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By Rockford Woman staff
ROCKFORD WOMAN
Jun 20, 2008 @ 12:01 AM
The Rock River Valley is hopping with women-focused activities. Check out our list of things to do through September. For a more comprehensive look, go to rrstar.com or check out GO Monday through Saturday in the Rockford Register Star.
June
21 Breastfeeding basics from 9 a.m. to noon at SwedishAmerican Hospital, Charles and 10th streets. The class covers the advantages of breastfeeding, how to get started, common problems, and how to express and store breast milk. The father or a support person is welcome to come. Bring a baby-doll for practice. Held in the first floor conference center. Pre-register by calling 815-968-2500. $10, free for prenatal class participants.
21 Parents’ Night Out from 6 to 11 p.m. at Gymnastic Academy of Rockford, 6630 Spring Brook Road, Rockford, 815-654-3867, onefungym.com. $20 for first child; $10 for each additional child. Take the night off and leave the kids at Gymnastic Academy. There will be snacks, movies, open gym time, games and more. Children must be 3 years old and potty-trained. Call ahead to reserve a spot. Saturdays through October.
21 Self-Hypnosis for Wellness from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care library, 5666 E. State St., Rockford, 815-395-2223, osfhealth.com. Free service for people living with cancer. Enrollment is open. Attend as many as you would like. Support people may attend as well. Attendance is limited; reservations are required. For reservations or information, call 815-227-2618.
21-22 1900: A Rockford Chautauqua features events, people and culture from the year 1900. Highlights include Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World featuring Annie Oakley shows, folk singers Rick Pickren and Mark Dvorak, Dr. Balthasar’s Marvelous Miracle Medicine Shows, street magic performed by The Windy City Wizard and live period melodramas. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, midwayvillage.com, 815-397-9112. $8, $4 for ages 3 to 17, free for members.
22 The Three B’s of Italian Sports from 2 to 4 p.m. at Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-962-7402. Free. The exhibit includes displays and stories featuring boxers Sammy Mandell, four-year lightweight champion of the world, and Sammy Paris, Mandell’s protege; balloonist Ben Abruzzo, known for the first helium balloon flight across the Atlantic and Pacific; and baseball player Frank De Castris, who played professionally from 1961-1972. Watch for special events from the Italian sports world families; there will be various fees to attend special events held in conjunction with the exhibit. The event will runs Sundays through August.
23 Strong Women at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church-Beloit, 1850 Cranston Road, Beloit, Wis., $60. Program to improve bone density, cope with arthritis symptoms and increase flexibility and strength. Fitness program runs through July 2. Sessions at 1 and 5:15 p.m. For more information, call the Mercy HealthLine at 608-756-6100.
24 Heart Healthy Heart Wise. Making Goals and Making Sense will be presented by Dr. Andrew Kotis from 10 to 11 a.m. in the first floor conference room at SwedishAmerican Hospital, Charles and 10th streets. Call The Heart Clinic at 815-315-6120 to register or for more information. Registrations are preferred.
24 FastPitch 2008 at 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. Free. Finalists win cash plus exposure to investors, business leaders, media and potential mentors. For more information, call Sherry at the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center, 815-921-2054.
24 Compassionate Communication in Action Practice Group meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Second Congregational United Church of Christ, 318 N. Church St., Rockford, 815-963-8431. This free educational and support group teaches the nonviolent communication model developed by Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D. Meets Tuesdays. For more information, call Linda, 815-282-8211.
24 Stateline Macintosh Users Group Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, 815-395-0600. The Stateline Macintosh Users Group is for lovers of the Macintosh Operating System. Free. Meeting room will be announced at time of sign up at main entrance. Giveaways and discounts for members. Membership is $24 per year. For more information, see smugweb.com.
24 Nia@Noon. Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, in the library or on the lawn at Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. $32 per month. Register by the Thursday before the start of each month. Instructed by a licensed Nia White Belt teacher. Nia is a body-mind-spirit fitness and lifestyle practice blending nine movement forms. womanspace-rockford.org, 815-877-0118.
