BELVIDERE Our Town 2024

2024-25

Belvidere, our town Illinois

Scotty McCreery to headline at 2024 Boone County Fair SINGER

HAS FIVE CONSECUTIVE NO. 1 HITS

In getting a head start on the 2024 county fair season, the Boone County Fair Association has announced that Scotty McCreery will be the headline entertainment—and tickets are already on sale.

By Jane Charmelo NEWS COORDINATOR

The 2024 Boone County Fair will take place Tuesday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 11. McCreery will appear Saturday, Aug. 10, according to a fair association release.

Tom Ratcliffe, a member of the Boone County Fair Association Board of Directors, said when it comes to entertainment, “We always have our ears open,” adding that the association has used the Variety Attractions agency of Zanesville, Ohio, since the early 1960s to help book talent for the county fair.

The Entertainment Committee, he continued, “will sit down and brainstorm,” adding that members submit a handful of potential entertainers for consideration around October a year in advance, and “it gets whittled down to about three names.”

About Scotty McCreery

McCreery grew up in Garner, N.C., and went to college at North Carolina State. He currently lives in Raleigh, N.C., according to Scott Stem of Triple 8 Management.

“His grandmother gave him a cassette tape of Elvis songs when he was young, and that inspired him to want to become an entertainer,” Stem narrated. “He was further inspired by his first country music concert (George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womak) when he was young and later inspired by artists including Garth Brooks, Josh Turner, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn.”

The Boone County Fair Association has announced that Scotty McCreery will headline this year’s county fair on Saturday, Aug. 10. The fair runs from Aug. 6-11.

COURTESY PHOTO Our Town

McCreery made history in 2011 as “both the first country artist and youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first solo album, the Platinum-certified “Clear as Day,” at No. 1 on the allgenre Billboard Top 200 albums chart,” according to Stem. He also won in Season 10 of “American Idol” in 2011, at age 17.

The singer’s No.1 hits include “Damn Strait,” “You Time,” “In Between,” “This is It” and “Five More Minutes.”

McCreery’s accolades also include one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; and he was named ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011. He was inducted this past fall into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and

was recently invited by Garth Brooks to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Additionally, the singer was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021, and his song “Five More Minutes” was the inspiration for two holiday movies on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Network. He was awarded a CMT Music Award and several BMI Awards.

McCreery also released his first book, “Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream,” in 2016.

His most recent album is entitled “Same Truck: The Deluxe Album,” and his new single, “Cab in a Solo,” is due out with a new album in 2024.

This year’s fair

Ratcliffe mentioned that McCreery had performed at the Boone County Fair seven years ago, saying, “He’s got a great voice. He’s got some great songs.”

“He’s young and energetic and he does a great show,” Ratcliffe added. “We’re very excited.”

He said other features of the Boone County Fair will include a Queen Pageant on Tuesday, Aug. 6; a monster truck show on Wednesday, Aug. 7; a truck/tractor pull on Thursday, Aug. 8; bull riding on Friday, Aug. 9; and two demolition derbies on Sunday, Aug. 11.

The Saturday show, on the Grandstand Stage, will begin at 7 p.m. with up-andcoming singer/songwriter Greylan James, followed by McCreery.

Tickets range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased at www.boonecountyfair. com, online only, until the fairgrounds ticket office opens on July 6. Fairgrounds ticket office hours will be posted on Facebook and TikTok.

Tickets to the show do not include a $10 cash admission to the fair. Season tickets will be $25. You can follow the fair on Facebook and TikTok.

EDITOR: Jane Charmelo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff PAGE DESIGN: Jen DeGroot

on the cover: The Belvidere Park District teamed up with the Belvidere Police Department to host a Junior Police Academy in January at Rivers Edge Recreation Center in Belvidere. Sponsored by the Boone County Crime Stoppers, this program’s goals are to enhance responsible citizenship, provide a positive interaction with the police officers and educate youth about the challenges and responsibilities of police work. This is the first time hosting this program, which filled up within a few days of registration opening up. The Junior Police Academy featured a variety of hands-on interactive educational information, games, and even a tour of the police station. The program concluded with a “Nerf” War, after which participants were “sworn in” by the mayor of Belvidere and the Belvidere Police Department. For more information on this program or any other program the Belvidere Park District has to offer, please contact Kristi Dummer at kdummer@belviderepark.org, (815) 547-5711 ext. 105, or visit belviderepark.org.

