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ROCKFORD WOMAN

Apr 25, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

April
2-29 Zhou Brother Exhibit: New Beginnings. The Zhou Brothers were among the first Chinese artists to display abstract art in public. The exhibition of sculptures and paintings is their first since a highly celebrated retrospective at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. The exhibition will be on display 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through June 29 in the Funderburg and Kuller galleries at the Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., 815-968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. $6, $3 for students and seniors, $2 per person group rate, free for children younger than 12, free on Tuesdays.

20-26 Administrative Professionals Week

25 Bonnie Koloc concert. Audience and artist share the stage in a clublike setting. Part of Charlotte’s Web “On-Stage at the Coronado” series sponsored by WNIJ. 8 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. $25. Call 815-968-0595 or see coronadopac.org.

25-June 15 Rockford Photo Club Exhibition — The Natural World through a Lens. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., 815-965-3433, burpee.org. Free. This exhibition of 50 nature-themed photos taken by members of the Rockford Camera Club will be on display in the Mahlburg Auditorium. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

25 Celebrate Recovery Big Group Support and Worship Maywood. 7 p.m., Evangelical Free Church, 3621 Samuelson Road, 815-874-6806. Join this faith-based recovery program for hurts, habits and hang-ups. Meets Fridays.

25 — May 30 Abraham Lincoln and the Manny Reaper Trial Exhibition will be on display through May 30 in the visitor center of Tinker Swiss Museum, 411 Kent St. Tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. For more information, call 815-964-2424, info@tinkercottage.com, or tinkercottage.com.

26 Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. 7 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., coronadopac.com.

26 20th annual Berry Ball: Berry’s in Paradise. The theme for the Janet Wattles Foundation’s annual fundraiser is Berry’s in Paradise. Attendees are encouraged to wear themed attire, so come in your shorts, flip-flops and shades. The event features food and silent and live auctions. The Janet Wattles Foundation supports Janet Wattles Center and Mildred Berry Center. 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road. $75 per person or $600 for table of 10. For more information, call Heather at 815-720-4914.

26 Ballroom Dancing, Community Building Complex, 111 W. First St., Belvidere, 815-547-3928. 7-11 p.m., $8; $6 for members or $2 for students. Singles welcome. Sponsored by the Northern Illinois chapter of USA Dance, danceframe.com.

26 Spring Luncheon: It’s a Bloomin’ Party. Womanspace luncheon with entertainment by soprano Gale Ketteler and pianist Tim Anderson, Recipient of annual Womanspirit award will be announced. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road. $40. For more information or registration, see womanspace-rockford.org or call 815-877-0118.

27 24th Annual OSF Heritage Run. Event benefits YMCA’s Big Brothers Big Sisters. Includes 10-kilometer race, two-mile run, two-mile family walk and kids’ half-mile fun run. Registration at 10:30 a.m. at Stewart Square, downtown. $28; $5 for kids in fun run. Register at rockfordymca.org.

28 Viva La Diva meetings. Support and education for people who would like to lose weight. Weigh-in 5 to 5:30 p.m.; participants aren’t required to be weighed. Meets 5 p.m. Mondays at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5403 N. Second St., Loves Park. For more information, call 815-398-6816. $10 for first visit, $1 per week thereafter.

29 Southern Prophets: Visionary and Religious Outsider Art. Displayed through June 1 in Anderson Gallery at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., 815-968-2787, rock
fordartmuseum.org. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. $6; $3 for students and seniors; free for 12 and younger.

30 Starting a Business program offered by Illinois Small Business Development Center at Rock Valley College. 6:30 p.m. at EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave. Call 815-921-2081 for reservation.

30 Las Vegas Interactive Show with Johnny Rome from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays at Ember Restaurant, 6957 Olde Creek Road. 815-316-4000.

30 Encore! Encore! Book sale at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 30 through May 2 and 9 a.m. to noon May 3. Buy books, puzzles, games, CDs and more for $1 or less each. Big discounts the final two days of sale.

May
1 DivorceCare group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road. Recovery seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. $15. Child care available upon request. 815-399-5910.

1 Voices. This free weekly event of poetry and spoken word, hosted by author and poet John Simmons Jr. includes open mike. 7 p.m. Thursdays at Borders, 199 Deane Drive. 815-378-6215.

2 Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham at 7 p.m. the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. $40.50. For all ages. For tickets, see coronadopac.org or call the box office, 815-968-0595.

2 RAMBA Cinco de Mayo Parade and festival. 2 to 10 p.m. May 2 through May 4 at Marinelli Field, 15th Avenue and South Main Street. Parade at 1 p.m. May 3 starting at Broadway and 11th streets and ending at Marinelli Field. For more information, call the Rockford Area Mexican Business Association, 815-965-3606.

