellness. Here are four ways you can move more, Rockford! 1.    Workout for FREE Every WednesdayEvery Wednesday for the next six weeks you can catch some free workouts, right in Davis Park. Instructors from the YMCA will return each week with combat classes, urban line dance and other fun sessions that’ll get your family active. 2.    Engage with the YMCAAll year long, the Y’s four local branches have a full lineup of activities for all ages. The latest Fun Fit Kids session puts youngsters in a strength training and body conditioning course that’s fun and engaging, no matter your athletic talents. This September, the Y launches a Healthy Weight and Your Child class aimed at families whose kids are in the 90th percentile for BMI. Together, they’ll learn healthy habits to grow out of their excess weight. Of course, there are plenty of activities for adults, and there’s much more to enjoy with a Y membership, from swimming pools and an indoor track to basketball courts and fitness equipment. No sitting around here! 3.    Just MoveCentenarians are more likely to make physical activity a part of their everyday lives, from something as mundane as cleaning the house to something more meaningful, like walking to the store. Given our city’s amazing green spaces, including bike trails, neighborhood playgrounds, natural areas, pools and rivers, it’s incredibly easy to hike, bike, swim or kayak for fun or for business. And, if all else fails, just go for a walk (and take the kids)!

Anderson Japanese Gardens is hosting its annual Japanese Summer Festival on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Festival is a celebration of traditional cultural arts featuring exhibits, demonstrations and performances that are engaging and entertaining for the entire family.  Admission is free for Premium Garden Members and is the cost of regular Garden admission for Basic and Non-Members. All performances and most activities are included with the price of admission.  Performances and demonstrations will take place in the Visitor Center and throughout the Gardens. Popular activities and performances include:   Ho Etsu Taiko Drum Performances- 10:00AM & 12:30PMCandyman (Traditional Japanese Street Performer)Traditional Japanese DanceChildren’s GamesJapanese Martial Arts DemonstrationsKoto PerformancesCalligraphy DemonstrationsJapanese Flower Arranging Demonstrations   Traditional tea ceremonies will be hosted daily in the Gardens’ traditional 16th century Sukiya style Guest House, Tea House and Gazebo overlooking the west waterfall. Space is extremely limited and times vary. Advanced registration is encouraged and can be made by visiting www.AndersonGardens.org. Tea ceremony participation fees are $20 Premium Members/$25 Basic & Non-Members. The 2019 Japanese Summer Festival is made possible through the generous support from Kikkoman Foods USA, BMO Harris Bank, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Savant Capital Management, the Steve & Andrea Jensen Family, Broadmoor Insurance, Stifel and Nicor Gas. 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. It has transitioned from a passive guest attraction into a highly programmed regional amenity. Today the Garden is operated as a nonprofit organization and attracts nearly 100,000 guests annually. For information regarding programming and events, visit us at www.AndersonGardens.org. Stay connected by following Anderson Japanese Gardens on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest. Anderson Japanese Gardens is a 501 (c)(3) organization.

The pace of modern life takes a tremendous toll on our mental and physical wellbeing. The impact of long-term stress and digital distraction can cause our bodies and minds to shut down if we don’t stop to refocus from time to time. Yoga has been known to do exactly that - channel the energy to revitalize the whole system. Now, Loves Park locals will benefit from a newly opened yoga studio in the area where they can find tranquility and balance as teacher Denise Cacciapaglia leads them through a range of calming or energizing routines. No Joke Yoga Studio is a conveniently located oasis devoted to helping locals in the Greater Rockford area relax, unwind, and move in a soothing environment.The yoga studio is an offshoot of the popular No Joke Mixed Martial Arts school, which has been serving the community since 2002, offering children’s martial arts, fitness, boxing and kickboxing. No Joke founder Rich Whitenack said he was happy to be able to expand the brand into a new space that will give residents more options for their physical wellness activities.  “No Joke Yoga provides a wide variety of Yoga and meditation classes for practitioners of all levels including Hatha, Vinyasa, and more,” said Whitenack, “Our mission is to give students an opportunity to look within, refocus, and regain a sometimes lost sense of perspective.”Lead Yoga teacher Denise Cacciapaglia has been a member of No Joke Martial Arts since 2015 and is excited to be part of the team offering something new to their existing members as well as those new to the brand. After traveling to Bali in 2018 to complete her Yoga Teacher Training certification, Denise was inspired to take her hobby to the next level and begin teaching classes. Her long-time association with No Joke Martial Arts led to a partnership and No Joke Yoga was born!Originally a Huntly native, Denise is now a proud Rockford resident, working days as a second-grade teacher at Welsh Elementary School, while performing as an actor with a local theatre group seasonally. Denise believes wholeheartedly in yoga’s transformative nature and respects the power that yoga possesses to keep one grounded, focused, accountable, and aware of even the smallest moments on and off the mat."Yoga has taught me that it is the journey that we take to get into the pose and each precious breath in it, not the pose itself. But most importantly, it has taught me that everything we need in life is already within us. Through the stressful and sometimes painful events that life sometimes throws at us, I found yoga to be the most beneficial compliment, both mentally and physically, to a happy, healthy life,” said Denise. As a school teacher, Denise has even implemented yoga in the classroom, which she has found improves her pupil’s focus and behavior. “They resolve their own conflicts and there’s been a decrease in reactive behavior. The students are more mindful of their voicelevel and tone and are more calm and relaxed. They feel safe and show greater respect for others’ differences. In this ever-changing world, I believe those qualities are going to lead them to become successful adults.”Denise believes that going to a yoga class weekly for just six months can improve your daily focus and help you to concentrate better than on normal days. She says, “Yoga aims to gather your energy and channel it in an organized way to get better results. The key to yoga is regular practice. It may seem difficult at first, but you can easily learn by doing yoga weekly for a few months straight.”The current schedule includes: Beginner's Yoga - Sundays at 10am and Candlelight Yoga - Thursdays at 8:30pm.