25 Celebrate Recovery 12-Step Study Program. 7 p.m. at Maywood evangelical Free Church, 3621 Samuelson Road, Rockford, 815-874-6806. Free. Join faith-based recovery program for hurts, habits and hang-ups. Meets Wednesdays. Call 815-874-6806 for more information.
25 What is Reiki? Save $2 with advance payment by Monday, June 23. Open yourself to the wisdom offered through Reiki Healing Techniques. Get an introduction to the supportive and therapeutic hands-on healing technique. Learn its history, principles and lineage, as well as levels of practice. Bring a sack lunch; beverages are provided. Held in the library at Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive. $10. 815-877-0118.
25 BNI Chapter meetings. Partners in Networking meets from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Hawks View Restaurant, 11189 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park. For more information, call Jerry, 815-227-5421. The Referral Alliance Chapter meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Dos Reales, 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, For more information, call Tandy, 815-986-6713. The River City Lunch Chapter meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at The Great Wall Restaurant, 4228 E. State St. For more information, call Robert, 815-964-8888. BNI is the business referral organization. Cost is for meal ordered.
26 Forest City Swing. 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at St. Edward Church Community Center, 3004 11th St., Rockford. $3. Swing dance to DJ music Thursday nights. Lessons from 8 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Paul at 815-914-7441 or paulyand1973@yahoo.com.
26 Karaoke. 8 p.m. Thursdays at Ember Restaurant and Bar, 6957 Olde Creek Road, Rockford, 815-316-4000. Free.
26 BNI Chapter meetings. The Circle of Influential Networkers Chapter of BNI meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Jessica’s Restaurant, 5091 Edgemere Court, Roscoe. For more information, call Gary, 815-235-2389. The Midway Growth Partners Chapter of BNI meet from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford. For more information, call Jim, 815-877-0391. The Partners in Success Lunch Chapter of BNI meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. For more information, call Traci, 815-633-2992. The Rockford Founders’ Breakfast Chapter of BNI meets from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Illinois Machine Shed Restaurant, 7475 E. State St., Rockford. For more information, call Greg, 815-562-4152. BNI is the business referral organization.
26 Spring and Summer Dance Classes start at 6 p.m. at Figgs in the Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford. $60 for four lessons for singles; $112 for four lessons for couples. 6 p.m. is general ballroom dance classes for beginners or those who wish to brush up on their skills, 7 p.m. is country western dance, and 8 p.m. is Latin dance. For more information or to register, contact Julie, 815-718-1814 or julied12@hotmail.com.
26 Funding Your Business. Northern Illinois SCORE presents workshop about sources of capital, approaching a lender and what lenders expect. A local banker will be available to discuss financing options. 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Woodward Technology Center, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Room 211. Free. Register at NorthernIllinoisScore.org or call 815-962-0122.
26-30 Stars and Guitars RibFest. Four days of musical entertainment and award-winning rib vendors in. 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 Part of On the Waterfront; see onthewaterfront.com for more information.
27 Empowering Women Network Monthly Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at National City Bank, 5817 N. Second St., Loves Park. Free. Attendees can present a business or personal goal, challenge or idea and receive feedback, perspective and direction from the group. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, call Nancy, 815-608-5746, or see empoweringwomen.net
27-28 Varmints and Villains Murder Mystery Dinner at Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, midwayvillage.com. Meet suspects, collect clues, and vote on who-done-it. Seating is limited; reservations required. To make reservations, call Jessica, 815-397-9112, ext. 104.
27 Golf for God at Atwood Golf Course, 8990 Old River Road. Fundraiser is for Total Living Network TV51, Rockford’s nonprofit, faith and family television, to transition to digital format in 2009 and ensure Christian television in the area. Senior pastors of churches and ministry leaders can play free if they put together a foursome with three paying players. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. $100 per golfer. Packages include breakfast, golf, golf cart, lunch, awards presentation and giveaways. For more information or registration, see tlntv51.com or call 815-877-5151.
