The Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter Plus from June 14th-19th, 2026.

A Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+) is a 5-day experience for adults. Participants should be 18 or older, want to play the organ or currently play the organ in a church or synagogue, and be interested in improving their organ skills. POE+ offers instruction in basic technique, pedaling, improvisation, registration for beginners to advanced, and skills such as hymn playing, sight reading and transposition. Participants will have opportunities to visit several churches in Rockford and play a variety of organs.

Among the many recitalists featured is world renowned organist Katelyn Emerson, who has performed concerts across North America, Europe and Asia. David Cherwien, distinguished composer, conductor and organist, will also lead a Hymn Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church, featuring many of his own hymn settings.

Also on faculty is Tyler Canonico, Rhonda Sider Edington, Carol Feather-Martin, Matthew Haider, Andrew Schaeffer, Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, and John Wigal.

For more information and registration, please visit https://www.rockfordago.org

Join us for a hands-on art workshop inspired by an extraordinary piece of history. Discover the story of Andrew Clemens, a 19th-century Iowa artist who crafted breathtaking works entirely from grains of sand. Then, create your own layered sand art jar, using color and pattern to tell a story, capture a memory, or simply enjoy the process. This program is free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Nurture is a mixed media art exhibit that focuses on artists' perspective of the concept of Nurture. Join us to experience the inspiration and expressive interpretation of Nurture though art.

Take Root: A Farm Business Class Farmers Rising - The Land Connection - Food Works

January 13 – June 6, 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays
6-8pm
Four quarters · Four weeks each · One-week break between sections
Final presentations on June 6
(Last official class day: May 21, followed by a two-week break)

Mentorships to follow (optional)

About the Program

Take Root is a comprehensive virtual training program designed for people exploring farm business ownership and farmers in their first 1–5 years. This guided, step-by-step course helps participants build the confidence, clarity, and practical skills needed to launch or strengthen a farm enterprise.

The course follows a structured 4-section curriculum, each lasting four weeks. Between each section, participants take a one-week pause to reflect, catch up, and prepare for the next phase. After the final session on May 21, students will have two weeks to finalize their plans before returning on June 6 for peer presentations. Once presentations are complete, students will have the opportunity to join a mentorship program specialized to each person.

What are the benefits of Take Root?

✔ Build a complete farm business plan

✔ Join a supportive community

✔ Learn from experienced farmers

✔ Strengthen your business knowledge

Course Sections:

Quarter 1: The Dream: Foundations of Farm Life

Quarter 2: Enterprise: The Business of Farming

Quarter 3: Operations: Building it Out

Quarter 4: Finance: Keeping and Maintaining the Farm

Tuition & Accessibility

Total cost: $500 (not including mentorship)
Enrollment fee: $25 (applied toward tuition)

To ensure the program is accessible to all, we offer:

Payment plan

Need-based scholarships (based on current grant-supported scholarship fund availability)

Mentorships to follow

We can not wait for a great year with Take Root!

Jillae- Farmer Training Program Facilitator at Farmers Rising

As we commemorate America250, join Artist and Art Historian, Denise Laurin, for a captivating multimedia discussion exploring the pivotal works of art that documented the Revolutionary War, and the remarkable transformation of George Washington from man to myth. Denise brings a rare combination of artistic sensibility and scholarly depth to every presentation. Holding an M.A. in Art History from Northern Illinois University, she spent nearly two decades teaching at the college level and has exhibited at venues ranging from the Chicago Cultural Center to MoMA-affiliated shows in New York City. Recognized as an advanced speaker by Toastmasters International, she is as compelling in front of an audience as she is in the studio.
This program is free and open to the public. It will be offered as a blended program with in-person and virtual options. To register virtually, go to: t.ly/ofioD.

The third concert of Pipe Organ Encounter Week sponsored by the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will feature a Hymn Festival led by the renowned choral conductor and organist David Cherwien.