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated blues-rock sensation Joe Bonamassa today announces U.S. tour dates for spring 2020, as he gears up for his summer tour embarking on major venues across the East Coast and Midwest in North America. For the newly announced dates next year, Bonamassa leaves no fans behind, making stops through the South and Midwest with performances scheduled for multiple cities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho and Washington. Bonamassa is making a one-night stop at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on March 9, 2020 at 8PM Sharp. Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Bonamassa has almost single- handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. Bonamassa is one of today’s top live performers and his enthusiastic live shows are one of the biggest parts of his career, and a favorite for music lovers worldwide. His upcoming dates for the rest of 2019 and newly added shows for 2020 will be no exception! This summer, his tour kicks off on July 22nd at Nashville’s trademark staple Ryman Auditorium and ends at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, where he’ll play a one-of-a-kind celebration, both are venues that Bonamassa has previously sold out! Red Rocks includes two incredible nights of two very different set lists as he celebrates the five-year anniversary of his first-time performing there. Then his fall season include three nights at New York’s incredible Beacon Theatre, amongst other iconic venues. The 2020 performances will feature a signature selection from his vast catalogue, with classics, reinventions and fan favorites, backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians including Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig (drums), Nashville recording legend Michael Rhodes (bass), Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and member of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Reese Wynans (piano/organ), Paulie Cerra (sax), Lee Thornburg (trumpet), and two incredible backup singers, Mahalia Barnes and Jade MacRae. With his most recent album, Redemption, Bonamassa achieved his 21st #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart. It’s his most ambitious, barrier-breaking studio album yet. With over 30 albums to his credit thus far, including studio and live recordings, collaborative albums with blues sensation Beth Hart, and side projects Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party, the living legend somehow always finds ways to reinvent his artistry. As Bonamassa is currently in the process of writing his much-anticipated next studio album, audiences can expect to be surprised with some new tracks on his spring tour in 2020. As an artist who spends nearly 200 days a year on the road and his spare time writing new songs, Bonamassa is always curating new ways to diversify his craft, hitting the stage with fervor, and bringing awe and amazement to crowds everywhere. Tickets for the newly announced dates go to JB Fan Club pre-sale on July 23 and venue presale on July 25. Tickets go on sale to the public July 26 and will be available for purchase at the BMO Harris Bank Center box office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Friday Night Flix announces today WE’RE GOING BACK! To DAVIS PARK for the last Friday Night Flix of the summer on August 2 showing of Trolls. Come check out Davis Park’s new face lift! Park opens at 7pm and movie starts at dusk. Come to a free showing of the movie “Trolls” at Davis Park August 2. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets starting at 7 p.m. The Movie will begin at dusk. Tickets for free popcorn will be handed out at the entrance for the first 1,000 patrons Please leave your pets at home Bicyclist are encouraged to ride down and park bikes at the entrance of Davis ParkIn the event of inclement weather during Friday Night Flix, the decision to move the movie inside or cancel the event for the evening will be made no later than 2 p.m. on the day of the event. This notification will be posted on the Friday Night Flix Facebook page. A special thank you to Owens Corning, 97ZOK, WIFR TV, Papa John’s & Rockford Register Star for sponsoring this year’s Friday Night Flix. Owens Corning is a global leader in engineered materials for roofing, insulation and composites. Don’t forget to stop by their recruiting table before Friday Night Flix and check out their employment opportunities! Don’t forget to stop by and say, “Hello” to: Nicholas Conservatory Pepsi – Will be sampling Vita Ice, a zero calorie, zero sodium antioxidant sparkling water with added vitamins available in 17 innovative and fun flavors Discovery Center Museum

There are so many people we encounter every day who feel alone. Some feel alone because they don’t have family or friends. Others like myself find ourselves in a mental battle and distant at times. I have had people I love recently tell me that they feel like they have lost themselves. Like they have lost control of their mind. Depression and other mental illnesses can cause people to act and think like they never have before. Those who struggle with depression do not want to think the way they do, in fact they would do anything not to, but they are imprisoned by their own mind. Someone recently explained it this way to me; “People think depression takes feelings away, and it does, but it also strengthens some other emotions to such as pride, laziness, anger, and loneliness.” A person with depression can be in a room filled with family and friends who love them deeply, yet they feel alone and judged. I know there have been many times in my life that I have felt completely and utterly alone even though I wasn’t. But my question to you is, what are we going to do here in or community for those who are hurting? What if we are the answer to those hurting and we do nothing? Are we going show compassion and love to the hurting? Even if they are unlike us? Even if they don’t believe the same way we do? Even if they don’t make the choice we think they should?It pains my heart deeply to see so many people hurting this way, people I love. It pains my heart even more that so many people around them are so heartless or wrapped up in themselves that they don’t even care and continue to add burdens, judgment and pain to others.  Why can’t we love and care for those hurting around us, in our workplace, in our homes, in our relationships? This world has become so cruel to those who are unlike the rest. If they don’t fit into our plan or our box then we don’t waste our time or effort on them. Some don’t even realize that people with a mental illness in our community have to wait outside in a line for hours to hopefully get into a clinic for counseling and medication. How demeaning is that and we wonder why more people don’t get the help they need. What is it going to take for people to have more patience, compassion, and love for others? What is it going to take for people to step up and fight for the rights of the mentally ill? More deaths by suicide? I see beautiful children, mother and fathers, sisters and brothers dying month after month to suicide because the stigma still exists and they feel they are alone and have nowhere to go.  I would have jumped over mountains to get my son the help he needed if I had known what a serious problem depression was for him, like I understand now. What I have learned about the mental health system since is disappointing to say the least. I have heard stories of individuals spending days in the ER room because no mental health beds are available and youth who get transferred hours away to receive mental health care because there is nothing available locally. Often times those who do find inpatient care are released within days or weeks even though they are still not stabilized and end up right back in the ER. So much more has to be done. So many more people need to take a stand and fight for the rights of those suffering and break the stigma so those struggling can openly ask for help and talk about their struggles without fear of judgment and condemnation. The change starts with all of us! We have talked about it long enough, it’s time for action.Here is a small list of ways you can take action…..Volunteer Time or Donate to a local non-profit organization. NAMI of Northern Illinois – call Danielle Angileri, Executive Director at 815-963-2470 or email naminorthernillinois@gmail.com to sign up to volunteer. Opportunities include facilitating support groups, outreach and education events in the community, fundraising events, and more. Donate at https://naminorthernillinois.org/Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation – call Xavier Whitford, Executive Director at 815-519-1430 or email TCMF21@gmail.com to sign up to volunteer. Opportunities include facilitating support groups, outreach events in the community, fundraising events, hosting a mental health first aid training, and more. Donate at https://tinyurl.com/y2hfdcczJubilee Center/Maya’s House – call Natasha Urbanowitz at 815-708-2650 or email nurbanowitz@shelter-care.org to volunteer. Opportunities include preparing and serving meals, child care, family support, fundraising events, and more. Donate at https://shelter-care.org/why-giving-matters/what-to-donate/Miss Carly’s – go to www.misscarlys.org to sign up to become a volunteer or donate. Opportunities include serving meals, sorting and organizing donations, gardening, driving individuals to/from appointments as needed. Rockford Rescue Mission – call the Volunteer Coordinator at 815-965-5332, ext. 151 or email at volunteer@rockfordrescuemission.org to volunteer. Opportunities include serving a meal, tutoring, mentoring men and woman, and more. Donate at https://www.rockfordrescuemission.org/Shatter Our Silence – call Kevin Polky, Executive Director at 815-988-4370 or email kpolky@shatteroursilence.org to volunteer or donate at https://shatteroursilence.org/donate/Winnebago CASA – call 815-319-6880 or go to https://winnebagocountycasa.org to sign up to become a volunteer. Opportunities include becoming a trained advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. Donate at https://winnebagocountycasa.org/ways-to-give/donate.html

