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May 24 - Aug 30, 2025
June 6 - 8, 2025
June 18, 2025
July 9 - 13, 2025
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August 1 -2, 2025
Aug 27 - Sept 1, 2025
October 18, 2025
Elkhorn, WI
2025 events
@Neon Nights @Walworth County Fair
@Elkhorn Oktoberfest
@Antique Flea Market
@Saturdays on the Square
@Elkhorn Christmas Paradet
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden
Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas
Managing Editor Jim Taylor
Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi
Graphics Director Samantha Behling
Graphic Designer Ashley Smith
Contributing Writers
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 Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes
Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn
Artificial Intelligence
It’s about time I wrote a column about Artificial Intelligence, specifically, chatGPT.
The truth is, if I had a dollar for every person who asked me if I use chatGPT for this job… I’d be able to afford at least a venti drink from Starbucks. And you KNOW those drinks are getting more and more expensive.
I try to respond with something witty, but usually in the moment I just say “No. I don’t.”
I’m not saying artificial intelligence, and chatGPT in particular, is evil. I admit that I’ve used it to ask for recipes and other miscellaneous ideas. I may have once asked it to write a roast of Rockford… just to see what it would say.
My conclusion on chatGPT is that while it’s oftentimes harmless… we should still all be vigilant of its existence. Do not rely on any unsourced “facts” generated by this tool, as they could easily be inaccurate. And I don’t know much about personal data and how that all works, but I imagine there could be some privacy risks associated with using this software.
As AI tools advance, I think support of trustworthy journalism is of the utmost importance, for both accuracy and linguistic nuance. I’m not worried that chatGPT will stifle my own personal creativity, but I do worry about what would happen if everyone else over-depended on it.
By the way… some Gen Z-ers taught me that you can “always” tell if someone used ChatGPT by looking for hyphens when reading. Apparently, the software loves this form of punctuation. I’ve always been partial to hyphens (and parentheses) when writing, so now I almost feel that I need to change my writing style lest someone think I’m actually a robot! It’s my current sad violin problem. You don’t need to feel sorry for me.
I accept that this software is here to stay. It’s outside of my control. However, I encourage you to stay alert and recognize its limitations. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
A Perfect Parallel
On Easter Sunday, April 20, we celebrated Jesus Christ’s victory over death and the eternal life he made possible for us. The Easter season then continues for another 50 days. Why?
After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared in his new spiritual body for 40 days, talking with people about the kingdom of God. Before he ascended into clouds, he told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem. Why?
“But you will receive power when holy spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Ten days later, the 50th day postresurrection, God filled believers with holy spirit, empowering them to carry Christ’s ministry across the globe. We call this birthday of the church “Pentecost” (Pente means 50). It’s interesting that scripture doesn’t reveal the day or month of Jesus’ birth, but it clearly tells us when his church was born. We know it was 50 days after the resurrection. Jesus was betrayed by Judas after sharing a Passover meal (Seder) with his disciples. By then, Jews had been celebrating Passover each spring for many centuries, in remembrance of Israel’s liberation from Egyptian slavery.
The 10th plague of Egypt was death of a family’s firstborn child. But death “passed over” Jewish homes smeared with a sacrificial lamb’s blood. (Exodus 12). Fifty days after leaving Egypt, God gave law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This law guided Israel for 14 centuries until Christ came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
Just as lamb’s blood spared Jewish firstborn slaves from death, so the blood of Jesus, the perfect lamb of God, spared we believers from eternal death.
The perfect parallel events – the giving of the law and the giving of holy spirit – each 50 days after God freed his children from death – is breathtaking.
Pentecost is June 8. It’s seven weeks after Easter, which is the first Sunday after, but never on, the first full moon after the spring equinox – when hours of light and darkness are about even. He is risen indeed! ❚
--Janine Pumilia
Louie Bellson Music Festival Rocks On
By Peggy Werner
Josh
Duffee, a professional drummer and percussion instructor of Davenport, Iowa, is among the musicians honoring the life and legacy of Louie Bellson, a world-renowned composer, arranger, bandleader and jazz drummer born in Rock Falls.
The Louie Bellson Music Festival features a drum clinic and live music from 11:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Sat., June 7 at two locations. Food vendors will be on site.
Duffee, who will be performing at the festival with his band, Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters, was a teen when he first met Bellson. He is considered a Bellson historian because of his extensive research on the musician, their friendship, and conversations with others who knew him.
“We graduated from the same high
school, 56 years apart,” Duffee says. “I learned about him when I was in the music program. At 16, I went to the Louie Bellson Jazz Festival to participate in a drum competition and drum clinic with Louie. I met him, bought two of his CDs, and was forever inspired by him.
“When he came back the following year, he remembered my name,” Duffee continues. “We started talking about famous drummers from the 1920s and ‘30s and kept in touch. He told me I was unique, being a young person who liked old music. I’m a better musician because of him and he always said the best musicians never stop learning. I’ve always kept that in the back of my mind.”
Bellson was born in Rock Falls on July 6, 1924. He passed away on Feb. 14, 2009.
Duffee says it’s ironic Bellson died
on Valentine’s Day because “he was the sweetest guy.”
“Louie was probably one of the nicest gentlemen I ever met. He always had a smile on his face, never said a bad word about anyone, loved his career, his music, performing and talking with young people about music.”
The Louie Bellson Music Festival honors the life and legacy of the multi-talented artist.
Melinda Jones, director of Rock Falls Tourism and Events, says the Louie Bellson Music Festival takes place each year to celebrate the legacy of the talented artist.
“We just want everyone to remember Louie,” she says. “He was famous around the world and we want to celebrate his life and music. We don’t want to forget him because he never forgot us.”
The festival opens with a drum clinic led by award-winning Gregg Potter, drummer with The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at
The McCormick Event Center, 205 E. 3rd St. A collection of Bellson memorabilia will be on display at the clinic.
Live bands will perform outdoors beginning at 1 p.m. at the RB&W District, 205 E. 2nd St. In case of rain, the event moves to The Centennial Auditorium, 19 E. Miller Road, Sterling.
Featured bands this year include Yorkville Big Band, performing a wide genre of sounds from the ‘40s and ‘50s with modern arrangements of famous big bands. Avey Grouws Band brings a raw, powerful roots rock sound infused with blues and soul. Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters play music composed and arranged by Bellson, along with songs that were recorded by
him. Rare Element has a reputation for its high-intensity live shows featuring funk music with elements of soul, jazz and R&B.
As a composer and author, Bellson wrote more than 1,000 compositions and more than a dozen books. He was a six-time Grammy nominee and received the prestigious American Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1994.
He performed in most of the major capitals around the world. Along with his late wife, actress and singer, Pearl Bailey, he holds the record of having the second highest number of White House appearances, behind only Bob Hope.
Bellson performed on more than 200 albums, with such greats as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Woody Herman, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Louie Armstrong and Tony Bennett. For more information, visit visitrockfalls.com. ❚
The music festival takes place rain or shine on June 7 from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Bellson was born and raised in Rock Falls and made sure to visit over the years.
Garden Fair Blooms at Klehm Arboretum
By Peggy Werner
Klehm
Arboretum & Botanic
Garden’s Garden Fair Weekend brings together vendors showcasing and selling plants and other spring-themed items at 2715 S. Main Street.
About 70 regional vendors will be featured at the event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 31, and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 1.
“Garden Fair Weekend is an invitation for people to come out and visit Klehm in the spring,” says Executive Director Alex Mills. “Our vision for Klehm is to be northern Illinois’ top outdoor destination for families, with something for everyone to do, learn and enjoy while being outdoors every season of the year.”
New this year are 30- to 40-minute educational programs led by guest speakers from Morton Arboretum and Chicago Region Trees Initiative.
Programs occur throughout the day in the Clarcor Pavilion classroom on topics such as “Composting for Beginners,” “An Introduction to Foodscaping,” and “Native Trees for Home Landscapes.”
One of the new vendors this year is Aaron Carlin of 360 Grace Woodworks, LLC. He calls himself a “woodworker artist” and creates finely detailed, colorful, layered wood cutouts in a variety of designs, including nature scenes, animals, city maps, mandalas and more.
“I love it when people come to see my work and say they have never seen anything like it. People love seeing something new,” he says.
Additionally, Klehm’s Fountain Garden turns into a weekend-long “Learning and Education Garden,” where non-profit organizations with a focus on gardening, nature, conservation and
the environment offer information about their work to attendees. Live music and food court access is included.
Other items for sale at Garden Fair include native wildflowers, hanging baskets, grasses, garden art, birdhouses, jewelry, candles, stone art, nature photography, all natural gourmet dips, statues, windchimes and more.
Presale tickets are $10 at several retail garden locations; check Klehm.org. Tickets are $12 at the gate and free for Klehm members and kids under 12 years old. All money raised goes to improve the arboretum’s grounds and gardens. ❚
Treatment Options for Arthritis
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Dr. Dimitrios Fanopoulos is a rheumatologist with a geriatric specialty at Beloit Health System. One of the most common reasons patients come to see him is because of pain, connected with their loss of ability to do activities that were easy for them in the past.
A lot of those symptoms can be associated with arthritis, an inflammation of joints that typically affects the aging population, though there are some forms that do affect young people.
