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LOCAL NEWS

Harlem Road To Close From Shore To Victory - Oct 15-18

Old Harlem Road between Victory Lane and Shore Drive will be temporarily closed to traffic Wednesday, October 15 to Saturday October 18 to accomodate continuing road construction. Old Harlem will re-open Saturday, October 18.

Motorists will need to take an alternate route to access Shore Drive or Victory Lane.

The road project involves constructing storm sewer from the Rock River to the east side of Victory Lane as part of the reconstruction of Old Harlem Road, Leland and Winona Drive. The road closure will allow th contractor's crew to excavate beneath Old harlem to construct storm sewer. In the coming weeks, the intersection of Victory Lane between Bauer Parkway and Old Harlem Road. will also be closed to allow the contractor to construct storm sewer benath Victory lane.

Marijuana Arrest

On Thursday October 9, 2008, Detectives and Deputies of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 317 Blackhawk Ave in Rockford.

Upon entry the resident, Clinton S. Knox (male DOB 3-27-81/27yrs old), was located.

A search of the residence was conducted and a marijuana growing operation was located in the basement of the residence. The operation consisted of lights, irrigation and fertilization which resulted in mature marijuana plants growing and harvested.

Knox has been charged with unlawful production of more than 50 marijuana plants and Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (possession with intent to deliver 30-500 grams of marijuana. He is held in the Winnebago County Jail.

The charges against Knox are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care Earns Cancer Commission’s Award with Commendation

By requesting that the Commission on Cancer conduct an objective evaluation of its performance according to the standards of the Approvals Program, the OSF Center for Cancer Care demonstrated its commitment to exceptional care and its accountability for the care and services it provides.

The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care not only met the standards for Approval, but it exceeded the standards in a number of areas, earning the commendation. Some of the areas in which OSF received the commendation include prevention and early detection through very active community outreach programs; 100 percent compliance with providing cancer staging by the OSF oncologists; the cancer registry staff continuing education; and providing patient education.

The staff from the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care have collaborated with physicians and organizations to provide free skin, colon and prostate cancer screenings in the community. The Center provides a “navigator” for breast cancer patients through its “Bridges” program as well as a patient navigator for those suffering from head and neck cancers.

The OSF Center for Cancer Care offers a free “Woman to Woman” support group, a breast cancer risk reduction class and the free “Self-Hypnosis for Wellness” program. It is also the only facility in the area to offer a Genetic Risk Assessment Program for breast, ovarian, colon and endometrial cancer.

Since its opening in 1995, the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care has provided innovative and state-of-the-art treatments for cancer. It has been the first local provider of a number of cutting-edge cancer treatments, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery, IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy), Mammosite for the treatment of breast cancer and high-dose rate brachytherapy for prostate and other forms of cancer.

The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer through education, standard-setting, and monitoring the quality of cancer care. Its core functions include setting standards for quality, multi-disciplinary cancer patient care and cancer data collection at more than 1,400 approved facilities, surveying those facilities to evaluate compliance with the standards, and using the data to develop effective educational interventions to improve cancer care outcomes at the national, state, and local level.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center to Offer Concierge Services

Avascend will also assume the operations of valet parking for Medical Center patients and guests. On Monday, January 5, 2009, valet parking will be further extended to patients of and visitors to the OSF Center for Health - Rock Cut location at Perryville Road and Route 173 in Loves Park.

”The concierge services will provide a valuable benefit to and support of our employees who have many personal demands, and they will serve our patients and families who may be dealing with difficult times in their lives,” states Karen Brown, vice president of human resources and operations at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. “We are pleased to partner with Avascend for our concierge and valet parking services.”

Avascend’s healthcare hospitality services are designed to support patients and visitors during a time when assistance is most valuable, allowing them to focus on their health and the health and experience of their loved ones. Avascend specializes in creating a lasting, positive impression for the patients, visitors and employees of healthcare facilities. The result is a measurable increase in patient flow, improved patient satisfaction and increased retention of healthcare professionals.

“Avascend has always believed that parking and logistics are ultimately about people. Avascend is a front-of-house company – focused on not just patient flow and logistics but on the total patient, guest, employee and physician experience.” says Dave Geenens, president/CEO of Avascend.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, is a member of OSF HealthCare System, an affiliate corporation of The Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Its web site is www.osfhealth.com.

For more than 23 years, Avascend has been a leader in logistical solutions and superior guest services. To learn more about Avascend, please visit the web site at www.avascend.com or contact the corporate office at 800-432-2920.

ComEd Urges Customers to Fight Global Warming One Pledge, One Light Bulb at a Time

To thank customers for taking the first step to save energy and help the environment, everyone who takes the pledge will be entered in ComEd's Take The Pledge Giveaway. Participants can win one of several prizes, including the Grand Prize—an ENERGY STAR qualified appliance selected with the help of the ComEd Energy Doctor.

In partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national “The Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR Campaign,” ComEd’s effort is the latest in its 12 Ways to Green campaign. Taking the ENERGY STAR Pledge is one of the utility’s Smart Ideas for Your Home, a portfolio of programs to help customers manage their energy consumption and make wise energy decisions. It is also a component of a comprehensive strategy to reduce, offset, or displace more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020 among ComEd’s parent, Exelon, and its family of companies.

“In addition to ComEd’s core obligation to deliver safe and reliable service to our 3.8 million customers, we are uniquely positioned to bring value to those communities, particularly when it comes to the environment,” said Val Jensen, vice president, Marketing and Environmental programs, ComEd. “Together with our customers, the ENERGY STAR Pledge will help make a positive impact on global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulbs use up to 75 percent less electricity than equivalent incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing one 60-watt incandescent bulb with a comparable CFL can save up to $44 over the lifetime of the bulb.

If every household took the pledge, Americans would save more than 110 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than $18 billion in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 18 million cars.

The Change the World, ENERGY STAR Pledge encourages Americans to take further action in saving energy and money by:

Using a programmable thermostat to save energy while asleep or away from home.

Enabling power management settings on the computer and monitor so it goes into “sleep mode” when away or not in use.

Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products for kitchen and laundry.

Making sure one’s home is well sealed and insulated, among other steps.

ComEd Urges Customers to Take ENERGY STAR Pledge

“Becoming part of the solution to global warming takes less time and effort than you might think. You can start by taking simple steps like changing a light or looking for the ENERGY STAR when you purchase new products,” said Kathleen Hogan, director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, EPA. “We are

delighted to work with ComEd and others across the country who are helping in the fight against global warming. Together, we can all make a difference and protect our environment through simple everyday actions.”

To make it easier for customers to fulfill their pledges, ComEd is offering special discounts on nearly 2 million CFL bulbs at retailers such as Ace Hardware, Costco, The Home Depot, Jewel-Osco, Lowe’s, Menards, Sam’s Club, and True Value, while supplies last. For more information and to take the pledge, visit www.comedsmartideas.com. For a complete list of participating retailers offering discounts on CFLs, visit www.ComEd.com or call (888) 806-2273.

HARLEM SCHOOL DISTRICT HOSTS “SAFE WALK TO SCHOOL DAY” PARADE

Hundreds of children to “parade to school”

Children, teachers, parents, school, village and city officials will walk to school together Wednesday, Oct. 8th, as Harlem School District takes part in its first International Walk to School Day. The event will kick off simultaneously at 7:40 a.m. at staging areas near each of the district’s eight elementary schools.

Beginning at 7:40 a.m., children and adults will gather at the various neighborhood staging areas and then begin an approximate 10-minute walk to school. The children will carry banners and receive water bottles for their walk. Sheriff’s deputies, police, parents, and other adults will be chaperones for safety.

The main staging area is the northeast side of the Machesney Park Mall, where Harlem Superintendent Julie Morris, Machesney Park Mayor Linda Vaughn, McGruff the Crime Dog, and the Icehogs mascot will gather for a brief welcome before beginning their walks to Marquette and Machesney Elementary Schools. Loves Park Mayor Darryl Lindberg will be at the Rock Cut staging area and join the students in their walk to school.

Staging areas:

Loves Park Elementary – Martin Park (East Drive)
Marquette Elementary/Machesney Elementary – Machesney Park Mall
Maple Elementary – Hoffman School (7511 Elm Ave.)
Olson Park Elementary – Harlem High School (near Alpine Road)
Ralston Elementary – Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station (825 Ralston Rd.)
Rock Cut Elementary – Grace Reformed Church (7721 N. Alpine Rd.)
Windsor Elementary – Carlson Boys & Girls Club (Evans Ave.)

The grant is divided into two projects. The first award of $1,429 will be used by Harlem Schools to create incentive and motivation programs encouraging children to bike or walk to school. Safe Walk to School Day is one of the programs. The second award of $4,000 is for speed feedback signs along high traffic streets around Olson Park and other Harlem elementary schools. The Village estimates it can purchase five or six signs and rotate them in school zones where speeding is a concern to slow traffic for a low-maintenance, long-term solution to speeding.

For more information, contact Karen Lemmons, community development director, Village of Machesney Park, 877-5432, or Scott Horsch, grant writer, Harlem School District, 654-4698.

Safe Routes to School Grant Team: Harlem School District – Administrators Scott Horsch, Jan Johnson, Steve Miller, Jim Nordstrom, Mike Slife, Mike Chandler; Teacher Xan Milne, Students Drew Davenport, Lisa Much, Melissa Coe, Stephan Foutain; PTA/PTO Cathy Ruiz. Village of Machesney Park –Karen Lemmons, Paul Sheppard, Chris Dopkins. Community – Chris Kelley. City of Loves Park – Dan Jacobsen, Nathan Bruck. Winnebago County – Geri Alton, Dave Lutyens.

