Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

50 years ago, singer-songwriter Stephen Stills met singer-songwriter Judy Collins, known for her piercing ocean blue eyes. Their tumultuous love affair would later be immortalized by Stills with his composition “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” performed by Crosby, Stills & Nash on their landmark debut. Both artists would go gone to shape modern music with visionary approaches, but Stills & Collins’ short fiery union remains a transformative era for the two artists.Their joint summer tour marks the first time ever Stills & Collins have been onstage together. For this once in a lifetime experience, the two music legends will pull from their rich catalogs, and share warm and intimate stories from their journeys.This impressive tour comes to the Coronado stage tomorrow night, June 8, 2018 at 7:30 pm!You can grab your tickets online HERE or just give a shout to the Coronado Performing Arts Center Box Office!

So, Davis Park. If you’re from Rockford, or if you’ve passed through Downtown, you have a relationship with this area. Whether it is a mysterious colorful box or if you have memories of hanging out down there, we all think of it as something. In years past, it was one of the main spots for Waterfront Festival entertainment. Now, it is mostly used for Fourth of July events and Friday Night Flix. It’s a beautiful area right in the heart of the city, and it deserves more attention and visitors. Mayor McNamara agrees and has put together a 19-person taskforce to redevelop Davis Park led by RACVB Preisdent/CEO John Groh. “I believe Davis Park is key to the long-term growth and success of Rockford’s downtown,” said Mayor McNamara. “Increasingly, our community is coming together and our central city is coming to life in exciting ways.”The plan for Davis Park is to make it more than a mysterious big box in our downtown surrounded by grass. Mayor McNamara envisions a park with an expanded footprint, water features and an ice rink, enhanced music venues, public docks, green space, a sculpture walk, a climbing wall on the exterior of the Lorden Building, attractive gateways and more.This will revive Davis Park as an attraction for residents and visitors to Rockford. The fact that it is right next to the planned hotel in the Amerock building surely doesn’t hurt!Members of the Task Force are as follows:Representing the City of RockfordMayor Thomas McNamaraAlderman Joe ChiarelliAlderwoman Linda McNeelyTodd CagnoniCitizen Representatives on the Task ForceJennifer FurstAngela LarsonTiana McCallRicardo Montoya-PicazoSean MuseralloJosh PeighMaryjo Pirages ReynoldsAshley SarverRepresenting Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment AuthorityTroy FlynnTom WalshRepresenting the Rockford Park DistrictDan JacobsonTom LindRepresenting Gorman & CompanyBen MarshallLaura NarduziRepresenting Rockford Area Convention & Visitors BureauJohn GrohTana VettoreThe group is expected to wrap up initial work related to refining the Master Plan and determining financial and operational feasibility by the end of 2018. I don’t know about you, but we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this great Downtown park!

The Rockford Midwestern Biennial began in 1931 as a showcase of local artist. It has since grown to show contemporary work from around the Midwest and is celebrating it’s 75th year at the Rockford Art Museum!Juror Aron Packer selected 68 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures, mixed media works, and more by 69 artists from seven states for this year’s Rockford Midwestern Biennial. Packer is a longtime Chicago gallerist known for curating compelling shows in various genres. Work can be found by residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.“It’s a stellar showcase of the incredible talent of Midwestern artists today,” RAM Curator Carrie Johnson said. Awards will be presented at the preview for members and exhibiting artists on Friday, June 8, including the prestigious Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award ($2,000) plus Best of Show ($750), and two Juror’s Choice awards ($500 each). Rockford Art Museum opens the Rockford Midwestern Biennial exhibition on Friday, June 8, with a preview reception for museum members and exhibiting artists from 5 to 7:30 p.m. that includes a gallery walk with 2018 Juror Aron Packer and an artist awards ceremony, followed by a free public opening until 8:30 p.m. at RAM, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. The exhibition remains on view through September 30.  