3 Literary Evening Downtown. Sixteen well-known Rockford residents will moderate discussions on some of their favorite books. Silent auction, prizes and catering by Kiki B’s. $45. Fundraiser is presented by the Rockford Public Library Foundation and Rockford Woman’s Club at 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. For more information, call 815-987-6611.

3 A Hooky Luau. Entertainment by Clutch Cargo, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and silent auction. Proceeds benefit programs offered by Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 7 to 11 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, 815-964-2424, e-mail info@ tinkercottage.com, or see tinkercottage.com.

3 Build a Raised Garden Bed. Build, fill and plant a raised garden bed with wooden sides. Learn about selecting materials, building the soil and more. 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia To register, call 815-389-8455 or see learngrowconnect.org. Registration will be taken until program is full. $45.

3 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Spring Metals and Electronics Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Machesney Park Mall parking lot. Drop off old appliances, computers, stereos and scrap metal. For more information or to volunteer, call 815-637-1343 or see knib.org.

4 Organ concert. Final concert of the season will feature Westminster’s choirs and organist Jean Anderson, associate in ministry for music and worship, at 3 p.m. in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, 815-282-1500, westminsterrockford.org. Freewill offerings accepted.

4 1800s Mother/Daughter Tea. Learn fine manners and traditions brought to this area by early settlers, share foods and beverages, and learn a bit of history. At the Stephen Mack House at Macktown Forest Preserve, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton. Register by calling 815-624-4200. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended by April 27. $5.

5 Scrabble Night. 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Meg’s Daily Grind, 1411 N. Alpine Road. Boards provided. Just pay for refreshments. Meet people who enjoy the game or bring a table of friends.

6 Council of Rockford Gardeners spring luncheon. Theme is “Perennials to Span the Seasons.” 11 a.m. social hour with noon lunch at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. $35. Call Linda, 815-877-0780 for more information or reservation. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.

7 15th Annual Senior Follies: Sentimental Journey. Volunteer singers, dancers and actors ages 50 to 90 perform in annual musical fundraiser for Lifescape’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Performances at 2 or 6:30 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. $15-$18. For tickets, see coronadopac.org or call the box office, 815-968-0595.

7 Connections networking meeting. The business referral organization meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the cafe at Aldeen Golf Club, 1900 Reid Farm Road. Pay cost of breakfast. For more information, call 815-877-1407.

7 Tapas cooking class instructed by Mindy Banicki. 7 p.m., Kiki B’s, 1641 N. Alpine Road, 815-227-0102, movablefeast.com, $35. Call to register.

7 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 5 to 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road. Free for chamber members. To register, see rockfordchamber.com.

8 Karaoke. 8 p.m. Thursdays at Ember Restaurant, 6957 Olde Creek Road, 815-316-4000.

8 Diabetes 101. Paula Krause, APN, a Rockford Cardiology Associates nurse practitioner, will explain what diabetes is, how to prevent it and how to treat it, and will explain how diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. Free. 6:30 p.m. at Rockford Cardiology Associates, 444 Roxbury Road.

8 Surviving Spouse support group, 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Edward Church, 3004 11th St., Open to any surviving spouse at any point during the grieving process. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. For more information or to make reservations, call 815-397-8955.

9-24 “The Dining Room.” The Artists’ Ensemble Theater presents this comedy with six actors playing 57 characters. 8 p.m. May 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24; 7 p.m. May 11; 4 p.m. May 10, 17 and 24; and 2 p.m. May 18 and 25, Cheek Theatre at Rockford College Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. $26, $24 for seniors, $10 for students For tickets, call 815-394-5004 or see artistsensemble.org.

10 Blow the Whistle on Asthma. Join the American Lung Association of Illinois at its annual pledge-based walk fundraiser. Registration and prewalk activities begin at 8:30 a.m., and the official walk start time is at 10 a.m. at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road. The event will also include games, refreshments and music. For more information or to register, visit lungil.org or call 815-962-6412. Registration will be taken through the day of the event.

10 Mother’s Day Tea. Tea sandwiches, cakes and music. $10 to $20, noon at Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., 815-964-2424.

10 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Spring Clothing Drive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off clean, usable clothing, shoes and soft goods at any Hilander food store in Rockford, Roscoe or Cherry Valley. For more information or to volunteer, call 815-637-1343 or see knib.org.

10-18 “Father of the Bride.” Main Street Players of Boone County present play by Caroline Francke. For tickets or information, see mainstreetplayersofboone
county.com or call 800-741-2963. Performances are 2 or 6 p.m. May 10 and May 17; and May 11; 8 p.m. May 9 and May 16; and 2 p.m. May 18 at the Community Building, 111 W. First St., Belvidere.

