Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Weekend Roundup October 5-7!

We have fall-like temperatures here in Rockford. Perfect timing for Fall ArtScene! In between all of the art excited, there's also some beer fun and a birthday for one of Rockford's favorite coffee shops! Here's Weekend Roundup!Friday, October 5, 2018Nellie's Barn Sale @ Meyer's Canine Colony - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmOktoberfest 2018 @ Loves Park City Hall - view event5:00 pm - 12:00 amRAAC ArtScene - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmWhose Live Anyway @ Coronado PAC - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmBill Dolan with Go Go Torpedo @ Mary’s Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, October 6, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmCider n Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair @ Edgebrook Shopping Center - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmScarecrow Harvest Festival @ Midway Village - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmRRC turns 4: Art things, Music sounds, and Beverage drinks! @ Rockford Roasting Company - view event3:00 pm - 9:00 pmOktoberfest 2018 @ Loves Park City Hall - view event3:00 pm - 12:00 amFall Art Scene: "Beer Gods & Myth" / "Pour Me Another" @ The Olympic Tavern - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmRockford Symphony Orchestra- Jurassic Park Movie with Orchestra @ Coronado PAC - view event7:30 pm - 9:30 pmToo Deep @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, October 7, 2018SCCR AutoX Event #7 @ Rivets Stadium - view event7:00 am - 5:00 pmCider n Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair @ Edgebrook Shopping Center - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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I Survived Twisted Crypt

This is one woman’s account of surviving the haunted attraction that is Twisted Crypt in Rockford, Il. This is not for the faint of heart. . . but may provide some humor for your day. Walking into Twisted Crypt, I didn’t know what to expect. I had only been to one haunted house before this one, and I quit halfway through. That was almost ten years ago, so it was time to try it again. Maybe it would be different this time. Maybe I wouldn’t be such a baby and would just laugh my way through the haunt with no issues. Just entering the building to stand in line was an experience. They don’t go halfway at this haunt. The whole time you are there, you are surrounded by horror. The waiting area is dimly lit, there are decorations all around, and if you’re lucky enough . . . you get a visit from one of their creatures. It’s all very spooky, and then you have to enter the actual haunt. As soon as the doors opened, I was filled with dread for the amount of terror I was about to experience. Jake was as cool as a cucumber like nothing could phase him. I’m so glad he was able to find this all so very entertaining . . . insert eye roll here. The hallways were absolutely horrifying. It seemed like there was something new to scare us around every corner and in the WALLS! You weren’t safe anywhere. Well, the haunters couldn’t actually touch us, and they were very professional. So, realistically, we were safe. It just didn’t feel like it!The hallways were really the worst parts. Once we were in the rooms, interacting with the actors was a lot of fun. Horrifying . . . but fun. There was plenty of jumping and screaming on my part, but they made the experience engaging and you could tell they were passionate about their scares. And, boy, did they have a field day with me since I was obviously scared out of my mind!Overall, exploring Twisted Crypt was a really fun experience. If I ignore the pure terror I was feeling, I can appreciate how much effort this put into building this attraction and hiring haunters that will scare the ---- out of visitors but be respectful of their boundaries so everyone has fun. We want to give a huge thank you to Peter and the Twisted Crypt crew for letting us come out and film a fun video and tour their haunt!

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I Am Rockford: Scott Williamson

Rockford is a family town. There are a bunch of resources for kids and parents, enough places to visit for family entertainment, and it's spaced out enough to dull the chaos of a big city. It’s a great place to raise a family, so there’s no surprise that such a town would lure in a dedicated family man like Scott Williamson. Originally from Peoria, Scott spent some time in college, the Marines, and then medical sales before making the switch to home improvement. Seeing an open opportunity in Rockford, he and his family made the move, and he’s been the President of Window World of Rockford for 13 years. Scott and his wife have lived almost a movie-like life. They grew up together in Peoria. Their moms were both UPS drivers and friends, so they spent a lot of time together starting at the age of 8. As they grew up, she went off to college, and he went into the Marines. 10 years later, they came back. They’ve been happily married since 1999 and have 4 kids – Brittney, Kyle, Seth, and Nathan. Even though they aren’t from Rockford originally, they’ve fully embraced it as being their home. Scott coaches baseball for his three boys. They enjoy golfing and playing tennis – spending time outdoors. Going to the Rockford Speedway and Rivets games are also a big part of their summers here in town. It’s cool to see the players before they go off to the MLB and become stars. Scott’s favorite thing about Rockford is the people. It’s big enough to enjoy doing things, but it’s small enough to where people know each other and can really form a community. It’s also a plus that it’s so close to Chicago and Wisconsin if you want to go on an adventure. You’re surrounded by fun things whether you want to stay local or branch out a bit. Fun Facts:Favorite-Movie: Marmaduke with Owen WilsonTV Show: Modern FamilyBook: The Dorito Effect by Mark SchatzkerMusic: Country, top 40, jazz. One of Scott's favorite artists is Darius Rucker.Local Restaurant(s): Woodfire, Green Fire, Aero Ale HouseHe’s been all over Italy, Amsterstam, Thailand, and Ireland with his daughter Brittney. It was a joy speaking with Scott. You can hear the passion he has for his family when he talks about them. The way he is received in his work place show you that he is respected as a boss, but more importantly, as a person. We're lucky to have Scott and his family here in Rockford.

