Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Head Coach Derek King announced that Kris Versteeg will serve as team captain for the 2019-20 season.In addition, forwards Matthew Highmore, Jacob Nilsson and Tyler Sikura have been named alternate captainsInfo | https://bit.ly/2nTEIKu

For the past twelve years, Jeff Dunham and his somewhat-inappropriate-proteges, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, have filled arenas across the U.S. and the world with their multiple, blockbuster tours. This fall, Dunham and his cohorts will set out on their brand-new international tour, “JEFF DUNHAM: SERIOUSLY!?” Dunham and his guys will be making a one night stop in Rockford, IL on Saturday, January, 11 at 5:00PM.In addition to Dunham’s new tour, the world-renowned performer’s new Netflix Originals stand-up special entitled “Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself” premieres this September. This will be Dunham’s second Netflix Originals special, and the eighth in his string of record-breaking stand-up television events. The impressive event was shot in front of 16,000 fans at the American Airlines Center in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, where Dunham introduced his new character, “Larry”, the personal advisor to the President, who has now earned his spot with the troop on the tour.Dunham has built an entertainment empire over 30-plus years of non-stop touring and performance innovation. With 10 million followers on Facebook and 2 million YouTube subscribers, amassing well over a billion views, the comedian/ventriloquist has carved out his own unique space in the comedy world. His accomplishments have led to record-breaking viewership with his standup specials on Netflix, NBC, and Comedy Central. His astonishing arena packing power puts him on par with major music acts like Luke Bryan and Metallica.Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, October 7 at 10am at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.Ticketmaster.com. *While supplies last*

The Rockford IceHogs today announced that the 2019-20 edition of the monthly talk show, Bud Light Hog Talk, will be held at the newly opened Skybox located inside the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two at 8800 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park.The one-hour show will run from 6-7 p.m. and features live interviews with head coach Derek King and two IceHogs players. Fans are invited to attend each free event to listen to the in-depth interviews, participate in Q&A sessions and sign up to win a variety of great prizes from the Hogs. IceHogs broadcaster Joey Zakrzewski will host each show and take requests for questions on social media prior to the segment.This year’s event location, Skybox, features several new amenities for fans during this year's talk-show series. The sports bar’s headlining attraction is four floor-to-ceiling sports simulators, which allows fans to play 14 different sport simulations, including hockey, golf and football. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to challenge the IceHogs players at Hog Talk on the sports simulator at each event.Skybox, which is owned and operated by the Rockford Park District, also features a full-service menu and bar in a spacious, newly-opened facility.For those unable to attend the show in-person, the broadcast will live stream here, courtesy of SportsFan Radio 1330, and through IceHogs.com.Below is the full 2019-20 schedule for Hog Talk. Please note: show times, dates and guests (once announced) are subject to change.Hog Talk Dates:Monday, Oct. 7 (Derek King, Matthew Highmore, Kris Versteeg)Tuesday, Nov. 12Tuesday, Dec. 2Monday, Jan. 6Monday, Feb. 3Monday, March 16Monday, April 13

