Positive News, Stories, & Stateline Buzz Polls

Today Sanctuary Spa Inc. celebrates 9 years in business! We are so grateful for all the people that have worked within these walls and still do. It's because of you that we've built this glorious place into an amazing destination for relaxation, weddings, and hair transformations!In our 9-year journey, we've had ups and downs like any business has, but we've persevered and muscled through. We were blessed enough to be able to add a second location in Rockford, Sanctuary South. Special thanks to the Rockton community for your continued support and patronage! It's because of each of you that we are able to still be here. Growing and loving this community is what our hearts were meant to do! Love, Marc & Erica #entrepreneurlife #inspireothers Village of Rockton Sanctuary South Womenworking.com #sanctuary815 #buildingcommunity #buildingleaders #buildingrelationships

This #ElevateYourSaturday is all about breaking past your limitations. If you don't allow yourself to imagine success and your dreams we become limited on what we can achieve. So use your imagination to your advantage and the possibilities will be flowing! #businessmotivation #motivationalquotes #entrepreneur #selfmotivation

Please share. Thanks!Sanctuary South, a station rental salon, is looking for talented hairstylists to be a part of our Rockford team. Station rental is $150 a week!We are offering a $600 sign on bonus plus a $100 finders fee for any stylist you refer. Contact us for details.We offer:Sign on BonusesRetail CommissionFree BackbarCareer Growth7 Day a Week Key AccessIn House Salon EducationPositive Workplace CultureFree WiFiStand Alone Building with ParkingContact Erica Smith at: sanctuarysouth815@gmail.com or(815) 978-9792Finders Bonus - If you know someone, tell a friend.#stylistwanted #sanctuary815 #jobopportunity #boothrental #ChairRental #hairstylisteducation #recruitingstylists #avedasalon

Your Event Cigars can help make your event or holiday gifts a memorable one! Making for a unique and personal experience for your guests and employees. Each package includes a custom-made letter, as well as a choice of customized banding and boxes! We offer a variety of premium selections of award-winning Karen Berger and Don KiKi cigars to help add to the ultimate gifting experience. Learn more or order today at Www.YourEventCigar.Com #customizedcigars #youreventcigars #holidaygifts #employeeappreciation #weddinggifts #specialevents #divorceparties #custombranding #promoproducts #marketingagency #beloitwi #southernwi #elevateyourbrand

#ElevateYourSaturday by starting to DO! It's easy to talk about all the things you want to happen but the only way to make those goals happen is to stop talking and to start DOing! There is never a perfect time, just take the first step and keep moving forward! #businessmotivation #entrepreneur #motivationalquotes #businessquotes #elevateyourbusiness #motivation #marketingagency #southernwi #smallbusines

Our new website is up and live. We are very excited on some NEW things to come. We have even launched a NEW you tube page that is going to feature in depth backgrounds stories of the vehicles and artifacts we have on hand. See those videos weekly on our website.https://www.historicautoattractions.com

So often our clients ask us... What is Geofencing?Well let's talk about it!Geofencing is a marketing service that triggers an action when a device enters a set location or it's user matches specific criteria. Some actions include; coupons, notifications, engagement features, and general business marketing!We can help you benefit from this unique marketing tactic by finding creative ways to use these virtual boundaries or by setting specific criteria that fit with your business, and the clientele you are trying to attract.Want to learn more? Email Us at Sales@Freshhorizonsgroup.com#geofencing #virtualmarketing #locationbasedmarketing #marketingagency #elevateyourbrand #salesconversion #southernwisconsin #beloitwi

WOW! Thank you Tripadvisor and all the guests that have given us such great reviews. Thank you Tony for encouraging everyone to give a review. We just got awarded "Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice”. This means we rate in the TOP 10% GLOBALLY!