Life can be way to hard to go it alone. Having a caring community that wants to see you and your family succeed can really make all the difference. From that idea, Rockford Crunchy Ladies was born. They are a group of women committed to helping other women and the people in our area. They’re not the first Crunchy Ladies group. You can find other chapters around the country. The group was born in Rockford after it was noticed that there wasn’t another one like it. The Rockford Crunchy Ladies promote natural and sustainable lifestyles in order to be environmentally friendly.  They motivate each other to be happy and healthy and keep raise their families in that fashion. While these factors are the underlying ideas behind the group, they mainly wish to create a supportive community for the women of Rockford. Need help solving issues? The community is there for you. Need help finding home supplies for your family? The community will help. Want to give back to your area? They put together events to do so. Their passion for each other and healthy lifestyles is admirable. When we sat down to chat with them, they were very sweet and they really cared what they were talking about. Those are the types of people you want in your village to help raise your family or just support you along the way as you figure out your life path. If you want to find out more about them, you can check them out HERE.Their next event is a Cloth Diaper Consignment Sale on August 19!

If you are interested in the Rockford music scene, I’m sure you’ve seen Lincoln around or, at least, heard of him. He can usually be found rocking out on his guitar or slaying the microphone with his voice. Either way, he is full of performance energy and musical creativity. Between Taboo Blah Blah, Pink Beam, and his own solo works, you can feel his talent come through every time he performs. Lincoln was kind enough to sit down with me for a little chat so I could learn more about him. Lincoln is a Rockford native. He was born at SwedishAmerican and was raised in the region. He attended high school in Belvidere and a small junior/senior high school in Indiana. He lived out in Indiana for about 4 years and bounced back and forth from here and there until settling back here in Rockford. He has family here in his mom, grandma, and his son, Isaac. He got his first guitar when he was 14 and enjoyed playing around with it but didn’t take the idea of creating music seriously until he was a senior in high school. Three years later, in 2014, Taboo Blah Blah became active, and he hasn’t looked back since. He writes a good chunk of the lyrics for Taboo Blah Blah, but fellow member Gavin Epperson also takes on some of the writing responsibilities. Along with Taboo Blah Blah, Lincoln is a guitarist for Pink Beam. They were active without him for a few years but had a revolving door on guitar. Lincoln started as a fan of the band. When he was asked to fill in on guitar, it was a good fit for all of them and he’s been a part of the band since 2016. When he isn’t writing or performing, Lincoln works part time at Taco Bettys washing dishes. He likes the staff and enjoys having time outside of work to write music while making ends meet. He can also be found gardening and helping around the house with his mom and grandma and spending time with his son. They enjoy doing creative things and cooking together. When it comes to Rockford, Lincoln says the music community is really supportive. He gets a lot of opportunities here to do what he loves while having people backing him up. There are places to play, and there are people who want to come out and listen. The fact that Rockford is small enough to have a sense of community but big enough to where you can go out unnoticed is also nice. Fun Facts:Favorite -Movie: Harold and MaudeBook: The Old Man and the Sea. He used to enjoy reading a lot of Vonnegut. Music: Richard Edwards, Modest Mouse, Dr. DogLocal Restaurant: Social, Potato Shak, Mead Meat Market, Los PortalesI’d like to thank Lincoln for sitting down and telling me a bit about himself. Lincoln is a great musician and it’s always a good time watching him on stage. He is also a very nice person and was a joy to sit down and chat with. It can’t be understated how great it is to have people like him in our town. People who are passionate about what they do and continue working hard to follow their dreams while entertaining us in the process. People like Lincoln make our community great, and we wish him all of the success with his music endeavors!