COURTESY PHOTOS Our Town

OUR CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

AGRICULTURAL

Boone County Fair Association Boone County Community Grange HallBoone County Fairgrounds President: Jack Ratcliffe 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 815544-2900 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: 815-670-1272.

Big Thunder Grange #1940 Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Community Grange Hall at Boone County Fairgrounds. Contact: 815-978-6486.

Capron Grange #1901 Meetings: Third Friday, 7 p.m. at members’ homes. Contact: 815-790-8565

County Line Grange #1751 Meetings: Second Wednesday at 6 p.m. At Pearl Place. Contact: 815-670-1615, 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 815-9806195. Hall available for rent.

LeRoy Grange #1873 Meetings: Second Sundays, 1 p.m. at Blaine United Methodist Church, 7200 Blaine Road, Poplar Grove. Contact: 815-988-7367.

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 in Boone County. Contact: 815-299-7884

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

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.

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 at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month.

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP

Boone Farms: This club meets at 6 p.m. the second 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 third 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 (8-18)

Juntos: This club meets at 5 p.m. the second Friday of each month.

SPECIAL INTEREST (8-18)

Fiber Friendzy (Fiber Arts & Alpacas) 2nd Thursday (Jan.-Mar.) at 7 p.m. 2nd & 4th Thursday (Apr.-July) at 7 p.m. Flaming Monkeys Robotics Club (8th grade and above) – meetings vary depending on competitions

The Lucky Foot Rabbit SPIN Club 1st Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. Sewing SPIN Club Sunday afternoons, 2:30 to 5 p.m.

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 are held the fourth Tuesday of the month, VFW Hall, 1310 West Lincoln Ave., Belvidere Objective: Help the blind and hearing impaired, community service. P.O. Box 398 Belvidere, IL 61008

Rotary Club of Belvidere: meetings are at 8 a.m., the second and fourth Wednesdays, 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 are at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month 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. 815-985-6366 email: dshawd@comcast.net

Poplar Grove Lions Club Meetings: meetings are at 7 p.m. at Poplar Grove Village Hall, or in the summer at Lions Park Pavilion. www.pglionsclub.com

Zonta Cluc: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 gardening help desk. 815-544-3710

SPECIAL INTERESTS/HOBBIES

Boone County Arts Council

Objective: Dedicated to sponsoring and fostering the arts in Boone County. 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: Promote 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@mainstreetplayersof boonecounty.com

Main Street Players of Boone County was organized in May of 1994 as a notfor-profit amateur community theatre

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OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

SAVE THE DATE; FARM BREAKFAST JUNE 22

The 25th annual Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau® Foundation Farm Breakfast will be held June 22, at the Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, Ill. We are bringing the farm to town. Breakfast consisting of all-you-can-eat pancakes, whole hog sausage, applesauce, ice cream, milk and coffee will be served from 6:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Activities include horse drawn wagon rides (weather permitting), barnyard animals, children’s games, 50/50 raffle, antique tractor display, and more. Like Winnebago-Boone Farm Breakfast on Facebook and visit https://www. winnebagoboonefarmbureau.org/foundationevents.html for more information.

CRUISE THE MISSISSIPPI

Enjoy a lazy day on the river as you embark from Ice Harbor, Dubuque, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 17, and cruise the Mississippi River on the Celebration Belle. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a full hot buffet and live music of the Classic Oldies as you soak in the beautiful scenery along the river during the four-hour cruise. The bus will leave from the Winnebago-

Boone Farm Bureau building located at 1925 S. Meridian Road, Rockford, at 8 a.m. The cost is $100 per member and $110 per non-member which includes the cost of motor coach transportation, lunch with dessert, and the show. Our estimated return time is 5 p.m. at the WinnebagoBoone Farm Bureau. Registrations is due by Friday, June 7.

SAVE THE DATE! 4TH ANNUAL TRACTOR TREK

The fourth annual Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Foundation Tractor Trek will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, to

help support the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom program, scholarships, and internships.