Rockford has been very excited about sports lately. Native Fred Van Vleet has managed to bring Rockford together in a way that nothing has for decades. Though most people have forgotten, Rockford has celebrated a rich heritage of great athletes almost from the very beginning. The city was a part of the first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players back in 1865. The man making Rockford buzz back then was Cap Anson. Some believe he was the best baseball player of the entire nineteenth century. Cap played  third baseman for Rockford’s Forest City Base Ball Club in 1871. Cap would later be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Another baseball star to play for the home town team was Albert G. Spalding. A.G., as he was called, was born in Byron in 1850. Spalding was a pitcher for the Rockford Forest City Nine, though the newspapers stated that he excelled at all aspects of the game. Spalding left Rockford and made his way to Chicago where he played for the Chicago White Stockings (the team would later become the Chicago Cubs). Legend has it that his pitching was the reason that Chicago won the first ever National League Pennant in 1876. Later Spalding would travel to bring the sport to the world. In the 1920’s if you were to ask anyone who the best coach in Rockford was chances are they would say “Honk Garret. Prior to moving to Rockford, Honk was a coach at Hyde Park High School in Chicago. He was hired by the Rockford High School Association to coach all of the athletes in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Some of the best athletes in the Midwest were fortunate to be coached by this very talented African American man. He would lead his football team to the state championship in 1909 and 1910. After he retired from coaching at the high school level, he opened up a gymnasium for amateur boxers in the 300 block of East State Street. He also managed the Olympic Athletic Club (O.A.R.), one of the first of its kind. The newspapers from the 1920’s talk about the events that he arranged, one mentioned that there was a crowd of 400 spectators at the Pioneer Hall for a boxing competition.  Honk was proud of turning these talented boys into exceptional young men. But the achievement he was most proud of was his own son William.   William attended Rockford High School and was skilled on the track and the basketball court as well as the football field. Everyone who watched this extraordinary young man was in awe of his speed and great athletic ability. William (according to one newspaper) “won the respect of every man and boy who were his team-mates, companions, and every spectator who ever watched him play.”  But what made William even more unusual and why he really inspired so many people was the way he handled himself. As an African American, Bill, as he was called by his team-mates, was often the target of insults and foul tactics from players on the opposing team. In fact, there were times when the opposing team refused to even play against him. Bill never let this break his determination to give his very best and he always returned the sneers with his amazing smile.  When William died of a sudden illness in 1924, he was only 20 years old. His untimely death shocked and saddened many. His funeral was attended by an astonishing 1200 people. The newspapers stated that the crowd was made up of people of all races and walks of life. People who knew or were trained by Honk, those who loved to watch William play sports, young men who had been motivated by him or his father, friends, and complete strangers all gathered to pay their respects for the humble, gifted young man.  It was said that watching William play was so thrilling that everyone who saw him admired and respected him. Maybe that was his real talent, to play sports so well and with such humility and dignity that it made all who watched him focus on his talent and not his color.                                                                                                One of Honk Garret’s athletes that became a super star in his own right was Sammy Mandell. During the 1920’s and 30’s Sammy became a household name in Rockford when he won the Lightweight Boxing Champion of the World. Sammy trained with Honk at his boxing ring in down town Rockford. After training, Sammy began his amateur fighting career at Camp Grant and was only 16 years old when he had his first professional fight.   It was not long before Sammy’s lightning fast footwork and his devastating left hook earned him the nickname of Rockford Flash. Sammy also had something else going for him. Unlike most of the boxers of that time period, he was considered to be very handsome, which earned him the nickname of The Sheik. This name was chosen because of his resemblance to the very popular actor of the day, Rudolph Valentino.  Another thing that made Sammy Mandell stand out was the fact that even though he reached a place of national recognition, he remained humble and proud of his beginnings. His family came from Sicily in 1906. His mother passed away shortly after the family arrived in Rockford and his oldest sister filled the void left by her mother’s death. After he won his title, Sammy would buy his sister and father their own homes.   In 1923, before Sammy won the Lightweight Champion title, Rockford held a grand banquet to honor their hometown hero. The Knights of Columbus threw the grand bash at the luxurious Nelson Hotel. 10,000 people lined the streets along the route just to get a glimpse of this hometown boy. The crowd went wild when he flashed his famous grin.  Sammy won the Lightweight Championship title in 1926 when he was twenty two years old in the first legal fight in Illinois at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. He fought Rocky Kansas. Sammy held the title until 1930 when he lost to Al Singer.  His signature fight took place in 1924 when he faced Jack Bernstein. Sammy broke his hand in the second round. Bernstein realized that Sammy’s hand was broken and gave him such a horrible beating that most watching were surprised that the fight was not stopped. Those four rounds were agonizing to witness. Those spectators were never sure if Sammy found his bearings or he had been pushed to his limit. But when the bell rang to begin the seventh round, Sammy came out of the corner with one arm hanging uselessly at his side and gave Bernstein the beating of his life. The fight was a draw and Sammy’s reputation was born.  Sammy would participate in 168 fights that included 28 knockouts and 8 losses. Sammy stayed in Rockford after losing the title and opened a gym with his brother where they trained new boxers. Sammy, Elizabeth and their son Richard moved to Chicago after World War II where he acquired a job as a collector for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In October 1962, Sammy Mandell was inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame.    These men are just a few of the many athletes who have been shining stars for Rockford. Though they have been mostly forgotten, they once stood in the limelight, admired by thousands as they claimed fame for the Forest City through their hard work and determination.    

