More than 11,000 people enjoyed last years EXPO. This Saturday visit and learn more about your community (and win stuff).

CARSTAR of Rockford is giving away a 37-inch television. Rockford Dry Dock will have some samples of different foods they sell. Nugent Builders can tell you about the good reasons to invest in improving your home now. Four people will win $500 in cash. Why wouldn’t you go?

Last year 11,000 people took the time to enjoy the Rockford Community EXPO, scheduled for this Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to Brenda Davis, executive director of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event is again a sell-out with more to offer than ever. There will be over 180 booths inside and outside Rockford High School, 4100 Kroes.

The EXPO underscores the Chamber’s re-investment in its members and surrounding businesses.  Last year’s blockbusting event attracted more than 11,000 people who enjoyed the day discovering the breadth of what Rockford-area businesses have to offer.  “Last year’s event was a complete success and we are building on our experience again this year to make it even better,” said Davis.

With Americans realizing how important it is to do business locally, the EXPO is an opportunity to realize just how much and how varied our local resources are. Keeping our dollars, and jobs, in our own community isn’t settling for less-it’s doing business with people you know.

Attendees of this year’s EXPO will experience a mix of retail businesses, restaurants, real estate firms, banks, mortgage companies, insurance agencies, churches, non-profit organizations, emergency departments, construction companies and many other businesses all in one location.

Local celebrities and mascots will appear throughout the day and entertainment will be provided by Rockford-area talent.  Previews of Rockford High School’s Musical “Beauty and the Beast” along with RHS Jazz Ensemble are a few of the highlights.

New this year is the announcement and introduction of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Winner.  This is a $1,000 scholarship open to Rockford area 2009 seniors.

The Rockford EXPO continues to showcase numerous indoor/outdoor displays, ample parking with a courtesy shuttle service from Blythefield Hills Baptist Church, many new businesses and much more.  Attendees of the EXPO will also have the opportunity to win one of four $500 cash giveaways.

For more information about the EXPO, please contact the Chamber at (616) 866-2000 or visit rockfordmichamber.com.

The EXPO’s Sponsors include:

• Performance Stage Sponsor: CedarRock Dental Care PC
• Business Advertising Sponsor: Kohley’s EcoWater Systems
• Mascot Sponsor: Independent Bank – Meet “Swift” the Eagle

EXPO 2009 Steering Committee Members are as follows:

• Andy Tidey, The Corner Bar
• Brenda Davis, Rockford Chamber of Commerce
• Cheryl Koster, Independent Bank
• Dr. Michael Shibler, Rockford Public Schools
• Jason Robinet, Health Motion Physical Therapy Services, Inc.
• Linda Southwick, LSS Holdings
• Rosemary Jeruzal, CedarRock Dental Care, PC
• Timothy Offer, National City Bank

CAJUN STYLE--—Kaylee and Scott Koslowske are about to try a new Cajun recipe for this year’s Bridges dinner.

Continuing a tradition going on nearly a decade, the Rockford Diversity committee invites the public to another fun day at the Wolverine World Wide YMCA in Belmont on Sunday, March 22. Beginning at 1 p.m., the YMCA, 6555 Jupiter Road, will again graciously allow free access to all their facilities including the rock climbing wall, basketball courts and the swimming pool.

To provide a better understanding of the diverse cultures in and around our community, the committee has invited Rick Wilson from WTKG’s Radio in Black and White to facilitate fascinating interactive activities for guests of all ages. Visitors will be able to choose from several workshops that Rick has found to be highly successful in the Word-Up/Word-Out program which has helped thousands of students be more aware of hurtful stereotypes not only among races, but social cliques as well.

The talented Reverend David May has also accepted the invitation to be this year’s keynote speaker. Reverend May was instrumental in launching the faith-based Institutes for Healing Racism through GRACE (the Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism).

As always, everyone is encouraged to bring a dish reflecting their own heritage to share at the potluck dinner which takes place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Beverages, utensils and tableware will be provided. For those uncomfortable cooking for a crowd, bring a store-bought item or come without and enjoy the wide array of different food.

The members of the Rockford Diversity committee believe that it is difficult to find opportunities for families in the Rockford area to interact with people from other cultures. That is why they are hoping everyone will take advantage of this free and fun family event.
For more details call Diane Karasiewicz at (616) 863-6556 or visit www.rockfordschools.com/diversity.

Wild Game Dinner at Algoma Baptist Church

Enjoy dishes made with wild game at the Algoma Baptist Church on Saturday, March 21 at 6 p.m. This annual event draws hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts each year with a wide variety of flavors and a high-quality speaker. This year hear Bill Jenkin III, author of Lessons Learned in the Woods.