Antique tractor enthusiasts are invited to join us as we enjoy a leisurely ride through the countryside. Drivers must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license. Tractors must be 25 years or older, have rubber tires and SMV emblems, and travel a minimum of 10 mph. No fourwheel drive tractors. Mirrors and fire extinguishers are encouraged.

Additional details will be posted on our website at https://www. winnebagoboonefarmbureau.org/ foundation-events.html this summer!

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

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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

Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery

Services Available:

• Family or Single Spaces

• Cremation Garden and Niches

• Bronze Markers, Granite Markers and Monuments

6202 Charles St., Rockford, IL 61108

Phone: 815-399-5011 Fax: 815-399-5444

www.arlingtonmemorialcemetery.com

Arlington Pet Cemetery

• Custom On-Site Cremations

• Bronze Markers, Granite Markers

• Cremation Urns

6202 Charles St., Rockford, IL 61108

Phone: 815-399-5011 Fax: 815-399-5444

www.arlingtonpetcemetery.com

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/

Heartwarming effort continues to beat

SENATOR’S VALENTINES FOR SENIORS CAMPAIGN ENTERING FIFTH YEAR

While it is not easy to think about, there are senior citizens out there who live in nursing homes and other senior facilities – or maybe alone at home – who have no family, or whose family is far away.

By Jane Charmelo NEWS COORDINATOR

That reality was not lost on state Sen. Dave Syverson (R-35th District), who recalled visiting a family member in a facility and observing how there were residents who had no visitors.

“We had noticed a lot of seniors and people who were in these homes who did not have family or whose family was from out of town,” he narrated, and, thinking of Valentine’s Day, “They weren’t getting individual cards.”

Picturing how these seniors were once children who likely got Valentine cards, who were someone’s sweetheart – and raised children who gave and got Valentine cards. “It’s got to hurt. I wondered, ‘Are you forgotten?””

The decision to create the Valentines for Seniors Card Drive was an easy one for the senator, he said, on a number of levels.

Syverson said he reached out to schools throughout Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Kane and DeKalb counties, as well as churches, businesses and any other groups that might have been willing to make Valentine cards for senior citizens.

In that first year, 2021, the senator recounted, “We knew that it meant something.”

“The kids enjoyed making them” just as much as the seniors enjoyed receiving them, he continued.

According to a release submitted by the senator’s office, renowned celebrity Martha Stewart somehow got wind of the initiative, and upon her mention of it on social media, “I started getting cards from all over the country!” Syverson described.

“I don’t know how it got picked up,” he added with a chuckle.

The following year, Good Housekeeping magazine also learned about the Valentines for Seniors Card Drive, and featured the initiative on the magazine’s website.

As word spread around, “More and more individuals wanted to help,” the senator outlined – calling it a ripple effect – adding that in 2023 alone, he estimates his office delivered over 6,000 Valentine cards to seniors in facilities and even to those who live alone as shut-ins.

“It’s kind of neat to see some of these cards people write,” he continued, adding that on the recipient side, “The stories we hear back are really heart-warming.”

State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-35th District) has held an annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive for several years. Besides schools and other groups, many others have taken part as well, all to help brighten the day of seniors who live in long-term care facilities, or may be shut-ins in their home. Visit senatordavesyverson.com, call 815987-7555, or email info@senatordavesyverson.com for more information.

While he is thrilled to bring some joy to the seniors, Syverson thinks there is a benefit to those who are creating the cards as well; children and adults alike.

“We think people will enjoy giving back,” he said, “making someone’s day special.”

“Kids enjoyed making them. It was a win-win,” he added. “This shows people can have a positive impact on others’ lives

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Belvidere North celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day with a big week

By Trenten Scheidegger CORRESPONDENT

The Belvidere North Blue Thunder girls basketball team hasn’t exactly dominated the court in its 2023-2024 season. Finishing the season with a record of just 5-22 wasn’t exactly how the Blue Thunder had hoped the year would go. There are more than just wins and losses on the court, however, as the Thunder managed to pick up wins both on and off the court, last week.

Feb. 7 was National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and the Thunder showed us what it’s all about. Not only did they have their senior night game to end the week, but they also put in the work to make in impact off the court. On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the girls from the program went over to Caledonia Elementary. Not only did they welcome the students to school, but they participated in several read aloud sessions in different classrooms.

