" The Olympic Tavern has agreed to give the profits for their monthly beer and wine tasting in February to Neighborhood Network.  So, please spread the word, come out, bring some friends, invite your neighbors, and have some fun.

 "Thirst Fursday Beer & Wine Tasting - Sipping for our city!

The Olympic Tavern

2327 North Main Street, Rockford

Thursday, February 2nd

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

$15.00 per person, with profits to benefit Neighborhood Network

 Sample some fine beers and wines, some new offerings, and help support Neighborhood Network.

 Why should you help support Neighborhood Network – what does it do?

Neighborhood Network currently serves over 100 neighborhood groups, providing information, training and access to resources.  We work every day as a partner to help create a better community.  We see the possibilities and have the resources, connections and passion to help. 

 Because you don’t have to move to live in a better neighborhood.

 Neighborhood Network works very closely with the city departments, other governmental and non-governmental agencies and area resources providers to:

·         Help form new neighborhood groups or help existing groups be more effective and sustainable.

·         Provide training, tools and skills to help groups communicate, advocate, and build leaders and active participants.

·         Increase access to information, resources, collaborations and partnerships.

·         Help teach residents about crime prevention techniques.

·         Give people the knowledge and contacts to address other neighborhood issues like abandoned and unsafe buildings, garbage, rubbish and high weeds, or inoperable or abandoned vehicles.

·         Coordinate the successful Community Gardens program which grew to 43 gardens within Winnebago and Boone Counties.

·         Work together to make our neighborhoods, and our community, a better place to live, work and play.

 I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 2^nd.  Please call me in you have any questions.

 Regards,

Neighborhood Network"

 Snow Removal

Do you know where your car should be parked?   Whenever the city declares a snow emergency, the even/odd parking ordinance goes into effect and you can receive a $50 ticket if you don’t follow it.  For anyone not sure of how the even/odd parking ordinance works, here’s how it works:

·         What is the even/odd parking ordinance? During a snow emergency, street parking across the city is limited to one side of the street. On even-numbered days, parking is permitted on the even side of the street. On odd-numbered days, parking is permitted on the odd side of the street. The even side of the street is the side where the addresses end in an even number. The odd side of the street is the side where the addresses end in an odd number. The time to switch from one side of the street to the other is 8 a.m.

·         Why does the city have an even/odd parking ordinance? Street crews need as much space as possible to safely maneuver snow plows and salt trucks up and down the city’s streets. Having vehicles parked on only side of the street allows more room for snow- and ice-removal vehicles to do their job.

 ·         Will I get a ticket if I’m parked on the wrong side of the street during a snow emergency? You might be issued a $50 ticket for violating the ordinance if an officer arrives on your street and your vehicle is parked on the wrong side. If you receive a ticket for parking on the wrong side of the street during a snow emergency, you can appeal the ticket through a hearing process.

·         How do you know whether a snow emergency is in effect? The city issues notices announcing the declaration and lifting of snow emergencies to local media outlets. It also posts the information on the city’s Web site rockfordil.gov. If you are unsure whether a snow emergency is in effect, you can call the city’s public works department at 815-987-5771. If snow plows are out on the streets, if it’s snowing or if there’s a forecast for more than two inches of snow, it’s likely that snow emergency has been or will be called.

 ·         Can I park on the wrong side of the street during a snow emergency if the street already has been cleared? No. The even/odd parking ordinance is in effect until the snow emergency is lifted. Plows might need to return to the street. Residents are advised to follow the ordinance regardless of whether their street has been plowed.

The best thing to do, if possible, is to get your car off the street and in your garage or driveway."

"ROCKFORD – The City of Rockford announces that Christmas trees will be picked-up on scheduled residential garbage days for the first two full weeks of January 2012. From January 3rd through January 12th trees may be placed alongside regular trash and will be picked-up by Rock River Disposal, garbage contractor for the City of Rockford."

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful has announced this year's tree-recycling locations:

"Remember to recycle your Christmas tree and collect free mulch.  Trees should be completely bare -  no tree stands, no ornaments, no lights.  Flocked trees and pine wreaths with metal frames will not be accepted.  Items must be biodegradable and free of any metal objects.

 "Mulch is created as the trees are chipped and is available at no charge to area residents for use in their landscaping; it is a durable ground cover that reduces weeds and retains moisture.  Acid loving plants benefit from the nutrients in the mulch.  The pine mulch is available on a first come, first served basis.  Residents need to bring their own shovel and containers.   

 "The drop-off sites are unmanned and open twenty-four hours a day:

·         Don Schmid Youth Sports Center / Riverdahl Park, Rockford

·         Blackhawk Park / 100 – 15^th Ave, Rockford

·         Levings Lake / East entrance off Johnston Avenue, Rockford

·         Andrews Park, 800 North Central Ave, Rockford

·         Gambino Park / Pepper Drive off North Alpine Road, Rockford

·         Alpine Park / 900 South Alpine Road, Rockford

·         Martin Park / Park Ridge Road off Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park

·         Machesney Park Village Hall / 300 Machesney Road, Machesney Park

·         Baumann Park / Behind South Walnut maintenance building, Cherry Valley

·         Williams Tree Farm / 4661 Yale Bridge Road, north Winnebago County

·         Rockton Boat Ramp Parking Lot / Off Hononegah Road

·         Valley View Farms / 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe

·         Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve / 4550 N Pecatonica Rd, Pecatonica

 "There will be no tree recycling at the Westlake Village location this year." 

For more information, visit www.knib.org or call 815-637-1343.

"The garbage collection for City of Rockford residents on Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd and the balance of each respective week will be delayed one day due to the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays. Residents that normally have garbage pick-up on Monday will be picked-up on Tuesday and so on through the subsequent days of each week.

The Household Hazardous Waste Site at 3333 Kishwaukee will be closed for the weekend of December 24th and 25th and also December 31st and January 1st due to the holidays."

Riverfront Museum Park opens to the public for a free Museum Day on
Thursday, September 29TH from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  
As part of RMP's 20th Anniversary Celebration, the public is invited to explore the places and
spaces during the open house. Refreshments will be served and staff and
volunteers will be on hand to greet guests. 
During the event, guests can explore the museums of Discovery Center and
Rockford Art Museum, make music at the instrument petting zoo with Rockford
Symphony Orchestra, meet the Rockford Dance Company choreographer of The
Nutcracker or step into the studios of Northern Public Radio and share some
memories. 
Guests are invited to bring family and friends to this FREE open house and
spend the afternoon at Riverfront Museum Park! Riverfront Museum Park is the
home for 
.	Discovery Center Museum, 
.	Northern Public Radio, 
.	Rockford Art Museum, 
.	Rockford Dance Company and 
.	Rockford Symphony Orchestra 
 
711 North Main Street Rockford IL 61103
www.riverfrontmuseumpark.org