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Weekend Roundup September 28-30!

It's a busy weekend here in Rockford! City Market is ending as the hockey season is beginning. There's a beer fest, a birthday, some ghosts, and more! Here is your Weekend Roundup!Friday, September 28, 2018RAD's 6th Birthday! @ Rockford Art Deli - view event12:00 pm - 10:00 pmRockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmIceHogs 2018 FanFest @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmThe Lone Canary, Zach Pietrini & Paige Hargrove @ Mary's Place - view event9:00 pm - 12:00 amSaturday, September 29, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pm8th Annual "I Dodged A Ball For A Kid" Tournament @ UW Health Sports Factory - view event9:00 am - 2:00 pmIllinois Paranormal Conference @ Veterans Memorial Hall - view event11:00 am - 6:00 pmHanz Brew Fest 2018 @ Settlers Park - view event12:00 pm - 6:00 pmBare Bones @ Mary's Place - view event8:00 pm - 12:00 pmSunday, September 30, 2018REO Speedwagon @ Coronado Performing Arts Center - view event7:30 pmSilk Scarf Class @ Klehm Arboretum - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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What a RAD 6 Years!

There’s a good chance that if you see someone sporting an “815” shirt or other various Rockford-related gear, they purchased it from Rockford Art Deli. RAD is celebrating 6 years of being a staple in Rockford and we want to give them a virtual HIGH FIVE for making our closets full of 815 pride. I know I have a bunch of 815 options when I take a look at my options for the day!Having apparel to show off where you live instills a deeper sense of pride. You can see others in town who share the ideas you do, or you have a chance to talk about Rockford when you’re out of town. They took something like our area code and helped turn it into a movement. Oh, and their store is just super cool to hang out in.For their birthday, they want to celebrate with you! On Friday night, September 28, they’ll have free prints AND it’s a double punch day! But those aren’t the only treats. There will be giveaways. Plus. . .4:00pm – 8:00pm : FREE PRINT6:30pm – 10:00pm : Prairie Street Brewing Co. beer!8:00pm – 10:00pm : 15th & Chris8:30pm : Mana Kintorso, chill editionIt’s going to be a fun night full of celebrating. Wear your favorite RAD shirt or buy your new favorite and hang out for a bit! Music, food, drinks, and new shirts? Count us in.

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Rockford Art Museum Names New Executive Director

Aimee Floto was recently named executive director of Rockford Art Museum. “Aimee has a strong record of successfully leading teams through big-budget projects that we believe position her well for leading Rockford Art Museum,” RAM Board President David Boccignone said. The Rockton native’s career experience includes significant creative and marketing roles around the Midwest, from Chicago to Milwaukee and, most recently, to Duluth, Minnesota, where she was Associate Vice President of Creative at national retailer maurices. “Rockford's spirit of ingenuity, creativity, work ethic and reinvention are incredibly inspiring,” Floto said. “I look forward to bringing my experience to bear on the continued growth and success of Rockford Art Museum.” About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to help make life in Rockford better for people of all ages through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. RAM is located inside Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.

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Winnebago County Master Gardeners receive State Outstanding Awards

University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County would like to congratulate two Master Gardener Volunteers, Jeff and Judy White, for receiving State Outstanding Master Gardener Awards. The State Outstanding Award was established to honor Master Gardener Volunteers who go above and beyond for their local Master Gardener program and community. These awards were handed out at the State Master Gardener Conference in Springfield, IL on Friday, September 7th. Jeff completed the Master Gardener training course in 2009 and has been involved in many Master Gardener projects in Winnebago County ever since. Jeff has been involved with the Community Gardens Committee from the beginning, teaching local organizations starting a community garden the basics of gardening so they can be successful. He has also been a presenter for the Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau, presenting various programs on gardening, especially vegetable gardening, to the public at various events, library programs and more. More recently, Jeff has been serving on the Gardening for Food, Flowers and Fun Committee, helping to plan Winnebago County Extension’s annual gardening symposium that takes place every March. Jeff also volunteers for the Master Gardener Education Committee, is a member of the Unit 1 Winnebago County Extension Council, and the Extension State Advisory Council. Judy completed the Master Gardener training in 2012. She has also been involved with the Community Garden Committee and Speakers’ Bureau, but she has most notably taken on a leadership role in the Plant a Row for the Hungry Committee. Plant a Row for the Hungry encourages homeowners to plant extra produce in their garden to donate to local food pantries. Winnebago County Master Gardeners have been helping with this effort locally by setting up collection sites where gardeners can drop off their produce to be delivered it to a pantry. In 2017, Judy established a new collection site at Cherry Valley Public Library where over 650 pounds of produce was donated in the first year. That number has almost doubled already this year, with collections ending the last week of September. Together, Jeff and Judy also led a youth gardening program in the summer of 2017 where they taught local youth how to grow a “Pizza Garden.” The 4-H Youth Pizza Garden Club learned about growing and caring for a garden through growing tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other fun vegetables to put on a pizza, and concluded the program with a pizza party! University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are volunteers who go through an 11-week horticulture training taught by University of Illinois Extension Educators, and then volunteer throughout their local county to fulfill the program’s mission of “Helping others learn to grow.” If you are interested in finding out more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer program, or would like to know how you can become an Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, please call the Winnebago County Extension Office at 815-986-4357 or visit our website at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw.

