Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes
Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes
Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn
Rockford’s Wins
Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard that the Hard Rock Casino Rockford is officially open.
It’s been so much fun celebrating this economic win for our region. (More tourism and tax dollars benefiting us! Hooray!)
I’ll be honest… when I first heard about this project, I was a tad skeptical. It sounded great, but would it actually come to fruition?
I remember feeling the same way when I first heard there would be a new Embassy Suites in the old Amerock building. For some reason, I thought “I’ll believe it when I see it.” I think it’s because we hear Big Promises all the time in this life, but things don’t always work out.
Well, here we are, in the year 2024, and both of those incredible projects are complete, plus many others. Taking a step back, it’s amazing to think of everything our city has to offer. We have an authentic Japanese Gardens! We have the original Beyer Stadium where the Peaches played! We have the best arts venues, from the Coronado Theatre to the West Side Show Room, and last weekend I had the greatest apple-cider donuts of all time at Edward’s Apple Orchard (which I know isn’t technically in Rockford, but you get what I’m saying).
Rockford has so much going for it. There’s always good things happening, and it’s because of the amazing people who live here.
It’s long overdue that I feel more confident in Rockford’s ability to “get things done.”
I find myself daydreaming of what’s next… such as a new Metra train line from Rockford to Chicago. We’ve all heard it’s going to happen… but if you’re like me, maybe you’ve chuckled and rolled your eyes. (We’ve been hearing about this for what feels like forever)! But, progress in our region begets more progress. Good things are happening. It’s wonderful to experience in real time.
I hope you’re able to take a beat, look around, and realize how lucky we are to live in a city that offers a great quality of life… and it’s only getting better. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Is Unity Possible?
Can’t
we all just get along?
If we choose to view one another as God does, the answer is “yes.” There’s no hatred based on race, gender, age, health, wealth, etc., when we view one another through God’s eyes. Each of us is precious.
The Book of Acts reveals how difficult it was for the early church to wrap its head around this concept of equality. In the Old Testament, God favored certain people. It wasn’t His ideal way to operate, however. God wanted to bridge the distance caused by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:19) and to make peace with all who choose to believe. That universal reconciliation was made possible through Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18)
The New Testament teaches that favoritism on our part is a sin. We’re to love all people and treat them well. (James 2:1-3, 9)
Scripture also teaches that our views should never be shaped by cultural norms that are at odds with Christ’s. Kings, presidents, preachers and other cultural icons come and go and are fallible. Only Christ’s kingdom endures forever. In it, there’s no place for hatred. (Eph.4:31).
We’re to imitate Christ. (Eph. 5:1 & 2). Each of us is made in God’s image, which is spirit. Spirit has no gender or race.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).
God cares about whether we accept the Gospel and live it (Romans 10: 9 & 10), not about our superficial differences. He sees our hearts. (I Sam. 16:7).
Being reconciled to God through Christ binds us together as one family, but we must guard that precious unity. Jude warns of those who “slip in” and divide us for personal gain, in verses 17-19:
“These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage … These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”
Can’t we all just get along? We can if we decide to.
❚ –
Janine Pumilia
Fall Fun at Dixon’s Scarecrow Festival
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Every autumn, cities throughout our region organize fun, family-friendly festivals to celebrate the season, increase tourism, and provide wholesome entertainment options for locals and visitors alike. One of the region’s best is Dixon’s Scarecrow Festival, returning downtown Dixon Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The annual event spans six blocks on Hennepin Avenue and First Street with more than 100 booths and activities, including crafters, pumpkin painting, street
performers, games, donut eating contests, a petting zoo, face painting, flowerpot decorating and pumpkin bowling.
“It’s truly something for all ages to enjoy, from the shopping at the downtown stores to the booths full of kid games, to the petting zoo, Dixon Municipal Band performances and more,” says Lucas Pauley, marketing director of Discover Dixon.
One can’t-miss activity is watching “pumpkin race cars” battle to be named the fastest racer down Hennepin Avenue at the annual Pumpkin Derby. The battle takes place at 1 p.m. between First and Second Streets.
Those wishing to get a head start on holiday shopping can find sales and specials at downtown shops during the day.
Meanwhile, the Dixon Municipal Band treats crowds to performances along the riverfront, and there are also food trucks located throughout the festival grounds.
“We love seeing so many people visit our downtown and riverfront – having fun with their families and friends,” Pauley says.
Dixon’s Scarecrow Festival returns Oct. 19.
Scarecrow Festival spans six blocks and includes street performers, games, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting and more.
And, of course, the festival’s name comes from the countless scarecrows setting the scene throughout downtown. Local businesses and organizations put their creativity on display every year by decorating scarecrows that impress visitors throughout the festival.
“There’s always so much creativity on display from not only the vendors, but also the countless scarecrows that adorn the downtown that week,” Pauley
says. “Local business and organizations create some truly unique and interesting displays that never fail to amaze us each year.”
A map outlining the major activities at Scarecrow Festival is available at discoverdixon.com the week before the event. For more information, visit the website or call (815) 284-3361.
In addition to Scarecrow Festival, Dixon is already preparing for other fun,
family-friendly events that are coming up in the near future.
“There’s Treat Street Parade & Palooza on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 6,” Pauley says. “Also, there will be our annual Shop Small Saturday events on Saturday, Nov. 30.”
Information on all of these events and more is available at discoverdixon. com. ❚
Scarecrow Festival is a family-friendly event that brings locals and visitors alike to Dixon’s downtown and riverfront area.
