| April 2011 Freeport-Area Events Page: To have your event listed for free use the contact form at the bottom of the page.
"Skatee Awards" Lock-In Thursday Night
The Emmy Awards are notorious for glamour in Hollywood, but the "Skatee Awards" are coming to the Freeport area this Thursday night. Anyone in the 5th grade (or older) is invited to walk the red carpet at Skate Station.
The festivities begin at 9 PM, ending at 6 AM on Friday. Awards will be given for Best Costume, Comediac Performance, Choreography, and many more. Attendees will also be invited to play "Dodge the Paparazzi" and "Take 2" skate.
Admission is $18 at the door, including quad skates, unlimited pizza from 1-2 AM, and breakfast. For more information, contact Skate Station at 815-232-7344.
 Meeting your Business needs Workshop Come join us as we discuss the many services that IDES offers at no extra cost to you! Co-hosted by: Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce And IDES – Illinois Department Employment Security Held at: Highland Community College Conference Center 7:30 – 11:30 am April 26, 2011 $10.00 per person Continental Breakfast Included! Please RSVP by April 22, 2011 Register online! Go to www.freeportilchamber.com or email freeportareachamber@freeportilchamber.com
FREEPORT/STEPHENSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS EVENTS
APRIL 25 THRU MAY 8, 2011:
Week #1: April 25 thru May 1 April 25, LITTLE CUBS FIELD OPENING DAY 2011. Little Cubs Field, 1160 W. Empire Street, Freeport. 6 pm. Celebrate the opening of Little Cubs Field for the 2011 season with the first Little League Game for 2011 and with a surprise special guest who will throw out the first pitch. (815-235-5318) April 25-27, 41ST ANNUAL HCC DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL JURIED ART EXHIBIT. Highland Gallery, Ferguson Fine Arts Center, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. Monday thru Friday: 8 am to 5 pm. This exhibition recognizes young artists in Northwest Illinois and celebrates their visual contribution to the community.(815-235-6127) April 25-30, SONATA CODA MINI EXPO. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Highway 20 East, Freeport. 8 am to 6 pm. To celebrate the Sonata Coda Exhibition at the Freeport Art Museum co-sponsored by the Stephenson County Historical Society, one of the beautiful antique keyboard instruments from Steve Misener's private collection is featured at the Visitors Center. (815-233-1357) April 25-May 22, MOMENTUM ART GUILD EXPO: VISUAL MAGNETISM 6. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Highway 20 East, Freeport. 8 am to 6 pm. This Sixth Annual Art Exhibition features members of the Momentum Art Guild which includes local professional, amateur and student artists who work in all mediums. Artwork is for sale. (815-233-1357) April 26-30, SONATA CODA: AN EXHIBITION OF KEYBOARD INSTRUMENTS. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Avenue, Freeport. Tuesday thru Friday: 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday: Noon to 5 pm. This is a collaborative exhibition presented by the Freeport Art Museum and the Stephenson County Historical Museum featuring historic pianos and organs from the private collection of Steve Misener. This special exhibition explores the piano as a complex machine, a striking work of decorative art, and the vehicle for an infinite variety of human expression, reflecting technological, cultural, and social changes from the Industrial Revolution through the present day. Guided tours only and by reservation only. Tours are led by piano expert and historian Steve Misener. Tours available Monday thru Friday at 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 7 pm for the general public. Saturday tours are at Noon and 3 pm. Individuals: $10 per person; Group tours of 20 or more: Call for prices. (815-235-9755) April 27, "SWING TIME". Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Avenue, Freeport. 1 pm and 7 pm. As part of the Film Noir: Classic Film Series sponsored by Highland Community College and the Stephenson County Historical Society, this classic musical, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, will be shown. Admission is included with the purchase of a series ticket for the Film Noir series. Film Noir Series Ticket Holders: Free; All Others: $5. (815-233-0025 or 815-232-8419) April 27-May 14, "FREEPORT PARK DISTRICT: 100 YEARS". Stephenson County Historical Society Museum, 1440 S. Carroll Avenue, Freeport. Wednesday thru Sunday: Noon to 4 pm. Celebrate 100 years of the Freeport Park District with an exhibit of artifacts and photos. Historical Society Members: Free. Non-Members: Adults: $4; Children 6 to 12: $2. (815-232-8419) April 28, STEPHENSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER. Eagles Club, 1200 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport,. Dinner: 5 pm; Speaker: 7 pm. The public is invited to join the Historical Society for this annual event which will include a presentation by Dr John Hallwas, retired professor from Western Illinois University, who will offer "Desperadoes: Notorious Lawbreakers of Early Illinois". Dinner and Presentation: Per Person: $30; Per Couple: $55; Presentation Only: Free (815-232-8419) April 29, OAK RIDGE BOYS CONCERT. Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport. 7:30 pm. Enjoy these great artists in concert. All seats are reserved. Main Floor and Mezzanine: $45; Balcony: $35. (815-233-0513) April 29-30, ROYAL SCOTS AND BIG BAND SPRING JAZZ SHOW. Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, 7:30 pm. Enjoy this concert with performances from the jazz repertoire. The special guest artist will be guitarist and Freeport native, Felton Offard, who has worked with diverse acts from pop star Barry Manilow to jazz legend Clark Terry. Adults: $8; Seniors: $7; Students: $6. (815-235-6127) April 29-30, May 1, 6-8, "SARAH BERNHARDT IN TEXAS". Mighty Richland Players Dinner/Dessert Theater, 203 W. High Street, Orangeville. Friday and Saturday: Doors Open: 6:30 pm; Show: 7 pm; Sunday: Doors Open: 1 pm; Show: 1:30 pm. Famous off-Broadway playwright (Radio Gals, Oil City Symphony), national traveling musician (Red Clay Ramblers), and world renowned composer (Smoke on the Mountain), Mike Craver again has put his hand to paper and computer and written an original musical for Mighty Richland Players. What’s more, he’s coming from North Carolina for a third year to star in it! This is the third in a quartet of musical comedies showcasing that cast of misfits: Fannie Mae Garrettson, Ollie O. Shaunessey, Dora Hand, Deadwood Dan, Frederick Forsythe Fosdick III, and Reverend Mould. Are you wondering what happens between Orangeville and Dodge City? So are we!! This all new show will be presented in dessert theater format. $20. (815-819-1310) April 30, ILLINOIS - NORTHWEST AND FREEPORT BODYBUILDING AND FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport. 11 am: Judging; 6 pm: Evening Show. Two competitions with awards. Sponsored by Fitness Nutrition Center. Entry Fee: $50 per class entered. Master of Ceremonies is Ben Marten, TV and film actor and Freeport native. Spectators: Judging: $7 General Admission; Evening Show: $15 Reserved. Tickets may be ordered on line at fncil.com or in person at Fitness Nutrition Center, 421 W. South Street, Freeport. (815-599-8520) April 30, MOTHER'S DAY SPA AND GIFT EVENT. Family Health Quest, 640 W. South Street, Freeport. 1 pm to 5 pm. Relax, shop and learn at this special event. There will be vendors including Gold Canyon Candles, Tastefully Simple, Lia Sophia Jewelry and more. A massage therapist and reflexologist will be available. (815-235-2301) April 30, RED HAT EXTRAVAGANZA. Eagles Club, 1200 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport. 2 pm. CONTACT of Northern Illinois will host this special event which includes a Red Hat Tea, Silent Auction, and entertainment. Red Hatters are invited to enter a competition that includes categories of Most Original Recycled Red Hat, Most Extravagant Red Hat Outfit and Most Unique Red Hat Handbag. Plus the Red Hat Group with the most members, family and friends present will win a prize. All proceeds will benefit CONTACT's 24 Hour Crisis Line. $15 per person, $25 for two people, $90 for a table of eight. (815-821-4653) April 30, AQUIN EXTRAVAGANZA: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson Street,1419 S. Galena Avenue, Freeport. 