BELVIDERE Our Town 2023

Veteran’s Day

above: This is one section of the line of veterans with their family members that extended from one end of the gym to the other at the assembly celebrating Veteran’s Day at Washington Academy Elementary last November. right: Biker veterans were part of the procession for Army Corporal William Zoellick as it passed by Washington Academy Elementary. The procession went by all District 100 schools.

Bevidere, Illinois

2023-2024

EDITOR: Jane Charmelo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heather Ruenz

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff

PAGE DESIGN: Jen DeGroot

On the cover: Sparky, of the Belvidere Fire Dept., tries to decide where he will be appearing next to put a smile on the faces of Belvidere citizens young and old.

OUR CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

AGRICULTURAL

Boone County Fair Association

Boone County Community Grange Hall - Boone County Fairgrounds

P.O. Box 456 8791 IL Rt. 76 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-2900 BCFA2001@ aol.com www.boonecountyfair.com

Boone/Winnebago County Farm Bureau 1925 South Meridian Road Rockford, IL 61102 815-962-0653 www.winnebagoboonefarmbureau.org

GRANGES

Objective: Promote agriculture and community service The Grange is a fraternal organization that offers a wide range of local programs and activities for children, youth and adults. Each grange holds meetings on community issues, and there are social events and community service projects. The Pomona Grange represents all other seven granges in Boone County, which have a combined membership of over 500. The granges together own and operate the Boone County Fairgrounds. The Community Grange Hall at the Boone County Fairgrounds is available for rent. Call 815-544-2900 any Monday or Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beaver Valley Grange #1791

Meetings: Second Fridays, 7:30 p.m. May-Sept. and 8 p.m. Oct.-April, Community Grange Hall at Boone County Fairgrounds. Contact: 815-885-3090.

Big Thunder Grange #1940

Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Community Grange Hall at Boone County Fairgrounds. Contact: 815-737-3602.

Capron Grange #1901 Meetings: Third Friday, 7 p.m. at members’ homes.

County Line Grange #1751

Meetings: Second Wednesday at 6 p.m. At Pearl Place. Contact: 815-547-8637, website: www. thecountylinegrange.webs.com.

Flora Grange #1762 Meetings: Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m. (June/Aug. meet third Tuesday). Flora Grange Hall, 2105 Stone Quarry Road, Belvidere. Contact 815-493-2344. Hall available for rent, certified kitchen, C/A.

LeRoy Grange #1873 Meetings: Second Sundays, 1 p.m. at Blaine United Methodist Church, 7200 Blaine Road, Poplar Grove. 815-765-0367. Contact: 815-519-5477.

Pomona Grange Meetings: First Wednesdays every other month starting with January, 7 p.m. at Community Grange Hall, Boone County Fairgrounds. The Pomona Grange represents all seven granges in Boone County. Prairie Grange #1832 Meetings: Third Mondays, 7 p.m., Community Grange Hall, Boone County Fairgrounds. Email: prairiegrange1832@gmail.com. Contact: 815-299-7884.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION

Boone County Office 205 Cadillac Ct., Unit #3 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-3710 Fax: 815-544-4606 Website: www.web.extension.illinois. edu/bdo

Provides educational programs relating to agriculture, horticulture and natural resources; community and economic development; nutrition; family and consumer sciences; family and youth including nutrition and wellness; 4-H; and Master Gardeners. Assists individuals, organizations and communities in identifying and solving needs or problems. Call for information or to help fill your programming needs.

4-H CLUBS

4-H is the youth organization coordinated by the University of Illinois Extension land grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 4-H membership is available to all boys and girls who are 8 years of age or in third grade and have not reached their 19th birthday by Sept. 1 of the given year, no matter where they live. 4-H Cloverbuds is for youth ages 5-7 and available through community clubs. 4-H is best noted for its “learn by doing” method of teaching skills. Club members are given a chance to engage in hands-on projects and learn about topics of interest by studying and completing projects available in almost 100 different areas of interest. Boone County has over 400 members in 20 different community 4-H club/ groups organized by 60 volunteer adult leaders. Anyone interested in becoming a 4-H member or adult volunteer leader should contact the

University of Illinois Extension Boone County Office at 815-544-3710. More information can be found at www. web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/.

BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP

County Progressors: This club meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Monday of each month.

Flora Producers: This club meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Grasshoppers-Sweet Clover: This club meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month.

The Wranglers: This club meets at 1:30 p.m. the second Saturday of each month.

BOONE TOWNSHIP

LeRoy Commandoes: This club meets the second Monday of each month.

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP

Boone Farms: This club meets at 6 p.m. the third Sunday of each month.

Manchester Mavericks: This club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of the month

Northern Heritage: This club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month

POPLAR GROVE TOWNSHIP

Beaver Valley Clippers: This club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month

New Edition: This club meets at 6 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month.

SPRING TOWNSHIP

County Clovers: This club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month

CLOVERBUD GROUPS

Boone Buds meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month

Spring Cloverbuds meet at 5:45 p.m. on the third Monday of the month

4-H Latino Youth Movement meets from 6 to 8 p.m. once a month

CVIS & CVIS Cloverbuds meetings vary according to age

Special Interest Groups (ages 8 to 18):

-Flaming Monkey Robotics Club: The meetings for this club vary depending on competitions.

-Boone County 4-H Lego Robotics Club: The meetings for this club vary depending on competitions.

Sewing Spin Club meets Sunday afternoons

Fiber Friendzy, contact the office for meeting times

BOOSTER CLUBS

Belvidere High School Supports athletic programs at Belvidere High School. www.district100.com

Belvidere North Blue Thunder Boosters Club Supports athletic programs at Belvidere North High School. www.bluethunderboosters. com North Boone Booster Club Sponsors fundraising activities for assisting student organizations, providing equipment, supplies, and improving facilities at North Boone High School. www.nbhighschoolweebly.com/ booster-club.html

COMMUNITY SERVICE

YMCA of Belvidere 220 W. Locust St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-5307 www.belviderefamilyymca.org

Belvidere Woman’s Club Objectives: United, cultural work for better civic conditions; host Belvidere Woman’s Club Art Show in April at the Community Building Complex of Boone County. P.O. Box 31 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-9471

Belvidere Lions Club Meetings: second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m., VFW Hall, 1310 West Lincoln Ave., Belvidere Objective: Help the blind and hearing impaired, community service. P.O. Box 398, Belvidere, IL 61008

Noon Rotary Club Meetings: every Wednesday, 12 p.m. at American Legion, 900 W. Chrysler Dr. Belvidere P.O. Box 15, Belvidere, Ill. 61008

Black Hawk Boy Scout Council 2820 McFarland Road Rockford, IL. 61107 815-397-0210

www.blackhawkscouting.org

Crime Stoppers 615 N. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008

A nonprofit organization working in tandem with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, funded with fundraisers and donations. Contributes a scholarship to graduating high school seniors. If any citizen has information on a crime - they can be eligible for a reward by anonymously calling the special Crime Stoppers phone number: 815-547-7867 or 815-547-STOP.

Friends of the Ida Public Library Meetings at the library

320 N. State St., Belvidere. IL 61008 815-544-3838

www.idapubliclibrary.org/friends.htm

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

1886 Daimler Road Rockford, IL 61112 844-476-4463

www.girlscoutsni.org

IOU Club Allen Sisson, president Service organization with a focus on kids. Their signature events are the annual Halloween Parade, First Grade Christmas Party, and an Easter Egg Hunt.

Moose Club Chapter

295 Moose Hall

575 Beloit Road

Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-9279

Women of the Moose

575 Beloit Road Belvidere, IL 61008 Objective: Assist men of the Moose support Mooseheart, Moosehaven, community projects. 815-544-9279

PanHellenic Society of Belvidere

Objective: Organization for women who were collegiate members of a national PanHellenic Sorority; awards scholarships to Belvidere and Belvidere North High School senior girls planning to attend a four-year college. email: dshawd@comcast.net 815-985-6366

Poplar Grove Lions Club Meetings: Second Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. at Poplar Grove Village Hall, or in the summer at Lions Park Pavilion. www. pglionsclub.com

Zonta Club Meetings: Third Wednesdays; time and place varies.