Tonight at the City Council meeting, City of Rockford staff will recommend that aldermen certify the Hard Rock proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). Three groups - Forest City, Gorman and Hard Rock – are all vying for one license for Rockford. City Council must certify one or more proposals to send to the IBG for approval by October 25. “I want to thank all three groups for their commitment to this process and to Rockford. They believe in our city, they want to invest here and they see vast potential in a community that is turning a corner,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “All three groups devoted significant time, money, creativity and resources to their proposals.” Staff has reviewed each of the proposals for the Rockford casino license in conjunction with its industry consultants and RFP review team. They have looked at financial viability, revenue projections, revenue sharing, job creation, transportation, diversity hiring, speed to market, and overall impact to the City. Below is a summary of the staff’s evaluation:FOREST CITY: The Forest City proposals also has several attractive features. The plans include a hotel/casino, but also additional non-casino developments such as a water park, golf complex, entertainment venue, additional hotel and campgrounds. However, the proposal also has some very important weaknesses. Forest City has not provided evidence to confirm commitments for its equity financing. Its proposal also does not contemplate approximately $46 million of expenses associated with the casino. Given the lack of details regarding sources of debt and equity funding and incomplete data, there is a significant risk that financing for the casino/hotel project may be unavailable or insufficient at this time. Although Forest City’s proposal is attractive and ambitious, Staff cannot recommend certification due to uncertainty related to a number of items, including commitments for the non-casino developments.GORMAN AND COMPANY: The proposal submitted by Gorman & Company is the only proposal that includes a downtown development. Although it has attractive features, Staff cannot recommend the Gorman proposal at this time for a variety of reasons. Gorman has not secured a casino operator, has not provided a complete financing package; it has made no application for zoning; it must relocate an existing manufacturing business; and it has no experience developing a casino property. In addition, on September 27, Gorman submitted a nonbinding letter of intent by which an entity not affiliated with Gorman would consider assuming the role of applicant and operator. There is no sufficient basis for assessing the viability of this latest proposal and it’s financing, and therefore, we have been unable to engage in good faith negotiations. Unfortunately, the downtown proposal is not developed to the point where we feel confident the Illinois Gaming Board would issue a license at this location.HARD ROCK: After review and consideration of all of the responses and weighing the totality of the strengths and weaknesses against the City’s objectives, City Staff recommends that City Council certify the Hard Rock proposal to the IGB. Hard Rock has the strongest and most complete proposal. Its financing structure is credible. The Hard Rock proposal includes realistic and sustainable minimum gambling tax guarantees, along with additional revenue sharing payments to offset impacts to the City. Hard Rock has agreed to a minimum payment of $7 million annually of gaming taxes to the City. Hard Rock also agreed to additional revenue sharing payments, a portion of which will be used to offset impacts to Police, Fire, and Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence, and will also be applied toward economic development in disadvantaged areas of town, establishment of a philanthropic entity controlled by City Council, or other purposes as determined by the City. The Hard Rock proposal has the greatest guarantee for long-term benefits to the City of Rockford.“We know that a casino will bring hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, along with added revenue to help us continue the work of stabilizing our City’s finances both in the short term and long term. My responsibility as mayor, and that of our team and the City Council, was to select the proposal or proposals that had the BEST opportunity to provide the MOST benefits to Rockford,” explains Mayor McNamara.As with any staff recommendation, City Council will consider the opinion rendered by City staff and then make a final decision. Per the gaming expansion legislation, aldermen must certify one or more proposals and applicants must file with the IGB no later than October 25.“This is an exciting time for our city as we continue writing a new and more prosperous chapter in Rockford’s history,” says Mayor McNamara. “The potential benefits of a casino development fit with my commitments to improve public safety, strengthen our neighborhoods and grow our economy. In the long run, we will ALL benefit when this casino is fully operational.”

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) opens new art exhibition Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection on Friday, October 11, with a gallery walk 5:15–6 p.m., members preview 6–7 p.m., and free public opening 7–8:30 p.m. at RAM, located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. The exhibition remains on view through January 26, 2020, with free daily admission provided by support from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation.This major exhibition explores new forms of abstract painting from the 1960s, following the heyday of Abstract Expressionism. Highlighting color-based, geometric, and perceptual experiments, this selection of works from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation Collection includes an international group of 33 artists associated with some of the key painting movements of the mid-20th century: Color Field, Post-Painterly Abstraction, Hard-Edge, and Op Art. Bold Abstractions at Rockford Art Museum marks the first time the Thoma’s significant post-war painting collection has been shown at a public institution.Bold Abstractions includes work by Josef Albers, Peter Alexander, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Antonio Asis, Karl Benjamin, Judy Chicago, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Gene Davis, Ronald Davis, Thomas Downing, Friedel Dzubas, Wojciech Fangor, Lorser Feitelson, Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Gilliam, Frederick Hammersley, June Harwood, Charles Hinman, Paul Jenkins, Julio Le Parc, Morris Louis, Alvin Loving, Helen Lundeberg, John McLaughlin, Ed Mieczekowski, Kenneth Noland, Jules Olitski, Matilde Perez, Paul Reed, Julian Stanczak, Tadasky, Anne Truitt, and Victor Vasarely.This exhibition is organized by Carrie Johnson. Support for Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection and its related programming—including free daily admission to all visitors for the duration of the exhibition—is provided by the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation, and partially supported by a Partners in Excellence grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.About the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation: Founded in 2014 and based in Chicago and Santa Fe, the Thoma Foundation recognizes the power of the arts to challenge and shift perceptions, spark creativity and connect people across cultures. Learn more at thomafoundation.org.About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to help make life in Rockford better for people of all ages through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.

