Index Inside - The Rock River Times
Transcription
Index Inside - The Rock River Times
free Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 • Volume 18, No. 45 free A The Voice of the Community since 1987 Locally owned and operated Inside Commentary – A6 128 N. Church St., Rockford, Illinois 61101 www.rockrivertimes.com Online Exclusives at rockrivertimes.com Rockford police to crack down on late-night enforcement Tales from the Trough: Mike Peck interview, part two Pet Talk: Know the nose ... of your pet River Bluff aims to have sprinklers in place by 2013 Art in the Park at Freeport’s Krape Park Sept. 4 Book offers recipes ‘Fresh from the Farmers’ Market’ Daily news updates, searchable archives and other exclusive content available online at rockrivertimes.com. City of Rockford Free trade is what damaged the job market Vibe – B1 On the Waterfront festival entertains Sept. 1-4 Vitality – C1 Protester: Open Meetings Act violated at ZBA meeting on asphalt plant On the Waterfront Festival Stone Temple Pilots headline Sept. 1-4 On the Waterfront Guest Column By Nichole Larison Sammon Titans shut out Indians in opening game of season Home & Garden – D1 Why seeding your lawn in late summer works best Index Section A: News ! Commentary — A1-A2, A5-A7 ! Letters to the Editor — A6 ! News — A1-A8 ! Obituary Notices — A3 ! People in Our Times — A3 ! Renewable Energy — A1, A7 Section B: Vibe Entertainment ! Crossword — B11 ! TV Listings — B11 ! Vibe Calendars — B2, B4-B5, B8-B9 ! Vibe News — B1-B12 Section C: Vitality ! Health — C2 ! Naturally Rockford — C 1-C 2 ! Outdoors — C 2 ! Sports — C1, C3-C4 ! Worship Guide — C2 Section D: PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 397 Rockford, IL Home & Garden ! Classifieds — D3-D6 ! Home & Garden — D1, D19 ! Horoscopes — D19 ! Public Notices — D7-D15 ! Real Estate — D2 ! Real Estate Notices — D15-D18 Neighborhood protester of proposed asphalt plant I am requesting that an investigation be started regarding the events that transpired at the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting I was involved with at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, at 404 Elm St., Rockford. The meeting addressed William Charles Construction’s request for a special-use permit to operate an asphalt plant at the bottom of its East State Street quarry. In my opinion, a direct violation of the Open Meetings Act is on record in the transcript for this meeting. From the very onset of the ZBA meeting, William Charles’ attorney, Bruce Ross-Shannon, requested the procedures be altered. That request was granted. William Charles was allowed to present their petition for the special-use permit, and all five witnesses for the petitioner were allowed to present their testimony and various report findings. Questions were not allowed until the petitioner’s entire list of paid witnesses and case were presented. After the William Charles witness, Dr. Laura Green, a toxicologist, finished her testimony, the Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Brian Erickson made an opinionated statement to the fact that he believed he had never had as knowledgeable a witness in front of him before. He said this on the record, before the board, and before the entire room of Winnebago County residents. At no time did we, the opposition, make an outburst or interrupt the proceedings, other than Continued on page A7 ! Winnebago County News Renewable Energy China dominates the green economy Winnebago County By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl through 2007, while installed caPresident and Vice President pacity in the country only increased Treasurer’s Office open Illinois Renewable Energy Association 39 times from a very small base. With little local demand for PV report 185 focused until 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 onWorldwatch the green economy and green equipment, China’s expanded Staff Report 128 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61101 Photos provided Rockford’s annual On the Waterfront music festival returns to downtown Rockford Sept. 1-4. Headliners include Stone Temple Pilots (top photo), Sunday, Sept. 4; Josh Turner (not pictured) Saturday, Sept. 3; Jason Derulo (right photo) Friday, Sept. 2; and Papa Roach (left photo) and Buckcherry (not pictured) Thursday, Sept. 1. For more about the festival, including lineups for each stage, see page B1 of the Vibe Entertainment section. Winnebago County Treasurer Susan Goral’s office will be open Friday, Sept. 2, from 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. to receive second installment payments of real estate property taxes, due on that date. Although the Treasurer’s Office will be open until 7 p.m., the treasurer encourages taxpayers to mail their payments on or before the Sept. 2 due date (postmarks are accepted), or to utilize any of the participating local banks or credit unions to pay their taxes. Discover Card is the only credit card accepted in the Treasurer’s Office. You can also go to the website www.winnebagotreasurer.com to pay online, by check or credit card, or you can pay by credit card by calling Illinois E-Pay at 1-877-4553729. A convenience fee will be charged by Illinois E-Pay when you pay by credit card. Illinois EPay accepts Visa online only (credit or debit), and MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards either online or via their tollfree telephone number. Visa debit card payments will incur a $3.95 Continued on page A7 ! jobs in China. It addressed greening activities in energy, transportation and forestry. China has established a long-term green vision, and is likely to meet or exceed its goals. The report points out that, in 2008, China became the world’s largest PV manufacturer with about 700 PV companies. By 2010, China had four of the top 10 solar PV cell manufacturers in the world. Employment in China increased from 13,800 workers in 2005 to 83,000 workers in 2007. PV manufacturing increased a thousand-fold in China from 1990 manufacturing was targeted at the export market, creating a global glut in the PV marketplace. The glut is undermining U.S. investments made in manufacturing facilities in the United States. In Massachusetts, Evergreen Solar, once the third-largest maker of solar panels in the United States, benefited from a $43 million incentive from the state government. Last January, it announced it would close its Massachusetts factory, laying off 800 workers and shift production to a joint venture Continued on page A7 ! The Rock River Times has been leading area media in Renewable Energy and green news coverage since 2002. 2 A Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program for seniors and disabled begins Sept. 1 Staff Report The City of Rockford Human Services Department, along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Energy Assistance, announces that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Sept. 1. LIHEAP is a state- and federally-funded energy assistance program for low-income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households. A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,361; a two-person household up to $1,839; and a family of four can earn up to $2,794. Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent. For the first time, some LIHEAP clients will have the option of choosing between the traditional Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) plan or the new Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). The PIPP is available to eligible LIHEAP clients who are customers of ComEd and Nicor Gas. Under PIPP, the eligible client will pay a percentage of their income, receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill, and receive a reduction in overdue payments for every on-time payment they make by the bill due date. The traditional DVP plan is a one-time payment. Clients must bring all required documentation when applying to assistance including: ! State photo ID, i.e., driver’s license or Illinois state ID ! Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date ! A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly) ! A copy of a rental agreement, lease or rent receipt (if they are renting) ! Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members !Proof that their household received TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP, if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Households with children under the age of 5 and disconnected households can begin applying for assistance beginning Oct. 1. Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning Nov. 1. The list of sites participating in the October and November sign-ups will be released at a later date. Clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The sites listed below will be serving as intake sites for seniors and disabled, and will begin taking phone calls for appointments beginning Sept. 1. Please note that the City of Rockford Human Services Department will not be taking calls for appointments. 2011 LIHEAP sites for Seniors and Disabled Lifescape Community Services, 705 Kilburn Ave., Rockford; (815) 963-1609. Disabled that are head of household and Seniors. English and Spanish available. Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA), 1111 S. Alpine Road, Suite 600, Rockford; (815) 226-4901. Seniors only. English and Spanish available. Rep. Chuck Jefferson’s Office, 200 S. Wyman St., Rockford; (815) 987-7433. Seniors and Disabled. English only. Rockton Township, 1315 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton; (815) 389-0914, (815) 6247788. Seniors and Disabled. English Only. Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit residents only. Boone County Council on Aging, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere; (815) 5449893. Seniors only. English and Spanish available. Boone County residents only. United Way of Boone County, 220 W. Locust St., Belvidere; (815) 544-3144. Disabled. English only. Boone County residents only. ALERTA, 130 N. State St., Belvidere; (815) 547-3800. Disabled. English and Spanish available. Boone County residents only. Rockford Park District’s Forest City Queen weekend on the Rock! ! Debut weekend for Water Taxi & Tours Staff Report Spend Labor Day weekend on the Rock with the Forest City Queen riverboat. The Rockford Park District offers the area’s first Water Taxi & Tours as a way to travel up and down the Rock River over Labor Day weekend. The Forest City Queen Water Taxi & Tours kicks off Friday, Sept. 2, with the first water taxi shuttle leaving Martin Park boat The Rock River Times News/Commentary dock at 4:30 p.m. and dropping off at Beattie Park boat dock, 401 N. Main St., Rockford, just steps away from On the Waterfront. Hours are: Friday, 4:30-11:15 p.m.; Saturday, 3:30-11:45 p.m.; Sunday, 3:30-10:15 p.m. Forest City Queen Water Taxi & Tours will operate on a set schedule; please try to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Cost is $2 round trip, $5 for a 3-day pass; free for kids age 4 and younger. No reservation is required. Purchase tickets from the captain on the boat. Cash only. First-come, first-served basis. How Water Taxi & Tours works: ! Park for free at Martin Park and take the Forest City Queen to Beattie Park to avoid trying to find a parking space. ! 30-minute ride each way ! Rides include narrated tour about the sights along the Rock River. Water Taxi & Tours amenities: ! Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. ! Forest City Queen is accessible for persons with disabilities. ! Baby strollers are welcome aboard. Water Taxi & Tours rules: ! No alcoholic beverages are allowed on board. ! No smoking is permitted during ride. ! There is no restroom available on the Forest City Queen. Information about the Forest City Queen Water Taxi & Tours will be available soon at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org. Forest City Queen Water Taxi & Tours is the official Water Taxi & Tour provider of On the Waterfront. For more information, contact Jay Sandine, deputy director of operations, at (815) 2890747 or [email protected]. Letter to President Barack Obama re: citizen harassment Guest Column By Dan Sears Dear Mr. President: Do you realize that Big Brother, the Gestapo and the KGB could still be active by congressional law? Yes, right here in little Roscoe, Illinois (61073). Last evening (Aug. 17) my wife and I were leaving (about 6 p.m.) for supper, and I noticed a strange car and person sitting in the road in front of our neighbor’s house. As we are somewhat rural, I turned around and went back, but by that time he was turning into another neighbor’s driveway, and sitting there. I thought perhaps he had located the party he wanted to visit. Oh no! He’s coming back, but by that time he was turning into another neighbor’s driveway, and I see our neighbor flagging us down from her back yard. We stop ... she is shaking and on the verge of tears. Apparently, this individual has been around before, and she found out he has been asking personal questions about her family, at other neighborhood houses. I decided to confront the individual. He very “officially” flashed a neck badge at me, while he is still sitting smugly in his car, and told me he was from the “American Community Survey” and this was none of my business! I told him rather clearly, in words I’m sure he would not have any trouble understanding, that any strange person in our neighborhood, just sitting around was definitely my business. Our neighbor informed this creep that she had called the sheriff to look into this. He, strangely, did not seem a bit concerned! My wife and I left. When we got back, our neighbor called and told us the sheriff had been there, had investigated this guy and his car, and spent almost an hour talking to the person. Come to find out the American Community Survey is real! And if you do not complete and return their request for information form, they can send a “supervisor” to harass you into answering their questions (please note: this is not from the official Census Bureau, which we all try to respond to) but from an agency that looks like, sounds like, and could possibly be part of a scam, as far as the typical citizen is concerned! And better yet, if you still refuse to answer the very personal questions, from a very suspicious character, you could be fined $100 (per the sheriff’s information). Wrong, according to the Internet, our wonderful, caring, elected officials in Congress upped the possible fine to $5,000 in 1984! And even our local law enforcement agencies are not informed of this sinister, pompous group! How much prying can a citizen tolerate before there is a “Mideast” mindset? Have you personally been investigated by this group? Why has it been a hidden agency? What do they need this information for (to stem uprisings?). How much of my tax dollars are spent supporting this dark group? I cannot even begin to imagine the cost of having these “supervisors” follow up on the form refusals. Is this some kind of Soylent Green department? What business is it of theirs as to what time I leave for work and get home ... is this information supposed to help them gain entry and “bug” our suspicious residences? Needless to say, we are really p----d off!!! What other dark, undercover programs are the citizens being subjected to? I know you have your hands full, trying to keep the “wackos” appeased, but please give the loyal, hard-working citizens a break from this type of stealthy garbage! I hope you can find a moment to address this issue and let us know what is going on. Respectfully, Dan Sears Dan Sears is a resident of Roscoe, Ill. News The Rock River Times Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 A People In Our Times Lawson Self Storage, Captain Kirk to hold auction Editor’s note: Lawson Self Storage was the winner of The Rock River Times’ “Free Ads for Year Contest,” held in July. Every ad placed in each issue of the paper during the month of July was entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free ad for a year of whatever size ad was purchased in the particular contest issue. As the winner, Lawson Self Storage will receive one “double-service” ad in the At Your Service section for 52 issues — for free. The contest will also be held in January. Call (815) 964-9767 for details about the contest and how to qualify. Jennifer Rada, co-owner of Lawson Self Storage, 3718 Samuelson Road, Rockford, has announced they will hold a second auction with Captain Kirk’s Auctions this fall. She reviewed the company’s history in an exclusive interview with The Rock River Times. “My father started the business in 1985,” Rada recalled. “Now, we have 102 storage units. My father built them out of sheet metal. There’s a size range from 12-by-19 feet to 14by-49 feet. Also, there are back-to-back bigger-size units that would make them 14-by-68 feet. That’s designed for really big vehicles, like a huge RV or a boat. Along those lines, one of the most unusual items stored there was an old fire truck. “We’re having our second auction with Captain Kirk’s Auctions, Thursday, Oct. 27,” Rada continued. “Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m., and the auction will begin at 9. It will be a liquidation of unpaid storage units as seen on popular television shows. They open up the door to the storage unit, and people can stand at the entryway and look in, but not enter. “Recently, the American Pickers came to Rockford, and Captain Kirk brought with him Hippie Tom, who was a guest on that show,” Rada said. “Captain Kirk was at Midway Village during the show, and he got to meet them. Captain Kirk hooked up with Hippie Tom, and is doing some auctions of his stuff. “The reason my dad started this storage and makes these really huge units is because he read in the newspaper that people who have huge RVs cannot park them in their yard or their driveway any more,” Rada said. “It’s against city ordinances.” For more about Lawson Self Storage, call (815) 874-5499. See their ad, offering one free month, in the “At Your Service” section inside the Eureka! Classifieds on page D4. New program coordinator at Hospice and Grief Center Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center congratulates Sheila O’Leary on her promotion to volunteer program coordinator. In her new position, O’Leary is responsible for the recruitment, training, development and scheduling of the agency’s 165 hospice volunteers. O’Leary joined Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center in 1993 as a volunteer and became a volunteer program staff member in March 2008. Her professional background includes social services, education, staff development, training and facilitation experiences in a variety of settings. She has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in human services from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. Send your “Community news and notes” to The Rock River Times, ATTN: People In Our Times, 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101; e-mail [email protected]; call (815) 964-9767; or fax (815) 964-9825. Sheila O’Leary Jane Justine Loveland (1922-2011) Jane Justine Loveland, born in Earlville, Ill., Aug. 25, 1922, passed away suddenly in Seal Beach, Calif., on Aug. 20, 2011, at the age of 88. Her parents Egidi and Justine (Wassler) Bauer came from Germany. She had two sisters, Margaret Hecathorn of Earlville, Ill., and Lucille Bardoner of Clarion, Iowa. Jane married John J. Loveland on June 1, 1957, in Bowling Green, Mo. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oregon, Ill. She was employed as a Postal Clerk at Oregon Post Office for 40 years, retiring in 1985. Jane was a resident of Oregon, IL. until 2006, when she moved to Seal Beach, Calif., to be near her son. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters. She is survived by her son, Mark (Gail) Loveland, and granddaughter Michelle of Garden Grove, CA. A Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept.17, 2011, at Earlville United Methodist Church, 313 Stilson St., in Jane Justine Loveland Earlville, Ill, with Pastor Cheri Stewart officiating. Burial of her urn will follow in St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery Earlville on the family plot. For more information or to sign the online guestbook, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com. Obituary Notices Brian Bennett, 46, Rockford, 8/19/11 Henrietta Hoeffer, 74, Rockford, 8/19/11 Michael Fay, 61, Rockford, 8/20/11 Jeff Smith, 59, Rockford, 8/20/11 Daniel Cooney, 18, Rockford, 8/20/11 Leah Papke, 87, Rockton, 8/20/11 Mildred Wenberg, 102, Rockford, 8/20/11 Donald Van Vleck, 82, Pecatonica, 8/20/11 Mark Christianson, 79, Rockford, 8/20/11 Cheryl Remsen, 72, Rockford, 8/20/11 Gordon Berry, 74, Rockford, 8/20/11 Karin Busekros, 69, Rockford, 8/20/11 Charles Parrovechio, 63, Rockford, 8/21/11 Stella Kokas, 89, Rockford, 8/21/11 Joanne Gulotta, 81, Cherry Valley, 8/21/11 Inez Harvey, 63, Rockford, 8/21/11 William Mulcahey, 76, Rockford, 8/21/11 Solon Coffey, 52, Rockford, 8/21/11 Shirley Jones, 78, South Beloit, 8/21/11 June Gustafson, 85, Rockford, 8/21/11 Leonard Long, 72, Rockford, 8/21/11 Beverly LaBore, 73, Rockford, 8/21/11 George Daily, 79, Rockford, 8/22/11 Chong Curtis, 62, South Beloit, 8/22/11 Charlene Hanvy, 75, Rockford, 8/22/11 Arra Garab, 81, Rockford, 8/ 22/11 Antoinette Segalla, 91, Rockford, 8/22/11 JR Woodson, 89, Rockford, 8/ 22/11 Richard Fisher, 80, Roscoe, 8/ 22/11 Charles Erbes, 84, Rockford, 8/22/11 Rebecca Clapp, 41, Loves Park, 8/22/11 Barbara Ingle, 81, Rockford, 8/22/11 Karin Schou, 53, Rockford, 8/23/11 James Heaton, 74, Rockford, 8/23/11 Larry Benner, 59, Rockford, 8/23/11 Duane Higar, 75, Machesney Park, 8/23/11 James Parker, 65, Rockford, 8/23/11 David Turcott, 70, Rockford, 8/23/11 Cynthia Dienhart, 60, Rockford, 8/23/11 Delores Bedin, 86, Rockford, 8/23/11 Debra Mickelson, 50, Rockford, 8/24/11 Barb Lehman, 73, Rockford, 8/24/11 Thornsten Sword, 69, Rockford, 8/24/11 Peter Palmenderi, 98, Rockford, 8/25/11 Dorothy Wisocki, 76, Rockford, 8/25/11 Marion Reherg, 86, Rockford, 8/25/11 Christine Ponder-Martin, 54, Rockford, 8/25/11 Mary Jones, 95, Rockford, 8/25/11 Rex Wheeler, 29, Rockford, 8/25/11 Debra Youngschumac, 52, Rockford, 8/25/11 Marian Duke, 91, Rockford, 8/25/11 Tru Pham, 76, Rockford, 8/25/11 Roberta Chaveste, 61, Rockford, 8/25/11 3 T h e Vo i c e o f t h e C o m m u n i t y s i n c e 1 9 87 © Copyright 2011 Staff - The Rock River Times, Inc. EDITOR & PUBLISHER PUBLISHER:: Frank Schier | ASSISTANT EDITOR: Brandon Reid | COPY EDITOR/VIBE CALENDAR CONTACT: Susan Johnson | SPORTS COLUMNISTS: Doug Halberstadt, Matt Nestor, Todd Reicher, S.C. Zuba | PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Jeff Helberg | TYPESETTER: Jon Bystrom | ACCOUNTING MANAGER: Marilyn Lamar | CLASSIFIEDS/CIRCULATION MANAGER: Stephanie Castillo | ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Jody Marshall | ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Jeanne Schaeffer, Nita Lasky Locally owned and operated since 1987 ABOUT US US:: The Rock River Times has a circulation of 22,000 free newspapers in the Rockford, Ill., metropolitan area by Third Class mail and through more than 2,035 commercial outlets. The weekly newspaper, distributed every Wednesday, has been in publication since 1987 and strives to be “The Voice of the Community.” Printed on recycled paper using soy ink. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Bulk mail subscriptions are available for $27 for 26 weeks, or $42 per year, prepaid. CONTACT US US:: Mail: The Rock River Times, 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101 | Phone: 815-964-9767 | Fax: 815964-9825 | E-mail: [email protected] | Online: www.rockrivertimes.com OFFICE HOURS: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, CST ACCURACY AND FAIRNESS: The Rock River Times strives for accuracy and fairness. If you spot any inaccuracies in any of our stories, please notify our editors as soon as possible. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All material herein is the sole property of The Rock River Times. No reprint, reproduction or other use of any of the materials contained herein is permitted without the consent of the publisher or his duly appointed representative. DEADLINES: News due Thursday by 4 p.m. Information for Community Calendar events due by noon Thursday for the following Wednesday issue. Events are printed as space permits. Letters to the Editor should be 200 words or fewer, and guest columns 500 words or fewer. Classifieds due Thursday by noon. noon Classified advertisements must be received by noon Thursday for the following Wednesday issue. Classifieds must be paid in advance. Legal Notices due Friday by 5:30 p.m. Although 4 p.m. Friday is preferred, Legal Notices must be received by 5:30 p.m. Friday for the following Wednesday issue. AFFILIATIONS: The Rock River Times is a proud member of the following organizations: 0)&3 PLGZHVWIUHHFRPPXQLW\SDSHUV Citizens Alert! Rockford’s City Council voted to allow an asphalt plant to be built in a quarry on Charles Street inside the city limits. This is outrageous! You Can Help It makes no sense to put an air-polluting, water-contaminating, traffic-impeding asphalt plant in the middle of existing neighborhoods of family homes. A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Rockford to stop this injustice. Donations are needed to help fund the cost of this lawsuit. Please send your donations, if you agree with this injustice, to: NETS P.O. Box 5124 • Rockford, IL 61125 For information: • Clare Merwin—815-398-1653 • Alec Kaplanes—815-399-1027 www.stopasphalt.org PCVKQPCNCFXGTVKUKPIPGVYQTM ROCKFORD SPACE. COM has ! Downtown Raw Space Investors & Brokers welcome Many options available Office space & storage 3/4-acre of parking available At Cedar & Church streets, across from the new federal courthouse, and next to the proposed Amtrak Station 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 • • • • • 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 8151234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 ROCKFORDSPACE.COM 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901 Call today 979-0789 4 A The Rock River Times Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 Start school with extra credit. $ Get 100 for each new Smartphone. Switch to U.S. Cellular, activate any of our Smartphones and get a $100 credit per line. It’s another great reason to be with the happiest customers in wireless. ® Learn how to put your Smartphone to smart uses at our Device Workshops. Visit uscellular.com/events for details. SAMSUNG GEM TM free TM an Android -powered phone ® After $100 mail-in rebate that comes as a MasterCard debit card. Applicable Smartphone Data Plan required. New 2-yr. agmt. and $30 act. fee may apply. • Access your favorite social networks • Browse the Web, access e-mail • Access over 150,000 apps like Gtasks, Dropbox and Pandora® To learn more, visit uscellular.com or call 1-888-BUY-USCC. Things we want you to know: A two-year agreement (subject to early termination fee) required for new customers and current customers not on a Belief Plan. Current customers may change to a Belief Plan without a new agreement. Agreement terms apply as long as you are a customer. $30 activation fee and credit approval may apply. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee applies; this is not a tax or government-required charge. Additional fees, taxes and terms apply and vary by service and equipment. See store or uscellular.com for details. Promotional phone subject to change. U.S. Cellular MasterCard Debit Cards are issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank. Card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchants that accept MasterCard debit cards. Card valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Allow 10–12 weeks for processing. Smartphone Data Plans start at $30 per month or are included with certain Belief Plans. Application and data network usage charges may apply when accessing applications. Service Credit: Requires new account activation, two-year agreement and Smartphone purchase. $100 credit will be applied to your account in $50 increments over two billing periods. Credits will start within 60 days after activation. Account must remain active in order to receive credit. No cash value. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. ©2011 U.S. Cellular. Vibe B entertainment Page B1 - Pullout | Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 Community News – B2 Community News – B6 Crossword Puzzle – B11 Kryptonite Music Lounge has designated drivers on site Burpee’s Alan Brown returns from 1,021-mile bike trip Can you solve this week’s crossword puzzle? Music News On the Waterfront festival set for Sept. 1-4 Staff Report The annual On the Waterfront (OTW) music festival kicks off Thursday, Sept. 1, with the Rock Allegiance Tour on the Great Lawn Stage at Davis Park in downtown Rockford. Live musical performances, entertainment, food, carnival rides and other special attractions continue throughout the Labor Day weekend. The festival concludes with a headlining performance by the Stone Temple Pilots from 9 to 10:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 4, on the Great Lawn Stage. Festival gates are open from 4 to 11 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, for Great Lawn performances only and carnival kick-off carnival rides in the carnival area near Riverview Park, between Water and Madison streets near the Jefferson Street bridge; 5 p.m.midnight, Friday, Sept. 2; 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Saturday, Sept. 3; and 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 4. General festival tickets are $15 in advance for all three days or $12 at the gate for a single day. Great Lawn reserved seats can be purchased through the Coronado Performing Arts Center at (815) 964-4388 or coronadopac.org. For more about the festival, contact the OTW office inside Stewart Square at 308 W. State St., Suite 115, by phone at (815) 9644388, or visit onthewaterfront.com. Music Music stages are in the following locations: Great Lawn Stage — South side of Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., near corner of South Wyman and Cedar streets Left Bank Stage — North side of Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., corner of South Wyman and Chestnut streets Center Stage — Corner of North Wyman and Mulberry streets, across from the Rockford Public Library Oasis Stage — Corners of North Wyman and Jefferson Street and North Wyman and Park Avenue, near Beattie Park and Hinshaw & Culbertson Musical lineups by day and stage follow: Thursday, Sept. 1 Great Lawn Stage 4:35-4:55 p.m. — Drive A 5:10-5:35 p.m. — Crossfade 5:55-6:25 p.m. — RED 6:45-7:15 p.m. — P.O.D. 7:35-8:15 p.m. — Puddle of Mudd 8:35-9:35 p.m. — Papa Roach 9:55-10:55 p.m. — Buckcherry Friday, Sept. 2 Great Lawn Stage DJ Steve Shannon of 97ZOK and Dot Dot Dot rotate until headliner Jason Derulo takes the stage. Left Bank Stage 5:30-7 p.m. — Jodi Beach Trio 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Dave Herrero 10-11:30 p.m. —Damon Fowler Center Stage 5:30-7 p.m. — Roscoe 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Tyler Farr 10-11:30 p.m. — Jerrod Niemann Oasis Stage 5:30-7 p.m. — Robin Banks 7:45-9:15 p.m. — X51 10-11:30 p.m. — FireHouse Saturday, Sept. 3 Great Lawn Stage 7:30-8:15 p.m. — Ann Marie 9-10:30 p.m. — Josh Turner Left Bank Stage 12:30-2:45 p.m. — Bright Stars Celebration 3:15-4:45 p.m. — Manny Lopez Intimate... Elegant... Perf ect Rockford Woman’s Club T HOST YOUR EVENT he Rockford Woman’s Club offers you the perfect setting for a formal or informal gathering. The club has hosted beautiful weddings and receptions, bridal/ baby showers, private parties, art openings, seminars, and business meetings. The banquet facilities can accommodate 200 diners in the main dining room and 100 diners in the Brown and Olson Rooms. The beautifully ornate wooden bar area is located off the main dining room. The Gallery and Sun Room provide excellent settings for parties, receptions, and pre-theatre events, as well as for dining. The R ockford W oman ’s Club owns the stately Rockford Woman oman’s stately,, majestic facility at ark Avenue, R ockford, Illinois, which includes a dining Rockford, 323 PPark room, 800seat theatre, art gallery and meeting rooms. The Club 800-seat is regularly rented out for wedding receptions, public meetings, theatrical and private events. TTelephone elephone 815-965-4233 www .rockfordtheater .com www.rockfordtheater .rockfordtheater.com 5:30-7 p.m. — Mama Digdown’s Brass Band 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Moonlight Jazz Orchestra 10-11:30 p.m. — Rick Estrin & the Nightcats Center Stage 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. — Mr. Myers: 30 Years of Caribbean Rock 2:45-4:15 p.m. — The Jim Busta Band 5-6:30 p.m. — Frank Calvagna and Opan Jii 7:15-9 p.m. — Hurricane Gumbo 9:30-11:30 p.m. — The Elders Oasis Stage 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — Keith Country Day School Rock Camp Continued on page B10 ! 2 B Vibe Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 Music Wednesday, Aug. 31 Vinyl Voodoo – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 10:30 p.m. Free. Every Wed. Info: 815-962-7944. Mark Reed & Waddy – Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road. 6-9 p.m. Info: 815-229-0800. Karaoke with Mike – Rusty Nail, 1804 Eighth Ave. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Every Wed. Free. Info: 815-397-2510. Open Stage w/Jim Grass – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Info: 815-633-2552. Comedy Night with Mike Stanley & Kevin Kraft – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007. River City Sound Chorus Guest Night – Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. 6:45 p.m. For women who like to sing and are interested in learning the art of a cappella singing barbershop-style. Info: 608-921-1940. Thursday, Sept. 1 On the Waterfront Kick-Off Concert – Downtown Rockford. Gates open at 4 p.m., runs until 11 p.m. Seven bands. Tickets through Coronado PAC. See related article in this section. Info: 815-964-4388. Blues Gone Wild Open Blues Jam by the Howdos – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-787-9547. Untamed Ornathoids – Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road. 6-9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-229-0800. Scott Holt Band – Adriatic Café, 127 W. Jefferson St. Blues Guitar Master Class with Scott Holt – Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford. 4-5 p.m. $75/ student. Includes full-color booklet and signed copy of his newest CD. Reserve at: 815-964-2238 or www.snapshotmusic.com. Open Stage – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Every Thurs. Info: 815-962-7944. Bike Night – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. 6-10 p.m. Sturgis Party. Info: 815-877-8007. The Monday Morning Dixie Band – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 6-9 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-624-6018. Open Mic – Cronie’s Grill, 9032 N. Second St., Machesney Park. Every Thurs. Friday, Sept. 2 On the Waterfront – Downtown Rockford. 5 p.m.-midnight. Live music, entertainment, carnival rides, food. Ad- vance tickets, 3 days, $15, $12/day at the gate. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-9644388 or www.onthewaterfront.com. Music on the Mall: Andrew Holm – Mary’s Market at Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road. 6-9 p.m. Info: 815226-0212. Poor Man’s Fortune – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. 9:30 p.m. $5. Info: 815968-9061. Sweet Lucy – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-633-2552. Daddy’s Got a New .45 – Kryptonite Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. 9 p.m. Free Info: 815-965-0931. Dean Moriarty Jazz Band – Café Belwah, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. 6-10 p.m. Free. Info: 608-363-1110. Obie Call, Alphadrop & Skinny White Lines – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815-962-7944. Lucas & the Jays CD release show w/ special guests Gina Venier, Carlos Garza, Matt Bentley, Kirkland, Venom Kiss and The Missing Kids – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 7 p.m. $8. Info: 815-787-9547. Paul Allodi’s Live Band Karaoke – Otto’s Niteclub & Underground, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Info: 815758-2715. Tommy Tutone – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. $10. Info: 815-633-2552. Bob Affolder, Karaoke – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. 9 p.m. Info: 815-624-8877. Karaoke with Mike – Victory Tap, 2315 Harrison Ave. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Fri. Free. Info: 815-399-8822. Karaoke – The Filling Station, 6259 11th St. Info: 815-874-5766. Karaoke – The Grove, 100 E. Grove St., Poplar Grove. 9 p.m. Info: 815765-1002. Bob Affolder, Karaoke – Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. 9 p.m. Info: 815-624-8877. Karaoke – Scanlan’s, 2921 City View Drive. 9 p.m. Info: 815-639-0000. DJ – Backstop Bar & Grill, 1830 Union Ave., Belvidere. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-547-8100. DJ – Oscar’s Pub & Grill, 5980 E. State St. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-6100. DJ – Manor Nightclub, 293 Executive Pkwy. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815394-0077. DJ – Brewsky’s, 4414 Charles St. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-399-9300. DJ – RBI’s, 3870 N. Perryville Road. 9 p.m. Info: 815-877-5592. DJ – Tad’s, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 9 p.m. Info: 815-654-3500. DJ – The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St. 9 p.m. Info: 815-965-0344. DJ Jonny – Shooters Bar & Grill, 4007 E. State St. 8 p.m. Info: 815399-0683. DJ Mark & Lana – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-624-6018. DJ/Karaoke – Jayne’s Place, 2229 Anderson Drive, Belvidere. Info: 815544-5153. DJ/Karaoke – Red’s Neighborhood Tavern, 129 N. State St., Belvidere. Info: 815-544-6677. Saturday, Sept. 3 On the Waterfront – Downtown Rockford. 11:30 a.m.-midnight. Live music, entertainment, carnival rides, food. Advance tickets, 3 days, $15, $12/day at the gate. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-964-4388 or www.onthewaterfront.com. Joe Jencks & Brother Sun Trio – Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N.Fourth St., DeKalb. Opening by Conley Trio w/Jen Jencks Conley at 7:30 p.m., followed by main act at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15/ general admission, $10 students & seniors, sold at the door. Iron Cross, Patchwork (Metal Tribute) & 99 Proof Devils – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. 8:30 p.m. $5. Info: 815968-9061. Benefit Concert for Safe Passage w/ Drew Dawson, Tomorrow’s Alliance, Jenny Franck – The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. 7 p.m. $5. Info: 815-787-9547. Sweet Lucy – Hope and Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park. 9 p.m. Info: 815-633-2552. The Sensations featuring Holland Zander – Kryptonite Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. 9 p.m. Call for cover. Info: 815-965-0931. The Goodyear Pimps & The Sons of Many Bitches – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815-962-7944. Ma & Pa Kittle/Karaoke – Grant Park Tavern, 3015 Kishwaukee St. 9 p.m.1 a.m. Free. Info: 815-397-9819. DJ/Karaoke – Red’s Neighborhood Tavern, 129 N. State St., Belvidere. Info: 815-544-6677. DJ Mark & Lana – FIBS, 105 W. Main St., Rockton. 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-624-6018. DJ – Tad’s, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 9 p.m. Info: 815-654-3500. Sunday, Sept. 4 On the Waterfront – Downtown Rockford. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Live music, entertainment, carnival rides, food. Advance tickets, 3 days, $15, $12/day at the gate. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-9644388 or www.onthewaterfront.com. Continued on page B4 ! The Rock River Times Kryptonite provides designated drivers By Chris Wachowiak to us to try to direct you to smarter choices. Kryptonite Owner This is why Kryptonite partnered up with Responsibility matters in life; and for a Designated Drivers of Illinois. Fully licensed man who loves to be irresponsible from time and insured, Designated Drivers sit on site to time, I’ve found a way to remove a bad every Friday and Saturday, along with any choice that can haunt you. special holiday or occasion like On the WaToo often, I hear terfront or Screw people complain City Beer Festival, about not wanting to Fully licensed and insured, offering Kryptonite take a cab in Rock- Designated Drivers sit on site customers a disford, because of a rate to take every Friday and Saturday, along counted number of reasons: guests and their cars 1. Rockford cabs are with any special holiday or home for $20. sketchy. 2. It takes occasion like On the Waterfront Guests don’t even on average 30 min- or Screw City Beer Festival, need to make a phone call on these days; utes to get a cab to your location. 