Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

If you aren’t aware of the new cakery in the area, Erica Koren Cakery opened up at 107 Buchanan St, Belvidere in April of this year. Growing up here, Erica noticed a need for high quality pastries. Originally, she completed her education at the French Pastry School in Chicago with the intention of opening a restaurant. After falling in love with pastries, she knew she had to bring her dreams to life back at home. After school, Erica worked in a cake shop. But, when the owner decided to leave, she had a decision to make. She got a job at Chrysler and gave herself 5 years to work and pay off her students loans before opening up her own shop. She lived up to it, and now Erica Koren Cakery is serving the area with delicious treats. She’s been steadily busy since opening and has had a warm reception from the town. She does treats for all occasions – Weddings, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Anniversaries, Business Events, and more. Her vision is to expand her shop to one where people can come in, grab some goodies, and have a nice chat. Right now her location is open by appointment only so, if you want to get your orders in, make sure to give her a call. Erica's products are a bit different than what people tend to be used to. Everything is made from scratch. Instead of being super sweet,  you'll find that her treats are more balanced so that you can really taste every flavor. She loves sitting down and designing cakes with her customers. It’s all about the process, and she makes sure to cater the products to what will work best for your occasion. Now, if you are looking for last minute treats for Thanksgiving that are sure to be a hit for the whole family, Erica Koren Cakery will be open on Wednesday, November 21 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm with a lineup of treats that looks like:Thanksgiving themed sugar cookies Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frostingChocolate Pecan Pie cupcakesSweet potato cupcakes with spiced buttercreamThey will also be open for walk-ins on December 7, 2018 for Hometown Christmas and December 22, 2018 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm for Christmas cookies and cupcakes. If you need to put in an order for larger parties, Erica requests at least one week’s notice so she can make sure everything comes out just right and on time for your get-together. Trust me when I tell you her baked goods are absolutely delicious and that you and your family will love them! She treated me to some cookies and cupcakes and I could have sat there all day just eating them. Stay in touch with Erica by phone at (815) 519-7287 or:Rockford BuzzFacebookInstagram

Are you someone who celebrates the winter holidays as soon as Halloween passes? Do you avoid them until it's impossible to get away from them? Good news! No matter which of those boxes you check, there's something for you here. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, November 16, 2018Christmas Open House @ The Landscape Connection - view event9:00 am - 3:00 pmWorkshop: Create your Holiday Porch Pots @ The Landscape Connection - view event3:00 pm - 4:00 pmHoliday Tree Lighting & Open House @ Edgebrook - view event5:00 pm - 6:30 pmAcoustic Evening with Nate Fry @ The Hope & Anchor - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmTrinadora @ Baci's Kitchen - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmMonster Jam @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event7:00 pmThe Claudettes' Last Show at Mary's Place 'til Spring 2019! - view event9:00 pm - 12:30 amSaturday, November 17, 2018Workshop: Create your Holiday Porch Pot @ The Landscape Connection - view event10:00 am - 11:00 amYoga On Stage with Keri @ Coronado PAC - view event10:00 am - 11:15 amHang It Up Fundraiser @ Cherry Valley Public Library - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmMonster Jam @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event7:00 pmTrinadora's All-Originals Road Show @ JustGoods - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmComedy Night @ The Hope & Anchor - view event7:30 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, November 18, 2018Workshop: Create Your Holiday Porch Pots @ The Landscape Connection - view event1:00 pm - 2:00 pmHang It Up Fundraiser @ Cherry Valley Public Library - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

