Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Nom Nom Nom: The Cannoli of Your Dreams

Last time I posted a Noms about Sienna’s kitchen, I received a whole bunch of comments telling me that I need to try a cannoli. So, I took your advice. I headed down there for lunch, and I made sure to order one this time. But first, a grilled cheese! Let me tell you something. No matter how old you are, no matter where you are in your life – a grilled cheese sandwich is always incredible. It is the meal that makes one’s soul the happiest. Unless you don’t like cheese. Then, how dare you?! This wasn’t just any grilled cheese though. This was a panini grilled cheese. If you don’t understand why this would make such a difference, I challenge you to go down to Sienna’s Kitchen, try one, and then tell me that it didn’t change your life. The bread was nice and crispy while still soft. How they manage to perfect this, I will never know, but you won’t find me complaining. The cheese was nice and cheesy. It was actually melted all the way. Any grilled cheese lover knows that the cheese must be all the way melted for it to be a perfect sandwich. So, after I absolutely devoured this perfect grilled cheese, it was cannoli time. Ohhhh baby. So, this was my first time ever eating a cannoli. It was life-changing. My life was changed that afternoon as I bit into this delicious piece of heaven. It was nice and crispy on the outside, and the filling was so pleasantly sweet. It was a great cap to a yummy lunch. I couldn’t decide which side I wanted to try first. I ended up going with the chocolate chips because, like, chocolate chips. . . I thought it was going to be messier than it was. I was pleasantly surprised that it all stayed together pretty well. It made the eating process much easier and more pleasant. If you are a big fan of cannolis, or if you are like me and have never had one, now is the time. You have to get one from Sienna’s Kitchen. There is no better time than tomorrow! They are participating in Love the Blocks on February 11, 2017. They will be open from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm offering their full menu, soup, chili and desserts. Also, most all merchandise, including seasonings and olive oils, will be discounted 50%! Even more – free hot cocoa and cookies will be available while supplies last. Stop in and pay them a visit.

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Sweet Places To Get Treats For Your Valentine!

Valentine’s Day is coming up. I hope you aren’t tired of hearing about it yet. If you are, well, power through this. These local spots have some sweet, sweet treats that you need to pick up to make your Valentine happy. Magpie Magpie always has something delicious cooking and baked up. I would suggest going in here to grab some food and end your date with a sweet treat. Everything is made fresh, and boy, is their stuff tasty. With a cozy but spacious restaurant space, a stop into magpie for some food and a sweet treat is a great way to start your day with your Valentine. Bella Luna Bakery Who loves cheesecake? I happen to love cheesecake, and Bella Luna is serving up some cheesecake for this Valentine’s Day season. Stop in and give them a call to see what flavors they’ve got for you. You won’t regret your decision! If cheesecake isn’t your thing, they also have some Valentines Petitfours in Red believer, double chocolate, lemon, vanilla, and carrot cake flavors. YUM. Kate’s Pie Shop Pie. Pie is the way to your sweetie’s heart. At least, it is one of the ways to my heart, and I just happen to know what I am talking about! Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a red velvet pie from Kate's Pie Shop to satisfy that sweet tooth. If you are reading this article and don’t have a Valentine or if you and your Valentine both have cold hearts, the stupid cupid pie is for you! It is like red velvet. . . but black! Kate also puts some cute little words on there such as “Nope”. It really is a great way to celebrate the day. Sugar Britches Sugar Britches is your friendly neighborhood candy shop. Of course you have to stop in here for a treat for your sweetie. Along with their other treats, they have cooked up some white chocolate raspberry bites and dark chocolate strawberry bites. I am tempted to leave in the middle of writing this to go eat some, so you know they will be a hit. Yolo’s Sweets If there is one thing I know for sure, Yolo’s Sweets always has something amazing to satisfy your sweet tooth. Seasonal snacks, chocolate-covered snacks, and of course the cupcakes! If you aren’t sure what goodness to expect from Yolo’s, give them a visit for Love the Block this Saturday the 11th! Halo Cupcake How did we get so lucky to have so many awesome bakeries in town that make delicious things? At Halo Cupcake, you can get some red velvet heart-shaped whoopee pies, chocolate chip heart-shaped cookie cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and some heart-shaped cookies with fun Valentine’s Day sayings on them. No, I’m not kidding. Check it out for yourself. We know it can be stressful to find something to buy for your person. Hopefully this list helped you out a bit, at least for the sweet stuff! Let's be honest, that is the most important!