The 2019 Women’s Art Board (WAB) Annual Fall Luncheon features book reviewer Jenny Riddle who will bring to life characters from Sally Field’s bestselling memoir In Pieces. This popular annual fundraiser includes a silent auction, raffle, books and gift shop with items from the Rockford Art Museum Store. Doors and auction open at 11 AM, luncheon and program begin at 12 PM. Sponsors include Carma + Amos Yoder; Lon + Dick Behr, Cherry + Dave Beto, Heritage Way Advisors LLC, Raymond James, Joan Stonecipher; Baird/The Gillette Group, Susan + Taylor Carlin, Darlene + Thomas Furst and Julie Humpal/REMAX Property Source. Presented by Women’s Art Board and chaired by Holly Squicciarini, ticket proceeds help the group support Rockford Art Museum. Limited seating, reservations required. Tickets available at (815) 968-2787. WOMEN’S ART BOARD ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON FEATURING JENNY RIDDLE WED, OCT 16, $60 DOORS/AUCTION OPEN 11 AM LUNCHEON/PROGRAM 12 PM GIOVANNI’S, 610 N BELL SCHOOL RD, ROCKFORD LIMITED SEATING, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED $60 PER PERSON, $600 PER TABLE OF 10 FOR TICKETS CALL RAM AT (815) 968-2787 About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to help make life in Rockford better for people of all ages through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Connect with us on Facebook @rockfordartmuseum and Instagram @rockfordart #rockfordartmuseum, and go behind the scenes with us on our free mobile app. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org. 

America’s favorite dance show is going back on tour this winter with “Dancing with the Stars –Live Tour 2020.” The longest tour to date will be dancing through Rockford, ILon Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. The all-new production will feature fan-favorite professional dancers wowing audiences with every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. The show continues its legacy of performing showstopping routines alongside new numbers choreographed just for the live show ranging from the time-honored dances of the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa, Tango -and everything in between. In the longest and most expansive North American tour to date, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, glamour and glitz they see in the ballroom every Monday night live in their hometowns.The tour delivers a spectacular night of dance performances from world-renowned dancers including Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, with more surprise casting to be announced.Tickets for “Dancing with the Stars –Live Tour 2020” are on sale now. To purchase tickets and to get the full list of tour dates, please visit dwtstour.com. VIP packages will be available through VIPNation.com, giving fans the chance to purchase premium tickets, meet and greet opportunities with the cast, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities. “Dancing with the Stars -Live Tour 2020” is produced by Faculty Productions in association with BBC Studios.“Dancing with the Stars” airs Monday nights at 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT on ABC. Episodes can also be viewed the next day on ABC.com, the ABC app and Hulu.Tickets are available for purchase at the Coronado Performing Arts Center or BMO Harris Bank Center box office, over the phone at 815-968-5222, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs today announced they are hosting a watch party at the BMO Harris Bank Center for the Chicago Blackhawks’ preseason game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m. CST. Season Ticket Holders can also pick up their tickets at the event in the lower lobby at the arena.Fans are invited to the BMO Harris Bank Center for the free event to watch a Chicago Blackhawks squad which will feature several players from the Rockford IceHogs’ 2018-19 team. The contest will be shown in the Blue Flame Lounge and on the BMO video board. All fans are invited to stop by beginning at 1:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the contest.The event is free to attend and will include:-Open skate on the BMO Harris Bank Center ice (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)-Autographs from select players attending Rockford IceHogs training camp-Food and drink specials-Viewing of the Blackhawks game in Blue Flame Lounge and on video board-Season Ticket holder Pickup Party (tickets can be picked up in the lower lobby)-Appearance by Hammy-New inventory of team merchandise from Oink Outfitters*Fans must bring their own skates to skate on the ice, as rentals will not be availableFans are asked to enter through the Elm St. doors to attend this free event. For additional information or questions, call the IceHogs front office at (815) 986-6465.