5 pm to Midnight. A benefit for Aquin Catholic Schools featuring dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, a $15,000 raffle and dance. $110/couple; $55/single. (815-235-3154x226) May 1, AQUIN FLEA MARKET. Aquin High School, 1419 S. Galena, Freeport. 8 am to 2:30 pm. Indoor flea market, antiques, books, crafts, collectibles. $1. (815-235-4012) May 1, June 5, July 10, August 7, September 11, October 2, November 6, December 4, SPORTS CARD AND COIN SHOW. Lincoln Mall, 1255 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport. 10 am to 4 pm. Dealers buy, sell and trade sports cards and memorabilia and coins from the past and present. The public is encouraged to bring in sport related items to learn their history and current value. Door prizes for the kids. (815-235-3694) Week #2: May 2 thru May 8 May 2-22, MOMENTUM ART GUILD EXPO: VISUAL MAGNETISM 6. Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Highway 20 East, Freeport. 8 am to 6 pm. This Sixth Annual Art Exhibition features members of the Momentum Art Guild which includes local professional, amateur and student artists who work in all mediums. Artwork is for sale. (815-233-1357) May 4-14, "FREEPORT PARK DISTRICT: 100 YEARS". Stephenson County Historical Society Museum, 1440 S. Carroll Avenue, Freeport. Wednesday thru Sunday: Noon to 4 pm. Celebrate 100 years of the Freeport Park District with an exhibit of artifacts and photos. Historical Society Members: Free. Non-Members: Adults: $4; Children 6 to 12: $2. (815-232-8419) May 6, MINI MASTERPIECE EXHIBITION OPENING GALA. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Avenue, Freeport. 5 pm to 7 pm. Enjoy the opening gala for this new exhibition in which sixty five artists from across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin have submitted at least one art work for participation in this show. The work must measure six by six inches. The resulting artwork surprises and delights as the artistic talent and variety of mediums is showcased. Watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, acrylic, oil as well as 3-dimensional pieces such as metal work and birdhouses are featured. The Opening Gala will offer gourmet wine and appetizers, a professional exhibition catalog including all artists, and an exciting buy-it-now fundraiser as all Mini Masterpieces are for sale by silent auction. (815-235-9755) May 6, HCC CONCERT BAND SPRING INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT. Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, 7:30 pm. The Highland Concert Band will finish their season with a variety of well known pieces from the standard band repertoire, including marches, classical, Broadway and other popular literature. comprised of over 50 local adult musicians and students, the Highland Concert Band promises an evening of entertaining music. (815-235-6127) May 6-7, LENA AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL PLANT SALE. Lena Historical Society Museum, 427 W. Grove, Lena. Friday: 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday: 8 am to 2 pm. All kinds of plants for sale, including annuals, perennials, herbs, wildflowers, flowering shrubs and more. (815-233-2545) May 6-7, REGION IV SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT. Read Park, 1122 S. Burchard, Freeport. Friday: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm; Saturday: 10 am, Noon. Highland College hosts this Division II tournament for District 4A(B) and District 4B(C). Winners advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Bloomington, Illinois. $4. (815-599-3465) May 6-7, 12-14, "THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO". Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark Street, Freeport. 7:30 pm. This winner of the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play takes place in Atlanta, Georgia in December, 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premier, and Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta's elitist German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. The family gets pulled apart and then mended together with plenty of comedy, romance and revelations along the way. The May 6 performance only is presented in cooperation with the Freeport Public Library Foundation as a fundraiser for the Foundation. Refreshments and the play will be offered at a cost of $40 or $30 for members of Winneshiek. Tickets may be ordered from Winneshiek or from the Freeport Public Library at 815-233-3000. $12 (for all performances except May 6). (815-232-7023) May 6-8, "SARAH BERNHARDT IN TEXAS". Mighty Richland Players Dinner/Dessert Theater, 203 W. High Street, Orangeville. Friday and Saturday: Doors Open: 6:30 pm; Show: 7 pm; Sunday: Doors Open: 1 pm; Show: 1:30 pm. Famous off-Broadway playwright (Radio Gals, Oil City Symphony), national traveling musician (Red Clay Ramblers), and world renowned composer (Smoke on the Mountain), Mike Craver again has put his hand to paper and computer and written an original musical for Mighty Richland Players. What’s more, he’s coming from North Carolina for a third year to star in it! This is the third in a quartet of musical comedies showcasing that cast of misfits: Fannie Mae Garrettson, Ollie O. Shaunessey, Dora Hand, Deadwood Dan, Frederick Forsythe Fosdick III, and Reverend Mould. Are you wondering what happens between Orangeville and Dodge City? So are we!! This all new show will be presented in dessert theater format. $20. (815-819-1310) May 7, WOMEN AND THE WILD. Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport. 8 am to 5 pm. This is an all day event with women attending four 1.5 hour hands-on workshops. Workshops include river canoeing, chicken harvesting, dried flower arranging, archery, bike maintenance, vermicomposting, cheese making and self defense. A delicious and healthy lunch is included as well as all materials. Prior registration required. Registration: $40. (815-235-6114) May 7, SPRING CHICKEN 5K RUN/WALK. Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. 9 am. Join this fun event to benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. All participants receive a t-shirt and awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age category. Registrations received by May 1: $20; After May 1: $25. (815-235-9622) May 7, 8TH ANNUAL GARDEN ART AND CRAFT FAIR. Lily Pad Gardens and Nursery, 6318 N. Lake Road, Lena. 9 am to 6 pm. Visit Lily Pad for a full day of fun to kick off spring. There will be crafters and vendors featuring Watkins Food Products, hand made furniture, jewelry, outdoor garden decor, garden themed crafts and more. Plus food and music as well as specials all day long. (815-369-9111) May 7, LADIES DAY OUT. Lena Community Center, 497 Lions Drive, Lena. 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy a day of food, fun and shopping. Shop for great gifts from 40 vendors such as Gold Canyon Candles, Mary Kay, Longaberger Baskets, Tastefully Simple, jewelry, craft vendors, and more. Win prizes including a $100 Grand Prize. Plus there will be silent auction to benefit the Humane Society. (815-541-2355)
 RE/MAX NORTHERN ILLINOIS REAL ESTATE NETWORK’S HOT AIR BALLOONT0 VISIT ORANGEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON APRIL 26 ELGIN, Ill., The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will visit Orangeville Elementary School, 310 S. East St., in Orangeville, Ill., on April 26, where the balloon crew will present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.