A Hair Stylist Who Cares About You
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Walking into Hair by Oly, at 1720 Rural St., Rockford, is like walking into a loving grandmother’s home. Owner Olfania (Oly) Helmich offers coffee, tea and scones on beautiful antique tableware, while soft music plays in the background. She warmly welcomes her clients into the cozy front room, complete with a fireplace and American colonial furniture.
“It’s not just about haircuts,” Helmich explains. “It’s about the connection I have with clients. We’re humans growing together.”
Clients at Hair by Oly have the space all to themselves and are welcome to bring their children, friends and family, if desired. It’s not unusual for clients to come back frequently, as often as every other week, for a simple trim and quality conversation.
“It’s all about you when you are my
client,” Helmich says. “I create a place where you can get away and be pampered without going far.”
She offers men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts; hair coloring, including highlights and balayage; eyebrow waxing; and blow outs/styling. If a client feels unsure of exactly what they want, Helmich can offer guidance.
“Some people want help, and if they do, I give suggestions and we work together,” she says. “I always ask – do you feel comfortable with this length? Do you like this color? Do you want it darker or lighter? Because you’re the one who’s going to look in the mirror every day.”
Originally from Honduras and recently transplanted to Rockford from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Helmich hopes all her clients feel beautiful at the end of their appointment.
“To me, when you look beautiful, you feel beautiful, and you also treat other people better,” she says. “It’s a confidence. When you’re confident and you feel beautiful, you treat other people like you want to be treated.”
Helmich doesn’t have specific hours. Instead, she books with clients based on their availability. To schedule a service, call (954) 632-8270 or visit hairbyoly. com. ❚
Olfania (Oly) Helmich, owner of Hair by Oly, warmly welcomes clients into her Rockford salon.
Prepare for Winter with New Windows
By Peggy Werner
K&H Exteriors of Roscoe, Ill., is a family-owned business specializing in windows and doors – something people should be thinking about as temperatures drop, says Jerry Schmidt, sales representative.
Every year, new regulations help increase energy efficiency in windows, helping homeowners to conserve energy, save money, reduce noise and keep homes at a constant temperature.
“People will do whatever they can to feel more comfortable where they live,” Schmidt says.
In business since 1961, K&H is the exclusive dealership for USA-made Climate Solutions products, headquartered in Franklin Park, Ill. One of their newest products this year, and available at K&H this winter, is NEAT windows. They are more energy efficient than other products
and look cleaner all year long, Schmidt says.
Titanium Dioxide on the glass gives it a super-smooth surface that repels water rather than letting drops form. An invisible coating on the outside of the window reacts with sunlight and rain to break down organic material such as fingerprints, bird droppings, leaves and more on the window’s surface. The windows require less cleaning and provide better views year-round.
The NEAT windows and all windows sold at K&H are made from low-E glass, which means a thin layer of metallic oxide applied to the window reduces the amount of heat traveling through the glass, which makes for better climate control in the summer and winter.
The treated glass reduces the amount of ultraviolet and infrared radiation that
passes through the window, protecting furniture, flooring and other household items from fading or becoming damaged.
Over time, the coatings have become thinner and more transparent, making them less noticeable, Schmidt says. The more energy efficient a window, the higher the price, but the federal government gives tax credits to people making home improvements for energy efficiency.
For more information about K&H products or to schedule a free consultation for home improvement, call (815) 637-6946 or visit the showroom at 5257 Swanson Road in Roscoe. ❚
BLUEMAN.COM BRIAR STREET THEATRE
SCAN FOR OFFERS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ 1PM
Celebrate the spookiest season of the year at Blue Man Group! This Sunday matinee will feature pre-show face painting, Halloweeninspired surprises, goodie bags for children in costume and a chance to meet a Blue Man in the lobby after the show. Halloween costumes are encouraged for all audience members!
Fall on The Farm
Oct. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A variety of outdoor fall experiences for the entire family includes wagon rides, a corn maze, petting zoo, inflatables, straw slide, corn pit, games, crafts, photo ops, food. Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford, (815) 987-8809, lockwoodpark.com.
A Jack-O-Lantern Experience
Oct. 19-Oct. 26, during gardens hours. Students showcase their pumpkin carving creativity along a path. Admission includes a voting card to be filled out and dropped off in the ballot box. The three schools that receive the most votes are awarded cash prizes. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a full Bee Gees playlist, performed by the Stayin’ Alive tribute band, who sing blockbusters such as “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “You Should be Dancing” and “Nights on Broadway.” Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.
Yugen Tranquility Walk
Oct. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Japanese word “Yu-
gen” describes hidden, mysterious beauty that brings profound awareness and joy to one’s heart and soul. On this evening’s slow stroll through the forest, the notion of Yugen is explored and practiced. Reg. req. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9658146, klehm.org.
RSO: ‘Spooktacular’
Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m. Wear your costumes and celebrate Halloween with a spine-tingling program of spooky symphonic sounds. Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com.
All Hallows Eve
Oct. 26, noon-6 p.m. Come in costume and trick-or-treat with friendly, costumed volunteers stationed at more than 20 decorated, historic buildings in the picturesque Victorian Village. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.
AE: ‘No Wake’
Nov. 7-24, see website for times. The play is about loneliness, loss and healing. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394- 5004, artistsensemble.org.
Entertainment & Events
Lunch & Learn
Nov. 12, noon-1 p.m. Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is a 35-year-old recycling center committed to environmental sustainability. The session guides you through information on how to get rid of old paint cans, expired medications, unwanted electronics and more in an environmentally safe way. Bring your own lunch. Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
REO Speedwagon
Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Fan favorites include “Can’t Fight The Feeling,” “Time For Me To Fly” and more. BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmohcenter.com. ❚
REO Speedwagon performs its hits Nov. 22 at the BMO Center, in Rockford.