One thing about Rockford that cannot be overlook is the amount of talent that we have here - musicians, artists, actors/actresses, and more. Rockford has a great art community. They're supportive and want to see others succeed. A new partnership has formed for Summer 2018 which shows just that. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College will present an all new 3-Concert Summer Series beginning with the RSO’s annual ComEd Independence Day Spectacular with fireworks on Wednesday, July 3 at 8pm. In August, “The Stars of Starlight” will highlight performance favorites from Starlight Theatre’s season with the various cast members and the RSO. The final concert of the series will be a family-friendly Sunday afternoon symphonic performance of “Farkle and the Wolf” on September 9.Tickets for the Summer Series can be ordered through Starlight Theatre box office at 815-921-2160. Tickets are also available online at www.rockfordsymphony.com or www.rockvalleycollege.edu. Price is $30 ($10 for children 12 and under). A 3-concert package price is available for $72 for adults ($24 for children 12 and under)ComEd Independence Day Spectacular Tuesday, July 3, 2018, 8:00 PM Patriotic pops concert with fireworks – an annual favorite!RSO and the Stars of Starlight Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 8:00 PM An evening of show tunes featuring the leading performers of this summer’s Starlight Theatre season.Farkle and the Wolf! Sunday, September 9, 2018, 3:00 PM Family-friendly concert cleverly exploring the instruments of the orchestra told through John Lithgow’s The Remarkable Farkle McBride and Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale Peter and the Wolf.These shows offer entertainment for everyone. Make sure you put a performance or two (or three!!) on your calendar so you don't miss out. 

Hello everyone! This weekend isn't supposed to be as hot as last weekend was, but it's still supposed to be nice. We call that a win! It'll be perfect weather to get outside, visit some markets and celebrate the Peaches. Enjoy your weekend!Friday, June 1, 2018Glitzy Garage Sale @ Womanspace - view event8:00 am - 1:00 pmRevolution Brewing Brewery of the Month @ The Olympic Tavern - view event1:00 pm - 11:00 pmRockford Peaches Day @ City Market - view event3:30 pm - 8:30 pmFriday Night Flix – A League of Their Own @ Davis Park - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmL.A. Guns Rock the Dock @ Prairie Street Brewing Co. - view event7:00 pm - 11:00 pmOnStage: Coronado Americana Music Series featuring Charlie Parr @ Coronado Performing Arts Center - view event8:00 pmSaturday, June 2, 2018Garden Fair Weekend @ Klehm Arboretum - view event9:00 am - 5:00 pmBaseball in the STEAM Zone @ Beyer Stadium - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmThe Olympic Tavern's 73rd Birthday Party @ The Olympic Tavern - view event11:00 am - 11:00 pmRockford UFS Ticket to Worlds Circuit Event @ Top Cut Comics - view event12:00 pmOpening Ceremony and Exhibition Game @ Beyer Stadium - view event1:00 pm - 5:00 pmBrew's On First Beer Fest @ Rivets Stadium - view event2:00 pm - 6:30 pmGo Go Torpedo @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 pmSunday, June 3, 2018Home Run Derby and Closing Ceremony @ Beyer Stadium - view event8:00 am - 5:00 pmMovies on Main: PRIDE @ The Nordlof Center - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmSunset Tranquility Walk @ Sugar River Forest Preserve - view event6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Rockford’s beloved Peaches are celebrating their 75th Anniversary this weekend with multiple events around town. The Rockford Peaches were one of two original teams to play all 12 seasons in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). They went on to win Championships in 1945, 1948, 1949, and 1950. They were the team that famously inspired the movie ‘A League of Their Own’ and have forever help a place in our hearts. To celebrate these wonderful ladies, here are some events that you can attend:Rockford Peaches Day at City Market/Rockford Peaches Day on StateStars from A League of Their Own and original AAGPBL players will greet the crowd from the stage. Look for IWBC in the Kids’ Activity Area with hands-on “Baseball in the STEAM Zone” activities presented by Discovery Center interns. The PeachDIVA and PeachDIVADude Booth will feature Rockford Peaches items for sale to benefit IWBC – from t-shirts and baseball caps to Rockford Peach pennants, wristbands and bobblehead dolls. Baseball Coin Banks will be handed out by volunteers at the PeachDIVA Booth for the start of the summer campaign to support IWBC.Friday Night Flix – A League of Their OwnStars from A League of Their Own will greet movie goers at Davis Park before the showing of this iconic American baseball movie. Free Rockford Peach pennants and glow bracelets will be given out to every child in attendance to cheer on their hometown team!Free to the publicBaseball in the STEAM ZoneIWBC invites the whole family to a morning of hands-on stations on the field that will connect baseball and sports to STEAM subjects -- Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math – plus History and Sport, in a fun learning environment. Baseball skills will be featured on the Beyer Stadium ball diamond. Fire and Police Display Vans will be on site for families to visit.Opening Ceremony and Exhibition GameIWBC will hold an official Opening Ceremony for the Rockford Peaches 75th Anniversary Celebration with a local celebrity throwing out the first pitch. Stars from A League of Their Own will team up with 75th Celebration sponsors and community leaders on a Celebrity Team playing against the Rockford Starfires Women’s Baseball team.Home Run Derby and Closing CeremonyChildren (T-Ball) to adult (50+) paid entries will vie for “star” in various age categories. The day concludes with the first-ever competition pitting Firefighters vs. Policemen in a friendly rivalry at the plate. Trophies and medallions will be awarded at the Closing Ceremony of the Rockford Peaches 75th Anniversary Celebration. #Peaches75