MALCOLM EATON Enterprises will be operating the brat stand at Cub Foods on April 29-30
HCC to present 2011 Boyer Colloquium Immigration: America’s Past, Present and Future
The Second Annual Midwest Roundup will take place this weekend at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds in Freeport, Illinois. We have 29 farms participating selling 65 lots of cattle from all over Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. We will be auctioning off service age bulls, productive cow/calf pairs and elite show heifers at 1pm. Please visit our website at midwest-roundup.com for up to the date information. We are also on facebook.
Electronics Recycling Collection to be held Are you looking to get rid of an old TV or computer and have no idea what to do with it? Mark your calendar for the Electronics Recycling Collection that will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highland Community College Parking Lot B. There is no fee for the collection but it is limited to the residents of Stephenson County. Items that will be accepted at the collection include: Televisions, CRT and LCD monitors, computers, laptops, printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, VCRs, keyboards, mice, DVD players, stereos, speakers, microwaves, miscellaneous cables, computer parts and peripherals, telephones, cell phones, PDAs, game counsels, and handheld electronic devices (iPods, cd players, game boys). Only items on the list will be accepted. The Electronics Recycling Collection is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension and the Stephenson County Health Department. For more information about the event please call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at (815) 235-4125.
Hands Around the Court House This year’s Hands Around the Court House to be held at 12 noon on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Stephenson County Courthouse. Hands Around the Court House is an event meant to honor and support victims of crime. The event is held over the lunch hour – after a brief speech we make a human circle around the courthouse and observe a moment of silence. Last year, we completed a circle all the way around the courthouse. Please join us this year! Read more...
 Tech Savvy Seniors Session Offered by 4-H Tech Team
Are you a senior that gets frustrated at the computer or with your cell phone? Our Stephenson County 4-H Tech Team, a.k.a. Geeks in Sneaks, will be leading another Tech Savvy Seniors Session. Some things you will learn include: how to set up a Facebook account, how to surf the internet, how to send a picture message on your phone, and how to send a text message on your phone. Senior citizens who attend this session will be taught at their own speed and one-on-one with a confident, patient teenager.
Tech Savvy Seniors will be held on Monday, April 25 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Highland Community College, Community Services Center, South Lobby. The cost for this one-to-one learning experience is just $5 per person (scholarships are available for those in need). If you are interested in attending this session, please call the University of Illinois Extension Office @ 815-235-4125. Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 20, 2011.
Additional Community Events: Cub Cares Community Brat Stand open this weekend The Cub Cares Community Brat Stand will be open this Friday & Saturday from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Choose from hot dogs, hamburgers or cheddar burgers, brats, pork chop sandwiches & Cub’s signature Angus steak sandwich. All proceeds benefit various local organizations. This week the stand is being operated by the First of Church of the Nazarene Pretzel City USA now has license plate frames Pretzel City USA now has license plate frames promoting our city of Freeport. They are available for sale for $5.00 at Twice As Nice in downtown Freeport and at the Convention and Tourist Bureau. Franchesco’s Wine Tasting & Olive Oil Tasting to benefit RAMP RAMP www.rampcil.org is partnering with Franchesco’s Ristorante, Galena Garlic Company and Rockford Cosmopolitan Club to host a Wine Tasting & Olive Oil Tasting with a silent Auction to benefit RAMP’s services and advocacy for people with disabilities. The event will be held Friday, April 8, 2011 from 5-8 pm at Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road in Rockford. Admission is $15 per person at the door. The evening will include wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres provided by Franchesco’s, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting provided by Galena Garlic Company. There will also be a silent auction featuring unique gifts. The auction will close at 7:00 pm. If you have further questions, please contact Development Director, Amy Morris, (815)968-7467 or amorris@rampcil.org Members of team Captain Cure will be at Yellow Creek Inn in Pearl City Yellow Creek Inn come enjoy dinner on April 9th from 5:00 to 9:00 where you will be waited on by the members of team Captain Cure and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Relay for Life. Midwest Dental to host free oral cancer exams Midwest Dental 1120 S. Park Blvd in Freeport will be providing free visual head and neck oral cancer exams during the week of April 11 – 15 in recognition of the National Oral Cancer Awareness week. One American dies every hour from oral cancer. Early detection is the key to survival. When discovered early, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90% survival rate. The foundation for this program is to highlight the importance of routine oral cancer screenings with emphasis on early detection and to create public awareness about oral cancer risk factors. Midwest Dental also offers enhanced oral cancer screenings for an additional fee. A portion of the proceeds from the enhanced screenings in the month of April will be donated to the Oral Cancer Foundation. *May not be available at all locations. Walk in event, no advanced appointment necessary. For more information, contact Midwest Dental at 815-235-7593. Boys & Girls Club of Freeport to host Job Readiness Workshop Come to the Job Readiness Workshop at the Boys & Girls Club of Freeport & Stephenson County on Tuesday, April 12 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. All breakout sessions are free of charge and include Resume Writing, Dress for Success, Certificate of Employability, National Career Readiness Certificate, Professionalism on the Job, Motivational Attitude, Self Development, Game Plan for Successful Employment, Overcoming Hurdles, Over 55 Employment, Mock Interviews. The Job Readiness Workshop is sponsored by Boys & Girls Club of Freeport & Stephenson County, Highland Community College, Berner Food & Beverage and Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact James Rhyne at 815-233-1600 or Scott Anderson at 235-6121. Learn how to enjoy spring’s outdoor activities pain-free with FHN Learn how you can enjoy spring’s outdoor activities pain-free at a special FHN Speakers Series presentation Thursday, April 14 in Freeport. FHN physical therapist Jena Zientek, PT, will talk about how to get your body ready for all sorts of spring activities – from running around after the kids to gardening, DIY projects, spring sports and more – at this free program. “After a long winter cooped up inside, the warmth of spring makes us feel like we can tackle anything,” Zientek said. “Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves with sore arms and legs or a backache the next day. Warming up properly before any activity can help prevent that pain.” The program begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills in Freeport. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit www.fhn.org/SpringWarmUp or call toll-free 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 901 to reserve your seat. For more information on FHN’s Spring Warm-up or our orthopedic and sports medicine services, visit www.fhn.org. Jane Addams Chapter to hold its monthly meeting The Jane Addams Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 14, 2011 beginning with networking at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Season’s, 1100 W. Galena Ave, Freeport, IL 61032. The menu for the evening’s meal is roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, California blend vegetables, salad, rolls and butter and beverage. The program for the evening will be on Business Meeting Management. The cost for the evening is $12.00 per person and reservations need to be made by calling Kay by Monday, April 11, 2011 at 815-235-7329. Guests are always welcome, but we do need you to call and make a reservation so we have a space reserved for you. Anyone with questions regarding the meeting or the Jane Addams Chapter of ABWA, please call Kay at 815-235-7329 or Pat at 815-297-1037. All Veterans Memorial Park and Donuts Delite is hosting the fifth annual “Donuts to Dollars” fundraiser Donuts Delite is hosting the fifth annual "Donuts to Dollars" fundraiser for the All Veterans' Memorial Park on Sunday, April 17th starting at 7am until 2pm. All donut sale proceeds are donated to the Park. Pre order donut sales are recommended for Sunday's fundraiser. Call Donuts Delite at 815-233-1627 to pre order. Lena Living Center, LLC to host site for Blood Drive Monday April 18, 2011, Lena Living Center, L.L.C will be a host site for Rock River Valley Quarterly Blood Drive. This event will be held from 2:30 – 6:30 pm we encourage everyone to attend and help save a life by donating. You can call the facility today and reserve your time to donate. If you have any questions please call 815-369-4561. FHN offering a free training course to Freeport – area businesses that sell and serve alcohol. FHN Family Counseling Center’s Partnerships for Success Project, with support from the Freeport Police Department and in conjunction with Alcohol Awareness Month, will offer free Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education Training (BASSET) to Freeport-area business that sell and serve alcohol. BASSET, regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, is constructed as an alcohol awareness program specifically designed for alcohol sellers and servers. BASSET is a four-hour training session and will be held Monday, April 18 at the Eagles Club in Freeport. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and the training will end at 1 p.m. Lunch will also be provided for participants. The Freeport Police Department supports the BASSET program for area alcohol retailers. “Educating those who sell and provide alcohol will assist in enhancing accountability and awareness, and reduce sales of alcohol to minors,” said Freeport Chief of Police Jerry Whitmore. The BASSET training will include information on the physical properties of alcohol, state statutes, local ordinances and DUI laws, identification techniques and dram shop information. BASSET is a resource and tool for local merchants to use to ensure compliance with state and local laws on alcohol sales and use. Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois and FHN offering volunteer training for anyone interested in volunteering for either or both hospices. Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois and FHN Hospice are offering their first-ever joint volunteer training for persons interested in volunteering for either or both hospices. Hospice volunteers provide companionship and support for terminally ill patients as well as relief for caregivers. Training includes classes on concepts of death and dying, grief, communication skills, stress management, infection control, safety and the bereavement process. The 7-week training course is required for anyone who wishes to volunteer with patients, families or in the hospice offices. Participants are not obligated to volunteer for either hospice upon completion of training. Classes will begin Wednesday, April 20 and continue each Wednesday through June 1. Classes will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 127 E. Benton Avenue, Stockton. Meeting time is 5:30 – 7:45 p.m., with a light supper provided at each session. There is no charge for the training sessions, but class space is limited; please reserve your space as soon as possible by calling the FHN Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 815-599-7240 or the Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois at 815-947-3260. Lena Living Center Celebrates Earth Day Lena Living Center on April 21, 2011 will be Celebrating Earth Day with a tree planting ceremony. We at Lena encourage the community to come and help us celebrate this day. Planting will take place at 2pm with refreshments being served after. Easter Bunny is coming to Lena Living Center The Easter Bunny is coming to Lena on Friday April 22, 2011 at 2:30pm. All area children are invited to hop on over to Lena Living Center and have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, take a chance on a raffle to win an Easter basket and find a lot of eggs at the hunt. Plan on enjoying refreshments with the Easter Bunny after the egg hunt! CONTACT to Host Red Hat Extravaganza! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! CONTACT of Northern Illinois will be hosting a Red Hat Extravaganza on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Freeport. The event will include a Red Hat Tea, Silent Auction and Entertainment. Red Hatters are invited to enter a competition that includes categories of Most Original Recycled Red Hat, Most Extravagant Red Hat Outfit and Most Unique Red Hat Handbag. In addition the Red Hat Group with the most members, family and friends present will win a prize. Great fun for anyone! Tickets are $15.00 each, 2 for $25.00 or a table of 8 for $90.00. Get your tickets early by calling 815-821-4653. All proceeds from the event will benefit CONTACT’s 24 Hour Crisis Line. Easter Bunny at Freeport Lincoln Mall Vondra, Stephenson County RAMP Manager at (815)233-1128 or tvondra@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help. American Cancer Society hosting “Reading for a Cure” “Reading for a Cure” Stephenson County Relay has created a program to encourage children to become involved in finding a cure for cancer while promoting reading at the same time. Open to all children K thru 8th grade. Each child that raises $25 or more will receive a Relay For Life T-Shirt. Program will run