Produced by Live Nation, the co-headlining ‘Hell Never Dies Tour 2019’ North American summer tour ‘Twins of Evil’ tour which Billboard said makes a “big rock show feel like not only the right place to be, but also the best.” is next week. Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson with special guest Palaye Royale at the SMG- Managed BMO Harris Bank Center on July 16, 2019.Limited tickets are still available at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or over the phone at 815-968-5222.With the purchase of a ticket to the show, concert goers will be able to attend a pre-show block party on Elm St. outside the BMO Harris Bank Center from 3:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. Zander, afternoon personality on 104-9 The X will do his show live from the block party, and will be joined by a few members of Palaye Royale in the 3 o'clock hour for a chat and live acoustic performance and the Kegel ‘V Twin of Evil’ bike will be on display. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the block party. Pat downs, wanding and bag searches will be completed at entry. No facial masks are allowed. Arena policies are listed on our website, for more information please call our box office at 815-968-5222.Rob Zombie’s new album is due out later this year and he is currently putting the finishing touches on his new film  Three From Hell. Marilyn Manson is working on the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2017 release Heaven Upside Down. More details on upcoming projects to be announced soon.Past praise for the Twins of Evil tour:“A rockers dream come true with the most intense music the world will ever know.” –Aquarian Weekly“The masterfully raucous due of Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson brought bedlam.” –Buffalo News“Like being strapped into an electric chair and zapped with 50 trillion volts of heavy metal madness.” –Phoenix New TimesRob Zombie on the web:https://robzombie.com/ https://twitter.com/RobZombie https://www.instagram.com/robzombieofficial https://www.youtube.com/user/robzombie https://www.facebook.com/RobZombie/Marilyn Manson on the web:http://www.marilynmanson.com https://twitter.com/marilynmanson https://www.instagram.com/marilynmanson https://www.youtube.com/user/MarilynMansonVEVO https://www.facebook.com/MarilynManson/

The Rockford IceHogs, proud American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, announced their 2019-20 regular season schedule.  The IceHogs open their 21st season of hockey in the Stateline on Friday, Oct. 4 in Des Moines, Iowa against the Iowa Wild and celebrate Opening Night on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Taking on the North: For the first time in team history, the IceHogs battle the Belleville Senators (Ottawa Senators affiliate) and Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens) this season. The Hogs visit the Senators on Friday, Dec. 13 and host the club on Monday, Jan. 20. Laval visits the BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs second home game of the season on Monday, Oct. 14 and travels to Laval, Quebec, Canada on Tuesday, Dec. 17. With Laval and Rockford, the 2019-20 season marks the first time the Canadiens and Blackhawks affiliate have met since the 2014-15 season when the IceHogs went 1-1-0 against the Hamilton Bulldogs.  This season, the IceHogs will also square off against the Toronto Marlies for the first time since the 2014-15 season. The IceHogs host Toronto on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and visit the Marlies on Sunday, Dec. 15.  Rise and Shine: The 2019-20 campaign features three matinee games at BMO Harris Bank Center for the IceHogs this season. The Hogs open the afternoon action on Monday, Oct. 14 (Columbus Day) at 1:00 p.m. The IceHogs celebrate their annual School Day Game on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m. against Toronto and host Belleville on Monday, Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) at 1:00 p.m.  Set Your Watch: The IceHogs will play all other weekday home games at BMO Harris Bank Center at 7:00 p.m., Saturday home games at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday contests at 4:00 p.m.  Toughest Division in Hockey: Of the 76 games, the IceHogs tackle the Central Division in 66 matchups. The IceHogs renew their rivalry with the Chicago Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals over 12 meetings with each opponent. The Grand Rapids Griffins and IceHogs collide in 10 meetings and the Manitoba Moose, San Antonio Rampage and Texas Stars will meet with the IceHogs eight times each. From February 21 to April 11 (end of the regular season), the IceHogs will take on the Central Division in 22 consecutive matchups.  Of the 38 home games, 24 take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Schedule Notes: - Illinois Lottery Cup: The IceHogs and Chicago Wolves will battle once again for the Illinois Lottery Cup over 12 meetings during the 2019-20 season. The Wolves captured the cup in each of the last two seasons through tiebreakers. The IceHogs went 6-5-1-0 against the 2019 Western Conference Champions last season. - Opening Up With a New Face: The October 4 season-opening contest at Iowa snaps a streak of three consecutive seasons battling the Cleveland Monsters in the first game of the year. The IceHogs will take on the Monsters in four meetings this season, visiting the Monsters on October 25 and 26 and hosting Cleveland on December 21 and February 15. This marks the first time the IceHogs open the season against the Wild. - On the Road Again: For the fifth consecutive season, the IceHogs open the year on the road (October 4 at Iowa). The IceHogs have not opened a campaign at home since the 2014-15 season. - Moose are Loose: The IceHogs and Manitoba Moose will meet eight times this season, up from four meetings the previous two seasons.- Home Sweet Home: The IceHogs will enjoy the comforts of BMO Harris Bank Center for a season-long six-game homestand from January 25-February 8 and will face Milwaukee, Manitoba, Texas and San Antonio. The IceHogs will also have a five-game homestand from October 30-November 8. - Life on the Road: From February 22-March 1, the IceHogs will make stops against Milwaukee, Chicago, Texas and San Antonio during a season-long five-game road trip.  Schedule Breakdown: Month:October: 8 games – 4 home, 4 roadNovember: 12 games – 7 home, 5 roadDecember: 12 games – 6 home, 6 roadJanuary: 14 games – 7 home, 7 roadFebruary: 13 games – 7 home, 6 roadMarch: 12 games – 5 home, 7 roadApril: 5 games – 2 home, 3 road By Opponent:Belleville: 2 – 1 home, 1 roadChicago: 12 – 6 home, 6 roadCleveland: 4 – 2 home, 2 roadGrand Rapids: 10 – 5 home, 5 roadIowa: 8 – 4 home, 4 roadLaval: 2 – 1 home, 1 roadManitoba: 8 – 4 home, 4 roadMilwaukee: 12 – 6 home, 6 roadSan Antonio: 8 – 4 home, 4 roadTexas: 8 – 4 home, 4 roadToronto: 2 – 1 home, 1 road Season Tickets for 2019-20 on Sale Now:Don’t miss a moment of the action next season. Reserve your seats for the IceHogs’ 21st season of professional hockey in Rockford and 13th as the top AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The IceHogs’ home opener is set for Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Grand Rapids and ticket packages begin as low as $132 for an eight-game mini pack. Contact us at (815) 847-6399 or visit IceHogs.com to claim your seats for this upcoming season.

