A Brief History of The Rockford Sock Monkey

The City of Rockford this month sent a very strong message - it is investing long-term in the next generation of leaders. This month, the city announced that it would increase its annual $1.5 million commitment to Rockford Promise to $2.1 million going forward helping the non-profit organization expand the number of students it can help go to Rockford University. Rockford Promise is a scholarship program that has been helping Rockford Public Schools graduates with GPAs above 3.0 go to RU, Rock Valley College since 2015, Northern Illinois University since 2021 and, beginning this spring, Saint Anthony College of Nursing. The money is coming from a portion of the proceeds generated by the Hard Rock Casino. Whether you are for or against gambling, there's no denying that the money being generated by the casino for Rockford Promise is life changing for the students and eventually for the city of Rockford. Rockford Promise was born in 2006 after a group of locals learned about the Kalamazoo Promise. In that Michigan city, a group of wealthy families) pooled their resources to create a scholarship program that allowed every single graduate of Kalamazoo Public Schools to go to college in Michigan tuition free. There are now more than 400 Promise programs around the U.S. From 2007 to 2015, Rockford Promise raised money and gave partial scholarships to dozens of students. Feeling that that just wasn't moving the needle enough, the group reorganized to raise money to give students tuition until they got their degrees at Rockford University and Rock Valley College. Rockford Promise restarted small. In 2016-2017, the group started with two RU students and three RVC students. In 2017-2018, that grew to four at RU and 10 at RVC. By 2020-2021, the group was supporting 18 at RU and 61 at RVC. In 2021-2022, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara kicked the effort into fifth gear by pledging to funnel $1.5 million of casino revenues annually for Rockford Promise students to go to NIU. This year, there are 451 students currently attending college on a Rockford Promise scholarship. About two-thirds of these are first-generation college students who would have been unlikely to have been able to afford college without the help. Already, Rockford Promise has 107 proud graduates to its credit and that list is going to grow rapidly. Two of the 98 students who were part of the first NIU cohort in 2021-2022 have graduated early, the rest are seniors this year. The addition of NIU was game-changing for Rockford Promise, but that choice is not for everyone. The Rockford Promise scholarship does not cover room and board and some students have extensive home responsibilities that make moving to DeKalb or commuting difficult or impossible. The additional money announced by the city this month will vastly increase the number of students who can stay close to home at RU. It's also a way to invest in the city by making sure RU has a steady stream of local students attending. RU has hundreds of local employees who live in Rockford. It's essentially doubling the impact. "Since 2016, we have welcomed Rockford Promise Scholars, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic success, reflected in their 92% graduation rate, RU President Patricia Lynott said in the monthly Rockford Promise email newsletter. "Last year alone, we received over 90 applications from local students eager to pursue their studies at Rockford University through Rockford Promise. We are proud to deepen this relationship and look forward to seeing our community grow stronger through this initiative." It's also a politically savvy move by the mayor. Rockford Promise was founded specifically to help Rockford Public Schools students afford college and to make the district an attraction to families moving to the area or business owners looking to relocate here. College costs are a national concern. If you are trying to decide where to move, a district that has a Promise program that can help your child go to college tuition free is a pretty good recruiting tool. There were some detractors, though, who felt like Rockford Promise should be open to both public and private school students. The mayor listened. The additional $600,000 for Rockford University scholarships will be available to any outstanding high school graduate from the city of Rockford. RockfordBuzz likes to celebrate all things good about the city of Rockford. The city of Rockford helping kids go to college, many of which will return and be the leaders of the next few decades, is about as good as it gets. To learn more about Rockford Promise or to apply for a scholarship, go to https://rockfordpromise.org/apply-scholarship/.