Saturday, March 19-Wednesday, May 4. To participate & receive your packet of information contact Ann Robertson (815)232-8924, Melinda Hutmacher (815)990-2195, or www.relayforlifestephenson.com all proceeds donated to American Cancer Society. The Easter Bunny will be at Lincoln Mall on: Saturday, April 16th 10 am - 2 pm, Sunday, April 17th 12 pm - 4 pm, Friday, April 22nd 10 am - 2 pm, Saturday, April 23rd 10 am - 2 pm. For more information email joan.welt@comcast.net Expect Exciting Changes at the Freeport RAMP Wheel-A-Thon We have made the following changes to our traditional Wheel-A-Thon event: Typically the wheel-a-thon has been held on a Saturday morning. This year’s wheel-a-thon will be held in the evening on Thursday, July 28th. Registration begins at 4:30pm, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 5:30pm with dinner and awards at 6:30pm. The Wheel-A-Thon is at 5:30pm with dinner and awards at 6:30pm. In the past we have asked that teams or individuals to use a wheelchair to understand the challenges people with disabilities may face wheelchair users face on a daily basis. This year, in addition to teams using and decorating a wheelchair, we want you to show us how you roll at the 12th Annual Freeport Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking. The past few years we have had a downtown route and this year we will be at Krape Park, 1799 South Park Boulevard in Freeport for a fresh new route. This is a fun, family friendly event so don't delay, register your team for the Freeport RAMP Wheel-A-Thon and start raising funds today! We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds - contact Tiffany Vondra at RAMP (815)233.1128. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP's mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities. Organize a team for friendly competition and earn great incentives from local area businesses! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.FreeportWheelathon.kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Tiffany Join us at Thrivent’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake to benefit FHN’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Join us at Thrivent’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake to benefit FHN’s Big Brother Big Sisters Program Saturday, April 30 from 1 – 3 p.m., Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. Bowl for Kids’ Sake will be held in two locations on Saturday from 1 – 3 p.m. 4 Seasons Bowling Center, 1100 West Galena Avenue, Stockton Bowling Lanes, 102 South Ward Street, Stockton Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun event for friends, families, youth groups and teams to participate in. You can have fun while raising money to help other kids at Bowl for Kids’ Sake! For more information, or to register please visit www.fhn.org, or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 997. $50 in pledges pays for your bowling and shoe rental on Saturday, April 30 PLUS 4 games of moonlight-style bowling (and shoe rental) at 4 Seasons in Freeport and 2 hours (and shoe rental) of regular bowling at Stockton Bowling Lanes. After your first $50 in pledges, you can work toward other great prizes, including: $100 in pledges – a coupon for a medium pizza, $150 in pledges – a $15 iTunes gift card, $250 in pledges – $25 Game Stop gift card, $500 in pledges – iPod Nano, $1,000 in pledges – iPod Touch (prizes above the $100 level are non-cumulative). Strike sponsor: Helm Group, Inc. You can download your pledge sheet at www.fhn.org or pick it up at church, the FHN Foundation office (421 W. Exchange Street, Freeport), the FHN Memorial Hospital gift shop, Cub Foods in Freeport or the Stockton Bowling Lanes. For more information about Bowl for Kids’ Sake, call 815-599-6440.
CONSTRUCTION DETOUR FOR THE JANE ADDAMS TRAILHEAD ANNOUNCED Beginning this Wednesday, March 16, 2011, the Jane Addams Trail under the Highway 20 Bypass will be closed while a new highway bridge is under construction. Trail users will not be able to access the trail from the current Wes Block Trailhead. Access to the Jane Addams Trail will be provided at a temporary trailhead parking lot located on the north side of the Bypass near Fairview Road. Drivers can reach the temporary parking area from Illinois Highway 26 by turning west on Fairview Road at the Kent Bank intersection and traveling about one mile. This Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) project is part of grading and bridge construction for completing the 4-lane Bypass between Illinois Highway 26 and AYP Road. It is expected that the trail detour will be in effect through this summer construction season. When the trail under Bypass 20 re-opens this fall, riders will be able to continue riding as far as Illinois Highway 26 near the Baymont Inn and Suites Hotel on a new paved path being completed this spring in conjunction with the new frontage road south of the Bypass to Heine Road. Information about the temporary trailhead is available by contacting the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 815-233-1357 or 800-369-2955. Cub Cares Community Brat Stand open this weekend The Cub Cares Community Brat Stand will be open this Friday & Saturday from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Choose from hot dogs, hamburgers or cheddar burgers, brats, pork chop sandwiches & Cub’s signature Angus steak sandwich. All proceeds benefit various local organizations. This week the stand is being operated by the Forreston American Legion Keep The Wheels Turning! 2011 STROLL-A-THON Saturday Morning, March 26 to Benefit Senior Resource Center Bus Transportation in Freeport Come join the Senior Resource Center as they host the 2011 STROLL-A-THON this Saturday, March 26 at the Oakley Courts Assisted Living, 3117 Kunkle Boulevard from 9 am – 12 noon. Now in its fourth year, the 2010 Stroll-A-Thon is a community fundraising event held indoors and designed especially for Senior Citizen participants, but adults and children of all ages are welcome, as are owners with their therapy dogs and other well-behaved pets. Participants can come as a team or as an individual walker. Last year there were nearly 100 strollers. All proceeds will be donated to the Senior Resource Center to help fund their bus transportation service for seniors which has been operating for some 27 years. This service for adults age 60 and over is free, with a suggested donation of $2 per round-trip ride. Based on past experience, strollers are expected to turn in several thousand dollars on Saturday morning which will be added to sponsors’ donations. Last year a total of $12,000 was raised. The funding need has never been greater. The anticipated short fall for the upcoming year is $23,700. “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” opens at Winneshiek Freeport, Illinois – "Last of the Red Hot Lovers," Neil Simon’s comedy about a middle-aged married man, who wants to join the sexual revolution before it is too late, opens on Thursday, March 24 and runs on March 25 and 26. All three performances begin at 7:30PM and are held at the Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 West Clark Street, Freeport, IL. The play is directed by Freeport actress