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FREEPORT/STEPHENSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 21 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27, 2009

September 22-October 24, "WRAPPED IN PRIDE: GHANAIAN KENTE AND AFRICAN AMERICAN IDENTITY. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Avenue, Freeport. Tuesday thru Friday: 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday: Noon to 5 pm. The brightly colored, geometrically patterned cloth called kente, made by the Asante peoples of Ghana and the Ewe peoples of Ghana and Togo, is the best known of all African textiles. In African American communities across the United States, kente is much more than mere cloth: it is a symbol of African pride and a powerful cultural icon. This exhibition explores the art of making kente, its symbolism in the cultures of Africa, and its expression of identity in African American communities. Kente has its origins in the former Gold Coast of West Africa as festive dress for special occasions—traditionally worn by men as a kind of toga and by women as upper and lower wrappers. Over the past forty years, as kente’s popularity has blossomed, the cloth has been used in hats, ties, bags, shoes, jewelry, and many other accessories worn on both sides of the Atlantic. Visitors to Wrapped in Pride will begin by exploring kente weaving traditions and seeing extraordinary examples of historic and contemporary kente—including some specifically set out for visitors to touch—and numerous objects incorporating its patterns. The exhibition also considers how kente of the Asante and Ewe cultures came to be used throughout Africa as garment and ceremonial cloth. Photographs and video depicting the use of kente in contexts ranging from religious to commercial tell how this traditional art form was transmitted across an ocean, and how it changed as it was embraced around the world as an expression of African cultural identity and pride, worn by the likes of W. E. B. Du Bois, Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, and Nelson Mandela, among others. A final section looks at the prominence of kente during the months of December, January, and February, when the confluence of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Martin Luther King Day, and African American History Month prompts its wearing and/or display in a variety of forms, and in church and/or graduation, when it symbolizes heritage, faith, and accomplishment. (815-235-9755)

September 23-March 7, 2010, "IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PIONEERS". Stephenson County Historical Society Museum, 1440 S. Carroll Avenue, Freeport. Wednesday thru Sunday: Noon to 4 pm. Featured in this exhibit will be photos, clothing, books and artifacts from the 1830s to the early 1900s. A special feature will be letters from that time period, including a number of letters written by Oscar Taylor and Malvina Snow (who built the home in which the museum is located) prior to their marriage in 1842. Historical Society Members: Free. Non-Members: Adults: $3; Children 6 and Above: $1. (815-232-8419)

September 24-26, "AND THEN THERE WERE NONE". Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark Street, Freeport. 7:30 pm. In this Agatha Christie classic, eight guests have been invited to a house party on a remote and inaccessible island. As the servants serve dinner they realize their mysterious host, Mr. Owens, is absent. The relaxing after dinner music is suddenly interrupted by a voice accusing each of them of murder. It soon becomes apparent that they have not been invited for the jolly sojourn they had anticipated. Before long, the bodies are stacking up like leaves in the autumn. $12. (815-232-7023)

September 25, COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE. Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport. 7 pm to 9 pm. Join the drum circle. A variety of percussion instruments will be available or you can bring your own. No musical experience is necessary. All ages welcome. Reservations by 4 pm on day of event preferred. $4. (815-235-6114)

September 25-November 1, FOLLOWING THE FALL EXPO. Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 4596 US Highway 20 East, Freeport. 8 am to 8 pm. Follow the Fall Trail at this Expo which celebrates the beauty of autumn in Northwest Illinois as well as the varied events which highlight the season. See the displays about Honey Hill Orchard, Huron Market, Famous Fossil Winery, the Lena Haunted Barn and the Orangeville Haunted Mill, Trail of Terror, Oakdale in October, and more. (815-233-1357)

September 26, FREEPORT FARMERS MARKET. 721 W. South Street (CVS Parking Lot), Freeport. 8 am to 11 am. A fabulous variety of locally grown produce as well as a scrumptious selection of home-baked treats in a festive market atmosphere. Cooking demonstrations, entertainment and other special attractions on selected days. (815-235-4125)

September 26, LENA FARMERS MARKET. 100 Main Street, Lena. 8 am to 11 am. Enjoy this seasonal Farmers Market featuring a variety of locally grown produce and locally made baked goods. (815-235-4125)

