Local April Events:
Easter Week Archive:
Freeport Lincoln Mall is Abuzz this week!
Lots to do this week at the Lincoln Mall, including a book sale, Easter Bunny meet and greet, and a refreshing deli to dine in. Make plans to attend the mall this week.
The Easter Bunny Arrives
Stop in to meet the Easter Bunny April 4, 5, 10 and 11th from 12-4pm. You'll find him in the center of the mall in front of the Pretzel City Horeseshoe league center.
Voices DV Spring Book Sale is On 
Inside the Mall you'll find the large Voices book sale. Great Bargains to be found all around. There is a wide variety of hard cover and paperback books, records, tapes, puzzles and games. Some rare and collectible books also.
All proceeds go to help victims of domestic violence in Stephenson County.
For more info call: VOICES at 815-235-9421
The Garden Deli Dairy Dreem is open!
Local business owners Ann and Kerry Rippy have re-located the Garden Deli Dairy Dream to the Lincoln mall at 1261 W. Galena Ave. in Freeport. Their new space is larger and even offers arcade games for the kids. They offer over 19 deli sandwiches, and 20 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream. Open seven days a week. 
Be sure to tell them that SeeFreeNews.com, the Freeport area's newest newspaper, sent you!
Summer: 11am to 9pm
Winter : 11am to 8 pm
St. Margaret's Guild Annual Spring Rummage Sale
Downtown Freeport at:
Grace Episcopal Church
Corner of W. Stephenson and S. Cherry Ave
Look for the RED DOORS!
Friday April 24, 8:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday April 25, 8:00am to noon
$$ Bags starting at 11:00am Saturday
HCC Concert Band and Children’s Choir Spring Concert
The Highland Community College Concert Band and Children’s Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center Theatre. The Concert Band, directed by Scott Stich, consists of Highland students and musicians throughout the district.
The Children’s Choir consists of children from the community and is directed by Diane Dietmeier. Originated in the early 1980s, the Children’s Choir is credited for encouraging musical talent and for being an opportunity to perform on stage for hundreds of pre-teens and teens. During the past quarter century, the Children’s Choir has evolved into a tradition on the Highland campus.
Admission is free and open to the public.
HCC Chorale and Chamber Singers to Perform Spring Concert
Freeport -- The Highland Community College Music Department will present a concert featuring the Highland choral ensembles on Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Fine Arts Building on the Highland campus. The Chorale, an open enrollment ensemble of community members and students, will sing “Magnificat” by British composer John Rutter, recognized as the outstanding composer of contemporary choral music.
The Chamber Singers, a select ensemble of student musicians, perform works from the standard choral repertoire and contemporary compositions of the highest standard. Featured works on this concert will include compositions by Brahms, Bach, Fissinger and Stroope. Both ensembles are directed by Allen Redford
Also featured on this concert will be three new pieces by composer Patrick Beckman, including a composition honoring the anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.
Tickets are $6 for students, $7 for seniors, and $8.00 for adults. Tickets may be purchased by calling the HCC Box Office at 815.235.6127, Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or online at www.highland.edu.
FHN Enters Agreement with Leading Stroke Certified Organization
FREEPORT, Ill., April 6, 2009 — When a person is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, it is important to act fast. FHN is partnering with one of the nation’s top stroke care hospitals to offer rapid state-of-the-art stroke care procedures for patients in northwest Illinois.
The Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove, IL, is piloting a collaborative agreement with FHN to make the advanced technology and specialized physicians located at Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute available to FHN patients.
“Hospitals like FHN or even our Rockford counterparts can’t support the cutting-edge technology and the staff of highly specialized neurosurgeons at a facility like Alexian Brothers,” said Michael Perry, MD, president and CEO of FHN. “So we are working with Alexian Brothers to make today’s most advanced stroke interventions available to FHN patients through this special agreement.”
Alexian Brothers Medical Center is nationally recognized for providing advanced stroke care by accomplishing certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and was awarded the Gold Performance Achievement Award from the American Stroke Association’s Get with The Guidelines.
“Our affiliation with Alexian Brothers means that FHN will have the ability to quickly admit some stroke patients to a hospital certified as a Primary Stroke Center,” Dr. Perry said. “It enables us to provide our patients nationally recognized, state-of-the-art care, and provide it fast, because in a stroke situation, time lost is brain lost.”
With the FHN – Alexian Brothers agreement, when a patient at FHN Memorial Hospital arrives at the Emergency Room with stroke symptoms, the FHN emergency physician and staff work quickly to obtain lab and medical imaging tests. They then contact Alexian Brothers via the urgent stroke and neurovascular transfer line. This physician-to-physician transfer line connects FHN providers to Alexian Brothers neurologists, who assist in the evaluation process to determine if the patient is a candidate for any of the advanced stroke rescue services available through Alexian Brothers. Qualifying candidates are quickly transported and admitted to Alexian Brothers for treatment. The Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute is located approximately 90 minutes from FHN via ambulance and less time by flight.