I've done yoga only a few times and, recently, I have been wanting to try it again. This weekend, there is going to be yoga at the Coronado PAC led by Keri Knutson. There really isn't a better way to get back into yoga than having the beautiful Coronado theater as a backdrop. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned pro, it's going to be a really neat experience. Why not spend your morning with one of Rockford's most respected yoga instructors in one of our most historic buildings?Plus, if you're anything like me, Rockford Roasting Company is right down the street for a post-yoga coffee. The session is for people 16+, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive early so you can get set up and fill out the waiver. Entry fee: $20Time: 10am-11:15amIncludes: 1 hour of yoga on stage the Coronado PACWater bottleInfused water*Limited spots available*Please arrive early to sign in and fill out a waiver or print the waiver at home. It is posted on this page. Call the box office at 815-968-5222 to reserve your spots today. At the time you make your reservation you will pay the $20 entry fee. For more information please contact jcarlsen@smgrockford.com or call our box office at 815-968-5222About Keri Knutson:Keri Knutson – Official Yoga Teacher of the Rockford IceHogs, Founder of Rockford Yoga Day, Certified Advanced Yoga Nidra teacher, Rockford Native, and 20 year practitioner of yoga, Keri is trained in and currently teaches Vinyasa Flow yoga, Traditional Hatha Yoga, Restorative, Chair/Adaptive yoga, and Yoga Nidra in Rockford/Rockford area. She also teaches several workshops and events throughout the year and specializes in Yoga for Athletes, Yoga Nidra (a conscious relaxation practice), and working with those who live with chronic conditions, injury, illness, and/or dis-ease. Her classes are challenging, creative, and playful.Keri, a nature and animal lover, enjoys spending her free-time outdoors, reading, devoting time to her own yoga practice, and traveling.

If you like to partake in winter sports or are interested in checking them out, we have a snow park right here in Rockford. That's right. You have the opportunity go to tubing or snowboarding right in the heart of the city. Winter can be long and daunting if you just stay indoors. We live in the Midwest, you might as well get out and embrace the cold. It'll make the season go quicker and then we can get back to the warm weather! The Snow Park at Alpine Hills does a great job to keep families entertained and active throughout the cold winter months. The Snow Park is located at Alpine Hills, 4402 Larson Ave. With a season pass, you can visit as many times as you want for a friendly price. Save $15 on season passes if you secure yours before December 31! The price is $50 for residents $70 for non-residents. With an early season pass purchase you receive: two bring-a friend admission tickets, two hot chocolate vouchers, a Snow Park at Alpine Hills sticker, and an invitation to the park’s “dress rehearsal” before the season’s opening date. The park is scheduled to open in early December, 2018, weather permitting.You can purchase passes online HERE or in person at Carlson Ice Arena, UW Health Sports Factory, and Sportscore Two. 

There is snow on the ground. Is it time to hibernate yet? No? Well, might as well enjoy the weekend at least. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, November 9, 2018Chesapeake @ The Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmFrosty Fridays @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmSwingbilly RFD @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, November 10, 2018Hometown Heroes Rockford’s Vietnam Veterans @ Midway Village - view event1:00 pm - 3:30 pmRockford Symphony Orchestra- Old War Poems @ Coronado PAC - view event7:30 pm - 10:00 pmChesapeake @ The Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The Rock River Homeless Coalition will observe National Hunger and Homelessness Week next week by honoring the men and women who work day and night to keep our community safe and protect those who are homeless. National Hunger and Homelessness Week (November 10-18) is held each year the week before Thanksgiving. The occasion is being marked locally this year with a recognition luncheon on Thursday, November 15th at Crusader Community Health, 1200 West State Street in Rockford, to thank the members of the Rockford Fire and Police Departments. Individuals interested in attending the event should call The Carpenter’s Place at 815-964-4105 Extension 216 to RSVP. The Rock River Homeless Coalition is also inviting community members interested in helping address issues of homelessness in the Rockford area to join the organization. The Coalition includes representation from agencies providing services to the homeless population and encourages participation from other interested individuals and organizations and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the decision making body for the coordination of homeless programs serving the two county area. More information about the mission and vision of the Rock River Homeless Coalition and its member agencies, including a membership application, is available on-line at https://www.rockriverhomelesscoalition.com/. Individuals interested in joining the organization may also contact Sue Rader at 815-986-1947 or by email at srader@xta.com . 

