Windy City Snowmen, Keith Country Day School take home top honors in Illinois Snow Sculpting contest
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Keith Country Day School won the high school division and the Windy City Snowmen took home the state title Saturday at the 37th annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition.
The Windy City Snowmen bested 11 other teams with their sculpture "Don't Take the Bait." The piece depicts an open-mouth bass leaping toward a fishing hook, but team member Mike Dillon said it's also a piece of political commentary.
"Don't take the bait, you know, is more obviously about the state of our world," Dillon said. "I had just been on a fishing trip this fall and caught a lot of those fish, and the two came together."
Previously: Rockford snow sculptors face challenging conditions for annual competition
First prize earns the Windy City Snowmen the right to represent Illinois next year in the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship.
Dillon, along with teammates Kim McCombs and Juan Zelaya, enjoyed the feeling of community that the competition provided.
"We've been coming here for a few years and we know everybody," McCombs said. "The people next to us were new and we made friends with them."
Last year: Trio of teachers wins Illinois snow sculpting competition in Rockford
The team also won the People's Choice Award, and they mentored the winning high school team, Keith Country Day School.
Keith School's team, consisting of Lacie Delaney, Hadley Slawson, Nan Gbakonyak and Tia Boardman, sculpted a piece titled "B-Nice." It depicted bees resting on letter blocks that spell "Nice."
There were 13 teams in the high school division this year.
The high school students have all been snow sculpting for two years and enjoyed the challenge of this year's submission.
"There were some parts that were really hard," Slawson said. "We have wings made out of ice on our bees and those were a real challenge."
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Gbakonyak said the best part of the competition was finally seeing the finished sculpture.
"My favorite part is seeing it done at the end," Gbakonyak said. "The second-best part was probably getting that first block on top."
State awards
Committee's Choice/Patricia “Pat” Hayes Parks Award: Snow Dazed, “Pulling Together”
People's Choice Award: Windy City Snowmen, "Don't Take the Bait"
3rd Place: Two Blondes and a Brunette, "Morsmordre"
2nd Place: The Band of Misfit Boys, "Web Design"
1st Place: Windy City Snowmen, "Don't Take the Bait"
High school awards
Linda K. White Spirit Award: Jefferson High School ,“Wings of Freedom”
Fred Gardner Award: Keith Country Day School, “B-Nice”
Artist’s Choice Award: Keith Country Day School, “B-Nice”
People’s Choice Award: Rockford Christian High School, “Bowler Bear”
3rd Place: Byron High School, “Gnome’s Best Friend”
2nd Place: Rockford Christian High School ,“Bowler Bear”
1st Place: Keith Country Day School, “B-Nice”
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
Galaxy Hair Studio to move from Roscoe to downtown Rockford
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new hair studio with stylist suites and a spa is coming to downtown, but not in the space where coming soon signs have hung for more than a month.
Signs for Galaxy Hair Studio have hung at 333 E. State St. since the lead-up to Stroll on State in late November, and the studio had announced on social media it would be moving there. However, owner Michelle Waller said the deal for that space fell through, and she has a new location nearby in downtown that she will announce soon.
The East High School graduate has been doing hair for 12 years and opened Galaxy Hair Studio with her husband, Demetri, in May 2019 at 5061 Edgemere Court in Roscoe.
But she decided about a year ago she wanted to move to downtown.
"I just really have a pulling to downtown Rockford," Waller, 48, said. "I feel like downtown is really on an upswing."
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The downtown studio will offer a significant boost in space, growing from roughly 1,300 square feet in Roscoe to about 5,000 square feet in Rockford. That will allow her to offer more for her customers, from hair styling to nails and spa services.
"I don't have the space to grow it in the direction I want to grow it where I'm at in Roscoe currently," Waller said. "I'm very excited."
The downtown space will include a spa and stylist suites, which give hairdressers the opportunity to have their own business area without actually owning their own salon.
She won't close the Roscoe location until she opens the downtown spot, which she hopes to do in early February.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
Wonder what's in the cards for the new year? Rockford tarot reader sees annual business uptick
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The start of a new year brings a lot of uncertainty, and it brings customers to Tarot by Shelly
Michelle Johns, owner of Tarot by Shelly at both 2314 Charles Street and 120 N. State St. in Belvidere, says the start of a new year marks one of her busiest times.
"A lot of people want to know where their future is beginning in the new year," Johns said. "They want to know where they are going to be at in their journey with a relationship, or with their business or just in general as far as where their mental, spiritual and physical health are at that point."
More New Year's news: What is there to do on New Year's in the Rockford area? Here are 14 ideas
Johns is a third-generation tarot card reader, starting her career at 15 years old and labeling herself as a psychic clairvoyant, afformationist and medium.