Kidnapping - Gang Related

The victim advised that he had been forced into a vehicle at gunpoint, after a shot was fired, on Saturday night (10-4-08), in the area of 100 15th Ave.Rockford.He advised that he was taken to a home on Blackhawk Rd, duct-taped and held the night at gunpoint, but was able to escape and call the Sheriff’s Department.

A joint investigation was initiated by detectives of the Sheriff’s Department and the Rockford Police Department. Information developed determined that the victim was targeted over an allegation of the theft of a handgun and the entire incident was gang related.

As a result of the investigation and review with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s office, four people have been arrested and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping.

The charges are merely accusations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Charged:

(#1) David Ugarte Garcia (male dob 8-8-74/ 34yrs old)(aka) Guillermo Felipe Noriega Jr.

(#2) Juan Depaz-Escamilla (male dob 6-24-80/28yrs old)(aka) Juan Depaz

(#3) Courtney C. Johnson (female dob 12-18-89/18yrs old)

(#4) 16 yr old male

All the above are Rockford residents.

The street gang involved is the Latin Counts.

Due to the on-going investigation photos are not available at this point.

Loves Park City Council

10-06-08 Agenda

Minutes from 9-29-08 meeting

Machesney Park Board of Trustees

10-06-08 Agenda

Trustee Agenda

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE MEETING TO VIEW DRAFT 2030 LAND USE PLAN

The open house will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (with a presentation at 6:00 p.m.) in the Memorial Hall Auditorium, 211 No. Main St., Rockford, IL.

A copy of the complete/entire draft plan will be made available prior to the meeting. The plan will be posted, no later than September 26, 2008, on-line at www.wincoil.us > departments > planning zoning mapping > 2030 comprehensive land use plan.

Plan consultants will be on hand to answer questions. The plan has been drafted using Balanced Growth principles and input from focus groups (a cross section of our community made up of citizens county-wide), local townships, villages, municipalities, and the public at large.

For further information, contact Troy Krup at the Winnebago County Office of Regional Planning and Economic Development, 815-319-4350.

Open Mic Nite at Pec Playhouse Theatre

Pec Playhouse Theatre announces its fall “Open Mic Nite” scheduled for 8 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2008. The eclectic event is held at Pec Playhouse which is located at 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Illinois.

Acts must register by calling Emily Chappell at 815-541-7072. Deadline for registration is Friday, October 10, 2008.

Prior year acts include singers, dancers, bands and comedians. Come show off you special talent at “Open Mic Nite!”

Cost: Open Mic Nite admission price is $3 per person for performers or patrons.

Registration: To register your act please call Emily Chappell at 815-541-7072 . Deadline for registration is Friday, October 10, 2008.

Location: Pec Playhouse Theatre is located at 314 Main St. Pecatonica, Il

SAINT ANTHONY COLLEGE OF NURSING HOSTS OPEN HOUSE AT EXPANDED GUILFORD SQUARE FACILITY

Tours of the new facility include the 150-seat auditorium, the “Smart Technology” classroom, skills lab and the patient simulation laboratory. Demonstrations in the labs will also be offered.

Those who attend are invited to meet members of the College Board, administration, faculty, alumni officers, student officers and scholarship recipients.

Faculty, staff and the financial aid officer will be available to discuss the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree as well as the Master of Science in Nursing graduate nursing program. Students will be available to answer any questions about their experience at the Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

Information will be offered on curriculum, admission requirements and financial aid. Refreshments will be served.

The Open House is free, and all are welcome. For more information, call 815-395-5091.

Regionally and professionally accredited, Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a Catholic college that prepares students to become caring, professional nurses in acute care and ambulatory settings in beginning and advanced roles of the profession. Undergraduate students are admitted to the College of Nursing BSN program following the completion of 64 hours of lower division credits from a regionally accredited college or university.

RNs with a bachelor’s degree may select one of three MSN tracks: nurse educator, clinical nurse leader, and clinical nurse specialist.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456, and is approved by the State of Illinois Board of Education to grant the baccalaureate and masters degrees.

“Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer”

Presented During OSF Saint Anthony Women’s Program

Women seeking information about the latest research are invited to attend the eighth in the 2008 OSF Saint Anthony free Women’s Program series on Thursday, October 23, in the atrium and Women’s Center at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

The program, titled “Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer,” will be presented by Dr. Kent Hoskins, medical oncologist at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, and Peggy Rogers, OSF Saint Anthony genetic risk assessment nurse.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with free health screenings, including the breast cancer risk assessment tool, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, bone density and cardiac risk assessment.

Informational booths include the OSF Sleep Disorders Center, the OSF Wound Center, the OSF Center for Health Fitness, the OSF Illinois Neurosciences Stroke and Memory Disorders Center, the OSF dietitians’ healthy eating classes, digital mammography, and more. Participants can also see the new digital mammography equipment and view the pictures produced.

Drawings for special gifts will be held, and tours of the OSF Saint Anthony Women’s Center will be offered. Hand massages, giveaways and special refreshments will also be available in the OSF Women’s Center.

At 6:30 p.m., Dr. Hoskins and Rogers will discuss strategies for reducing breast cancer risk, such as maintaining a screening schedule, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, decreasing fat, exercising, losing weight, taking vitamin D and using chemoprevention medications such as Tamoxifen.

The speakers will also discuss genetics, alcohol consumption, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and smoking as risk factors for developing breast cancer.

    Breast MRI, digital mammography, genetic “red flags,” and genetic counseling and testing will also be explained.

The Women’s Program is free, but reservations are required by calling 815-395-5493. Seating is limited. Refreshments will be served.

The Rockford Area Arts Council’s Fall ArtScene

ArtScene is a visual arts “gallery walk” coordinated by the Rockford Area Arts Council and open to any gallery, studio space, home studio, or commercial establishment which agrees to exhibit original visual art.ArtScene is free to the public and attracts people of all ages. We encourage guest to browse the galleries for that one of a kind piece of local art.

This year’s event will take place Friday October 3rd 5-9PM & Saturday October 4th 3-9PM

Memorial Hall is proud to showcase some of Rockford’s best artist including:

Tom Linden
Kristine Ball
Stephanie Jordan
Andrew Ford
Chad McClain
Members of the Plen-Air group
and more.

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) Solicits Feedback from Southwest Florida Residents:

Hopes to Land Non-Stop Service in Time for Busy Holiday Travel Season

"We have over 1,500 interested families looking to fly from our airport to the Fort Myers/southwest Florida area. We are curious as to how many Floridians are interested in flights to Rockford, the northwest Chicago suburbs or to the southern Wisconsin region," said Executive Director Bob O'Brien. "We have an air carrier’s attention and are looking for community support in both Rockford and southwest Florida to push this deal over the top," he continued.

O’Brien said that he has been working hard on gaining non-stop jet service between RFD and the Fort Myers area for the past several years. "Now, as we understand things, RFD or another airport will be named by an airline to begin non-stop jet service to southwest Florida as early as December 6th. We believe RFD is the right choice especially given the number of people from the Midwest who travel back-and-forth to the Fort Myers area,” said O’Brien.

Over the last two weeks O’Brien has been polling northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin residents about their travel patterns surrounding the Fort Meyers area. O’Brien said that feedback has indicated that people in the Midwest region are indicating that they want to travel non-stop to the Sarasota, Venice, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Naples, and Marco Island areas. “As we look to understand the interest, we do not want to overlook the year-round residents of these Florida communities – in addition to Fort Myers - as they too fly north to visit family and friends in RFD’s service market of the northwest Chicago suburbs and southern Wisconsin,” said O’Brien.

Southwest Florida Residents Encouraged to Complete Online Survey

RFD is asking southwest Florida residents to complete a 3-minute online survey to indicate their support of non-stop jet service from the Fort Myers area to RFD. The survey has been posted and can be accessed via the airport’s website at www.FlyRFD.com. RFD offers free parking, short lines, wheel-chair service, and other hassle-free, low cost, high-value airport amenities. RFD currently offers non-stop service to two other Florida community airports including Orlando/ Sanford and Clearwater/St. Petersburg. Those interested in seasonal service to RFD should visit the airport’s website and complete the survey by Monday, September 29, 2008.

For additional information, contact Bob O’Brien at 815-969-4444.

Developer Says Machesney Park Mall Moving Forward

The Outlook also asked Karen Lemmons, Community Development Director for Machesney Park about the future of the Mall and a story printed in a recent editon of the Rockford Register-Star about the Mall's future - her email reply to the Outlook, "The story is accurate. There is no plan for village offices at the site. Timeline is very fluid. The village has ongoing discussions with the owner regarding the site."

The Mall is located on SR 251 and has seen many of it's past tentants move to the 173 corridor in the past several years.

Links Of Interest

Rubloff Development Group

Machesney Park Mall Details

Burlington Coat Factory

NEW PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care and the American Cancer Society have joined forces to present a four-part informational and interactive program for cancer survivors and their significant others.

The programs will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. on four Tuesday evenings beginning October 14 at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care library. Please note that the October 28 program will be held at the OSF Center for Health, 5510 East State Street.

Registration is required for all programs. Participants are welcome to register for one or all programs. Space is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 815-227-2624. Light, healthy refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, October 14: “How to Deal with the Fear of Recurrence”

Cindie Norton, LCVSW, will discuss one of the most puzzling and frustrating aspects of cancer: many survivors fear that the cancer journey may never be totally over. Participants are invited to come and reclaim their lives.