Objective: International service club with participation in community activities. Awards two scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors. Email: zontabelv@yahoo.com www.zonta.org

MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS

American Legion Boone Post 77 American Legion Hall 900 W. Chrysler Dr., Belvidere, IL 61008. 815-547-7216

email: boonepost77@comcast.net.

Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution Meetings: Third Mondays, March, April, May. Location varies.

Objectives: Sponsor essay contest in junior high, good citizen award to senior of North Boone and Belvidere high schools and support schools for under-privileged, Native Americans, and Appalachia.

Asa Cottrell Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution www.asacottrelldar.org

VFW Post 1461 1310 W. Lincoln Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-2014 www.vfw1461.com

VFW Auxiliary VFW Hall, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-2014

GARDENING/ CONSERVATION

Boone County Gardeners of America Meetings: Fourth Tuesdays at Boone County Conservation District

Contact: 815-621-6018 U of I

Extension Master Gardeners 205 Cadillac Ct., Suite 3 Belvidere, IL 61008 A volunteer organization that provides gardening programs and horticulture activities to educate the public and a gardening help desk. 815-544-3710

SPECIAL INTERESTS/HOBBIES

Boone County Arts Council

Objective: Dedicated to sponsoring and fostering the arts in Boone County.

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Ida Public Library Director Mindy Long cuts the big red ribbon while members of the Library Board of Trustees and Chamber of Commerce representatives watch.

DENISE LEONARD PHOTO Our Town

Homecoming Parade

Joe Hamblock poses with the bicycles on display at Wild Cherries during a fundraiser.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town

The Belvidere North High School homecoming parade tops a rise in Main Street in front of the courthouse. Several blocks into the parade, there was still high energy and lots of twirling going on.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town

Belvidere Apostolic Christian Church

8675 Town Hall Road

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-0444

www.apostolicchristian.org

Belvidere Church of Christ

1771 5th Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-9161

www.belviderecoc.org

Open Bible Church of Belvidere

Open Bible Academy and Daycare

8567 Town Hall Road

Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-7067

www.faithstreet.com/openbible-church-of-belviderebelvidere-il

Belvidere First Assembly of God Church

1105 7th Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-3906 belvidereag.org

Belvidere Seventh Day Adventist Church

230 Van Buren St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-0870

www.belvidereil. adventistchurch.org

OUR CHURCHES

Bible Baptist Church 5831 Tripp Road Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3885 bbcbel.org

Calvary Baptist Church

312 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-2998

www.cbcbelvidere.org

Christ Lutheran Church 425 Riverside Road Belvidere, IL 61008 815-885-2522

www.makingchristknown.org

Evangelical Covenant Church

220 E. Harrison St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-6471

www.becov.magix.net

Faith Baptist Church 1637 7th Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 779-221-2373

www.faithbaptistbelvidere.org

First Baptist Church

1255 W. Jackson St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-5800

www.fbc-belvidere.org

First Presbyterian Church 221 N. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-6402

www.belvpresbyterian.org

First United Methodist Church

610 Bonus Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-3479

Grace Family Church 6413 Logan Ave. #200 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-4950

Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal 217 E. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-2635

www.trinitybelvidere.org

Immanuel Lutheran Church 1045 Belvidere Road Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-8058

www.immanuelbelvidere.org

More to Life Ministries 420 West Boone St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-8282

New Beginnings Fellowship

6413 Logan Ave. Ste. 201 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-596-0414

Poplar Grove United Methodist Church 105 E. Grove St. Poplar Grove, IL 61065 815-765-2001

www.pgumc.us

920 W. Lincoln Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-6242

www.boonecountyarts.com

Boone County Historical Society 61008 Society board meetings are open to the public and are held the third Tuesday of the month at the museum.