Kevin Ware is a huge part of the Rockford community. There are some people that are put here to make a difference and, through his efforts and his accomplishments, Kevin is clearly one of those people. He started Just Breathe 815, which has also branched off into Just Breathe 815 Sports in an attempt to help the homeless and in-need youth in Rockford. Kids are the future. By showing them that they are appreciated and have people who believe in them, they are more likely to achieve their dreams. When speaking to Kevin, you can hear the passion behind every word and it’s so easy to see his vision and buy in to his causes. I just had to sit down with him to hear more about his life and his story. Enjoy!Kevin isn’t from Rockford originally. I was actually surprised to hear this. A lot of people I talk to that are passionate about Rockford were born and raised here and want to see their hometown thrive. Kevin is one of the more driven people I’ve ever talked to, so when I learned he was from Virginia originally, I was impressed. He and his wife were in the military for 10 years before moving here to Rockford and making this their home. Kevin works with the community through his job at the Mission and through Just Breathe 815. His wife is a nurse at SwedishAmerican as well as the cofounder of Just Breathe 815. If you can’t tell by now, this is a loving family that strives to help others. They have two children and have housed a foreign exchange student from China for 3 years now, so they look at her as one of their own. Their oldest daughter, Breanna, sparked the idea for Just Breathe 815 Sports. Their youngest, Tiana, hand drew the logos. Kevin doesn’t have much spare time. He’s always out promoting his cause, participating in community service, or working. But, on the change that he does get some free time, he loves to read and he works out everyday. Aside from that, spending time with his family and God are his passions. Kevin’s favorite thing about Rockford is the community that we have here. He has experienced so much kindness from people that want to help others. Whether they are donating their time, their support, or their resources, there is never a lack of help. It starts at the top with Mayor Tom McNamara supporting everything they do, and it spreads throughout the community. You need a strong community to help build the city back up, and that is exactly what we have – a town full of driven and passionate people who are ready to make a difference. This is in line with what Kevin is all about, and it’s no wonder that life brought him here to Rockford. Fun Facts:Favorites - Movie: The Pursuit of HappinessBook: The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau Music: Drake Local Restaurant: Salamone’sKevin’s motto is “Decide. Commit. Resolve.”Once you decide you’re going to do something, there’s no turning back. You commit to it - whether you have to go back to school, read the books, or study all night. You commit to the decision. Resolve - you’re going to do it UNTIL you accomplish it. This motto tells us a lot of the kind of person Kevin is, and that’s why he is able to accomplish so much and help our community is huge ways!