Johns said some of her clients see her daily, others only at major milestones.
"Some people do it for curiosity, some people live by it," she said. "It's just like reading your horoscope daily."
More news: Each month's most-read Rock River Current stories in 2022
She also faces skepticism and occasional hesitancy.
"Sometimes I do kind of strike them with something they do know or something that has happened to them and they sit right down and get a reading done," Johns said.
How to get a reading
Where: Tarot by Shelly, 2314 Charles St., Rockford, and 120 N. State St., Belvidere
Phone: 815-999-6954
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
New year, old clothes: Rockford alterations store issues 'No Buy New Year Challenge'
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Tad More Tailoring and Alterations has an eco-friendly New Year's resolution it wants you to make.
CEO and owner Sarene Alsharif invites Rockfordians to join in her shop's “No Buy New Year Challenge,” which aims to help reduce textile waste and save you money.
The challenge is exactly what it sounds like: People who participate won't buy any new clothing, and instead focus on altering old outfits or buying used garments.
"A big reason that Sarene started Tad More, and the reason we do what we do, is to reduce waste within the fashion industry," Katie Garner, executive assistant to Alsharif, said in a phone interview. "The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world after oil."
Need plans for New Year's?: What is there to do on New Year's weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 14 ideas
Garner said that the quality of new clothing or fast fashion doesn't have a long life span. The benefits of vintage or used clothing pieces include helping the environment and inexpensive prices.
"Unfortunately, a lot of the things you buy in stores aren't meant to last," Garner said. "Taking the things you already have and helping them last longer is just much, much more beneficial to your pocketbook and the environment as well."
The store is offering $1 off alterations if you can prove the clothing piece is from a thrift store or is used to help motivate residents to partake in this challenge.
Tad More Tailoring made 23,000 alterations this year and hopes to make 40,000 in 2023.
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"I think it's really important to know where the things that we are using are coming from," Garner said. "It becomes really clear that while purchasing these one-use items may feel good in the moment, in the long run you're spending more money and supporting an industry that is hurting us through the environment and hurting individuals within it."
About | Tad More Tailoring and Alterations
Where: 6116 Mulford Village Drive, Rockford
Hours: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Appointments: Click here
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
Belvidere Police Department offering free rides home for New Year's
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — The Belvidere Police Department is offering free rides home on New Year's Eve.
To prevent intoxicated drivers on the road, the police department will provide rides home from 6 p.m. on Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday.
Need plans?: What is there to do on New Year's weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 14 ideas
Rides will be offered to those within city limits and those going directly home.
The police department also encourages those celebrating to assign a designated, non-drinking driver or use a ride service to get home safely.
How to get a ride
Call 815-544-2135
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
What is there to do on New Year's weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 14 ideas
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — What are you doing for New Year's Eve? If your answer was nothing, keep reading.
We gathered 14 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend that range from children's activities to grown-up celebrations and events for people of all ages.
Here are 14 ideas for things to do, but you can always find more on our events page.
More news: Each month's most-read Rock River Current stories in 2022
Is your New Year's resolution to watch more hockey?
Then you're in luck: The Rockford IceHogs are playing the Chicago Wolves on Saturday at BMO Center, 300 Elm St.
The Hogs also face-off against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the BMO Center. That game features the Alpine Hammy hat giveaway.
Quick facts
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28; 4 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 31
Tickets: Click here
Celebrate the new year on the riverfront
A New Year's Eve Celebration at Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel is happening Saturday.
The evening will include a buffet, live entertainment and drinks. Reservations are required.
Quick facts
Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
When: 7:00 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 31
Tickets: Click here
Related: How to get a free safe ride home on New Year's Eve in Winnebago County
Love bowling or maybe just winning gift cards?
Cosmic Bowl New Year’s Eve Party at Park Lanes happens Saturday.
The evening will includes 3.5 hours of unlimited bowling and gift card giveaways.
Quick facts
Where: Park Lanes Bowling Center, 5318 N. Second St., Loves Park.
When: 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 31
More info: Click here
Slide down the Snow Park
Snow Park at Alpine Hills opens for the season on Wednesday.
“As soon as the first flurries fall, we get calls asking about an opening date, so we are thrilled to be able to see everyone on the hill again," Braden Hacker, manager of Snow Park at Alpine Hills, said in a news release. "The snow park provides a fun and convenient opportunity for many to enjoy winter. The terrain hill will not be open yet as we will need to make
more snow for all the features so unfortunately snowboarders and skiers must wait a little bit longer.”
Quick facts
Where: Snow Park at Alpine Hills, 4402 Larson Ave., Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 1; 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays starting Jan. 4; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays after Jan. 4.