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Weekend Roundup September 21-23!

Is history your thing? World War II Days are back this weekend! Not a history buff? How about some markets and a lit up garden? Maybe some live music? Oh. . . We've got it all. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, September 21, 2018Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmBehind the Lines of World War II Days @ Midway Village - view event5:00 pm - 8:00 pmPink Beam with The Last Afternoons @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, September 22, 2018TOSOC - 3rd Annual @ Village of Progress - view event7:00 am - 2:00 pmNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmVintage Soul Market @ The Landscape Connection - view event9:00 am - 5:00 pmWorld War II Days @ Midway Village - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmJB815 Sports One Shot At A Time Skills Camp @ First Second Church - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmGlow in the Garden Festival @ Nicholas Conservatory - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmLaw & Love, Long Shot, and Beach Static @ Mary's Place - view event9:00 pm - 1:30 amSunday, September 23, 2018World War II Days @ Midway Village - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmThe Cemeteries of Winnebago County Bus Tour @ Veterans Memorial Hall - view event3:00 pm - 7:00 pmAle Yeah Yoga: Autumn Session (Sep) @ Prairie Street Brewing Co. - view event3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

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Tribute to Marin Mazzie

On September 19 at 6:45 p.m. the Coronado Theatre will honor Rockford native and Broadway Actress Marin Mazzie alongside Broadway theaters in NYC; dimming the lights of the Coronado marquee at 6:45 p.m. (CT) for one minute. Gathering to start at 6:30 p.m.(CT). We invite all those who knew Marin, or wish to honor here contribution to our community to join us on the sidewalk by the Coronado Marquee in remembrance. (314 N. Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois) Marin Mazzie has received the greatest distinction by the Broadway League. ALL NYC Broadway theater lights will be dimmed in her honor. Marin Mazzie loved her community. At the pinnacle of her Broadway career she and her husband Jason generously became the Honorary Co-Chairs of the Friends of the Coronado capital campaign to save the Coronado Theatre. She performed free-of-charge benefit concerts raising funds for the project at a time when she was one of Broadway's most sought-after performers. Over the years she has remained very close to the Coronado. Wednesday we will join NYC remembering a great Coronado Friend and community member in Rockford. The Friends of the Coronado is working with Martine Sainvil of the Broadway League to honor Marin Mazzie in the deep rooted Broadway tradition of mourning the passing of theater friends. We will do the same at her hometown theater. Ms. Sainvil said “(The marquee dimming tradition) it is a time for family and friends to gather on the sidewalk for a quiet and peaceful remembrance as the lights go dark, and are lighted again on the marquee. No additional presentations or speeches are given.” As with the Broadway theater marquees the Coronado marquee will simple read Marin Mazzie, Oct 09, 1960 - Sep 13, 2018. Mary Ann Smith along with her husband Gordon Smith were the Co-Chairs of the Coronado capital campaign; raising $18.5 million dollars to complete the preservation and expansion of the Coronado Theatre in 2000. Mary Ann Smith is president of the Friends of the Coronado Foundation board of directors. She recently placed the following notice in the NY Times at her own expense:“The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Coronado Theatre, Rockford, Illinois, deeply mourns the loss of our friend Marin Mazzie. Through ready willingness to participate saving her hometown’s historic theater, Marin returned to Rockford with Jason to bring determination, glamour, passion and pure joy to our stage. A grateful community will always look heavenward to her shining star, and we will never forget her.”

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Behind the Brand: Shatter Our Silence