Golf always played a huge role in Jane Lyons’s life. Not only was she a golf enthusiast, but she was a great player. Before playing in the Women’s Classic Golf Championship for more than 60 years, she played in the first Girls Junior Classic in 1941 and won the C Flight. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to serving children and was passionate about women participating in athletics. From her passion, The Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship was born. She left nearly $1.2 million to the Foundation for the scholarship and to provide funding for the girls golf program in the Rockford Park District. One $2,500 scholarship will be provided annually, and will be renewable for up to four years for a cumulative total of $10,000. The first scholarship was awarded in 2015 and, this past week, Caitlin Schoepfer was awarded as the 2018 recipient. Applicant Eligibility:Female students who enjoy playing the game of golfResidents of Winnebago/ Boone County or a participant in a Rockford Park District golf programEnrolled or plan to enroll in a full-time two- or four-year degree program.This scholarship encouraged female athletes to follow their dreams and play the game of golf that they love. Sports play a huge role in people’s lives. They play an integral role in teaching important lessons and also provide a healthy option for after school activities. We want to congratulate Caitlin on her awesome achievements!Caitlin is a senior and will graduate soon from Rockford Lutheran High School and attend Asbury College in Willmore, Kentucky. In addition to her excellent academic performance, she has served in many leadership capacities at school and church. She has been playing golf since she was nine years old, and has helped her team take home three conference titles, two regional titles, one section title, and a second and third place state trophy. Caitlin first met Jane on an LPGA Girls Golf trip to watch a women’s golf tournament. She and Jane spent the entire day together, which completely changed her perspective of golf. “Jane taught me that I was allowed to have fun on the golf course. I vowed to always have as much fun on the golf course as I had on that day with Jane, and that is something that I’ve worked hard to carry throughout my ten years of LPGA Girls Golf and high school golf experience,” said Caitlin Schoepfer.

Hey Rockford! It's going to be a hot one this weekend. If you're headed outside, make sure you dress for the weather! Luckily there are plenty of things going on to celebrate the coming of Summer!Friday, May 25, 2018Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 8:30 pmBeer Tasting @ Artale Wine Co. - view event4:30 pm - 6:30 pmSTONE Brewing Pint Night @ Rural on Tap - view event6:00 pmComedy Night @ Franchesco's - view event8:00 pm - 11:00 pmName the Moon and Little Church @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, May 26, 2018RRC Summer Kick off: Feat. Rockford Art Deli + DairyHaüs @ Rockford Roasting Company - view event7:00 am - 6:00 pmMidwestern Council Sprint Race 2 and 3 @ Blackhawk Farms Raceway - view event8:00 am - 5:00 pmWalk For Wellbeing @ Klehm Arboretum - view event9:00 am - 9:30 amNorth End City Market - view event9:00 am - 1:00 pmCreate a Miniature Garden @ The Landscape Connection - view event11:30 am - 1:30 pmLuke Pitney @ Mary's Place - view event8:00 pm - 11:30 pmSunday, May 27, 2018Kishwaukee River Paddle Trip - view event9:30 am - 12:30 pmSensational Succulents @ The Landscape Connection - view event1:00 pm - 2:00 pmThe Woman in Black @ Artists' Ensemble Theater - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmAle Yeah! Yoga Spring Session @ Prairie Street Brewing Co. - view event3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

If you haven’t heard of Blue Star Museums, it is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families this summer.This summer, our own Discovery Center Museum is a Blue Star Museum. This is a great movement to welcome active military families to downtown Rockford to have a great family day out. It’s a way to make the museum accessible and a way to thank service members for everything they do for us and our country. “Discovery Center is proud to be a part of this outstanding collaboration to provide opportunities for military families to spend quality time together and create special memories,” explains Discovery Center Marketing Director Ann Marie Walker.Between Memorial Day, May 28 and Labor Day, September 3, 2018, active duty military personnel and up to five family members will be provided with free admission to Discovery Center. This free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps.Discovery Center offers $1 off admission to active military and their immediate family year round.