3. You offering Kryptonite customers a they can just walk don’t want to leave discounted rate to take guests across the street as a team will always sit your car behind. and their cars home for $20. on site. Last, but not So, in a culture where DUIs are only least, their team is all on the upswing and tolerance for irresponsi- business — professional people who are pasbility is diminishing, a new option needs to sionate about what they do ... a winning be examined. combination for partnering up with Kryptonite. When it came time to plan my wedding, I In life, it’s good to have options. And now, was looking for a responsible way to get my you have options for your safety and the family members and guests home safely. I safety of those in your lives. And if you come had seen some fliers about a year ago, and down on a night when it is not a weekend or then I actually saw Designated Drivers of holiday, Kryptonite customers get preferRockford in action at an EMK Golf Outing. ential treatment with faster service and So, as I was talking with owner Nick Jupin still get a discount on the standard rate. about his services, I realized I needed to give Remember, we want you around to be our the guests at my bar some safer options in customers for years to come! Our customers their life, and remove the DUI barriers for deserve better choices, which happen to be found at our front door. See you there — let’s them and everyone who visits us. Now, it’s no secret that at Kryptonite, we have some fun! encourage people to have a good time. And Chris Wachowiak is owner of Kryptonite some of our customers like to have a really Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. The club can good time ... it’s not for us to judge. But it is up be reached at (815) 965-0931. Scott Holt to teach master guitar clinic, perform Sept. 1 Staff Report color booklet and a signed copy of Holt’s Charlotte’s Web for the Performing Arts newest CD release. The Scott Holt Band presents blues guitar genius will be performing at the Scott Holt, who will offer his Adriatic Café, 327 W. master guitar class at 4 p.m., Jefferson St., Thursday Thursday, Sept. 1, at night, Sept. 1. Check out Emerson House, 420 N. his music and biographiMain St., Rockford. cal information at Holt leads a nationallytouring blues/roots band, www.scottholt.com. and is widely regarded as Reservations are availone of the most talented guiable by calling (815) 964tar players touring now. He 2238 (leave a message with began his career as Buddy your call-back number) and Guy’s band leader. After 10 by credit card at years on the road with www.snapshotmusic.com Buddy, he hit the road makvia PayPal, ($1/reservation ing his own music. processing fee included). The class will take place Print your receipt to present Photo provided from 4 to 5 p.m. and is limit at the door and verify ited to eight students. Cost is your reservation. Scott Holt $75 per student. For more details, call (815) In addition to an hour of semi-private 964-2238 or visit www.snapshotmusic.com instruction, each student will receive a full- or www.charlotteswebofrockford.org. The Rock River Times Vibe Fun day with family and friends! Three great rides! Explore Winnebago County by bike! Cool t-shirt! Party after the ride! Support four great performing arts organizations! www.BikeForTheArts.com Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 B 3 4 B Vibe Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 ! Continued from page B2 Acoustic Millennium Band – Tads on the River, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. 4-8 p.m. Free. Info: 815-877-1122. Poets Dance, Lucrezio & Tim Stop – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. 9:30 p.m. $5. Info: 815-968-9061. The Sensations, The Stevee Nix – Kryptonite Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. 9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-965-0931. Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815-962-7944. Karaoke – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Family, 6-9 p.m. Adult Karaoke: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Info: 815-877-8007. Monday, Sept. 5 Vinyl Voodoo – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 10:30 p.m. Free. Info: 815-962-7944. Free Pool – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. Info: 815-877-8007. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Open Stage – Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St. 9:30 p.m. Info: 815962-7944. Karaoke – Kryptonite Music Lounge, 308 W. State St. Info: 815-965-0931. Free Pool & Karaoke with Bob – Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Info: 815-877-8007. Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication. Call (815) 964-9767 to report any inaccuracies in these calendars. Arts & Theater Ongoing Attractions Rockford Art Museum – 711 N. Main St. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Featuring “Rockford Made 4356: Deill/Julin,” thru Dec. 27. Born on the same day, in the same year — April 3,1956 — in the same Rockford hospital, “Rockford Made 4356” celebrates the creative vision of noted Rockford artists John Deill and Jim Julin. Free for everyone every Tues. Info: 815-968-2787. Artists’ Ensemble – Rockford College Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St. Info: 815-540-4717. Kortman Gallery – 107 N. Main St. Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Featuring “Flesh in Rainbows,” paintings by Sarah Danielle Stewart, thru Oct. 1. Info: 815-968-0123. David C. Olson Photography Studio – 7801 E. State St., inside Clock Tower Resort. Wildlife and nature imagery. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday. Free. Info: 815-873-1777. Beth Ann Weis Salon & Spa – 4108 Morsay Drive, Rockford. Featuring JoAnne McKinney paintings thru Sept. 22. Hours: Tues. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs., noon-9 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.5 p.m. Closed Sun., Mon., Wed. Info: 815-387-2700. Funktional Arts – 412 N. First St. Furniture & sculpture. Info: 815969-7942. Village Gallery – Stewart Square. Artists’ co-op. 45 artists. Open Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-963-ARTS. Bonzi Productions Theatre Group – Family theater, plays, musicals. Info: 815-394-8987. Wright Museum of Art – 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.Sun. Info: 608-363-2677. Galena Artists’ Guild Gallery – 324 Spring St., Galena. Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-777-2870. NIU Art Museum – Hall Case Galleries, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-4 p.m. Thru Oct. 29: “In the House: Sculpture for the Home,” “In the Studio and In the Garden: John Balsley Sculpture and Collage,” “On the Body and In the Hand.” Free. Info: 815-753-1936. Rockford College Art Gallery – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. 3-6 p.m., Tues.-Fri. Free. Info: 815-226-4105. Womanspace – Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Exhibit: Anything Goes, 5:30-8 p.m. in Gallery 1 thru Sept. 10. Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-877-0118. Beloit Fine Arts Incubator – 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Starting Sept. 2: “The Art of Dan Wuthrich.” Opening reception Sept. 2. Other hours by appointment. Info: 608-313-9083. Monroe Arts Center – 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis. Info: 608-325-5700. ArtSpace West – 1426 N. Main St. Tues.Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Info: 630-546-4727 or 815-988-1501. Age Quake Theatre – Plays for and about those 55 and older performed in the greater Rockford area. Info: 815-398-8090. Cholke Photography & Fine Art Gallery – 2211 E. State St. Fri., 7:3010 p.m.; Sat., 4:30-10 p.m.; Sun., 25 p.m. Free. Info: 815-226-9398. The Fireside Theatre – Fort Atkinson, Wis. Now playing: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Info: 800-4779505 or www.firesidetheatre.com. Freeport Art Museum –121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. Now thru Sept. 17: Print Invitational: Exhibition of printmaking by Barry Carlsen, Darren Houser, David Menard and The Rock River Times Peter Olson. Info: 815-235-9755. DeKalb Area Women’s Center – 1021 State St., DeKalb. Fridays 7-9 p.m. Info: 815-758-1351. Tom Littrell Design & Art Studio – 317 Market St., Rockford. “Artists at Work” every Friday, 4-8 p.m. thru Oct. 15. Info: 815-519-5288. Timber Lake Playhouse – 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. Now playing: ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $23 adults, $20 seniors, $15 students. Info: 815-244-2035. Ingrid Dohm Studio Gallery – 839 N. Perryville Road. Appointments/Info: 815-519-6492. Midtown Marketplace – 203 Seventh St. Info: 815-961-1269. The Gallery At JustGoods – 201 Seventh St. Currently seeking local artist to present works in the Community/Art room. New art shows monthly. Featuring the works of David Van Delinder and Jim Flickinger. Info: 815-965-8903. Charlotte Hackin Art Studio & Gallery – 6278 Brynwood Drive. Info: 815-639-1318. Bliss Beads Studio & Gallery – 161 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, Ill. Weekly classes in bead jewelry making, silversmithing and flamework glass. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Info: 815-517-0164. Woodstock Opera House – 121 VanBuren St., Woodstock. Info: 815338-5300. Wednesday, Aug. 31 ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. 7:30 p.m. Special production. Tickets $20, available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call box office at 815-244-2035, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Sexifyed part Deux – Pearl, 6876 Spring Creek Road. Collaborative group art exhibit among students of Rock Valley College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Thursday, Sept. 1 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – The Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. at dinner theatre thru Oct. 23. Tickets/Info: 800-477-9595 or firesidetheatre.com. ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. 7:30 p.m. Special production. Tickets $20, available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call box office at 815-244-2035, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Continued on page B5 ! Photo by John Cobb Mariah Thornton and David A. Gingerich in Incorruptible at Artists’ Ensemble Theater. Incorruptible opens Artists’ Ensemble’s season Sept. 9 Staff Report The Dark Ages are looking pretty dark in the 13th century — the wheelbarrow hasn’t been invented yet, and the patron saint of the village hasn’t worked a miracle in 13 years. Then, a group of destitute monks take a lesson from a larcenous minstrel, who teaches them an outrageous way to make a fortune. What could possibly go wrong? Besides … well, everything. Incorruptible by Michael Hollinger opens Artists’ Ensemble Theater’s eighth season with performances Sept. 9-25 in the Cheek Theatre at Rockford College. Acclaimed as “a lightning-fast farce, rich in both verbal and physical humor,” by American Theatre, the comedy features Ensemble member David A. Gingerich as Jack and guest artist Michael Herold as Charles, the good-hearted, if misguided, abbot. Mariah Thornton plays Marie, Jack’s “We are man and wife, in all but the eyes of the law and the church.”; Patte Armato Lund plays Marie’s eccentric mom; Chad Brazzle, Jamie Button and David Jacobs play monks; and Margaret Raether plays the abbess of a nearby convent. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays; 8 p.m., Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m., Saturdays; and 2 p.m., Sundays. Thursday tickets are $19. All other performances are $28, $26 for seniors and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.artistsensemble.org or by calling (815) 904-2277. Vibe The Rock River Times Arts community presents free ‘Curtain Up!’ event Sept. 8 Staff Report Rockford’s arts and entertainment community will kick off their 2011-2012 seasons at “Curtain Up!” from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Admission is free. At “Curtain Up!”, the Rockford community can discover all their local arts and entertainment organizations have to offer for the 2011-2012 season. Attendees can talk to representatives from the various organizations and purchase season subscriptions and single tickets. The event will include free appetizers, cash bar, live music and ticket giveaways. Presenting organizations include AgeQuake Theatre, Artists’ Ensemble Theater, Charlotte’s Web for the Perform- ing Arts, Coronado Performing Arts Center, Discovery Center Museum, Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford, Land of Lincoln Theater Organ Society, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, the MetroCentre, The Music Academy, Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre, Rockford Area Arts Council, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford College, Rockford Coronado Concert Association, Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Wind Ensemble and Rockford Writers’ Guild. For more details, contact Ann-Margret Naber at the Rockford Area Arts Council by calling (815) 963-6765 or e-mailing [email protected], or visit www.artsforeveryone.com. Pec Playhouse stages Once Upon a Mattress Staff Report PECATONICA, Ill. — Pec Playhouse Theatre in Pecatonica, Ill., will present Once Upon a Mattress Sept. 9-25. This grown-up fairy tale portrays the traditional story of the princess and pea in a whole new light. The kingdom is in turmoil waiting for Prince Dauntless the Drab to wed since none of the courtiers can take a trip down the aisle until the prince does. And while Dauntless isn’t picky, his mother is. The queen devises nearly impossible tasks for each candidate to attempt, and none of the first 12 has been equal to the challenge. The situation becomes dire for lady-inwaiting Larken when she discovers she and Sir Harry are about to become unwed parents. Sir Harry rides out to find a suitable candidate in a far-off land, but when he finally returns with Winifred the Woebegone from the swamps, no one is convinced this moat-swimming girl will make a suitable princess. When Dauntless the Drab falls head over heels, the kingdom conspires to help Winifred beat the queen at her own game. Styled in a late-’50s Las Vegas night club where the castle wenches are show girls, the mute king is a Hefner-esque skirt-chaser, and the story-telling minstrel is a martinisipping lounge act … this version of Once Upon a Mattress promises to surprise and delight audiences with fast-paced vocal numbers and dance styles ranging from a softshoe to free-style rock-and-roll. Pec Playhouse Theatre is at 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill. Show times are 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m., Sundays. The theater notes it has an opening for a princess in the production. Those interested should contact the theater. Tickets ($10) are available by calling (815) 239-1210 or 1-877-PEC-PLAY, or by visiting pecplayhouse.org. Fall registration open for Rock Valley Children’s Choir Staff Report Registration is open for Rock Valley Children’s Choir’s fall semester. Registration dates and locations for the four choirs are as follow: ! Do Re Mi Singers (grade 1-3) — 45:30 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 12 and 14, Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. ! Music Makers Chorus (grade 4-8) — 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 6 and 13, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford. ! Crescendo Choir (grade 6-8, auditions required) — 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford. ! Encore (grade 9-12) — 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford. The Rock Valley Children’s choirs, directed by Leah Baskin, provide a safe place for children to make music together and make new friends. Each chorus rehearses once a week and participates in two concerts per semester, as well as other community events. Tuition is $125 per semester for Do Re Mi Singers and $150 per semester for Music Makers Chorus, Crescendo Choir and Encore. Discounts for families with more than one participating singer are available. Registration forms and payments will be taken at the first and second rehearsal of each chorus, or may be mailed to the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center. For more information, call the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center at (815) 964-9713, visit www.mendelssohnpac.org or view the RVC Fall 2011 Community and Continuing Professional Education schedule at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/CE. New book by Freeport author tells how to recover from house fire Staff Report the experiences of other fire victims with A Freeport resident has written and pub- whom she talked. lished a reference book to assist people who In an interview, Lockwood said: “Unforhave had fires. tunately, there wasn’t a book or even a Titled How to Recover From a House Fire pamphlet written to help fire victims when (or How to Keep from Being Burned After the Continued on page B6 ! Fire’s Extinguished), the book clearly lists the anComing to Rockford this September swers to the many questions a person has after a home FU N F UN fire. It also warns of the many people who have no qualms about further exploiting the fire’s victim beWidow and Widowers Gathering cause of the insurance money that’s “up for grabs.” For those aged 40 and older. Check back soon Told in an easy-to-read style, the book relates the for more details about this secular activity personal fire experience unfor more information call dergone several years ago by Freeport author Mary 815.757.8045 Doak-Lockwood, as well as NEWHORIZONS Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 ! Continued from page B4 Friday, Sept. 2 “Lucien Knuteson Photography: I Shoot People” – Monroe Arts Center, Frehner Gallery, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis. Opening reception 57 p.m. Gallery Talk, 5 p.m.Thru Oct. 14. Info: 608-325-5700. 22nd Annual Photography Contest & Exhibit – Monroe Arts Center, Wesley Hall, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Contest winners announced 6 p.m. Thru Oct. 14. Info: 608-325-5700. The Art of Dan Wuthrich – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Opening reception 5:308:30 p.m. Gallery talk at 7 p.m. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & refreshments. Showing thru Oct. 3. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608-313-9083. Artists at Work featuring Ron Clevenger – Tom Littrell Design & Art Studio, 317 Market St. 4-8 p.m. Landscapes on large canvases. Info: 815- 519-5288. Sexifyed part Deux – Pearl, 6876 Spring Creek Road. Collaborative group art exhibit among students of Rock Valley College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. “Artists at Work” – Tom Littrell Design & Art Studio, 317 Market St., Rockford. Every Friday, 3-7 p.m. thru Sept. 30. Info: 815-519-5288. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – The Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. at dinner theatre thru Oct. 23. Tickets/Info: 800-477-9595 or firesidetheatre.com. ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. 7:30 p.m. Special production. Tickets $20, available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call box office at 815-244-2035, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Saturday, Sept. 3 Hello Galena! – Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society & Museum, 121 N. Commerce St., Galena. 10 a.m.-noon. Meet and Greet for fiber artist Susan Brusch, who works with handmade mittens. For map and directions: www.hellogalena.org or 815-777-1448. The Art of Dan Wuthrich – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Thru Oct. 3. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608313-9083. Sexifyed part Deux – Pearl, 6876 Spring Creek Road. Collaborative group art exhibit among students of Rock Valley College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – The Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. at dinner theatre thru Oct. 23. Tickets/Info: 800-477-9595 or firesidetheatre.com. ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. 7:30 p.m. Special production. Tickets $20, available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call box office at 815-244-2035, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Sunday, Sept. 4 Art in the Park – Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regional artists display their paintings, photography, woodworking, ceramics, and metal crafting. See local musicians and performing artists; activities for kids. Info: 815235-6114, ext. 115. ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 – Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll. 7:30 p.m. Special production. Tickets $20, available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call box office at 815-244-2035, open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Sexifyed part Deux – Pearl, 6876 Spring Creek Road. Collaborative group art exhibit among students of Rock Valley College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Monday, Sept. 5 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – The Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. at dinner theatre thru Oct. 23. Tickets/Info: 800-477-9595 or firesidetheatre.com. The Art of Dan Wuthrich – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Thru Oct. 3. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608313-9083. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – The Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. at dinner theatre thru Oct. 23. Tickets/Info: 800-477-9595 or firesidetheatre.com. The Art of Dan Wuthrich – Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, 520 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. Thru Oct. 3. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 608313-9083. Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication. Call (815) 964-9767 to report any inaccuracies in these calendars. B 5 Community Ongoing Attractions Rockford Public Library Hours – Main Library open Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; East Branch open Mon.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Rock River and Montague branches open Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Rockton Centre Branch open Mon.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lewis Lemon Branch open Mon.-Fri., 2-6 p.m. All library locations closed Sundays. Merchant Family Civil War Display – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, Local History Room, 215 N. Wyman St. Winnebago County family who sent 10 sons to the military during the Civil War. Thru September. Burpee Museum of Natural History – 737 N. Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-965-3433. Discovery Center Museum – 711 N. Main St. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 815-963-6769. Tinker Swiss Cottage – 411 Kent St. Tours 1, 2, 3 p.m., Tues.-Sun. New exhibit: “Barn Quilt” on Tinker Barn to celebrate Northern Illinois Quilt Fest thru September. Info: 815-964-2424. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden – 2715 S. Main St. Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $6 adults, $3 seniors & students, children younger than 3 and Klehm members, free. Info: 815-965-8146. Through the Branches – A Quilter’s Perspective – Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St. Exhibit runs July through September. Free with Arboretum daily admission fee. Adults $6, seniors 65+/students $3, members and children younger than 5, free. Info: 815-965-8146. Anderson Japanese Gardens – 318 Spring Creek Road. Open May 1-Oct. 31. Info: 815-229-9390. Memorial Hall – 211 N. Main St. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Fri., or by appointment. Info: 815-969-1999. Camp Grant – 1004 Samuelson Road. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tues.-Sat. Restaurant on premises. Info: 815-395-0679. Lewis Lemon Community Center – 1993 Mulberry St. Mon.-Fri., 5:3011 p.m. Free. Info: 815-987-8800. Ethnic Heritage Museum – 1129 S. Main St. Sun., 2-4 p.m. Featuring “Garibaldi Guard!” honoring the 39th New York Infantry, a regiment of Italian-American men who fought under Giuseppe Garibaldi; runs until Nov. 30. Admission $3 individual, $5 famContinued on page B8 ! 6 B Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 Vibe The Rock River Times Biking with dino bones from Montana to Rockford: Burpee’s Dr. Alan Brown makes it! Photos by Frank Schier, editor and publisher For 1,021 miles and 27 days at an average of 2 miles per hour, Bob Kantner (above left) drove the support truck following Burpee Museum of Natural History Executive Director Dr. Alan Brown as he pedaled his bike from Ekalaka, Mont., to bring the last of Homer the dinosaur’s bones to their new home at Burpee Museum. Kantner joked, “I learned truck drivers know a lot ... a tractor trailer carrying pig manure goes faster than we do.” To which, Brown retorted, “Only uphill! Only uphill!” The jokester duo passed through Montana, Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and home to Illinois. “The Burpee Museum discovered the most complete juvenile Triceratops ever found, and it’s time we bring Homer home!” said the 62 yearsyoung Brown on the museum’s website. Beginning at 6:45 a.m., Aug. 1, and every morning after, Brown had an interview with Aaron and Andy on Channel 23. “We were interviewed by five newspapers along the way, spreading the word about Burpee and Rockford,” Brown said. More good humor and personal perseverance marked the trip with a visit to the Spam Museum and a toe patched up with duct tape. Burpee Director of Marketing and Resource Development Nancy Whitlock (center right) gathered support for Brown’s trip, as was evident with the banner she presented him with on his return last Saturday, Aug. 27. Brown (right) applauded donors Jay and Bart Brost for the loan of their new Ford F-150 pickup truck, the TREK bike company and Rockford Bicycle Company on Perryville Road. “We raised an estimated $20,000, and after expenses, we’ll net around $12,000 to $15,000,” Brown said. To see all the fun and trials of this amazing trip, go to http://blog.burpee.org/author/blogger. To make a donation, go to www.burpee.org and click on “Homer is Coming Home. Click to Support the Ride.” This smiling Herculean effort deserves a net of $20,000! Donate today! New book by Freeport author tells how to recover from house fire ! Continued from page B5 I had my fire. Had there been one, much of my stress, fears and anxieties would have been significantly reduced. The objective of my book is to help anyone who’s going through the same thing. But I also urge people ‘to read the book before they need it.’ A fire can happen to anyone!” Future book signings will be announced later, but anyone wanting a book immediately may e-mail [email protected]. Vibe The Rock River Times Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 B The Illinois Renewable Energy Association thanks the sponsors of the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair whose financial support made the event possible. Unfortunately, last week we listed an outdated list of sponsors. We apologize to this year’s sponsors. Here is the corrected list: 2011 Sponsors: Gold The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Freedom Field The Rock River Times .. . ... .. . .. . .. . Airdronic Test & Balance Inc Axberg Heating Christiansen Inc Commercial Refrigeration Comfort Zone Htg & Clg DeKalb Mechanical D & E Sheet Metal Distinguished Sheet Metal Freeport Industrial Roofing Inc Gilley’s Heating & AC Freeport Sheet Metal Jim Holder Heating & AC Heat-Co Mechanical LM Sheet Metal Automatic Environmental Loescher Heating & AC Mechanical Inc Master Sheet Metal Metal Formers Inc National Metal Works Miller Engineering Nesterowicz & Associates Inc Norstar Mechanical Industries Park Sheet Metal Sheet Metal Connectors Inc Northern Mechanical Rockford Heating & AC Sterling Commercial Roofing Superior Heating & AC Inc Total Plumbing Silver Byron Forest Preserve District Ogle County Solid Waste Oregon Park District Northern Public Radio Patchwork Inn Green ComEd, an Exelon Corporation Blue WVIK Augustana Public Radio Mindful Metropolis Radish Magazine 7 8 B Vibe Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 ! Continued from page B5 ily. Info: 815-962-7402. Pine Tree Pistol Club – Info about club & classes: 815-874-7399. Graham-Ginestra House Museum – 1115 S. Main St. Sundays, 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-968-6044. Midway Village – 6799 Guilford Road. Mon.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Exhibit Stitches and Scraps: Quilts from the Museum’s Collection until Oct. 1. Info: 815-397-9112. Stone Quarry Recreation Park – 6845 N. German Church Road, Byron. Mon.-Fri., 4-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-8 p.m. Info: 815-234-8900. Health Classes/Seniors Meetings/ Support Groups – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health. Call for specific meetings/dates/info: 815-395-4505. Support Groups/Youth Drop-in Hours – Diversity of Rockford, 117 S. Third St. Free. Weekly. Call for specific meetings/dates/info: 815-964-2639. Alcoholics Anonymous – Call for locations/times/info: 815-227-4633 or 815-968-0333. Narcotics Anonymous – Call for locations/times/info: 815-964-5959 or 888-656-7329. Support for Retired Grievers – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 1011:30 a.m. Free. Every other Wed. Call for dates/info: 815-636-4750. Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W.– Every Thursday at Byron Public Library, Route 2. 12-step study group – 5:306 p.m. Regular group meets 6-7:30 p.m. Info: 815-734-4662. Rockford Public Library Used Book Shop – Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St. Mon.-Wed., noon-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606. Ken-Rock Community Center – 3218 11th St. Various activities throughout the year. Info: 815-398-8864. Womanspace – 3333 Maria Linden Drive. Yoga every Thursday, 9:3010:45 a.m. $40/four classes or $12/class. Basic Hatha Yoga. Other activities throughout the year. Info: 815-877-0118. Beckman Mill Park – 11600 S. County Road H, off Highway 81. Tours 1-4 p.m. Corn grinding demonstrations, see the blacksmith shop, creamery & visitor center. Info: 608-751-1551. Heritage Farm Museum – 8059 N. River Road, Byron. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 217. Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum – 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove. Open weekdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 815-547-3115. Rock River Valley Blood Center – 419 N. Sixth St. Mon.-Thurs., 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Fri., 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Info: 815965-8751 or 866-889-9037. Kishwaukee Valley A.B.A.T.E. Meeting – V.F.W., 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park. Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Info: 815-544-3088. Open Doors – Court Street United Methodist Church Chapel, 215 N. Court St. 12:30-1 p.m. Every Wed. Enter north end. Info: 815-962-6061. Historic Auto Attractions – 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 815-389-9999. Angelic Organics Learning Center – 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. Various classes & activities throughout the year. Info: 815-389-8455. Byron Museum of History – 106 N. Union St., Byron. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-234-5031. The Bridge Center of Rockford – 4861 American Road. Games & classes for beginners through experts. Info: 815-873-9334. Becca’s Closet – Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1829 N. Rockton Ave. Accepting donations of gentlyused formal wear. Donations accepted Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at: Machesney Park City Hall (300 Machesney Road), Classic Formal Wear (Colonial Village Mall), United Way of Rock River Valley (612 N. Main St.), Crusader Clinic (1200 W. State St.) & Harlem Roscoe Fire Station (Bridge & Main streets, Roscoe). Info: 815-289-3551. Household Hazardous Waste DropOff – Rock River Water Reclamation District, 3333 Kishwaukee St. Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Club Round: A Clubhouse for Round People – 7120 Windsor Lake Pkwy., Suite 202, Loves Park. Various activities throughout the year. Info: 815-639-0312. Rockton Township Historical Society Museum – Corner of Blackhawk Boulevard & Green Street, Rockton. Open for tours every Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 815-624-4830.. Having Trouble Hearing on the Phone? – Center for Sight & Hearing, 8038 Macintosh Lane. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Free amplified phone program. Must be Illinois resident and have standard phone service. Application/info: 815-332-6800. Stretch & Belly Dance Combo Beginners’ Class – Club Round, 7120 Windsor Lake Parkway. 7:30-9 p.m. Classes every Mon., Wed. & Fri. Registration/info: 815-639-0312. Adventure Club – Jarrett Center, Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Ages 3-6. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200. Intermediate Writing/Publishing Class – Meets every Mon. Call for information. Info: 224-343-0384. Introduction to Card-Making/Stamp- ing – Meets every Thurs. Call for information. Info: 224-343-0384. Toddler Time – Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Alpine Road. 9:1510:15 a.m. Every Mon. and Tues. Free. Info: 815-399-3171. Neighborhood Tool Bank – 907 S. Main St. Loans out tools for gardening & cleanup projects. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; and 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday. Thru Oct. 1. Make appointment in advance. Info: 815-963-6236. Logan Museum of Anthropology – 700 College St., Beloit, Wis. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Sun. Info: 608363-2677. Yoga Classes – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave., Rockford. Mondays, 6-7:15 p.m., six weeks consecutive, $45 or single classes, $10 each. Register/Info: 815-963-4815. Jarrett Center – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 200. Summerfield Zoo – 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere. Open two weekends a month, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. Open one weekday per month. Admission: $7 adults, $5 children. Info: 815-547-4852. Magic Waters Waterpark – 7820 N. CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley. Open thru Sept. 5. Mon., 10 a.m-9 p.m.; Tues., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.9 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-9 pm.; Sat & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Aug. 22-26 and Aug. 29-Sept. 2. General Admission: $22.95/nonresident, $17.95/resident; under 48 inches tall and seniors (62 and older): $16.95/non-resident, $12.95/resident; ages 1-2: $4/non-resident and resident; younger than 1 year: free. Info: 815-966-2442. Coronado Performing Arts Center – 314 N. Main St. Tickets now on sale for Bill Cosby performance of Nov. 5. $37.50$57.50. Available at box office, or call 815-968-0595 or coronadopac.org. Reservations for “Sip and Sail” – “Cruisin’ on the Rock Event” to be held Sept. 12. $35/person, age 21 and older. Info: 815-987-1632 or [email protected]. Appointments for Barbara Olson City of Hope Blood Drive – 3206 N. Central Ave. Date: Sept. 7,10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reserve at: 815-964-9275. Barbara Olson City of Hope Fundraiser – Casey’s Pub. Date: Sept. 11, 2-5 p.m. Tickets: $7 adult, $5 kids 12 and younger. Get tickets at 3206 N. Central Ave. Info: 815-9649275, ext. 265. Registration: Holy Family Parish’s Divorce Healing Program – 12-week DVD series offers help from a Catholic perspective. Series begins Sept. 12. Info: 815-398-4280. Registration: Training for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services – Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center. Date: Sept. 8. Info/ Register: 866-436-7842, ext. 107, or fmptic.org. Registration after Sept. 1 must be by phone. Registration: Rock River Sweep – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Date: Sept. 10, 9 a.m.1 p.m. Meet at the Heritage Farm Museum. All ages. Free. Register by Sept. 9 at 815-234-8535. Registration: Boy Scout Badge: Soil & Water Conservation – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. Date: Sept.13,69 p.m. Meet at Jarrett Center. $7/person, ages 10 and up. Register by Sept. 12 at 815234-8535, ext. 200. Wednesday, Aug. 31 Edgebrook Farmers’ Market – Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1601 N. Alpine Road. Every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Local produce. Rockford Rescue Mission will have bins available for donations. Donations can be dropped off at several locations. Info: 815-226-0212. Boone County Tea Party – Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. 6:30-8 p.m. Initial meeting. Grassroots group concerned about constitutional government. Presentation on Tea Party statewide Election Integrity Initiative. Info: 815-9853418 or [email protected]. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Management Course – Rock Valley Community Church, 5439 E. State St., Rockford. A 13-week course taught by Dave Ramsey on DVD. 7 p.m. Register at: 815-395-1555. Openfields Local Foods Dinner – Café Belwah, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Event begins at 6 p.m., dinner, 6:45 p.m. Four-course dinner by owner Christopher Hildreth and his chef. $45/person. Info/Reserve: 815-986-4357 or http:// web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. Babes and Books – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 11:15 a.m.-noon. Children younger than 2. Develop baby’s literacy & social skills through rhymes, stories, songs. Info: 815-965-7606. Look, Listen, and Learn Storytime – Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Ages 3-6. Info: 815-965-7606. Wednesday Storytime – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 4-4:45 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606. Forest City Queen Family Fun Night – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Enjoy a slice of Armando’s pizza while cruising down the Rock River. $10 ($11 non-resident) adults; $8 ($9 non-resident) ages 5-17; free for ages 4 and younger. Pizzas $10/ $12. Info: 815-987-8894. Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069. Breastfeeding Class – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Life, St. Anthony and St. Joseph Rooms, 5666 E. State St. 7-9 p.m. Free. Info: 815-227-2695. Gastric Banding & Bypass Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health, 5510 E. State St. 5-6 p.m. Info: 815-227-2761. Weight Loss Orientation – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health, rotates among three OSF locations. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Wed. Info: 815“Woman to Woman” Breast Cancer Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info: 815-227-2624. Psychology Boot Camp – Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA, 6625 N. Second St., Loves Park. Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. Learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) techniques. Build your mental strengths. Cost: $15 per group session. Register at: 815-639-0300. Baseball: Rockford RiverHawks vs. Traverse City Beach Bums – Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. 7 p.m. $5-$15. Info: 815-885-2255. Lake Erie Fishing Trip – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. All ages. Thru Sept. 2. Preregistration required. Info: 815-234- The Rock River Times 8535, ext. 200. Notice of City of Rockford Community & Economic Development Hearings – Wed., Sept. 7, noon, and Thurs., Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m. at Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave. For special accommodations for disabilities, call 815987-5690 by Sept. 6. Thursday, Sept. 1 On the Waterfront Kick-Off Concert – Downtown Rockford. Gates open at 4 p.m., runs till 11 p.m. Seven bands. Tickets thru Coronado PAC. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-964-4388. Rockford Area Libertarians Meeting – Villa Di Roma Restaurant, 11th Street & Harrison Avenue. 7 p.m. Friendly political conversation. Come early if you would like to order food. Info: 815-9631962 or http://lprockford.8m.com. Bilingual Thursdays Storytime (Spanish/English] – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, Program Room, 3128 11th St. 4-4:45 p.m. Ages 3-8. Info: 815-965-7606. Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Class – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St. 9:3010:30 a.m. Registration is required. Info: 815-227-2618. SOUNS for Infants – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 6-6:45 p.m. Ages under 2. Literacy-building program. Info: 815-965-7606. Open Mic – Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St. Free. Info: 815-986-0628. Sunset Storytime – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Ages 4-10. Info: 815-965-7606. Teen ‘Scape – Rockford Public Library, Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 4-7 p.m. Ages 1019. Play games on Wii or Playstation, surf the Internet, play board games. Info: 815-965-7606. Latino Film Festival – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St. 6-8 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Info: 815-965-7606. Swing Dancing – St. Edward Church, 3004 11th St. 8-10:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Info: 815-914-7441. OSF “Stepping Forward” Cancer Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St. 6:30-8 p.m. Info: 815-227-2223. Support for Grief After Suicide – Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Drive. 