OVER Tuesday, October 21: “Managing the Long-Term Effects of Cancer Treatment”

For some cancer survivors, long-term effects of treatment can influence their quality of life. An OSF Cancer Center certified oncology nurse will discuss possible side effects of treatment and what survivors can do to help deal with them.

Tuesday, October 28: “Fit for Life”

Christine Eldridge, MS, ED, manager of the OSF Center for Health Fitness, Sports Medicine and Cardiac Rehab, will explain how exercise can become a way of life. The program begins with a brief presentation followed by light activity exercises. Participants are asked to dress in loose-fitting clothes, to come to the OSF Center for Health, and to be prepared to have a good time.

Tuesday, November 11: “Healthy Eating: A Prescription for Life”

Jodi Witte, registered dietitian, will discuss the types of foods and eating habits that can lead to a better life in general. Recipes for healthy meals will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own recipes to share.

The free sessions are intended to help improve the quality of life for cancer survivors and to increase their knowledge and understanding of the issues of survivorship. For information and registration, call 815-227-2618.

COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN SCOTT CHRISTIANSEN WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE UPCOMING COUNTYWIDE USED/WASTE TIRE COLLECTION

The press conference will be held:

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 2:00 PM

Winnebago County Administration Building
404 Elm Street  Room 510
Rockford, IL  61101

MUSEUM HOURS CHANGED

VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNOUNCES NEW VISITOR HOURS

9 AM to 4 PM weekdays

For guided tour fees and availability, please contact: Veterans Memorial Hall at 815.969.1999

Coming Soon To 173...3 New Restaurants

The new Buffalo Wild Wings located on the south side of 173 across the street from Panera Bread just recently raised it's sign at it's new location. This will be the second Buffalo Wild Wings in the area with the first being located on State Street in Rockford which just opened several weeks ago. No date has been released for the opening.

Fiesta Cancun will open in the building that use to be the Monical's Pizza and across the street from the new Tom and Jerry's. Several other Fiesta Cancun's are located in the area, including one on Riverside, just west of Forest Hills.

The newest Panda Express is justing starting construction and is located between the new Walgreen's and Menard's on 173 near Forest Hills.

all photos by Dave Schmidt

Web sites of interest

Panda Express

RESPONDING TO “HOME DISASTERS” EXPLORED DURING OSF SAINT ANTHONY WOMEN’S PROGRAM

What many of us may not realize is that some disasters can start right in our homes, often with products we have purchased to help us sanitize, clean and deodorize our surroundings. How can you prevent problems with chemicals in your home, protect yourself and your family and still maintain a clean environment?

These issues will be addressed during the seventh in the 2008 OSF Saint Anthony free Women’s Program series titled “Chemical Disasters Waiting to Happen in Your Home: How to Prevent & Respond to Them.”

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with health screenings and a 6 p.m. presentation on Wednesday, September 24, in the atrium of the OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Jane E. Billeter, MD, FACEP, medical director of EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and director of Disaster Preparedness and Management at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, and Matt Hopkins, EMT Paramedic at OSF Saint Anthony, will discuss chemicals in your home and how to avoid dangerous interactions.

They will also provide information on proper storage of products containing chemicals, how to handle an unexpected spill or exposure and when to seek medical treatment. They will also provide details of how dangerous exposures are treated at the Medical Center, give poison control phone numbers and how you can prevent these accidents through selecting “green” products.

Health screenings prior to the presentation will include blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Light refreshments will be served.

Reservations are required by calling 815-395-5493.

SAINT ANTHONY COLLEGE OF NURSING ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Emily Johnson Rockford IL Medical/Dental Scholarship             $1250.00

Andrew Schultheis Rockford IL Medical/DentalScholarship               $1250.00

Lindsay Nagus Loves Park IL SONISWEB Scholarship                     $1000.00

Rachel Day Roscoe IL Rockford Health Careers Foundation $2000.00

Eric Martinez Belvidere IL Rockford Health Careers Foundation $1000.00

Regionally and professionally accredited, Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a Catholic college that prepares students to become caring, professional nurses in acute care and ambulatory settings in beginning and advanced roles of the profession. Undergraduate students are admitted to the College of Nursing BSN program following the completion of 64 hours of lower division credits from a regionally accredited college or university. RNs with a bachelor’s degree may select one of three MSN tracks: nurse educator, clinical nurse leader, and clinical nurse specialist.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456, and is approved by the State of Illinois Board of Education to grant the baccalaureate and masters degrees. The Saint Anthony College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, (202) 887-6791. It is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and its web site is www.sacn.edu.

