Stuff to do Saturday, February 18, 2012

Heirloom Seed Sale Boone County Conservation District CulturalHeritageGardenshosts Heirloom Vegetable Seed Sale from 1 to 5 p.m. Heirloom Veg­etable Seeds from Seed Savers, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and the Boone County Conser­vation District Cultural Heri­tage Gardens will be offered for sale. Heirloom flower seeds will also be offered. Save on ship­ping costs by buying your seeds at the sale. Explore more than 100 different seed varieties. Free seed company catalogs will be available from Baker Creek, Seed Savers, Select Seeds and Territorial Seed companies, while supplies last. Free garden handouts will also be available from BCCD Cultural Heritage Gardens. For more information, contact The Boone County Con­servation District at 815-547-7935 or go to boonecounty­conservationdistrict.org . 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Boone County Conservation District, 603 N. Appleton Road, Belvi­dere. pstock@boonecounty conservationdistrict.org.
Free Tax Help at Goodwill-Machesney Park Goodwill pro­vides free tax filing for fami­lies with incomes of less than $50,000 and for single taxpay­ers with incomes of less than $25,000. IRS-certified vol­unteer tax preparers special­ize in the Earned Income Tax Credit, Education Credit, and the Child Tax Credit. 815-494-2936. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Goodwill Machesney Park Store, 8010 N. Second St., Machesney Park. goodwillni. org. vita@goodwillni.org.
Free Tax Help at Goodwill-Rockford Goodwill provides free tax filing for families with incomes of less than $50,000 and for single taxpayers with incomes of less than $25,000. IRS-certified volunteer tax pre­parers specialize in the Earned Income Tax Credit, Education Credit, and the Child Tax Cred­it. 815-494-2936. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Good­will Mission Services Center, 615 N. Longwood, Rockford. 815-965-3795. goodwillni.org. vita@goodwillni.org.
Democracy is Not For Sale

Occupy Rockford is hosting a public forum on the role of money in politics. Everyone is welcome. Rockford Public Library East Branch Confer­ence Room, 6685 East State Street, Rockford. 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Rockford Public Library-East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford. 815-965-7606. elizabeth@occupy rockford.org.
Charlotte’s Web Benefit Con­cert- Between Planes and Friends

The Between Planes group hosts a special concert with guests Max Benson, members of the Emery Christiansen Band, Dave “DK” Kolars, Janel Nel­son, Samantha Owen, Dorothy Paige-Turner, Ron Rawhoof. Proceeds support Charlotte’s Web’s 40th season. $25; $20 in advance. For information, call 815-964-2238 or go to char­lotteswebofrockford. org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $20­$25. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford.
11th Annual Chili & Soup Fund­raiser

Benefits Relay For Life of Boone County We Will Survive Team Fundraiser. Chili, soup, desserts, raffles, door prizes, DJ. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $3-$5. American Legion Boone Post 77, 900 W. Chrysler Drive, Belvidere. 815-547-7216.gmunie@aol.com.
Wild Bird Feeding Basics Join us in welcoming Jeff Miller as we learn how to bring our feath­ered friends to our backyard. 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Rock Valley Garden Center, 785 N. Bell School Road, Rock­ford. 815-398-1937. rockvalley­gardencenter. com. rockvalley@comcast.net.

Seven-course Italian Festa Dinner Father Mike Libran­di is head chef. Two seatings: 4 and 7 p.m. Advance tickets only. For reservations, call the church office at 815-633-6311 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. $30. St. Bridget Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park.

Islamic DOOR Winter Cloth­ing Give Away Donations, vol­unteers welcome. For informa­tion, email dawahorgofrock­ford@gmail.com. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. La Voz Latina, 412 Market St., Rock­ford.dawahorgofrockford@gmail.com.

Discovering Engineering

Local engineering feats will be showcased with event in cel­ebration of National Engineers’ Week. Event offers elementary and middle school-age children and families the opportunity to participate in hands-on activi­ties such as designing and test­ing catapults, paper plate spin­ners and more. Watch demon­strations, talk with engineers and take in a live science show. Cost included with museum admission. For information or registration,email annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org or call 815-972-2832. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. 815-963-6769. discoverycentermuseum. org.

Annual Quilt Show Free admission to annual event that features homemade quilts and wall hangings. Silent auction for quilted patriotic wall hang­ing. A limited number of quilt­ing books and patterns avail­able at no cost. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Saturday, Feb. 18. Win­nebago Public Library, 210 N. Elida St., Winnebago.

