Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner
General Sales Manager Brent Hughes
Sales Manager Brad Hughes
Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of
Larry Fairbairn
Summer Festivals
Get ready, Rockford-area revelers! Summer festivals are rolling in, and I, for one, cannot wait to attend these events.
Festa Italiana, Aug. 1-3
Am I putting this one first because it’s literally our cover story? Perhaps. But I genuinely LOVE this festival. Picture a weekend bursting with Italian pride… vibrant performances, traditional music and family recipes passed down through generations. Homemade sauce, tiramisu towers and pasta galore is just the beginning.
Boone County Fair, Aug. 5-10
I love a classic county fair. Held in nearby Belvidere, this can’t-miss event delivers livestock shows, demolition derbies and a midway full of carnival excitement, in addition to country singer Justin Moore headlining on Saturday night this year. From funnel cakes to talent showcases, the whole shebang is nostalgia served on a stick.
Winnebago County Fair, Aug. 13-17
A hometown highlight, this fair captures community spirit at its core. From 4-H exhibits to tractor pulls, it’s where neighbors laugh over cotton candy and share selfies in front of farm animals (or maybe that was just me). With nightly entertainment, the fair delivers music, laughter and the kind of magic that lingers long after the rides stop spinning.
Polish Fest, Aug. 17
For a bold, cultural jam-packed weekend, Polish Fest is simply the best. Pierogi, Paczki and other Polish delights await. As an honorary Pole (thanks to marrying my Polish husband), I can tell you this festival is a joyful celebration packed with rich traditions, mouthwatering food and enough polka music to keep your feet moving all day.
Across our region, these festivals bring communities together with flavor, music and pure summer delight. Whether you crave ethnic eats, livestock action or carnival energy, these events offer memorable experiences at every turn. Hope to see you there! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
In His Image
God is spirit and we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). Spirit has no gender or appearance.
Our human bodies are wonderfully made, but temporary. God is far more concerned about the content of our minds and hearts than our physical appearance.
Scripture has little to say about physical appearance except when it directly relates to the narrative. For example, Esau was hairy and ruddy, a fact which helped his twin brother, Jacob, to cheat Esau from his birthright; Goliath was “a giant,” which caused David to rely upon his faith when slaying him; and Esther was a beautiful Jewess, which helped her to gain favor with an antisemitic king.
The Bible records many instances when people are influenced by physical appearance (i.e. Jacob loved beautiful Rachel more than weak-eyed Leah), but in no place does God favor or disfavor people based upon their appearance.
It’s revealing that scripture provides no physical description of Jesus Christ. Every way in which we’re told to emulate him is related to character, not looks.
How foolish and evil it must be to God that humans persecute one another on the basis of traits no person can control; the skin color, gender and looks with which we’re born.
After Christ came and made the holy spirit of God available to all who choose to believe and receive it, Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 NIV).
In the Old Testament, when God sends Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint a new king of Israel, Samuel wrongly assumes one of Jesse’s older, bigger sons is God’s choice. God tells him, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7 NIV)
To be imitators of Jesus Christ, we must do likewise. ❚ –Janine Pumilia
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Becoming a Patient at Beloit Cancer Center
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Dick Johnson never thought he’d be a patient at the very hospital where he’d volunteered for more than two decades. But in 2023, he wasn’t able to donate blood because his blood counts were a little too low.
For a while, his doctor simply monitored his blood counts, but eventually she sent him to the Beloit Cancer Center to see Dr. Walter Vogel, an oncologist and hematologist.
“He did some testing and said we’re going to continue to monitor for six months. At the end of that six months –we’re now into the fall of 2023, in October – he said, ‘I would like you to do a bone marrow biopsy,’” Johnson says. “Beloit Clinic sent the results to Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, and the test results came back that I had acute myeloid leukemia.”
Within days, Vogel had Johnson
transferred to the Carbone Cancer Center at the University of WisconsinMadison – the two hospitals are affiliated – and he underwent his first round of chemotherapy.
For a while, Johnson drove to Madison for weekly labs. Eventually, after prescribing a new medication and seeing good results, his doctor transferred him back to Beloit.