September 26, ORANGEVILLE FARMERS MARKET. Richland Creek Trailhead at the Jane Addams Recreation Trail, Orangeville. 8 am to Noon. Fresh produce, fresh baked goods, crafts and more. (815-789-3113)

September 26, ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW. Lincoln Mall, 1255 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport. 9 am to 5 pm. Enjoy this arts and crafts show. (815-541-1766)

September 26, ANNUAL HARVEST FAIR. Indian Grove Country Church, 6970 Illinois Highway 75, Rock City. 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Produce, crafts, bake sale, Christmas goods, and white elephant items, plus a breakfast and lunch stand. (815-865-5000)

September 26, DAWGFEST 2009. Aquin Schools, Freeport. 10 am to 2 pm. Celebrate this fun event in support of Aquin Schools. Activities include:
10 am: 3rd Annual Walking of the Dawgs - a 4 mile walk from the Pre-School Campus at St. Thomas Church, 1400 Kiwanis Drive to the Elementary Campus at St. Joseph Church, 220 Washington Place to the Aquin Junior-Senior High Campus, 1419 S. Galena Avenue. Walkers may walk any part of the route and walkers receive "dawgie meal" ticket for a free hot dog, chips and drink.
10 am: 2nd Annual Colby Smith 4-Mile Classic - 4 mile race from Pre-School Campus to Aquin Junior-Senior High Campus. Registration fee is $20 before September 21 and $25 after September 21. Medals will be awarded. Runners receive "dawgie meal" ticket.
11 am to 2 pm: 1st Annual Dawgie Bag Tourney - Double elimination bean bag or corn hole tourney. 2 person teams. Registration fee is $30 before September 21 and $35 after September 21.
11 am to 2 pm: Live entertainment featuring Charm and Aquin Rocks, food, drinks, games and fun. (815-235-3154)

September 26, LINCOLN SYMPOSIUM. Afternoon Sessions: St. Paul Room, Student Conference Center, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. 1 pm. Evening Session: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas, Freeport. 7 pm. This symposium is held in honor of the Bicentennial of Lincoln's birth.

Afternoon sessions: 
1 pm: Dr. Stewart Winter, "From Niagara to Gettysburg and Beyond: Tracing the Footprints of a Romantic Religious Poet"
2:15 pm: Dr. Roger Bridges, "Race and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates"
3:30 pm: Galesburg Lincoln Seminar, "Teaching About Lincoln"

Evening session:
7 pm: 2009 Richard F. Sokup Lecture by Dr. Vernon Burton, "The Spirit of Lincoln"

A fundraising dinner will be held prior to the evening session. Cost is $25. Reservations are due by September 19. All other events are free of charge. The Symposium is sponsored by Lincoln-Douglas Society, Highland Community College, and Stephenson County Historical Society. (815-235-6121, 815-232-8419, 815-233-2255)

September 26-27, ANNUAL AUTUMN AKC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS EVENT AND ALL BREED DOG SHOW. Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Street, Freeport. 9 am to 2 pm. Whether you are looking to add a puppy to your family for the first time or are a lifelong dog lover, this event will allow you to bone up on responsible dog ownership. Plus AKC Licensed All Breed Conformation/Obedience/Rally/Show, Midwest Canine Search and Rescue demo, Meet the Breeds/Find the Dog Right for you, public education tours, Sniff and Find for children with a prize on completion. Sponsored by the Rockford-Freeport Illinois Kennel Club.(815-332-1246)

View the entire Freeport/Stephenson Calendar of Events at
www.stephenson-county-il.org

 FHN Events

September

22

FHN Family Counseling Center Parent Enrichment Program Story Time Play & Learn

10 – 11:30 a.m.

St. John’s Church, 1010 S. Park Boulevard, Freeport

Parents/grandparents share story time as well as book-making and other make-and-take activities focusing on literacy. We share a snack after group time. To register or for more information, call Renata at 815-599-7315.

23

Caregiver Series: Lunch and Learn

1 -2 p.m.

Stephenson Nursing Center, 2946 S. Walnut Road, Freeport

Vicki Cain from Stephenson County Senior Center and Becca Minkwitz from Freeport Park District will speak on leisure opportunities. Registration requested by Sept. 16; call 851-235-9777 to register.