More information: alpinehillsadventure.com; Snow park conditions: 815-889-2001; Main line: 815-966-8737
See ancient animals and Earth
Art of the Earth: Dire Wolves shows participants visual representations of the ancient Earth and animals and teaches them how to draw it.
This 60-minute paleo art class on Friday is $24 for nonmember adults, $22 for nonmember youths and $5 for members at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St.
Quick facts
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 11 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30
Tickets: Click here
Do you really miss leg warmers? Celebrate NYE 80s style
New Year's Eve 80s Bash at Rockford Casino happens Saturday starting at 10 p.m. at Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act, 610 N. Bell School Road.
Attendees can come in 80s attire or not, and there is no cover charge.
Where: Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford
When: 10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21
More information: Click here
Related: Rockford Casino marks 1-year anniversary with event that honors veterans and best customers
Is midnight a bit too late for your kids?
No worries! Take them to the Discovery Center Museum to celebrate New Year's early.
The event will include a countdown, party hats, confetti and more excitement for your little ones.
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
When: Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31
More information and tickets: Click here
Getting some skating in before the year ends
Go ice skating at Frosty Fridays public skate session from 7-9 p.m. Friday at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park.
Admission is $8, which includes skate rental. This event reoccurs every Friday.
Quick facts
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
When: 7-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30
More info and tickets: Click here
Go see the lights
The All Aglow holiday light display will be lit all weekend and available for your viewing at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
The lights are on from dusk until dawn, but the park closes at 10 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Quick facts
Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
When: Open daily, but park closes at 10 p.m.
More info: Click here
Start the new year prehistorically
The Holocene Holiday event happens from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St.
The day will include multiple events focused on the animals of the Ice Age. Some of the interactive stations that will be at the event are Ice Age Survivors, Pleistocene Plants and more.
Quick Facts
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St.
When: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30
More info and tickets: Click here
Even more lights
The annual Illuminated: A Lighted Garden Experience event reoccurs 5-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road.
The event includes numerous light displays, pizza from Woodfire, various food trucks, and live carolers on Fridays and Saturdays.
Admission is free for Premium Gardens members, free for children 5 and under, $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and military.
Quick facts
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road
When: Open everyday this week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
More info: Click here
Big fan of trains and Rockford history?
The Sinnissippi Station Model Train Exhibit is a reoccurring event, open from noon-8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Sunday at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
The exhibit features nine structures modeled after Rockford landmarks, as well as other historical structures.
Quick facts
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
When: Reoccurs daily
More info: Click here
Celebrate New Years Eve at the Olympic Tavern
Try the Olympic Tavern New Year's Eve menu and celebrate the holiday starting at 4 p.m. Saturday.
There will also be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, special drinks for the event and more.
Quick facts
Where: The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St.
When: 4:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31
More info: Click here
Go ice skating on synthetic polymer
Enjoy indoor skating on synthetic polymer, crafts and more fun from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. You don’t even need skates. The setup allows for you to “skate” the synthetic ice in socks.
Admission is $10 public; free to members and children ages 1 and younger.
Quick facts
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Reoccurring through Dec. 30.
More info: Click here
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
Building revenue: Rockford University receives donation of two commercial properties
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford University has received a donation of two commercial buildings that will be used to generate revenue to support the college.
The two buildings at 4940 and 4960 E. State St. near the university's entrance will serve as commercial rental properties, and revenue will go toward the private university's education programs.
The properties were donated by the Anderson family, who said they feel grateful for the opportunity to support education in the city. The buildings house several offices, including a staffing agency and eye care practice.
More in Rockford: Snow Park at Alpine Hills in Rockford to open for tubing next week
“Our family is pleased to be able to donate these buildings to Rockford University. We’re thrilled that the income from these properties will support the advancement of educational programs in our area,” said John Anderson, founder of Spring Creek Partners. “A strong university is important to our community and will have a lasting, positive impact on students that will benefit generations to come.”
Former Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer helped coordinate the donation before he resigned to take a job in Madison.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Anderson family for this substantial gift,” Fulcomer said in a news release. “Their generosity will go a long way to help the university continue to advance its mission of educating students to lead responsible lives.”
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
Rockford IceHogs announce new play-by-play voice to start in January
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford IceHogs have a new play-by-play voice and manager of hockey communications and broadcasting.
Mike Folta will take over those roles and aid in creating social media content starting Jan. 3.
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The Purdue University graduate succeeds Jim Leo, who filled in after Chris Toltzman resigned earlier this year.
Folta previously served as the director of broadcasting and communications for the Atlanta Gladiators of the East Coast Hockey League until 2021.
