(Archives)Freeport Area Events: 2009
Events are now listed by each month-Please visit the events pages created for each individual month.
Thank You.
Fourth Festivities in Freeport of to a Great Start
Freeport Illinois- There is plenty to do on this Fourth of July holiday in Freeport. It may be time to clean that car of yours. The Senior Boys District Little League team is holding a car wash in the Southgate Market Plaza where Logan’s Bar and Grill has donated space for the car wash on Friday, July third from 2-7 pm. The cost is $5 and the funds raised are being used to purchase embroidered jerseys for the team that will be supplied by Iron-T-Junction.
"It’s a fundraiser for the Senior Boys District, 15-16 year old catagory, to raise funds for new jerseys," said coach Mike Lehnherr.
Local businesses have also pledged to match the money raised. They include: Gary Fontana of Frank's Jewlers, Rex Rogers of Rogers Hair Center, Keith Jacobson PDC and Dr Keith Martin of the Highland Women's Center. There is also a raffle for Cubs tickets to be given away for the nationals game.
For more info contact Mike at mlehnherr@comcast.net
AREA GIRLS EXPLORE MIRACLES OF MEDICINE
Forty NW IL girls, grades 7-9, explored the “Miracles of Medicine” hands-on during U of I Extension’s fourth annual Advanced Science Siesta event June 23-24.
Advanced Science Siesta is open to girls who have previously attended one or more Science Siesta events for girls in grades 4-6. The purpose of the event is to provide young ladies with fun, interactive activities that expose them to a variety of career paths in scientific fields. This program series was developed in response to research findings suggesting that girls generally do not pursue science careers because they believe them to be too difficult and not fun. Further, they have rare opportunities to see women in the workforce doing these jobs.
Advanced Science Siesta ’09 was conducted by the U of I Extension offices in Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and DeKalb Counties in cooperation with UIC Colleges of Pharmacy and Applied Health Sciences, and the education staff at Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry.
Participating youth spent two hours each with professors and students at the colleges learning about the tools of the pharmacological trade; physical therapy and occupational therapy concepts; the implications of nutrition; and symptoms, treatments, and long term effects of asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.
Working with the Extension staff and Museum staff, participants learned extensively about the human heart; studied the charts and test results of a hypothetical heart patient; and then observed open heart surgery via a live video feed from Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL. During the three-hour surgery, participants were able to talk with operating room staff to gain a deeper understanding of what they were seeing on screen and who was responsible for various surgical tasks.
After the surgery, participants engaged in a medical SIM LAB experience which allowed them to practice taking blood pressure readings; test respiration and pulse; take temperatures; complete basic sutures; and check the vitals of a training mannequin before, during, and after an asthma attack. The girls even had the opportunity to practice making incisions, apply antiseptics, and complete bandaging challenges using a special Wii game!
During down time, Advanced Science Siesta participants enjoyed sleeping and eating in UIC dorms, utilizing the UIC recreational center pool, and eating at a popular Chicago pizza place.
Counselors for this year’s event included: Robin Etnyre, Oregon; Jessie Sweeney, Monroe Center; and Jordyn Strohman, Chana. Thanks to each of them for helping to make this program the huge success that it was!
Thanks also to the UIC College of Pharmacy and Applied Health Sciences staff and students for an awesome hands-on experience and to Museum staff for allowing participants to boldly go where typically only medical professionals do!
Advanced Science Siesta ’09 was co-sponsored by U of I Extension and the Illinois 4-H Foundation with additional support from the IL 4-H Foundation’s Lisa Woessner Memorial Science & Technology Award Fund.
For more information about Advanced Science Siesta or any other Extension program, visit your local Extension office on –line at www.extension.uiuc.edu. 
Courtesy estention.
Photos:
Forty 7th -9th grade girls participated in Advanced Science Siesta in Chicago on June 23-34. The event, called “Miracles of Medicine”, allowed the girls a hands-on opportunity to learn about medical careers at the University of IL Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. The purpose of the event is to provide young ladies with fun, interactive activities that expose them to a variety of career paths in scientific fields. This program series was developed by University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educators in response to research findings suggesting that girls generally do not pursue science careers because they believe them to be too difficult and not fun. Furthermore, participants have rare opportunities to see women in the workforce doing these jobs.
Advanced Science Siesta participants got the chance to observe an open heart surgery via a live video feed from Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL. During the three-hour surgery, participants were able to talk with operating room staff to gain a deeper understanding of what they were seeing on screen and who was responsible for various surgical tasks.
After the surgery, participants engaged in a medical SIM LAB experience which allowed them to practice checking the vitals of a training mannequin before, during, and after an asthma attack.
