New Events Ringing in the New Year in Rockton

Last year the Rockton Historical Society Green Street Museum was named a Local Landmark. Every year the Rockton Township Historical Society keeps Rockton’s history alive in that very building that holds its own rich history and beyond.

A nice variety of events and programs prove to be a draw. The public has an open door to finding out more about the Historical Society and what they do. Coming up is the Society’s annual soup supper. Members and friends will want to join in the fun on Monday evening, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. Several kinds of soup will be served, including a very special new edition of Fire House Chili, plus desserts and coffee. Just bring your soup bowl and spoon and a good appetite. In the case of extreme weather this event will be postponed until Feb. 27!

Check out Rockton in an interesting light by paying a visit to the Carriage House Museum. Take part in upcoming events while learning at the same time. Dance FX on Blackhawk Blvd. is inviting the public to a Hot Cocoa Social on Friday, Jan.13. Two hours of fun begins at 6 p.m. Crafts, raffles and loads of extra pure fun are promised! Call (815) 624-5867 or send an email to [email protected] to register or to obtain more information.

Hononegah Woman’s Club is also back on track after a brief holiday hiatus. Members are ready to welcome guests on Jan. 26 at 7:15 p.m. at the Talcott Free Library. January marks the beginning of a New Year and of game night, which is bringing back Bunco games following a general meeting. 

School is now back in session after a nice holiday break. The time is quickly approaching for pre-school screenings and Kindergarten registration at Rockton Grade School. Screenings apply to student’s ages three years old to Kindergarten age. Screenings are done to identify any potential developmental difficulties and to identify children in the school’s “at-risk” pre-school program. Speech, language and general development are covered. Children who are five years old by September 1, 2017 are eligible for Kindergarten.

Parents are asked to bring your child’s certified birth certificate so that the school can make a copy of it. Additionally two forms of proof of residency are needed. Examples of accepted forms include a most recent tax bill with proof of payment or a signed and dated lease and proof of the last month’s payment, and one recent utility bill within 30 days.

The Rockton School District offers a full day Kindergarten program with children attending daily from 7:45 a.m. until 2:35 p.m. The school’s “at risk” program holds two and half hour sessions, five days a week. Screening dates are Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8 noon until

5 p.m. and on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Appointments are required. Contact Naomi Wilterdink – Rockton Grade School Nurse at (815) 624-8585 or send an email to [email protected]. Written confirmations will be received upon setting an appointment.

Prince of Peace Church is reaching out to college students. The congregation has set aside three to four times per year in which they send packages to them. Items are specified per month of donation. Items to be given are needed by Feb. 5 this includes Valentine cards, homemade cookies, cough drops, pocket tissues, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and small sized hand sanitizers. Please submit names, addresses, and birthdays of your college students to Sue at Sue@[email protected].

Also, coming to Prince of Peace is another movie night. This month’s feature is “China Cry: A True Story.” The film tells the story about a woman who found courage, love and the strength to serve as a Christian under an atheistic communism in China. Show time of this unique movie is at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. As a bonus, popcorn, beverages and other treats will be provided. Any questions regarding the movie may be directed to the church office at (815) 624-2115.

At the last Village Board Meeting on Jan. 3, Trustees voted to spend up to $3,500 on Yeti Fest. Details can be found in an upcoming fuller story on this unique event. Two Public Works employees will be attending the Illinois Rural Water Association Conference in Effingham, Ill. from Feb. 20 – 24. Each will gain valuable education to help keep the Public Works and Water Department services of the highest quality.

Love and sympathies are sent to the family and friends of Robert Nelson who recently passed away.

Great adventures lie ahead in the coming year and January is off to a wonderful start!