Northern Illinois Antiques Dealers Associaiton 52nd Annual Antique Show 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 40 dealers are partici­pating. See 19th and early 20th century furniture, pottery, tex­tiles, silver, folk art, toys, garden and decorative elements and more. Free parking. Food avail­able for purchase. Door prizes will be awarded. For informa­tion, go toniadaantiques.com or call 815-761-1444. Saturday, Feb. 18. $6. Forest Hills Lodge, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park.

Spaghetti Supper Menu includes spaghetti, salad, des­sert and beverage. $7; $3.50 for ages 6 to 10; free for age 5 and younger. For information, call Clyde at 815-985-7108. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $7. Capron United Methodist Church, 250 W. North St., Cap­ron.

Parents’ Night Out Join us at the Dolphin Swim Club for a magical night. Play fairy tale memory game, partake in a royal coloring contest, hunt for the missing slipper, and play musical thrones. All 4-12 year olds are invited to swim, eat, play, and create for $25 for the first child and $15 for each addition child. Register today at the front desk or by calling 815-282-3488. 6 to 10 p.m. Sat­urday, Feb. 18. Dolphin Swim Club, 6501 Rock Valley Park­way, Loves Park. 815-282-3488. dolphinswimclub.com. contact us@dolphinswimclub.com.

Free Wireless Workshop at Ver­izon Wireless in Rockford 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Veri­zon Wireless, 6387 E. State St., Rockford.

Soap MakingWorkshop Learn to make a wonderful and gen­tle soap using goat’s milk. Our lovely goats provide the milk, and our veteran soapmaker explains the process and facil­itates the hands-on soapmak­ing. Everyone will make sev­eral bars of soap to bring home. Bring an apron. Register at 815- 389-8455 or www.learn­growconnect. org. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18. $60. Angel­ic Organics Learning Center, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. learn@learngrowconnect.org.

Lego Time at NSLD/Roscoe

Ages 6 and older can come enjoy playing Legos at the library. February’s theme will be “Dragon World”. All Legos provided by the library. Volun­teers will be assisting kids to make creations. 2 to 3 p.m. Sat­urday, Feb. 18. North Suburban Library/Roscoe, 5562 Clayton Circle, Roscoe. 815-623-6266. northsuburbanlibrary.org.

Famly Game Day Indoor and outdoor Victorian games. Kilt­ed Snow weasels snow sculpt­ing team. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $5-$20. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford.

Fundraiser, Bake Sale, Meet and Greet for Adoptable Pets

Fundraiser, bake sale, meet and greet for adoptable pets for Cause for Paws Rescue. 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. 4102 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park. 815-398-7387.

Northern Illinois Huskies Womens Basketball vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Women’s. 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. NIU Con­vocation Center, 1525 Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.

Gymnastic Academy’s Parent’s Night Out Snacks and open gym time provided. Call 815-654-9769 to reserve a spot or regis­ter at onefungym.com. Children must be at least 3 years old and potty-trained. $20 for the first child in family; $15 for second child in family; $10 for third child in family; $5 for any addi­tional children in family. 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Gym­nastic Academy of Rockford, 6630 Spring Brook Road, Rock­ford. sherri@onefungym.com.

NIU Wrestling vs. Buffalo. 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. NIU Convocation Center, 1525 Lin­coln Highway, Dekalb.

United Methodist Men’s Swiss Steak Dinner The United Meth­odist Men’s group will host a Swiss steak dinner to include the entree, salad, mashed pota­toes, gravy, vegetable, bread, dessert and beverage. The cost is $9 for adults, $3 for kids. The church is handicap acces­sible and carry outs are avail­able. Call 815-332-5075 on the day and time of the event for faster carry out service. The church is located in downtown Cherry Valley. 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Cherry Val­ley United Methodist Church, 112 S. Cherry St., Cherry Val­ley. 815-332-5075. http://cher­ryvalleyumc. org. churchin thevalley@comcast.net.
Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County Wine Tasting fund­raiser 

Sample several wines and appetizers and enjoy live acous­tical music. 4 to 6 p.m. Satur­day, Feb. 18. $5. Hailey’s Win­ery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron. 815-234-2220. http://haileys winery.com/. 

