| Your New Freeport-Area Online Newspaper Covering the happy news and local events This page was last modified on Thursday, January 26, 2012
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New Freeport Area News Below:
Special Announcement: Due to our relocation and computer updates, for the month of January, 2012, updates of news and events will be updated only on Tuesday of each week. We apologize for any inconvience.
Upcoming City of Freeport Meetings: Board of Fire and Police Commission special meeting to be held on February 6, 2012 at 4:00 pm Liquor Commission special meeting to be held on January 30, 2012 at 4:00 pm Cancellation notice for the Planning Commission regular meeting on February 9, 2012 Cancellation notice of the Board of Zoning Appeals regular meeting on February 9, 2012
Stephenson County Tea Party, second Thursday of the month, Feb. 9th. 6:30 PM at Dietz’s Old School Apartments 111 E. Mason St. Lena, e-mail stepcoteaparty@aeroinc.net or Ph. Bill Dietz 815-369-4334. Topic is Making our County Board conservative minority a majority for the March 20th. Primary election.
International African Dance Troupe Coming to Freeport in February 2012 Freeport included on tour of 11 major U.S. cities Photo Supplied
MALCOLM EATON ENTERPRISES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETIRING FREEPORT — After leading MALCOLM EATON Enterprises 14 years, Sue Swanson is retiring as executive director. Her last day at MALCOLM EATON will be February 29. “On behalf the Board of Directors and everyone at MALCOLM EATON Enterprises, we wish Sue well in her future endeavors. We appreciate all that she has accomplished during her leadership to move MALCOLM EATON Enterprises forward and know that she will be missed,” said Bobbi Dykstra, MALCOLM EATON Enterprises Board of Directors president At Swanson’s request, no formal public farewell celebration is planned. With Swanson’s departure approaching, the Board of Directors has named an interim executive director to handle day-to-day operations. Tom Klemm, a current board member and former board president, will serve in this capacity. To help provide a smooth transition, Klemm has already started and will remain in the role until a new director has started. The director search will formally begin later this month. A search committee has been selected.
In-Office Tubal Ligation at FHN Celebrates a One-Year Milestone FREEPORT, Ill., Jan 25, 2012 — FHN recently celebrated an anniversary of their implementation of the in-office Tubal Ligation procedure, known as Essure. This is a simple office procedure allows a physician to perform permanent sterilization by blocking a woman’s Fallopian tubes using a specialized instrument that leaves no scars. Introduced to the office setting at FHN in late 2010, the Essure procedure offers women the option of having her tubes tied and then returning to full activity in two or three days. Nicolai Hinds, MD of FHN Obstetrics, Gynecology located on Harlem Avenue in Freeport reports that since FHN began offering Essure they have safely and effectively performed about 50 procedures. “We are really pleased to offer this state-of-the-art technology right here in Freeport,” reported Dr. Hinds. “Patients are very pleased with the convenience of having it done right here in our office, and the ability to quickly return to their busy lives.” Essure has been FDA-approved since 2002, and has been proven to be a safe and effective method of permanent sterilization. Following the procedure, the patient returns in 90 days for an X-ray confirmation test. “In the past, patients who wanted to get their ‘tubes tied’ faced surgery, up to 2 weeks off from regular activities, and an incision scar,” said Nicolai Hinds, MD. “The Essure method allows us to block the Fallopian tubes in a simple office procedure, resulting in no scar, no hospital stay, and very little recovery time.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call toll-free 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 969.
 Be a Hometown Hero and Donate Blood
The American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter is holding its regular bimonthly blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2600 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. To sign up or for more information, call the Chapter’s blood donor representative Bev Kruse at 815-443-2304, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or visit redcrossblood.org. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Snacks provided. About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.