314 South State St., Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-8391 www. bcmuseumofhistory.org

Coon Creek Casters 207 River Bend Close Belvidere, IL 91008

Objective: Promotes fishing, conservation, and related youth activities. Sponsors scholarships to

high school graduates, Ice Fishing Clinic, Carp-A-Thon, Hooked on Fishing. 815-222-5455

KAC (Keen Age Center)

Afternoon Quilters

Keen Age Center

2141 Henry Luckow Lane

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-9893

Main Street Players of Boone County

P.O. Box 1234

Belvidere, IL 61008 800-741-2963 (Toll-Free) www. mainstreetplayersofboonecounty. com email: info@ mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com

Main Street Players of Boone County was organized in May of 1994 as a

Redemption Church 575 Beloit Road Belvidere, IL 61008 815-975-9621

www.redemption.cc

Salvation Army 112 S. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-4270

Majors Marcelo & Monica Orbe

Saint James Catholic Church 402 Church St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-6397

www.stjamesbelvidere.org

St. John’s United Church of Christ 401 N. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-3773

www.stjohns401.org

Zion Lutheran Church 1300 Pearl St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-6102

www.zionbelvidere.com

not-for-profit amateur community theatre group. The goal of this organization is to provide opportunities for the residents of Boone County and surrounding areas to participate in and enjoy Quality Amateur Theatre in all its facets. To accomplish this goal, it is the mission of this organization to assemble as many interested individuals and groups as possible who believe, as we do, that cooperation and generous contributions of time, talent, goods, services, and funding can make a difference in our community.

Winnebago & Boone Counties

Genealogical Society

P.O. Box 10166 Loves Park, IL 61131

www.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~ilwbcgs/

OUR HUMAN & PUBLIC SERVICES

PUBLIC SERVICES

Emergency & Disaster Services

Boone County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Several agencies overseen by the Boone County Sheriff’s office. Work to educate the community before a disaster and coordinate volunteers during disaster.

615 N. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-1715

Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

Salvation Army

815-544-3892

CITY/COUNTY SERVICES

Belvidere Building Inspector: 815-544-6176

Belvidere Water and Sewer Dept.: 815-544-6622

Belvidere Sewage Treatment Plant: 815-544-2072

Belvidere Street Superintendent: 815-544-2961

Belvidere Public Works: 815-544-9256

Boone County Animal Control Warden: 815-547-7774

Bus service (All residents)

Boone County Council on Aging: 815-544-9893

Refuse removal (Belvidere has two residential refuse haulers):

MDC Environmental Disposal Services: 815-568-7274

Advanced Disposal: 815-874-8431

Rock River Disposal Services (Commercial Only) 815-965-2489

DRIVER’S LICENSE FACILITY

Branch Office (Secretary of State office)

425 Southtowne Drive Road

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3895

www.sos.state.il.us/home.html

Hours: Tuesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.;

Wednesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce 404 S. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-4357

www.belviderechamber.com

Email: Info@belviderechamber.com

Growth Dimensions 401 Whitney Blvd. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-4252 www.growthdimensions.org

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

Department of Employment Security, www.ides.illinois.gov/

Work Force Connection, Rock River Training Corporation is a nonprofit agency committed to helping people find substantial employment through job training and employment assistance programs. 530 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008. Belvidere office 815-547-9616

Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA): 815-226-4901

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Township supervisor: Call township of residence

Boone County Council on Aging: 815-544-9893

Salvation Army 815-544-3892

Social Security Administration Local: 877-628-6570

Unemployment Compensation, Rockford IDES: 800-244-5631, www.ides.illinois.gov/

Veteran’s Assistance Commission, Boone County: 815-544-6464

HEALTH SERVICES

Boone County Council on Aging 815-544-9893

Boone County Health Dept. 815-544-2951

Rock River Valley Blood Center, Belvidere 815-965-8751

Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA): 815-226-4901

HISPANIC SERVICES

ALERTA

1235 Logan Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-3800

HOUSING

Boone County Housing Authority 2036 N State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-0084

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Boone County State’s Attorney 601 Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-0868

Resources for assistance to victims.