Stuff to do Friday, February 17, 2012

Ninth Annual Journey of the Heart Auction Benefit 6 p.m. Social Hour and Silent Auc­tion, 6:30 p.m. Dinner, 7 p.m. Live Auction. Tickets are $50 per person. All proceeds from this event will be used to fund programs and services sup­porting the families within The Haven Network. 6 to 9 p.m. Fri­day, Feb. 17. $50. Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. 815-877-5733. info@thehavennetwork.org.

Dorothy Paige-Turner and Kelsey Wild RAMI hall of fame member Dorothy Paige-Turner will present an acoustic set of music that explores her early gospel, blues, and folk influ­ences. Kelsey Wild is a Chi­cago- based singer/songwriter who grew up near Rockford. She was an officially selected artist at South by Southwest Music Festival in 2010, and her music was recently featured on TNT’s medical drama “Haw­thoRNe.” 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Just Goods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford. 815-965-8903. http://justgoods.info/. justgoods listening@gmail.com.

Peace Corps Returnees Poster Art Exhibition will be in the gal­lery, which is open during store hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tues­days through Saturdays. For information, call 815-964-7111. Just Goods Fair Trade, 201 7th St., Rockford.
Beppe Gambetta: Italian gui­tarist extraordinaro $18; $15 in advance. For informatoin, call 815-964-2238 or go to charlot­teswebofrockford. org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. $18. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rock­ford.

”BINGO” at Northwest Fire Protection Proceeds are used to support local non-for-prof­it organizations and volunteer firefighters of Northwest FPD. Doors open at 6 pm. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Northwest Fire Protection District-Station No. 1, 3222 N. Central Ave., Rock­ford. 815-963-8891.
Trivia Night Fundraiser 6 p.m. dinner, with game starting at 7 p.m. $10 fee includes dinner and dessert. Silent auction. Money raised will benefit youth attend­ing summer gathering in New Orleans. For more information, go to stmarklc.com or 815-398-3557. 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.

Rockford Lutheran Academy Open House 6 to 8 p.m. Fri­day, Feb. 17. Rockford Luther­an Academy, 4700 Augusta­na Drive, Rockford. 815-226-4947. rockfordlutheran.org. swoolbright@rockfordlutheran.org.

Lucky Leafs Square Dance Club Mainstream with a star tip and rounds. Dances are from 7:30 to 10 p.m. the third Friday of the month. Feb. 17 theme is Hot Cider Night. Caller is Loren Hildebrand with Audrey Hildebrand as cuer. For infor­matoin, call 815-238-3460. Bet­ty’s Western Wear, 6202 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. 815-877-4624.

Mardi Gras Open House and Jambalaya Jamboree Event fea­tures New Orleans style cui­sine and entertainment by Mike Alongi trio. Open to the public. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. P.A. Peterson Center for Health, 1311 Parkview Ave., Rockford.

Conversational English For ages 18 and older. Improve your conversational English in friendly environment. Registra­tion not required. For informa­tion, call 815-965-7606. Offered from 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. Bookworm Bak­ery & Cafe, 6685 E. State St., Rockford.

Ribbon cutting: KP Counseling

Join the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for ribbon cutting. 11:30 a.m to noon Friday, Feb. 17. KP Counseling, 6392 Linden Road, Rockford.

Paddling With Morrall River Films Mark Morrall is a paddler and filmmaker with three inno­vative video guide books to his credit. He’s also a paddling trip leader, canoe builder, canoe­ing instructor, and an accom­plished wilderness tripping enthusiast. Mark, along with his wife Merri, logs more than 800 miles a year in their canoes on a wide range of waterways. Their lust for adventure has taken them throughout North America, but they still consider Wisconsin and Northern Illinois as the center of the paddling universe. Free. Call 815-335-2915 for reservations. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Sever­son Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Winnebago. don@seversondells.org.

Rockford Intro to Meditation with Light Watkins. 7 p.m. Fri­day, Feb. 17. Discovering Well­ness, 5411 E. State St., Rock­ford.

41st Boat, Vacation and Fish­ing Expo Admission is $7; $10 for weekend pass; free for chil­dren younger than 12; free parking. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, go to showtime production.net or call 815-877-8043. Friday, Feb. 17. Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. River­side Blvd., Loves Park.

Whose Wives Are They Any­way?