Hello there. Halloween is over and it's time to start transitioning into the next holiday season. Christmas at the Farm is this weekend to set the tone, but we largely have a break from holiday cheer. Check out some live music some hockey after you wander around the lovely market out at Meyer's! Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, November 2, 2018Christmas at the Farm @ Meyers Tails Up Farm - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmEspinosa and Coffey @ Hope & Anchor - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmChicago The Musical @ Coronado PAC - view event7:30 pm - 10:00 pmMinimal @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, November 3, 2018All Aboard Model Train Show @ Midway Village Museum - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmChristmas at the Farm @ Meyer's Tails Up Farm - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pm78th Annual Veterans Dinner @ Giovanni's - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs Iowa Wild @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmChesapeake @ Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmTattoo You @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, November 4, 2018Smashing Pumpkins @ Discovery Center Museum - view event1:00 pm - 4:00 pmAvalon String Quartet @ Mendelssohn PAC - view event3:00 pm - 6:00 pmIn Store Seminar - Winter Sports @ Rocktown Adventures - view event3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Not sure what to do with that Jack-o-lantern after Halloween? No one likes going to move their rotting pumpkins only to be left with a squishy and gross mess to clean up!Bring the kids and your gloomy gourd with its caved in face to Discovery Center! Watch as the giant catapult sets the orange guy aloft and see your pumpkin turn to pulp on Sunday, November 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. for the museum’s annual Smashing Pumpkins event. Newton’s laws of motion take on new perspective and turn your jack-o-lantern into exciting science! Send your porch décor flying through the air with a trebuchet, a counterweight catapult used in medieval times. Or surrender it for target practice as part of the enormous citadel of squash! Create your own miniature catapult and learn how to lob. Fashion fall crafts. A smashing good time for people of all ages! At the end, pumpkin pieces are collected and fed to local livestock, so everyone wins! The event is sponsored by Sjostrom & Sons and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

To uncover what makes local organizations tick , you must go back to their founder. Kathi Kresol is Haunted Rockford. She is the heart of the organization, and everything you see comes from her brain and her passion. When I got to sit down with Kathi to discuss how Haunted Rockford came to be, she seemed to have an endless supply of stories to tell. Honestly, I could have sat there all day and listened to everything she had to say. The way she tells these stories with respect to the folks who have passed is admirable. They aren’t just things for her to tell and forget, each one stays with her and you can hear in her delivery that she truly cares. Whether they died of natural causes or were victim to terrible circumstance, it doesn’t change her demeanor. She wants to tell their stories and it allows them to live on. If I had only a few words to describe Kathi, they would be – Intelligent, passionate, pleasant, caring, and fun.  After a close personal experience with the paranormal, Kathi became obsessed. There wasn’t a way to get any answers other than researching it by herself. Consumed by a need to tell these stories, Kathi traveled all over the United States – going on ghost tours and teaching her homeschooled children lessons of history by taking them places and telling them the stories she had come to learn. She wanted to bring this passion for knowledge, history, and discovery to Rockford.  Haunted Rockford bus tours started through the library, where Kathi works full time. After a few years of this, interest kept growing and she decided to make it a year-round experience and Haunted Rockford became a known name in the city. Haunted Rockford hosts walking and bus tours. Kathi has put in a lot of effort to give back to the community through her work. She tries to use her events as fundraisers as often as she can. Along with the tours, they offer paranormal investigations for the public to join. As you can imagine, they have to limit the amount of participants for each one. So, if you are interested, make sure you stay up to date with Haunted Rockford’s events so you can join in. Rockford has so much rich history laid out on every street and in every building. The paranormal has a way of drawing people’s interest to almost any subject. Kathi finds it’s a great way to tell the stories of our town. By talking about her experiences and taking people on tours, they can hear, see, and feel things that they wouldn’t be able to just by listening to a story. When I asked Kathi what the most active place in Rockford is? Her answer was, without a doubt, Tinker Swiss Cottage. The Coronado is also a good contender. You can follow along on these platforms:Rockford BuzzHaunted Rockford WebsiteFacebookInstagram

