Winnebago County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

ROCKFORD

Snowmakers help save annual Sculpting event

The lack of snow won’t stop the 31st Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition from going on next week as scheduled.

Two used snowmaking machines that are capable of running off city water are at Sinnissippi Park making snow for the free, family-friendly winter event that runs form Jan. 18-21.

Organizers said some 32,000 cubic feet of snow is needed to form snow blocks for sculpting.

The event brings teams from around the state to Rockford to compete for the right to represent Illinois in the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition; there is also a high school division. Typically, more than 30,000 attend the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition to admire the massive works of snow art.

ROCKFORD

Updated reference guide offers regional information

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) has produce an updated and redesigned quick reference guide to the Rockford Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The 10-page document provides data in a more user-friendly format and provides a better connection between the MSA’s data and the lifestyle benefits.

The data is updated by EDDNI on a yearly basis from sources such as the US Census Bureau, C2ER, and Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

The Rockford MSA encompasses Boone and Winnebago Counties. The MSA sits contiguous to the Chicago Metropolitan Area in Northern Illinois and businesses here are globally connected with international firms. The region generates $2.3 billion in annual exports and manufactures items used around the world.

The guide is used by Growth Dimensions of Bevidere-Boone County as well as the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) in the promotion of the region.

To download the Quick Reference Guide visit: www.RockfordIL.com/QuickReferenceGuide

ROCKFORD

‘DaVinci & Michelangelo’ tour returns to town

A performance of “DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience” North American Tour is back in Rockford after a December appearance was called off.

The event, hosted by the Rockford Art Museum, is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave.

Mark Rodgers, Curator of the DaVinci Machines and Michelangelo Exhibitions for North America, will take guests on a journey through the Italian Renaissance as seen through the eyes of these two monumental geniuses.

This original theater performance is a non-stop, multi-media event featuring movies, videos, 3-D animations, and images of DaVinci and Michelangelo’s inventions, machines, sketches, codices, paintings, and sculptures.

Tickets range from $25-40 and are available at http://rockfordtheater.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=908038.  Each ticket purchased receives a free admission to ‘The DaVinci Machines Exhibition’ currently on display at Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago, located at 835 N. Michigan Ave, Level 3.

A portion of ticket proceeds from this performance benefits Rockford Art Museum.

ROCKFORD

New volleyball league for high school players

Rockford Park District’s new High School Boys Volleyball League offers male volleyball teams of players ages 14-19 and currently enrolled in high school an opportunity to prepare for their upcoming school tryouts.

The league provides players a chance to play with their classmates/teammates in a game setting at the new UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford this winter, prior to the start of the season. JV and varsity teams are welcome.

The five-week league runs Thursdays from Feb. 2-March 2 from 5-9 p.m. with each team playing two matches per date. All matches are officiated by Rockford Park District officials.

Registration closes on Jan. 26. The team entry fee is $220. For details, check the Rockford Park District Fall/Winter 2016/2017 Program Guide available online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/guides, at Park District offices and facilities, or call  815-987-8800.

ROCKFORD

Park District offers indoor golf clinics

Golfers ages 16 and older have the opportunity to improve their game in time for the spring season by signing up for Rockford Park District’s indoor golf clinics scheduled from Jan. 16-March 6.

The 50-minute group lessons meet Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings at the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park.

Each clinic will focus on a specific type of shot or skill: Wedges, Irons, Woods, or Full Swing. Fees are $20.00 per clinic ($23 non-resident). The schedules of all clinics and topics are listed at www.golfrockford.org/lessons (click My RPD), and are also available from the golf office at 815-968-7529.

Register at least three days prior to each clinic date, either online, or at Park District Customer Service locations: Webbs Norman Center or UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford, or Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park. Registration will close as capacities are reached.

For information on support and adapted equipment and programs for golfers with disabilities or special needs, call 815-987-8800.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–