Boone County Public Defender 130 S. State St. #311 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-5400

Belvidere Post Office 1800 Doc Wolf Drive Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-5457

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Ida Public Library

320 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 ¶ 815-544-3838

www.idapubliclibrary.org

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Boone County Council on Aging offers public transportation service, equipped with wheel-chair lifts, to ALL residents of Boone County, regardless of age. 815-544-9893. Reservations are required a day in advance. Transportation is available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Remedies Renewing Lives

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 815-962-6102 • 2028 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008

Substance Abuse Phone: 815-547-4502

Domestic Violence Phone: 815-962-6102

Supports domestic violence survivors and substance abuse survivors.

CHILD/FAMILY/PREGNANCY

CASA

130 S. State St. #209 Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-6599

www.nationalcasa.org

CASA volunteers perform three roles:

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HUMAN & PUBLIC SERVICES

fact finder for the judge; court advocate for the child; and monitor of the home situation. After being appointed by the judge, the CASA makes a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the child’s life. The CASA attends the court hearing s to advocate for the child’s best interest.

COUNSELING

Alcoholics Anonymous

Belvidere Alano Club

103 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008

Provides rehabilitative counseling and peer-group meetings offering a supportive environment for alcoholics.

Narcotics Anonymous

24-hour help line 815-964-5959

Foundations Center

521 S. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008

www.na.org

Meetings are open to anyone who thinks he or she has a problem with drugs.

DEVELOPMENTAL/ PHYSICAL DISABILITY SERVICES

RAMP (Regional Access & Mobilization Project)

530 S. State St., #103 Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-8404

www.rampcil.org

RAMP is North Central Illinois’ Center for Independent Living. Provides

services to people with disabilities in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

FOOD & NUTRITION

B-1 Food Pantry

1105 7th Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3906

Kristen Smith

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Symphony Network Locations:

Maple Crest Care Centre

4452 Squaw Prairie Road Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-6377

www.symphonymc.com

Northwoods Care Center

We are the B-1 food pantry, held at the Belvidere First Assembly Of God Church every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. We are here to help and serve our community.

Salvation Army

422 S. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3892

Services include Emergency Food Pantry and monthly supplemental food.

HEALTH SERVICES, NURSING, HOSPICE

Boone County Council on Aging

815-544-9893

Boone County Health Dept.

815-544-2951

Crusader Community Health Belvidere

1050 Logan Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-0282

Clinic provides comprehensive medical pharmaceutical and support services on an affordable sliding fee basis. Offers a full array of primary care medical services for patients of all ages.

2250 Pearl St., Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-0358

www.symphonynorthwoods.com

Rock River Valley Blood Center

1740 S. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-965-8751

MENTAL HEALTH

Rosecrance Belvidere Clinic 915 Alexandra Dr., Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-4849

www.rosecrance.org

Full-service outpatient mental health clinic. Provides mental health screenings, case management, psychiatry, individual and group therapy and psycho-social rehabilitation services.

RESEARCH/SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

United Way of Boone County 220 W. Locust St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-3144

www.uwboonecounty.org

Invests in programs and agencies that impact the community including: Boone County CASA, The Salvation Army, Boone County Council on Aging, Belvidere /Boone County Food Pantry, Habitat For Humanity of Boone County, RAMP, ALERTA.

SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES

Boone County Council on Aging/Keen-Age Center

2141 Henry Luckow Ln. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-9893 (voice and TTY)

www.keenage.org

Provides supportive services to older adults and their caregivers. Services include public transportation from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., medical-car escort, information and assistance, inhome care, nutrition site and home meal delivery, lending closet, health screenings, computer lab, education, recreation and volunteer opportunities. Support groups: Boone County Parents Again, Grief and Loss Support Group, Caregiver’s Education and Training Group, Low Vision Support Group.