27-29 The Music Man will be presented by Bonzi Productions. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29. $9 for adults, $7 for ages 12 and younger and seniors. Rockford Theater at Rockford Woman Club, 323 Park Ave. Buy tickets at the door or call 815-394-8987.
28 Third Annual Catch Baseball Fever from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rockford Public Library main branch, 215 N. Wyman St. Welcome Rockford Riverhawk baseball players and their mascot Rocko to the library. Listen to a story, go over baseball fundamentals, and make a home run craft. There will also be an opportunity to get autographs and photos with the players. For ages 5-12. Free. Register at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/events or call 815-965-7606, option 5.
28 Rockford RiverHawks game against Gateway Grizzlies at Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. rockfordriverhawks.com. They also play the Grizzlies at 6:05 p.m. June 29 and 7:05 p.m. on June 30.
29 General Admission Tours at 1, 2 or 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and Sundays, from March 2 through Dec. 23, at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford, 815-964-2424. $5; $4 for seniors; $3 for students ages 5 to 17; free for ages 4 and younger and for members. Tours begin with a seven-minute introduction to the cottage DVD and last about one hour. Groups of eight or more must make reservations.
30 Arthritis Golf Challenge 2008. Foursomes can enjoy the company of a local golf star. Registration includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, prizes, on-course contests, picnic style buffet luncheon, raffle, silent auction, wine ring toss and more. Complimentary use of the driving range at 6 a.m., 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. presentation of the stars and matching of stars with foursomes, 9 a.m. shotgun start, and 2 p.m. luncheon and awards party. Event benefits the Northwestern Illinois Arthritis Foundation. For information or registration, call 815-971-6380 or see arthritis.org until the event sells out. Mauh-Nah-Tee See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road. $125; $600 per foursome.
July
1 Toddler Time from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Mondays or Tuesdays at Christ the Rock Lutheran Church, 8330 Newburg Road, Rockford, 815-332-7191. Free. For parents and their children ages infant to 3.
2 Adult Children of Alcoholics and Other Dysfunctions. 12-step support group meeting is at 5:30 p.m. at the duplex belonging to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford, across from the fire station on Rural Street. For more information, call 815-398-8321.
3 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 Thursday at Fifth Third Bank, lower-level conference room, 1111 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, 815-979-9936. Free.
3 Rockford RiverHawks play the Windy City ThunderBolts at Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, at 7:05 p.m. rockfordriverhawks.com.
4 Independence Day.
6 The Way. Those who have not been baptized or those who have been baptized but want to reaffirm their faith can explore their questions and concerns through meal, worship, prayer scripture and conversation. Meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Sundays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St.
8 Mining Wild Women Stories: Finding Our Own. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays July 8 and Aug. 12. $20 per session. Each session of women’s group explores a story from the book Women Who Run With the Wolves, using them as vehicles for self-understanding and healing through personal exploration. Held in the Womanspace library, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, womanspace-rockford.org, 815-877-0118.
9 Connections Meeting. Business referral organization, meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the cafe at Aldeen Golf Club, 1900 Reid Farm Road, Rockford, 815-282-4653. Cost of breakfast. For more information, call 815-877-1407.
9 Parks Chamber of Commerce women’s networking lunch. Meet with women business owners and employees at networking event at noon every second Wednesday at Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park. Reservations preferred by the prior Tuesday but walk-ins are welcome. $9. For more information or reservations, call the chamber, 815-633-3999.
10 The Kiwanis Club of Alpine Rockford weekly meeting from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. at Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford. Free. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. For more information, call Michael, 815-218-4213.
10 Surviving Spouse Support Group from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Edward Church, 3004 11th St., Rockford. Free. Open to any surviving spouse at any point during the grieving process. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. For information or reservations, call 815-397-8955.