Welcome back! It’s been awhile. The Blackhawks and the IceHogs both missed the playoffs, so you could say I was a bit bitter and didn’t want to write about hockey. Now that the playoffs are over, the fun season has begun! We had the draft and the opening of Free Agency. If you missed any of it, you’ve come to the right place. But first, I need to tell you about something super cool – I STARTED A HOCKEY PODCAST! Yeah, you could say I have the coolest job in the world. I get to spread positive news about my hometown and I also get to talk about hockey. Lucky me!So here’s the deal – we are two episodes in. The first one covers the draft. The second one in a whirlwind of free agency news. So they are great complements to what you’re about to read here. It’s called. . . wait for it . . . FROM CENTER ICE. Shocking, I know. It’s available on most podcast services including the big 3 – Apple, Google, and Spotify. I’ll include the link to the webpage for the podcast. From there, you can click on your streaming link of choice. Or, you can simply search to From Center Ice. The logo is the image from this article. Easy Peasy. https://podfollow.com/from-center-ice/viewI’m super proud of this. My good friend Jacalyn is also a season ticket holder with me, so we will be talking A LOT about the IceHogs once the season gets closer and finally kicks off. Until then, it’ll probably be a mishmash of hockey news from around the league. But, it’s fun!Now – onto the meat of this piece. Kirby Dach – The Blackhawks’s first round draft pick this year. He wasn’t my first choice, but the more I watch of him, the more I am warming up to this pick. Center depth is incredibly important for any good team, and the Hawks just got a big guy who is willing the crash the net. If he lives up to his potential, we are going to be very happy hockey fans in the year future. Calvin de Haan – This guy goes along with the next one. The Hawks acquired defenseman Calvin de Haan and forward Aleksi Saarela from Carolina in exchange for ex-IceHogs Anton Forsberg and Gustav Forsling. Both of our former players kept getting pushed down the depth chart due to new players coming in. We got excellent value for them. Aleksi Saarela – The move for this guy was detailed above. He is a talented forward who played a key role in the Charlotte Checkers winning the Calder Cup this past season. I think we will see this guy start in Rockford. You sure won’t find me complaining. The Sikuras – DYLAN AND TYLER ARE BACK! Dylan signed and extension with the Blackhawks while Tyler picked up an extension on his AHL contract. Love having these brothers around. Andrew Shaw – WOW. Fan favorite former IceHog is back with the Blackhawks. I did not see this move coming at all. It will be interesting to see how he plays this year. A part of me didn’t like this deal when it was made. I’m softening up to the idea. If he plays well . . .David Kampf – Another former IceHog re-signed by the Blackhawks. Remember that center depth I mentioned above? Applies here as well. Ryan Carpenter – The first free agent pick up for the Hawks on July 1. A depth role player. He can win faceoffs. He can kill penalties. You aren’t going to catch flashy plays from this guy, but every team needs depth guys who can do the little things right. For a cheap contract, you can’t argue with this signing. If it doesn’t work out in the NHL, we could even see him in Rockford. Guys who are willing to work for every inch of ice? Sign me up. Robin Lehner – HO-LY GOODNESS. Where in the . . . did this signing come from? Robin Lehner: Masterton Trophy winner, Vezina finalist, Jennings trophy winner. Forget center depth. Having depth in goal is something the Blackhawks have been lacking for the past couple years. They knocked this signing out of the park. Absolutely great steal of the day. Can’t wait to see how he fits in and how he fits with Crawford. There’s the brief summary of what the Blackhawks have been up to and how it could possibly impact our IceHogs. To catch more in-depth analysis – make sure you subscribe to the From Center Ice Podcast. Here’s the link one more time: https://podfollow.com/from-center-ice/view