The BMO Harris Bank Center announced today that basketball is back on Friday, November 1for one night only in Rockford, IL with a preseason double header featuring four NBA G League teams playing on the newly refinished basketball court featuring Fred VanVleet’s logo. VanVleet is a Rockford native and former player in the NBA G League who now starts for the NBA Champion Toronto Raptors.The event begins with a 5PM tip-off with the Windy City Bulls, NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, and facing Iowa Wolves, NBA G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. At 7PM, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, NBA G League affiliate of the Miami Heat, face the Wisconsin Herd, NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks. The special event is being hosted by the BMO Harris Bank Center, in partnership with the Windy City Bulls, who will be starting its fourth season on November 9as members of the NBA G League, the official development league of the National Basketball Association.The Windy City Bulls play their home games at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates and in its first three years, have seen several players make the jump to the NBA level, including Brooklyn star Spencer Dinwiddie, the Golden State Warriors’ Alfonzo McKinnie, and Ryan Arcidiacono with Chicago.More information about the Windy City organization may be found at its official website www.WindyCityBulls.com or on social platforms @WindyCityBulls.The NBA G League consists of 28 teamsall affiliated with NBA organizations and is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing coaches, players, officials and staff for success at the NBA level, while also serving as the league’s research and development laboratory.Tickets start at only $10* and will be available for purchase at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or over the phone at 815-968-5222 starting on Friday (tomorrow), September 27 at 10AM. All tickets purchased for the November 1 preseason game will also be good for a voucher to attend a Rockford IceHogs game to see the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as the opportunity to attend a Windy City Bulls regular season game at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.*Additional fees may apply *Vouchers are only redeemable on specific gamedates

Anderson Japanese Gardens is hosting its popular craft beer event, On Tap in the Garden, on Saturday, October 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Representatives from local and regional microbreweries will be pouring samples of their most popular selections. Tickets are only $25 for Garden Members and $30 for Non-Members.Tickets are limited and available online. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit www.AndersonGardens.org and navigate to On Tap in the Events Menu. Guests must be 21 and older to gain access to the event area. On Tap takes place outdoors and is a rain or shine event.About Anderson Japanese GardensAnderson Japanese Gardens evolved from an individual’s vision to create a unique amenity for the Rockford region into an internationally renowned public garden. Today, the Garden is operated as a nonprofit and attracts nearly 100,000 guests annually.For additional information regarding programming and events, visit us at www.AndersonGardens.org. Stay connected by following Anderson Japanese Gardens on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

On October 2nd Forest City Float will celebrate its Grand Opening at 223 E. State St. Suite 202, with a Ribbon Cutting by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce at 10am and then an Open House to the public from 6-8pm.  Forest City Float, an expansion of Namaste Studios, has added Floatation and Infrared Sauna Therapies to their already diverse offerings at Namaste Studios. The expansion has tripled their space in the heart of the River District, allowing for reception for all services and spacious suites for new therapies.​"In this time of constant flows of information and external stimuli, the need for an oasis, a sanctuary, is very clear." said Mike Bogard, Float Studio Manager. "Making time for yourself, to recharge the batteries, to essentially reset your nervous system, is absolutely crucial in this climate."Namaste Studios opened in September of 2010. At the time, they offered Yoga, Qigong, and Meditation classes. In 2012, Acupressure and Reflexology were added. It had always been in the plans to expand the space to include a reception area for their students and in 2014 the thought of adding Floatation Therapy briefly came up but was quickly dismissed due to the apparent impossibility of having float pods on a second floor. Then in 2017, the owners had the opportunity to experience floatation therapy in Milwaukee, WI and it rekindled the dream. Plans were made, construction began, and the second floor was reinforced. The owners are very excited about offering such therapies to the Rockford area. Helping people find a space of peace and calm to develop true strength is their focus.  "We are not just reducing symptoms of mental illness," said Dr. Justin Feinstein, the Assistant Professor at the Laureate Institute of Brain Research, "we are enhancing mental wellness." when asked about the benefits of Floatation Therapy.As Rockford natives, Forest City Float looks forward to serving the Rock River Valley with services for self care, empowering individuals with the tools for mental wellness.  