10 Midwest REA of Rockford meets at Rockford Area Association of Realtors office, 6776 E. State St., Rockford. $15. Investment Club meets the second Thursdays of the month. Free for members. Membership is $99 per year. Check in at 6:30 p.m. The meetings, which include speakers, are from 7 to 9 or 9:30 p.m. For more information, call Ricky at 815-690-5288 or see midwestrea.com.
10-13 Beloit Riverfest. Reserved tickets for concerts are available. Event features the band Seether on July 10; REO Speedwagon on July 11. Food, carnival, music and more. You don’t need to pay festival admission to enter the carnival, which will be held north of the tennis courts this year. For more information, see BeloitRiverfest.com or call 608-313-1200. $15 all-you-can ride carnival special; general admission is $13, $4 for children, free for younger than 6.
11-13 Byronfest. Family festival includes carnival rides, Taste of Byronfest, quilt and car shows and more. Admission price to be determined. For more information, call 815-234-5500, or see byronfest.org.
11-13 Wildflower Weekend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 2810 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, 815-964-6666. Free. Enjoy activities for the whole family, including guided tours, wagon rides and programs on wildlife and wildflowers.
11-27 “Godspell” will be performed at Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays or 2 p.m. Sundays from July 11 through July 27. Based on the Gospel according to Matthew, the musical features such well-known songs as “Day By Day and “Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord.” Ticket sales start June 20; all seats are $10. 815-239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
12 Second Saturday Morning Quilt Guild Meeting at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of the month at One in Christ Church, 1502 Parkview Ave., Rockford, 815-316-1953. Quilters work on sew-n-take projects and sew on quilts that are in knit form. For more information, call the church, 815-316-1953 or Marge, 815-633-8720.
12 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s Summer Clothing Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all seven area Hilander food stores in Rockford, Roscoe and Cherry Valley. Drop off clean, usable clothing, shoes and soft goods. For more information or to volunteer: 815-637-1343 or knib.org.
15 Parkinson’s disease Support Group at 7 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Drive, Rockford. Free. Support group for those diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease meets the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 815-398-1720.
16 Parents in Grief support group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Drive, Rockford. Free. Sponsored by the Aftercare Services of Olson Funeral Chapels. For more information, call 815-636-4750.
17 Managing Your Business for Profit and Growth. Northern Illinois SCORE presents 3.5 hour course to help your business prosper. Topics include management, financial planning, staffing, mentoring, delegation, marketing, promotions, pricing. Limited to 15 attendees. 3 to 6 p.m. at Woodward Technology Center, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Room 141. $70; $55 if prepaid. For reservations, call 815-962-0122 or NorthernIllinoisScore.org.
17 Rock River B’s Basket and Beading Guild Monthly Meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. at Beads and Reeds, 5846 E. State St., Rockford, 815-986-4529, beadsandreeds.com. $20 for yearly dues to be a member. Work on both beading and basketry projects. Members help each other learn the arts and make and donate items to the community, such as Christmas baskets for shut-ins and jewelry for Becca’s Closet. Meets every third Thursday of the month. For more information, contact Loni, 815-721-5462, Beads and Reeds, 815-986-4529, or loniasb@insightbb.com.
18 Quilt Show. Quilts from 1830 to 2008 will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Boone County Historical Society Museum, 311 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere. Refreshments will be served. If you have a quilt you would like displayed, call Mary, 815-544-8391.
19 Burpee’s BONE Appetite: the Greatest Show Unearthed. Annual fundraising event at Burpee is a summer bash on the lawn of the museum, 737 N. Main St., 815-965-3433, burpee.org. Live band, outdoor dining, dancing, auctions and more. $75.