HIGHER GROUNDS COFFEE – Music Fest and Car Show
On Thursday June 25 Higher Grounds
will be hosting their first “Cars & Coffee Night” from 6-8PM. This is a free event and it will be held in the parking area at Higher Grounds, with additional parking available in the US Bank parking lot to the north of Higher Grounds. Registrants will receive a coupon, and prizes will be awarded. Ellis Van Gilder Pictured
Then on June 26, 27 & 28 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Higher Grounds will be holding a three-night Music Fest from 5-10PM each night. There will be a $5 cover charge (or $10 for all three nights) which includes a $2 drink coupon. Each night will have a line-up of live local bands including some Higher Grounds regulars, and also some bands making their Higher Grounds debut. There will be drink specials. Come join us for a great evening of entertainment!!!
Free Flights Held at Albertus Airport After Rain Delay
Freeport- The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association,) held an event at the Freeport Albertus Airport on Saturday June 13 to inspire those children interested in aviation.
Free flights were given to children ages 8-17 after the weather cleared enough for safe flight. Tri County Christian Schools held a cookout at the airport which was originally scheduled for 9 am to 2pm, but was delayed for over an hour due to rain.
There have been 1.5 million kids that have taken advantage of the free flights. Each child is also allowed to sign the flight log book. The flights are recognized legally by the FAA for the children to use toward eventually getting a pilots license.
"(It’ll be) fun," said Karri Daws (7) of Freeport.
The EAA Chapter 475 isn’t sure if there will be more of these events for this year, but has had more than one in other years since it started in about 1992.
"This rally is a way to get a lot of people to go at one time," said pilot Rick Ellis. "Launched in Oshkosh in ‘92 there’s 40,000 pilots that participate internationally. Mostly in Canada and the U.S."
The pilots donate their time and fuel and there is both corporate and private sponsorship. Pilot Jon Staben donates his time and effort also and has built 2 homebuilt planes himself.
"Our objective is to get kids in the air and come back with a smile," said Stuben.
For more info visit their website at youngeagles.org. photo gallery CLICK HERE Preztelcitypost Story CLICK HERE
Health Science Nursing Wing
HCC officially dedicates the Health Science Nursing Wing
by Keith Bardell
Freeport- The day finally came on May 6 for the official dedication of the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Schience Nursing Wing on the HCC campus.
An estimated crowd of 80 persons were witness to the ceremony that was held just months after the official groundbreaking. The completion of the Nursing Wing was the culmination of 5 years of planning and hard work. The wing was added to the Natural Science building and flows seamlessly throughout. HCC administrators, faculty and many local dignitaries, including Freeport Mayor George Gaulrap, were on hand along with the nursing students to witness the historical event.
“I’m thankful to God for making me available for the students,” said Ray Stamm.
Kim Grimes, President of the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber Ambassadors helped with the official ribbon cutting. Due to rain, the ribbon cutting was moved indoors and the building was open for touring.
“It’s fabulous that the students can practice in real life on simulation manikins,” Dr. Shannon Lizer, Director of nursing , said.
FHN also contributed funding for much of the equipment to be used by the students. Lizer pointed out that they also have a room with one-way glass so that instructors can observe students as they practice on the manikins. This is a great contribution that will be of value for many years to come for our community.
Hot Dog Eating Contest in Freeport
DogWorld along with several other business, including B&B Small Engine Repair, Help-U-Sell, and Lysa's Fashion Boutique sponsored a hot dog eating contest in Freeport May 2.
Hot Dog Eating Contest
The event was located at the corner of Douglas St. and Galena Ave. Crowds looked on as the contestants wolfed down hotdogs in the hopes of winnin prizes and trophies. Each contestant was given 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible without throwing up. One contestant was eliminated for doing so. The tables were set up in the B&B parking lot where trays filled with 15 hot dogs each and glasses of water were placed in front of the contestants.
Don Perkins of Madison was declared the winner. He ate 12 1/2 hotdogs in the allotted 10 minutes. He won the large trophy and sported the King's crown. The event was fun for all. There were many hotdogs left over which were given out to anyone who wished to eat them. More contests are planned for later in the season.
Family Book Fest 3 in Freeport
The Freeport Public Library-ABC Writer's Group sponsored the Family Book Fest 3 at the library May 2. The event featured many authors of children's books in person for a booksigning and presentation. On hand also were several dogs for the Paws for Reading campaign, and TDI(Therapy Dogs International.)
Authors were chosen by SCBWI, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. They were chosen from applicants who met the SCBWI guidelines.
Family Book Fest 3
"(My start) began with writing a brochure for children about recycling and that led to writing children's books," Janet Nolan, author, said.
Children attending today were asked to read to dogs that are part of the Paws for Reading. Children sere allowed to read to the dogs that are trained to listen to the readings. This is used for improving the childs reading skills and to give the children a fun way to spend time reading. For more info contact the
freeportpubliclibrary.org.
Boyer Colloquium 2009:
“The Frugal Citizen’s Guide to Global Warming: How We Can Save Money, Rescue the Economy and Save the Planet, Too.”
Thursday, January 22, 2009
FREEPORT— The 2009 Boyer Colloquium, entitled “The Frugal Citizen’s Guide to Global Warming: How We Can Save Money, Rescue the Economy and Save the Planet, Too,” is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend this presentation, which will be held in the Highland Community College Student/Conference Center, Room H201. Campus maps are available at www.highland.edu.