In addition to the dinner speaker and Wild Game Mount Wall of Fame, there are also a variety of door prizes to be won.

Speaker Bill Jenkin III was raised in the heart of the Rockies in western Montana. Growing up in the mountains and isolated from towns and even neighbors, Bill would disappear into the wilderness for long stretches of time.

Some of the mounts on display

His childhood offered abundant opportunities to observe nature in its majesty and beauty, sparking an early appreciation for God’s creation.
Bill has enjoyed many exciting, thrilling and dangerous adventures in the woods, which he loves to share with others. He finds humor and practical advice in his experiences.

Come join in for an entertaining evening with Bill, good fellowship, and of course, the great food. Tickets are just a $4 donation, and bring a wild game dish to pass. Beverages and dessert will be provided. For tickets call: Bob Eluskie: 616-887-2575, Algoma Baptist Church, 10515 Grange Ave., Rockford.

The hardworking magnet has put this together with the help of parent volunteers and teachers. They have all been working three months to be ready for the public to view their hard work.

Performances will be at noon on March 24 and 25, and 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on March 26 at the NRMS auditorium.

North Rockford Middle School (NRMS) fine arts magnet is putting a twist on happily every after by performing Sleeping Beauty ’70s style!

The hardworking magnet has put this together with the help of parent volunteers and teachers. They have all been working three months to be ready for the public to view their hard work.

Performances will be at noon on March 24 and 25, and 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on March 26 at the NRMS auditorium.

70′S STYLE-Donning partial costumes for their Sleeping Beauty performance in ’70s style are (l-r) Emily Gordon, Jenna Brown and Jessica Blackport, all of North Rockford Middle School’s fine arts magnet.

Mr. Duiven and his crew are working hard to make this the ”s history. There is a cast of 83 not including countless stage crew, pit band members, and numerous volunteers. Leads include Dani McDonald as the beautiful Belle, Brett Johnson as the proud Beast, Brett Wiesenauer plays Belle’s Father, Maurice, the handsome, but not too bright, Gaston, is played by Jordon Bornand, and of course, his faithful companion, LeFou, played by Josiah Grimm. This production is the perfect place to bring your family to escape from the cold, late winter air into a place where magic and dreams come true.

Tickets for the musical are $10 per person for reserved seats. Ticket sales began March 2, 2009. Weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the RHS box office. For more information please call 863-6031, ext. 7087 or www.rockfordchoirs.com. Escape with your family to an enchanted place where luminaries dance and tea pots sing!

Last year’s Expo drew over 11,000 visitors and this year promises to be even better. See some participating businesses on page 5 of this week’s Squire and watch for next week’s Expo article for more information.

The kids had a good time looking at papers over 100 years old and guessing what has stayed the same in the newspaper industry as well as what has changed over the years. The kids were from Cub Scout Pack 3283 from Assumption school and Belmont Elementary. They are (back, left to right) Steven Pakiela, Kevin Pakiela, Edward Frey, Ryan Karwowski, (front) Brady Karwowski, Scott Ungrey and John Bina. Thanks for visiting, kids and parents!

Tickets are $10.00 per child for the first two siblings and $5.00 for each one after the first two. Accompanying adult is free. For tickets visit www.rockfordchoirs.com. Print the form and mail as directed. Tickets to the “Tea” do not include or guarantee tickets to the musical. Tickets must be ordered by March 17, 2009. Escape with your family into a world of music, magic, and dreams!

Through Second Harvest Gleaners “Mobile Food Pantry” program, this local congregation has been able to provide approximately 7,500 pounds of produce, dairy, bread and other food items each month to families who come to their Mobile Food Pantry events.

During 2008, over 75,000 pounds of food was distributed to over 1,300 families, representing a value of over $160,000 if purchased at retail. This program has helped families dealing with the effects of job loss, illness, and other issues make ends meet during difficult economic conditions.

Each month, more than 25 St. Stephen volunteers of all ages take part in unloading, repacking, and carrying out boxes, bags and cartloads of food. Volunteers report being touched and blessed in many ways by this opportunity to serve their neighbors.

From spring to fall, food distribution takes place in the church’s large and conveniently located parking lot, at the corner of Northland Drive and Rogue River, with the entrance off Kuttshill Drive. During cold months, distribution is moved indoors.

St. Stephen’s Mobile Food Pantry will be held on the third Monday of each month through 2009, with the next event March 16. Distribution begins not later than 5 p.m.

All area families experiencing financial hardship are invited and welcome.