After sending their wives away on a shopping trip, two executives for a cosmetic com­pany gleefully go off on a week­end golfing spree, only to dis­cover that the new lady CEO is also at the resort and assumes that their wives are with them. With true resourcefulness and absolute desperation, these two gentlemen embark on a chaot­ic adventure of assumed iden­tities, cross-dressing and the unexpected arrival of the “real” wives. Produced by the Main Street Players of Boone Coun­ty. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and Sunday, Feb. 19. $12 adults, $10 aeniors and $5 students. Belvidere Community Building Complex, 111 W. First St., Bel­videre. info@mainstreetplayers ofboonecounty.com.

Waste MisManagement new comedy/drama play written by retired Winnebago County judge Dan Doyle. Play is about a who-dunnit murder with laughs, twists and turns. Show times are 2 p.m. Sundays and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 26. For tickets or information: pecplayhouse.org or 815-239-1210. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Peca­tonica.

SNAP OPEN HOUSE!

OPEN HOUSE

MONDAY DECEMBER 12TH, 2011

4PM-7PM

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

811 S. PERRYVILLE RD

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 61108

PHONE: 815.227.1110

FAX: 815.227.1118

EMAIL: ROCKFORDIL@SNAPFITNESS.COM 

PLEASE BRING IN A GUEST/FAMILY/FRIENDS/CO-WORKERS

(DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM)

                                                         

WE WILL HAVE LIGHT REFRESHMENTS/DOOR PRIZES/ENTER TO WIN A 3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP /AND MUCH MORE!!

COMPLETE NUTRITION WILL BE ON SITE.

     

12 HOURS OF SALVATION TOY DRIVE

Contact: Melissa Revels                                                                                 

Title: Business Development Representative

Number: 815.332.9898 x 225 or 312.259.2739

Email: mrevels@fncu.org  

12 HOURS OF SALVATION TOY DRIVE

To Benefit Thousands of Stateline Families

ROCKFORD, Ill. – First Northern Credit Union and Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall are partnering this year for the 15^th Annual “12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive” on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Lou Bachrodt’s Auto Mall – 7070 Cherryvale North Blvd.

In 2010 the “12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive” collected thousands of toys and over $7,000 in cash for the Salvation Army. Join us in helping thousands of stateline boys and girls have a jollier Christmas. All toys stay local.

In previous years over 90% of the toys collected by the Salvation Army came from this one day event!

“We’re very excited the Bachrodt crew has welcomed us into their annual toy drive,” says Jon Pick, District Manager of Financial Sales/Service with First Northern Credit Union. “We can’t wait to see the amazing turnout of toys in the show room. Being a part of this event has shown us just how great our community is when it’s working together.”

First Northern Credit Union employees are purchasing $1,000 in toys for the event. Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall and Lou Bachrodt Buick GMC employees have contributed almost $10,000 towards toys from their paychecks to kick off this year’s drive.

First Northern employees will shop on Wednesday, December 7 to hand pick the best toys with the $1000 the credit union has donated.

###

About First Northern Credit Union:

First Northern Credit Union (FNCU) was established in 1944 as Edison Credit Union and strives to provide unparalleled service to over 23,000 members.  Branches are located in Chicago, Evanston, Rockford and Freeport.  Members have access to over 71,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 6,700 Shared Branching locations nationwide, Online Banking and Bill Pay. Visit FNCU’s Web site at www.fncu.org.

For additional information on this press release or to schedule an interview, contact Melissa Revels at 815.332.9898 x 225 or mrevels@fncu.org.

ADRIATIC Live Music Schedule December 2011

ADRIATIC

327 West Jefferson Street

Rockford, IL  61101

Nino Gardona, Manager

(815)967-9939

Live Music Schedule December 2011

Date                                                Time                            Band                   Cover Charge

Thursday, December 1                 9:00 p.m.                  People, Places & Time       $3.00

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, December 2                       9:00 p.m.                  Pistol Pete                            $3.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------          

Saturday, December 3                 9:00 p.m.                  The Procrastinators           $3.00

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 6                   7:00 p.m.                  Miles Nielson

                                                                                                  Songwriters Night            $5.00

Wednesday, December 7                        7:30 p.m.                  Brother K Band                   $3.00

Friday, December 9                       9:00 p.m.                  Champagne, Fire & Ice     $3.00

Saturday, December 10               9:00 p.m.                  The Resistors                       $3.00

Wednesday, December 14          7:30 p.m.                  Brother K Band                   $3.00

Friday, December 16                    9:00 p.m.                  Brother K Band                   $3.00

Saturday, December 17               9:00 p.m.                  Call                                         $3.00