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have assigned defenseman Philip Holm and forward Jacob Nilsson to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.Holm, 27, was named a Kontinental Hockey League All-Star last season after recording 26 points (7g, 19a) in 61 regular-season games for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. The blueliner then led his team in scoring during the postseason, tallying one goal and a team-high four assists in seven playoff contests.The Stockholm, Sweden native has combined for 38 points (12g, 26a) in 63 career AHL games between Utica and Chicago from 2017-18. Holm also made his NHL debut during the 2017-18 campaign with Vancouver, logging 15:12 of time on ice over 21 shifts on Feb. 23 at Vegas.Nilsson, 25, was named the IceHogs’ 2018-19 MVP after totaling 32 points (15g, 17a) and finishing second on the team with eight multi-point efforts in 62 games. The forward was the only team skater with two three-point games on the year and he notched the Hogs’ lone hat trick of the season with three goals on three well-placed shots on Jan. 6 vs. Iowa. Nilsson was also a key weapon on Rockford’s power-play unit, tying for the team lead and ranking sixth among all AHL rookies with eight power-play goals during the 2018-19 campaign.Additionally, the Morrum, Sweden native earned his first career NHL promotion last season, making his NHL debut on Dec. 23 vs. Florida. He skated in two NHL contests before the conclusion of the campaign.

The Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday announced they have assigned defenseman Adam Boqvist (BOH-kwihst) and forward Aleksi Saarela (sah-REH-lah) to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.Boqvist, 19, completed his first season in the OHL in 2018-19, leading all London blueliners and ranking third overall on the team in scoring with 60 points (20g, 40a) in 54 games during the regular season. He was named a Second-Team All-Star for his efforts before capping the campaign with 13 points and a team-high 10 goals in 11 playoff games for the Knights.The Falun, Sweden native was originally selected eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Draft.Saarela, 22, won the 2019 Calder Cup with Charlotte, leading the team in goals and ranking second in total scoring with 54 points (30g, 24a) in 69 games during the regular season. He then continued his scoring pace during the playoffs to notch 15 points (7g, 8a) in 17 games during the Checkers run to the AHL title. Saarela also made his NHL debut during the 2018-19 campaign, skating with the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Washington Capitals on April 20.The Helsinki, Finland native was originally selected by the New York Rangers in the third round (89th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

As we round out Suicide Prevention Month, Xavier Whitford joined us to talk about how she transformed her pain into a purpose. It's not easy to talk about the worst thing to happen in your life, but she uses her story to help others. Xavier is an inspiration to us, and we were thrilled that she joined us to chat.Click here to listen and subscribe!Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Catch up with XavierWebsite: https://www.xavierwhitford.net/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/xavier.whitfordEach Breath of Faith: https://www.facebook.com/eachbreathoffaith/Follow us on social mediaInstagram: @TheRockfordBuzzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/"Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps

The ice is in. The roster is starting to take shape. IceHogs hockey is almost back at the BMO. I can already hear the skates on the ice, the puck going from tape to tape, and the goal horn blaring. It’s really what all of my dreams are made of.Before the boys of winter take the ice here in town, there’s a Blackhawks preseason game to watch featuring our IceHogs.As the big club takes off overseas for the final preseason game and the season opener in Prague, there’s a game in Boston on September 28.Since there are no preseason games scheduled for the IceHogs, the staff at the BMO and the IceHogs organization worked hard to put together a great event for fans to get a first look at their team. On Saturday, September 28, as the Blackhawks (IceHogs) take on the Boston Bruins, the BMO will be open to the public for a viewing of the game.Come hang out at the BMO Harris Bank Center, grab some food, grab some drinks, and be merry! They’ll be showing the game on the big screens and the ice will be open for skating.The Details:What: Preseason Watch Party! [Watch the Blackhawks game, skate on the ice, food and drink specials, new merch items, player autographs]When: Saturday, September 28, 2019 1:30 pm – 4:30 pmWhere: BMO Harris Bank Center [Watch the game in the Blue Flame Lounge or on the video board. The Ice will be open for skating]More info on the event page HERE!Hockey is back, y’all. Let’s rock the BMO!