The Rockton River Market (RRM) takes place on Wednesdays in Settlers Park. It's a summer event that has live music from local artists. Food trucks ranging from tacos, burgers & fries, and fancy cocktail drinks. I had the honor of being a sponsor last week (June 22, 2022). Even though I was there on business, I had tons of fun.This was my first time attending the RRM since I've been here in the Stateline. The vibe of the event was different from other city markets or farmers markets. Different in a good way. The RRM was like a community event with music entertainment at Settlers Park. Everyone brought folding chairs and found a spot to set up at. After finding a spot, you can get some great food from local vendors and pair it with a nice drink. Every week different local artists perform for the community. The RRM is a laid-back event where you can bring the whole family to get some local food, treats and hear some great music. I also need to mention the bouncy house! That thing was huge! Only if they allow adults without kids. Seeing that, took me back.At the RRM I had my own booth. I also had a cool Stateline Buzz flag. Most of my time was spent talking to the locals about my business. It was great meeting the people from the community. If you didn't already know, Stateline Buzz is a positive media company, and we promote local positive news. Being able to talk to the community about my mission felt amazing! I received a ton of positive feedback from the locals. They were glad to hear about a media outlet that focuses on the positive side of the Stateline region.When I wasn't at the booth, I was able to meet some of the local business owners. There had to be at least 20 different vendors offering treats, clothing, or fresh baked breads. Going around and chatting with some of the owners before the crowd picked up was pleasant. Getting to hear about their backstories, and why they are passionate and love their business. I was able to have a great conversation with the owners of, Under One Sky, and Simply Sweets. Under One Sky promotes positivity just like me. They make tie dye clothing and offer other accessories. Simply Sweets is a baker. Offering freshly cooked breads, and sweet treats. Everything is handmade, and local.I really enjoyed myself at the Rockton River Market last week. So much so that I plan on going to this week's event and bringing the whole family. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with my wife and daughter. Nothing makes me happier than getting involved in the community. The RRM and other local community events really capture the culture of the Stateline. Events like these bring out the best in people, and everyone has an amazing time. So next time you find yourself without something to do on a summer Wednesday night. Head over the Settlers park around five o'clock for some family free fun, good music, and great local food trucks.-Until next time Stateline, Oscar signing off

Old Settlers Days is an annual music festival that takes place in Rockton Illinois. Living in Rockford, I’ve heard of Old Settlers Days (OSD), but I’ve never attended. With starting Stateline Buzz, I knew I had to check out one of the biggest events in the Stateline.The week leading up to OSD, I was in the Rockton area visiting businesses and shooting some free Buzz videos, when I stopped by Settlers Park. At this time, the attractions and stages were being set up. I was impressed by the number of rides that could fit into the park area. I really underestimate the actual size of the park. I chatted with some of the guys that were setting up the rides, and some of them come from all over the states. I didn’t envy them though, It felt like one hundred degrees out. I was sweating just walking around the park.The wife and I planned on attending together. Unfortunately, it was a little too hot to bring Baby Selena. We ended up having grandma babysit for us. We were so excited to experience OSD for the first time. We were also looking forward to the food. Can I be honest for a moment? The food is always the best part. We had nachos, Italian beef, some chicken and fries, and funnel cakes! Those things are to die for. There was a food truck that was serving deep fried cookie dough. If anyone reading this had one, let me know asap! Wait, don’t. I don’t want to hear how good it was, when I know I'll have to wait another year to experience it.Chi and I didn't get on any rides. Personally, I’m not much of a roller coaster or amusement park rides person but we did play some games! First, we had to win a goldfish. Everyone here knows, sinking a ball into one of those impossible glasses is the best feeling in the world. You really feel like Stephen Curry for a moment. Unfortunately, today wasn't one of those days. I felt like Shaq from the free throw. Missed every shot. It was fine. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if I was ready for the responsibility of raising a goldfish. Next was Skee-Ball, then the claw machine. My luck didn’t change. The carnival gods didn’t want me to get a stuffed animal for my lady.Overall, Old Settlers Days is going to be an event that I look forward to bringing my growing family with year after year. OSD, in my opinion, is one of the best annual events that take place here in the Stateline. It was nice to see everyone out with their families having some summer fun. It was nice running into some friends that I haven't' seen in a while too. The food was great, the music was pleasant, and Chi and I enjoyed ourselves. Whether you stop out this year or not, make sure to be on the lookout for this event next year. I will have the date on the website for next year's event.Until next time Stateline, Oscar signing out.