Back for a fifth season, Christmas at the Farm is gearing up to host another premier holiday shopping experience. Co-hosted by Nellie’s Barn Sale and Meyer’s Tails Up Farm, the event is the first holiday market of the season in Stateline region, to be held this Friday and Saturday, November 2 & 3. Held on the grounds of Meyer’s Tails Up Farm, 5390 Irene Road in Belvidere, Illinois, it’s easy to access just off I-90 at the new Irene Road exit ramp.Shoppers can peruse both vintage and new seasonal goods both indoor and outdoor in heated tents. “Our market has become a popular holiday event because of the quality of our vendors and the selection of their curated goods. We hand pick all of the vendors based on their unique products and their display ability,” says co-host Ann Campos. The show touts that shoppers can find something for every lady on their holiday shopping list. The building and tents are filled with vintage Christmas décor including plaid thermos’s and blankets, trendy jewelry made from vintage items and new, gorgeous women’s boutique clothing, wraps, and accessories, handmade hats and mitten sets, totes and purses, seasonal florals, hand painted signs and wall décor, scented candles and lotions, retro style tees, primitive furniture and décor, and funky junk with a holiday twist. In addition to the 30+ vendors selling their wares, shoppers will enjoy the live holiday music, hot cocktail bar, tasty food trucks, sweet treats and a crackling bonfire. To top it off all shoppers can get a free photo taken by a professional photographer. “Our shoppers return year after year knowing they’ll find a unique item that can’t be found in a box store or at the mall,” say Campos. “Shoppers love knowing they can buy a one-of-a-kind gift and support a small business at the same time.”Christmas at the Farm admission is $5 for 13 years and up and sold at the gate only on the days of the event. Market hours are Friday, November 2 from 5 to 9pm and Saturday, November 3 from 10am to 4pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission. The increase in the number of shoppers each year has resulted in the event organizers to add a VIP early buyer hour. The TINSEL TICKET is an early buyer admission that allows the shopper to get in the show one hour earlier than the general public to avoid the crowds. The ticket is $25 and allows the ticket holder to VIP treatment on Friday, November 2 from 4 to 5pm. The doors open at 5pm to the public through 9pm. TINSEL TICKET holders are gifted with a keepsake shopping tote filled with coupons and gifts from the vendors, a special gift from the market, and the annual keepsake Christmas at the Farm mini-poster. TINSEL TICKETS are limited and selling out quickly. Purchase online only at https://tinselticket2018.eventbrite.com

Have you heard of Brovember Inc.? They're a great local non-profit aiming to bring awareness to prostate cancer. Hear more about this great cause below and learn how you can support Jake's. . . attempt. . . at growing a beard.You can find Jake's Brofundme page here: https://brovembercentral.com/donations/jacob-bradt/OR you can register yourself: https://brovembercentral.com/beard-thon-registration/

Welcome to the Weekend Roundup SPOOKY EDITION! There are a bunch of awesome Halloween-themed events going on this weekend. It's time to pack in all that spooky fun before Halloween on the 31st!Friday, October 26, 2018Spooky Science @ Discovery Center Museum - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmParanormal Tour with Ghost Head Soup @ Tinker Swiss Cottage - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmChesapeake @ The Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe Gilligans @ Mary's Place - view event8:00 pm - 12:00 amSaturday, October 27, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmOAKtoberfest @ Severson Dells - view event10:00 am - 2:00 pmSpook the Blocks - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pmBoo Bash Weekend @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs Cleveland Monsters - view event6:00 pmHoppy Halloween: Dia De Los Muertos @ Prairie Street Brewing Co. - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmA Nightmare on Main Street - Halloween Bash & Costume Contest @ Olympic Tavern - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, October 28, 2018Boo Bash Weekend @ Carlson Ice Arena - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pmHalloween Spirited Ghost Tours @ The Coronado PAC - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs Manitoba Moose - view event4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

If you are looking for a fun, safe and not-too-scary Halloween celebration for youngsters, then look no further. Discovery Center Museum is hosting the best party in Rockford for children on Friday, October 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spooky Science invites families to come in costume, bring their Trick-or-Treat bag and grab gobs of goodies in our exhibit spaces. Concoct glowing slime and make monstrous crafts. Network with eminent inventors and distinguished scientists who happen to also be dead. Pick up a prize from Alfred Nobel, enjoy some hair-raising experiences, and experiment with science tricks that look like magic! Have a bone-tickling good time in a special science show geared for grownup ghouls, mid-sized monsters, and pint-sized poltergeists.                                                              Admission will be $9 per person for the general public; $5 per person for members. Admission will include all related activities. Parking is free at 711 N. Main Street. This event is sponsored by Sjostrom & Sons, and it is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

I don’t know about you, but I always get excited for Spook the Blocks. Spending a nice fall afternoon downtown supporting local businesses and seeing all sorts of cute costumes is way better than sitting at home! It’s a lovely time, and all the kids down there are always excited. Well, my spooky friends, Spook the Blocks is coming back this Saturday, October 27 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Walk down State Street in Downtown Rockford and keep an eye out for the pumpkin signs in shop windows. This is your invitation to walk in and TRICK OR TREAT! It’s almost like Rockford turns into Halloween Town for an afternoon. The kids get some yummy candy, and you can buy some gifts or nice home items or clothing. Make sure you take photos from your outing, you'll want to remember it later!So, get those trick-or-treating bags ready and head downtown this Saturday! You don't want to miss it!