Josh Patterson and the staff at Wired Cafe were pretty excited for the second week of October. Patterson and his partners at Eight Fifteen Capital bought the 13-year-old coffee shop in January, learned the ropes, learned the customers, and wanted to take the next step by roasting their own coffee beans."We'd just gotten the roaster on Friday (Oct. 4)," said Patterson, who owns the cafe along with his brother, Matt Simpson, Terrance Hall, Clydale Hilson and Jaron Hite.Sunday morning, he got a call. Someone had broken into Wired and set three different fires."That day there was just a lot of uncertainty, a lot of just wrapping my head around what happened, why it happened," Patterson said.The next few days were a whirlwind of meeting with representatives of their insurance company. "That helped as far as just addressing, we talk about triage, stopping the bleeding, that helped us in terms of starting to pick up the pieces."Once the group could see a path forward, they wanted to take control of what others were seeing and saying."One of the seven principals of Kwanzaa is kujichagulia, which means self determination in Swahili," Patterson said. Kwanzaa is the annual holiday affirming African family and social values that is celebrated the seven days after Christmas. Kujichagulia emphasizes the right and responsibility to define, name, create for oneself, and speak for oneself."We knew that the longer that we're not open, there's opportunity for our customers to get what they get from us from other places," Patterson said. "There were a lot of questions about what happened and we wanted to stay connected with our Wired Family."Wired worked with Pablo Korona, the filmmaker behind the Our City, Our Story series, to document its path to reopening. The group released videos on Oct. 13 and Nov. 4 on its Facebook and Instagram pages giving its customers an insiders view.Patterson said the videos have been cleansing."It's empowering to tell your own story," he said. "This happened to us, but we control what happens next."Patterson is excited about the next video, which is scheduled to be posted on Nov. 19. It will include Wired Cafe's reopening date."It's going to be sooner rather than later."You can find Wired Cafe at facebook.com/@wiredcaferockford or instagram.com/wiredcaferkfd/.

Der Rathskeller was a North End staple for 90 years. What started out as a sausage shop and delicatessen in 1931 at 1132 Auburn St. eventually evolved to include a bar, restaurant and outdoor beer garden.Beginning in 2016, though, the restaurant went through three ownership changes before closing for good in October, 2021, unable to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.In June, the property sprung back to life as Plume under the direction of husband-wife duo Lia Pennacchi and Chase Williams. The two know the Rockford restaurant scene well. They started working together when Williams was the executive chef at Social Urban Bar & Restaurant in downtown Rockford.For those who remember Der Rathskeller, Plume is a bit of a change. It's much brighter with an upscale decor and pricing. It's also an Italian restaurant - but with a slight twist. The cuisine is northern Italian - the Pennacchis' heritage traces back to northern Italy - and the food has Austrian and German influences. So there's still that little tie to Der Rathskeller.My sister and I stopped in to try it out on Halloween, even sitting next to a couple dressed as a British king and queen. One thing to note. You will not be offered a menu. There are QR codes to scan to find the drink and food menus. They will bring you one if you ask. The goal of Plume is to change the menu regularly as produce is in season without having to routinely print new menus.We split a small plate, the tigelle. That came on a wooden board and included thin biscuits that you slice to make small sandwiches stuffed with mortadella (thin slices of Italian sausage), coppa picante (cured pork), pesto Modenese (a spread made of cured pork fat, garlic and rosemary) and blueberry preserves. For one, that would have been a meal in and of itself.We also split the Eickman's beef tenderloin, which was an 8-oz filet placed on top of potatoes cooked with onions and balsamic vinegar. The steak was so tender it seemed to melt in your mouth and the potatoes were sweet almost like sweet potatoes.We plan on going back to check out the bar and desserts on another day. On the night we went, it had Nutella Pot de Creme (hazelnut butter, chocolate and Frangelico whipped cream) and Tiramasu on the menu.Plume is a welcome addition to the North Main-Auburn corridor that also features the Norwegian at 1402 N. Main St. You should put both on your restaurant rotation.

There will be tens of thousands of kids out on Halloween in Rockford, in the annual quest for some cool candy. On Halloween in 1956, Rockford native and U.S. Navy Admiral George Dufek was hoping not to get too cold.On Oct. 31, 1956, Dufek became the first American to stand at the South Pole. He was one of seven U.S. Navy pilots who landed an airplane for the first time at the bottom of the world. With the engines running to avoid freeze-up, Dufek stepped out onto the frozen terrain and planted the U.S. Flag.The flight was part of Operation Deep Freeze, which had the ultimate goal of establishing a research station on the continent. In 1957, Dufek returned to the South Pole to establish a supply base, which he named Little Rockford.Today, the National Science Foundation's South Pole Station is host to cutting-edge science and home to as many 150 people at a time. Dufek was born in Rockford in 1903. He joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at Rockford High School and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1921.Dufek became a pilot and served in World War II and the Korean War, when he was placed in command of the aircraft carrier USS Antietam. Dufek retired from the Navy in 1959 and died in 1977. The Navy stopped using Little Rockford in 1965.

It's October and that means it's time for Spooks! I’m dying to know… what’s your favorite haunted house to visit in the 815?