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Scoreboard: Weekend Full of IceHogs Hockey

It hasn’t been very wintry the past couple of weeks, but it’s still hockey season in Rockford and with Valentine’s Day approaching the IceHogs have chances for you to get on the “Kiss Cam” Saturday and Sunday. The 4 p.m. game Saturday at the BMO Harris Bank Center is against the San Antonio Rampage, which like Rockford, is searching for ways to win. Rockford sits in eighth place in the AHL’s Central Division at 14-23, while San Antonio is eighth in the Pacific Division at 21-22. The first 2,500 fans in attendance Saturday will receive a T-shirt courtesy of Anderson Toyota in Rockford. Sunday’s game is at 5 p.m. and is against its closest Central Division rival, the Milwaukee Admirals. The Admirals are 26-15 and in second place in the Central. The first 1,500 fans entering Sunday will get a Plush Otis Toy from Riverside Dental. After the game, fans who bring their ice skates can stick around and skate with the players. The AHL is the top minor league in pro hockey so every night there’s a good chance you will see someone who’ll eventually make an impact in the National Hockey League. Sunday’s game will give fans a chance to watch Milwaukee’s Kevin Fiala. The 20-year-old left winger was the Nashville Predator’s first round draft pick in 2015, being picked 11th overall. The native of Switzerland has five goals, 10 assists and is third on the team in plus/minus with a +8 in just 16 games. Ticket prices for games this weekend range from $9 to $29 per person this weekend. To buy tickets go to the IceHogs website HERE. A special thank you to Alex Gary for writing this Scoreboard piece. Alex Gary spent 22 years as a sports, business and education reporter and editor at newspapers in Beloit, Wis., and Rockford. He now is the communications manager at Thinker Ventures when he’s not umpiring youth baseball, running the scoreboard at Jefferson athletics, working on his NIC-10 Sports History Book website or hanging out with his two daughters.

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The Great Outdoors: Rocktown Adventures

Many people that visit or live in Rockford don’t realize that there are endless possibilities for exploration here in Rockford and the surrounding areas. There are a bunch of bodies of water, forests, and other natural lands to get your activity on! Rocktown Adventures is here with the reminder and some great events to keep you exploring. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – they’ve got you covered for all. Yeah, they are so neat that I had to make a rhyme out of it. They carry the top-rated equipment for water sports, snow sports, and most things in between. Rocktown Adventures wants to make exploration fun, so they have experienced instructors on staff to help you every step of the way. Their trip guides know the waterways and trails in our region like the back of their hand. All of these things contribute to the experience of being with people that you can trust to keep you safe and keep you exploring! This weekend, they have a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike. Taking place at the Nygren Wetlands on February 10 from 4:30 – 8:00 pm, strap on those snowshoes and get to hiking. Make sure you dress nice and cozy, but there will be some warm surprises along the way. There will be fire pits blazing and hot cocoa! Snowshoes will be available on a first come, first serve basis. No worries, hiking without snowshoes will be permitted! All you have to do is show up at Nygren Wetlands and wait for the fun to commence. The best part? It is FREE! You can’t beat that price!

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Don’t Miss It!: Walk By the Light of Oil Lamps

So, if you don’t know, we have some really cool Forest Preserves and Nature Centers here in our area. Northern Illinois is great for nature, and nature is great for the soul. This Friday, February 10, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Severson Dells is hosting a Lantern Walk so you can experience nature in a really cool way. Biologist and educator, Greg Keilback, will be hosting the walk and showing you around their land. The ambience of the glowing lights really enhance the beauty of nature and the beauty of nighttime in Northern Illinois. When you leave the house, remember to dress warmly and also feel free to bring a thermos full of your favorite warm drink. Nighttime is beautiful, but it is also pretty chilly! Just make sure to plan ahead. Spaces for this walk will also fill up fast. There are limited spots, so make sure to call ahead and reserve a spot: 815-335-2915. This walk is open to all ages, but children will not be allowed to handle the lamps. If you want to get the family out for a unique evening, here is your chance! Severson Dells's mission is to connect people to nature through education and research. They are always finding new and exciting ways to introduce different parts of our environment to curious viewers. Severson Dells is a great asset to our community that keeps the love for nature going in Northern Illinois.

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Edward Kelsey Moore is Coming to Rockford!

Live music and books? You have my attention. Edward Kelsey Moore is a Chicago-area cellist, an author, and an essayist on NPR. He is coming to Rockford to team up with The Music Academy for an awesome performance. On Saturday, March 18, 2017, he will be playing tunes with Music Academy students and staff for an hour before hosting a conversation about his writings. You will get to hear about the writing process, excerpts from his novels, and a discussion about how novel writing relates to music making. He will even sign some copies of his books for you! Edward Kelsey Moore’s first book has been described as “The Help plus Fried Green Tomatoes plus a dash of Steel Magnolias.” He recalls listening to the women in his life as they cleaned up the kitchen after family events. There he heard serious and heart-wrenching stories made funny and laughable. That is the goal in his storytelling and he believes it is a way to reach across races and cultures. This is going to be a great morning at the JR Sullivan Theater, 118 N Main. The event is free and open to the public, but make sure to put it on your calendars now!