7 p.m. Free. Every other Thurs. Call for schedule/info: 815-399-0202. A Ministry of Restoration Bible Study – Montague Branch Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St. 5:30 p.m. Every Thurs. Prayer every Tues. 6:30 p.m. For prayer or info: 815-966-6322. Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W. – Byron Public Library, on Ill. Route 2. 6-7:30 p.m. every Thurs. Info: 815-547-5932. LGBT Movie Night – Spectrum of Rockford, 7120 Windsor Lake Parkway, Suite 202, Loves Park. 7:30-10 p.m. Ages 16 and up. $10/person/ RSVP: 815-639-0312. Baseball: Rockford RiverHawks vs. Traverse City Beach Bums – Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. 7 p.m. $5-$15. Info: 815-885-2255. Lake Erie Fishing Trip – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. All ages. Thru Sept. 2. Preregistration required. Info: 815-2348535, ext. 200. Friday, Sept. 2 On the Waterfront – Downtown Rockford. 5 p.m.midnight. Live music, entertainment, carnival rides, food. Advance tickets, 3 days, $15, $12/ day at the gate. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-9644388. Midtown Farmers’ Market – Seventh Street and Second Avenue, across f r o m Nicholson’s Hardware. Every Friday until mid-October, 3-7 p.m. Local produce, h o n e y , cheese, snacks, crafts, with local musi- cians performing every week. Farmers’ Market – HCC Realty, 1240 S. Alpine Road. Girlz Talk – Rockford Public Library, Lewis Lemon Branch, 1988 W. Jefferson St. 4-5 p.m. Ages 9-13. Write in journals and make a piece of jewelry to take home. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606. Friday Fishing Fun – Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park, 11600 S. County Road H, off Highway 81, Beloit. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 6-12. Cost: $12/Welty member, $15/non-member. Info: 608361-1377 or [email protected]. Diabetes Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, St. Francis Room, 5666 E. State St. 6:30 p.m. open discussion. Free. Info: 815-395-5159. Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA – Harmony Center, 6625 N. Second St., Loves Park. Teen Drop-In, 4-6 p.m. Young Adult Group, 4-6 p.m. Rockford Rainbow Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Bisexual Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Gay Men’s Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Rockford Pride Fest Board Meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Lesbian Women’s Group, 8:30-10 p.m. Transgender Group, 8:30-10 p.m. Cost/Info: 815-639-0312. Forest City Queen Grab ’N’ Go Lunch Cruise – Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Grab a box lunch and board the boat for a 30-minute cruise. No reservations required. $8 adults, ($8.50 non-resident); $7.50 ages 517 ($8.50 non-resident]; free for ages 4 and younger. Info: 815-987-8894. Wellness for the Mind, Body & Spirit Lecture Series: Natural Health – Siena on Brendenwood, 4444 Brendenwood Road. 1:30 p.m. Ryan Hulsebus, D.C. Info: 815-399-6167. Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069. Forest City Queen Friday Night Fish Fry Cruise – Riverview Park, 321 N. Madison St. Enjoy Rockford Park District’s Rocky’s Concessions fish dinner with tartar sauce, cole slaw, baked beans, bread, dessert & beverage while crusing the Rock River. Watch the Ski Broncs performance. $21. Info: 815-9878894. Friday Survivor Days – Welty Environmental Center at Beckman Mill Park, 11600 County Road H, off Highway 81, Beloit. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 6-12. Cost: $12/Welty member, $15/ non-member. Info: 608-361-1377. Baseball: Rockford RiverHawks vs. Joliet Slammers – Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. 7 p.m. $5-$15. Info: 815-885-2255. Lake Erie Fishing Trip – Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road. All ages. Thru Sept. 2. Preregistration required. Info: 815-2348535, ext. 200. Saturday, Sept. 3 On the Waterfront – Downtown Rockford. 11:30 a.m.-midnight. Live music, entertainment, carnival rides, food. Advance tickets, 3 days, $15, $12/day at the gate. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-964-4388 or www.onthewaterfront.com. North End Farmers’ Market – North End Commons, 1400 N. Main St. Purchase fresh seasonal produce, cut flowers, plants and bakery items. Mt. Carroll Farmers’ Market – Market Street Commons, 320 N. Main St., Mt. Carroll. 8 a.m.-noon, May thru October. Includes Learn Great Foods cooking demonstrations at 10 a.m. the first and second Saturdays of each month. Info: 800-244-9594. Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s Recycling Center – 13125 N. Second St., Roscoe. 9 a.m.-noon. Open Labor Day weekend. Accepts glass & plastic containers, 6-pack rings, metal food cans, aluminum cans & scrap, corrugated cardboard, phone books, paper, cell phones. Info: 815637-1343 or www.knib.org. NASCAR Weekly Racing Series – Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. Spectacular Drags & Dollar Beer Saturday. Late Models, Sportsmen, American Short Trackers, RoadRunners and Forwards/Backwards Race and oneon-one Spectacular Drags. Spectator gates open at 5 p.m., qualifying begins at 6 p.m. with the first race at 7:07 p.m. Adult tickets: $8, students (ages 12-17) $10, kids [ages 6-11] $5, children age 5 and younger, free. Info: 815-633-1500 or www.rockfordspeedway.com. Kundalini Yoga – Lazy Dog Yoga Studio, 5428 Williams Drive, Roscoe. 9 a.m. Info: 970-485-0249. Weiskopf Observatory–Public Viewing – Byron Forest Preserve District, Jarrett Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron. Begins at dusk, every Saturday. Free. Info: 815-234-8535, ext. 216. Baseball: Rockford RiverHawks vs. Joliet Slammers – Road Ranger Continued on page B9 ! The Rock River Times Vibe Leviathan 63 steam locomotive at Illinois Railway Museum Staff Report UNION, Ill. — Leviathan 63, an American steam locomotive, will be at Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) in Union, Ill., Sept. 3-5 and Sept. 17-18. In 1868, the Central Pacific Railroad purchased four steam locomotives from Schenectady Locomotive Works. They were The Jupiter 60, The Storm 61, The Whirlwind 62 and The Leviathan 63. This Leviathan 63 replica is America’s newest operating steam locomotive. It was built from scratch by Kloke Locomotive Works, LLC, beginning in 1999 and is a fully-operable steam locomotive that has been under steam at a few events around the Midwest. This will be the first time that Leviathan 63 will be pulling a pair of coaches and hauling passengers. Visit IRM and experience the sight of an 1860s steam locomotive. Check the IRM website at irm.org or call 1800-BIG-RAIL (1-800-244-7245) for details. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors 62 and older, and $8 children 3-11. Maximum family charge is $45. Admission includes unlimited rides on all trains, including the Leviathan. Parking is free and food is available at the Dinner Annex. IRM is at 7000 Olson Road, Union, Ill. Fireside stages Seven Brides for Seven Brothers through Oct. 23 Staff Report FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — Fireside Theatre will present Seven Brides for Seven Brothers now through Oct. 23. With its high-stepping athletic dancing, its exuberant high spirits, its sidesplitting good humor, and its sweeping romantic escapades, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is as joyous a musical as you’ll see anywhere. Every show comes with a fine dining experience, access to several boutique shops right at The Fireside, and free and convenient parking. For more about show times, menus and tickets, or to reserve seats, call 800-4779505 or visit www.firesidetheatre.com. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers makes a triumphant return to The Fireside in an allnew production full of color and excitement and all the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Audiences of all ages will laugh and cheer at this time-honored tale of seven boisterous, unruly mountain men who go to hilarious lengths to find and marry the women of their dreams. Fireside Artistic Director Ed Flesch directs a 23-member cast of Broadway and Photo provided Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is as joyous a musical as you’ll see anywhere. regional performers, including Jim Reinhold as Adam and Wisconsin native Katie Sina as Millie. “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers brings us all back to a more innocent time in our lives when we’re just learning how to approach that special someone for the very first time,” Flesch said. “The humor, the mistakes and the thrill of falling in love are all recalled in this story, making it an enchanting journey for any age.” Fireside Theatre is at 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wis. Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 ! Continued from page B8 Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. 6 p.m. $5-$15. Info: 815-885-2255. Sunday, Sept. 4 On the Waterfront – Downtown Rockford. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Live music, entertainment, carnival rides, food. Advance tickets, 3 days, $15, $12/day at the gate. See related article in Vibe Entertainment section. Info: 815-964-4388 or www.onthewaterfront.com. Old Town Hall Museum – Davis Junction Scott Township Historical Society Old Town Hall Museum, 202 W. Pacific Ave.,one block south of Rt. 72, corner of Pacific and Elm. Davis Junction. 1-4 p.m. CHIP Healthy Beginnings Session – First Presbyterian Church, 406 N. Main St. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn about lifestyle changes for prevention, arrest and reversal of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Free. RSVP: 815-968-0478. Family Golf – Ingersoll Golf Course, 101 Daisyfield Road. Open practice 1-5 p.m. Admission: $1, ages 17 and younger, $3 ages 18 and older [$1 if accompanied by youth ages 17 and younger). Park District golf permit holders admitted free. Info: 815-987-8834. Pine Tree Pistol Club – 5454 11th St., Rockford. 1-5 p.m. open to the public for general target shooting on second and fourth Sundays of the month. Classes in firearms safety and most events open to the public. Info: www.pinetreepistolclub.com. Good God Questions – Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Ave. 9:15 a.m. Every Sun. Free. Info: 815-964-4609. Ethnic Quilts – Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St. Showcases a variety of ethnic, southwest Rockford, and Civil War circa quilts. Thru Sept. 30. Sponsored by Northern Illinois Quilt Fest. Admission: $5/ family, $3/ individual, $2/student. Info: 815-962-7402. Huntington’s Disease Support Group – OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, St. Anthony & St. Joseph Rooms, 5666 E. State St. 2-4 p.m. Info: 815-282-0600. Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-9694069. Baseball: Rockford RiverHawks vs. Joliet Slammers – Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. 6 p.m. $5-$15. Info: 815-885-2255. Monday, Sept. 5 Labor Day Program: Dan Kenney & Friends – JustGoods Fair Trade, 201 Seventh St. 7 p.m. Coffee Talk by coordinator of the DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace & Justice. Panel includes John Laesch, former congressional candidate and cofounder of Northern Illinois Jobs with Justice; Dave Rathke with Illinois Education Association; and Rose Feurer, NIU labor history professor. Info: 815-964-7111. Kids Club – Rockford Public Library, Lewis Lemon Branch, 1988 W. Jefferson St. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Registration is required. Info: 815-965-7606. Infant/Toddler CPR Class – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State St. 7-9 p.m. $12.50/person. or free for those who attend “Baby 101” or Baby Express. Info: 815227-2695. Chocolate City Nightlife – Bar 3, 326 E. State St. 9 p.m. Every Mon. Info: 815-621-4319. Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-9694069. Rockford Ostomy Support Group – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State St. 7:30 p.m. Info: 815-397-2514. Point Man Ministries – Firstborn Ministries Church, 8213 N. Alpine Road. 6:30 p.m. Veterans meet for fellowship and prayer every Monday. Info: 815-742-1993. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Farmers’ Market – Verdi Club, 782 N. Madison St. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Tuesday thru Sept. 27. Info: 815968-8119. “Baby 101” – OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Foundation Room, 5666 E. State St. 7 p.m. Class for expectant parents. Fee: $35 if baby is delivered at OSF St. Anthony, $60 if baby is delivered elsewhere. Registration, preferably by 4th or 5th month, is required. Info: 815-2272695. “First and Third” Open Art Studio – Rockford Public Library, Main Library Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St. 4-7 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-9657606. Hispanic Author Celebration – Rockford Public Library, East Branch Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. All ages. Info: 815965-7606. Senior Computer Q&A – Rockford Public Library, Main Library, second-floor computer room, 215 N. B 9 Wyman St. 1-3 p.m. Ages 55 and older. Info: 815-965-7606. Teen ‘Scape – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 N. Rockton Ave. 4-5:30 p.m. Ages 10-19. Play games on Wii or Playstation, surf the Internet, play board games. Info: 815-965-7606. Edgar Cayce A.R.E Holistic & Spiritual Study Group – 1615 River Bluff Blvd. Every other Tues. 7-8:30 p.m. Info: 815-234-2394. Family Skate – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. 8 p.m. Info: 815-969-4069. Adult Grief Support Group – Beloit Regional Hospice Office, 655 Third St., Suite 200, Beloit, Wis. 6-7:30 p.m. Info: 608-363-7421. Kundalini Yoga – Lazy Dog Yoga Studio, 5428 Williams Drive, Roscoe. 7:30 a.m. Info: 970-485-0249. Public Skating – Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St. Info: 815-963-7465. Public Skating – Carlson Arctic Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Info: 815-969-4069. Family Story Hour – Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. Info: 815-965-7606. “Get Fit After 50 ... Safely” – Rock Valley College, Physical Education Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Info: 815-921-3931. Northwest Illinois Audubon Society Meeting – Oakdale Nature Preserve Lodge, 3 miles south of Freeport, off Baileyville Road. 6 p.m. Lucas Bradley of Rockford Park District’s Environmental Recreation & Education Dept. will present “Atwood Center’s Birds of Prey.” Live bird program. Bring a dish to pass and table service for potluck. Beverages provided. Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQA – Harmony Center, 6625 N. Second St., Loves Park. Teen Drop-In, 4-6 p.m. Young Adult Meet & Greet, 5-7 p.m. Gay Men’s Group, 7-8:30 p.m. Transgender Group, 8:30-10 p.m. Cost/Info: 815-639-0312. Sunset Storytime – Rockford Public Library, East Branch, Children’s Area, 6685 E. State St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info: 815-965-7606. Baseball: Rockford RiverHawks vs. Traverse City Beach Bums – Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. 7 p.m. $5-$15. Info: 815-885-2255. Please have your free listing in to The Rock River Times the Thursday preceding our Wednesday publication. Call (815) 964-9767 to report any inaccuracies in these calendars. 10 B Vibe Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 The Rock River Times BISTRO 108: Locally-owned restaurant with amazing homemade food and good prices Reader Review Editor’s note: I met Matt Marinaro, owner of M Technologies, Inc., a few months back, and he said he’d like to write about a great new restaurant he went to recently. I said, “Go ahead, send it in to [email protected].” He did, and we are happy to print a review by one of our readers. So much so, we invite our readers to send in a review of their favorite restaurant with pictures and a caption, identifying people from left to right. The Rock River Times truly strives to be the voice of the community. We cannot guarentee we will print all submissions, but we will enjoy reading them. We look forward to hearing from you. — Frank Schier, editor and publisher By Matthew J. Marinaro Owner, M Technologies Inc. My fiancée and I had dinner at BISTRO 108, 6164 E. Riverside Blvd., in Loves Park the other night and had an array of appetizers and two main courses. The atmosphere is quaint. You can dress up or down. I saw people in sportcoats where others were wearing jeans with baseball caps. We started the night off with our first appetizer, cheese sticks. I wanted to start with this one first because normally I would never think of ever ordering a cheese stick. But in the case of BISTRO 108, I will order again and again. They are made there with a fresh-smoked mozzarella and breaded. Flavor was amazing. It took a minute for the smokiness to hit my palette, but when it did, fantastic! It also comes with a dipping sauce. Who knew someone would reinvent the cheese stick? The next appetizer to come out was a spring roll, which is out of this world. The spring roll was light and crispy, with the freshest ingredients. When the spring roll came out, it was hot and ready to eat. The last appetizer we tried was the bruschetta. Nicely toasted bread with fresh basil and finely chopped tomatoes with freshly sprinkled parmesan. It was nicely seasoned, with a light vinaigrette undertone. For the main course, I had the rigatoni with vodka sauce. It was piping hot; noodles were cooked to perfection and had two nicesized meatballs. I normally do not order anything to do with spaghetti at a restaurant because I like making it at home from scratch as well. It was everything a vodka sauce should be and more. It was not heavy and thick, like I have had in the past. The sauce was light, with just a little bit of richness. I have to say it was wonderful. My fiancée ordered the 12-ounce steak with blue cheese and basil sauce. I have never found myself to be a blue cheese fan, but every time she offered a piece, I could not resist. She thought it was great as well. One more thing about the steak ... I met the owner, and he said they make sure it is aged Photo provided BISTRO 108 GRAND OPENING/RIBBON CUTTING, AUG. 3, 2011: (from left) Allen Godin (Northwest Bank), Tom Seeling (co-owner BISTRO 108), (behind Tom is Dennis Barker, a friend), Mayor of Loves Park Darryl Lindberg, Jennie Scott Braun (co-owner BISTRO 108), (behind Jennie is Kyle Wadleigh, chef of BISTRO 108), Diana Johnson (executive director of the Loves Park Chamber),behind Diana is Sam Felker (BISTRO 108 staff) and Bryan Orvis (Edward Jones). properly so every cut comes out perfect. Quality control is a plus when I go out because when I reorder a particular dish, I want it to taste the same every time. Both entrées were done to perfection. I would recommend this to all for lunch and dinner. There is something for everybody. PS: Went back for lunch and had the ham- burger and had their homemade fries, WOW. Awesome to see someone actually still cares about fresh, delicious food. If you think that the hamburger is too big of a portion, they have smaller versions called sliders. Visit soon, and support BISTRO 108. Call for resevations at (815) 977-5611, or stop by 6164 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. On the Waterfront festival set for Sept. 1-4 ! Continued from page B1 1:30-2:45 p.m. — Rockford Area Music Industry Youth Charity Jam artists Daybreak, The Sasparillas, Bloom 3:30-5:30 p.m. — Guzzardo’s Emerging Artist Contest Finals: Xen, Bloom, King of Demons 6-7 p.m. — Guzzardo’s Emerging Artist Winner 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Poets Dance 10-11:30 p.m. — Pop Evil Sunday, Sept. 4 Great Lawn Stage 7-8:15 p.m. — Finding Clyde 9-10:30 p.m. — Stone Temple Pilots Left Bank Stage 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — Rock Valley College with After Five Jazz Trio 1:45-3:15 p.m. — Tracy Silverman 4-5:30 p.m. — Dean Moriarty Jazz Band 6:15-7:45 p.m. — Hamilton Loomis 8:30-10:45 p.m. — Here Come the Mummies Center Stage Noon-1:30 p.m. — $10M Celebration 2:15-3:45 p.m. — County Line 4:30-6 p.m. — Smokin’ Gunz 6:45-8:15 p.m. — Dirt Drifters 9-10:30 p.m. — LoCash Cowboys and Band Oasis Stage Noon-1:30 p.m. — Missing Links 2:15-3:45 p.m. — Too Deep 4:30-6 p.m. — Kashmir: The Led Zeppelin Show 6:45-8:15 p.m. — Hot Rocks: Rolling Stones tribute 9-10:30 p.m. — 1964 The Tribute: Beatles tribute Street performers Street performers Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4, will include Rockford Rebels AllStar Cheerleading (1-4 p.m., both days); Dean Franzen, Dean of Juggling; What’s Up Juggling (Sunday only); Statue of Liberty; Jolly Giants, stilt walkers; The Magic of Brian Holt. (Note: All street performers perform 1 p.m.