In fact, 95% of elderly patients have degenerative arthritis, but that doesn’t mean they all feel debilitating pain, Fanopoulos says. Some might have severe arthritis but not much pain.
When patients do complain of pain, there are always treatment options. Pain medication is not always the first option.
Physical therapy should come first, Fanopoulos says, because it can improve function without the side effects that often accompany medication.
Other treatment plans can include steroid injections to joints, tendons or muscles, or, especially for knees, lubricant injections in the joint. Both types of injections can provide temporary relief –sometimes lasting for months – and can be repeated if necessary: steroid injections every four months, lubricant injections every six months.
“If they work or they work partially and a patient is feeling comfortable with daily activities, this is an option,” Fanopoulos says.
If arthritis continues to worsen, it might be time to see an orthopedic surgeon for joint replacement – typically knees, hips or shoulders, he says. ❚
Dr. Dimitrios Fanopoulos
Stay Comfortable with Smart HVAC Care
By Peggy Werner
To ensure comfort, keep utility costs down and avoid costly surprises, it’s best to have your heating and air conditioning units inspected and maintained regularly, says Bill Sprague, co-owner of Gilley’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
“It’s one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner to keep a house comfortable and get the longest life out of your heating and air conditioning systems,” he says.
Sprague recommends people plan for upcoming weather by having their furnace checked in the fall and their air conditioner reviewed in the spring.
During an inspection, the technician will do a step-by-step check of the systems to make sure everything is in good condition and working properly.
“There are some things people can do themselves, but you don’t want to go inside the units, where there are high-
voltage connections,” Sprague says. “And don’t use a pressure washer to clean the condenser. Pressure washing causes the aluminum fins to bend and obstructs air flow, which can cause the condenser to stop working.”
In addition, homeowners shouldn’t expect their air conditioner to produce frigid cold on the hottest days of the summer season.
“We get a lot of calls when it is extremely hot because customers think their A.C. isn’t working,” says Sprague. “Most units are designed to lower the indoor temperatures 20 to 25 degrees below the outdoor temperature.”
An AprilAire unit attached to a furnace can control humidity levels in the home. A comfortable level of humidity is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, Sprague says. High humidity can lead to mold growth in the home, while air
that’s too dry can cause static electricity, dry skin and cracks in wood furniture, he adds.
Keep a house cooler in the summer by closing drapes and blinds in the direction where the sun comes, and avoid using the oven and stove during the hottest days, says Sprague.
To schedule an appointment or receive 24-hour emergency service, contact Gilley’s at (815) 962-1927 or email service@gilleysheatingandair.com. ❚
Secret Life of Butterflies Exhibit
Thru May 25, times vary. See the whole lepidoptera lifecycle in action as caterpillars munch on leaves, butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, and moths emerge from their cocoons. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, nicholasconservatory.com.
Rockford City Market
Through Sept. 5, Fri. 4-8:30 p.m. Live music begins at 6 p.m. The market gives priority to local growers, bakers, artists and artisans to connect the community with local small businesses and entrepreneurs. Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 977-5124, rockfordcitymarket.com.
Dinner on the Dock
May 15-Sept. 11, Thurs. 6-9 p.m. Come by car or boat and relax on the dock. Order some food or a local craft beer and hear live music. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.com.
Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
May 27-Aug. 26, Tues. 5:45 p.m., headliner 6:45 p.m. Upcoming performers include Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, The Sensations and more. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
Garden Pavilion, Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 2299390, andersongardens.org.
Rockton Pelican Fest
May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the American white pelican and other migrating birds as they return to the Rock River. Meet some interesting feathered friends and visit educational booths. Activities for all ages. Location: Various spots in downtown Rockton, Ill. Info: Natural Land Institute, (815) 964-6666, naturalland.org.
Urban Farmgirl’s Main Street Market
May 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The open-air market, hosted by Urban Farmgirl in Rockford, showcases the goods of more than 195 vendors from across the Midwest, including boutique shops, clothing trucks and purveyors of vintage goods. Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Ill. Rt. 76, Belvidere, (815) 985-9918, facebook.com.
George Lopez: Muy Catolico Tour
May 17, 7 p.m. The artist’s illustrious and multifaceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy and late-night television. Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (779) 269-9010, casino.hardrock.com.
Entertainment & Events
Dinner on the Dock returns May 15 and continues on Thursdays throughout the summer.
‘TINA: The Tina Turner Musical’
May 28, 7:30 p.m. An uplifting comeback story like no other, this inspiring journey follows the life of a woman who broke barriers and became the queen of rock ‘n’ roll. Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronado.asmrockford.com.
Starlight: ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ June 4-7, Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. Inspired by the animated TV show, this Broadway musical is an unforgettable adventure with SpongeBob and the rest of Bikini Bottom. Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 9212160, rockvalleycollege.edu. ❚