Illinois Commerce Commission Announces Decision in ComEd Rate Increase Request

ComEd has not yet received an ICC Order for its rate increase request and will need to evaluate it in its entirety, as well as its impact on customers and the company. The Commission is expected to issue its Order this week.

ComEd’s request for a rate increase was made in response to higher costs to modernize and maintain system reliability. The cost increases are being driven by increased demand, and increased material costs for system infrastructure improvements.

“While ComEd is committed to keeping rates as low as possible, we are also committed to providing our 3.8 million customers with reliable service. This increase is necessary to respond to higher infrastructure improvement costs and to support growing demand,” said Anne Pramaggiore, executive vice president of customer operations, regulatory and external affairs for ComEd.

ComEd remains committed to keeping the lights on while looking for ways to operate more efficiently and generate sustained cost-savings, which directly benefits our customers.

“We look forward to engaging further with the ICC and others to explore new Smart Grid technologies that can dramatically change the nature of service to our customers and empower them to make wiser energy choices,” said Pramaggiore.

The ICC gave ComEd the green light to study “Smart Grid” technologies further as part of the utility’s proposal for a System Modernization Rider, and then to work collaboratively with other interested parties to consider smart grid issues.  The collaborative effort will be followed by a formal docket filed with the ICC leading to adoption of smart grid goals, according to an ICC news release.

In a time of increasing household costs, ComEd recognizes that rate increases can be difficult for many customers. So it is encouraging customers in need to take advantage of the assistance and education programs currently available.

As part of ComEd’s CARE assistance programs, ComEd will distribute more than $18 million in assistance to customers most in need. Customers can apply for energy assistance programs through one of the local LIHEAP administering agencies. In Chicago and Cook County, customers can call 1-800-571-2332. More information is available at www.ComEd.com or by phone at 888-806-CARE (2273).

Plus, all residential customers can take advantage of ComEd’s many energy efficiency and demand response programs, which help customers conserve energy and save money on their bills. ComEd’s AC Cycling Program, the interactive Online Energy Audit and its program to provide compact fluorescent light bulbs at significantly reduced prices are among the different ways that customers can save money by using less electricity. More information on these programs, as well as additional tips and tools, are available at www.ComEdCare.com.

Tickets On Sale

“Murder at the Mardi Gras” – Pec Playhouse Theatre’s 4th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Scheduled for October, 18, 2008

Beads, Babes and Bourbon Street will be featured at Pec Playhouse Theatre’s 4th annual Murder Mystery Dinner. “Murder at the Mardi Gras” is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Cliffbreakers Restaurant. Costumes are encouraged. A Silent Auction is included.

This rollicking good-time has been sold out for the last three years. The 2007 event raised almost $9,000 to fund programs and improvements at Pec Playhouse. Early Bird tickets with preferred seating are on sale now.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008

Time: Cocktails (cash bar) at 6 p.m. – Show/Dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets: Call the Pec Playhouse Theatre Box Office at 815-239-1210 or Laurie Miller at 815-871-7042. Tickets are $45. $400 for a table of 10. Dinner includes petite steak, chicken breast, potatoes, vegetables and dessert.

Location: The Murder Mystery Dinner is held at Cliffbreakers Restaurant in Rockford, IL.

ALPHA PLANS MONTHLY POTLUCK

The monthly Alpha potluck will be held beginning with a social hour at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, in the Foundation Room across from the Cafe at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Gentlemen are requested to bring drinks or snacks for the potluck. Ladies are asked to bring a dish to pass that will serve six to eight people. Alpha membership is not required to attend the potluck.

There are no dues for joining Alpha, and registration is not required. All widowed persons are welcome to attend the activities.

For more information, call Bob or Peggy at 815-633-1642 or Lois at 815-633-9530.

Butler Arrested

On Tuesday August 26, 2008 Winnebago County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Devon L. Butler (male 31yrs old DOB 4-24-77/Rockford, Illinois), for Violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. It is alleged that he possessed heroin (more than 1/less than 15 grams)/ within 1000 feet of a park (Huffman), with intent to deliver.

The arrest of Butler was a result of an investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Detectives. He was arrested as he entered a convenience store near Huffman Park.

The charge against Butler is merely an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

story and picture submitted

HCC Playground Program Celebrates End of Summer

Village President Linda Vaughn visits Playground Program

Harlem Community Center staff and participants celebrated the Neighborhood Playground Program with the Village of Machesney Park and Harlem Township at a picnic on August 15!

The Playground Program began June 23 and ran until August 15. The Program was open to children ages 5 - 12 who live in Machesney Park.

Four sites were available for families to choose from: Schoonmaker Park, Olson Park Elementary School, Marquette Elementary School and Silo Ridge Playground.  Children enjoyed arts, crafts, field games, board games, and special events. Field trips included: swimming at Sand Park Pool, Pearl Lake, Magic Waters, and to the movies. This is a free program which is funded by the Village of Machesney Park.