The United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA), Oscar Mike Foundation, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Rockford Park District have come up with an agreement to bring the USQRA National Championships to Rockford for the first time for a 3-year run (2019 – 2021).  The tournament will be held at the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St. "The UW Health Sports Factory was designed with adaptive sports in mind, and is ready to welcome all athletes," said John Groh, RACVB President/CEO. "Our RACVB team is proud to welcome this new client to the Rockford region, and looks forward to the next three years, and a long-term relationship beyond that. I know our region’s hospitality partners, including the great team at the Rockford Park District, will work together to ensure our guests have an amazing experience as they visit our community."The USQRA is an association for wheelchair rugby, which is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. These athletes have intense strength and skill, and having them in Rockford is going to be a treat. The brains behind the UW Health Sports Factory had just this in mind when the building was planned. They wanted to boost sports tourism in our town, and this tournament coming to Rockford is huge. There are 18 teams and 500 participants per year. There are teams from all over the country expected to participate including representation from Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, Arizona, and California. The tournaments will be open for public viewing, and they’re definitely something to keep on your radar. This is a big win for Rockford, and we will make sure to be great hosts for this tournament!

The Women’s Health Program at Crusader Community Health is the recipient of $10,000 from Rockford’s Illinois Bank & Trust. The donation is part of the Illinois Bank & Trust Take A Swipe At Breast Cancer debit card program. When Illinois Bank & Trust customers use their Pink Ribbon debit card, the bank donates a portion of each transaction to the Crusader Women’s Health Program.Crusader aims to provide area women with effective health care through screenings and timely diagnoses. Many times, diagnoses come too late due to monetary struggles within the family or from not having a trusted doctor to visit for health concerns. Crusader Community Health and Illinois Bank & Trust are working together to make money a non-issue for women in our area. This donation helps to ensure continued affordable care so we can get our women taken care of as soon as possible. The earlier you catch it, the more likely it is to be treated. Gordon Eggers Jr., President and CEO of Crusader Community Health agreed, “The funds we receive go directly to helping our female patients gain access to cancer screenings, which they might not otherwise receive. You can see the great local benefit that comes from a program like Take A Swipe at Breast Cancer.”Crusader provides a safe and trusted place for women and families to come and get screenings and other medical services. They currently provide primary medical and dental services to over 55,000 area residents.