19 Poison: Live, Raw and Uncut Summer Tour. 7:30 p.m. at the MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford, 815-968-5222, centreevents.com/MetroCentre. $44.50, $34.50. Poison performs with special guest Sebastian Bach. The band features lead singer Bret Michaels, who stars in VH1’s TV reality dating game show “Rock of Love” with Bret Michaels, and guitarist CC DeVille, who appeared on VH1’s celeb-reality show “The Surreal Life.” Poison is known best for its 1988 hit “Every Rose Has its Thorn,” which topped The Billboard Hot 100.
19-20 GreekFest. Experience part of Greek culture with Greek food, pastries, dancing, tours of the church and more in celebration of the church’s 90th anniversary. Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. Fifth St.
19-20 Victorian Wedding. Midway Village. Take a trip back in time to experience all the festivities surrounding a typical Midwestern Victorian wedding, including the flowers, food and proper customs. Throughout each day, there will be talks and demonstrations on ethnic wedding customs, 1905 bride’s trousseau, the wedding invitation, Victorian and Edwardian etiquette, and garden tours and language of the flowers. Food and snacks will be available in the Town Hall. The event runs Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20. noon to 5 p.m. $6; $4 for children ages 3 to 17.
20 Fifth Annual Friends of the Winnebago Library Garden Walk. Seven gardens within the Winnebago Library district, one of which is on the library grounds, 210 N. Elida St., Winnebago. $6. Save $1 with an advance ticket. For more information, call the library, 815-335-7050.
20 SM and SF Club’s Kick-in for Cancer at 8:30 a.m. at SM and SF Park, 7625 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, 815-399-9471. Free. Fundraiser to benefit cancer wards at local hospitals. Quarter buckets, raffles, helicopter landing, live auction, breakfast and lunch available. Breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m.; everything else starts at noon.
20 Herspace from 7 to 8:15 a.m. the third Sunday of each month at Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main St., Roscoe, 815-623-2292. Free. Scripture-focused, nontraditional and faith-based ministry that focuses on nurturing women through the seasons of their lives. For more information, see roscoeumc.org/Herspace.htm.
21 Greater Rockford Doll and Bear Club Meeting at 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month in the community room at Crash One, 4141 Morsay Drive, Rockford. $20 per year for dues. Meetings allow members to share their collections and include informative programs, social time, refreshments and door prizes. For more information, call 815-234-8332.
22 Empowering Women Network Monthly Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at National City Bank, 5817 N. Second St., 5817 N. Second St., Loves Park, Free. Attendees can present a business or personal goal, challenge or idea and receive feedback, perspective and direction from the group. For more information or to RSVP, call Nancy, 815-608-5746. For more information on EWN, see empoweringwomen.net.
22-24 Cherry Valley Festival Days at Baumann Park, Cherry Valley. cherryvalleydays.com.
23 Las Vegas Interactive Show with Johnny Rome from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday nights at Ember Restaurant and Bar, 6957 Olde Creek Road, Rockford, 815-316-4000. Free.
23 to Aug. 3 Ogle County Fair at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon. Features tractor pull, demolition derby, carnival rides, concessions, pageant, animal shows. Admission to be determined. For more information, call 815-732-6962 or see oglecountyfair.com.
24 Better Kid Care. Moving from place to place, activity to activity, is often filled with tears, screaming, and tantrums. Learn how you can smooth transitions to make them productive, fun times for children and stress free for adults. Child Care Training Credits are available. Certificates presented to attendees. $8. Registration from 5:45 to 6 p.m., with session from 6 to 8 p.m. at University of Illinois Extension office, 915 Alexandra Drive, Belvidere, 815-544-3710.
24 “Speaking of Faith” with Krista Tippett. Public radio’s award-winning conversation about religion, meaning, ethics and ideas. People of all faith backgrounds are invited to join discussion group and listen to one-hour podcast in the Fountain View Room at Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Road, then spend another hour discussing the program and how it speaks to us. Sponsored by WNIJ 89.5. $10 cost includes refreshments. Held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. July 24 and Aug. 28. Register by the prior Tuesday. Call 815-877-0118.