“So, instead of having to drive to Madison two to three times a week for labs, I could go to the Beloit Cancer Center, which is only a mile from my house,” Johnson says.
“We feel blessed that in a city the size of Beloit we have the cancer center,” Johnson adds. “I’ve been a volunteer at the hospital for 22 years. I’m just pleased that if I have to do this journey, I can do it with them.”
Unfortunately, Johnson is no longer in remission. It might seem like a grueling ordeal for him – and his wife, Charlotte, but Johnson remains positive.
“I’m doing OK,” he says. “I have my days where I’m pretty tired – leukemia can wear you down a bit – but I’m honestly feeling pretty well. I’m happy to be doing it the way I’m doing it.”
That means receiving top-of-theline care in his hometown, at his home hospital system, with his home doctors: right place, right time, right people. ❚
Dick Johnson feels a true connection with his new oncologist, Dr. Edward Nabrinksy of Beloit Health System.
A Full Plate of Tradition, Music & Fun
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
For nearly half a century, Festa Italiana has brought the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy to Rockford, and this year’s festival promises to carry on that rich tradition with even more to enjoy. Festa Italiana returns August 1-3 on the grounds of Boylan Catholic High School, offering a jam-packed weekend of authentic Italian food, lively entertainment and family-friendly fun –all rooted in a deep sense of community and heritage.
Founded 46 years ago by Whitey Marinelli and Corky Corirossi, Festa Italiana began as a way to unite Rockford’s Italian-American community and celebrate shared culture, says Joy Parlapiano, event coordinator. What started as a simple gathering has evolved into a beloved three-day event that draws visitors and residents from across the region.
“Festa Italiana is the longest running festival in Rockford,” Parlapiano says. “The executive board works on Festa all year round and when that first weekend of August comes, and you see the community enjoy your hard work, there is just nothing like that feeling.”
One of the festival’s biggest draws is its homemade food that’s truly homemade. Unlike many other festivals, Festa Italiana doesn’t rely on outside food vendors, Parlapiano says. Instead, dedicated local families and volunteers prepare traditional Italian dishes entirely from scratch.
“Our food is unique because we make everything ourselves,” Parlapiano explains. “The sauce which we call ‘sugo’ is made by the Tarara family at the
beginning of the week, and they make 250 gallons that is used for not only pasta, but all of our dishes that contain red sauce, such as Arancini, which is a Italian rice ball stuffed with rice, cheese, meat and peas made by the Costa family.”
In addition to pasta and Arancini, attendees can expect a feast of Italian favorites, all crafted with tradition in mind.
Festa Italiana serves homemade dishes made entirely from scratch Aug. 1-3 at Boylan Catholic High School’s grounds.
This year’s entertainment lineup features a mix of rock, pop, country and tribute acts. On Friday night, festivalgoers can enjoy country group In the Stix followed by Dirty Pop, a high-energy band playing today’s hits. Saturday’s headliner is The Prince Experience, a crowd-favorite tribute show that’s previously rocked the stage at Hard Rock Casino Rockford. Local favorite Stevee Nix opens the night.
Sunday wraps up with That 70’s Band and Cherry Pie, a popular Wisconsin-based group known for its ’80s hair band covers. Italian singers Vince Amore and Jack Miuccio also perform throughout the weekend, alongside the Amici Dance Troupe.
Performances do not require an additional ticket – all entertainment is included in the $8 festival admission, Parlapiano adds.
Beyond music and food, Festa Italiana offers plenty of activities for families and children. Carnival rides are
available all weekend, with unlimited ride wristbands offered Saturday from 1–6 p.m. and Sunday from 12–7 p.m. A dedicated kids’ craft tent offers face painting and creative projects, while bocce tournaments bring a touch of competitive spirit to the festivities.
Beyond music and food, Festa Italiana offers carnival rides, a kids’ craft tent, bocce tournaments, a culture tent and more.
This year, the Culture Tent highlights Sicily, offering food demonstrations, storytelling and cooking lessons that showcase the island’s distinctive culinary and cultural traditions.
Full festival hours are Friday from 5-11p.m. and Saturday from noon-11p.m. Sunday morning begins with a Catholic mass at 10 a.m. celebrated by Bishop David Malloy, a tradition that honors the festival’s spiritual roots. The festival commences afterwards until 8 p.m.
According to Parlapiano, Festa
Italiana has thrived for years due to the passion of those who bring it to life.
“I’m most proud of how we’ve kept the tradition alive for 46 years,” she says.
“We are proud to provide a festival that not only highlights the Italian community but welcomes all ethnic heritages in our community. This festival invites everyone of all ethnicities. Please join us where friends become family.”
For more information or to purchase admission in advance, visit FestaItalianaRockford.com. ❚
Jaw-Dropping Finds at Historic Attractions
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Where can you see a piece of
JFK’s birthday cake, Houdini’s straitjacket and a Batmobile, all under one roof? Step into Historic Attractions, in Rockford, and you’ll find the kinds of curiosities, icons and collectibles that most people only see in books or on screen.
It all started in the late ’80s when Wayne Lensing, a local entrepreneur with an eye for the extraordinary, began collecting historic vehicles. As his reputation on the auction circuit grew, so did his inventory. Private sellers, collectors and estates came knocking.
Lensing realized he had the makings of an incredible tourism destination, and in 2001, Historic Attractions was born.
“There’s more than 25 years of passion in this building,” says Museum Director Alex Merry.
Beyond the lobby and gift shop, an eclectic collection of extraordinary items
awaits, including a slice of President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday cake, from the night Marilyn Monroe famously serenaded him on May 19, 1962. The exhibit also features Monroe’s event ticket and car rental slip from that evening.
The Lincoln exhibit includes relics like Mary Todd Lincoln’s black mourning veil, which her son, Robert Todd Lincoln, passed down, and one of the coins people placed over President Lincoln’s eyelids after his death. Nearby, the Gangsterland exhibit opens with the teller stand from a bank Jesse James robbed in New Hope, Ky., a prized acquisition Lensing long sought.
“That’s Wayne’s style,” Merry says. “He never stops adding.”
Historic Attractions also hosts engaging events like Paranormal Investigations on July 26, where ghost hunters can spy for specters. Dinner at the Museum on Aug. 9 features Lensing sharing stories and answering questions about exhibits. A Cruise Night on Aug. 13 invites classic car lovers to display their vehicles. ❚
For more information, visit historicattractionsmuseum.com.
Harry Houdini’s authentic escape gear, including a floor-length burlap straitjacket, custom handcuffs and his travel trunk stops visitors in their tracks, much like the original promotional Batmobile from the 1989 “Batman” film. Plans for a full Bat Cave exhibit around the car are underway.
Historic Attractions displays iconic items, such as Mary Todd Lincoln’s mourning veil.
Circle of Wellness Has New Services
By Peggy Werner
Circle of Wellness continues to grow, expanding both its size and the range of services it offers. Founder and owner Leila Kayser-McQueen says the goal is to help people achieve optimal health at affordable prices.
“We started out many years ago offering only massage therapy, but we do so much more and no one in the area has the variety of wellness treatments we have,” she says.
Since moving to 1820 Windsor Road in Loves Park three years ago, the business doubled its space, expanded services and increased staff to 35 employees.
The newest services include red light therapy, which accelerates healing, boosts circulation and energy, and relieves pain; and scalp therapy, which blends soothing techniques with products made of natural and medicinal ingredients for relaxation,
improved circulation and enhanced overall well-being.
The Stretch Center offers patients a personalized plan to increase range of motion and mobility, relieve muscle tension, boost circulation and help them feel rejuvenated.
Circle of Wellness also boasts registered nurse Alicia Shelton, a boardcertified naturopathic doctor and certified Lyme Disease specialist. Her specialty combines science with traditional and natural approaches to identify and treat root causes of disease, rather than just the symptoms.
“These services add to our goals of treating the body inside and out,” KayserMcQueen says, adding that self-care is more important than ever.
“People need and want healthy outlets,” she says. “My main mission has
always been to make health care more affordable for people.”
Other services at Circle of Wellness include pain management, chiropractic services, acupuncture, laser hair removal, body sculpting, nutrition counseling and skin care treatment and products. Future plans include building up the MedSpa, which focuses on skin care, adding more options at the stretch center and increasing naturopathic services.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (779) 423-1700 or visit circleofwellnessrockford.com. ❚
Discover Personalized Care & Community
By Peggy Werner
At Grand Victorian of Rockford
Assisted Living, 3495 McFarland Road, residents can maintain their individuality and independence while fostering a strong sense of community.
“It takes a dedicated team to create a truly individualized plan for each resident,” says executive director Dianna Romero. “Every person we care for has unique needs, preferences and life experiences. Our staff collaborates closely to offer activities, services and accommodations that help each resident feel genuinely at home.”
The team includes department heads, staff, residents and their families or caregivers.
A wide range of on-site services enhance comfort, health and quality of life. A nurse practitioner is always on duty, and residents have access to
a laboratory, mobile X-ray services, pharmacy support, counseling, hospice and palliative care, as well as in-house rehabilitation for speech, occupational and physical therapies.
The holistic model of care also prioritizes mental health, Romero says. Grand Victorian recently launched a new mental health support group that already is making a meaningful impact among residents.
“Many residents face a difficult emotional transition when moving into assisted living,” Romero adds. “Giving up a home, a car and other personal possessions can feel like losing independence. That sense of loss often leads to depression, sleep deprivation and anxiety.”
The staff helps residents adjust by focusing on what they gain by moving to Grand Victorian.
The team also makes intentional efforts to build friendships by introducing residents who share similar hobbies, careers or life experiences.
An aesthetically pleasing building is important, too.
“We put a lot of care into maintaining a clean, comfortable, home-like setting, and our staff is truly family-oriented and friendly,” Romero says.
For more information or to schedule a tour, call (815) 654-1400. ❚
Grand Victorian of Rockford Assisted Living helps residents to maintain their quality of life.
Rockford’s Decade of Creative Rebellion
Trough Sept. 28, Turs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Te exhibit celebrates the dynamic and innovative art scene of Rockford in the 1990s, showcasing the work of more than 20 local artists who lef a signifcant mark on the community’s artistic landscape. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Wynnona Judd: Te Greatest Hits Tour
July 25, 7 p.m. Beyond the groundbreaking music she and her mother created as Te Judds, she has grown into her own and emerged as a singular force in American music. Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (779) 269-9010, casino.hardrock.com.
Woodsong – Te Groove Hotel
July 27, 6-8 p.m. Hear sounds of swing, nova, funk, rock, samba and gospel. Bring your own blankets, chairs or other seating, food and drink. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Starlight: ‘Te Wedding Singer”
July 30-Aug. 3, Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. Te Adam Sandler flm comes to life on the stage, complete with the comedian’s laugh-out-loud
lyrics and unforgettable 1980s rock ‘n’ roll. Starlight Teatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Boone County Fair
Aug. 5-10, see website for times. Justin Moore and Noah Hicks are this year’s headliners, performing Sat. 7 p.m. Other attractions include a carnival, ranch sorting competition, grandstand shows and more. Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Ill. Rt. 76, Belvidere, boonecountyfair.com.
Pastries and Perseids
Aug. 13, 4-6 a.m. Join the staf at the shelter house for an early morning viewing of the Perseids meteor showers, which is known as one of the most prolifc of the year. Bring a lawn chair and make wishes on a shooting star. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Winnebago County Fair
Aug. 13-17, events daily. Carnival opens at noon each day. Receive one free admission ticket with two non-perishable food items to beneft the Rockford Rescue Mission. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1641, winnebagocountyfair.com.
Entertainment & Events
Polish Fest
Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Music and dancing all day, kids games, bingo; ethnic foods include pierogi, potato pancakes, pastries, Polish sausage, sauerkraut, domestic and Polish beer, and more. St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford, (815) 965-3913, st-stanislaus.org.
Foreigner
Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. One of the most popular rock bands in history, with 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits to their name, returns to Rockford with a lineup of beloved tunes. Coronado Teatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronado.asmrockford.com. ❚
The Boone County & Winnebago County Fairs happen Aug. 5-10 and Aug. 13-17, respectively.