Staff from Harlem Township and the Village of Machesney Park enjoyed sharing lunch with the playground children. They heard about the fun time the children had in the Program. At the conclusion of the picnic, the kids thanked the Township and Village and presented them with gifts they made during arts and crafts this summer. Michelle Vronch, HCC Program Director, coordinated this year’s Neighborhood Playground Program.

LOWE’S STORE SLATED FOR MACHESNEY PARK, ILLINOIS

The Do-It-Yourself retailer invests $12 million to build one-stop shop for appliances, furnishings, building materials and lawn/garden products

(8-25-08)-Mooresville, N.C.; A new Lowe’s will soon be under way at the southwest corner of Route 173 and Alpine Road. The new Lowe’s store is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2008. The do-it-yourself retailer is known for helping homeowners find the right equipment and supplies to build, improve, beautify and enjoy their homes.

Lowe’s is proud to offer more than 32,000 products under one roof. The home improvement store will have 103,000 square feet of retail sales space. An additional 31,600 square foot garden center will offer an impressive selection of flowers, bushes, trees and garden supplies tailored to the Illinois climate and lifestyle.

A store of this size represents an average investment in the community of approximately $12 million and creates up to 120 new jobs.

Lowe’s reaches out to the community through relationships with Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, United Way and the Home Safety Council. In addition, in 2007, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $27.5 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. To date, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has donated more than $1.2 million in the state of Illinois.

With fiscal year 2007 sales of $48.3 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,575 home improvement stores in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Michael W Smith Concert

(8-24-08) The final concert of the year held at Summerwood took place Sunday night at the 1st Evangelical Church on Mulford and Spring Creek. Well known Christian music artist Michael W Smith brought in one of the largest crowds of the year. Music fans arrived at 130pm to get first chance at the best seats in the house. Smith has performed at Summerwood in the past and is a Parks area favorite.

VILLAGE OF MACHESNEY PARK WINS LAWSUIT

Trustee Stanley Wentland’s attempt to overturn the will of the voters in the February 5th election in which residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of a sales tax referendum to fix roads was unsuccessful as Judge Ed Prochaska dismissed Wentland’s lawsuit “with prejudice” further citing the complaint as baseless and improper.

Dismissing the complaint with prejudice means Wentland has no right to refile a new lawsuit.

Wentland’s complaint attempted to prevent the Village from moving forward with road projects and sought to prevent the Village from collecting the additional 1% sales tax that was approved by a 58% majority in February. The sales tax is expected to generate $15 million over the next five years for road repairs.

The Court found that Wentland had no legal basis to file the complaint for either election interference or to otherwise contest the election. In the lawsuit, Wentland alleged certain members of the Village Board and other Village officials had committed election interference. Prior to filing the lawsuit, Wentland made similar allegations to Winnebago County State’s Attorney Phil Nicolosi, who declined to prosecute stating there was no proof that any election interference occurred.

“The Village is pleased that this baseless suit is behind us, and we regret that taxpayer dollars had to be spent to defend this inappropriate action,” said Village Attorney Tom Green. “We are moving forward on completing this year’s road projects and looking ahead to next year,” he added.

The Village incurred costs of more than $5,000 in defending the suit.

Cheaper By The Dozen

“The King and I” to Headline Pec Playhouse Theatre’s 2009 Season

Pec Playhouse Theatre is pleased to announce its 2009 season which kicks off with a hilarious female version of the hit comedy, “The Odd Couple” followed by the annual high school show, “Happily Every Once Upon.” “The King and I,” headlines as the summer musical followed by another hilarious comedy, “Escanaba in Love” the prequel to last season’s sold out comedy “Escanaba in da Moonlight.” Pec Playhouse will wrap up the 2009 season with that perennial Christmas favorite, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Pec Playhouse is actively recruiting directors for the 2009 season. If you are interested please contact the playhouse at 815-239-1210.

The Odd Couple Female Version: February 6 – 22, 2009

Neil Simon’s famous update of his contemporary classic revolves around Olive Madison, a divorcee who freely admits to being a slob. She is joined by Florence Unger, a stickler for detail who would try the patience of a saint, and who has unfortunately just become separated from her husband. As life would have it, the slob and the fuss-budget decide to room together…with hilarious results!

Happily Ever Once Upon: April 17 – 26, 2009

Pec Playhouse Theatre’s annual high school show focuses on the trials and tribulations of Cinderella and her Prince Charming, some twenty years after their marriage. They have some serious problems; the Enchanted Kingdom teeters on the brink of bankruptcy; Cinderella’s fairy godmother is blackmailing her; the Prince’s advisor has one arm and one swan’s wing and an unfortunate habit of breaking everything he encounters. Don’t miss this enchanting story…with a twist!