Belvidere North took the celebrations a step further when they hosted their senior night on Feb. 8. That night, the Thunder played host to Rockford East in the final game of the regular season. They were set to honor their five seniors in Miranda Fischer, Geisell Casis, Ava Armstrong, Cortlyn Hefty and Brooke Bottcher. It was a game that saw North control things from start to finish. In the opening quarter, six different Thunder players scored as they jumped out to an early lead. Armstrong, Bottcher, Hefty and Fischer each scored to get senior night going. Samantha Adams and Haylee Gullas each added baskets as North took a 13-6 lead.

Hefty started to heavily attack the defense with a trio of interior baskets in the second. Adams and Armstrong put up four points each in the quarter, as well. North dominated the second quarter, putting up 17 points and holding East to just 3. By the break, they already held a commanding 30-9 lead.

Coming out of the break, the Thunder had their best quarter of the night. Specifically Adams, who exploded for 9 points in the third. Adams converted a successful and-one opportunity, as well as going two for two in another trip to the line. Ella Schremser added 4 points of her own in the quarter.

By the start of the fourth, this one was well out of reach. Already up 41-19, North put things away into the final quarter. Gullas and Adams each hit 3-pointers in the quarter, which were the only threes

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and

From

(top photo) Leah Rudesill, Miranda Fischer, Geisell Casis, Natalie Hix, Haylee Gallas, Camryn Diercks and Lauren Andrist; (middle photo) Alexa Norgard, Cortlyn Hefty, Samantha Adams, Ava Armstrong, Brooke Bottcher, Lauren Andrist, Camryn Diercks and Haylee Gallas; (bottom photo) seniors Miranda Fischer, Geisell Casis, Ava Armstrong, Cortlyn Hefty and Brooke Bottcher.

Feb. 7 was National Girls and Women in Sports Day

the Belvidere North Blue Thunder girls basketball team celebrated.

the left:

BELVIDERE NORTH PHOTOS Our Town

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

Amy Grafton, Executive Director

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

• CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

www.nationalcasa.org

CASA volunteers perform three roles: 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

VALENTINES

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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

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

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without spending a lot of money [and] get the joy of impacting someone’s life.”

Syverson said he is shooting toward making sure seniors get at least two Valentine cards each, but hopes that number will be more like three cards apiece, in part because of “the fun of opening up lots of cards.”

Yet the reality of knowing there are isolated or lonely seniors is still at the forefront of his mind, the senator emphasized.

SPORTS DAY

“You start thinking about some of these individuals. These people had an impact on the world we live in today,” he commented.

“This is a great opportunity for a community to help their own community and help seniors who had a huge impact on building their own community,” Syverson believes. “We don’t want them forgotten.”

For information, call 815-987-7555 or email info@senatordavesyverson.com.

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

from North all night. Fischer added a pair of field goals as North captured a 66-29 win to cap off senior night.

Adams led the way in scoring with 21 points. Both Hefty and Armstrong finished with 10 as the Thunder had three players in double figures. Fischer ended

the day with 8 points.

It was just their fifth victory of the year, but the Thunder couldn’t have asked for a better final week to the regular season. They faced off with Sycamore in the first game of regionals on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

services for patients of all ages.

Symphony Network

Locations:

Maple Crest Care Centre

4452 Squaw Prairie Road Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-6377

www.symphonymc.com

Northwoods Care Center

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.

Mercyhealth MD 1 unit can help save lives

MOBILE ‘ER’ TRAVELS TO TREAT PATIENTS AT THE SCENE

By Jane Charmelo NEWS COORDINATOR

While emergency medical response teams such as paramedics are highly trained to address emergencies—resulting from crashes, natural disasters, heart attacks, strokes and catastrophic events—often there is a need for more immediate, advanced medical support at the scene. That is where physicians like Dr. Matt Smetana come in.

The Mercyhealth emergency medicine physician and EMS medical director is one of eight emergency physicians who make up the MD 1 (Medical Director) program in Wisconsin and Illinois – essentially a mobile ER on wheels that can be dispatched upon request to a scene to help stabilize a patient prior to transport to a hospital.

As Smetana explained it, larger cities around the country have started organizing mobile ERs that bring a physician to a scene, adding that Europeans have been doing so for decades.

The initiative began in Wisconsin in 2013 and northern Illinois in 2015.