Discovery Center Museum is turning into Old MacDonald’s Farm on Friday, July 12 (11 am-3:30 pm).  Put on your straw hat and overalls for this rural romp! Meet and greet bunnies, cows, goats, and ducks as we bring a barnyard of fun to Discovery Center! Pet a farm friend, create a rural mural, and find out how agriculture is everywhere everyday. Get artistic with loads of legumes, and stuff your brain with farm facts!  All activities included with admission: $9/Public; free to Members and children ages one and younger. E-I-E-I-O is made possible thanks in part from a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

We're back! Our schedule got all sorts of thrown off. But, because of that, we have A LOT of stories for you. We've been up to a lot of goodness and now we bring you the tales of the town. Also - HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!You can find us online here:https://rockfordbuzz.com/home https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/https://twitter.com/therockfordbuzzhttps://www.instagram.com/therockfordbuzz/If you didn't hear, you can now listen to the podcast on your Podcast App of choice!Just copy this URL:https://podcast.rss.com/rockfordbuzz/feed.xmlPaste that URL into your app of choice and voila!Apple Podcasts – Tap “Library” on the bottom menu. Click Edit. Click “Add Podcast by URL”. Enter Podcast URL. Hit Subscribe.Castbox – Enter the Podcast URL into the search bar. Hit Search. Tap SubscribePodbean – Tap the search icon. Click +Add Feed URL >. Enter Podcast URL. Make sure it says you’re following.

In general and due to the specifics in the legislation, the process will move quickly and deliberately with deadlines for action that already are approaching rapidly. Mayor Tom McNamara and the City Council have committed to an open and transparent process that will allow for community input. The City has hired Attorney Bobbie Holzwarth, an experienced partner from HolmstromKennedyPC in Rockford, to serve as Counsel to the City team in this process. THE BASICSOn June 5, 2019, the Illinois Senate passed new gaming legislation. The bill provides for a single license for a casino within the City of Rockford.The license will awarded by the Illinois Gaming Board, using an open and competitive bid process. By law, all application(s) for the Rockford license must be filed with the Gaming Board within 120 days of the Bill’s signing.TAX REVENUEAccording to the bill, various taxes and fees generated from the casino will be split:70 percent to the City of Rockford20 percent to Winnebago County5 percent to the City of Loves Park and5 percent to the Village of Machesney Park.APPLICATIONFor an application to be considered by the Gaming Board, the City Council must adopt a resolution memorializing the details of the proposal and certifying:The applicant has negotiated in good faith.The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon a temporary location.The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon a permanent location.The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon the percentage of revenues that will be shared.The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon zoning, licensing, public health, and other issues within the City’s jurisdiction.The City Council has adopted a resolution or ordinance in support of the casino.RFP PROCESSThe City’s process will be run much like its standard Request for Proposals (RFP) process. On July 1, the City will issue an RFP outlining requirements and specifications for a casino. City staff will review responses and make recommendations to the Council of which proposal(s) they think should be certified. A public hearing will be conducted on the factors to be certified by the City, before the Council votes. The legislation allows the City to certify more than one applicant to the Gaming Board. Before the Gaming Board issues a license for the Rockford casino, an impact study must be completed to determine what location in the City will provide the greater impact to the region, including the creation of jobs and the generation of tax revenue.

Happy summer! It’s officially summertime, but in Rockford we’ve had a great teaser of all the things we love about this season. We watched our very own Fred Van Vleet and his Toronto Raptors take home the NBA Championship while we all gathered around a big screen downtown. We welcomed artists from across the country to the CRE8IV art festival, and in turn they left us with a colorful reminder of the impact the arts have on our community. And, of course, we’ve been making the most of our warm months while enjoying favorites like City Market and Dinner on the Docks. As the Transform Rockford movement works to make this a Top 25 community, community events demonstrate how we’re creating diverse forms of creative expression and recreation that lead to self-fulfillment and national acclaim. An abundance of fun cultural activities means it’s easy to make this a summer to remember – and you won’t want to miss these four bucket list-worthy events. Culture Crawl, July 20Soak in all that Rockford’s cultural scene has to offer when you join the Culture Crawl, a one-day-only experience that includes free admission and special activities at some of the city’s top destinations. Visit each of the seven participating locations to stamp your “passport,” and win prizes. Visit Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Art Museum/Rockford Dance Co., Midway Village Museum and the Ethnic Heritage Museum for free admission. Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and Burpee Museum of Natural History for special events, including live animal demonstrations. Stop at Midway Village “after hours” for an adults-only gathering that includes live music, alcoholic beverages and adults-only activities. Sounds of SummerIt’s just not summer without a little live music, and you’ll find it aplenty during Rockford Park District’s long-running summer concert series. Stop by the Sinnissippi Music Shell every Tuesday and Thursday through Aug. 8 for the Music in the Park series, and you’ll hear a variety of local and touring acts. Nicholas Conservatory hosts Tunes on the Terrace every Wednesday from July 10-Aug. 28, while Live at Levings draws a more urban crowd to Levings Park every Sunday night from June 2-Aug. 4. Wrap up the season with Domingos en el Parque on Sunday, Aug. 19. This concert at Levings Park draws a full lineup of Latino acts. Cycle on 2ndClose out the summer season with a bike ride unlike any you’ll ever do this summer. Scheduled for Sept. 8, the Cycle on 2nd event is just what it sounds like: a noncompetitive community bike ride on a two-mile stretch of Second Street. It’ll be free of all cars from Auburn Street to Madison Street, where riders can enjoy some post-ride food, fun and games at the City Market Pavilion. Best of all: there’s no registration needed. Just show up! The ride is sponsored by I Bike Rockford, a group of biking enthusiasts who push smart policy – in between riding the Rockford area’s many trails.  There’s no excuse to say “I’m bored” this summer – not with so many fun events for everyone in the family. Go out and make the most of all our city’s cultural scene has to offer! 