“How can we be a light in their darkness?” It all started with a simple question by Kevin Polky and turned into so much more. When you’re stuck in the darkness, it lies to you. It tells you you’re the only one in it and you’ll be a burden to anyone that you ask for help. It’s consuming, and it can feel like there’s no way out. The truth is – You are not alone. You don’t have to suffer in silence with the darkness telling you lies. There is always someone there. There is always someone to listen. The antidote to the darkness is reaching out. When you reach out to someone and they reply, it can help to illuminate that darkness. It is important to know that someone is out there for you when you’re struggling. There are great resources such as the suicide hotline and the crisis text line. Locally, we have Shatter Our Silence. Kevin Polky is the founder of KP Counseling and Shatter Our Silence. He’s been counseling for nearly 30 years and has been inspired to do more. Shatter Our Silence was born out of a need to educate and advocate for young adults struggling with mental illnesses and thoughts of suicide. How do we shatter our silence if we’re in the darkness? How do we shatter our fear about not knowing what to do when someone is in that darkness? That’s what shatter our silence is about. When Kevin’s some was a teenager, he experienced three people in his high school class commit suicide. Looking at all three stories, Kevin wanted to know more about what was causing this and he wanted to try to do more than just counseling. He held his first rally at Rockford University in 2016. He didn’t know where it would go from there, but he got a great reception and was asked to speak at schools, churches, and other organizations. They had to get more organized after that. They’re now a certified non-profit and have done over 150 talks. Three kids out of 100 in his son’s class taking their own life couldn’t have been a fluke. That’s a large number. It led to Kevin’s research and outreach to spread awareness for young adult suicide. The numbers only keep rising. It’s pervasive, and we need to work together to stop it. September is suicide awareness month. It’s the perfect time to decide how you want to get involved in the fight. The best way to keep in touch with Shatter Our Silence is through their Facebook page and Website. Their site is full of resources for anyone who is struggling or looking to help. There’s also a calendar of events that you can volunteer your time and support to in order to crush the stigma of suicide and mental illness. How can you create change change? Talk about it. Talk about the issues. Become more aware and educated. Volunteer. Come to the events. Don’t just talk about it when a celebrity dies. Their website is full of resources to help you. Together, we can prevent suicide. It’s complex, but if we reach out and help each other, we have a better chance than if we do it alone. For those not in the darkness, look for the signs. Learn how to respond to those who reach out. If you feel yourself slipping into the darkness or experiencing thoughts of suicide - Keep reaching out. Someone will respond. You are not alone. Resources:Shatter Our Silence WebsiteShatter Our Silence Facebook24-Hour National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

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Weekend Roundup September 14-16!

Greenwich Village Art Fair is this weekend! What more do I need to say? Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, September 14, 2018Forest Quest Scavenger Hunt @ Severson Dells - view event3:00 pm - 4:00 pmRockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmName The Moon, Tell Time, and Not Dead Yet @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, September 15, 20182018 Each Breath of Faith 5k Run and 3k Family & Dog Walk @ YMCA - view event8:00 am - 11:00 amNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmFree Car Wash! Raising Awareness For National Recovery Month @ RU Recovery Ministries - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pm70TH Greenwich Village Art Fair @ Rockford Art Museum - view event10:00 am - 6:00 pmRaise the Roof For Rockford Promise 2018 @ RVC Starlight Theater - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pmThe Attitudes Rock Mary's Place! - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, September 16, 2018Hot Diggity Dog Festival @ Klehm Arboretum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pm70TH Greenwich Village Art Fair @ Rockford Art Museum - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center 134th Concert Season Opens This Weekend!

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center is opening their 134th Concert Season this Friday, September 14, 2018. Their 2018-19 season is full of really great acts that will leave you amazed as they leave it all on the stage. They’re bringing in acts from all over the world to provide affordable entertainment for everyone. With few different series, everyone’s music taste is represented. So, if one genre isn’t for you, they’ll certainly have something else right up your alley. Stephen Williamson, the principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is opening up the season Friday night at 7:30 pm. He was recently a featured soloist with the CSO under the baton of John Williams, recording his Oscar-nominated score for the film “Lincoln”.What an incredible night of music it will be. Tickets are $30 at the door and $25 in advance. One of the great things Mendelssohn is doing this year is providing student pricing for all of their shows. IF you’re 25 and under and have a current and valid school ID, you can get into any show for $6. They want to make the arts accessible for the great students we have here in Rockford. These shows can provide inspiration for their own works or give them a break and a great night out. During the “off-season”, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center hosts a bunch of camps. There is always something going on and music flowing through the halls. Now, it is time for the season to start, and the 2018-19 season may be one of their best yet! Don’t miss out. You can secure your tickets HERE!

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Raise the Roof for Rockford Promise!

Rockford Promise began in 2006 with a goal of sending more Rockford students to college at an affordable rate. Rockford jumped on the back of many Promise organizations starting all over the country beginning in Kalamazoo. They all look a bit different and fun scholarships in different ways. The main goal is consistent. If kids want to go to college, they shouldn’t be held back for financial reasons. Rockford Promise partners with Rockford University and Rock Valley College to give select students a full ride. 2 years ago, they began with 5 full scholarships. Last year they had 10 full ride scholarships This year? Rockford Promise is sending 22 RPS students to college on full scholarships. All Rockford Promise scholarships recipients are RPS students looking to attend Rockford University or Rock Valley. These kids were likely born and raised here in town, and they want to stay here and be the future of it. Many of them are first generation college students. Because of this, Rockford Promise started a mentoring program to partner each student with a member of the community who can give them advice on how to succeed while furthering their education. One of their next steps is finding other educational partnerships in the state of Illinois so students have more options. Mayor Tom McNamara has been a huge supporter of Rockford Promise and he wants to see it grow and thrive here in town. For the 3rd year in a row, they are hosting fundraiser and celebration of their students – Raise the Roof for Rockford Promise! This year, it will be taking place at the RVC Starlight Theater on September 15 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. If you want to come out and celebrate the future of our town and chip in some money to help fund these awesome students, you’ll be treated to a night of music, food, games, and dancing. They introduced a donut eating contest last year and they’re bringing it back because it was a big hit!Raise the Roof was able to fund around 4 full scholarships last year, and they’re hoping for more this year. It’s a great night to show support for the future of Rockford and to have fun while doing it!What: Raise the Roof for Rockford PromiseWhen: Saturday, September 15, 2018 7:00 pm – 11:00 pmWhere: RVC Starlight Theater, 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114Tickets HERE!