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Band & Brush: JoanLee Stassi Exhibit

JoanLee Stassi is a Rockford artist. Her work is being displayed in a Rockford gallery. Pretty cool, huh? Throughout her life, she has been a resident of Rockford and also Provincetown, Massachusetts. She draws from experienced in both of these places to create her works. From now until March 18, 2017, JoanLee Stassi’s exhibit “Reflections: Backward/Forward…Painting/Prints” will be on display at the Kortman Gallery, 107 N Main Street. What can you expect from this exhibit? “Myths and rituals found in primitive cultures, Carl Jung’s theory of universal symbolism, along with the spiritual beauty nature provides are important elements that I draw from.” You will be able to view paintings as well as some new monoprints and photo etchings. This is a great exhibit from an artist that has local ties. It is always great to see the talent that we have right here in town, and this is another way to show that off. JoanLee had a solo show in the Kortman Gallery over 20 years ago, and now she is back! Make sure you stop in to see the exhibit while you can. The Kortman Gallery is an intimate space to view some fine art exhibits right in the heart of downtown Rockford. Located on the second floor, above the J.R. Kortman Center for Design, you will find a space that hosts rotating exhibits and a book & wine department. Art, books, and wine in downtown Rockford? You have to give them a visit for sure!

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Rockford's Smallest Performance Space Grand Opening!

The Rockford Area Arts Council has renovated the historic Shumway Building and made it into a performance venue and art gallery! After two soft openings late last year, they are ready for their grand opening with a feature of Feverland! Feverland is an orginal play by Connie Kuntz that commemorates the 88th anniversary of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. So, it is perfect for date night! The play is a celebration of love between Al Capone and Lady Liberty and features characters such as Al Capone, Herbert Hoover, Emma Lazarus, and Eliot Ness, even the Statue of Liberty herself! Feverland was a 1920’s speakeasy in Chicago. Dressing up is not required, but if the whole audience could show up in 1920’s apparel, that would make the night even more awesome! The Shumway is a very small performance space, but that doesn’t mean that the art isn’t spectacular. There are grand performances taking place in this very intimate venue, and you don’t want to miss out on it. There will be two performances of Feverland: Monday, February 13 at 7:30 and 8:30 pm Wednesday, February 15 at 7:30 and 8:30 pm. Tickets are $5 and reservations are highly encouraged due to the intimate atmosphere. You can call 815-963-6765 to reserve your ticket or stop by the Rockford Area Arts Council office between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. The Shumway is located at 713 E. State Street! If you make it out to the show, take some photos and share them with us. We would love to see them.

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Nom Nom Nom: For The Love Of Pie

Is your heart bursting with love this Valentine’s Day season? Good because this red velvet pie from Kate's Pie Shop is going to blow your mind. Red velvet pie? Yes, red velvet pie. More specifically, chocolate buttermilk pie that is red. If you are looking for a treat that is sweet, but not overly sugary, and very soft, oooohhhh this is for you. It is everything you could want. The pie itself is so soft and fluffy, and the crust has just enough crisp to it to provide the perfect complement. I had a cup of coffee with it, and that was a great pairing. Let me tell you something about Kate’s, it is one of the coolest places in Rockford. No, seriously. First of all, who doesn’t love pie? If you don’t like sweet pies, they have savory pies. If you are really being difficult and still insisting you don’t like the pies, they have pasties. If nothing else catches your attention they have COFFEE. I know that coffee catches your eye. Along with the pie comes the atmosphere. If you didn’t know, Kate’s is also a record store. Delicious pie and sweet, sweet vinyl. . . perfection. The walls are decorated with some neat artwork and some classic album covers. There is great music coming through the speakers, and the seating is very spacious and comfortable. Visit them, love them, and be happy. I mentioned Valentines Day earlier, and that is exactly what this perfect is for. You can put your orders in for a great Valentines Day deserve and share a great bite with your love. If you order a 10 inch red velvet pie by February 7, your pie will be 14% off! You can order them up until the 11th, but the special price ends on the 7th. If you want a bigger size or aren’t in a rush to get the deal, place your orders by February 11 to make sure that Kate has time to make your pie! Do you not have a Valentine this year? If your heart as black as the night sky? Try the Stupid Cupid Black Velvet. The same special is available for Stupid Cupid. If you want a 10 inch pie, order by the 7th for 14% off! Same great taste, but the color will match your soul. I might be going for one of those. . .

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Rockford Votes: Rockford’s #1 Mexican Restaurant!