While there are urban and suburban areas MD 1 covers, there are also a lot of rural communities dotting the landscape.

“We’re kind of unique,” Smetana said, adding that MD 1 has traveled as far as an hour-and-a-half away to treat patients.

Any one (or more) of three Chevy Tahoes and one Chevy Suburban – equipped with lights, sirens and radio networks – will travel with the same kind of equipment found in an emergency room, he continued, describing that “We try to have things we need to take care of a critical patient.”

The vehicles have intubation equipment, chest tubes, point-of-care ultrasound, medications, extrication tools, field amputation tools and more according to the Mercyhealth website.

Smetana said the idea is “to bring hospitallevel care” to a scene – whether it be a crash or natural disaster, or even someone’s home.

“All of the doctors have additional training beyond what it takes to be an ER doctor,” he pointed out, mentioning that he, himself, was formerly a firefighter/paramedic before becoming a doctor.

Smetana emphasized that when he is called to a scene, he does not automatically take over unless asked to do so, but instead, “We always operate within the chain of command,” typically being the first responders on a scene.

The doctor further described how, when he or another physician is dispatched—always at the request of an emergency provider—he and the first responders “take an organized approach to triage … to do the most good for

Mercyhealth’s MD 1 program brings emergency physicians and ER equipment to the field, such as the site of a natural disaster, crash or someone’s home, to improve patient outcomes when critical minutes count, prior to transport by ambulance to a hospital.

The program has four Chevy vehicles loaded with ER-level equipment and eight Mercyhealth EMS physicians in Wisconsin and Illinois with advanced training, including Dr. Matt Smetana, EMS medical director.

the most number of patients.”

“My job is to elevate their [first responders] skills when working together, in a collaborative approach,” he reiterated, because the bottom line for him is about “what we can do in the field to improve the chance of a better outcome.”

“It is very different in the field versus the emergency department,” Dr. Smetana commented. “By the nature of our job, we respond to a lot of mass casualty events … multiple critically ill patients with significant injuries.”

Dr. Smetana gave as an example being called to respond to a tornado last year that left at least one person dead and over 40 others injured when the roof collapsed at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere.

He remembers that another ER physician, from Wisconsin, was called to the scene, adding, “I was very proud of the work we did. It’s all about teamwork.”

“Boone County,” he continued, “has phenomenal first responders.”

The doctor said he does not transport patients to a hospital, but treats them in a variety of scenarios, such as on-scene. However, he might meet an ambulance

on the highway or road, and “I’m doing it [providing medical care] at highway speeds.”

“Traveling at 60 miles an hour, traveling down the highway, it is a team activity,” Smetana said. “We can improve the chance of a positive outcome for the patient.”

Talk to Smetana for even a minute and it is clear he is passionate about the work he does, in part because “I like to meet them [patients] before the worst scenarios,” when they arrive at the hospital. After all, he believes, “It’s the worst day of their lives.”

The doctor said he also works to educate first responders, to enhance their knowledge. In Illinois, he oversees more than 40 EMS agencies – with roughly 900 licensed EMS providers – and his goal is “educating and teaching” them about medical intervention in the field, to improve patient outcomes.

And, Smetana noted, MD 1 is provided at no charge to the patient, because “Mercyhealth considers us a community service.”

As for the ER physician, he summed up his role with MD 1 as “an absolute blessing to do what we get to do.”

Visit mercyhealth.org for more information.

MERCYHEALTH PHOTOS Our Town

OUR RECREATION

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 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.

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-JULY – Belvidere Buchanan Street Markets will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, May 31, June 21 and July 26. The market features vendors, food trucks and family activities. For more information contact the Belvidere Chamber or follow Belvidere Buchanan Street Market on Facbook.

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 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 visit 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 815-547-5711 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, farm-related 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

Belvidere Central Middle School 8787 Beloit Road

OUR SCHOOLS

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

Perry Elementary School 633 W. Perry St. Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-9274

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

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

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.

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

Artist and Belvidere native Brett Whitacre created a mural and artwork to brighten up the Children’s Department at the Ida Public Library. Whitacre plans to create another masterpiece outside the downstairs entrance at the library. COURTESY PHOTOS Our Town

OUR CHURCHES

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

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

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