He has also worked with Emory University, Georgia Gwinnett College, United States Premier Hockey League, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College, Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, Madison Mallards and ISC Sports Network.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
'Support the community': Rockford social club donates $10K to OSF HealthCare
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The SM & SF Club donated $10,000 to OSF HealthCare on Thursday to support the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care.
The donation is part of the social club's “Kick-In for Cancer” fundraisers, which support cancer programs throughout northern Illinois. The club started the program in 1998 and raises money through various events, including a motorcycle run and a golf outing.
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“This is a great way for our club and members to support the community,” Cyndy Lane, volunteer coordinator for the “Kick-In for Cancer” campaign, said in a news release. “Unfortunately, cancer touches everyone and this is an opportunity for our club to, hopefully, provide some comfort to the patients and their families who are going through a difficult time."
The club was founded in 1898 as the Swedish Music & Sick Fraternity. At that time, Swedish singing societies were popular in the Midwest, and competitions were held throughout the year.
Today, the SM&SF Club is a nonprofit social club with more than 600 members.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent
Looking for a little fun before Christmas? Here are 10 things to do in the Rockford area
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Need some plans before Christmas this weekend? Look no further.
From ice skating (synthetically or traditionally) to a mini camp for your kids, there's plenty to do in Rockford this week.
Here are 10 ideas for things to do, but you can always find more on our events page.
Celebrate the winter solstice
Nature at the Confluence is celebrating the winter solstice Wednesday with an evening of poetry, a guided walk, refreshments and more. Admission is $5 and pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Quick facts
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St.
When: 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21
Tickets: Click here
Is your kid a science whiz?
Take them to Winter Science KidVentures & Explorers at Burpee Museum of Natural History on Wednesday. Kids will have the opportunity to learn and perform experiments about water and various crafts.
Admission is $12 for members and $14 for non-members.
Quick facts
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St.
When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21
Tickets: Click here
More news: Dancing with the Rockford Stars sets record for fundraising for Family Counseling Services
Dust off your ice skates
Go ice skating at Frosty Fridays public skate session from 7-9 p.m. Friday at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park.
Admission is $8, which includes skate rental, and reoccurs every Friday.
Quick facts
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
When: 7-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
More info and tickets: Click here
Go see the lights
The All Aglow holiday light display will be lit all weekend and available for your viewing at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
The lights are on from dusk until dawn, but the park closes at 10 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Quick facts
Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
When: Open daily, but park closes at 10 p.m.
More info: Click here
More news: Rockford listed among 9 hidden gems for winter fun
Go ice skating without the chills
Enjoy indoor skating on synthetic polymer, crafts and more fun from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. You don’t even need skates. The setup allows for you to “skate” the synthetic ice in their socks.
Admission is $10 public; free to members and children ages 1 and younger.
Quick facts
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, but reoccurring through Dec. 23 and the 26-30.
More info: Click here
Kid-friendly yoga, crafts and more
Are your kids bored on winter break? Send them to Arctic Animals Kids Art + Yoga Mini-Camp from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday this week.
The camp will include child-friendly yoga, crafts, snacks and more fun at Smarty Pants Rockford Art Studio.
Quick facts
Where: Smarty Pants Rockford Art Studio, 317 Market St.
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21 through Friday, Dec. 23
Tickets: Click here
Celebrate Christmas Eve with The Olympic Tavern
Hang out at The Olympic Tavern from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. for their Christmas Eve party. The restaurant will offer a complimentary buffet, last minute gift card sales, hot drinks and beer. Their kitchen will not be open during this event.
Quick facts
Where: The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St.
When: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24
More info: Click here
Go see more Christmas lights
The annual Illuminated: A Lighted Garden Experience event reoccurs 5-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road.
The event includes numerous light displays, pizza from Woodfire, various food trucks, live carolers on Fridays and Saturdays and more fun.
Admission is free for Premium Gardens members, free for children 5 and under, $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and military.
Quick facts
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road
When: Open everyday this week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
More info: Click here
Train fanatic?
The Sinnissippi Station Model Train Exhibit is a reoccurring event, open from noon-8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Sunday at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
The exhibit features nine structures modeled after Rockford landmarks, as well as other historical structures.
Quick facts
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
When: Reoccurs daily
More info: Click here
And even more lights to see
The Festival of Lights is warning that this week's winter storm could force the drive-thru event to be shut down temporarily on Thursday or Friday. But you can see the 100-plus light displays once the snow is cleared.
Related: Festival of Lights braces itself for winter storm, which could hamper donations, too
Quick facts
Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Christmas week (pending weather); 24 hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Info: Check Festival of Lights Facebook page for weather-related updates or go to 4thandlights.com for more information and to donate to the volunteer-run effort.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent