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

Rockford City Manager Michael Young spoke to residents on Thursday, March 12 at City Hall about the future of the tannery property. Residents asked about saving jobs, seeking new, clean industry, and other possibilities for the Wolverine properties.

Rockford City Manager Michael Young spoke to residents on Thursday, March 12 at City Hall about the future of the tannery property. Residents asked about saving jobs, seeking new, clean industry, and other possibilities for the Wolverine properties.

City leaders invited homeowners adjacent to the properties up for redevelopment when Wolverine closes tannery operations in Rockford, but many others also showed up for the first of many open house-style meetings.

According to City Mayor Chi Chi Rogers, future meetings will likely be held in a larger venue-such as one of Rockford’s middle schools-in order to accommodate what will likely be a large crowd.

In a large crowd for City Chambers, residents asked many questions regarding the future of several downtown properties. “Everything that’s not on the hill,” Young said of the five separate Wolverine parcels around town that face uncertain future use. Of greatest concern is the largest: the tannery, offices and parking on North Main Street.

“At this point, nothing is off the table,” said City Manager Michael Young. He pointed out that the announcement of the tannery closing is still relatively new and nothing has yet been decided or proposed from Wolverine.

“We got a big job in the next couple of months trying to get our arms around it… We are trying to get in front of this a little bit and steer it in a way that will be best for the community.”

Young pointed out to residents that the City does not own this property and cannot completely control what Wolverine decides to do.

He said in Rockford a demolition permit, not permission, is needed to tear a structure down. After the meeting he said trying to stop demolition by “slapping a historic designation on a building is a Gestapo tactic that I do not agree with.”

When a tannery employee took offense at the City’s interest in the redevelopment, Young said the City is not happy with the tannery closing.

“Please don’t think our eyes are all atwinkle and we are thrilled with this,” Young stated.

Another resident said Rockford was “too much cake and ice cream and not enough meat and potatoes… How many boutique-y shops do we need?”

Young said ideally the City would like to see some park potential for the riverfront property and look at a mixed use for the rest.

“What we don’t want as a City is for Wolverine to go off in a corner and come up with a plan and then say, ‘Here it is, what do you think?’ We don’t think Wolverine wants that any more than the City does. From a planning process we are probably looking at a several-months-long process of meetings like this,” he stated.

“I’d rather have ten of these than hold one public meeting and say we’ve fulfilled our statutory requirements.”

Zach Juliena and Kameron Ford have a few things to say to President Obama. Their letters will be published in a book and presented to the President.

Who wouldn’t like the chance to steer our highest elected official in the right direction for the United States? For two Meadow Ridge Elementary students, words to the country’s new president are to become a page in history. All three fifth-grade classes at Meadow Ridge took part in a nation-wide project by kidthing, Connecting Kids Project in partnership with the National Education Association. Students sent letters to President Obama expressing their thoughts and hopes for the future. From over 4,500 submissions, 150 were to be chosen to be published in a book.

With such odds, students set to their task, but had no guarantee any of the Rockford letters would make the cut.

Teachers Christine Stall and Mr. Frasier were surprised when their students Zach Julien and Kameron Ford came in to school with letters of congratulations. Their letters were among the few chosen by kidthing to be included in the publication, available free on-line, as well as in a limited print edition to be presented to President Obama at the White House.

“It’s a once-in-a lifetime thing,” said Stall. “It is important for kids to see that writing is important outside of completing assignments and turning them in to their teachers.”

“I think it was neat for kids this age to see a real world lesson come from this project,” said Frasier, who said he has never written a letter to the president himself.

The winning words from Zach, prefaced by “I have some ideas for you to think about,” go on to ask for more jobs for Michigan. He also tells the president to consider finding ways to use garbage to create energy, an original idea he came up with after a school lesson on electricity. Zach said he believes the hardest job the president faces is trying to figure out how much money to spend and where it should go.