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, etc. You hear those words and your mouth starts to water. I know that I am instantly hungry when I think about a nice meal at a Mexican restaurant. Now, my stomach and soul get to be happy a lot because we have some gems here in Rockford. If there is one thing we know how to do well, it is food. We asked you what your favorite Mexican Restaurant in town is, and you told us! The winner is. . . MEXICO CLASICO! Mexico Clasico, 3929 Broadway, is a great place to grab a meal with the family or even just a lunch of you want a delicious meal. It is worth it to go even just for some chips, salsa, and guacamole. Freshly made guacamole. . . freshly made as in made at your table. Are you not hooked yet? If you don’t get too full on your chips, you have to order an entrée. And unless you are a professional eater (we won’t judge, food is delicious), you will have some leftovers for lunch the next day. These entrées are massive, and they are so full of flavor and fresh ingredients. You will be so happy that you have leftovers. If you haven’t stopped in there yet, now is the perfect time to do so. You won’t regret it!

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Your Digitized Museum!

Have you ever just been sitting at home or out on the go and want to look up something about Rockford’s history? While the internet is a great big place full of a ton of information, who knows the history of our town better than those who devote every day to preserving it? The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has approved a grant worth $7,516 for Midway Village for the digitization of their collection! “In the project’s first phase, 300 rare glass plate negatives of Rockford life 1880-1900, 500 postcards of central Rockford and Camp Grant, and 70 letters home from Rockford boys fighting in the Civil War will be included,” said Laura Furman, Curator. “Each will be scanned at a low resolution and uploaded with information to the museum’s website for 24-hour-a-day access by the public.” You will be able to search the database by keywords in order to find exactly what you are looking for. High-resolution copies of the images will be available upon demand for a modest fee. The museum hopes that the project will increase its service to local researchers, teachers and history buffs by making Midway Village museum’s extensive archival collections more easily accessed. Currently the museum’s local history collections—which number near 150,000 items—are available to view by appointment only. At the completion of this phase of the project museum staff will evaluate additional resources to add to the public platform. Work on the digitization website began at the beginning of January, 2017. It is anticipated that the site will be available to the public late in 2017. The leaders and staff at Midway Village Museum work extremely hard to preserve the great stories of our town. This is another great way that they are working to share this information with the public. It is important to know what our history is in order to understand our town today and where we may be headed. We look forward to seeing this new database when it is finished!

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Sunday is a Super Chance to Mix a Party With Politics

Super Bowl Sunday has become the country’s biggest party. In terms of eating and drinking, only Thanksgiving is bigger. According to the National Chicken Council, there will be more than 1.3 billion chicken wings eaten on Sunday. That’s an average of four wings per person in the United States. Dominos, Pizza Hut and Papa John’s expect to deliver more than four million pies. Many people choose to enjoy the Super Bowl with friends and family and the average consumer spent about $82.19 per person, according to a 2016 survey by the National Retail Foundation. That includes food, paraphernalia such as jerseys of the teams playing, and many choose that weekend to upgrade TVs. Of course, if you host a party, then you have to clean up after, which is never fun. For that reason, bars and restaurants always do a brisk business during the Big Game. This year you can mix football and politics. There are four major candidates vying to become Rockford’s next mayor since Larry Morrissey has chosen not to run for re-election. Two are having fundraisers built around the game. Rudy Valdez, who is running as an independent, will be at El Tenampa Bar, 1701 S. Main St., Rockford, for a pre-Super Bowl meet and greet from 4:30 p.m. until kickoff at 5:30 p.m. There will be no cover charge, some prizes and snacks, and all family members are welcome. Tom McNamara, who is running for the Democratic Party, will be at Rural on Tap, 1710 Rural Street, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a Super Bowl party. Visitors will get 20 percent off their bar tab and the chance to win a $100 gift card courtesy of Rural on Tap. The two Republican candidates, Pam Connell and Brian Leggero are spending the day watching the game with friends and family. A special thank you to Alex Gary for writing this Scoreboard piece. Alex Gary spent 22 years as a sports, business and education reporter and editor at newspapers in Beloit, Wis., and Rockford. He now is the communications manager at Thinker Ventures when he’s not umpiring youth baseball, running the scoreboard at Jefferson athletics, working on his NIC-10 Sports History Book website or hanging out with his two daughters.