Compliance Checks to Be Conducted Among Area Alcohol Retailers FREEPORT, Ill., Jan 19, 2012 — Over the next several months area law enforcement agencies will be conducting compliance checks among businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in the Freeport community. Retailers were previously notified by letter about the upcoming compliance checks and a retailer training, BASSET, was offered to all retailers in 2011 on how to serve alcohol responsibly. Law enforcement will follow standard procedures for conducting alcohol compliance checks. Underage youth will work with law enforcement to attempt to make an illegal purchase of alcohol, and area businesses twill hopefully refuse to sell to them. The FHN Family Counseling Center's Partnership's for Success grant is implementing strategies such as alcohol compliance checks and party patrols in partnership with the Illinois State Police and the Freeport Police Department in an effort to reduce underage drinking in the Freeport community. Compliance checks are conducted because research has shown that they are an effective strategy in reducing underage drinking, which is known to contribute to car crashes, injuries, unwanted sexual encounters, vandalism, theft, addiction, sexually transmitted diseases, and death by alcohol poisoning. By themselves, compliance checks will not eliminate youth access to alcohol but when combined with a comprehensive community approach, they can help keep alcohol out of the hands of youth. For more information on alcohol compliance checks contact Sharon Mockridge of FHN Family Counseling Center at 815-599-7344.
Local singers invited to participate in special HCC choral performance FREEPORT — The Highland Community College Music Department is pleased to announce that it will be performing the finale to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, "Ode to Joy," at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 15, in the Freeport Masonic Temple. All area vocalists, including high school juniors and seniors, are invited to participate in the weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals leading up to the performance. The first choral rehearsal will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, in the Ferguson Fine Arts Building, room FA 10. For more information, please contact Allen Redford, director of fine arts, at allen.redford@highland.edu or 815.599.3568.
January 17, 2012: New Counseling Services Now Open in Freeport Info click here...
Beef Association Banquet Planned for February 9 Info click here...
**Please note-The Following Letter was sent to SeeFreeNews.com and will be Posted as Letter to the Editor, Jan. 10, 2012 Vacant Property Ordinance
I, a Concerned Freeport Citizen, wish to bring to your kind attention a pending ordinance that has had five readings in front of the Freeport City Council and is being championed by the Gaulrapp Administration. Full Letter click here...
Spring Gardening Series Planned by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Elizabeth, Ill.—Area gardening enthusiasts are invited to “save the date” for a series of gardening seminars planned by the Master Gardeners of Jo Daviess County and the University of Illinois Extension. Three Sunday afternoon programs will provide the public with an opportunity to prepare for their spring gardening adventures, learn about gardening topics from local experts, and bring questions to the attention of the Master Gardeners, who are Extension volunteers who have received extensive training in all areas of horticulture.
All programs will be held at Highland Community College West in Elizabeth at 1:00 -2:30 pm. On Sunday, March 18, Art Scheele, Master Gardener, will present the program “Feeding Your Soil.” On Sunday, March 25, Lori Murphy of Murphy’s Nursery will provide an overview of Seed Starting, including materials, timing, environment, and transplanting. On Sunday, April 1, Becky Dimmlich of Valley Perennials will talk about the Basics of Garden Planning.
The cost for each session will be $5. Individuals are encouraged to register for all three sessions for $12. Pre-registration will be encouraged for planning. The registration fee will cover all materials, take home items and refreshments.