The Junior League of Rockford is excited to host its third annual Boos & Spirits Halloween fundraiser at Burpee Museum of Natural History on Saturday, October 27th from 7:30 pm - midnight. This premier event features music and dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, beer sampling, silent auction, gambling, and more.  Elite VIP ticket holders also enjoy exclusive entry to the Barnes Mansion, early entrance to the event, valet parking, and photos on the red carpet. Proceeds from the event support The Junior League of Rockford’s mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.   For its current project, The Junior League of Rockford has partnered with Girls Who Code, a national non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, inspire, and equip young women with the skills and resources to pursue academic and career opportunities in computing fields by working to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. Tickets are available now at www.jlrockford.org

Don't be like me and crawl down the sidewalk. Just go and check out the awesome vinyl sales at the Rockford Record Crawl. If that's not your jam, how about some live music or some family fall fun? Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, October 19, 2018Things that go BUMP in the Night! @ Tinker Swiss Cottage - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmGet the Led Out @ Coronado Performing Arts Center - view event8:00 pmChesapeake @ Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmPistol Pete @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, October 20, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmRockford Record Crawl - view event10:00 am - 7:00 pmAll Hallows' Eve @ Midway Village Museum - view event12:00 pm - 6:00 pmThe Hope & Anchor Comedy Night - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pm Cealed Kasket and The Lovers Of The Sea @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, October 21, 2018Trick or Trot 5K Run and Family Walk @ Midway Village Museum - view event8:30 am - 10:30 am 

Hello spooky friends! Midway Village’s family-favorite event All Hallows' Eve returns this weekend. It’s time to get in the true spirit of Halloween, break in those costumes and have some fun in the Historic Victorian Village. Watch your little ones run around all dressed up in the perfect fall setting - surrounded by trees and the Enchanted WoodsFamilies are encouraged to come decked out in their fun costumes and visit each building to trick-or-treat and be met by costumed volunteers! Don’t miss out on the Enchanted Woods Experience where you’ll learn about King Arthur, his Knights of the Round Table, and his legendary court of Camelot. I hear that it's going to be something you don't want to miss. As a special surprise, the Winnebago County Ghostbusters will be searching the Victorian Village for ghosts. If you dress up as Casper, you might want to be on the look out for them! Admission:$6 per personInfants (0-2) are freeMuseum Members are freeTickets can be purchased online at www.midwayvillage.com, in the Gift Shop, or on the event day at the entrance gate. Food and snacks are available for purchase at the event.What: All Hallows' EveWhen: October 20, 2018 12:00 pm - 6:00 pmWhere: Midway Village Museum (In the Victorian Village)

Love records? Love crawls? Then check out this silly video about the Rockford Record Crawl! Coming up soon!

Obviously Courtney is thrilled because IceHogs hockey returns to the BMO this weekend. But, that isn't all we've got for you! Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, October 12, 2018Mental Illness Awareness Week Rally @ Veterans Memorial Hall - view event12:00 pm - 1:00 pmNate Fry @ The Hope & Anchor - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmRyley Walker and Glitter @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, October 13, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmSpectrum School Fall Festival - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmOn Tap in the Garden @ Anderson Japanese Gardens - view event1:00 pm - 4:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs Texas Stars @ BMO Harris Bank Center  - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmWhite Shape with Bedforms @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, October 14, 2018Autumn at the Arboretum @ Klehm Arboretum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 Rockford IceHogs vs Hershey Bears @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event4:00 pm 