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Behind the Brand: Just Breathe 815

It’s all about the kids. The kids that need a home. The kids that need support. The kids that need to know that someone out there believes in them and what they can achieve. The kids who are the future of our world. The kids who give us hope that the future is bright. Just Breathe 815 was born out of passion for giving back to the community with a focus on Rockford’s youth population. The kids are the future, and if we aren’t taking care of them, we aren’t helping to grow the future of our town. Homeless kids or kids that come from low income families can find it hard to get supplies they need to succeed in school or excel in their hobbies. They may also be looking for a place to go after school where they can feel safe and cared for. Just Breathe 815 works towards providing both of those things. Their safe spaces allow kids to come hang out, interact with each other, grab some snacks, and take a shower if they need to. The resource center, located at 318 N Church Street, provides clothing, toiletries, and meals, laundering services, and a safe gathering space. They’re open Thursday and Sunday from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Just Breathe 815 came on to the scene, and they haven’t stopped pushing to make a huge splash. They’ve just launched a second location at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner Street. Their impact on the community continues to grow and they’re always looking for ways to expand their reach and services provided. Just Breathe is different in that they take the time to really listen to the kids they’re serving. They want to hear about what the kids need and what more they can do to succeed. The whole organization started from hearing from kids that they need help, and that’s how they continue to grow. One thing that they kept hearing was how expensive sporting goods are. From this, Just Breathe 815 Sports was born. Sports are such an integral role in development and maturity, it’s a shame that some have to miss out because shoes, balls, pads, etc. are out of their budget. Just Breathe Sports is working to combat that to provide all of the supplies that they can to these kids so they have the opportunity to follow their dreams and also get some key exercise and communication lessons. Just Breathe wants to get every kid in the game and help them to succeed in school and in life.To learn more about Just Breathe 815, you can click through to their website HERE.

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Weekend Roundup September 7-9!

September must be the month of fun. We do our best to put together a bunch of options for you to enjoy your weekend. The problem this time is there are a lot of heavy hitters! Good luck planning your schedule. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, September 7, 2018Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Official Unofficial Screw City Beer Fest Pre Party @ The Olympic Tavern - view event4:00 pm - 11:00 pmMystery in the Dells @ Severson Dells - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmHenhouse Prowlers @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, September 8, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmBeattie Is...Back! @ City Market Pavilion - view event9:00 am - 6:00 pmScrew City Beer Festival @ Riverview Ice House - view event9:00 am - 5:30 pmMain Street Market @ Midway Village Museum - view event9:00 am - 4:00 pmBubble Festival @ Discovery Center Museum - view event10:30 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 9, 2018Poochapalooza @ Mane Expressions - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pmStarlight Summer Series-Farkle and the Wolf @ RVC Starlight Theater - view event3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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It's a celebration! Beattie Is . . . Back!

It’s a celebration of art in Rockford this weekend! For the 30th anniversary of the Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC), Beattie Is . . . Back! RAAC wanted to throw a party to celebrate 30 years in Rockford and what better way than to revive a beloved art festival? Beattie Is began in 1974 to celebrate local artists at the great Beattie Park. To open up the fest this year, there will be a drum ceremony to honor the park from 9:00 – 10:00 am. There will then be an animated arts walk, or parade, from Beattie Park to the City Market Pavilion where you will find all of the day’s festivities!You’ll get to see plenty of local artists working with all different mediums. They’ll have booths where you can browse, purchase, and maybe even participate in the art! There will be food trucks, live music, and a DJ to keep the art party vibes going all day. From 10:00 am – 6:00 pm THIS Saturday, September 8, take in as much art as you can, eat some delicious food, and just have a great time!The original Beattie Is was a four-day festival. In years to come, they hope to expand to more than the 1 day they have this year, but it’s all a work in progress. They’re connecting generations of art lovers – the ones who knew and loved Beattie Is for what it was and the ones who will carry on the tradition for years to come. It’s important for the Rockford art community to come together, share ideas, and be on the same team. Bringing back Beattie Is is a great way to do that. It takes place the weekend before the Greenwich Village Art Fair, so the town will be in art mode and the celebration will continue on through Greenwich. We really have a great community here that embraces art, and these two major events are a great way to bring people together.

