Pecatonica
Pecatonica, IL · Lifestyle
rockrivercurrent.com
islands.com
Between Chicago And Madison Is A Midwestern Outdoor Gem With Scenic Trails, Fishing, And Wildlife
Settled on a little over 3,400 acres of glacial kames and prairie in far northern Illinois is a park whose open space, sparkling creek, verdant hiking trails, and paddling routes make it highly coveted by outdoor enthusiasts. Known as Glacial Park and situated around 1.5 hours from Chicago, it includes 490 acres of designated nature preserve and is a popular place among locals and tourists alike. Meander along one of several hiking trails and soak in the sunshine. Stop at the stream and listen to its whispers before finishing your day overlooking an endless prairie. Do remember: Bug-repellent clothing spray is a must, especially for hikers (Amazon offers an odorless, long-lasting option).
The Journal Standard
Northern Illinois artists display plein air works
An exhibit featuring 35 plein air artworks from artists across northern Illinois is on display at the Coliseum Museum in downtown Oregon through Oct. 31, with award winners recognized during a reception on Oct. 9. Awards for the Rock River Valley Painters Guild Annual Plein Air Art Exhibit were presented at the museum, according to a community announcement. Rockford artist and judge Jean Apgar selected the top entries from artwork submitted by participating artists. Dick Cholke of Pecatonica received first place for the watercolor painting “Rain Barrel.” Lucinda Winterfield of Dixon earned second place for the acrylic painting “Old Renne Farm,” while Tom Linden of Rockford took third place for the watercolor “Up Your Alley.” Terry Werntz of Freeport received an honorable mention for the oil painting “Sunday Afternoon.” The exhibit includes works created in acrylic, oil, pastel and watercolor by 13 artists from across northern Illinois. Visitors can vote for a favorite artwork Museum visitors may cast votes for a People’s Choice award during the exhibition. The winner will be announced when the exhibit closes Oct. 31. The Coliseum Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. An attached image accompanying the announcement identified Cholke
rockrivercurrent.com
Almoká Coffee Truck celebrates grand opening in owner’s hometown of Belvidere
BELVIDERE — A mobile coffee shop centered on Yemini flavors has officially opened for business, bringing the taste of Almoká Coffee House from Rockford to the owner’s hometown. Almoká Coffee Truck celebrated its ribbon-cutting with the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday at 105 W. Harrison...
Rockford Register Star
Rockford man takes top honors at Oregon art exhibit
Awards were presented for the Moments in Monochrome Art Exhibit during an opening reception at the Coliseum Museum in downtown Oregon on Oct. 9, with Rockford artist Timothy Griffith earning Best of Show honors for the oil-on-canvas work “Torrit Man.” The exhibit features 80 works by 43 artists and will remain on display through Nov. 14, according to a community announcement. Judge Heather Shore selected winners in multiple categories, recognizing artists from across northern Illinois and neighboring Iowa. Best of Show went to Timothy Griffith of Rockford for “Torrit Man.” Laurie Friemuth of Oregon received first place for “After the Storm,” while Elisa Boughner of DeKalb earned second place for “Serenity in Blue.” Tamara Shriver of DeKalb placed third for “Old Barn 1.” In photography, Maggie Isaacs of Loves Park received first place for “S.O.S.” Bob Cholke of Rockford earned second place for “Stucco & Sticks,” and Stephonie Schmitz of Dubuque, Iowa, received third place for “Diamonds on the Beach.” Honorable mentions were awarded to Terry South of Dixon for “Lest We Forget,” Glenn Bodish of Dixon for “Carbon Sequestration #2,” Carol Bingham of Sycamore for “Autumn Moon” and Tom Ruhland of Chillicothe for “Pilings.” Exhibit showcases a range of
familydestinationsguide.com
This Old-Fashioned Illinois Drive-In Serves Burgers So Good People Drive From All Over The State
Not every great meal requires a reservation, a dress code, or a parking garage, and Jay’s Drive In in Oregon, Illinois is living proof of that every single day. Pull up, look at the menu, order something wonderful, and let the afternoon take care of itself. That’s the Jay’s...
WANE 15
Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen announces he is cancer-free at Illinois charity event
The announcement comes about a month after fans expressed concern about Nielsen's health when he briefly left the stage during a Cheap Trick performance in Aurora before returning to finish the show seated.