Tuesday, December 20                7:00 p.m.                  Miles Nielson

                                                                                                  Songwriters Night            $5.00

Wednesday, December 21          7:30 p.m.                  Brother K Band                   $3.00

Thursday, December 22              9:00 p.m.                  J.F. Gaziano &

                                                                                                  The Beat Merchants        $3.00

Friday, December 23                    9:00 p.m.                  Jazz Night                             $3.00

Wednesday, December 28          7:30 p.m.                  Brother K Band                   $3.00

Friday, December 30                    9:00 p.m.                  Pistol Pete                            $3.00

Saturday, December 31               9:00 p.m.                  Honcho & Guests               $5.00

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

_____________________________________________________________________________

Where to buy a Christmas Tree in the Rockford-Area

NORTH

Arrowhead Tree Farm, 8473 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton. Take Meridian Road north to Shirland Road; turn west on Shirland Road to Boswell Road; north on Boswell about two miles to Yale Bridge Road; left on Yale Bridge.

Trees: Blue Spruce, Norway spruce, white spruce, white pine, Douglas fir, white fir

Other items: Large trees from 15 to 20 feet.
Prices: Starting at $20, shaking and baling provided
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: 815-742-3729

• B & B Wood Products, 9455 N. Meridian Road, Rockton, between Stewart and Favor roads. 

Trees: Concolor fir, Balsam fir and Scotch pine
Other items: Wreaths
Prices: Starting at $15; some bargain specials for $10.
Hours: 9 a.m. to dusk Thursdays through Sundays
Phone: 815-629-2608

• Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road, northwest of Rockton. 

Trees: Scotch pine, white pine, balsam fir, Fraser fir, Colorado blue spruce, Canaan, Norway spruce

Prices: Average pines are $31; $16 for pines smaller than 4 feet; $45 for pines taller than 9 feet; $8 a foot for spruces and firs; pre-cut trees are tagged.
Other items: Gift shop, Cabin Cafe, Candy Corner, hayrides, tractor-drawn trolley rides, pony rides, Kiddie Train and Santa. Reindeer and camel as well.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Phone: 815-624-7579 or 800-423-6635
Website: Williamstreefarm.com

• Valley View Christmas Tree Farm, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe. Take Illinois 251 north to Bridge Street (Belvidere Road); head east about one mile. 

Trees: Douglas fir, balsam fir and blue spruce, Scotch pine, white pine. Precuts are Fraser fir, balsam and white pine.
Prices: Pine trees are $30, and balsam, fir and spruce trees are $7 a foot. Pre-cut are $8 a foot for Fraser firs; $6 a foot for balsam firs and $4 a foot for white pine. They provide saws, and they shake and bale trees for free.
Other items: Free cookies and wassail, gift shop in the old dairy barn features old-world ornaments with stories, wreaths, fresh garland and cemetery items.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: 815-623-2730 or 815-494-3707

• Keith’s Christmas Trees, 4325 Favor Road, Rockton. 

Prices: $30 for 6- to 12-foot trees; less for shorter ones. They provide saws, twine, shaking and baling.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: 815-968-5903
Website: Keithstrees.com

• Paul’s Tree Farm, 16239 W. Beloit Newark Road (County Q), Brodhead, Wis., about 15 miles west of Beloit 

Trees: Scotch pine, white pine, Norway pine, balsam fir, Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Con-color fir, white spruce, blue spruce and Norway spruce

Prices: Start at $18.96 (cash only, no checks or credit cards). Shaking and baling available. 

Other items: Handmade wreaths and craft shop. The Newfoundland Dog Club’s dogs will help customers pull trees to their cars on select weekends.
See website for details.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting
Phone: 608-897-2569
Website: Paulstreefarm.com 

• Gensler Gardens, 102 Orth Road, Loves Park. Just north of Riverside Boulevard behind the Indoor Sports Center. 

Trees: Three to 12-foot cut Fraser firs, White pine, Scotch Pine, Balsam

Other items: Live wreaths, garlands, permanent trees, Christmas decor, gifts, cemetery items and evergreen arrangements.
Prices: Trees starting at $14.99 for a 3-foot size
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays

Phone: 815-885-1765
Website: Genslergardens.com

SOUTH

• George Poe Forestry Consultant, located on Illinois 64, just east of Mount Morris. 