More information about these programs will be available in late January. Call the University of Illinois-Jo Daviess County office at 815-858-2273 or visit Extension’s website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw for more information.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
A Letter From NAMI: Hello,
We are NAMI Stephenson County. We are asking if you would please list an ad for us on SeeFreeNews. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is offering FREE Family to Family 12 week courses. The next session will being in March and enrollment is starting now. Classes are limited to 25. If you have a family member or a friend with severe mental illness, you can register for this course. Call 815-821-1581 for more information. Connections Support Group
This support group is for persons with severe mental illness, and is led by trained facilitators who also have
a severe mental illness. This group meets the first Wed. of each month at St. Johns United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd. Freeport Illinois 6PM Family Support Group
This support group is for family members who have a loved one with severe mental illness. This group meets the first Wed. of each month at St. Johns United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd. Freeport Illinois 6PM If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Sam Havens
President: NAMI Stephenson County
Freeport: Computer Classes and Lab
Free and Open to the Public
FHN Hospice Memorial Cookbook to Benefit Relay for Life
FREEPORT, Ill., FHN Hospice is sharing the love of treasured family recipes with a new cookbook perfect for holiday giving. The FHN Hospice Memorial Cookbook features recipes from families of former patients, contributed in memory of their loved ones. “Last spring, a family member of one of our former patients stopped by the office,” said Nancy TerHark, FHN Hospice nurse and member of the FHN Hospice Relay for Life team fundraising committee. “She said that they missed their mother greatly, but they had arrived upon a wonderful way of keeping her memory alive. While going through cupboards and cabinets, they had come upon her ‘stash’ of favorite recipes. Now, at least once a week, they would make a dish that their Mom used to serve them – and what wonderful memories they enjoyed!”
“As we discussed this, it became clear that we all had specific memories of those whom we had loved and lost associated with foods they either made for us or shared with us,” TerHark continued. “So we thought it would be a great idea to ask families who were served by FHN Hospice if they would share their memories of their loved ones through food. Food memories don’t need words; they don’t need explaining. All that is required to bring beautiful and poignant memories tumbling through our heads is the smell or taste of that favorite meal or casserole or cookie or pie. And the FHN Hospice Memorial Cookbook was born.”
Funds raised through the sale of the cookbooks will go to the FHN Hospice Relay for Life team. The Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society, which plays a leading national role in cancer research and offers programs and education for people with cancer. The cookbook is just $5 and can be purchased at the FHN Hospice office (773 W. Lincoln Blvd., Freeport), the FHN Memorial Hospital Gift Shop or by contacting Nancy TerHark at 599-7249 or nterhark@fhn.org.
HOLIDAY EXPO OPENS AT VISITORS CENTER
Freeport, Illinois....
The Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center will open its 2011 Holiday Gift Expo on Friday, November 25. The Expo display features a twelve foot Christmas tree surrounded by an assortment of unique holiday gift ideas sure to please that hard to buy for shopper. The products for sale at the Expo are either manufactured in Freeport or Stephenson County, commemorate local history, or promote local attractions, events, facilities, or organizations. Gift items from over 60 vendors are available at the Expo. As part of the opening day, an open house will be held from 5 to
7 pm on Friday.
Visitors Center Executive Director, Connie Sorn, stated, "This is one of our most popular Expos. It has become a tradition for visitors and local residents who are looking for unique gift ideas. The gift items make great presents for former residents who have memories of the area, children that grew up here, but now live away, or just local folks who have an interest in, and love of, our area." This year’s Holiday Expo includes a wide range of products including books, rugs, jewelry, food specialties, Freeport Pretzel items, Kiwanis collectible trucks and beer mugs, doll clothes, and Pretzel City USA merchandise. To highlight the books that are being sold at the Expo, book signings featuring the local authors will be held on December 10 and 11, 1 pm to 3 pm. The Visitors Center, located at 4596 US Highway 20 east of Freeport, is open from 8 until 6 daily. Funded by private donations, the center is designed to promote economic growth in Freeport and Stephenson County.
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 Expressions Family Hair Salon
Freeport Illinois- The hair salon has moved and is now open in it's new location just north of Freeport. Formerly located next to Logan's, Expressions owners Racheal Eichmeier and Virginia Gill are pleased to announce that they are re-opened at 1022 N. Riverside Dr.(just north of Freeport on Rt. 26 North in front of Coutryside Furniture.) Their hours of operation are: Tues-Fri 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9-3pm. Stop in or call for their monthly specials. Call 815-233-0110 for more information or E-Mail here
  
 
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