-dusk, Saturday and Sunday, unless otherwise noted above.) Kids’ Court Stage (Note: The Kids’ Court Stage is at the corner of North Wyman and Elm streets) Saturday, Sept. 3 Noon-12:45 p.m. — Children’s Theater Project 1-1:45 p.m. — Evolve Dance Company 2-2:30 p.m. — Shine and the Moonbeams 3-3:45 p.m. — The Happiness Club 4-4:45 p.m. — Shine and the Moonbeams 5-5:45 p.m. — The Happiness Club Sunday, Sept. 4 Noon-12:45 p.m. — Little Nashville 1-1:45 p.m. — Evolve Dance Company 2-2:45 p.m. — Children’s Theater Project 3-3:45 p.m. — Little Nashville 4-4:45 p.m. — Poochamungas 5-5:45 p.m. — Super Stolie OTW Film Festival The OTW Film Festival will be held during OTW Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4, at the New Sullivan Theater, inside the Waterfront festival grounds. Admission to Giant Slide beckon your inner child to come out and play. Midway Madness From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4, all carnival rides and inflatable activities are just two tickets, or $1.50 per ride. Hole in One Tee up at the OTW Hole in One ShootOut. Once again in 2011, prizes will be awarded for winners older and younger than 18, as well as to anyone whose ball lands on the green. Tee up at the Oasis Stage, and aim for the green located on a pontoon floating in the Rock River. Open to all amateur golfers all festival hours until dark. ComEd Kids’ Castle Photo provided Country music star Josh Turner headlines On the Waterfront’s Great Lawn Stage Saturday, Sept. 3. the film festival is included with admittance to OTW. Filmmakers whose work will be shown include Tim Stotz, Travis Legge, Jake Skiba, Wyatt Elliot, Colin Clarke, Nick Czurylo, Tom Doherty, Stephen Folker, Daniel John Harris, Terrence Jones, Thomas E. Mann, Tom Radovich, Eric Smigiel and James Tracy. Saturday will feature the Best of the Mosaic Student Film Festival, special sneak peeks and Q&A with the makers of regionally-produced feature films Eros Ink and The Darkening. Sunday will feature an afternoon “audience pick” vote and an evening session featuring this year’s prizewinning submissions. Be sure to stop in the lobby of the New Sullivan Theater to sign up for First Northern’s free raffle, and you could win “A Night Out in Chicago”-themed basket that includes a $250 First Northern Credit Union Visa Gift Card. Live street painting by Laurence Barr and Joseph Stanley Goral will be performed outside the theater. Viewer discretion is advised as films may contain strong language/adult themes. Carnival Carnival rides produced by Skinners Amusements, Inc., will be offered near Riverview Park, between Water and Madison streets near the Jefferson Street bridge. Adventure Alley Once again in 2011, inflatables will be available for the kid in all of us. An interesting array including the Bungee Pull and the The festival’s most popular children’s attraction will return in 2011. Children younger than 12 can take part in more than 30 interactive and make-and-take activities. Watch Billy the Balloon Guy twist balloons into your favorite toy or animal. Play bingo with the other kids, learn to mini-putt and create a masterpiece with stamp art. Don’t forget to listen to all the fascinating stories read by the Rockford Public Library team, and enjoy entertainment on the Kids’ Court Stage with performances during Kids’ Castle hours. The Kids’ Castle is in the Wyman and Elm Street parking deck and is open Saturday and Sunday from festival open until 6 pm. Activities will be provided by several Rockford businesses and organizations. The Kids’ Castle is a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Waterfront 5K Race along the Rock River in the 18th annual Waterfront 5K. Check-in begins Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 8 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in the 5K race, as well as the top male and female “master” runners. Call (815) 964-4388 with questions. Kids’ 1/4-Mile Fun Run Immediately following the Waterfront 5K at the Trolley Station near the Riverview Ice House is the Kids’ 1/4-Mile Fun Run. Free registration is from 8:15 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. the day of the race at the Trolley Station. Race starts at 9 a.m. Rockford Chariots Wheelchair Basketball Established in 1986, the Rockford Chariots Wheelchair Athletic Association works to provide programs for developing the athletic potential of individuals with lower limb impairments. These gifted athletes compete against local celebrities and city officials in a long-standing and friendly rivalry that goes back many years. Exhibition games are Saturday and Sunday. Winnovation Winnovation, Winnebago’s High School Robotics Team, invites you to see Robotics in action Saturday, Sept. 3. Hot Air Balloon Fly Over At approximately 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, this event is visible from anywhere in the festival. See several brightlycolored hot air balloons soar overhead Saturday evening. Urban Street Market Shop the weekend away at this unique collection of outdoor vendors. The Urban Street Market is filled with colorful booths overflowing with art, jewelry, clothing, carvings and other rare finds from exotic locales from all over the world. Bright Stars Celebration The 10th Annual Bright Stars Celebration will be at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 3, on the Left Bank Stage. The Bright Stars Celebration honors eighth-grade students in the Rockford area who have achieved honor-roll status during each quarter of the 2010-2011 academic year. Food and beverage With more than 30 food vendors throughout the festival, there’s sure to be something to tempt your tastebuds! In fact, the plethora of festival treats is one of the top reasons people make OTW part of their Labor Day plans. Following is a sampling of the food that’s available: Chinese food from Panda Express, corn on the cob, Italian beef sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, pizza by the slice, hot wings, hamburgers, fried cheese curds, barbecued pulled pork sandwiches, hot turkey and cheese sandwiches, raspberry lemonade, bratwursts, funnel cakes, curly fries, corn dogs, gyros, Italian sausages, Western sausages, tacos, apple fritters, caramel apple sundaes, elephant ears, Polish sausages, popcorn, steak sandwiches, marinated mushrooms, chili dogs, chicken pad thai, chicken-fried rice, crab rangoon, butterfly pork chop sandwiches, chicken nuggets, toasted ravioli, meatball sandwich, ice cream, frozen bananas, turkey legs, gumbo, pretzels, cotton candy and fried bananas. Pepsi, the Official Soft Drink of On the Waterfront, has booths throughout the festival where you can purchase soft drinks, juice and water. Beer tents are also located in many of the stage venues where you can buy a cold beer or other alcoholic beverages, including a variety of wines. Each music venue has a variety of food and beverage booths. All of the Pepsi booths and beer tents are staffed by local not-for-profit organizations. Purchase food and beverages with 50-cent tickets, which are available throughout the festival grounds at OTW ticket booths, which are also staffed by local not-for-profit organizations. Since 1986, area not-for-profit groups have raised $9.9 million at OTW. By purchasing tickets, food and beverages, you are supporting volunteering not-for-profit partners. Vibe The Rock River Times TV Listings Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 SATURDAY AFTERNOON, SEP. 3 B - Broadcast C - Cable B C Noon 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 WTTW + ^ (10:30) Encore Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid College Football South Florida at Notre Dame. WREX ` # Prog. Prog. Prog. Prog. Prog. (N) (S Live) (CC) Paid Paid Paid Paid Foot- College Football Teams To Be Announced. (N) (Live) (10:00) 2011 U.S. Open Tennis Men’s and Women’s Third Round. (N) Paid News WIFR 7 % (Live) (CC) Prog. (11:00) College Football Kent Base MLB Baseball Regional Coverage. (N) WQRF G & State at Alabama. (N) (Live) (S Live) (CC) WTVO 1 $ Prog. Prog. Prog. Prog. ball B - Broadcast C - Cable WEEKDAY MORNINGS B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 Word- Fetch! Ar- Mar- Curi- Cat in Super Dino Sesame WTTW + ^ Girl thur tha ous Street (5:00) News Today Today Word- Sid Wr The 700 Club Rachael Ray WREX ` # Live Regis & Kelly News The Early Show Morn- Paid WIFR 7 % ing Prog. Ag- Paid Var- Paid Meyer Paid Paid Paid WQRF G & Day Prog. ied Prog. Prog. Prog. Prog. WTVO 1 $ News Good Morning America The View The Price Is Young VarRight ied Judge Judge Divor. Mathis B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 En- POV (N) (S) (CC) News Wheel “Game Time: Tackling the Law & Or- News (:29) Saturday WREX ` # (N) Past” (2011) (CC) der: SVU (N) Night Live (CC) News Paid College Football LSU vs. Oregon. From Arling- News Anat- ClosWTVO 1 $ Prog. ton, Texas. (N) (Live) omy er News DW- Hawaii Five- CSI: Miami 48 Hours News Brothers & Outd’r WIFR 7 % TV 0 (S) “G.O.” (S) Mystery (S) Sisters (S) Two Two Cops Cops Amer. Cleve News Two Fringe (S) Crock- Bones WQRF G & Men Men (CC) (CC) Men (PA) (CC) ett WTTW + ^ core B - Broadcast C - Cable WEEKDAY AFTERNOONS Wild ElecKratt tric News News News ABC New News News Simp- Fam. son Guy Dino Cat in Curi- Mar- Cy- Wordous tha berc Girl Real Sun Mad 13Cares Today (N) Meet the WREX ` # Faith Mas (S) (CC) Press (N) Es- Kds Good Morn- This Week- Paid Paid WTVO 1 $ tate New ing Amanpour Prog. Prog. U.S. Farm Paid Rock- CBS News Sunday NaWIFR 7 % Report Prog. ford Morning (N) tion Paid Paid Paid Pets. Fox News Sports Paid WQRF G & Prog. Prog. Prog. TV Sunday Prog. WTTW + ^ PBS News- Chicago To- NOVA NOVA News Wheel Minute to Win It (S) News Ent Mid- MidWTVO 1 $ dle dle News Jim Big Brother WIFR 7 % (N) (CC) Two Two Buried TreaWQRF G & Men Men sure WREX ` # (N) America’s Got Talent Fam- Family ily Criminal Minds (S) House “The Fix” NOVA Law & Order: SVU Primetime Nightline CSI: Crime Scene News Busi- World ness News Jay Leno Late (N) Night News N’tline Jimmy Kimmel News Late Show Late Letterman Ray- How I Fam. Kingmon Met Guy Hill Need to WREX ` # WTVO 1 $ WIFR 7 % WQRF G & WTTW + ^ WREX ` # WTVO 1 $ WIFR 7 % WQRF G & WTTW + ^ WREX ` # WTVO 1 $ WIFR 7 % WQRF G & Wash. World News Jay Leno Late (N) Night News N’tline Jimmy Kimmel News Late Show Late Letterman Ray- How I Fam. Kingmon Met Guy Hill WREX ` # WTVO 1 $ WIFR 7 % WQRF G & Steves Bar- Cail- Angel Word- Wild Bob ney lou Wr Kratt Build Ad- Paid Today (N) (S) (CC) Turbo ven Prog. Ath- Han- Good Morn- To Be Announced lete na ing The Early Show (N) (S) Busy Busy Doo(CC) dle Ani- Into Ani- Ca- Sports Paid Paid mal Wild mal reer Prog. Prog. Thom- En- Encore as core Shell- Magic Babar Wil- Pearldon la’s ie Kds Paid New Prog. Trollz 2011 U.S. Open Tennis (EI) Paid Paid Paid College Prog. Prog. Prog. Football PBS News- Antiques B - Broadcast C - Cable Taylor Chain Hallelujah Broad- World way (S) (CC) News Wheel America’s Got Talent Children of News Jay Leno Late WREX ` # (N) (S) (CC) 9/11 (N) (S) (N) Night News Ent Bachelor Pad (N) (S) (CC) Castle (S) News N’tline Jimmy KimWTVO 1 $ (CC) mel News Jim How I How I Two Mike Hawaii Five- News Late Show Late WIFR 7 % Met Met Men 0 (S) Letterman Two Two Hell’s Hell’s Kitch- News Ray- How I Fam. KingWQRF G & Men Men Kitchen en (N) mon Met Guy Hill Antiques B - Broadcast C - Cable TUESDAY EVENING, SEP. 6 B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 PBS News- Chicago To- History De- Frontline (N) tectives (N) (CC) News Wheel It’s Worth America’s Got Talent (N) (N) What? (N) (S Live) (CC) News Ent Wipeout (S) Take the Combat (CC) Money and Hospital (S) News Jim NCIS (CC) NCIS: Los NCIS: Los (DVS) Angeles (S) Angeles (S) Two Two Glee “FuRais- Rais- News Men Men neral” (S) ing ing WTTW + ^ Hour (N) (S) night (S) WREX ` # WTVO 1 $ WIFR 7 % WQRF G & 39 40 43 44 45 46 47 15 16 17 18 Nature (S) WTTW + ^ Hour (N) (S) Roadshow Roadshow (N) 20 22 23 24 25 27 31 33 35 36 37 Across 1 Inquire 4 Ft. Worth neighbor 10 Pinnacle 14 Transgression Encore B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 WTTW + ^ B - Broadcast C - Cable MONDAY EVENING, SEP. 5 B - Broadcast C - Cable SATURDAY MORNING, SEP. 3 30 Safari Min. TBA Track and Field PGA Tour Golf Deutsche Bank Champi- Paid News onship, Third Round. (N) Prog. Paid Paid Paid Paid To Be Announced Ath- News ABC Prog. Prog. Prog. Prog. lete New (10:00) 2011 U.S. Open Tennis Men’s Third and Women’s Fourth CBS Paid Round. (N) (Live) (CC) New Prog. Paid Paid ››› “Separate Lies” Tum- Paid How I Paid How I Paid Prog. Prog. (2005) Tom Wilkinson. my Prog. Met Prog. Met Prog. Masterpiece Mys- Masterpiece Mys- Hustle (S) tery! (N) (CC) tery! (S) (CC) Dateline (:15) ›› “Indiana Jones and the King- News Criminal NUMB3 WREX ` # NBC (CC) dom of the Crystal Skull” (2008) (N) Minds (S) Funny Vid- Extreme 20/20 A woman is beaten News Entertain- Paid WTVO 1 $ eos Makeover and left for dead. ment ’Night Prog. 60 Minutes (:01) Big Mike Wife The Good News Jim Brothers & WIFR 7 % (N) (CC) Brother (N) Wife (CC) Sisters (S) Amer. Burg- Simp- Cleve Fam. Crock- News Two Fam. Fam. Amer. Amer. WQRF G & ers son Guy ett Men Guy Guy WTTW + ^ B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 PBS News- Re- Chi- Check... Ebert Encore Hour (N) (S) view cago News Wheel Friends Friends Dateline NBC (N) (S) (CC) (N) News Ent Shark Tank Karaoke 20/20 (S) (S) (CC) Battle USA (CC) News Jim 48 Hours CSI: NY (S) Blue Bloods Mystery (S) (CC) (S) Two Two Kitchen Fringe (S) News Men Men Nightmares (PA) (CC) Encore B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 B - Broadcast C - Cable FRIDAY EVENING, SEP. 2 Paid Paid TMZ (N) (S) Prog. Prog. (CC) B - Broadcast C - Cable SUNDAY EVENING, SEP. 4 B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 PBS News- Chicago To- Incredible Health- 3 Steps to Incredible BusiHour (N) (S) night (S) Joel Health!-Joel ness News Wheel Comm Parks Office 30 Law & Or- News Jay Leno Late (N) Rock der: SVU (N) Night News Ent Wipeout (S) Rookie Blue Rookie Blue News N’tline Jimmy Kim(CC) (CC) (N) (S) mel News Foot- NFL Preseason Football Cleveland News Late Show Late ball Browns at Chicago Bears. (N) (Live) Letterman Two Spe- Bones Sniper Jacob News Ray- How I Fam. KingMen cial Broadsky strikes again. mon Met Guy Hill Fetch! Elec- Biz Squad tric Kid$ Paid Heart- Paid TBA Prog. lan Prog. Van Paid Land- Paid Impe Prog. sc Prog. 2011 U.S. Open Tennis B C Noon 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 WTTW + ^ Know (CC) B - Broadcast C - Cable THURSDAY EVENING, SEP. 1 Peep Sid SUNDAY AFTERNOON, SEP. 4 B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 WTTW + ^ Hour (N) (S) night (S) B - Broadcast C - Cable B C 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 B - Broadcast C - Cable WEDNESDAY EVENING, AUG. 31 Group Encore SUNDAY MORNING, SEP. 4 B C Noon 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 Clif- Cail- Word- Super Dino Mar- Cat in Curi- Ar- ArWTTW + ^ ford lou Wr tha ous thur thur News Coach Days of our Mil- Smart- Smart- J’pardy! The Doctors WREX ` # Lives lion. er er All My Chil- One Life to General Dr. Phil Jdg Jdg WTVO 1 $ dren Live Hospital Judy Judy News Bold The Talk Let’s Make a Ellen DeGe- Oprah WinWIFR 7 % Deal neres frey Maury Jerry Paid Paid Earl Scrubs Ray- How I WQRF G & Springer Prog. Prog. mon Met B - Broadcast C - Cable SATURDAY EVENING, SEP. 3 Lunar landing program U.S. territory in the Marianas Hawaiian dish Cross between a very tall mammal and a very short one 48 49 51 54 58 60 61 62 67 68 69 70 Sleeve’s termination Sleeve’s location Woodsman’s tool Figure skater’s move Hindmost Dish in a lab The slightest bit Singer Winehouse Very long time ___-Magnon Trans-oceanic mutual defense pact: abbr. German autos Cross between a very large mammal and a graceful one Takes to court Torso Yoko La-la lead-in Most immediate maternal ancestor, familiarly Greyhound vehicle Types That being the case... Farm unit Annoy Late summer mo. Like some tea Cross between a primate and a slippery fish Finale Tubular pasta Color a T-shirt, as in the sixties Island garland POV “Better This World World” (N) (CC) News Jay Leno Late (N) Night News N’tline Jimmy Kimmel News Late Show Late Letterman Ray- How I Fam. Kingmon Met Guy Hill B 11 A poem perfect for summer gardening season Literary Hook By Christine Swanberg Author and Poet This is the time of summer for fruition and harvest. Gardens are blooming in their fullest. Since Rockford is a city of gardens, it seemed to me a garden poem might be appropriate this time of year. I have been a passionate gardener for a couple of decades now. Like most gardeners, the process has been trial and error. Eventually, I began to understand how and why some plants flourish and others don’t, even if I follow directions for their care. The garden is a place of magic, mystique, mystery and spiritual significance. Genesis begins with a garden paradise. St. Francis cultivated a garden with birds. Some of us have the collective notion that, as Joni Mitchell once sang, “And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.” People go on garden pilgrimages near and far. Now, as the green movement gains momentum, more people try to care for the earth and the garden. All over Rockford, you see delightful gardens of every sort. People have reached a critical mass in this country regarding stewardship of the earth. Though I wrote this sonnet several years ago, when I looked at it today, I thought it applied to our current “green” state of affairs. It is a spiritual poem, as well as a green poem. I hope it works on several levels, and that you might bring some experience to the poem. Despite what wellmeaning English teachers may have taught you, it is OK to interpret the poem as you wish. Art, after all, is a shared experience. Wisdom’s Wild Fruition ... Because the price of wisdom is so high … Like trumpet vines in wild fruition, Wisdom tangles and spirals towards the sky And cannot be controlled. Come, completion Of roots, bulbs, and seeds. Flowers and trees Become. Deep within the soil grow. Essence of red roses in summer’s breeze. Yet inward, wisdom to the rich river Goes, nourished by the inland sea’s fresh flow. Then the receiver becomes the giver. The price of wisdom is so high because Paradise is a garden returned to Bruised, where only mercy and nature’s laws Inform the open heart. Red nose renew. Christine Swanberg has published about 300 poems in 70 journals and anthologies. Her books include Who Walks Among the Trees with Charity (Wind Publishing, Kentucky), The Red Lacquer Room (Chiron Publishing, Kansas), The Tenderness of Memory (Plainview Press, Texas), Slow Miracle (Lakeshore Publishing, Illinois), Invisible String (Erie St., Illinois), Bread Upon the Waters (Windfall, Wisconsin) and Tonight on this Late Road (Erie St., Ill.). 