Treatment at Alexian Brothers will vary according to the type of stroke a patient has had. Possible treatments include the use of intravenous drugs to break up the clot, evaluation for surgical intervention or endovascular interventions, which retrieve the clot by threading a catheter up to the brain. Alexian Brothers has neurointerventional radiologists on staff 24/7 to perform these procedures in its state-of-the-art bi-plane angiography suite.
All stroke patients at FHN receive a consultation using the transfer line, but not all are candidates for the procedures offered by the Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute. FHN has Emergency Room physicians and a neurologist experienced in the management, treatments and follow-up care of strokes when advanced treatments are not appropriate.
“Depending upon the type of stroke a patient suffers, there is an 8- or 12-hour window in which neurosurgeons can intervene and minimize the effects of that stroke,” Dr. Perry continued. Without these advanced interventions through Alexian Brothers, there is only a 3-hour window which begins at the first onset of the symptoms for intravenous treatment. “That’s why it is important to dial 9-1-1 immediately if you or a loved one has any of the signs of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The earlier we ‘catch’ a stroke, the better.”
For more information about FHN’s stroke care services, visit www.fhn.org.
Alcohol-Free Weekend Set for April 3-5
FREEPORT, Ill., April 3, 2009 — Show young people that alcohol isn’t necessary to have a good time during Alcohol-Free Weekend April 3-5, 2009. The weekend kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month.
“We ask that parents and other adults abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for that 72-hour period to demonstrate to young people that alcohol isn’t necessary to have a good time,” said Clarence Parks, MD, medical director of the New Vision program housed at FHN Memorial Hospital. New Vision provides emergency medical stabilization and detoxification services for adults in northwest Illinois. “If participants find they can’t go without a drink during this period, we urge them to call 1-800-939-CARE (2273) for information about alcoholism.”
Alcohol Awareness Month is a national grassroots effort to support research, education, intervention and treatment for alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. Sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1987, Alcohol Awareness Month offers organizations with different missions an opportunity to work together to raise awareness about the negative consequences of underage drinking.
New Vision assists individuals suffering from withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or drugs. Over the course of a short hospital stay (generally three to four days), individuals are treated with medications to ensure a safe withdrawal process. Upon completion of a stay at New Vision, individuals are assisted in setting up a network of people and groups to support staying clean and sober. For more information on New Vision, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-800-939-CARE (2273).
FHN, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 1,400 employees, is an award-winning regional healthcare system committed to the health and well-being of the people of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® for 2007 by Thomson Healthcare, FHN has also been honored by VHA with a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence in its treatment of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in 2008, and a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence for its treatment of cardiac patients in 2006. Organized in 1995 as an integrated healthcare delivery system, FHN is comprised of FHN Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center, 14 family healthcare centers offering primary and specialty medical care, Hospice, occupational and chiropractic health services, complementary medicine, dental care and outpatient mental health services. An average of 1,700 people come to FHN daily for their healthcare needs. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org.
HCC Phi Theta Kappa Sponsors Blood Drive
FREEPORT – Phi Theta Kappa is hosting a Highland Community college Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Staff from the Rock River Valley Blood Center will draw blood between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
If you are at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health, you should be eligible to donate blood. One in three people will need blood and you never know when you or someone you love might be the one.
The Rock River Valley Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and related services to FHN, OSF Saint Anthony, Rockford Memorial, Swedish American, Beloit Memorial, Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, Harvard Memorial, and Rochelle Community hospitals. The Rock River Valley Blood Center needs to collect 965 units each week to meet area patient needs.
By hosting the Blood Drive, Phi Theta Kappa is helping save lives in our community. Join us in sharing the gift of life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Tracey Williams at (815) 599-3582.
You can contact Rock River Valley Blood Center at (815) 965-8751, or toll free at (866) 889-9073 or on the web at www.rrvbc.org.
Organic Weed and Pest Control Program Offered
Are you interested in growing your fruits and vegetables organically but do not know how to start? Are you curious about what “Certified Organic” really means? Then join us for “The Basics: Organic Weed and Pest Control for Vegetables and Small Fruits” hosted by the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County. The program will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring Street, Freeport.
This program will cover basic organic weed and pest control for vegetables and small fruits. The topics discussed are designed to be valuable to beginners as well as experienced producers and will include site selection, soil preparation and fertility, and pest management. “Certified Organic” and “Certified Naturally Grown” will also be discussed. Pest management will include weed, insect and disease management along with the national list of allowed and prohibited substances used for management. Learn about Extension website resources that are available plus other credible sources of information.
Presenters are Bill Lindenmier, Unit Educator, Crop Systems from the U of I Extension-Ogle County and Andy Hazzard, Local Foods System Coordinator, U of I Extension-Winnebago County. Registration cost is $10. To register for this program please call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at (815) 235-4125 or register on-line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson
April FHN Events:
1
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.