The Beloit Farmers’ Market has been around since 1974. Bringing thousands together in the state line community. This year's 2022 farmers’ market has more than 130 different vendors. I had the honor of going to my first one, last Saturday. I’ve been looking forward to it since I heard about it. I have never been to a farmers’ market before, so I didn't know what to expect. I saw tons and tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, cheese, flowers, and delicious food options.  The market takes up about 3 blocks in the heart of Beloit. For the market you must walk, so the wife and I parked down the road. First thing we did was walk the market in its entirety. I wanted to see all the vendors. It seemed like there were more than 130 there. We both saw a couple of vendors that caught our eye. The first one that I wanted to try was the fresh fruit smoothie stand. Had to get my favorite, strawberry watermelon. My favorite part about a real fruit smoothie is health benefits! Nothing is better than some food that tastes good and is good for you too.  After finishing my smoothie, the wife must feed the baby. So, I went on a solo adventure. Walking around for a bit, I found a farmer that makes his own salsa. If you know me, I love Hispanic food of any kind. So, salsa is my jam! I purchased this one called, “Snake Bite”. The farmer told me this is one of his best sellers and had amazing flavor and heat. He wasn’t lying; I tried the salsa with some chips from Truk’t. Oh my god my mouth was on fire, but it burned so good. The taste was great, and the heat was hot. Can’t wait to try some of the hot sauces he had too.  Overall, the Beloit Farmers’ Market is worth checking out. I had such an amazing time with the family, and I’m excited to check it out again. Next time that I go to the market I plan on bringing some extra cash so I can do some grocery shopping while I’m there. I won’t be letting fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, and delicious snacks next time. I also didn't have the time to stop by every vendor that I planned on. Next time I will make sure to spend a couple minutes with each one. Thank you to the Beloit area for hosting this event and sharing part of the state line culture with the community.  -Until next time, Oscar signing off

 One thing everyone will come to see about me is that I love food. Who doesn't though right? One of my favorites is Greek style food. Here in the state line area it is hard to find good gyros. I am so glad that I found out about The Olive Branch.   The first thing that drew me towards this food truck is that the owners are 100% Greek. The name is a tribute to the owner's mother, who had an olive farm back in Greece. Also the owner's father was a chef at the Wagon Wheel back in the day also. The Olive Branch is a family owned business. First generation Greek food truck owners, but plan on passing this tradition and culture down. Everytime you go to The Olive Branch you don't know who you may see. The whole family takes part in bringing Greek culture to the state line. Overall the family feel of this food truck is one of a kind.   Lets of course talk about the food. My go-to is a gyros with fries! You can’t ask for more than that. One of the best gyros is the state line area. The meat and the pita on the gyros is so good. The gyros meat is always moist, juicy, and ripe with flavor. Add on the soft and perfectly cooked pita, your taste buds are in for the time of their lives. The fries are extremely good as well. Nice and crunchy. I love dipping my fries in the gyros sauce. Thinking about it now makes me want to throw on my jacket and go get me one for lunch. My only regret is not trying all the wonderful options they have available. Next time I go, I'm going to have to venture off course and try something new. Overall the food is amazing.   I am looking forward to getting to know the family behind The Olive Branch more. The Olive Branch is one of those places you can go and have a conversation with the owners and their family. I love that you can ask questions about the food, and get a little background story. Every item has a piece of Greek culture attached to it. That really stands out to me. The best way to describe the overall feel, and food at The Olive Brand is, Go see it for yourself. This food truck is so unique compared to many places here in the state line. Not to many places where you can have amazing Greek style food, learn about the culture, and have the family atmosphere. Don’t just take my word for it, go try it out yourself. Tell them, Oscar from Stateline Buzz sent you.Until next time state line, Oscar logging off

First Day in the State Line My first day in the state line started off with some coffee at one of my new favorite places, DeeDee's Coffee on Main Street. I was able to meet the owner and introduce myself. Tried this amazing birthday cake latte , which was to die for! I am the biggest fan of birthday cake flavored anything. The drink was nice n' hot with the perfect amount of sweetness. After leaving DeeDee's, Jake and I went on a tour of the state line. Stopped by all the major streets in Rockton, Roscoe, and the Beloit area. It was amazing seeing these communities in depth for the first time. Taking the time to explore the beautiful parks and business. I fell in love with the view of Settler's Park. The river flowing under the bridge, with the sun shining down on the vibrant green grass. It was astonishing. Following our little tour, we stopped by the Beloit Police Department to see Chief Sayles. The three of us had a discussion about Stateline Buzz, and how I am so passionate to be a positive outlet here in the community. We talk about what I am looking to accomplish here in the region, and how we can help each other. Chief Sayles informed Jake and I of some organizations in the area that are all about positivity. It was an honor to meet with Chief Sayles and have an impactful conversation on where to get started. Looking forward to meeting again! In conclusion my first day in the state line was a memorable one. From finding my new favorite coffee shop with the best birthday cake drink ever, getting to see Settle's Park for the first time, and meeting Chief Sayles. The state line has so much to offer, and it's sad I'm just finding out about it. Being just a couple towns over in Rockford, I've never taken the time out to experience everything here. I'm excited to start my new journey, and bring my passion for small business to the state line. I know I'm going to have so much to cover. Thank you to the people and business in the state line for showing me community hospitality. Until next time state line, Oscar signing out.