This year’s speaker, Jay Butera is an entrepreneur, writer and speaker living near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Brown University and the Haverford School, he has independently
studied the issues and technologies of energy and global warming for over twenty years. For more information regarding Mr. Butera and his work visit http://www.jaybutera.org/.
High School Essay Contest:
Attend this event for details about this years’ video, photo and written essay contest. $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. For more information about the contest, call 815.599.3456.
The Boyer Colloquium, an annual event sponsored by the late Dr. M. E. Boyer, was created in 1994 to help students understand the importance of the inter-relationships between ethics, economics, and ecology. A full history of the colloquium can be found by visiting the Boyer Colloquium web site at http://www.hcclibrary.net/boyer.
Chili Friday 2008 in Freeport.
by Keith Bardell
Lunch in downtown Freeport consisted of chili this Friday. Downtown freeport was the site for the Chili Friday 2008 event. There were 9 local businesses, in total, that participated in the event that was a fundraiser, sponsored by the Freeport Downtown Development Foundation. I had a great time meeting people and tasting the Chili. Their idea was to sell wristbands at $3 each, and provide different types of chili to be judged by the public. All happening between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008. This was the 4th annual Chili Friday in Freeport. Many participants also dressed up in costumes. The 9 local business that participated were:
1. Freeport Focus, 107 West Main(Malcolm Eaton Enterprises)
2. LeBaron&Miller, 9 W. Main(RAMP.)
3. Wagner's Business Products, 10-18 W. Main St(Freeport Police Dept.)
4. Lueke Jewlers, 10 East Main St. (Freeport Fire Department.)
5. Rite-Way Furniture, 20 E. Stephenson St(Red Cross.)
6. 9 East Coffee 9 E. Sephenson St. (United Way)
7. Waves the Salon, 18 W. Stephenson (Freeport Public Library.)
8. F.A. Read Center, 18 W. Stephenson St. (NHS)
9. Twice as Nice Consignments, 8 W. Stephenson St. (Stephenson County Highway Dept.)
Winner of the Chili Friday 2008, will be announced next week.
Charity Fundraiser Raffle
New Horizons Counseling center located at 34 N. Whistler Ave in Freeport, Illinois, is today, Sat Nov. 15th, and next Sat Nov. 22 will be outside of the front doors of Walmart to sell raffle tickets. Prizes range from a two for one minature golf pass to Volcano Falls, in Rockford, up to a $500 American Express Gift card! New Horizons can be contacted at 815-235-6171 or email them at NewHorizons@aeroinc.net. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Can't beat that.
Charity Fundraiser Raffle
Astounding Craft Show At FHN
by Keith Bardell
I was driving along Stephenson St. in Freeport, Illinois on Nov. 14, 2008, when a sign caught my eye. "Craft Show Today," it read. I pulled over and wandered in to the FHN Hospital to see the craft show. I did not know what to expect. I am so glad that I went. I could not believe how many people were there, and how many sales they rang up, while I was waiting for permission to shoot some pics. I got permission, and took some pics, and I can't tell you how surprised I was at what a success this event appeared to be. The event is on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sat. Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make sure to go here! It is the 8th annual Olde Time Christmas Craft show at FHN.
8th Annual FHN Olde Time Christmas Craft Show
Freeport, Ilinois is treated to the Grand Opening of the Blain's Farm and Fleet store located at 1755 S. West Ave. in the original Wall-Mart building. We are excited for them as they now have the space inside, and the larger parking lot, that will make shopping at Blain's Farm and Fleet a breeze. For 3 days only, October 24, 25 & 26, 2008, Blain's Farm and Fleet will be giving away $25,000 in Blain's Farm and Fleet gift cards with a $3000 shopping spree prize awarded each day. Get there quick! Gift cards range from $50 to $100. Pick up their flyer at their Freeport location for more details.
Highlights of the Lincoln Douglas Sesquicentennial Celebration as seen August 27 through September 1, 2008.
Highland Community College Fine Arts Theatre Presents:
HCC Summerset 35 presents "Little Shop of Horrors"
July 18, 2008 7:30 p.m.
Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre
Tickets
Students: $7.00
Adults: $10.00
Seniors: $9.00
REQUEST TICKETS
HCC Summerset XXXV Theatre Presents “Little Shop of Horrors”
Highland Community College Summerset Theatre will present “Little Shop of Horrors” at 7:30 p.m. on July 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, 2008. These performances, directed by Mark Jansen and Allen Redford, will be held in the Highland Community College Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre.
A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!
One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney's "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty And The Beast" and "Aladdin." Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, "Little Shop Of Horrors" never fails to entertain.
Tickets go on sale June 30 and may be reserved by calling the Box Office at 815.235.6127 on Monday through Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or reserve your tickets online at www.highland.edu. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $7 for students.
AUDRY II
Coming soon: Cruise Night in Freeport, Stephenson County Fair and much, much more.........................