Tatianna Salisbury, a proud Rockford, Illinois native, has always been driven by her passion for storytelling. Now based in Denver, Colorado, she has blossomed into a powerful voice in the world of creative writing, publishing her debut book, words my heart needed to hear, in June 2023. This remarkable collection of poetry and short stories reflects Tatianna’s emotional journey through love, betrayal, longing, and healing. Her raw, honest writing style has already begun to resonate with readers across the country.A Passion for StorytellingTatianna’s love for writing began early on, but it was during her time at Rockford’s Auburn High School, in the CAPA program, that she truly started to believe in her potential as a writer."I’ve always loved writing," Tatianna shared. "But it was really when I was in the CAPA program at Auburn that I started to think I could make a career out of it. I had some incredible English teachers who pushed me to evolve as a writer."Her teachers’ encouragement ignited a passion that continued to grow throughout her college years. Tatianna pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications at Northern Illinois University, where she honed her skills in journalism and creative writing. She held several positions at the university newspaper, including Editor-In-Chief, and contributed to various online publications and magazines across the U.S.The Journey to DenverIn the fall of 2021, Tatianna moved to Denver, Colorado, to further her career in internal communications. But it wasn’t long before she rekindled her love for creative writing and poetry. Between 2022 and 2023, Tatianna poured her heart into writing and publishing her first book, words my heart needed to hear, a collection that dives deep into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery."Through five chapters, we experience the lifecycle of love through Tatianna’s eyes," the book description reads. "As love sparks, takes, hurts, heals, and lasts, intimate stories from Tatianna’s life are displayed, divulged, and in some cases, dissected."The collection is more than just a series of poems—it’s a heartfelt letter to herself and an offering of comfort and understanding to those navigating their own emotional journeys.Looking to the future, Tatianna is preparing to republish words my heart needed to hear in spring 2025, featuring illustrations by an indie Colorado artist, a reimagined cover, and bonus material that teases her second book. She will be publishing her second book in late 2025.Tatianna’s Advice to Aspiring CreativesAs someone who has successfully pursued a creative career, Tatianna offers two key pieces of advice to anyone following a similar path. First, from her mentor: "Make the time and do the thing." Whether it’s writing for five minutes a day, painting on a small canvas, or volunteering at a theater company, making time for your creative passion is essential.Second, her personal advice is simple but powerful: "Don’t be afraid to love something." Reflecting on her own experiences, Tatianna remembers how she was hesitant to fully embrace her love for writing in school, often holding back for fear of judgment. Her message to younger creatives is clear: pursue your passion unapologetically, and don’t let the fear of judgment stand in your way."The only person’s judgment that matters is your own in terms of anything creative," she adds. "Whether you love writing, geometry, or collecting stamps, don’t be afraid to pursue it."Looking ForwardTatianna Salisbury’s journey is just beginning. Her book, words my heart needed to hear, is a testament to her passion, talent, and dedication to storytelling. As she continues exploring her creative path, both in writing and life, Tatianna is poised to inspire countless others with her courage and authenticity.For readers looking to experience the beauty of Tatianna’s writing, her debut book is available now—and it promises to be just the first of many stories she will share with the world. To follow Tatianna’s creative journey and stay updated on future projects, visit her website at tatiannasalisbury.com and connect with her on social media.