Make your pitch in front of a group of business leaders and investors at NIU EIGERLab's Fast Pitch competition October 9 at NIU-Rockford. You could win $5,000 to invest in your idea!We want you to compete at Fast Pitch - and we want you to be successful doing it. To get ready for the big day, join our pitch training sessions October 1 and 3 between 5:30 to 7 pm at NIU-Rockford.We will help you craft a winning pitch. The cost is $15 for both sessions.Get pitching! Click here to register Questions? Call us at (815) 965-3522

This October Experience Southern Wisconsin’s Extreme Halloween Event! R.I.P. Productions once again brings you one of the largest and most terrifying Halloween experiences in the region! The scale and variety of this event offers something to thrill even the boldest of Halloween fanatics and will feature over 20,000 square feet of horror, indoor waiting, movies, concessions and gift shop!R.I.P. Productions has been the producers of annual thrilling and spine-chilling haunted events since 2002...from the Screamatorium, Northern Illinois’ #1 haunted attraction to Illinois’ TOP 10 haunt...the original Trail of Screams. We take pride in SCARING people!SCREAMATORIUM Haunted House, Wisconsin’s Ultimate Haunted House, is not only one of the scariest haunted houses in Wisconsin, but has been striking fear into the hearts of terrified visitors since 2008 in the Northern Illinois area and this year has risen the bar offering new excitement, over the top thrills and nonstop action packed experiences in the HISTORIC LANDMARK LOCATION (the old Brodhead Middle School built in 1906) featuring over 20,000 square feet of horror in a real haunted historic building! SCREAMATORIUM is also notable for its custom special effects, amazing actors, unique themes, and extremely detailed sets. Don’t miss one of Wisconsin’s best haunted houses...visit Screamatorium this Halloween season!Owner and Operator, Ann-Margret Naber has a special message for guests: "Every attraction is designed for maximum intensity and thrills, don’t expect to catch a breather here!" Check out our Midway of Terror featuring a full concession stand with everything from sweet treats, nachos,popcorn, hot and cold beverages and all your favorite foods to satisfy your hunger for fear and browse our “Little Shop of Horrors” for souvenir t-shirts, glow in the dark items and other fun things that make your skin crawl.Located at  406 10th Street, Brodhead, WI 53520. Event times are Fridays & Saturdays, 7 pm-12 a.m.Weekdays and Sundays 7-11 pm. Visitors in line by closing times will be admitted that evening.Parental Advisory for the Screamatorium is strongly advised for ages 13 and under. Open September 27-28, October 4-5, 11-13, 18-20, 24-27, 31, November 1-2.  General admission is $20.00. Tickets can be purchased at the event or online at www.screamatoriumhauntedhouse.com. For more information or group rates call the Frightline at 815-871-9063.

The Stateline Chamber and Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce to present 2nd Annual Influential Women in Business Luncheon at the Eclipse Center in Beloit on September 18th, 11-1. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Diane Hendricks The Statline Chamber is proud to present the 2nd annual Influential Women in Business Luncheon, in partnership with the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce. This year's sold-out event draws a record-breaking crowd of 600 people.The event will feature keynote speaker, Diane Hendricks, named #1 on Forbes’ 2019 America’s Self-Made Women list. Diane M. Hendricks co-founded building products distributor ABC Supply Co., Inc. (ABC) with her late husband Kenneth Hendricks in 1982. Since 2007, Diane has been the Chairman and sole owner. Diane is also Chairman of Hendricks Holdings Co., Inc. (HHC) and Northstar Medical Technologies, LLC.The event will also honor 3 area women with the NextGen, Role Model and Executive Influencer Awards. The Stateline Chamber and Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce jointly plan this event yearly, with each Chamber alternating hosting duties.