Chuckwagon cook Danny Anderson serves chili to Chief Deputy Scott Yunk at the City of Belvidere booth during the Chamber’s Chili Cookoff.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town

Belvidere tornado

The Disaster Memorial outside the Belvidere High School has 24 rings on its base (looks like 25 rings) to commemorate the number of people who died in Belvidere from the tornado that day. Their names are engraved on the memorial.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town

A young contestant at the Garden Tractor Pull at Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum pits his tractor against the weight-bearing sled on the track.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town

YMCA of Belvidere

220 W. Locust St. #1

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-5307

www.belviderefamilyymca.org

Belvidere Park District Administration office

1006 W. Lincoln Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-5711

See www.belviderepark.org for a list of parks and activities.

Boone County Conservation District Administration office

603 N. Appleton Road Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-7935

See www.bccdil.org for list of conservation areas.

GOLF

Swanhills Golf Course

2600 Gustafson Road

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-3232

www.swanhillsgolfcourse.com

Timber Pointe Golf Club

5750 Woodstock Road

Poplar Grove, IL 61065

815-544-1935

www.golfthepointe.com

BOWLING

Concordia Lanes 1205 Logan Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3966

YOUTH BASEBALL

Belvidere Youth Baseball

www.belvidereyouthbaseball.com

YOUTH

BASKETBALL,

SOCCER, SWIMMING

Girls and boys leagues for first graders and older. For more information call the Belvidere Park District 815-547-5711.

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Belvidere Junior Tackle: www.bjtonline.org.

Email: BJTFootball@gmail.com

For boys ages 8-14. Cheerleading and pom programs for girls.

OUR RECREATION

ICE HOCKEY

Belvidere Fury www.belviderefuryhockey.com

ANNUAL EVENTS

APRIL – Women’s Club Crafts and Fine Arts Show: Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St. Belvidere. Artists and students sell artwork and compete for monetary awards.

MAY THROUGH OCTOBER –Buchanan Street Strolls: scheduled on Sunday afternoons, eight Strolls will be held in 2020, check for dates on Facebook at Buchanan Street Strolls

JUNE - Heritage Day Festival: Activities for all family members, including parade, fireworks display after dark. Contact the City of Belvidere 815-544-2612 or www. ci.belvidere.il.us for more information.

JUNE AND JULY – Concerts in the Park: Baltic Mill, Belvidere Park, 815-544-6242.

AUGUST - Boone County Fair: Second week in August, Tuesday through Sunday at the Boone County Fairgrounds on Route 76 in Belvidere. Second largest in the state. Numerous displays, children’s amusement rides, first-rate entertainment and a lot of food. Call the Fair Association at 815-544-4066 or visit www. boonecountyfair.com.

AUGUST - Poplar Grove Airport Fly-In: located at 11619 Route 76 in Poplar Grove. The fly-in takes place the Sunday after the Boone County Fair, with pancake breakfast, exhibits, airplane rides. 815544-3471 or visit www.poplargroveairmotive.com.

AUGUST – North Boone District 3 Firefighters Assoc. Street Dance: 305 W. Grove St. (Rt. 173), Poplar Grove.

AUGUST – Cherry Valley Festival Days: Baumann Park, Cherry Valley. www.valleydays.com.

OCTOBER - Fall Diddley Craft Show at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Hundreds of crafters and artists in buildings and tents. Sponsored by the volunteers of the Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County. For more information call 815-385-5745.

OCTOBER – Tractor Treat at the Belvidere Park. Scarecrow contest, games, vendors, crafts, food. Contact Belvidere Park District 815-547-5711.

NOVEMBER, DECEMBER - Holiday Lights Display. Take a directed tour through Belvidere Park, viewing Christmas light displays created by local businesses, service organizations and schools. For more information call 815-547-5711.