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Rockford Bubble Festival

Geoff Akins-Hannah considers himself both a magician and a bubbleologist. Akins-Hannah will demonstrate his skills as both during five live “Bubble Wonders” performances at Discovery Center’s 2018 Bubble Festival on Saturday, September 8. Bubbles and imaginations will run wild! Akins-Hannah does amazing things with ordinary soap and water. Following each live performance, audiences will be invited to test their own bubble skills with bubble art and activities in the Bubble-Palooza Playground. It’s sudsy-science fun! The event is sponsored by Midland State Bank and the Blazer Foundation, with addition support by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Geoff creates huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones, bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round & even the impossi-bubble SQUARE bubble! He blows bubbles…and minds! The theme of the Bubble Wonders show is Anything is Possible. Positive messages about the power of persistence and following your dream are woven throughout the shows.“His shows usually sell out, so I suggest people reserve seats online in advance,” says Discovery Center Marketing Director Ann Marie Walker.Geoff Akins-Hannah performs about 300 shows a year and has entertained more than one million people during his career. He has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, National Geographic Channel, and WGN. His corporate clients include Google, Toyota, Macy’s, IBM, Whole Foods and many more. He has been entertaining and educating children for more than 30 years.Shows are at 10:30 am; Noon; 1:30 pm; 2:30 pm; 3:30 pm.In advance: $5 Public/$4 Members (through Noon on Sept. 7)At the door: $6 Public/$5 Members(Museum admission extra for General Public: $8 adults; $8 children; age 1 and younger is free)Reserve tickets online at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org or call 815.963.6769.

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Poochapalooza!

You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it!On Sunday, September 9 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, join Mane Expressions and Sanctuary Spa for an afternoon of puppy love. Poochapalooza is being held at Mane Expressions, 4412 Maray Drive. Bring along your furry friends or just bring your love for animals. Either way, there are activities for you to partake in, and everything goes towards a great cause. You’ll find raffles, face painting, chair massages, live music, a dog costume contest, dog and food vendors, and more! If you bring along your pup, they must be on a 6’ leash and be up-to-date on their vaccines. Please also clean up after them and dispose of their waste properly. Let’s make this a fun experience for everyone!Proceeds from the event are going to A Journey Home Dog Rescue. You can also bring items to donate. Here’s what they’re looking for:LeashesGas CardsDog Food (Purina Puppy Chow, Smart Blend)Flea & Tick Shampoo, collars, & treatmentsDeworming TreatmentsOld towels, blankets, and dog bedsPuppy padsUsed carrier cratesToysBiscuits & TreatsDog DishesYou will also be able to make monetary donations. A Journey Home is a great dog rescue that really puts in the time to vet potential dog owners. They make sure their pups are going to the most loving homes that will give them the best lives possible. You can find more info about them HERE. Poochapalooza is a great way to spend some fun time with your four-legged pal or see some of the cutest dogs in town. If you're interested in rescuing a pup to add to your family, this is the perfect time to get involved!

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Weekend Roundup August 31- September 2!

Who is ready for a 3-day weekend? They happen to be one of my favorite kinds of weekends. But I'm not picky. I will appreciate all weekends. Even of my babble, let's get to what's going on here in Rockford. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, August 31, 2018Rockford City market - view event3:30 pm - 8:30 pmMusic on the Mall @ Edgebrook Shopping Center - view event6:30 pm - 8:30 pmThe Realistic Joneses @ The Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmClaudettes Album Release show @ Mary's Place - view event9:45 pm - 12:15 amSaturday, September 1, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmCastaways on the Rock @ Burpee Museum - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmTundras/ Condor & Jaybird/ Firmish Skirmish @ Mary's Place - view event9:00 pm - 2:00 amSunday, September 2, 2018Movies on Main: A Quiet Place @ The Nordlof Center - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmMovies on Main - Avengers: Infinity War @ The Nordlof Center - view event4:00 pm - 7:00 pmMiles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 am

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Band & Brush: Joe Tallman

Wake up early, grab a pencil, and bring the imagination to life. That was 4-year-old Joe Tallman’s morning routine. 26 years later, Joe has turned that love for drawing into a career. You’ve seen Joe’s work around Rockford. He’s created beautiful posters for shows at the Coronado and for Pablo Korona’s “Our City, Our Story” Live event. His illustrations deliver a clever blend of hand-drawn details mixed with computer illustration and coloring. You can see a lot of Rockford-themed pieces in Joe’s portfolio. He’s a Rockford native has always been inspired by our town. He believes you’re a product of your environment and there’s endless inspiration to be found here – even turning some of the negativity into a good piece of art. His favorite piece that he’s done is the concert poster for Wilco when they performed here at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. He was able to work directly with the band and their management to create a piece for the show that was full of Rockford flavor. When Joe sits down to work on a commissioned piece, it can take anywhere from 10-25 hours to complete including brainstorming, sketching, and perfecting. The hardest step in the process is getting the piece to look just right for completion. Those that hire him are pretty open with their guidelines and trust him to create pieces that will accurately represent their events or purposes. How could you not? Joe’s work jumps off of the page at you and makes you want to be involved in whatever it is. His pieces represent a classic style of art with modern themes and techniques. They can almost feel like a throwback to the great comic books, but also feel extremely new-age and fresh. When Joe first started appreciating art, Jack Kirby was a big inspiration to him. He created the style that Joe enjoys and he's still a fan of his work today. Jack Kirby’s influence is still felt throughout the Marvel Comics and DC worlds. If you stop by Greenwich Village Art Fair, you can see Joe's art firsthand. He's showcased his work there for the past couple years, and this year he will be sharing a tent with his girlfriend Alison Weust.Other than Greenwich, he shows his pieces at different venues around town. Make sure you keep up with him so you can see what kind of piece he creates next. Joe's website can be found HERE. You can find him on Facebook HERE.