Lena Open House

4 – 7 p.m.

FHN Family Healthcare Center – Lena, 160 W. Main Street

Welcome Lynda Borsdorf, APN/CNP and say goodbye to Jennifer Morrison, APN/CNP, as well as celebrate Dr. Tawfik’s 25th year with FHN at a special open house at the newly remodeled Lena office. Light appetizers and a tour will be available – the public is invited.

24

FHN Family Counseling Center Parent Enrichment Program Story Time Play & Learn

10 – 11:30 a.m.

St. John’s Church, 1010 S. Park Boulevard, Freeport

Parents/grandparents share story time as well as book-making and other make-and-take activities focusing on literacy. We share a snack after group time. To register or for more information, call Renata at 815-599-7315.

Hospice Volunteer Class

10 a.m. – noon

FHN Hospice office, 773 W. Lincoln Boulevard, Freeport

Seven-week course for those interested in becoming Hospice volunteers. Taking the class does not obligate attendees to become volunteers. No charge; registration is required. Call Anita Caruso at 815-599-7253 for more information or to register.

Are You Ready for Fall and Winter?

1:30 p.m.

Lena Living Center, 1010 S. Logan, Lena

Speaker is Sarajane Wise, RN. Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Sponsored by the Lena Living Center and FHN Top 50.

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Speakers Series Presentation

6 p.m.

FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport

Infectious disease specialist Robert Geller, MD will speak about the differences between H1N1 and seasonal flu and how you can help your family avoid getting sick this flu season. No charge; registration is required. Cal; 815-232-2121 ext. 221 or visit www.fhn.org/flu to register.

26

Saturday Walk-In Sports Injury Clinic

8 – 10 a.m.

Orthopaedics, FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport

Free sports injury evaluation available for school and recreational athletes. For more information, call (815) 599-7730 or visit www.fhn.org.

28

FHN Family Counseling Center Parent Enrichment Program Summer Stride

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Krape Park Carousel, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport

Free and open to the public; a walking routine, activities, socializing, snacks and free play for parents and children ages 0 – 5 years. To enroll in this group, call Renata at 815-599-7315.

Parkinson Support Group

6:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 118 E. Mason, Lena

Sarajane Wise, RN will present “I’m Tired!” Open to the public; no cost or reservation required. Come and have a snack and exchange ideas with others who are working through a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Grief Recovery Group

7 – 8:30 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital Cafeteria Dining rooms – Lower Level

For more information, call 815-599-7240.

30

Blood Pressure Screening

9:30 – 11 a.m.

Stephenson County Senior Center, 121 N. Harlem, Freeport

Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Sponsored by FHN Top 50.

October

1

Hospice Volunteer Class

10 a.m. – noon

FHN Hospice office, 773 W. Lincoln Boulevard, Freeport

Seven-week course for those interested in becoming Hospice volunteers. Taking the class does not obligate attendees to become volunteers. No charge; registration is required. Call Anita Caruso at 815-599-7253 for more information or to register.

H.U.G.S. (Having U for Group Support)

7 – 8:30 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital conference dining room – Lower Level

Group for those with cancer and the people who love them. For more information, call 815-599-7240.

2

Stress and You

1:30 p.m.

Oakley Courts, 3117 Kunkle Boulevard, Freeport

Speaker is Sarajane Wise, RN. Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Sponsored by Oakley Courts and FHN Top 50.

3

Saturday Walk-In Sports Injury Clinic

8 – 10 a.m.

Orthopaedics, FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport

Free sports injury evaluation available for school and recreational athletes. For more information, call (815) 599-7730 or visit www.fhn.org.

5

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic

Noon – 5:30 p.m.

Shopko, 555 W. South Street, Freeport

The seasonal flu vaccination does not immunize against the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. All dates based on availability of vaccine. Adult-only clinic is $25 cash or check payable to FHN. No out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for billing process). FHN will follow CDC guidelines regarding eligibility for the vaccine. For more information, call 815-947-3211 or visit www.fhn.org.

Adult Diabetes Support Group

1 - 2 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital Globe Room – Lower Level

Program is The Eyes Have It – Eyes and Diabetes. No cost or registration required. For more information, call 815-599-6253.