If you're facing a major illness or stressful life change, you don't have to go it alone. A support group can help. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, mental illness, addiction, bereavement or care giving.A support group provides an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about diseases or treatments. For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. A person's relationship with a doctor or other medical personnel may not provide adequate emotional support, and a person's family and friends may not understand the impact of the illness or treatment. A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between medical and emotional needs.Structure of support groupsSupport groups may be offered by a nonprofit advocacy organization, clinic, hospital or community organization. They also may be independent of any organization and run entirely by group members.Formats of support groups vary, including face-to-face meetings or online communities. A nonprofessional person, someone who shares or has shared the group's common experience, often leads a support group, but a group also may be led by a professional facilitator, such as a nurse, social worker or psychologist.Support groups are not the same as group therapy sessions. Group therapy is a specific type of mental health treatment that brings together several people with similar conditions under the guidance of a licensed mental health care provider.Benefits of support groupsThe common experience among members of a support group often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, treatment decisions or treatment side effects. Participating in a group provides you with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another.Benefits of participating in a support group may include:·        Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged·        Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue·        Talking openly and honestly about your feelings·        Improving skills to cope with challenges·        Staying motivated to manage conditions or stick to treatment plans·        Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope·        Improving understanding of a disease and experience with itPossible risks to support groupsSupport groups may have drawbacks, and effective groups generally depend on the facilitator to help steer away from these problems. These problems may include:·        Disruptive group members·        Conversation dominated by griping·        Lack of confidentiality·        Emotional entanglement, group tension or interpersonal conflicts·        Inappropriate or unsound advice·        Competitive comparisons of whose condition or experience is worse Getting the most out of a support groupWhen you join a new support group, you may be nervous about sharing personal issues with people you don't know. At first, you may benefit from simply listening. Over time, however, contributing your own ideas and experiences may help you get more out of a support group.Try a support group for a few weeks. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, consider a different support group or a different support group format.Please remember that a support group isn't a substitute for regular medical care. Let your doctor know that you're participating in a support group.What are some support groups are available locallyRay of Hope – Suicide Survivors Support – meets 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month at Gloira Dei Lutheran Church in Rockford.Hope Over Addiction – Grief Support Group – meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month at 4615 E State Street, in Rockford. www.hopeoveraddiction.netGroup Hope – Mental Illness Support Group – many meetings for all ages throughout the community. Find more info at www.grouphope.orgTrauma Support Group – meets Tuesday evenings 6-8pm at United Methodist Church (downstairs) in Rockford. NAMI Support Groups - Connection Recovery Support Group is for individuals living with a mental illness themselves. Every Sunday at 2pm. Our group meets at Swedish American Heart Hospital (a division of UW-Health) in Rockford, Illinois. NAMI Support Group for Parents & Caregivers (of children and adolescents under 18). This group meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30pm. Our group is held at Riverside Community Church in Machesney Park. Teen Support groups are being held simultaneously in the same building by Group Hope. www.naminorthernillinois.org

The RACVB announced today that the official celebration for Fred VanVleet's NBA Championship has been set for Saturday, June 29, 2019. More details will be coming out on Tuesday, so make sure you keep your eyes out for those. This celebration follows up the extremely popular Jurassic Park Rockford events put on by the RACVB and City of Rockford. Thousands of people flooded down to the City Market Pavillion to cheer on Fred as the Toronto Raptors chased their first Championship in franchise history. Night one ended in the Raptors falling short by a single point. Everything was great up until that point, though. The FVV Pop-Up shop sold out of shirts, the food trucks were serving up delicious treats to the thousands of spectators, and everyone was in high spirits hoping to see Fred take it home. After the huge success the first night, the second (and last) night of Jurassic Park Rockford was even bigger. And that night ended with Fred VanVleet giving his hometown a shoutout on live TV as he celebrated becoming an NBA Champion. Rockford! Rockford, this for you, baby!I can only imagine the amazing welcome home Fred is going to get on the 29th!

ROCKFORD – Fred VanVleet is one of the biggest names in basketball today.The Auburn High School graduate was a key reserve for the Toronto Raptors, who just defeated the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA title. When it was over, he gave a shout out on national TV, "Rockford, it's for you baby."Home town pride.Did you know, though, that VanVleet was not a very highly sought out recruit in 2012 when he was graduating from Auburn?You can still find his Rivals.com prospect page where the 5-11, 175-pound guard is listed as the 138th best player in his class and 19th best point guard. Just five colleges – Colorado State, Kent State, Missouri State, Northern Illinois and Wichita State - were trying to get him to play for their schools.Wichita State won the modest recruiting battle and VanVleet led them to four NCAA appearances and a Final Four.Flash forward to today and Rockford is planning a massive celebration for VanVleet. The player who once wasn’t one of the 100 top prospects in his high school class is one of the 100 best players in the world.A lot of college coaches missed something when they watched VanVleet play.Beginning tonight, over the next two weekends, more than 1,000 high school basketball players will take part in the Chicagoland Summer Showcases I and II at Rock Valley College and Guilford High School. The stands will be filled with coaches hoping to find the next VanVleet, a player who can take their programs to a new level.If you like watching players before they make it big, there will be plenty to choose from. This weekend - from tonight until Sunday - you can watch players such as Kiyron Powell of Indiana’s Evansville Bosse High School. Powell already has scholarship offers from 13 schools, including Michigan State, Ohio State and Louisville. Bellevue West of Nebraska will be in Showcase I with their 6-1 point guard, Chucky Hepburn, who has 10 Division I offers. Those schools include Minnesota, Oregon, Purdue and Arizona State.Showcase II is from June 28 through June 30 is shaping up to be even bigger – literally. Mehlville, Missouri, is coming with 7-0 center Davion Bradley, who has 18 scholarship offers ranging from Illinois to Arizona State to Oklahoma.If you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan, LaCrosse Central will be in Rockford with Jonathan and Jordan Davis. The 6-5 twin brothers both verbally committed to the Badgers this month.Illinois basketball fans can watch Simeon’s Ahamad Bynum, who is fielding offers from DePaul, Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.Click here if you'd like to see boxes on the top prospects coming to Rockford.Those are the big names. With more than 100 schools playing over the next two weeks, there will be plenty of opportunities for coaches to find another VanVleet, a player whose intelligence and desire add up to more than his height, speed and jumping ability.