A little rain never hurt anyone! It might be a bit wet this weekend, but that shouldn't stop you from getting out on the town. There are so many great things to do indoors and out! Here's your Weekend Roundup!Saturday, September 21, 2019North End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pm2019 Rock River Valley Video Game Convention @ Cataclysm Games - view event9:00 am - 9:00 pmSummertime Outdoor Flea Market @ Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques - view event9:00 am - 4:00 pmWorld War II Days @ Midway Village Museum - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmStorytime with Rockford Public Library @ Rockford Art Museum - view event10:00 am - 11:00 amMonarch Release & Insect Festival @ Burpee Museum - view event10:00 am - 3:00 pmFall for Rockford 2019 - view event2:00 pm - 9:00 pmGlow in the Garden @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmTwelfth Night @ RVC Starlight Theater - view event7:30 pm - 10:00 pmThe Hope & Anchor Comedy Night - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmSunday, September 22, 2019Slow Ride! @ West Rock Wake Park - view event10:00 am - 12:00 pmWorld War II Days @ Midway Village - view event10:00 am - 5:00 pmArsenic & Old Lace @ Pec Playhouse Theater - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have reassigned forwards Tyler Sikura and Kris Versteeg and defensemen Chad Krys and Jack Ramsey to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.Krys, 21, tallied 30 points (8g, 12a) as an alternate captain during his junior season at Boston University in 2018-19, including potting a career-high eight goals. The Ridgefield, Connecticut native then made his pro debut with Rockford on March 27 vs. Milwaukee and finished the year with four assists in nine AHL contests with the IceHogs.Ramsey, 23, served as an alternate captain during senior season at University of Minnesota in 2018-19 before making his pro debut with the Indy Fuel. The Chanhassen, Minnesota native, who is completing a position change from forward to defensemen, notched one goal in four ECHL games last year with Indy.Sikura, 27, followed a campaign in which he was named the IceHogs’ 2017-18 team MVP with accolades as Rockford’s Unsung Hero of 2018-19 with 19 points (7g, 12a) in 50 games. The Aurora, Ontario native served as an alternate captain last season and enters 2019-20 with 58 points (30g, 28a) over 124 AHL games with Rockford from 2017-19.Versteeg, 33, split the 2018-19 campaign between the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and Swedish Hockey League (SHL), combining for 16 points (7g, 9a) in 23 games during the regular season. The Lethbridge, Alberta has won two Stanley Cup Championships with the Chicago Blackhawks and enters the 2019-20 season with 127 career points (46g, 81a) in 139 AHL games between Providence (2005-07), Norfolk (2006-07) and Rockford (2007-08).The Rockford IceHogs Training Camp roster now stands at 26 players with 15 forwards, nine defensemen and two goaltenders.

Vic Rivera joins us to chat about celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month here in Rockford. We talk about a wide variety of topics from Mayor McNamara signing to the proclamation to discussing where we can go from here to grow the awareness and celebration. It's a great conversation! Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE! You can find Vic online here:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/vic.monstaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicmonsta/

Coffee keeps us going. So, we brought in a guest that knows a thing or two about coffee. Justin Carner is the mind behind Velvet Robot Coffee! Learn how Velvet Robot came to be and the difference between Chattanooga, TN and Rockford.You can catch Velvet Robot down at City Market and hopefully in a brick and mortar shop soon! If you haven't tried their coffee yet - that's your assignment.Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested.LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE!Catch Velvet Robot Online:Rockford Buzz:https://rockfordbuzz.com/place/velvet-robot-coffee-labFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vrcoffeelab/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetrobotcoffee/

