There is a new director of Nature education at Severson Dells Nature Center for Winnebago County. Ann Wasser will replace Don Miller. (Photo courtesy of Severson Dells Nature Center)

ROCKFORD

Unlimited play sports

pass now available

Keep active and enjoy the benefits and fun of playing sports at Rockford Park District’s Indoor Sports Center (ISC) at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.

ISC offers a 30-day Unlimited Play Sports Pass, which allows users to play indoor 50+ softball, and/or use the indoor golf driving range for $50 ($60 non-resident; $70 after January 1, 2017). Great for gift giving! Passes expire 30 days from date of purchase, and are available at ISC or online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click My RPD, search Pass Memberships).

For more information about the various sports, leagues, and programs offered at the facility, visit www.rockfordsportscore.com or call 815-987-8890. For information about accessibility and adapted equipment for visitors with disabilities or special needs, call (815) 987-8800.

ROCKFORD

Visitors’ agency honored

for tourism website

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website GoRockford.com has been awarded a Gold MarCom Award for excellence in the category of Tourism Website. The award comes on the heels of the RACVB’s redesign of the website which was launched in May.

The MarCom Awards recognize outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of marketing and communication materials and programs. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

MarCom is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious creative competitions in the world. MarCom is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), a 22-year-old international organization consisting of several thousand creative professionals.

The re-launched www.gorockford.com features a brand new design that focuses on telling the region’s story through dynamic photos, comprehensive calendar and event listings, user generated content through our social media feed Stackla, feature articles from local bloggers and enhanced listings for our attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels.

COUNTY

Forest Preserve shelter

reservations begin Feb. 6

 In-person and online forest preserve shelter houses reservations for the 2017 season will begin begin at the Forest Preserve District of Winnebago County headquarters on Feb. 6.

In person reservations run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. while online reservations will be accepted from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reservations for use of any of the 26 shelters must be paid in full to confirm the date of reservation.

Forest Preserve Headquarters is located at 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford IL 61103.

For more information call (815) 877-6100.

COUNTY

Wasser named director

of nature education

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County has named Ann Wasser as new Director of Nature Education.

She replaces Don Miller who recently retired after serving as Director of Nature Education at Severson Dells Nature Center for 27 years.

Wasser comes to Winnebago County from California where she has had a long career in natural science and environmental education. Most recently, she was the Director of Education at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in Pacific Grove, CA.

She will be overseeing nature education programs and activities at Severson Dells and at sites throughout the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County.

STATE

IDOT offers updated

winter road conditions

With this week’s official start of winter, the Illinois Department of Transportation reminds motorists to visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com for updated state road conditions before heading out.

Available on computers and mobile device by clicking the “Winter Road Conditions” tab, this handy map provides an overview of how the roads are looking throughout the state. The map receives more than two million visitors and nearly five million page views each winter.

The map is updated frequently during winter storms. Shared on news broadcasts, social media and elsewhere, this map is a great resource during the winter months.

— Winnebago County briefs —