71 Raced 72 Most senior 73 Ang or Bruce Down 1 Pet protection org. 2 They might be Lakota or Oglala 3 Steak-eater’s utensil 4 U.N. Secretary-General Hammarskj”ld 5 Place for bees 6 “Casablanca” actor Peter 7 Domesticated camel of the Andes 8 1936 candidate Landon 9 Couch 10 See eye-to-eye 11 Dog 12 West of the big screen 13 Ambulance staffer: abbr. 19 Kennedy, Eisenhower or Edens 21 Flaming signals 26 Disheveled 28 Old Ford 29 T. ___ Price 30 Greencard org. 32 M-Q string 34 A stooge 36 Transparent 37 Campbell or Klein 38 In addition 39 Botanical miniaturization 40 Currency unit across the Atlantic 41 Cable TV network 42 Dobbs or Diamond Phillips 43 Ave. crossers, often 47 Starting point for a new car deal: abbr. 48 Over-par scores 50 Hardly outgoing 52 Disconcerted 53 Velvety leather 55 Certain battery 56 Soprano Fleming 57 Money or Murphy 59 Princess Middleton 62 Diamond look-alikes, for short 63 Pelvic joint 64 Mineral ending 65 Zero 66 Allow Last week’s crossword answer: 12 B Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 Vibe The Rock River Times T he Burpee Museum offers you the perfect place to hold your next event, business meeting, wedding or reception. We have rooms to accommodate any size event including the opportunity to rent the entire museum as a back drop for up to 1500 guests. Our new Riverview Room and Patio are now open and are perfect for any event and offer beautiful views of the River. We are located on the beautiful Rock River in the heart of downtown Rockford. Burpee Museum is easily accessible from all neighboring communities including Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee. Please visit: www.burpee.org/visit/rentals.asp to download an application or call 815-965-3433 for more information. Burpee Museum 737 North Main Street Rockford, IL 61103 The Rock River Times News/Commentary Additional VOC well samples to be taken after second town hall meeting By Richard S. Gubbe Contributing Writer In the days following the town hall meeting to discuss options for residents who may have tainted wells containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on Rockford’s west side, the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) has acquired one sample from a private well and plans to meet this week to discuss further testing for VOCs. Residents in and around the affected area west of Central Avenue and north of Auburn Street, where volatile organic compounds have been found in well water, came to the meeting last Aug. 23 at Northwest Community Center in search of answers as to what to do about their homes and their health. Sue Fuller, public information officer for the WCHD, said she could not release details of the private well that was tested last week. “That’s confidential information,” she said, adding the officials will meet to “map out” plans this week for further testing of VOCs. The public informational gathering held by city, county and state officials provided details of the results of water samples taken at 20 homes in early August after two homes in July were found to contain excessively high levels of components that make up gasoline. After Todd Marshall of the WCHD described how the samples were taken and the timeline surrounding the testing, residents were allowed to ask questions about what the future holds for them as homeowners and renters. Marshall said the most recent test results have shown a decrease of 70 percent in the number of parts per billion of VOCs found in the well water at the first two homes analyzed at state-approved labs of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This area includes homes north of Auburn that include the streets of Alliance, Soper and Johnston avenues and end at Parkside to the north. That news wasn’t comforting to most of the 25 in attendance, who came to relay both their health concerns, health issues and financial dilemmas they face. While county officials are focused on the current testing, many residents say they have experienced problems for the past two and three years. While the cause, or causes, of the tainted water were bandied about, residents also were told of the solutions — filtering their well water or connecting to the city’s water supply and closing off their wells permanently. Emmit Capes of 1214 Soper connected to city water after his water tested with high amount of nitrites in January 2010. He said the WCHD tested his water two years ago and found no VOCs. “My two granddaughters had sores on their arms,” Capes said of why he connected to the City of Rockford water system. “Putting chlorine in the well didn’t solve the problem.” The nitrites, officials say, stem from fertilizer runoff. The cost to connect to city water and to seal off his well came to more than $2,600, but he added pressure of city water, he said, caused damage to his home. “The pressure from city water ruined my pipes,” Capes said. Marshall said none of the most recent 20 homes surveyed from samples taken by the Illinois Department of Health showed any VOCs in the area west of Johnston Avenue. Marshall said 22 total samples were tested and VOCs were found in four of them, but only two were found to be over the accepted limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He said the re-testing of wells occurred Aug. 4. The WCHD issued a statement that read, “The home with the highest level of VOCs was resampled and the concentration found was 70 percent lower, indicating a possible decline in the VOCs in the area groundwater.” Marshall said all tests were conducted at one EPA-certified lab. “We took two samples (from the same well) two weeks apart,” Marshall said. HIPPA laws prohibit revealing which addresses were tested. Marshall said the two solutions involved city water connection or the installation of a carbon filter in the home. Because the area is outside city limits, citizens in that area who hook up to city water will pay double for their water. No determination has been made about where the substances common in gasoline — benzene, toluene and xylene — came from. “We don’t know the source,” Marshall said. Illinois Department of Public Health official Mike Bacon said of the early findings: “We think it’s flowing north to northwest. We hope we can pin it down, but we don’t know for sure.” Roger Hare, at 1316 N. Johnston, said he has been suffering from the effects of his well water for years. “All you people here are going to be sick,” Hare warned the crowd. Bacon said, “The illnesses may or may not be related to environmental pollution.” Bacon encouraged residents to get “age-appropriate screenings.” He added that “eating well and proper exercise will have more to do with better health than anything we’ve said here.” Another resident noted during the question-and-answer period that “my water has been doing this for nine years and chlorine doesn’t work.” She said she lived on Parkside and added “my clothes smell” after doing her laundry. County Board Member Angie Goral encouraged residents, particularly households with pregnant women, to get their water tested by bringing samples to the county twice a year for $29 each. She admitted after the formal presentation that those tests don’t include screenings for VOCs, only nitrite levels from fertilizer and pesticide levels, along with bacteria levels. VOC screening panels cost upward of $300 and don’t include all toxic substances that can be found in well water, such as lead. New athletic policy: Failure on Demand Guest Column By Tim Hughes The Rockford Board of Education recently announced that sports are more important than education. What other conclusion can one draw from its new athletic eligibility policy code name “Failure on Demand,” which allows students to fail subjects needed for graduation while continuing to play sports? The Register Star scratched its editorial head trying to decide whether such a policy was a good idea, then announced it was not retreating from its core principle while sounding retreat from its core principle by endorsing Failure on Demand. Sports columnist Matt Trowbridge and Rockford Next blogger Vern Hilton praised Failure on Demand. Hilton, no doubt unwit- tingly, was using the same language used several years ago in a Register Star column to promote the now-discredited 2.00 grade average. You know the old line (no pun intended) about bait and hook. With this kind of bait, is it any wonder so many kids are left dangling from the hook of limited lifelong opportunities because they didn’t have to worry about boring old math and English stuff, thanks to Failure on Demand? Hilton tells us he’s been screaming that it’s about the kids. You would think he’d be screaming it’s about the kids’ education. Trowbridge eagerly tells us that it took less than 24 hours to assemble the coaches and inform them of the new policy. I submit it would have taken less than 24 seconds to clear the room had the new athletic directors proposed a policy which actually works. And what exactly is the policy that would Continued on page A6 ! Correction on 16th ‘Honor the Mounds’ article In the article about the 16th Annual “Honor the Mounds” Gathering (Aug. 17-23, 2011), it was stated that Mac and Juanita MacVenn were founders of the Native American Awareness Committee. The Burpee Museum people, including retired member Lynda Johnson and Beverly De Marco, as well as some others, were involved in forming the committee as a nonprofit organization. The MacVenns joined years later and have con- tinued to promote the Mounds event. Lynda Johnson has actively promoted Native American beadwork and had several workshops dealing with Native American crafts. The Burpee Museum has also hosted Native American Days with workshops, face painting, storytelling, etc. Thanks to Beverly DeMarco for clarifying the origin of the group. The Rock River Times regrets the error. Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 A 5 6 A The Rock River Times Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 Free trade, not unions, has damaged the job market Guest Column By John Stassi In his Guest Column (“Unions need to sacrifice, too” — Aug. 3), State Rep. Jim Sacia suggests that because labor unions are “out of control,” compensation for Illinois state government workers has far outstripped that for private sector workers. His analysis, however, neglects to account for the suppression of wages in the private sector that is the consequence of socalled “free trade.” Free trade forces private sector workers in our prosperous democracy to compete with poorer workers in developing countries where prevailing wages barely sustain them and where their right to form unions, their workplace health and safety, their nation’s environment, and even their inalienable human rights are not protected by law. For example, let’s look at what used to be a major industry in Rockford, the furniture business. Furniture workers in China earn about $170/month, and those in Vietnam, less than $80/month. Americans who still have jobs in this dying industry earn about $12/hour. As a result of this uneven playing field that is an inescapable consequence of “free trade”, imported bedroom furniture now accounts for about 70 percent of the U.S. market for those products.A This catastrophe for American workers is neither limited nor recent. Since 2000, when Republicans like our Congressman Don Manzullo joined with Democrats like President Bill Clinton to throw open access to our marketplace to goods manufactured in Communist China and other totalitarian countries, the U.S. manufacturing sector has lost a third of its workers, down from 17.3 million in 1999 to 11.7 million in June 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.B So, indeed, let’s talk about sharing that sacrifice that U.S. private sector workers have been forced to make by what I call free trade treason. State Rep. Jim Sacia earns $67,836/year plus $139 for every day that the state legislature is in session. State legislators in Nebraska earn $12,000/year plus $39 to $109 per session per day, depending on how far they live from the state capital.C Would Rep. Sacia care to “give a little” by sponsoring legislation to reduce his salary to that level? Don’t legislators need to sacrifice, too? But let’s not stop there. I’m sure there are many bright, talented young people in Latin America, Africa and Asia who could be trained to do government sector jobs in Illinois and who would be happy to work at those jobs for a fraction of the salaries currently paid to those now working them. And when they get good enough at that sort of work, we can employ them to do Rep. Sacia’s job for even greater savings. The free working people of the USA have a problem, but it has nothing to do with unions. They have been betrayed by an outof-control two-party tyranny. In return for billions of dollars in legalized bribes from greedy corporations and in the name of “free trade”, our Republicans and Democrats have entered American private sector workers into a “race to the bottom” with low-wage foreign workers, none of whom will ever win anything except ever lower wages. Now, Republicans like Rep. Jim Sacia (89-R) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) and Democrats like Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) would like to extend that wage suppression therapy to government workers and use the savings that result to fund tax breaks for their corporate sweethearts. When you consider their shared contempt for the well-being of American working people, you can only conclude that Ralph Nader had it right. There isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between the Democrats and the Republicans. Until American workers abandon their irrational devotion to the two-party system, they will continue to get nothing more out of that corrupt system than the “sacrifice” that Rep. Sacia would like to impose upon them: lost jobs and low wages. And they will deserve it. References/Footnotes A — “Chinese make a run around U.S. tariffs,” by Andrew Higgins, Washington Post, May 24, 2011 www.washingtonpost.com/world/ asia-pacific/from-china-an-end-run-around-ustariffs/2011/05/09/AF3GR19G_story.html B — “Democrats turn to Manufacturing for Jobs,” by Lori Montgomery and Brady Dennis, Washington Post, Aug. 4, 2010 www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ article/2010/08/03AE2010080302685.html C — 2010 Legislator Compensation Data, NationalConferenceofStateLegislatureshttp:/ /www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=20117 John Stassi is a native Rockfordian who believes in liberty and justice for all. New athletic policy: Failure on Demand ! Continued from page A5 have coaches tripping over each other in their rush to the door? A no fail policy which, simply stated, requires athletes to be passing all their classes to be eligible for sports. Such a policy was in effect in 1983, and I’ll never forget when the first report cards of the year were handed out — the whoops and yelps and looks of astonishment on athletes’ faces upon seeing those report cards and realizing they had not only passed every subject, many made honor roll for the first time as well. A no fail policy has the advantage, too, of keeping students on track for graduation, since most dropouts result from falling so far behind in earned credits, there is no hope of graduating on time. Unlike Failure on Demand, when the athletic season is over but the semester isn’t, students can go back to shooting paper wads in class instead of working to pass for the semester, so they can have the prospect of one day shooting baskets in a championship game! The coaches vehemently opposed the no fail policy and couldn’t get rid of it fast enough. Why? Because during its time, there was a handful of situations in which a team had to forfeit a game due to ineligibility, but it never happened twice in the same school, creating, if nothing else, an object lesson for athletes. The academic gains for athletes more than offset the occasional forfeits. Being under Friday night lights, however, is more important to some coaches, even if it means unplugging the lights on an educated future for their athletes. That is why it is so hypocritical to imply that those coaches have only the interest of their athletes at heart. Fielding a team at all cost takes precedence. And what are we really talking about when using the word “athlete” in this con- text? We’re talking about black athletes, so let me tell you about a black athlete from Auburn High School who didn’t hear his name called out at a sports pep assembly, even in the face of a spontaneously-gathered student petition to have him recognized for the athletic goal he was pursuing. The coaches didn’t have time for that kid’s athletic dreams, but it didn’t deter him. As a result, he did hear his name called out. Not, of course, at one of those “Whoop ‘em up, rip ‘em up: We’re gonna smear ‘em” pep assemblies on which coaches thrive and which serve little purpose other than taking away from classroom academics. No. He heard his name called out in the rarified air of supreme athletic achievement as winner of an Olympic medal. His is a prime example of why we shouldn’t trivialize black potential by insisting we have to make allowances for black athletes. The new Failure on Demand policy makes things convenient for coaches and serves no other purpose. The Register Star may think that by lowering standards, you in some screwy way inspire students and light a fire, but the only thing that gets lit with that kind of reasoning is a firestorm of functional illiteracy! The Board of Education may be pleased as punch with the way things are going, but far from signaling the dawn of a new day, the new Failure on Demand athletic eligibility policy simply guarantees that in District 205, the sun never sets on the soft bigotry of low expectations. Tim Hughes is a former teacher in Rockford School District 205 who coached debate and taught English at Auburn High School for 20 years. At Auburn, he coached three debate teams to first-place national championships. ! ! ! Leadership blinders The leadership of Rockford and Winnebago County is pushing hard for a casino in Rockford. They have enlisted the support of several groups and are now trying to convince Governor Pat Quinn that everyone in Rockford is “all in.” This is far from the truth. Many organizations and churches are not in favor of a Rockford casino. The truth is that because Rockford has a deplorable economic development effort, our leaders will jump at anything that spells minimum-wage jobs without ever considering the consequences. The United States International Gambling Report says “casinos siphon money away from economies struggling to rebound, and saddle taxpayers with hefty, ongoing costs to battle crime and other social problems that gambling spawns.” This report confirms that legalized gambling cost taxpayers at least $3 for every dollar of theoretical benefits. “If you are dumping money into the slots, you are not spending money on cars, computers, refrigerators or education.” If as much effort were devoted to luring well-paying manufacturing jobs to Rockford as attracting a casino, Rockford could again prosper. Rockford has enough problems that our leaders cannot seem to deal with; let’s not invite more with a casino. Rolland W. Westra Rockford ! ! ! Dallas firefighters give thanks for article about fallen Dallas firefighter and his son Editor’s note: The following letters were sent to Sports Columnist Doug Halberstadt in response to his Aug. 24-30 article, “Son of fallen firefighter to throw ceremonial first pitch for Texas Rangers.” Doug, Thank you for taking the time to write about Lt. [Todd] Krodle’s son (Cade) throwing out the first pitch at the Rangers game. The toughest part of this job is knowing that I may leave my two boys without a father. Cade is going through something that no child should ever have to go through. I pray that this event shows the respect that his daddy deserves. Thank you again. Steve Lopez, Captain Dallas Fire Department Special Operations Grand Prairie, Texas Mr. Halberstadt, This is the first time I have ever written to a columnist about one of their columns. I am a Dallas firefighter and paramedic, and I was touched by your column. I want to thank you for the piece you wrote on Cade Krodle and what happened to his father, Lt. Todd Krodle. I never had the pleasure of meeting and working with Cade’s father, but I understand he was a wonderful person and a great father. His loss has certainly been a tragedy to his family, our department and the community; and although nothing can replace him, the outpouring of concern and care from everyone hopefully will comfort his family in some small way. Firefighters are considered by many to be heroes, but our wives and kids are really the heroes. They sacrifice so much. They are the ones that have to watch us walk out the door each shift, knowing in the back of their minds that there is the chance that we might not come home. Fortunately for Q uestion of the Week most of us, that is rarely the case. Unfortunately for the Krodles, this time it was the case. Hopefully, this event will bring his son some comfort. Thank you for covering this. Sincerely, Jon Edman Dallas Fire Rescue Little Elm, Texas Doug, On behalf of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association, I would like to thank you for writing about Cade Krodle throwing out the first pitch at the Rangers game last night. It was a great article, which I was proud to provide a link to on our website. I wanted to provide you a link to the story that was done by our local CBS station for your viewing pleasure: http:// dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/08/27/fallenfirefighters-son-tosses-opening-pitch-atrangers-game/. The untimely death of Lt. Todd Krodle is a tragic story, and unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to bring him back. What we can do, and what our focus has been, is to take care of and support his family. Most especially, his two young children. Thank you for being a part of that and telling Cade’s story. Regards, Doug Dickerson, Vice President Dallas Fire Fighters Association www.dffa.org Dallas ! ! ! Senior Citizen Memorial Hall Dance We are still smiling and can’t stop talking about the wonderful time we and a couple hundred other seniors had last Sunday, Aug. 21, at Veterans’ Memorial