11 Mother’s Day!

11 Mommy and Me Tea at 1 or 3 p.m. at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., 815-965-8146, klehm.org. Enjoy an elegant tea with desserts in Nancy Olson Children’s Garden. Appropriate attire requested. Each sitting will be limited to 30 guests at tables of six.    

12 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. $45 to $270. See rockfordchamber.com for information or registration.

12 Mothers Praying Together. Led by Pastor Annie R. Davis, Kay Larrick and Gloria Cardenas Cudia, meets at noon May 14 at YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford. 815-969-7742.

13 Getting A Good Night’s Sleep. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at SwedishAmerican Heart Hospital, Charles and 10th streets. Presented by Megan Nimmers, supervisor, Sleep Disorders Center. To register or for more information, call 815-315-6120. Registrations preferred.

13 Go Global or Get Left Behind. Two-day seminar with speakers and workshops at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., is designed to explain and enhance the global competitiveness of small and mid-sized companies conducting or wanting to do business internationally. Features global trade specialists with expertise in business planning, developing results-oriented market-entry strategies, obtaining trade finance, managing risk, navigating customs rules and regulation, and effectively communicating cross-culturally. $50 for one day; $75 for both. For more information, call the Rockford Area Economic Development Council at 815-987-8118 or e-mail
jfadden@rockfordil.com.

14 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Buzz from 7:30 a.m. at the Woodward Technology Center at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Topic is going green for every business.

15 Spring and Summer Dance Class. 6 p.m. is ballroom dance classes for beginners, 7 p.m. is country western dance, and 8 p.m. is Latin dance. Classes meet at Figgs in the Clock Tower, 7801 E. State St. For more information or to register, contact Julie Dale 815-718-1814 or julied12@hotmail.com. $60 for four lessons for singles; $112 for four lessons for couples.

16 Ebony Fashion Fair presents Glam Odyssey: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss and Beyond. This 50th anniversary show features the industry’s hottest designers. This year’s event will benefit the Taus Inc. scholarship fund. Dinner at 6 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., $55. For ticket information, call Lillie, 815-961-7508.

17 Armed Forces Day

17 “Tosca”. 7 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., coronadopac.org. Call 815-968-0595 for ticket information. Puccini opera is presented by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

17 Walk and Roll Stateline. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road. Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society is a 2.5-mile walk, 5-mile inline skate, or 8.5-mile bike ride to raise funds and awareness for the mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Register at walkroll.org or call 815-229-1287 until the day of the event.

17 Groove Walk. Annual music walk. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Several downtown establishments will provide entertainment by local, award-winning musicians. Proceeds benefit the RAMI’s Gary Wilmer Scholarship Fund. See onthewaterfront.com for more information.

17 Sixth annual National Arthritis Walk. Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event to raise awareness and funds to fight arthritis. Onsite registration at 9 a.m. The ribbon-cutting and walk begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Building, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Register at arthritis.org. For more information, call 815-971-6380.

17-18 The Pec Thing. Unique shopping experience is twice a year rain or shine at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Pecatonica. Free parking. Admission is $3 or free for children younger than 12. Buy, sell, trade. Antiques, concessions, crafts and more. See winnebagocountyfair.com for more information.

18 Rockford Marathon. Runners have option of signing up for the 26.2-mile marathon or a 13.1-mile half marathon. Four-person relay teams are welcome. Marathon and half marathon will start at State and Wyman streets in downtown Rockford. The marathon is certified by USA Track. Fee ranges from $58 to $155, rockfordmarathon.com or call 800-554-4160.

18 Herspace. Scripture-focused, nontraditional and faith-based ministry that focuses on nurturing women through the seasons of their lives. Meets from 7 to 8:15 a.m. every third Sunday at Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main St., Roscoe, roscoeumc.org/Herspace.htm.

19 Greater Rockford Doll and Bear Club meeting. 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month in the community room at Crash 1, 4141 Morsay Drive, Rockford, 815-234-8332. Annual dues are $20.

20 Tour the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. The Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society offers monthly tours through May. Tours start at 7 p.m. and last 90 minutes. Includes a mini concert performed by a LOLTOS member, an atmospheric show and information about the audience chamber, the organ chamber, the Van Matre/owner’s apartment, stage area and dressing rooms. Call ahead to confirm attendance. Reservations are required for group tours. Call 815-968-2722, ext. 17, for more information. $7; $5 a person for group tours of 20 or more.

21 Parents in Grief. Group offers support. Meets 6:30 p.m. every third Wednesday at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Drive. For more information, call 815-636-4750.

22 Forest City Swing. Dance to DJ music from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursdays at St. Edward Church Community Center, 3004 11th St. Lessons from 8 to 8:30 p.m., $3. For more information, contact Paul at 815-914-7441 or paulyand1973@yahoo.com.

23 — 24 Young at Heart Festival starts at 6 p.m. on festival grounds at the Loves Park City Hall. parkschamber.com.