24 Empowering Women. Monthly meeting and bring a guest event features business owner and professional speaker Susan Fignar presenting “You are a Powerful Product.” Refreshments and networking from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and after presentation. 5 to 7 p.m. at National City Bank, 5135 Forest Hills Road. For information or registration, see empoweringwomen.net. $30; members save $10.
25 Christmas in July from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Magic Waters, 7820 N. Cherryvale Blvd., Cherry Valley, 800-373-1679, rockfordparkdistrict.com. $19.95; $14.95 for seniors or shorter than 42 inches; $3 for ages 1or 2; free for infants. Splash around a holiday-themed water park and find out what Santa does in the summer. Activities, giveaways and more. Rockford Park District residents save $4.
25 Empowering Women Network Monthly Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at National City Bank, 5817 N. Second St., Loves Park, Free. Attendees can present a business or personal goal, challenge or idea and receive feedback, perspective and direction from the group. For information or to RSVP, call Nancy, 815-608-5746. For more information on EWN, see empoweringwomen.net
25-27 “High School Musical” presented by Bonzi Productions. Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 25 and 26, and 2 p.m. July 27 at Rockford Theater at Rockford Woman Club, 323 Park Ave. $9, $7 for ages 12 and younger and seniors. Buy tickets at the door or call 815-394-8987.
26 Ballroom Dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. $8; $6 for members; $2 for students. Come for lessons, open dancing and a dance show. Singles are welcome. Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Chapter of USA Dance. For more information, see danceframe.com or call Linda, 815-227-1456.
31 to Aug. 3 30th annual Festa Italiana at Boylan Catholic High School, $4; free for children 12 or younger. Unlimited amusement rides noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 2 and 3 for $10. Celebrate the Italian community with food, music, and games. griaa.com.
31 Kiwanis Nights monthly meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Thunder Bay Grille, 7652 Potawatami Trail, Rockford. Kiwanis volunteers are dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Prospective members and guests may attend free. For more information, call Michael, 815-218-4213.
August
2 ArtsPlace Arts Apprenticeship Program performance and art sale starts at 6:30 p.m. The Rockford Area Arts Council’s performing arts teams will present; the visual arts teams will sell their work in Maddox Theatre at Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. $5 admission. All proceeds benefit the Artist Apprentices stipends. For more information, see artsforeveryone.com.
2 Art Workshop: Multi-Strand Necklace. Learn the secrets of creating a multistrand necklace. The technique can be used for three strands or 30. Held in New Dimensions Studio at Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, 815-877-0118. Register by July 31. $55 cost includes kit fee in choice of colors.
2-3 Baseball and Barbershop. Barbershop quartets will stroll along the Midway Village streets all day while the Midway Marauders Vintage Base Ball Club (baseball was two words back then) takes on six vintage teams Aug. 2 and 3. The base ball rules of 1958 will be strictly enforced. $6; $4 for children ages 3-17. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, midwayvillage.com, 815-397-9112.
7 Mayor’s Business Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presented by Mayor Larry Morrissey. Concludes with question and answer session. For more information or registration, see rockfordchamber.com.
9 SwedishAmerican State Street Mile. The 24th annual SwedishAmerican State Street Mile is open to anyone and features various heats (Men Open, Women Open, Masters Open, Non-competitive Run, Walk, and Ben Newson Youth Heats). The race begins at 5 p.m. at SwedishAmerican Hospital, 1401 E. State St., and ends at the west end of the State Street Bridge. Proceeds benefit the Rockford Wildcats and Rockford Road Runners. $20 (men, women, master opens, non-competitive walk), $16 Ben Newson Jr. runners, free Kids Fun Run. 815-963-2171.
9 Best Cheeseburger In Paradise Cook Off. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Forest Hills Lanes, 7742 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. $5 donation requested. Grillers compete for a $1,000 grand prize for the best cheeseburger, which will be determined by a panel of judges. There will also be a margarita contest with a $500 grand prize, judged by the public. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank. For more information, call 815-484-3236.
