Rockord East’s new band uniforms, courtesy of a suburban Chicago school. (Rockford Public Schools photo).

Suburban school helps give E-Rab marching band a sharp new look

Naperville Central High School was looking for a place to donate gently used band uniforms Rockford East’s uniforms dated back to the 1990s and in need of replacement.

Same school colors (red, black and white) made for a perfect fit.

The Marching Redhawks donated their uniforms, valued at $300 apiece — to their E-Rab counterparts. The 30-some member Rockford East band debuted the new sharp attire — complete with hats with feathered plumes — at last Friday’s Homecoming parade. 

The uniforms will give students a sense of pride and put them in line with their competitors, said  East band director Sue Funk.

“They have exactly what they need,” she said.

AmeriBrest Exhibit Oct. 8 through Oct. 10

KSB Community Wellness, in partnership with Sauk Valley Community College, will host The AmeriBreast Exhibit walk-through event to spotlight issues of breast health and breast cancer prevention, October 8 and 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Sauk’s East Mall.

The AmeriBreast Exhibit is free and open to the public with a special program, “Survive & Thrive” open to all each day at 12:30 p.m. in the SVCC Mathis Theatre.

“Survive & Thrive” will focus on breast cancer stories of survival and the many resources available to patients and their families throughout the Sauk Valley area.

With an estimated nearly 300,000 new cases of breast cancer predicted for 2015, the AmeriBreast Exhibit is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to increase their breast health awareness. AmeriBreast sponsors include Illinois AHEC Network, Northern Illinois Home Medical Supply NFP, and Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center.

For more event questions and tour reservations, please contact Chris Scheffler, 815-288-5932, cscheffler@ksbhospital.com.

After School Ice Skating Resumes

Rockford Park District is resuming the popular After School Ice Skate weekly sessions for boys and girls in grades Pre-K through 12.

Youth have the opportunity.to enjoy some fun recreation and exercise after school hours, while learning basic ice skating skills and gaining confidence on the ice. The Park District’s Learn to Skate staff will provide 15 minutes of instruction at each session. Sessions are scheduled Thursdays October 1, 2015 through April 28, 2016 (except November 26, December 31, and January 7) from 3:30 to 4:50 p.m. at Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St., Rockford.

The fee for students and adult/chaperones is $3.00 per person including skate rental; family and friends are also welcome! This program is one of many low-fee activities offered by the Rockford Park District.

For more information about Rockford Park District ice facilities, as well as skating programs, events, and birthday parties or private rentals, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/skating or call 815-969-4069, where information on accessibility and adapted equipment for people with disabilities is also available.

Autumn Joys of Gardening program Oct. 17

Fall Tablescapes will be the theme of the annual Autumn Joys of Gardening program hosted by the University of Illinois Extension.  Every fall this event features fact filled information combined with fun make and take projects.  This year is no exception, with fun ways to incorporate fall botanicals in your table decorations.

Autumn Joys of Gardening will be held on Saturday, October 17, at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas Street, Freeport.  The program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by Noon.  Registration cost is $25 to cover project materials, and coffee and tea.

To lead off the day Candice Miller, U of I Extension Horticulture Educator, will present the principles of good floral design, and then lead a hands-on workshop with participants to create their own one of a kind, fall arrangement. She will then demonstrate how to transform the fall arrangement into a festive winter/holiday arrangement. Participants will make their own fall arrangement; we will be working with fresh botanicals.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–