The King and I – July 17 – August 2, 2009

East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, with her young son, arrives at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. Featuring well-loved musical numbers including “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers”, “Getting To Know You”, “I Have Dreamed” and “ Shall We Dance”

Escanaba In Love – September 18 – October 4, 2009

This prequel to the outrageously funny “Escanaba in da Moonlight” takes place forty years before the original. Visit the Soady deer camp in the midst of World War II. Meet the love of young Albert Soady Jr’s life, Big Betty Baloo – the woman destined to become the mother of Reuben and Remnar Soady – along with a whole new cast of wacky Yoopers. Escanaba In Love is recommended for mature audiences.

It’s A Wonderful Life – November 20 – December 6, 2009

Based on the popular movie, it’s the saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him – by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born – that hi ahs been, after all, a wonderful life.

General Showtimes

Friday and Saturday Shows begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. – Some shows have special Saturday matinees added.

Tickets:

Call the Pec Playhouse Theatre Box Office at 815-239-1210.

Tickets are $10. $9 for groups of 20 or more.

Location:

Pec Playhouse Theatre is located at 314 Main St. Pecatonica, Il

Many Pec Playhouse Theater productions were sold out in 2007 and 2008. Consider becoming a season subscriber and guaranteeing your seats!

OSF CENTER FOR HEALTH - ROCK CUT ON SCHEDULE

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and OSF Medical Group are developing a 30-acre site at the southwest corner of Perryville Road and Route 173. Construction on the site is progressing and is on schedule for completion in late October 2008, with occupancy anticipated in January of 2009. With the exception of the intersection connections, the curbs and roads have been completed. Roadway connections to Perryville Road, Route 173 and Forest Hills Road are scheduled to be completed in the autumn.

The three-story, 82,000-square foot building, called the OSF Center for Health - Rock Cut, is being built on the OSF portion of the site. Diagnostic imaging, lab services, Java City and a PromptCare Clinic will occupy the first floor.

Medical imaging capabilities will include:

PET/CT scanner that has full-body PET scan capabilities 
High field Open MRI 
Digital X-ray 
Digital mammography 
Bone Densitometry 
Ultrasound 
Fluoroscopic exams will also be provided in the future.

OSF Medical Group pediatricians will be located on the third floor. OSF Home Care Services will be relocating from its current building on Mulford Road to occupy the third floor of the OSF Center for Health – Rock Cut. Home Medical Equipment, a retail service offered by OSF Home Care that is presently located in the Northern Illinois Medical Arts building, will also move to the third floor of the new building. The Home Medical Equipment store is open to the public for home care needs, including walkers, wheelchairs, braces, support stockings, bath safety supplies, respiratory care items and more.

The brocks and mortar construction and window installation are now complete. Landscaping work is now in progress, and interior finishing and furnishing will be completed in mid-October.

OSF is continuing to look at various options for the development of the remaining portion of the site.

information provided by Marge Zimmermann,Marketing & Communications,OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Fall Is Just Around The Corner

July 23, 2008 - It could be an "old wives tale" that when locust start to chirp or shed their skin that fall is just 6 weeks away. So according to this locust found on a plant in Machesney Park across from Rock Cut State Park it could be the truth. This locust is in the final stages of shedding it's coat, the white part is the new locust and the black portion is the old shell. This morning's low temperatures in the 50's might prove him right.

photos by The Outlook

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

your upcoming event at your school, church or civic group...It's free!

Loves Park Lions Club

Loves Park Lions Club Web Site

Loves Park Rotary Club

www.lovesparkrotary.com

Salsa Business Network, Inc.

"Salsa" meets the first Friday of every month at 11:30 am for lunch.

Contact - Gloria Cardenas Cudia at gloriacudia@comcast.net.

See more original comics at the Outlook Comics Page

Darren Marlar is a clean stand-up comedian, columnist, and morning radio show personality. He welcomes your comments through his website at www.DarrenMarlar.com.

Read this month's article - Click here

Visit "In The Mind Of Marlar" past articles at - www.mindofmarlar.blogspot.com/

Laura On Life

By Nationally Self-Syndicated Humor Columnist, Laura Snyder

Thousands of overwhelmed mothers and wives, harassed fathers and husbands, desperate single parents, and log on to her website every week to get the reassurance wrapped in humor that only Laura can provide.

The origin of the content of her columns comes from Experience: Twenty-six years of married life (all in a row) and 24 years of motherhood. Her five children have given her a sense of the bizarre imbedded in the mundane and she’s not afraid to write about it!

Laura is also the author of two books: Laura On Life: Wahoo For Dinner! and Laura On Life: Corn Dogs and Dust Bunnies. She has consistently contributed laughter, sensitivity, and the feeling that you've just been hugged to those people who read her columns.

Ckick here to read the latest "Laura On Life"

Visit Laura's web site at - www.lauraonlife.com