On September 17, 1971, a pivotal moment in television history unfolded as NBC aired the debut episode of McMillan & Wife, a popular police procedural series that captivated audiences across the country. What makes this day even more special for Rockford is its connection to Susan Saint James, one of the show’s leading stars. While Saint James was born in Los Angeles, she spent much of her formative years right here in Rockford, Illinois. Her journey from Rockford to television stardom is a story worth celebrating, particularly on this day in history.A Star is BornSusan Saint James was born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. However, fate brought her to Rockford when her father, Charles Daniel Miller, became the president of Testor Corporation, a well-known manufacturer of model kits and paints. Moving to the Midwest, Saint James spent much of her youth in Rockford, attending local schools and soaking in the small-town charm of this northern Illinois city.From an early age, Saint James exhibited a flair for performance. She was involved in local theater productions and showed a passion for acting, which she would later pursue professionally. Despite her upbringing in a quiet Midwestern town, Saint James’ ambitions were anything but small. After graduating high school, she left Rockford to chase her dreams in the entertainment world.Breaking Into HollywoodBy the late 1960s, Saint James had carved out a niche for herself in Hollywood, albeit with modest roles. She appeared in minor TV and film parts, slowly building a résumé that would eventually pave the way for her big break. One of her notable early roles was in the 1968 film Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows, a comedy about nuns. However, it was her work in television that would eventually catapult her to fame.In 1969, Saint James scored a recurring role in the TV series The Name of the Game, where she played the resourceful research assistant Peggy Maxwell. This part was instrumental in showcasing her talent to a broader audience. Saint James earned her first Emmy Award for her role in the series, a sign that her star was on the rise. She was no longer a small-town girl from Rockford – she was on her way to becoming a household name.The Breakthrough: McMillan & WifeIt wasn’t until September 17, 1971, however, that Susan Saint James would truly make her mark on Hollywood history. That night, the first episode of McMillan & Wife aired on NBC, introducing audiences to the charming dynamic between Rock Hudson, who played police commissioner Stewart McMillan, and Saint James, who played his witty and clever wife, Sally McMillan. The show was a blend of mystery, drama, and light-hearted comedy, with the husband-wife duo solving crimes together in San Francisco.While Rock Hudson was already an established star, McMillan & Wife turned Susan Saint James into a bona fide TV sensation. Her portrayal of the stylish, quick-witted Sally McMillan was beloved by audiences, and her chemistry with Hudson was one of the main reasons the show resonated so strongly with viewers. For six years, McMillan & Wife was a fan favorite, airing as part of NBC’s rotating Mystery Movie series, which also included popular shows like Columbo and McCloud.Throughout the run of McMillan & Wife, Saint James’ work did not go unnoticed by critics either. She was twice nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, as well as receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. Her time on the show established her as a prominent actress in the industry, and by the time the series ended in 1977, Susan Saint James was a household name.Kate & Allie and Pushing Boundaries in TelevisionSaint James’ television career didn’t end with McMillan & Wife. In 1984, she took on another groundbreaking role, this time in the sitcom Kate & Allie, which would go on to become a major hit in the 1980s. Starring alongside Jane Curtin, the show followed two divorced women, Kate (Saint James) and Allie (Curtin), who decide to live together and raise their children under one roof in New York City.At the time, Kate & Allie was considered risky because it centered on two strong, independent women who didn’t rely on men for financial or emotional support. This was a notable departure from many of the TV shows of the era, which often focused on traditional family structures. However, the show’s humor, relatable characters, and heartfelt storylines resonated with viewers, particularly women who saw themselves reflected in the lives of Kate and Allie.Once again, Saint James’ talent shone brightly. She earned three more Emmy Award nominations for her role as Kate McArdle, further cementing her status as a television icon. Kate & Allie ran for six successful seasons until 1989, when the show concluded, and Saint James began to gradually step back from her acting career.A Life Beyond the SpotlightBy the late 1980s, Susan Saint James had become one of television’s most recognizable faces. After Kate & Allie, she consciously began to reduce her presence in Hollywood, opting to focus on her family and personal life. Although she appeared in a few more television projects, including guest roles and TV movies, Saint James largely stepped away from the limelight. Her last on-screen role was in 2011, when she made a special appearance in a TV movie.Throughout her career, Susan Saint James remained grounded, never forgetting her roots in Rockford. In interviews, she frequently spoke about her Midwestern upbringing and how it shaped her work ethic and values. Despite her Hollywood success, there was always a sense that Saint James carried a piece of Rockford with her wherever she went.Susan Saint James: Rockford’s Legacy in HollywoodFor Rockford, the success of Susan Saint James serves as a source of pride. Though she left the city as a young woman, her connection to Rockford has never been forgotten. Her success is a reminder that even from a relatively small city like Rockford, individuals can rise to great heights. Saint James’ career is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and staying true to one’s values – traits that she no doubt developed during her years in Rockford.In many ways, her story mirrors the values that Rockford as a city embodies: hard work, community spirit, and resilience. It’s not uncommon to hear local residents refer to Susan Saint James as "Rockford’s own," proudly remembering the days when she walked the same streets they do today.A Timeless TalentAs we reflect on September 17, 1971, and the debut of McMillan & Wife, it’s clear that this day in history was a turning point not only for Susan Saint James but for television as a whole. The show’s success paved the way for future police procedural series and showcased the dynamic power of having a strong female lead.Saint James continued to break boundaries throughout her career, particularly with her role in Kate & Allie, where she helped redefine the portrayal of women on television. Her ability to tackle both dramatic and comedic roles with grace and authenticity is what made her a standout star of her generation.Today, Susan Saint James is remembered not just as an actress but as an icon whose contributions to television helped shape the way women were represented on screen. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her fans and in the impact she made on the industry. And for the people of Rockford, she will always be a shining example of what someone from this great city can accomplish.Celebrating Rockford's Contributions to HistoryThe story of Susan Saint James serves as a powerful reminder that Rockford, Illinois has been home to many individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to the world. As we celebrate this day in Rockford history, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the other talents, innovators, and leaders who have called this city home.From its rich industrial past to its thriving arts and culture scene today, Rockford continues to be a place where people are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions. Susan Saint James’ journey from a local Rockford girl to a Hollywood star is just one of many stories that make this city special.As we look to the future, let us remember the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of those who have come before us. By honoring their legacy, we can inspire the next generation of Rockfordians to reach for the stars – just like Susan Saint James did on that unforgettable September 17th, 1971.