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Soybean Research Demonstration Field Day

Highland Community College Agriculture in partnership with University of Illinois Extension will be hosting a Soybean Research Demonstration Field Day. The public is invited to attend to learn about the research taking place at Highland as well as hear from University of Illinois Extension specialists from throughout the state about soybean insect, weed, disease, and production issues.You can find the field day festivities at Highland Community’s Agricultural Research plot at 3472 W. Loras Drive in Freeport, IL on Wednesday, August 29 from 9:00 – 11:00 am. The research plot is in its first year of production at Highland Community College through generous sponsorships from Hinrichs’ Family Farms, Stephenson Service Company, Ogle County Farm Bureau, Stephenson County Farm Bureau, and Forreston State Bank. The 10 acre plot serves as a land lab where students gain hands on experience with crop production and research design. This year’s research consists of testing the effects that various soybean population rates and seed treatments have on both yield and return on investment. The college intends to share the progress of this research at the August 29th demonstration and plans to report the final data to the public at the conclusion of the growing season. University of Illinois Extension specialists Phillip Alberti, Russ Higgins, and Nathan Kleczewski will share their knowledge as part of the demonstration. Phillip Alberti, Commercial Ag Educator, will discuss current northwest Illinois crop concerns. Russ Higgins, Commercial Ag Educator, will identify weed issues and control methods in soybeans. Nathan Kleczewski, Research Assistant Professor, University of Illinois, will be speaking about soybean insects and diseases.

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Behind the Brand: Stateline Kids

Raising children is hard work. There are so many things to remember – routines, schedules, interests, allergies, etc. The one thing that shouldn’t be hard to deal with is finding fun things to do with your family. Through identifying a need, coming up with a vision, and executing the plan, Stateline Kids was born. Erin Sturm spends a lot of time going to different places and events around town with her kids. Frustration began to grow when she either wouldn’t hear about cool things for the kids, or she would forget to check her saved posts on Facebook. She wanted to create a hub where she could compile information for families to use and share. Often, when searching for destinations in the area, you can find a vague description and an out-of-date or low-resolution photo of the place. It gives you no real sense of what you’ll find, who it’s intended for, and whether or not you’ll enjoy the experience. Erin has begun putting together descriptions of our great parks and play areas including what’s all a part of the attraction, the ages it’s good for, the hours of operation, what you’ll need to bring with you when you go, and clear photos so you know what you’re walking into before you go, along with so much more. This is an awesome resource for parents who want to get down to the facts. For an example of all the information you’ll find, check out the listing for Kiddieland in Belvidere Park. After months of research and planning, Stateline Kids launched on July 9th, 2018 and is picking up steam in the parenting community. This website started from wanting clear information and sharing it with her friends to reaching 5k website views and 900 Facebook page likes already. The idea of Stateline Kids is to spread the word about awesome family-friendly area attractions and events. We all know that Rockford has a lot to offer, but sometimes things just slip through the cracks due to lack of information. Erin wants more people to hear about the great stuff going on around us and have an easy way to access it all. If you’re a parent, babysitter, or child care-giver, we highly recommend you check out this resource. Erin is doing some great work over here, and it’s just going to continue to grow!You can find access to Stateline Kids at the links below:Rockford Buzz: https://rockfordbuzz.com/place/stateline-kidsWebsite: https://statelinekids.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StatelineKids/

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I Am Rockford: Caitlin Pusateri