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Don’t Miss It!: Rockton Yeti Fest

If you aren’t a Yeti, you better get in the Yeti spirit and head out to some of Rockton’s awesome parks. Rockton Yeti Fest runs from February 1 to February 4 and features a bunch of different events to get your Yeti heart beating with excitement. Sculpt Like a Yeti, Walk Like a Yeti, Skate Like A Yeti – at the Rockton Yeti Fest, you won’t be able to escape feeling like a big abominable snow person! Sculpt Like A yeti is a snow sculpting competition featuring some of the best talents in the area! Visitors can vote on their favorite sculpture from the 1st until 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 4! “Walk Like a Yeti”, a snowshoe event at Rockton’s newest park, Thunder Rock Prairie, located off Route 2. Snowshoe rental is available through Rocktown Adventures. Guided walks will be available at 9:00 am and 10:30 am for those who would like to learn more about snowshoeing. The 10:30 am walk is dog-friendly, so your furry friends can be little yetis too! You can register for the walks online. Also new this year is the “Yeti Hunt”! Taking place at Thunder Rock Prairie on Friday evening from 7–8 pm, participants can stroll along the luminary-lit path as they hunt for the elusive abominable snowman. Those who catch a photo of the yeti and post to social media with the tag #rocktonyetihunt2017 and #dairyhaus are entered into a drawing for a $50 Dairyhaus gift card. While you are walking around Rockton, make sure to stop in to some local businesses for some “yeti specials”! During the long months of winter, we have to find ways to have fun. Rockton and all of the partners are putting this together to help you get through it! It is going to be a fun and silly time for the whole family. Don’t miss out!

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Love Your Library with IceHogs Tickets!

You can’t give your sweetheart a better gift than some IceHogs tickets. The Rockford Public Library wants to help you win over the heart of your date or strengthen your relationship this February. From now until February 11, 2017, stop by any RPL location and you will be able to pick up a voucher for $10 IceHogs tickets! That’s right. They are giving you discounted tickets to make sure that you have a great Valentines Day. Now, the vouchers are for the game on February 12, 2017 because there is no game on the 14th, but there is no harm in getting a little head start on spreading the love! Once you pick up your voucher, just give Ryan Woodrow a call at the IceHogs ticket office, and you will be able to redeem your voucher for as many tickets as you want. On game day, your Rockford IceHogs will be taking on divisional rival the Milwaukee Admirals. It is always a spirited outing between these two teams, so it will make for a great afternoon! Make sure you stop by your local library location today. While you are at the library, check out all the cool things they have to offer. They do far more than books! Check out a DVD, a CD, attend a storytime with your child, or take a FREE class and learn Word, Excel and more. Learn to play the guitar, or start scrapbooking. You can even attend an event at the library’s performing arts center, the Nordlof Center. The Rockford Public Library is a great resource. Show them some love during this very loving season!

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Band & Brush: The Others Is Coming!

Does the title of this post seem like bad grammar to you? Sorry about that, it looks a bit weird to me too. But, it is actually about something very cool rather than me just not knowing the English language. The Others is a new art exhibit that is coming to our Rockford Art Museum this February! The public opening for The Others is February 10, 2017 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. This exhibit explored 50 selections from the Francis and June Speizer collection. If you don’t know what the Speizer collection is, it is critically acclaimed and the most significant collection of Chicago art that exists today. If that isn’t cool, I don’t know what is. You have a chance to come out and see some of the best artwork from our Midwestern region, and you get to see it right here in Rockford. The Rockford Art Museum works extremely hard to bring great exhibits to Rockford, and they have done it again. The Others is organized by Rockford Art Museum, curated by RAM Curator Carrie Johnson. This exhibition and its related educational programming are partially supported by a Community Arts Access Grant from Rockford Area Arts Council, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and by the Armer Ahlstrand Charitable Foundation. We have a great art community here in Rockford, and the Rockford Art Museum and Rockford Area Arts Council put forth a great effort to keep growing it!

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Behind the Brand: Loves Park Motorsports