Cantina Taco has two locations in the Rockford area to help you celebrate your love for tacos every day of the week. With fresh ingredients and unique flavors, you can't go wrong for lunch or dinner. Find them at 6342 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 and 117 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101.Order at the counter and try not to drool on yourself while they prepare and deliver your order to your table.  We tried the beef birria tacos on corn tortillas, and wow! With a thick layer of cheese between the tortilla and the meat, these are a heavy serving of delicious flavors. Dip your way to birria heaven and just try to keep your hands clean while you enjoy the juicy goodness. Pick your favorite salsa to add if you want to turn up the heat or add some fresh pico.No review of Cantina Taco is complete without trying the Screw City Taco: a fried flour tortilla with your choice of protein, topped with house-made Queso cheese, basmati rice, corn, and sour cream. We opted for the pork and dug in! These are large tacos, with 2 being quite filling. The creamy texture is perfect for cheese and sour cream lovers and the flavor is unique to Cantina Taco! The pork was cooked perfectly, and juicy.  If fancy flavors aren't your speed, enjoy some of Cantina Taco's classic flavors like the ground beef taco. With fresh lettuce, onion, cilantro, and cheese, these classic flavors are customizable to suit everyone's taste and available with many different protein options.  With burritos, bowls, and quesadillas also on the menu, everyone is bound to find something they love at Cantina Taco. See you there, Rockford!

Don't sleep on this awesome summer patio experience! What's better than classic Lino's favorites and a patio the whole family can enjoy? Let the kids run and explore while you enjoy a beverage and your favorite yard games. This Lino's experience is available at 8410 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111.In case you thought the Riverside Lino's was only for carry-out, we are here to set the record straight. Order your favorites to go but enjoy The Shed, a large covered dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating available. Pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches are available at this location, along with their special salad and gelato!We enjoy special salad to start, and enjoyed the classic flavors that makes Lino's salad a crowd favorite. Served with bread and butter, you get the classic Lino's start to your patio experience.  Next up, gnocchi with meatballs. This hearty pasta dish will fill your stomach and put a smile on your soul. Served hot, the gnocchi has that classic doughy texture that sets this pasta apart. The hand made Lino's meatballs add the perfect amount of protein to this feast.We also had to order the classic mostaccioli with meatballs. You can't go wrong with any of Lino's pastas in their sweet red sauce. Adding some sunshine and patio fun only makes this Lino's experience better.Don't forget to add a scoop of gelato to your meal for that sweet finishing touch in the summer sun.Wines are available by the bottle, and they have a selection of canned beers and seltzers as well. Bring the whole family out for food and fun before the season ends. See you there, Rockford!

Crazy Times Pub & Grub, located at 1520 Glen Forest Dr, Machesney Park, IL 61115, has an awesome patio with covered and open areas to give you the perfect summer dining experience. Thursday is steak night, which is why we think you should keep reading this before you make dinner plans for tomorrow!You have to start with a good old fashioned fried appetizer at a pub, you just have to. So we went with fried mac and cheese bites to appease our inner child. Served with ranch, this dippable classic is exactly what you think it is, mac and cheese fried into triangles. The crispy outer crust and the gooey inside makes you feel young at heart.It was steak night, so we had to order their 14oz ribeye, served with Garlic Texas toast, choice of side salad, cottage cheese or Soup of the Day, choice of baked potato, twice baked, french fries, waffle fries, tots, or onion straws. With all those sides, you won't leave hungry! We ordered the twice baked potato, which did not disappoint. The chives, bacon, and cheese made this potato delicious. The steak was cooked to our preferred temp perfectly, and had an out of this world blend of seasonings on top. It was tender and juicy.Also served with a sweet roll that almost felt like eating dessert, this is a delicious meal that didn't put a huge dent in the wallet. We think it might be steak night more often around here!Head on out to Crazy Times Pub & Grub for good company, a good beverage, and a great steak. See you there, Rockford!