6

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Shopko, 555 W. South Street, Freeport

The seasonal flu vaccination does not immunize against the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. All dates based on availability of vaccine. Adult-only clinic is $25 cash or check payable to FHN. No out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for billing process). FHN will follow CDC guidelines regarding eligibility for the vaccine. For more information, call 815-947-3211 or visit www.fhn.org.

Breathe Easier Club/Cardiac Club

3 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson St., Freeport

Support groups for people with lung or heart problems. For more information, call 815-599-6388.

7

FHN Healthcare College Fair with Career Exploration Sessions

All day

FHN Memorial Hospital, lower level conference rooms, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport

High school students, college students and any individual considering a career in healthcare are invited to this free event. Representatives from area colleges and universities will be available to discuss their programs and career explorations sessions will feature interactive discussions on nursing, physical and occupational therapy, imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, behavioral health, respiratory and certified medical assistants. The first career exploration session begins at 8:30 a.m.; the exhibition hall is open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit www.fhn.org for more information.

Caregiver Series: Lunch and Learn

Noon – 1 p.m.

Parkview Home, 1234 Park Boulevard, Freeport

Jane Buck and Kelly Schleich from Stephenson County Senior Center will speak on spousal protection, financial needs and respite. Reservation requested by Sept. 30. Call 815-235-9777 to register.

8

National Depression Screening Day

All day

FHN Family Counseling Center, 421 W. Exchange Street, Freeport

Learn more about depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and stress and get a free screening. You’ll be referred for further help if necessary. Appointments necessary; call 815-599-7300 for more information or to schedule an appointment. More information is available at www.fhn.org. 

Hospice Volunteer Class

10 a.m. – noon

FHN Hospice office, 773 W. Lincoln Boulevard, Freeport

Seven-week course for those interested in becoming Hospice volunteers. Taking the class does not obligate attendees to become volunteers. No charge; registration is required. Call Anita Caruso at 815-599-7253 for more information or to register.

Advanced Carbohydrate Counting for Insulin Users

5 – 6 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital Globe Room – Lower Level

This free class is essential for anyone considering insulin pump therapy who wants to understand how carbohydrate counting can help them use insulin pump therapy successfully. Registration is required; call Sue at 800-646-4633 ext. 2778.

Introduction to Insulin Pump Therapy

6 – 7 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital Globe Room – Lower Level

Free informational meeting reviews the benefits of insulin pump therapy in diabetes management. Registration required; call Jay at 800-646-4633, ext. 2615.

10

Saturday Walk-In Sports Injury Clinic

8 – 10 a.m.

Orthopaedics, FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport

Free sports injury evaluation available for school and recreational athletes. For more information, call (815) 599-7730 or visit www.fhn.org.

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Shopko, 555 W. South Street, Freeport

The seasonal flu vaccination does not immunize against the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. All dates based on availability of vaccine. Adult-only clinic is $25 cash or check payable to FHN. No out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for billing process). FHN will follow CDC guidelines regarding eligibility for the vaccine. For more information, call 815-947-3211 or visit www.fhn.org.

11

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Shopko, 555 W. South Street, Freeport

The seasonal flu vaccination does not immunize against the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. All dates based on availability of vaccine. Adult-only clinic is $25 cash or check payable to FHN. No out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for billing process). FHN will follow CDC guidelines regarding eligibility for the vaccine. For more information, call 815-947-3211 or visit www.fhn.org.

12

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic

1 – 6 p.m.

Shopko, 555 W. South Street, Freeport

The seasonal flu vaccination does not immunize against the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. All dates based on availability of vaccine. Adult-only clinic is $25 cash or check payable to FHN. No out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for billing process). FHN will follow CDC guidelines regarding eligibility for the vaccine. For more information, call 815-947-3211 or visit www.fhn.org.

Grief Recovery Group

7 – 8:30 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital Cafeteria Dining rooms – Lower Level

For more information, call 815-599-7240.

14

RTS Infant Bereavement Group

7 – 9 p.m.

FHN Memorial Hospital Conference Dining Room – Lower Level

Support group for individuals who have suffered loss through miscarriage, ectopic or tubal pregnancy, stillborn or newborn death. A certified grief counselor facilitates the meetings. For more information, call 815-599-6244.