2
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 815-599-6160.
3
Organ & Tissue Donor Drive
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Outside the FHN Memorial Hospital cafeteria, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freport
Learn about organ donation and register to be an organ and tissue donor.
4
Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Screen
8 – 10:30 a.m.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 229 S. First Street, Pearl City
Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Do not eat or drink anything except water for five hours prior to blood sugar screening. Sponsored by FHN Top 50 and Health Ministry Program. For more information, call Sarajane Wise at 815-599-7437.
6
Adult Diabetes Support Group
1 - 2 p.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital Globe Room – Lower Level
Program is “I Will Be Well” – stroke and vascular disease by Carol Gugliemetti, health service coordinator with Lifeline Screening. No cost or registration required. For more information, call 815-599-6253.
7
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.
Create Your Weight
4 – 5 p.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital – Lower Level, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport
Eight-week personalized program focusing on nutrition education and physical activity. $125 fee ($150 after March 31) covers eight sessions with a registered dietitian, software to help monitor your calorie intake and activity and other educational materials. For more information or to register, call 815-599-6677.
9
Advanced Carbohydrate Counting for Insulin Users and Introduction to Insulin Pump Therapy
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.
13
Caregiver Support Group
1 p.m.
Provena St. Joseph Adult Day Care, 659 E. Jefferson, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Loved ones are invited to spend time at the Day Care during the meeting. Sponsored by FHN Top 50, St. Joseph Adult Day Care, Stephenson County Senior Center and Meadow Ridge/Prairie Ridge Senior Housing.
14
Men’s Health Day Brunch
8 – 10 a.m.
Stephenson County Senior Center, 121 N. Harlem, Freeport
Cyndi Steil from the YMCA will discuss “Getting Your Body Ready For Spring,” and there will be displays on shoes, recreation and aging. Cholesterol and blood sugar screen provided by FHN; do not eat or drink anything except water for five hours before screenings. Sponsored by FHN Top 50, Freeport Park District and Stephenson County Senior Center. Reservations required; call 815-235-9777.
Common Ear Problems
4 p.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital Globe and Deaconess rooms – Lower Level
Audiologist Annalise Hartman, AuD, will speak on some common ear and hearing problems. No cost or registration is required; visit www.fhn.org for more details.
Grief Recovery Group
7 – 8:30 p.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital Cafeteria Dining rooms – Lower Level
For more information, call 815-599-6160.
15
Breastfeeding Class
7 – 9 p.m.
FHN Family Birthing Center, FHN Memorial Hospital
This class may be helpful to parents who have already decided to breastfeed their baby or need to know more about breastfeeding in order to make a decision. For more information, call 815-599-6244. 20
Blood Pressure Screen
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Carroll County Senior Center, 306 N. Main, Mount Carroll
Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Sponsored by FHN Top 50.
Arthritis Support Group
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Carroll County Senior Center, 306 N. Main, Mount Carroll
Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Sponsored by FHN Top 50.
Memory Support Group
11 a.m. – noon
Carroll County Senior Center, 306 N. Main, Mount Carroll
Open to the public; no cost or registration required. Sponsored by FHN Top 50.
Caregiver Support Group
1 p.m.
St. Joseph Adult Day Care, 659 E. Jefferson, Freeport
No cost or registration required; caregivers are welcome to bring their loved one to enjoy the Day Care during the meeting.
21
The First Steps Grief Support Group
9:30 – 11 a.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital cafeteria meeting rooms – Lower Level
No cost or registration required. For more information, call 815-599-6160.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
5:30 p.m.
St. John UCC, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Childcare is provided and transportation can be arranged. For more information, call 815-599-7343.
Women With Cancer Support Group 6:30 p.m.
FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center, 1163 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
A support group for all women touched by cancer. For more information, call 815-599-7043.
Spring warm-up April 18-19 Sanctioned with an entry fee of $20. Call Steve Kampmeier for details at 815-235-7226. Last chance qualifier May 9&10.
Educational Seminar on Healthy Diets for Adults Scheduled for April 2009
An educational seminar will focus on developing healthy diets for prevention or treatment of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This seminar will be of interest to dietitians, home economists, healthcare professionals, and others interested in the latest research information. The session is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2009, starting at 3:30 p.m.
The 2-hour teleconference features Donald Layman, U of I professor emeritus in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Dr. Layman has extensive experience in the development of diets with increased protein and reduced carbohydrates for weight loss. Dr. Layman will review recent research that emphasizes no one particular diet is best for all adults. He believes several factors should influence dietary choices, such as an individual's lifestyle and genetic background. Much of Layman's own research has examined these issues, including the amounts of protein and carbohydrates that are appropriate for adults that have different lifestyles.
The session is the first in a three-part series co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Development Team and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. Two hours of in-service education credit are available from the American Dietetics Association for dietitians who attend. A $10 registration fee is required. For more information about this session and the remaining two in the series, contact University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125.