Trees: Concolor firs up to 10 feet, white pine up to 12 feet, Fraser firs up to 10 feet and Norway spruce up to 12 feet; cut your own or pre-cut; wrapping is available for $3 a tree.
Prices: Pines $5 a foot; firs and spruce $9 a foot. Prices include sales tax.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; open by appointment on weekdays.
Phone: 815-734-4843

• White Pines Christmas Tree Forest, White Pines Forest State Park, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mount Morris. 

Trees: Scotch pine, white pine and Fraser firs
Prices: Pines from $29.95 to $49.95; Fraser firs from $49.95 to $129.95; wreaths from $16.95 to $33.95; tree wrapping and twine for tying are provided.
Other items: Free apple cider, snowman mug with each tree purchase to the first 500; free horse-drawn wagon rides and face painting on Saturdays and Sundays, and a Christmas shop, as well as Santa.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily through Dec. 19
Phone: 815-946-3817
Website: Whitepinesinn.com

EAST

• Ben’s Fraser Fir Farm, on Capron Road (Wooster Street) 7 miles west of Harvard and one mile south of the town Capron and Illinois 173. 

Trees: Hand-pruned, organically grown Fraser firs from 6 to 10 feet

Prices: All trees are $8.75 a foot; free shaking and netting; free drilling of trees for 1 1 / 2- gallon capacity tree stands; saws andtwine provided
Other items: Fresh handmade Fraser fir wreaths, garland and boughs. Dog-friendly.
Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 630-279-3227
Website: Benstreefarm.com

• Nature’s Best Trees, 13001 Illinois 76, Poplar Grove, at the intersection of Dawson Lake Road and Illinois 76, six miles north of the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Trees: White pine; Fraser, con-color, Douglas and Canaan firs; Black Hills, Norway and blue spruce. Trees up to 16 feet available depending on variety.

Prices: Firs and spruce trees are $10 a foot; white pines are $5 a foot.
Other items: Deluxe custommade wreaths and garland with eight types of greens, boxwood wreaths, specialty wreaths (candy canes, hearts, crosses, Christmas trees) all made on-site; round wreaths from 12 inches to 75 inches, all wreaths have choice of bows and decorations, live centerpieces, grave blankets, custom metal hanging baskets with live greens, metal plant stands with live greens, and farm-raised raw wildflower honey.
Hours: 3 p.m. to dusk Mondays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to dusk Fridays through Sundays; appointments are available. Open through Dec. 18.
Phone: 815-765-2960 or 815-505-3377

• MLT Farms, 17310 Burr Oak Road, Capron

Trees: Cut Scotch pine, white pine, blue spruce, Fraser fir and Douglas fir Prices:Starting at $50
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdaysand Sundays
Phone: 815-985-0331 or 815-569-2117
Website: Mltfarms.com

• Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm, 7720 Ryan Road, just off Hunter Road,1 /3 mile north of Illinois 173, four miles west of Harvard.

Trees/prices: Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Concolor fir, Canaan fir, Nordman fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway spruce, Engelman spruce, White spruce (6-14 feet) are $8.75/foot. Scotch, White and Red pines are $39 (5-8 1 /2feet) and $6 per foot (9-14 feet). Table top trees (3-4 feet) are $15 each.  Tall cathedral ceiling trees up to 14 feet are also available, as well as precut trees. Free shaking and netting; free drilling of trees for1 1 /2-gallon capacity tree stands;saws and twine provided.
Other items: Free Horse-drawn wagon and tractor rides, hot chocolate and coffee. Cider doughnuts also available. There also are farm animals, Santa, nature trail and farm crafts. Handmade Fraser fir wreaths and garlands,

Christmas decorations and boughs also are available. Dog-friendly.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays

Phone: 630-279-0216 Website: Benstreefarm.com

• Oney’s Tree Farm, 16608 U.S. 14, Woodstock.

Trees: Austrian, scotch and white pine; Norway, blue, Colorado and Serbian spruce; concolor, Douglas and Fraser fir. Also have trees with roots for later planting starting at $30.

Prices: Cut-your-own from $52 to $150; pre-cut $68 to $160.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Dec. 11
Other items: Historic barn with gift shop, wreaths, garland, centerpieces, custom decorating; on the weekends, Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, ponyrides, food and beverages.
Phone: 815-338-4108
Website: Oneystreefarm.com

WEST

• Dollinger Christmas Tree Farm, 23882 Payne Road, Shannon.