“When you are doing something that you really enjoy, it’s not really work; it’s somewhere along the lines of play.” Brandon Jack of Loves Park Motorsports gives an apt statement about his family-owned business that is all about “play” – big-kid style. Loves Park Motorsports sells all types of motorized fun, from snowmobiles to ATVs to pontoon boats. Smart Business Growth Brandon’s father worked in an automotive shop, and along with a knack for fixing machines, he had a love for snowmobiling. He started his own snowmobile repair service, but it wasn’t long before the business turned into something much bigger. He was able to get an Arctic Cat franchise, and that began a snowball effect of adding more motorsport vehicles and brands every few years. First it was personal watercraft, then ATVs, next side-by-sides – and now they have even expanded into the marine side of motorsports. Loves Park Motorsports built a new store in Machesney Park in 1996, and today you can find them in Roscoe at their newly remodeled location that sits on 9 acres – ample space for storage and for showcasing their line-up of motorsport brands. They’ve been smart about growing their business, making sure each brand that is added has its own selling points. Brands can be more of a challenge to add to one’s company than many of us realize. Adding a brand means adding specific tooling and parts, as well as certification for mechanics. A business has to commit to selling a certain number of units, and the question for every business is, “Can our market handle that?” “You have to be careful not to grow too big too fast,” explained Brandon. Brandon has been involved with his family’s shop since he was a grade-schooler, cleaning and tinkering here and there. In high school, he learned mechanic skills from watching and working along-side his dad. After pursuing his Bachelor’s degree and his Master’s degree, he ended up back where he began, doing something he loves. Play With Your Toys Loves Park Motorsports is a one-stop shop. In addition to buying or repairing your motorsport vehicle, you can find all the apparel and extra gear that your sport requires. In recent years they have expanded their product line for watercraft. “There is no solid Marina in our area,” said Brandon, “That’s a huge void.” Now with the new location, they are able to offer storage and winterizing services that a marina would usually provide. They also offer pointers for newbies. Pontoon boats are the all the rage right now, and perfect for cruising up and down the Rock River. But owning a boat can seem overwhelming at first. Brandon or one of his brothers will often go out on the water for a couple of hours with first-time boat owners, laying out the laws and river traffic protocol, teaching how to dock and how to put the boat on the trailer. As they continue to expand the marina business, Brandon is interested in trying glass-bottomed boats. In the realm of motorsports, Brandon believes side-by-sides will be the next big thing. Counties are beginning to develop trails for them and to legalize them for certain on-road driving. Side-by-sides are an affordable choice for a family – some will hold up to four passengers. Customers can be sure of getting first-hand experience and knowledge from the guys at Loves Park Motorsports. “We play with what we sell,” Brandon shared, “When you come in here, you’re going to get a genuine experience.” Check out their selection at lovesparkmotorsports.com Written by Rebecca Aupperle Rebecca Aupperle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Millikin University. She is a piano teacher at the Studio and an active participant in Rockford’s local music scene. She can be found reading, gardening or hanging out at the Edgebrook Farmer’s Market.

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The Discovery Center: A Source of Pride For Rockford

When you think of family and child-friendly places to go in Rockford, the Discovery Center Museum is always at the top of that list. If you grew up here, or have spent enough time here, you have most likely been lucky enough to spend a day at the museum. I know that I spent many days there when I was growing up, and it was always one of my favorite field trips while in school. Because of the great efforts by the leaders and staff of the museum, they saw record attendance in 2016! The Discovery Center welcomed over 124,000 visitors to the museum last year. This doesn’t include school groups or outreach programs. With those numbers included, attendance reaches almost 262,000. These numbers come from families coming to visit the museum on their own time! This is a 6% increase from 2015’s numbers, which were also a record for them. This steady growth for our Discovery Center Museum is great news. Visitors from all over the country and even the world have visited our museum right here in Rockford. Our museum is even more proof that we have so many good things here in Rockford, we just have to embrace them and promote them! The Discovery Center helps kids get hands-on experience with different aspects of science and discovery. It is a great way for them to learn new things while having fun. We are super proud that The Discovery Center Museum calls Rockford home, and we love to see them doing extremely well!

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Nom Nom Nom: The Famous Capri Pizza!

To be honest, all of the voted for Capri in the second edition of Rockford Votes really made me want to eat their pizza. So I did. I hadn’t been there in awhile, so I needed a refresher. . . for research purposes. A pepperoni pizza and an order of garlic bread is what I ordered up, and I was sure glad that I did. Now, from the amount of votes that we got, for Capri and all others, I could tell that you guys are passionate about pizza. Well, I am passionate about pizza too, and I am a firm believer that pizza is one of the best meals that you can have. I had forgotten how good their pizza actually was. The sauce has a bit of a sweetness to it that makes the eating experience very enjoyable. The cheese was nice and. . .cheesy. Come on, if you like cheese, you know exactly what cheesy means. My favorite part of all might have been the crust. It was nice and crispy and wrapped up the whole meal very nicely. Then there was the garlic bread. It was soft but crispy all at the same time. That is the best type of bread that you can have, in my honest opinion. I must say, I can definitely see why Capri got the most votes for the favorite pizza in town. It was absolutely delicious. If you are like me and haven't been to Capri in awhile, I highly suggest you going back to give them a visit!

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Rockford Votes: Rockford's Favorite Pizza!

We asked and you answered! We see that Rockford is incredibly passionate about their pizza. That is a great thing, though, because we have some awesome local pizza here in town. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner, a nice night out, or just a way to celebrate, a dinner at one of these restaurants is always a great time! The delicious cheeses, crusts, sauces, and everything else you want on it make it a great meal for any occasion. The atmosphere provided at our local restaurants is also very friendly and welcoming. You can't go wrong! So who was the winner then? Who did Rockford decided has the best pizza in town? The winner is. . . CAPRI! Family owned, handmade food, fresh ingredients. Capri Pizza is a Rockford staple that has been around with its current owners since 1963. That is a long time of serving Rockford’s favorite pizza! They have quite the fan base, and it continues to grow as more people move to the city and more generations are introduced to their food! What are you waiting for? I know you want to order some food now. You might as well just do it and make your stomach happy!