Hall when the Bill Engberg Orchestra played their famous ballroom music “one last time.” We are so grateful the 90-year-old longtime band member, Vito D’Angelo, suggested this happen and for the dogged efforts of John Russell, of WTPB, to find a place where it could happen. Scott Lewandowski, manager of Veterans’ Memorial Hall, is to be commended for providing such a wonderful venue for a dance. He certainly generated a lot of good will and exposure for his hall as the turnout of seniors was tremendous. Sunday, from 2 until 5 p.m. is ideal for seniors, and it would be great if somehow it could be repeated and turned into a paying proposition. Certainly, the interest in ballroom music is there, both for the dancers and the listeners. Mark Rose, Rock Valley College band director, did an outstanding job leading the orchestra, highlighting each of the players, and every one of them was top-notch. Angie Fellows, coordinator of Rockford’s Senior Follies, who agreed to be vocalist for the afternoon, added just the right touch of nostalgia. They were such a professional orchestra, and we are so grateful to them for agreeing to play. We just can’t believe they were any better in the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Both Rose and Russell provided a friendly commentary and atmosphere to make everyone feel welcome and included. It was billed as a “no frills event,” but it is one that we will long remember and continue to wish that somehow it could be repeated again ... and again. OK, how about just one more time? Lois Robinson Elton Miller Rockford Vote at www.rockrivertimes.com Should the City of Rockford outsource its parking system? LAST WEEK—29 RESPONDENTS: Are you glad the USDA has begun to mandate healthier, lower calorie school lunches? Yes 79% [23 votes] No 21% [6 votes] First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 7 Protester: Open Meetings Act violated Winnebago County Treasurer’s Office at ZBA meeting on asphalt plant open until 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 The Rock River Times ! Continued from page A1 to let the board know we could not hear the testimony presented. Amazingly, no microphones or PA were used in the crowded meeting, with more than 60 people crammed into an unairconditioned room. The petitioner’s paid witnesses talked in a lower octave, mostly directly facing the board, making it difficult to hear all that was said in testimony from the various witnesses. Once the petitioner had finished presenting his case, the questioning of the petitioner’s witnesses began. The questioning of the witnesses was confusing to the opposition, as at times two witnesses were answering questions at a time, then it was one witness at a time. And throughout, the lawyer for the petitioner, Ross-Shannon, interrupted opposition questions and directly confronted the opposition, not the chairman, to make statements challenging the questions and the opposition resident asking the question. At no time did Chairman Erickson remind the petitioner to address the chairman directly, not the opposition, or reprimand him for his conduct. Chairman Erickson, however, did reprimand the opposition for the way we were reading off our names and addresses, apparently too quickly for the chairman and the court recorder (paid for by William Charles), before beginning to ask questions of the petitioner’s witnesses. Additionally, Chairman Erickson challenged the opposition many times, interrupting an opposition resident, before they finished asking a question about whether a question was being asked, rather than testimony. The constant interruptions from the chairman and the petitioner’s attorney, RossShannon made it difficult for the opposition to ask all questions of the witnesses. These interruptions intimidated others in the audience into not asking questions. The witnesses refused to answer opposition questions based on relevance without a ruling from the chairman. At no time was the opposition allowed to question the petitioner’s Supplemental Narrative, supplied by William Charles, nor RossShannon’s opening remarks. Because of the late hour (around 11 p.m.), and once questioning from the opposition seemed to go on too long for Chairman Erickson (although he gave the petitioners all the time they needed to present their case and did not rush them), the chairman announced the board would leave the room for a conference. This was the direct violation of the Open Meetings Act. Chairman Erickson did not make a motion for the reason to go into what was really a closed session. Chairman Erickson did not take a vote on going into Closed Session. The entire board just left the meeting, went into a side room and closed the door behind them, going into Closed Session. Then, the chairman came back into the room and met with the petitioner’s lawyer and a couple of witnesses on sidebar, off the record, in a hushed voice, so no one could hear him for a period of a couple minutes. All of this occurred in the room in front of the opposition and the Winnebago County Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Hohe. The chairman then went back into the side room and closed the door again. The entire board emerged a few minutes later and took their seats. The chairman called the meeting back to order. He then stated the meeting would continue. The chairman then listed the petitioner’s witnesses he would dismiss and would have no further questions from, even though the chairman had already dismissed those witnesses, and no further opposition questioning could take place. Previously, the chairman had made it clear to the room that their testimony was over, and all opposition questions had been asked. We challenged the reasoning for the Closed Session, as no reason was given to the opposition. The chairman stated he wanted to know how late the board members wanted to stay. We challenged that statement. Then audience member Michelle Courier asked the ZBA whether they did not just violate the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Hohe stated they had just violated the Open Meetings Act, noting: she didn’t catch it; she could be sanctioned; the ZBA could be cited, and the opposition should look up the procedures to do so on the Internet. We then asked whether minutes had been taken in the Closed Session. The chairman stated, “No,” but not to worry, he was only asking about dates of availability of ZBA members for a future continuance of these hearings and if some of the petitioner’s witnesses could be dismissed or recalled. News/Commentary/Renewable Energy We asked the state’s attorney again what that meant, and for her to advise us of our rights at that point. She advised us that since clearly we know how to use Google, we could figure it out, but she more than likely would be censured. I was also going to challenge the sidebar with the petitioner off the record while the session was still in effect, but decided not to, as the attitude of the state’s attorney and the chairman did not make me feel assured my rights were being protected at that moment. As a Winnebago County resident, it is my civic responsibility to be well informed about the subjects concerning my town, my county, my state and my country. I take that responsibility seriously, and was well informed at the meeting of my rights and the Winnebago County procedures. To be chastised and rebuked by the state’s attorney and the chairman for understanding my rights and the procedures that should be followed in this proceeding is not acceptable. After more than four hours, I, Nichole Sammon, was called as the first witness for the opposition. The chairman interrupted me in the first five minutes of my presentation to question the validity of the information I was presenting concerning our neighborhood demographics. I stated I believe information about the neighborhood in question adjacent to the property seeking the special-use permit is relevant. He let me continue. I was told to “hurry along,” along with numerous non-verbal hand and facial expressions to move my testimony along. Again, not once was this demand put on the petitioner or any of their witnesses in this meeting. Along with the chairman’s demands to hurry along, the petitioner’s lawyer, RossShannon, interrupted my testimony multiple times, addressing me directly, not the chairman, stating I had no ability to testify to the information I was presenting. His tone was meant to belittle and bully me. He questioned my credentials multiple times. I am a citizen of Winnebago County. I do not need credentials to present in a public hearing in Winnebago County. At no time did the chairman or the state’s attorney correct or refute the petitioner until multiple attendees contested and informed the chairman of his duties. Once I had completed my testimony to the board, direct questioning from the board and petitioner started. This is in direct conflict with the precedent set by the board at the beginning of the meeting, whereby the petitioner was allowed to present their entire side of the petition before any direct questions of the witnesses. We, the opposition, still have many speakers to present on our side of the permit in question. During direct questioning from the chairman, he asked me for my burden of proof on how my property value would not be affected. It is not on me to prove my property value would not be affected, it is the petitioner’s burden to prove my property value will not be affected. A couple of board members in questioning me also pushed me to prove the petitioner’s request would not affect my health. It is the petitioner’s burden to prove my health will not be affected. I was asked by one board member whether I thought it was William Charles’ fault that the intersection they will be utilizing is poorly designed and accident-prone. That question was out of line and out of order, as I was simply raising a concern as a citizen of Winnebago County regarding an already dangerous intersection and the addition of large amounts of heavy truck traffic. Again, neither the chairman nor the state’s attorney corrected the board member for misconduct. It is clear to me from the questions asked from Chairman Erickson and other members of the board that they do not understand where the burden of proof lies in this permit request. At the end of my testimony and questioning, the board stated it was too late in the evening to continue, and stated this session would reconvene Sept. 14. I am quite concerned with what I have seen and been involved with concerning this special-use permit for William Charles. The rules and procedures established by Winnebago County and the ZBA are not being followed or adhered to, I would allege. Blatant bias for the petitioner is on record. I would very much appreciate your looking into this matter. Nichole Larison Sammon is a resident of Fox Ridge Subdivision, which is just to the west of the proposed William Charles asphalt plant. The Editor & Publisher of The Rock River Times Frank Schier was present at this ZBA hearing and proofread and edited this column. ! Continued from page A1 transaction fee. First installments that have not been paid will have a penalty of 6 percent added after Sept. 13. Second installments that have not been paid by the Sept. 2 due date will incur a penalty of 1.5 percent per month. Late payments cannot be made at local banks or credit unions. Taxpayers should call the Treasurer’s Office at (815) 319-4400 for correct amount due prior to mailing late payments. Publication of delinquent taxes will be Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 A the week of Oct. 3, and Certified Notices will be mailed Sept. 30, informing taxpayers of the Tax Sale to be held Oct. 24 and 25, 2011, beginning at 9 a.m. If you did not receive a tax bill this year, and you have not changed your address at the Treasurer’s Office, please call (815) 3194400 to make arrangements to have a form mailed to you, or go to the Treasurer’s website at www.winnebagotreasurer.com and print out a change form. Changing your address at the post office will NOT change your mailing address for tax bills. Green Fair Sept. 17 at Freeport’s Highland Community College Staff Report workshops and activities for the kids. Educational workshops that will be ofPaint recycling and document shredding/ recycling will be offered at the Northwest fered at the Green Fair and are as follows: 10 a.m. — “Solar Wind Energy for Illinois Green Fair Sept. 17. Both opportunities will be available that day from 9 a.m. Homeowners,” presented by Dave Merrill, with Sun Air Systems; to 1 p.m. outside of the Green Fair. 11 a.m. — “Hybrid Vehicle Technology,” Earth Paints Collection Systems will be on hand to collect and recycle latex paints. A presented by Jim Palmer, automotive technolper-container fee will be charged as follows: ogy instructor at Highland Community College; 12:30 p.m. — Keynote: “What’s on the quart, $1.50 each; 1-gallon, $2.50 each; 2Horizon for gallon, $3.50 each; and 5-gallon, $8 each. After taking advantage of the Renewables?”, presented by Jay Document recycling/shredding will recycling opportunities, visit the Solomon, University be offered for free up Northwest Illinois Green Fair, which of Illinois Extension to 100 pounds. will be in the Student Conference educator in Environmental and Energy After taking advantage of the recy- Center at Highland Community Stewardship; and 2 p.m. — “Opporcling opportunities, College in Freeport, Ill. tunities for Local visit the Northwest Illinois Green Fair, which will be in the Food Systems that are Environmentally Student Conference Center at Highland Sustainable,” presented by Maurice Ogutu, Community College in Freeport, Ill. The University of Illinois Extension educator, Green Fair will run 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and will local food systems and small farms. Green Fair is open to the public at no charge. feature an exhibitor fair with area busiFor more details, visit www.nwilnesses and organizations with a focus on sustainability, conservation, preservation, greenfair.com or web.extension.illinois.edu/ local foods, living well and the environment. jsw/, or call the University of Illinois ExtenThe Green Fair will also offer educational sion at (815) 235-4125. China dominates the green economy ! Continued from page A1 with a Chinese company in central China. According to Keith Bradsher in an article in The New York Times, the Evergreen CEO indicated Chinese state-owned banks and municipal governments provide large subsidies to their manufacturers, which preclude U.S. firms from building facilities in the U.S. Evergreen borrowed two-thirds of the cost of its new plant in China. No principal and interest payments are due until 2015. In Massachusetts, a state grant only covered 5 percent of the cost of the firm’s manufacturing plant. The remaining funds were sought from private United States banks, which were reluctant to provide the funds, even at interest rates more than double that to be paid in China. Investment banker Henry C. K. Liu indicates that this form of unregulated global trade is pre-empting economic growth in market economies around the world. He sees it leading to long-term stagnation in domestic economies as wages paid by international capital are insufficient to support consumer demand. With economic stagnation in the United States, demand for electricity has not kept up with the increased potential for electrical supply. Low natural gas prices stimulate private electrical production for internal use, undercutting demand for traditional utility power. David Guitiani, of Sauk Valley Media, reports that three potential regional providers of electricity are unable to find buyers for their power. The three projects on hold include a biomass plant, a wind farm and the long-idled Invenergy facility in Nelson. Given current economic conditions, downsizing the solar farm in Rockford to 3 MW from the original concept of 60 MW is not surprising. The size can be expanded as increased demand warrants. The continued support of the project by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) is well timed. Secure, environmentally-friendly, long-term energy supplies at predictable prices contribute to a healthy business climate. Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail [email protected]. 8 A The Rock River Times Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011 THIS UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP ASKS YOU TO HELP CLEAN UP THE ROCK RIVER! Participate in the Rock River Sweep Sat., Sept.10, 2011 From above the Rockford Fordham Dam to above Rockton: THE ROCK RIVER SWEEP is the second annual cleanup of the whole 276-mile length Map shows from Fordham Dam north to Wisconsin of the river. Google Rockford's Sportscore I or Rockton's Settlers' Park for directions. Rock River Homeowners Association, Rock River Enterprises, Rockton Friends of the Rock, The Rock River Trail Initiative, and The Rock River Times are co-sponsoring the cleanup of the northern section of the Winnebago County from above the Rockford Fordham Dam to above Rockton on the Rock River. REGISTRATION For the Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park section, we will meet at 9:30 at Sportscore I Park in Rockford and in Rockton. Door prizes will be awarded and cleanup assignments made. We plan to be off the river no later than 3:00 pm. For the Rockton section, we will meet at the gazebo at Settlers' Park at Blackhawk Blvd. and Hawick. PUT IN Either at Rockford Marina, Martin Park, Sportcore I for the Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park section. For the Rockton section, put in at Macktown Forest Preserve, Jensen Forest Preserve, the Rockton boat launch on Hononegah Rd. across from Hononegah High School, Hononegah Forest Preserve or Settlers' Park. REACH We will clean the stretch from Fordham Dam up to the Roscoe Shallows (see river map below) and leave trash at Sportscore I. For the Rockton section, trash may be left at Settlers' Park. More announcements may be made for trash drop-off ports. QUESTIONS? For the Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park section, call Rock River Enterprises and Rock River Homeowner Assocation's Steve Lucas at 815-243-8742 or email him at [email protected] AND for the Rockton section, call Loren Floto at 815-6247622 or e-mail him at [email protected] Image courtesy of Google MapsTM From below the Rockford Fordham Dam to Hinchcliff F.P.: THE ROCK RIVER SWEEP is the second annual cleanup of the whole 276-mile length of the river. Prairie State Canoeists, The Illinois Paddling Council, Paddle and Trail, The Rock River Trail Initiative and The Rock River Times are co-sponsoring the cleanup of the South Rockford Reach of the Rock River. REGISTRATION We will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Blackhawk Park in Rockford. Door prizes will be awarded and cleanup assignments made. We plan to be off the river no later than 3:00 pm. PUT IN Either at Blackhawk Park or at South Park behind La Famiglia. REACH We will clean the stretch from Fordham Dam down to Hinchcliff Forest Preserve (see river map below) and leave trash and take-out at Hinchcliff, at the former Ace of Diamonds property on the Southwest end of Blackhawk Island and at La Famiglia. Questions? Call Tom Lindblade at 630-207-9500. DIRECTIONS FROM I-90 AT ROCKFORD Map shows from Fordham Dam south to Hinchcliff Forest Preserve 1. Take the US-20 BUS/State St exit—Toll road .......................................................... 0.8 mi 2. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Rockford and merge onto US-20 BUS W/E State St—Partial toll road ..................................................... 5.0 mi 3. Turn left at S Rockford Ave ....................................................................................... 0.5 mi 4. Continue onto 20th St............................................................................................... 0.5 mi 5. Turn right at Broadway ............................................................................................. 1.5 mi 6. Turn left at Kishwaukee St ........................................................................................ 469 ft 7. Turn right at 15th Ave—Blackhawk Park will be on the left .................................... 0.7 mi WHAT TO BRING " Boat and PFD " Lunch " Sunblock " Work gloves " Hard-soled shoes " Some kind of pick-up tool, long and short handled " Dry clothes in a doubled trashbag (in case of capsize) " Hat " Safety/Sunglasses Steve Lucas at 815-243-8742 or [email protected] Rock River Enterprises Image courtesy of Google MapsTM Rockton Friends of the Rock Loren Floto at 815-624-7622 or [email protected]