and director, Vicki Hooper. Tickets are available now. Reserved tickets are available for all performances. General public tickets are $12.00 each and can be reserved by calling 815-232-7023, or emailing: tickets@wplay.org. Winneshiek members receive priority seating. Groups please call 815-232-7023 for reservations. FHN Sponsoring Free Program on Joint Health FHN Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine physician Larry Brinkman, MD will talk about achieving and maintaining your best joint health at a free FHN Speakers Series presentation. Staying active is an important part of staying healthy, but sore, achy joints can make that daily walk or run a chore. Learn how you can preserve your joint health and repair damage that’s been done at this special FHN Speakers Series presentation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive in Freeport. The program is open to the public and free to attend; refreshments will be served. Registration is requested – save your seat by registering online at www.fhn.org/jointhealth or calling toll-free 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 901. Watch for the next session in this series – a presentation on warming up for spring chores and outdoor exercise with FHN physical trainer Jena Zientek – on April 14. ADVENTURES IN ANTIQUING EXPO HAS OPENED AT THE VISITORS CENTER The Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center has opened a new Expo, "Stephenson County: Adventures in Antiquing", featuring nine local antique shops located in Freeport, Lena, Ridott and Rock City. The Expo showcases a selection of antiques from each shop including rocking chairs, tables, chests, toys, tins, china, and more. Many of the items may be purchased at the Expo, or visitors are encouraged to visit each of the shops to see their complete inventory of items. According to Margaret Murphy Campbell, assistant at the Visitors Center, who planned and organized the Expo, antiquing is something in which many of the visitors to Northwest Illinois are interested. "We are often asked for a list of local shops so we felt that this Expo was an ideal way to showcase our local stores and their variety of antiques. Our goal is that the Expo gives the visitors enough of a flavor of what is available to get them to go to the shops themselves." Participating antique stores include: Celia’s Gifts, Antiques, Home Furnishings; The Empty Attic; Fran’s Fantastic Antiques, Collectibles, Etc.; Lena Mercantile Company; Luecke’s Antique Mall, Memories From Yesteryear Antique Gallery; Raccoon Hollow Antiques; Reclaimed Treasures Antiques; and Rock Run Peddler. The Expo will be on display at the Center through April 10. The Visitors Center, located at 4596 US Highway 20 east of Freeport, is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Funded by private donations, the Center is designed to promote economic growth in Freeport and Stephenson County. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Visitors Center at 815-233-1357. VOICES Book Nook 42nd Spring Used Book Sale **Storewide Half Priced Sale** The VOICES Domestic Violence Program will hold its "42nd Spring Used Book Sale" from Thursday, March 31, 2011 through Saturday, April 2, 2011. A wide variety of hard cover and paperback books, records, books on tape, puzzles, and games will be sold. Some rare and collectible books will also be available. All materials are priced at half price. Location of the Book Sale is in Lincoln Mall, 1265 West Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032. Hours for the Book Sale are: Thursday, 3/31 9 am - 8 pm, Friday, 4/1 9 am - 6 pm, and Saturday, 4/2, 9 am to 2 pm. All proceeds support the programs and services offered through the VOICES Domestic Violence Program. To donate books, volunteer time at the Sale, or to ask any other questions, call Laurie Gungel, Book Store Manager, 815-821-BOOK (2665) BIG RADIO is having a Family Comedy Night BIG RADIO is having a Family Comedy Night, Friday, April 1 at the Freeport Masonic Temple. The Extreme Comedy Tour comes to town with 2 headliner comedians - both having appeared on Comedy Central and both having performed nationally. PLUS we will be giving away $2500 in gift certificates to area businesses to members of the audience! Tickets are only $12 for the main floor and mezzanine and $7 for the balcony. Tickets are available from the following non-profit organizations which will receive part of the proceeds! FHN prescribes Laughter: It's Big Medicine! Family Comedy Show Friday night, April 1 at 7pm at the Freeport Masonic Temple. Two headliner comedians will have you laughing the night away. PLUS FHN and BIG RADIO will be giving away over $2500 in prizes!! Tickets are $12 main floor and mezzanine and $7 for balcony seats. Tickets are available at Sullvian's Foods in Freeport; Once Upon A Dress in the Freeport Lincoln Mall; Citizens State Bank in Freeport, Lena and Stockton; and Ruf's in Monroe. A portion of the proceeds will benefit area non-profit organizations. Tickets are also available through the University of IL Extension Office Stephenson County, RAMP, Contact, Senior Resource Center and Tyler's Justice Center.
Sonata Coda: An Exhibition of Keyboard The Freeport Art Museum is excited to host a special exhibition on the history of the piano and keyboard instruments from April 2- April 30, 2011. The Sonata Coda exhibition is a partnership of the Freeport Art Museum, Stephenson County Historical Society and the Freeport Community Concert Association. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view 15 original pianos and keyboard instruments from 1790 to present day, seeing and hearing how both the instruments and the sound have changed over time. Imagine being able to hear a Mozart concerto played on the same style of piano he composed it on! Special tours of the exhibition, led by piano expert and historian Steve Misener, will be available daily Monday through Friday at 3 PM and 7 PM for the general public, at 9 AM and 11 AM for school tours. Saturday tours are available at 12 pm and 3 pm. While General Admission to the Museum is free, tours cost $10/person and are by reservation only. Please RSVP to the Freeport Art Museum by phone at 815-235-9755 or email at info@freeportartmuseum.org. For groups of 20 or more, special pricing and packages are available. HCC Theatre Department Presents Arsenic and Old Lace The Highland Community College Theatre Department will present one of America’s best-loved classic comedies “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31st, Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd. These performances, directed by Elwyn Webb, will be held in the Highland Community College Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre, located in the Fine Arts Center. Arsenic and Old Lace is the story of the eccentric Brewster family of Brooklyn, N.Y. In addition to the scheming old women who poison their victims with elderberry wine, the family includes Teddy, who suffers delusions that he is Theodore Roosevelt and that the Panama Canal runs through the cellar of his home. The locks he digs become convenient graves for the lonely men who fall victims to Aunt Martha and Aunt Abby's machinations.