Trees: Canaan and concolor firs; blue, Norway and Serbian spruces; Scotch and white pines.  Shaking, netting and disposable bags also available.
Other items: Gift shop, handmade wreaths, hand-sheared trees; free apple cider and popcorn; wagon rides on the weekends.
Prices: Start at $8 pre-cut; all trees have price tags.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 815-864-2437
Website: Dollingertreefarm.com

• Pine Summit Tree Farm,3507 Charolaise Road, Cedarville. Take Illinois 26 north to Cedarville and follow the signs.

Trees: White and Scotch pine, Norway and blue spruce, Fraser and balsam fir (limited supply of Fraser firs) Prices: $30 and up; free shaking and baling.
Other items: Handmade wreaths
Hours: Dawn to dusk Saturdays and Sundays; weekdays by appointment only.
Phone: 815-821-4195

• Baileyville Christmas Trees, 200 S. Pearl St., Baileyville; 25 miles west of Rockford on Montague Road to Pearl, four blocks south; five miles south of Freeport on Illinois 26 or Baileyville Road, follow signs.

Trees: Balsam fir, blue spruce, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Scotch pine, white pine 

Prices:Starting at $30; free shaking; tree baling is $1
Other items: Handmade wreaths, roping and gift shop.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Phone: 815-233-9084

• LOTS...

YMCA of the Rock River Valley Retired Men’s Club Christmas Tree lot,Highcrest Shopping Center at Alpine and Highcrest roads, Rockford.
Trees:White pine, balsam fir, Canaan fir and Fraser fir
Other items: Wreaths, roping
Prices: $30 to $75
Hours: 1 to 7 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays Phone: 815-489-1365

Boy Scout Troop 426 Christmas Tree Sale, Concordia Lutheran Church, 7424 N. Second St., Machesney Park.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 18 

Winter Wonderland to Davis Park

Downtown Rockford’s Davis Park again will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with outdoor ice skating, benches, ever­green trees, fire pit and thousands of twinkling lights, starting at 6 p.m. today, when local leaders will light up the park for the season.

Admission to Winter Wonderland presented by BMO Harris Bank is free FRIDAY for opening night, with $2 skate rental at the park at 320 S. Wyman St.

The rink’s regular hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 29. There also will be special holiday break hours from Dec.
19-30, from 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Also, skate with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 31. The rink will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Admission to skate is $3, and skate rental is $2.

The rink is the largest outdoor synthetic ice surface in the world.
It debuted last year with 5,000 visitors.

“This venue brings our community together in the spirit of the season and draws people to downtown Rockford,” Mike Dunn, chairman of the board of RAVE (Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment), said in a news release.

Veterans Tuition Waivers Available

There is a tuition waiver available for children of Veterans living in Illinois. The waiver may be used for any University of Illinois campus. Up to six waivers per Illinois county are awarded each year, one for each of the following conflicts: World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Southwest Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Applications will be available beginning December 1, 2011. Students need to apply before March 1, 2012. To learn more about this tuition waiver, go to: https://secure.admin.illinois.edu/osfa/scholarship-database/detail.aspx?id=1522

Any questions can be directed to The Office of Student Financial Aid, Ph: 217-333-0100.

Please let anyone who qualifies know about this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Dan Rutherford

Illinois State Treasurer

The Salvation Army Christmas Center

2011 Christmas Registration

The Salvation Army Christmas Center

(the old Sears Essentials location)

1515 East Riverside Blvd

Loves Park, IL  61111

                     815-972-1135

Monday, Nov 28^th – Friday, Dec 2^nd                                    9am – 4pm

Additional Evening Hours on Thursday, Dec 1^st                   4pm – 6pm 

Please bring the following items with you:

1.      State ID or Driver’s License for each adult in the household

2.      Medical card or birth certificates for each child in the household

3.      Proof of address for the household

This location is accessible by RMTD bus service.

2011 Christmas Registration

The Salvation Army Christmas Center

(the old Sears Essentials location)

1515 East Riverside Blvd

Loves Park, IL  61111

                     815-972-1135

Monday, Nov 28^th – Friday, Dec 2^nd                                    9am – 4pm

Additional Evening Hours on Thursday, Dec 1^st                   4pm – 6pm 

Please bring the following items with you:

1.      State ID or Driver’s License for each adult in the household

2.      Medical card or birth certificates for each child in the household

3.      Proof of address for the household

This location is accessible by RMTD bus service.