If you’re raising a family in Rockford, one of the YouTube channels you need to follow is The Brickhead Family. Don’t worry; if you don’t have kids but love LEGO and other toys, their channel is for you, too. They’ll treat you to everything LEGO, and so much more. They’re nice, they’re fun, and they’re here to provide great and friendly content!You can’t have a fun channel without some nicknames:Daddy Brickhead – NickMommy Brickhead - HollyBig Brickhead, Oldest – 14, TrentMedium Brickhead, Middle – 10, LoganBaby Brickhead, Daughter – 4, BellaThe basis of their channel is having fun and showing different things you can do with your family. “Just be you” is their motto and they strive to make everyone feel included in the fun. The great thing is, the kids inspired the whole YouTube thing. They come up with all of the ideas, They’re all YouTube viewers and came up with the idea to start their own channel almost 3 years ago. Nick (Daddy Brickhead) just makes sure that things go right and runs the social media. They’re all in it together - from coming up with fun ideas to being in front of the camera. While the majority of the content is based around LEGO, they’ve branched out into other family challenges and family road trip videos. They started seeing their views grow and their subscriber level climb. There was a wakeup call when they took a small break and all of the numbers started going down. They looked through comments to see what people liked, and they became more consistent with their content. There is a whole YouTube community for LEGO. The community started finding and sharing their videos. Then, when they found out Toys r Us was closing, they did a video there and it just took off. It’s at over 80k views and the subscribers started pouring in. They picked up over 700 subscribers in a 3 month span. They currently sit at 1.3 thousand subscribers on YouTube and nearly 500 likes on Facebook! Make sure you check them out at the links below and give them a follow. You can alco find their merch store HERE for some great designs. Nick designs all the shirts and whatever money they make through the channel, they put back into the channel for LEGO, equipment upgrades, etc. It isn’t just about them.  They’re a family that enjoys spending time together, and they take their hobby and put it on YouTube. They make sure to give back to the community and help others with the growing platform they’ve created. They raised almost $500 for the Special Olympics, they did the Polar Plunge at Rock Cut, and they try to give to charities as often as possible. They want to create a community of positivity. The awesome thing about the internet is that you can reach all types of people all over the world. The Brickheads are making family memories, but they’re making memories for other kids too - especially kids who don’t get that opportunity at home. When they do events, they bring a bunch of LEGO and let the kids there build whatever they want. All of the kids come together and talk to each other while sharing ideas. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and spread the joy that creating things brings. For an example of their videos, check out their family trip to the Pumpkin Patch. For a LEGO themed video, they recently uploaded a scavenger hunt!For even more fun – they’re currently doing 31 Days of Halloween. So, it’s a great time to check out their channel Here's a link: The Brickhead Family YouTubeYou can also follow along with their adventures on Facebook!

NOTE: This writing is not ours. We know you are used to hearing positive news from us. But, this anonymous letter was sent to us, and this is a voice who wants to be heard. We think this message is important and this cause is important. We applaud your bravery. We hear you. We believe you. Dear Men,I love you. I see you and value your opinions, and the impact you have on my life. I have always felt like we connect and understand each other. Until recently. I am hurting so much, and am unable to express it to you. I am hurt by your attempts to laugh off the assaults that we are seeing on the news and social media. I am hurt by the way you diminish our concerns for safety and equal treatment. I am hurt that you are able to express these opinions and outrage towards the victims who are speaking out, without regards to who is listening.When I was 5, I was assaulted by a known man. It was reported. The punishment for him was minimal. I felt marked by that throughout my entire adult life. Of course, as a young child I was unable to fully understand what had happened. I do believe that it affected my ability to understand sexuality, especially my own, as I grew. I do not believe that my gender affected this instance, or the struggles that I had from it. Young children of varying ages and genders are affected at the hand of adults.When I was in the second or third grade, a older boy tried to expose his penis to me on the back of the school bus. I remember another older boy blocking my view.“Boys will be boys.”A few years later, I was suspended for a note that was passed to me that was sexually suggestive.“Boys will be boys.”I remember when I first started wearing bras. There was a boy on the school bus that would sit next to me and grope my breast, and try to get a peek down my shirt.“Boys will be boys.”My best friend, or so I thought, was a boy. He was my first kiss. I wasn’t even in to boys yet. I hadn’t yet discovered my sexuality. He forced me to touch his penis. I started to think that was just how things were between boys and girls. I was 13 years old.“Boys will be boys.”In history class, in middle school, I remember a boy who sat next to me. He would announce what color bra I was wearing if he could see the strap.“Boys will be boys.”In high school, I just came to terms with what I was meant to be to the boys in my life, my fellow classmates. Looking back, I suppose I was conditioned to their gropes and mistreatment. I found myself in the company of many young men who I thought were my friends. I didn’t drink, or do drugs. I wasn’t popular. For the most part, I was invisible to the staff of the school.In school we did discuss rape prevention. We were taught to submit so that we wouldn’t be severely injured or killed.I graduated. I left my parents’ home. I was an independent young woman. I had lots of sex, with many men, because that is what I knew what they wanted. I read Cosmo and always thought to how I can best make them want to be my friends.There was one man. I was 18. I went to his hotel room. I knew we were probably going to have sex. I anticipated it. He started to film me. I asked him to stop, but he wouldn’t. It’s what he wanted. He started to become forceful, and it hurt. A lot. I said, “ No. Please stop. It hurts.” He said… and I am crying writing this. He said… “ I want it to hurt. I want you to remember this.”I submitted as I was taught to do. I was bruised and confused. I went to shower. I went to bed. I put it out of my mind.A friend of mine saw the bruises and knew something was up. She said that we needed to report it so that he couldn’t do it again.I reported it. A victim’s advocate told me that I was lying. She said, “It was just rough sex and you couldn’t handle it.” I was 18 years old. I was made to sign a legal document retracting my report, and saying that I had consented. It was one of the hardest days of my life. I shut it out. I must have done something wrong. Maybe she was right. He didn’t know that I felt like he was raping me. I should have done more.At 18, I was taught that No does not mean no. I carried that with me.At 25 years old, again I said, “please stop. No. I don’t want to do this.” But he was drunk. It happened anyways. I was willingly there. I must have consented. No doesn’t mean no. I must be doing something wrong. Boys will be boys. It must be me.Please… men in my life… please ask me why I didn’t report any of that sooner? Please ask me if I ever made false accusations? Please try to rationalize the hurt that I carry with me. Please tell me that these things don’t really happen anymore. That all these women sharing their stories are lying. Whenever you try to debate with me the legitimacy of the #metoo movement, or the high profile cases happening in senate or with celebrities, you are magnifying the pain of every nearly every woman you know.I am sorry that I am not in a place that I can be associated with my struggles publicly. I wish I were brave enough to talk openly about it, and express the severity of what we are seeing in today’s social climate. I just know that I am not strong enough to face those demons, and the questions or accusations that will arise. I wish that I were.Sincerely,Your wife, sister, mother, daughter, friend.