When their nephew Mortimer discovers a body under the window seat of his aunts' home, however, the elderly women 'fess up to their deeds matter-of-factly and the events of the play become more absurd right up to a surprise ending! Stephenson County Antique Engine Club annual Pancake Supper and Bake Sale The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club will hold it’s annual spring Pancake Supper and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Silvercreek Museum, 2954 S. Walnut Rd, Freeport, IL 61032. Serving of the all you care to eat pancakes, sausage, apple sauce, cheese, milk, and coffee will be from 3:30pm to 7pm. The bake sale will begin at 3:30pm and run until 7pm or until all items are sold. The cost for the meal is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12 years of age. All bake sale items will be individually priced. Any questions regarding either the pancake supper or bake sale can be made by contacting Kay at 815-235-7329 prior to April 2 and inquires on April 2 can be made by calling the Club at 815-235-2198. You may also check our website at: www.thefreeportshow.com for information. The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club is a not for profit, educational organization. Sonata Coda: A Story of Keyboard Instruments at the Freeport Art Museum The Freeport Art Museum is excited to host a special exhibition on the history of the piano and keyboard instruments from April 2- April 30, 2011. The Sonata Coda exhibition is a partnership of the Freeport Art Museum, Stephenson County Historical Society and the Freeport Community Concert Association. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view 15 original pianos and keyboard instruments from 1790 to present day, seeing and hearing how both the instruments and the sound have changed over time. Imagine being able to hear a Mozart concerto played on the same style of piano he composed it on! “The Freeport Art Museum is honored to host this unique exhibition on the art of the piano. Sonata Coda not only gives museum visitors the rare opportunity to see firsthand the evolution of the piano, but to hear and experience that history as well. An exhibition of this caliber would be extraordinary even in a large metropolitan area like Chicago, and here in Freeport, it is simply exceptional.” (FAM director, Jennifer Kirker Priest) Special tours of the exhibition, led by piano expert and historian Steve Misener, will be available daily Monday through Friday at 3 PM and 7 PM for the general public, at 9 AM and 11 AM for school tours. Saturday tours are available at 12 PM and 3 PM. While General Admission to the Museum is free, tours cost $10/person and are by reservation only. Please RSVP to the Freeport Art Museum by phone at 815-235-9755 or email at info@freeportartmuseum.org. For groups of 20 or more, special pricing and packages are available. FILM NOIR CLASSICS STEAL ACROSS LINDO THEATRE SCREENS “The Third Man” Will Be Presented On April 6th Celebrating the popular cinematic style, the Lindo Theatre, at 115 S. Chicago Ave. in Freeport, has been showcasing a Film Noir/Hardboiled Detectives Film Series in partnership with the Stephenson County Historical Museum and Highland Community College. The last film in this series, “The Third Man,” will be shown on April 6, 2011, at 1 and 7pm. Tickets are $5 and available at the Lindo box office. For tickets and additional information, please call the Lindo Theatre at (815) 233-0413. Mark your calendars for the bonus movie, the 30’s musical classic, “Swing Time,” starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, on April 17, 2011, at 1 and 7 pm. Admission is complimentary to movie goers who purchased tickets for the complete Film Noir series or $5 at the door. Lena Living Center’s FREE blood screens Tuesday April 5, 2011 at Peppermint Square 815 Birch Drive, Lena IL 61048. Lena Living Center will be offering free blood pressure screens beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the community room at Peppermint Square Senior Apartments. LLC will be providing cookies and coffee to all participants. Friday April 8, 2011 at Lena Retreat Retirement Community 602 North Schyler Drive, Lena IL 61048 beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the lower level community room and at 11:00 a.m. in the upper level community room. LLC will be providing snacks to all participants. Rock River Valley Blood Center to host blood drive Come support the Rock River Valley Blood Center as they host a blood drive at the St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church on Friday, April 8, 2011 from 9 am-1 pm at 4801 Spring Creek Road, in Rockford. All donors will receive 10% purchases at Attic Treasures! Contact the church office at (815) 877-1226 for more information or to make an appointment to donate. Walk Ins are Welcome! Monroe Clinic Presents: Advance Directives Be Heard When it Matters Most When illness or injury limits your communication with loved ones and your healthcare providers, advance directives can speak for you. Join us to learn more about living wills and other tools that help minimize uncertainty in all healthcare decisions. Sarah Endicott, GNP-BC, Adult Medicine-Geriatrics presents “Advance Directives” on Monday, March 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Twining Valley Community Room, 700 8th Avenue, Monroe, WI and again on Thursday, April 28 at 1 p.m. at Behring Senior Center, 1113 10th Street, Monroe, WI. To register for either free event, go to monroeclinic.org and click on the “events calendar” on the bottom of the screen or call 877-865-1462. CONTACT to Host Red Hat Extravaganza! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! CONTACT of Northern Illinois will be hosting a Red Hat Extravaganza on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Freeport. The event will include a Red Hat Tea, Silent Auction and Entertainment. Red Hatters are invited to enter a competition that includes categories of Most Original Recycled Red Hat, Most Extravagant Red Hat Outfit and Most Unique Red Hat Handbag. In addition the Red Hat Group with the most members, family and friends present will win a prize. Great fun for anyone! Tickets are $15.00 each, 2 for $25.00 or a table of 8 for $90.00. Get your tickets early by calling 815-821-4653. All proceeds from the event will benefit CONTACT’s 24 Hour Crisis Line.
Raffle Tickets Available for New Horizons Program Freeport- Buy raffle tickets to raise funds for New Horizons Counseling Center's (NHCC) Reduced Fee Program (RFP). Please purchase as many tickets as you can. NHCC serves people in our community who cannot afford counseling services. The RFP is a vital resource for people in our community who do not have insurance or the financial means to pay for mental health counseling services. NHCC subsidized over $85,000 in counseling fees last year for people who live in and around Freeport IL. Please help us raise funds for the RFP and buy tickets! I will take email orders, snail mail orders, credit card orders, I will come to where you are and take orders, I will fill out the tickets for you! Please buy tickets! We need your support! We have great prizes! Full info click here...
Sonata Coda: A Story of Keyboard Instruments at the Freeport Art Museum (Photo submitted) Collector, Steve Misener standing next to one of his pianos, Cocked Hat Grand Piano from ca. 1860
HCC Theatre Department Presents Arsenic and Old Lace
  Jukebox Rock & Roll Concert Saturday, March 26th 7:30 pm Masonic Temple Auditorium 305 West Stephenson Tickets still available! 9 am - 5 pm this Tuesday and Thursday at the Freeport Downtown Development Office 27 W. Stephenson Street Hurry Tickets are going fast!