DECEMBER - Hometown

Christmas: First Friday and Saturday in December. Main event on Friday evening features lighting of the city tree, carolers, entertainment, festive foods and homemade holiday treats. Saturday parade with Santa Claus. Call the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce 815-544-4357, or view www.belviderechamber.com.

DECEMBER - Christmas Walk at Boone County Conservation District, 603 Appleton Road, Belvidere, 815-547-7935. www. boonecountyconservationdistrict.org.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Belvidere City Murals: Sometimes referred to as Illinois’ City of Murals, Belvidere has 17 historic outdoor wall murals found throughout its downtown. More than 250 artists helped create the public art. www. ci.belvidere.il.us.

Belvidere Parks: Many parks including Baltic Mill and River’s Edge Recreation Center. Baseball diamonds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, asphalt recreation path, playgrounds, swimming pool and tennis courts, boat launches, skate park. Call 815547-5711 or www.belviderepark.org.

Boone County Conservation District: Gustafson Nature Center, cultural heritage gardens, children’s programs, 603 Appleton Road, Belvidere. Conservation areas with many trails and parks. 815-547-7935, www.bccdil.org.

Boone County Museum of History: 314 S. State St., Belvidere. Boone County memorabilia, including a log home, Civil War artifacts, farmrelated antiques and the first car ever produced by the Belvidere Chrysler Assembly Plant. The museum is open for special occasions and private tours. 815-544-8391.

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BELVIDERE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 100

Community Unit School District 100 was formed in 1949 and includes the City of Belvidere and the communities of Caledonia, Garden Prairie, Timber Lane and surrounding communities. Under the policies of the Board of Education, the district operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one special education facility, serving as the administrative district for the Boone County Special Education Cooperative. An alternative education program (night school) is operated by the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education for students grades 7-12. The District 100 alternative school provides programming for District 100 and District 200 students.

District 100 Administration

Superintendent:

1201 Fifth Ave.

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-0301

www.district100.com

DISTRICT 100 SCHOOLS

Belvidere High School

1500 East Ave.

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-6345

Belvidere North High School

9393 Beloit Road

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-2636

Everest Satellite High School

1320 East Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-547-8080

OUR SCHOOLS

Belvidere Central Middle School

8787 Beloit Road

Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-0190

Belvidere South Middle School

919 E. Sixth St. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3175

Caledonia Elementary School

2311 Randolph St. Caledonia, IL 61011 815-547-1977

Camelot School of Belvidere

7133 Garden Prairie Road Garden Prairie, IL 61038 815-597-8760

Lincoln Elementary School 1011 Bonus Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-2671

Meehan Elementary School

1401 E. Sixth St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-3546

RECREATION

Pettit Memorial Chapel: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and erected in 1907. Restored in 1981, it is open for tours by appointment only. Designated both as a state and national historic site. It is located on the grounds of the Belvidere Cemetery at the intersection of Webster and East Harrison streets.

River’s Edge Recreation Center, 1151 W. Locust Ave., 815-547-9557.

Perry Elementary School

633 W. Perry St. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-9274

Seth Whitman Elementary School 8989 Beloit Road Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3357

Washington Academy, STEM 1031 Fifth Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-3124

ADVANCED EDUCATION

Rock Valley College’s Advanced Technology Center

1400 Big Thunder Road Belvidere, IL 61008

Admissions: 815-921-4200

Rock Valley College’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) will help sustain and grow the manufacturing industry in our region by providing innovative hands-on learning to prepare both RVC students and currentlyemployed workers for high-demand jobs with local manufacturers.

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Facility features a 35-foot climbing wall, indoor batting cages, indoor golf range, open gym, sports leagues, and rooms available to rent.

Spencer Conservation Area: 899 Appleton Road. This park is designed for relaxation and features picnic areas, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, river and pond fishing and more than three miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails.

State License #440.000200/WI #2863-52

Easter Egg Hunt

Members of the IOU Club pose with the Easter Bunny as families begin to converge on the Easter Egg Hunt.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town

Cinderella and Prince Sebastian greet children at the tea party following the Matinee show to take photos with them.

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Our Town