10 Wood Song in the Garden. The Reptile Palace Orchestra performs “world” music. Gates open at 4 p.m., with performance at 6 p.m., at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., 815-965-8146. klehm.org. $18; free for children 16 and younger. The concert series ticket package for all four concerts is $55. Klehm members save $3 on event or $10 on series.
11 Mammogram Mondays from 5 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month at NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus, 5605 E. Rockton Road, Roscoe. Cost for screening. No appointment necessary for screening with all-digital mammography imager.
12 Adoption Information meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. at Children’s Home + Aid Society, 910 Second Ave. Free. Learn how to do a domestic or international adoption. Reservations are requested, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 815-962-1043.
12-17 Winnebago County Fair at Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica. 4-H livestock auction and sale; food; tractor display, pull and parade; carnival rides; demolition derby; talent show; competitions; Miller Lite entertainment tent and more. Admission prices vary. For more information, call 800-238-3587, or see winnebagocountyfair.com.
19 Boone County Historical Museum Annual Ice Cream Social and 40th Anniversary from 4 to 7 p.m. at the museum, 311 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere, 815-544-8391.
21 Empowering Women. Monthly meeting and bring a guest event features
EWN founder and professional speaker Georgia Dudley speaking about The Women’s Team. Refreshments and networking from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and after the presentation. 5 to 7 p.m. at National City Bank, Loves Park. $30; members save $10. For registration or information, see empoweringwomen.net.
22 Rockford RiverHawks play the Chillicothe Paints at 7:05 p.m. at Road Ranger Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park. rockfordriverhawks.com.
22-24 Cherry Valley Days. Food, carnival, bands, games, competitions and fireworks for the whole family. For more information, e-mail info@valleydays.com, call 815-332-2152 or see valleydays.com.
21-23 Two Rivers Bluegrass Jam from 6 to 10 p.m. at Northern Illinois Coon and Fox Club, Shirland Road, Harrison township. Free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor event, which is open to acoustic musicians. There is room for camping with limited electricity. Stage shows run from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Indoor toilets and showers are available, and the whole facility is handicapped accessible. There are concessions for lunch and supper Aug. 22 and 23. For more information, call 815-335-2592.
September
1 Labor Day
5 The Livingston Affair murder mystery dinner. Performances are Fridays and Saturday, Sept. 5, 6, 12 and 13, at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, midwayvillage.com. $45. Seating is limited; reservations are required. For reservations, call Jessica at 815-397-9112, ext. 104 or e-mail jessica@midwayvillage.com.
7 Wood Song in the Garden Concert Series: Tingstad and Rumble. This is the final show of the four-concert series at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., 815-965-8146, klehm.org. American finger-style guitar and melodic woodwinds. Gates open at 4 p.m., with performance at 6 p.m. $18; free for ages 16 and younger. The concert series ticket package for all four concerts is $55. Klehm members save $3 on event or $10 on series price.
8 Overeaters Anonymous support group meets at noon at New Attitudes, 2223 Charles St., Door F. A fellowship of compulsive overeaters, bulimics and anorexics who come together to share their experiences, strength and hope. Meets Mondays in the Al-Anon room. Free. For more information, call 815-397-8512.
9 HR Generalist Roundtables from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, 815-398-6411. Paid event. Sessions are open to Employers’ Association members regardless of the size of the company or the person’s experience level. Groups are composed of individuals with HR responsibilities by may also have other responsibilities. Group meets four times during the year. Regional EA representatives will facilitate. See eaconnect.com for more information.
10 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Rock Valley College Woodward Technology Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Scott Metcalfe, president of Empire Consulting, presents Business Etiquette. Register at rockfordchamber.com. $20; Chamber members save $10.