Kameron was looking to make a visual statement. He spent several days perfecting a flag-themed letter, experimenting with the number of lines and deciding on 13 in honor of the 13 colonies. Brief and to the point, Kameron’s letter said he believes Barack Obama will be the best president ever. He said he thinks the hardest part of the president’s job is deciding what to sign into law.

As Rockford watches to see what Capital Hill has in store for the country, we can hope the ideas of our youngsters will offer a little guidance. As Zach wrote, “So you know, I am just a kid, but I am the next generation and my ideas might work, so think about it.”

Ironically, in Meadow Ridge’s presidential election John McCain was the victor, as he also was in the City of Rockford.

Kent County Sheriffs Department deputies reported Tuesday, March17, an investigation of the suspicious deaths of two individuals in Grattan Township. Two people were found dead in their residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. Investigators from the sheriff’s office were on the scene Tuesday afternoon and were in the process of obtaining a search warrant.

According to Lt. Kevin Kelly, “This investigation is in its infancy. Information will be disseminated to the media as it becomes available.” The names of the individuals were not released as of press time Tuesday.

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.

LOOKING GOOD-can cost less. Donate dresses for Relay For Life at Double Take in downtown Rockford to feel good. To look good, visit the sale April 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A lament over the high cost of prom dresses lead to another successful Rockford Relay For Life fundraisers. Jenn Hephner, formerly president of the Rockford Jaycees, is hoping for a repeat success of Dress For A Cure, a Relay fundraiser that will also benefit those who love a great bargain on the hottest styles.

Hephner, who is organizing the event this year for the Relay team Live Laugh Cure, came up with the idea last year when she heard the mother of a teenage girl complain about the expense of finding a dress for prom. Hephner began a campaign to collect dresses-including brand new dresses from designers across the country-and offer them for sale at great prices. All proceeds went to Rockford’s Relay For Life.

The collection and sale were an overwhelming successes. Over 200 dresses were donated and all but two sold, bringing in a total of over $1,700 for the annual event to raise money for cancer research. This year donations have been slower and Hephner hopes Rockford’s women and high school girls will look into their hearts and closets.

“Do you have the closet of 27 Dresses?” Hephner asks. She believes, despite last year’s deluge, that there are plenty more dresses that deserve a second chance to shine. In addition, this year Hephner has the help of Double Take, a resale shop located at 31 Courtland in downtown Rockford. With drop off hours of Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., those with 9 to 5 jobs will be able to stop by on a Saturday to deliver their goods. Dresses can also be dropped off at The Rockford Squire newspaper at 331 Northland Drive.

The sale itself is scheduled in time for prom and is a great way to buy a beautiful dress for less. It will be April 17 and 18 at Double Take from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If cleaning a closet can contribute to finding a cure for cancer, it is well worth the time and effort. For more information email Hephner at whephner63@charter.net.

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.

James D. Zwiers - President, Outdoor Group, Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. has announced the appointment of James D. Zwiers to the position of president, outdoor group. The company’s outdoor group consists of the Merrell, Chaco and Patagonia Footwear brands.

Since joining the company in 1998, Zwiers has had broad experience in brand and business strategy, and retail, domestic and international wholesale, licensing, acquisitions and port-
folio development.

He most recently served as senior vice president of the company with responsibility for retail, business development and other areas.

As president of the outdoor group, Zwiers will lead the company’s global Merrell, Patagonia Footwear and Chaco businesses, and he will remain a senior vice president of the company with responsibility for the retail group.

March 28, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Free, all-ages presentation about birds at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
• Borrow binoculars and a bird book, or make a pinecone birdfeeder ($1 each).
• Birdhouse building station ($10 per person), quantity limited.

Preparing for a prescribed burn

April 4, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Learn about the benefits of prescribed burning along with the legal considerations, contractor information, and if weather permits, a demonstration burn. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at www.stewardshipnetwork.org, or call HCNC by March 30.

For directions and more information visit www.kentconservation.org/hcnc. Volunteers are needed for the pancake breakfast and to pack seedlings (April 14-16) for the seedling sale. Please call if you can help. We look forward to seeing you this spring!