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Tour de Trails Race to Take You Along Scenic Kishwaukee River

It is expected to be clear and cool this weekend and what better way to spend the Saturday of the weekend before the Super Bowl ….. than running through Rockford’s Atwood Park. On January 28, the Rockford Road Runners hold their second of four Tour de Trails races of the winter at 11 a.m. at Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road.The six-mile run will wind over and around the park on Rockford’s southeast side that features the Kishwaukee River running through its center. The race fee is $25 as long as you sign up by registration deadline Friday. To sign up go to https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Rockford/TourdeTrails. The cost goes up to $30 if you sign up the day of the race. Those 18 and under are just $20. Everyone who does run Saturday will receive a Tour de Trails Ceramic Mug and there will be hot chocolate, cookies and tons of other donated treats to share when the run is done. The race will be filled with serious runners – runners run in all kinds of weather – with awards for first overall finishers among the men and women as well as top three placers in each age group. The race though also will have many just looking to stay in shape. If you think it’s crazy to run outside in Rockford in the winter, think again. According to Shape.com (shape.com/fitness/cardio/5-reasons-running-cold-good-you), running outside in the winter has several positive effects, including: Running in cold weather actually is better on your body because your body doesn’t heat up as much. Running outside also combats the winter blues known as Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) by releasing hormones that combat depression. Running outside keeps revs up your metabolism. Our bodies are programmed to store fat in the winter. Running in the cold tricks the body out of this seasonal slowdown and helps maintain a healthy weight. So dig out the running shoes and try to keep up. A special thank you to Alex Gary for writing this Scoreboard piece. Alex Gary spent 22 years as a sports, business and education reporter and editor at newspapers in Beloit, Wis., and Rockford. He now is the communications manager at Thinker Ventures when he’s not umpiring youth baseball, running the scoreboard at Jefferson athletics, working on his NIC-10 Sports History Book website or hanging out with his two daughters.

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Don't Miss It!: Rockford History 101

Turn those brains on and have a seat – class is in session. Rockford has an incredible amount of history wrapped up in its streets. From the sock monkey to Camp Grant, and everything in between, Rockford is a special place and has played a role in our whole country’s history. If you are into Rockford History, or if you think you might be interested, you need to head on over to Midway Village this Sunday, January 29. From 2:00 - 3:30 pm, you are in for a treat. Rockford History 101 will give you an overview of all of the awesome things that Rockford is known for. Don’t worry, there won’t be any pop quizzes. It is just an afternoon for fun and connecting with your town. Auburn High School history teacher, Amanda Becker will be leading this special afternoon. Admission for Rockford History 101 is $8 for adults, $6 for students, and $5 for museum members. You can purchase tickets at the museum’s gift store. Walk-ins will also be accepted, but early registration is encouraged. If you are a history nerd or want to introduce yourself or someone else to Rockford's history, you don't want to miss this event!

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Orchids In Bloom. . . Yes, In January!

Sometimes during the dead of winter, you need a little reminder of how beautiful the world can be. If you prefer warmer weather and brighter colors, make yourself at home at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens during this exhibit. Running from January 28 to March 5, 2017, you have the chance to see hundreds of tropical orchids on creative display inside the conservatory. The conservatory hours are: Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. So, while you look outside and see bare trees or a lot of know, just know that you have a tropical escape right in your backyard. The Conservatory is a great escape at any time of the year, but when the cold weather hits, it is even more important to have a place here at home that feels like a vacation. It is full of beauty and nature that you won't be able to experience by just walking out of your front door. Enjoy our conservatory this winter! They have a few neat programs going this winter that you may want to check out: Orchids for Beginners - Saturday, February 11, 1-2 p.m. Learn the basics of orchid care with NCG volunteer and resident orchid expert, Dave Picken. Session is included with daily admission. “What’s Wrong With My Orchid?” - Saturday, February 25, 1-2 p.m. Presenter Don White from Anything Orchids will present on common orchid problems and solutions. This is an interactive talk - bring your orchid questions! Included with daily admission. Anything Orchids Plant Sale - Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. From Frankfort, Illinois, Anything Orchids sells a wide variety of stunning and unique orchids and other plants.

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I READ. You Read. We All Read!

One of the most standard parts of education is learning how to read. Some children take to it super easily, other children have a tougher time with it. Neither are wrong, but both need people to sit down and read with. Having a person to read with often grows the interest and passion for the craft in children. Reading level is also one predictor for how a child is going to perform in the classroom. Children who are able to read at the correct grade level or higher are more likely to graduate from high school. This is where the I READ program comes in. The goal is to identify students who may need a little more help with their reading skills and to get them the help that they need. Volunteer adults work with kids starting in Kindergarten. They are encouraged to stay with their students until the third grade. It allows them to form relationships and become a constant factor in their educational lives. If you want to be a part of this awesome program, they are looking for more volunteers. Volunteers have to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, have time available, and be passionate about working with students. You can check into volunteering by emailing IREAD@united-wayrrv.org or call 815-963-7323.