11-12 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Women’s Golf Outing. Dinner and Caddie Auction at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Register at 7 a.m. for 8 a.m. shotgun start golf outing on Sept. 12. Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road. $150 per golfer. For more information, call 815-316-4335 or see rockfordchamber.com.
12 Roscoe Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Play Day. 8 a.m. at Swanhills Golf Course, 2600 Gustafson Road, Belvidere. For more information about participating or sponsorships, call Michael, 815-624-5986, or the Chamber, 815-623-9065.
13 26th annual Bethesda Alley Walk from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St., Rockford. Free to attend. There will be garages full of gently used items, food and entertainment throughout the day. Crafter and not-for-profit food vendor contracts are available. For more information, call the church at 815-397-4212.
13 Belvidere Panhellenic’s fourth annual Fall Colors Tour of Homes, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Panhellenic Society of Belvidere is a woman’s organization of university graduates with sorority affiliation whose main objective is to recognize achieving young women in the community by awarding scholarships. The event will feature four homes in the Belvidere area with unique features. Each home will have gift items for sale by local vendors and homemade baked items by Panhellenic members. For more information, call Katie, 815-547-4181.
13-14 Rockford Artists Fair. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Beattie Park. A juried art show that promotes the talent of fine arts and crafts from artists around the country. Sponsored by the Rockford Art Guild. Free admission; items are available for purchase. For more information, call 815-282-5122, or see rockfordartguild.com.
13-14 Greenwich Village Art Fair. One of the oldest continuous art fairs in the area. It combines over 100 juried artists with family-friendly children’s activities and live music. There will also be vendors selling gourmet foods, cheeses and wine. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., rockfordartmuseum.org. $3 in advance, $5 at gate, free for children 12 and younger.
14 Don Eubanks and Friends Concert. A concert of southern and bluegrass gospel music and traditional gospel music at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Byron, 205 N. Peru, 815-234-8737. Freewill donations accepted. Proceeds from the offering benefit Ogle County Hospice.
15 Splish, Splash, Splat. The final Family Friday event at Discovery Center Museum. Fling water balloons and dunk staff. Dress to get wet and messy! 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
18 Siblings Understanding Newborns, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Rockford Memorial Hospital, 2400 N. Rockton Ave. Class helps prepare children ages three to 10 for the arrival of a new baby brother or sister and reassures them of their special role in the family. $5. For information or registration, call 815-971-1999.
18-19 Lifescape Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ISC, Loves Park. Informational seminars, health screenings, entertainment and vendors. Call 815-963-1609 or see lifescapeservices.org for more information.
19 Boone County Historical Museum annual ice cream social and 40th Anniversary, 311 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere. $4. 4 to 7 p.m.
19 Sixth annual International Day of Peace from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza on McFarland Road, Rockford. Free. Children in grades three to six will make known their wishes of peace through song and dance. Greg Mortonsen, author of the bestselling book Three Cups of Tea will attend the event. The International Day of Peace was established by a UN resolution in 1981 and is celebrated worldwide every year in September. For more information, call 815-877-6703.
20 Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss support group meets at 6 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the SwedishAmerican Center for Women in the Renaissance Pavilion. For both women and men. Meets the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, call 815-398-7000.
20 YMCA Rock the Race. Proceeds support teen leadership programs at YMCA Camp Winnebago. The eight- ($95, starts at 6:30 a.m.) or four-hour ($70, starts at 9:30 a.m.) adventure race is designed to challenge novice or experienced racers. Features biking, canoeing, trekking, orienteering, ropes section and mystery events throughout numerous Winnebago County Forest Preserves. The races will have divisions for men, women, coed and high school in teams of two to four members. There will be an awards banquet after the races. Call 815-489-3375 or see rockfordymca.org for more information.
20 Preparing for Childbirth class form from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rockford Memorial Hospital, 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, rockfordhealthsystem.org. $50. Prepare for a vaginal or Caesarean birth and for becoming a parent. For more information, call 815-971-1999.
22 First Day of Autumn.