Intelligence, kindheartedness, and a sense of humor can take you a long way. They help you connect with people around you and they’re important in achieving career success. Caitlin Pusateri has all of these characteristics and chatting with her was a treat. She told me all about her story of growing up in the area, leaving for school, and ultimately returning to the place she calls home. Being a Byron native, Caitlin and her family frequented Rockford for everything. They were here weekly, if not more, for shopping, activities, etc. Caitlin attended Byron High School and went on to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in both Business Administration and Music Vocal Performance. From there, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in training and development from Lewis University in Romeoville. Flashback to her life in the Rockford area. Caitlin’s grandma was the original Rockford recruiter before it was cool to tell people to move here. She would send Caitlin articles and job clippings from Rockford telling her that she needed to move back. Upon graduating college in 2007, move back she did. Moving back was, in part, an accident and partly her grandma’s recruiting. She found that there were a lot of opportunities here in Rockford to allow her to follow her career path. Her family is all here, so that fact only helped to make the decision easier. Event planning has always been a passion that she wanted to pursue. 2007 was a terrible time to get into the field, though. People weren’t spending money on large events due to a recession, and it just wasn’t going to work. She landed a position at a car dealership and has now worked her way up to being the Vice President of Leadership Development of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Sometimes your best opportunities come from rough times. When Caitlin moved back to Rockford, she didn’t have any friends here. No one else had moved back yet as they were all still in school. She joined IGNITE in 2008-09 and her path just took off from there. It was a great place for her to make friends and now she had the connections needed to launch her career. Remember how she loves event planning? Caitlin oversees leadership programs and all of the events for the Chamber. It’s the perfect job that fulfills her passion. Event planning is all about organization and making people happy. She enjoys putting in all of the hard work and seeing people genuinely enjoy their experiences. She’s the type of person that likes things that have a beginning and an end and she’s also a very detail-oriented person. What better than event planning to fit all of that? Caitlin has been in her current position since 2015. Talk about making the most of connections and opportunities. Caitlin attended college with a man named Adam. They didn’t know each other very well, but after reconnecting on Facebook, they became closer. They’ve been married since September 3, 2016 (Happy almost anniversary!) and purchased a home together that same year. He’s a math teacher in Durand and she recruited him to move up here – following in the footsteps of her grandmother. She can often be found reading books or hanging out with her friends and family. Together, they try to attend all sorts of local events, fairs, and festivals. Her best companion may just be her “10 pounds of awesome” Maltipoo named Edison. Caitlin’s favorite thing about Rockford is just how accessible it is. It isn’t unusual to know the CEO of many local companies or to run into the Mayor around town. It’s a big small town, and she loves how she can go different places and talk to people who have so many ideas and want to accomplish great things for the community. Here, there is opportunity. There are problems, but there are opportunities to solve them. There’s a lot of pride here and she gets to be engaged with people and the creativity that flows through the town. Fun Facts-Favorite:Movie: Pretty WomanTV Show: New Girl Book: The Awakening by Kate ChopinMusic: Christian music or show tunes. Local Restaurant: Kuma’sCaitlin once sang back up vocals for Kenny Rogers while in a choir in Bloomington.Having people in town that use their creativity and education for good things is what's leading to the revitalization of our hometown. Together, we can truly make a difference and see the place we love thrive. We are lucky to have people like Caitlin involved in Rockford and working to make it the best it can be.

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Weekend Roundup August 24-26!

What a lineup we have in town this weekend. First of all, there are 3 festivals you can choose from. Celebrate film, food, and family! If you're not into that, not to worry, there are lots of other things going on. Here is your Weekend Roundup!Friday, August 24, 2018Mosaic World Film Festival @ Nordlof Center - view event10:00 am Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 8:30 pmPistol Pete @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, August 25, 2018North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmLeaf Casting Workshop @ The Landscape Connection - view event10:00 am - 12:00 pmAnimal Farm @ Severson Dells - view event10:30 am - 1:30 pmRock River Food Truck Fest @ City Market Pavilion - view event6:00 pm - 10:00 pmBurpeeFest the Local 2018 @ Burpee Museum - view event6:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe Sensations featuring Holland Zander @ Mary's Place - view event9:00 pm - 1:00 amSunday, August 26, 2018Midtown Ethnic Parade and Festival 2018 - view event12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

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Recents

Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 34 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Weekend Roundup October 5-7!

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Weekend Roundup October 5-7!

I Survived Twisted Crypt

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I Survived Twisted Crypt

I Am Rockford: Scott Williamson

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I Am Rockford: Scott Williamson

Weekend Roundup September 28-30!

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Weekend Roundup September 28-30!

What a RAD 6 Years!

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What a RAD 6 Years!

Rockford Art Museum Names New Executive Director

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Rockford Art Museum Names New Executive Director

Winnebago County Master Gardeners receive State Outstanding Awards

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Winnebago County Master Gardeners receive State Outstanding Awards

Weekend Roundup September 21-23!

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Weekend Roundup September 21-23!

Tribute to Marin Mazzie

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Tribute to Marin Mazzie

Behind the Brand: Shatter Our Silence

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Behind the Brand: Shatter Our Silence

Weekend Roundup September 14-16!

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Weekend Roundup September 14-16!

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center 134th Concert Season Opens This Weekend!

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Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center 134th Concert Season Opens This Weekend!

Raise the Roof for Rockford Promise!

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Raise the Roof for Rockford Promise!

Behind the Brand: Just Breathe 815

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Behind the Brand: Just Breathe 815

Weekend Roundup September 7-9!

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Weekend Roundup September 7-9!

It's a celebration! Beattie Is . . . Back!

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It's a celebration! Beattie Is . . . Back!

Rockford Bubble Festival

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Rockford Bubble Festival

Poochapalooza!

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Poochapalooza!

Weekend Roundup August 31- September 2!

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Weekend Roundup August 31- September 2!

Band & Brush: Joe Tallman

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Band & Brush: Joe Tallman

Soybean Research Demonstration Field Day

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Soybean Research Demonstration Field Day

Behind the Brand: Stateline Kids

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Behind the Brand: Stateline Kids

I Am Rockford: Caitlin Pusateri

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I Am Rockford: Caitlin Pusateri

Weekend Roundup August 24-26!

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Weekend Roundup August 24-26!

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