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Behind the Brand: Kegel's Bicycle Store

It’s mid-winter, and this icy, blustery weather is making many of us long for spring. We’ve got a ways to go yet, but nothing’s stopping us from dreaming! And what better place to dream of sunshine and outdoor activities than a bicycle store? Kegel’s Bicycle Store, to be exact. 100 Years of Bikes The Kegel family’s interest in bicycles dates back all the way to 1909. The shop itself opened around 1927 on State St. and Madison St. In fact, Harold Kegel owned pretty much the whole block, with storefronts downstairs and bike repairs upstairs. In 1978, the shop moved to its current location on Charles Street. In 1997, Robb Sinks, an employee of Kegel’s, took ownership. Racing BMX bikes was Robb’s niche, and out of that grew his passion for bicycles. With over 100 years of experience and expertise, Kegel’s Bicycle Shop is an excellent choice for all things bike related. Family and fitness are their bread-and-butter. They have a great selection of bikes for kids and families, as well as high-end road bikes and mountain bikes. And of course, bikes need tune-ups! Their four mechanics stay busy during the season providing repair services. Meeting Our Community’s Needs Kegel’s has a strong presence in our community. Recently, Kegel’s has been working with the Rockford Park District as they put together the new trails at Atwood Park for skiing, biking and running. They also donate used adult bikes to Carpenter’s Place and used child bikes to Rock House Kids. You’ll find their presence at the Rockford Dance Company, the YMCA and bike rodeos in the area. 2017 marks Kegel’s 90th birthday and Robb Sinks’ 20th anniversary as owner. Check out Kegel’s website for a peek at their inventory: kegelsbikes.com. Or head over and take a look around – and start dreaming of biking weather! Written by Rebecca Aupperle Rebecca Aupperle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Millikin University. She is a piano teacher at the Studio and an active participant in Rockford’s local music scene. She can be found reading, gardening or hanging out at the Edgebrook Farmer’s Market.

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Recents

Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 48 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Nom Nom Nom: The Cannoli of Your Dreams

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Nom Nom Nom: The Cannoli of Your Dreams

Sweet Places To Get Treats For Your Valentine!

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Sweet Places To Get Treats For Your Valentine!

Scoreboard: Weekend Full of IceHogs Hockey

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Scoreboard: Weekend Full of IceHogs Hockey

The Great Outdoors: Rocktown Adventures

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The Great Outdoors: Rocktown Adventures

Don’t Miss It!: Walk By the Light of Oil Lamps

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Don’t Miss It!: Walk By the Light of Oil Lamps

Edward Kelsey Moore is Coming to Rockford!

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Edward Kelsey Moore is Coming to Rockford!

Band & Brush: JoanLee Stassi Exhibit

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Band & Brush: JoanLee Stassi Exhibit

Rockford's Smallest Performance Space Grand Opening!

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Rockford's Smallest Performance Space Grand Opening!

Nom Nom Nom: For The Love Of Pie

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Nom Nom Nom: For The Love Of Pie

Rockford Votes: Rockford’s #1 Mexican Restaurant!

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Rockford Votes: Rockford’s #1 Mexican Restaurant!

Your Digitized Museum!

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Your Digitized Museum!

Sunday is a Super Chance to Mix a Party With Politics

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Sunday is a Super Chance to Mix a Party With Politics

Don’t Miss It!: Rockton Yeti Fest

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Don’t Miss It!: Rockton Yeti Fest

Love Your Library with IceHogs Tickets!

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Love Your Library with IceHogs Tickets!

Band & Brush: The Others Is Coming!

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Band & Brush: The Others Is Coming!

Behind the Brand: Loves Park Motorsports

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Behind the Brand: Loves Park Motorsports

The Discovery Center: A Source of Pride For Rockford

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The Discovery Center: A Source of Pride For Rockford

Nom Nom Nom: The Famous Capri Pizza!

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Nom Nom Nom: The Famous Capri Pizza!

Rockford Votes: Rockford's Favorite Pizza!

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Rockford Votes: Rockford's Favorite Pizza!

Tour de Trails Race to Take You Along Scenic Kishwaukee River

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Tour de Trails Race to Take You Along Scenic Kishwaukee River

Don't Miss It!: Rockford History 101

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Don't Miss It!: Rockford History 101

Orchids In Bloom. . . Yes, In January!

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Orchids In Bloom. . . Yes, In January!

I READ. You Read. We All Read!

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I READ. You Read. We All Read!

Behind the Brand: Kegel's Bicycle Store

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Behind the Brand: Kegel's Bicycle Store

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