FHN Calendar of Events
 The Oakridge Boys are coming to the Freeport Masonic Temple on Friday night - April 29.....one show only at 7:30 pm. The auditorium is nearly half sold-out already....so don't wait to get your tickets. Main floor and Mezzanine seats are $45, Balcony seats are $35 - all seats are reserved. Tickets are available at the Masonic Box Office, Mon-Fri 9-5.Charge by phone at 815-233-0513Online - www.freeportmasonictemple.org Thanks to our title sponsors:Jansen HeatingRock River Valley Blood CenterBoss One Carpets
Famous Fossil Winery Heritage, our sweet red wine that is a blend of old-fashioned grapes from local vineyards, is in the bottle and ready for you to enjoy. We still have some bottles of Summer Rhubarb available but it is selling fast. We’ll be releasing several more wines throughout the spring so watch your e-mails or visit the website. We now have 9 different wines, from dry to sweet. Take a drive to Famous Fossil Winery. You are sure to find the perfect wine for your weekend. Wineglass Painting will be this Saturday, March 19, at 3:00. $10 includes a 12 oz. wineglass and paints and samples. You don’t have to be an artist to make a memorable wineglass just for you. Call ahead to make sure a seat is reserved for you. Slainte to all our Irish friends! Ken & Pam Rosmann Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery 395 W. Cedarville Rd., Freeport, IL 61032 815.563.4665 www.famousfossilwinery.com Open 11-5:30 Wed-Sat, 12-5 Sundays
The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), the Freeport Chamber of Commerce Not for Profit Council and the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County are pleased to announce the continuation of their Leadership Cafe series for non-profit leaders and board members. For the second year, the organizations will work collaboratively to plan and facilitate lunch meetings which will feature a speaker on a topic relevant to non profits. Read More...
Stephenson County Historical Society and the Freeport Public Library to sponsor a series of lectures "Don't forget the women" is the theme of the 2011 Lectures in American History Series sponsored by the Stephenson County Historical Society and the Freeport Public Library Foundation. The popular series will feature seven lectures by area historians, all focusing on some aspect of the role of women in American history. All lectures are held in the Freeport Public Library, begin at 7:00 PM on the dates listed below, and are open to the public free of charge. The roles of Frances Willard (1839-1898) and Carrie Nation (1846-1911) in the temperance and reform movements of the 19th century will be the topic of James B. Winker on Thursday, March 17th. One of the major personalities in securing the right for women to vote, Alice Paul (1885-1977), will be the topic of Remy Finch Garard on Thursday, March 24th. The post-White House life of Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) will be discussed by Dr. Andy Dvorak on Thursday, March 31st. How the changing role of women in the late 1800s was reflected in women's clothing will be the topic of Suzy Beggin-Craft on Monday, April 4th. The last monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lil'uokalani (1838-1917) is Jim Phillips' topic on Wednesday, April 13th. The series will end on Monday, April 18th when Dr. Martin Quirk discusses the role of women homesteaders on the American prairie. Coffee and cookies are provided at every lecture.
ADVENTURES IN ANTIQUING EXPO HAS OPENED AT THE VISITORS CENTER The Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center has opened a new Expo, "Stephenson County: Adventures in Antiquing", featuring nine local antique shops located in Freeport, Lena, Ridott and Rock City. The Expo showcases a selection of antiques from each shop including rocking chairs, tables, chests, toys, tins, china, and more. Many of the items may be purchased at the Expo, or visitors are encouraged to visit each of the shops to see their complete inventory of items. According to Margaret Murphy Campbell, assistant at the Visitors Center, who planned and organized the Expo, antiquing is something in which many of the visitors to Northwest Illinois are interested. "We are often asked for a list of local shops so we felt that this Expo was an ideal way to showcase our local stores and their variety of antiques. Our goal is that the Expo gives the visitors enough of a flavor of what is available to get them to go to the shops themselves." Participating antique stores include: Celia’s Gifts, Antiques, Home Furnishings; The Empty Attic; Fran’s Fantastic Antiques, Collectibles, Etc.; Lena Mercantile Company; Luecke’s Antique Mall, Memories From Yesteryear Antique Gallery; Raccoon Hollow Antiques; Reclaimed Treasures Antiques; and Rock Run Peddler. The Expo will be on display at the Center through April 10. The Visitors Center, located at 4596 US Highway 20 east of Freeport, is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Funded by private donations, the Center is designed to promote economic growth in Freeport and Stephenson County. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Visitors Center at 815-233-1357. American Cancer Society Relay for Life Kick Off & Expo The American Cancer Society is creating a world with less cancer...and more birthdays! You can inspire hope for a world free of cancer. Your participation at Relay For Life funds the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and fighting back. Join us at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Stephenson County Kick Off & Expo Saturday, March 19 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Lincoln Mall in Freeport. Come get details about the 2011 Relay For Life of Stephenson County, register your Relay For Life team for the discounted $50 registration fee and pick up your team packet, learn about the American Cancer Society and their programs and services, purchase Luminaria in memory or in honor of loved ones touched by cancer and register for the Survivor Celebration Dinner. Relay For Life teams will also have booths at the event where they will be selling an assortment of products and services ranging from candles, t-shirts, jewelry, baked goods, cookbooks, games and much more! All proceeds to benefit the Relay For Life of Stephenson County. For more information contact Sara Abrahamson at 815-229-6958 or sara.abrahamson@cancer.org. People First Language At RAMP there are certain things that make us cringe. Hearing someone say a person is “wheelchair bound” or calling people with disabilities “the disabled” or “handicapped”. We like to focus on a person’s abilities, not their disabilities. While we are busy educating youth in the communities we serve, we are missing the adults in our community that are unaware of people first language. The best way to explain people first language and give examples is sharing what our friends at Associations Now put together in a December 2007 article entitled Disabilities Etiquette 101. This is a great resource for the media who can take the lead in using people first language and even share with the entire community. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Illinois are looking for mentors for the 2011-2012 school year In just one hour a week during the school year and on school grounds, you can make a difference in the life of a child aged 6 to 16. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Illinois In-School Mentoring Program is seeking prospective mentors from the community for the 2011 – 2012 school year. Training and ongoing guidance and support are provided. “You don’t have to be a math whiz or a super speller to help kids in our In-School Mentoring program,” said Sharon Mockridge, community educator for BBBS of Northwest Illinois, a program of FHN Family Counseling Center. “Mentors act as a friend and role model, and help students learn to set attainable goals and improve their communication and decision-making skills.” The mentor relationship consists of a one-hour weekly visit in the school through the school year. For more information or to become a mentor, visit www.fhn.org or contact Sharon Mockridge at FHN Family Counseling Center in Freeport at 815-599-7344.
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