 The Boys & Girls Club of Rockford is proud to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant for its Success Through Targeted Outreach Program. The grant was awarded by the Glenn E. Thiel Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program.The aim of Success Through Targeted Outreach is to work with students of Auburn, East, Guilford, and Jefferson High Schools to help improve their GPA and attendance over the course of the grant, as well as increase their awareness of substance abuse, violence, and premature pregnancy prevention strategies.The mission of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is to serve as a catalyst for giving in order to attract, preserve, and grow an endowment for current and future needs of Northern Illinois. Since its foundation in 1953 CFNIL has granted more than $71 million for charitable purposes. Learn more about CFNIL’s grant-making and commitment to endowment at cfnil.org.The Boys & Girls Club of Rockford has served the Rockford community since 1908 offering a unique and wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural and social activities for youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Clubs nurture and enrich young lives by giving boys and girls opportunities for personal growth and achievement. There are presently five sites in the Rockford / Machesney Park area.

This full-scale production, set to the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky and based on German legend, follows a heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell.The Legendary National Ballet Theatre of Odessa with 55 Ukrainian talented and brightest ballet Stars to bring this romantic tale of true love to glorious life!  Music by Pyotr TchaikovskyChoreography after Marius Petipa and Lev IvanovSoloists: Odette/Odile – Olena Dobrianska, Prima – BallerinaPrince Siegfried – Sergii Dotsenko, Principal DancerTickets go on sale Friday, June 28 at 10am at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.Ticketmaster.com.

The two young girls that lived at 3013 Edelweiss Road in Rockford were getting ready for bed around 11:30 on the night of December 4, 1979. They lived in a duplex that was a mirror image of their neighbor’s place and they heard strange noises coming from the bedroom of the adjoining apartment.  The girls would later describe the sounds as “loud thumping” and “muffled screaming”. At first, they were curious but that quickly turned to fear and concern. The girls knew the young couple that lived next door. They noticed that 23-year old Rosemary’s car was parked in her usual place. Rosemary lived in the apartment with her 23 year old fiancé, Willard. The girls noticed that his car was missing from the parking area. They figured that Willard was working late and Rosemary was home by herself. The two girls were concerned enough to go around to the front of Rosemary’s apartment and knock on the door. They called out to the girl and asked if everything was alright. A man’s voice answered saying,  “Rose and me just had a fight.” The girls assumed that Willard must be home after all and returned to their apartment. They were even more startled a few minutes later when they heard Rosemary shouting for help and asking them to call the police. The girls didn’t phone the police but raced around to the front of the building. They found the front door unlocked and entered the apartment. What they saw in the bedroom was too horrible for them to comprehend. Rosemary was on her bed with one arm tied to the bedpost with a neck tie. Part of her clothing had been removed and the girls could see that she had been stabbed numerous times. One hand was almost completely severed from the wrist. A machete and four steak knives were left on the floor. When they arrived, even the seasoned police officers were stunned by the brutality of the attack on Rosemary. The fact that many of them had sisters or daughters the same age as Rose made them even more determined to catch the man who had hurt her. Rosemary was taken to St. Anthony Hospital where the doctors rushed her into surgery. Though they worked on her for hours and gave her 50 pints of blood, Rosemary died the next evening, without regaining consciousness. The injuries inflicted on the once pretty girl were horrible to see.  Her cause of death was a blow to the head and the massive blood loss she sustained from her injuries. Everyone who knew Rosemary couldn’t believe that the beautiful and bubbly girl was gone. It was even harder for them to understand the motive for the vicious attack. Since the door showed no signs of forced entry, the police theorized that Rosemary knew her attacker and let them inside. Her friends and family were adamant that Rosemary would not have opened the door to a stranger.  The police worked diligently to solve this case. The only clues they had were the murder weapons and a pair of blood soaked pair of gloves. Every detective on the force was assigned to work the homicide and by the end of the first week, more than 50 interviews had been conducted. They started the investigation by taking a closer look at her fiancé, Willard.  Willard’s co-workers stated that he had been at work the entire time. The police also spoke to dozens of Rosemary’s co-workers both at her current job and her former one at the Belvidere Chrysler Plant. No one they questioned to could give them any insight into the case. None knew of any motive for someone to hurt the popular young woman. People in the neighborhood were frightened by the attack and many replaced locks and armed themselves. As police worked their way through the quiet streets in the surrounding area, they noticed other emotions, as well. Some of the neighbors felt guilty that they hadn’t heard the life and death struggle that was taking place mere feet away from where they lived. Other people living in the area were angry that someone had come into their safe neighborhood and attacked one of their own. They spoke of revenge and of bringing the man responsible to justice.  But that justice would never come. This December will mark the 40th anniversary of the attack on Rosemary Peterson.  Police have spent years working through the theories and rumors. They have followed every lead and talked to hundreds of people. In the beginning, the authorities thought they would solve it quickly. They were sure that someone would talk, whether it was the perpetrator bragging or someone he had told about the vicious attack. There was new hope in 1981 when Police Chief Delbert Peterson brought Crime Stoppers to Rockford. Rosemary’s murder was featured along with several others. A reward was offered and a dramatization of the crime was shown on local television stations. No new leads surfaced. Hope for a solution has all but faded now and as of this writing, no one has been held accountable for the brutal attack on Rosemary Peterson. The newspapers haven’t mention the case in a while but Rosemary’s case is remembered on the Illinois Cold Case Files on Facebook and through the Crimestoppers website at http://www.rockfordcrimestoppers.com.Anyone with information of Rosemary’s murder is urged to call the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police Detective Bureau at (815) 319-6400 or Crime Stoppers (815) 963-7867.