Last night I had the opportunity to visit the Maddox Theatre at Rockford University to see Carrie: The Musical. To say I was curious is an understatement. How will they turn a classic horror book, turned classic horror movie, and make it a musical?To put it shortly and cut to the chase... I was NOT disappointed. I had a disco ball of a time! Now before I get too far into my thoughts, quick disclaimer. This production is not for kids. It is, after all, Carrie we're talking about here. I would give it a PG-13 rating due to some language. Okay! With that disclaimer out of the way and the article already spoiled, let's get into it!I REALLY enjoyed the show. All of the performers did a spot on job. The songs were catchy and they all moved the plot and developed the characters as I hummed along. I could feel the tension building throughout the whole show. The moment Carrie "turns on" her powers had my heart thumping. The performance crescendos in the final scene. If you're familiar with the book/movie, then you know what happens to Carrie that sets her off. I was really curious how this stage production was going to pull off the scene. Without any spoilers, I'll just say it was magical. Not metaphoric magic either. More like Dave Copperfield magic. I'm STILL trying to figure out how they pulled it off! HOW DID YOU DO IT, MR. HENDRY!? HOOOOOWWWWWWW?!?!?I walked out of the theatre that night smiling, humming, and reflecting on the messages within the performance. The night was wonderful and it just goes to show the amazing amount of talent we have within our community. Rockford is truly lucky to not only have Rockford University, but an amazing performance arts program within it.If you have the availability tonight or tomorrow, there's still two more chances to catch the show. Don't miss it as it was a joy to watch and I'm still humming the tunes this morning.The shows occur at...Rockford University at the Maddox Theatre within the Clark Arts Center.    5050 E State StreetShow Times are...Saturday (tonight) at 7:30 PMSunday at 2:00 PM.General Admission : $12

That first sip of coffee in the morning is one of the most comforting feelings in the world – especially when it’s a lavender latte, our personal favorite, from Rockford Roasting Company. This great coffee shop has now been serving up deliciousness to our town for four years. It’s a great place to go hang out, drink some excellent house-roasted coffee, and chat with some friends, or maybe get some work done. October 6th is the day we shall come together and celebrate! They have some treats in store for their birthday celebration. Regular café drinks and treats all dayNew art on the walls to check out by Andy Eclov and Reed GreiterLive music starting at 5pm including Tentacles Everywhere and Liv LombardiBeer, wine, and a small specialty drink menu from 3pm-9pm (for those 21+, of course!)You're always greeted with a smile and kindness when you walk into RRC. It's time to turn that kindness back onto them and come out thanking them for giving us all the caffeine fix we so desperately need! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCKFORD ROASTING COMPANY!