23 Empowering Women monthly network meeting from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at National City Bank, 5817 N. Second St., Loves Park. Present a business or personal goal, challenge or idea and receive feedback and direction from the group. To RSVP or for more information, contact Nancy at 815-608-5746. For more information, see
empoweringwomen.net.

24 Parents Night Out. Gymnastic Academy of Rockford, 6630 Spring Brook Road, will provide snacks, movies, open gym time and games 6 to 11 p.m. Saturdays, unless gym is reserved for private parties. Call 815-654-3867 to reserve a spot. Children must be at least 3 years old and potty trained. $20 for first child, $10 for additional. For more information, visit onefungym.com.

26 Memorial Day Prairie Walk. Free. From 10 a.m. to noon along Stone Bridge Nature Trail, 5792 Elevator Road, Roscoe. For more information, call 815-964-6666 or visit naturalland.org.

27 River District Farmers Market starts. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 25 in the south lot of Rockford YMCA, 215 Y Blvd. Also 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at Trinity’s Learning Center Lot, 207 N. First St.

30 Relay for Life Boone County from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Illinois 76, Belvidere. Overnight community event to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Teams of eight to 15 people come to Relay to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and to fight back against this disease. $25 for team registration, free to watch, relayforlifeboone.com, 815-229-1287.

31 Raven-Symone’s Pajama Party Concert. With special guests Mitchel Musso, B5 and Clique Girlz. Wear your favorite pajamas and come early for party activities. $29.50 to $49.50. 4 p.m. at the MetroCentre, 300 Elm St. For tickets or information, see CentreEvents.com or call 815-968-5222.

31-June 1 Glitzy Garage Sale at Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, 815-877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org. Hours to be determined. Proceeds benefit Womanspace projects and events.

June
5 For Women Only. A Bible-based support group for women dealing with men’s sexual addictions. Meets at 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursdays in the lower-level conference room at Fifth Third Bank, 1111 S. Alpine Road. 815-979-9936. Free.

5 Mayor’s Arts Awards. Join Rockford Area Arts Council, nominees and special guests for awards ceremony and entertainment at 8 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. For more information, call 815-963-6765.

6-8 15th Annual Garden Fair Extravaganza at Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St. Premier garden and outdoor-living marketplace selling garden-related items such as flowers, herbs, bulbs, water gardens, pottery, tools, art and furniture. 5 to 8 p.m. June 6; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 and June 8. $6; free for younger than 16. 815-965-8146, klehm.org.

10 Heart Healthy, Heart Wise series. “Making Goals and Making Sense” will be presented by Dr. Andrew Kotis from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room at SwedishAmerican Hospital’s Heart Clinic. 10th and Charles streets. Registration preferred; call 815-315-6120.

13-14 Varmints and Villains Murder Mystery Dinner, 6:30 p.m. at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, midwayvillage.com, $45. Performances are June 13, 14, 27 and 28. Reservations are required. Call Jessica at 815-397-9112, ext. 104.

14 Flag Day

15 Father’s Day

18 23rd Annual Ryan Jury Memorial Golf Outing at Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road. For more information call 815-654-7107.

20 First Day of Summer

21-22 1900 America: A Rockford Chautauqua. Features events, people and culture from the year 1900. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, midwayvillage.com. $8; $4 for ages 3 to 17. Free for members.

21 Self-Hypnosis for Wellness 10 to 11:30 a.m. at OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care library, 5666 E. State St., osfhealth.com. Free for people living with cancer. Enrollment is open. Meetings are from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month. Support people may attend as well. Attendance is limited; reservations are required. For reservations or information, call 815-227-2618.

24 FastPitch 2008. 3:30 p.m. at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Entrepreneurs pitch a business or business concept to judges from the business and investment community in three minutes. Categories are technology, services, consumer products, green and students. Finalists win cash plus exposure to investors, business leaders, media and potential mentors. Free to enter. For more information, call Sherry at the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center, 815-921-2054.

26-29 Stars and Guitars Ribfest in Davis Park, downtown Rockford. Four days of musical entertainment and award-winning rib vendors. Free before 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Advance tickets are $20 for all four days; $8 per day at gate; children 10 or younger free if accompanied by an adult. See onthewaterfront.com for more information.

27-29 “The Music Man.” Musical presented by Bonzi Productions. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Rockford Theater at Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave. $9 for adults, $7 for ages 12 and younger and seniors. Buy tickets at the door or by calling 815-394-8987.

28 Third annual Catch Baseball Fever. Welcome Rockford Riverhawk baseball players and mascot Rocko to the Rockford Public Library main branch, 215 N. Wyman St., from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free. Listen to a story, go over baseball fundamentals, and make a homerun craft. Get autographs and photos with the players. For ages 5 to 12. Register at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/events or call 815-965-7606, option 5.