Discovery Center Museum will host 7 Family Fun Day events between September and December of 2019. Designed as educational and entertaining programs for families, Family Fun Days focus on a specific subject matter and then explore that subject through various means, including activities, demonstrations, make-and-take projects, and performances.Below is the schedule of events: Bubble Festival & Worldwide Day of PlaySaturday, September 28Two amazing events packed into one day! Bubble-celebrity Geoffrey Akins-Hannah is back with buckets of sudsy science fun! His live performances are sure to bring smiles. After the show, pop into the Bubble-Palooza Playground to devise your own brilliant bubbly tricks as you test your soapy skills with bubble art, math, and science activities for the whole family! Don’t forget to celebrate Worldwide Day of Play with outdoor park activities designed to get you off the couch and unplugged in the name of play! Experiment with wind and be a victor in the Family Fun Challenge! Sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health and Edwards Orchard of Poplar Grove.Bubble Performances at 10:30 am; Noon; 1:30; 2:30; and 3:30 pmAdvance tickets: $4 members; $5 public –can purchase online at Discoverycentermuseum.orgTickets at the door: $5 members; $6 publicMuseum admission is extra.  Spooky Science Friday, October 25; 6:00–9:00 pm $5 members; $10 publicShow off your Halloween costume during this not-so-scary night of Halloween high-jinks at Discovery Center Museum! Explore the museum and follow the map to find goodies galore from one exhibit to the next! Concoct gooey, glowing, globs of slime, make monstrous crafts, and meet some scientific heroes from beyond the grave. Engage in astonishing science activities that look like mystifying magic, pick up a Nobel Prize, tromp through the park in the dark, and more! Sponsored by OSF HealthCare; Thermo Fisher; HMC Products; Sjostrom & Sons; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.  Smashing Pumpkins Sunday, November 3; 1:00–4:00 pmSnatch that pumpkin off the porch and bring it here! Watch as turn your spent squash into a parking lot projectile, or use it for target practice! Join the fun of watching Jack-o-lanterns fly, create your very own catapult, and celebrate with autumn activities and shattering experiments. Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by Sjostrom & Sons, Inc. and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Toy Trains!Sunday, November 10, 11:00 am-2:00 pmMonday, November 11, 11:00 am-2:00 pmChug on over to where your imagination rides the rails with amazing model trains, courtesy of our friends from the Rock River Valley Division of the National Model Train Association. Assemble and decorate wooden train cars that fit your magnetic train set at home! Then its full steam ahead with special crafts, train activities and play for the whole family! Sponsored in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Grinchy Green ScienceFriday, November 29; 11:00 am–3:00 pm Saturday, November 30; 11:00 am–3:00 pm It’s time to drape the red and green—heavy on the green! Dive into the holiday spirit with art and science activities during two days of festivities featuring green fizz, Grinch gunk, and tons of decorative tape! Squirt and swirl colors, design a Whoville hat, make a marble-ous game, and more!  Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by Thermo Fisher; HMC Products; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Holiday HooplaThursday – Monday, December 26–30; 11:00–3:00 pmWe’ve got a rainbow of fun in our drop-in workshop space. Pick up a hammer or grab a screwdriver and get your imagination in gear. See what you can construct using recycled materials, and take what you make from bird feeders and toys to musical instruments! Then have a blast building with LEGOs, cardboard, wire, and foam!  Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by OSF HealthCare and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Countdown to Fun! Tuesday, December 31; 12:00–4:00 pmThree...Two... FUN!” It’s midnight – somewhere, and Discovery Center is counting down every hour! Fabricate a party hat, knock together a noisemaker, and prepare to be showered with confetti! It may be cold outside, but it’ll be STEAM-y at Discovery Center Museum where the New Year rings in with science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Included with Discovery Center admission: $9/person; FREE to Members and all children ages one and younger. Sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health; HMC Products; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. ABOUT DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUMDiscovery Center Museum is a non-profit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children under five, and an outdoor science park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, and one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. In 2018 Discovery Center earned the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame distinction. The Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $9 adults, $9 children (ages 2 to 17); free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Hours of operation are: 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

One-Day Bubble Festival Features Bubble Celebrity Geoff Akins-Hannah Rockford, IL – Geoff Akins-Hannah considers himself both a magician and a bubbleologist. Akins-Hannah will demonstrate his skills as both during five live “Bubble Wonders” performances at Discovery Center’s 2019 Bubble Festival on Saturday, September 28.  Bubbles and imaginations will run wild! Akins-Hannah does amazing things with ordinary soap and water. Following each live performance, audiences will be invited to test their own bubble skills with bubble art and activities in the Bubble-Palooza Playground. It’s sudsy-science fun! The event is sponsored by SwedishAmerican – a division of UW Health with addition support by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Geoff creates huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones, bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully-functioning bubble merry-go-round & even the impossi-bubble SQUARE bubble! He blows bubbles…and minds! The theme of the Bubble Wonders show is Anything is Possible. Positive messages about the power of persistence and following your dream are woven throughout the shows. “His shows usually sell out, so I suggest people reserve seats online in advance,” says Discovery Center Marketing Director Ann Marie Walker.  Geoff Akins-Hannah performs about 300 shows a year and has entertained more than one million people during his career. He has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, National Geographic Channel, and WGN. His corporate clients include Google, Toyota, Macy’s, IBM, Whole Foods and many more. He has been entertaining and educating children for more than 30 years.    Shows are at 10:30 am; Noon; 1:30 pm; 2:30 pm; 3:30 pm. In advance: $5 Public/$4 Members (through 5:00 pm on Sept. 27)At the door: $6 Public/$5 Members(Museum admission extra for General Public: $9 adults; $9 children; age 1 and younger is free)Reserve tickets online at DiscoveryCenterMuseum.org or call 815.963.6769. Discovery Center Museum is a non-profit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children six and younger, and an outdoor science park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, and one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. The Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $9 adults, $9 children (ages 2 to 17) and free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Hours of operation are: 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.