We will call this weekend 'City Market Weekend' because it's finally back!!! There are also plenty of other things going on so make sure you check out the whole list!Friday, May 18, 2018Rockford City Market - view event3:30 pm - 8:30 pmWine Tasting @ Tinder Box - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmIceHogs Playoff Viewing Party @ Owly Oop - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmMiles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSaturday, May 19, 2018Nature Fiesta @ Blackhawk Springs County Forest Preserve - view event11:00 am - 3:00 pmRockford Ravens vs Peoria Pigs @ Sportscore Complexes - view event1:00 pmThe GR8-1-5 Beer Festival @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event1:00 pm - 5:00 pmDisney in Concert: Music Around the World @ Coronado Performing Arts Center - view event7:30 pm Henhouse Prowlers @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, May 20, 2018Essential Oils for your Home @ Klehm Arboretum - view event11:00 am - 1:00 pmRockford Jazz Showcase @ Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center - view event3:00 pm - 5:00 pmMovies on Main: Paddington 2 @ The Nordlof Center - view event4:00 pm - 6:00 pmMovies on Main: Lady Bird @ The Nordlof Center - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hey, I’m glad you came back to read about more of my week in Rockford! If you started with part one of my adventures, you read all about the local businesses and attractions that I had the privilege of experiencing. But, of course, vacations aren’t just bopping around town and seeing fun places to shop. There is always great food that comes with every new place you visit. Before traveling, I had received a lot of food suggestions from the Rockford Buzz and Rockford locals, so I had a general guide to work with before I even arrived. However, once we started going around town and asking for more suggestions, the list just kept growing and growing. To put it simply, I ate a lot of food that week. The plus side is everything I ate was delicious and the restaurants all had their own distinctive styles. I hope you aren’t reading this on an empty stomach!  Rockford Has Some Awesome Coffee SpotsFirst of all, we need to cover some beverage business. Unfortunately, I come from the land where you pretty much go to one of the hundred Starbucks locations if you want coffee. Just like with food, I was told there were some good coffee spots before arriving in Rockford. I was more than excited to try some of them out, and although I’m sure there is still stuff I missed, I have to admit that Rockford coffee beats any Starbucks you’ll ever find.  Rockford Roasting CompanyNothing beats freshly roasted coffee and impressive, unique flavors. I was treated to the Rockford Roasting Company twice and both times I devoured a lavender latte very quickly. It is easily one of the most delicious lattes I’ve ever had. Plus, it was awesome to see that they have dairy alternatives for people like me who can’t drink milk! I had oat milk both times, but they also offer almond milk. Wired CafeWired is not only a fun spot to just sit in for a while and take in the downtown atmosphere, but they also have some pretty boss coffee. I went for a caramel macchiato and a regular latte and I loved both of them. I tossed in a cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter as well and it was a pretty perfect complement to the coffee. Wired also offers coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk as dairy alternatives! Meg’s Daily GrindAlong with the other two spots, Meg’s made me really wish that my hometown had more locally run coffee shops. The atmosphere was welcoming, there were some games if you went and wanted to play a game with someone, and the coffee and food was quite good. My go-to was a latte with soy milk and a lemon poppyseed muffin top. And yes, they offer almond milk and coconut milk in addition to soy! Okay, Now It’s Time To Talk About Food If you followed the Rockford Buzz on social media at all last week, I’m sure you noticed all of the food posts that were being shared. Not only do I just love to eat, but we figured it was the perfect opportunity to show first hand all of the different food options available in Rockford. Along the way, I made notes on everything I ate (yes, I am that nerdy) so I could tell you guys everything. Here we go! Woodfire Brick Oven PizzaI am admittedly a huge pizza buff, so when I was informed that there was a brick oven pizza restaurant, I was completely thrilled. Woodfire had a pretty extensive menu, but I went for a Margherita pizza. Let me just say that we have a few brick oven pizza places here and Woodfire blew them out of the water. If you haven’t tried their pizza, I recommend doing it as soon as humanly possible. It was well worth the Lactaid pill.  Vintage@501Who doesn’t love a solid burger? I was brought to Vintage@501 with the promise of a great burger and a bacon appetizer. I ultimately opted for a Hawaiian burger (with an AMAZING Thai barbecue sauce) and I was not disappointed. I’d take something from Vintage over a typical fast food burger anytime. Not to mention that million dollar bacon is quite good. Sisters Thai CafeAlthough I might be biased because I am a huge lover of Asian cuisine, I must say that Sisters was a high point of my foodie adventures. In addition to them offering Thai tea, they have some bomb spring rolls and pad thai. I’ve eaten my fair share of pad thai and the version I had at Sisters is one of the best I’ve ever had. (Fun fact: If you can’t have dairy, or don’t want dairy, you can get the Thai tea without the half and half!)Halo CupcakeJust like a few other places, I had the privilege of visiting Halo Cupcake more than once. Not only is the location really welcoming, but the cupcakes are fantastic and fresh. The first go around I went for a lemon blueberry cupcake and a strawberry champagne. If you’re a fan of cream cheese, I would definitely go for the lemon blueberry because the frosting is to die for. We returned on May 4th to celebrate Star Wars Day with some Star Wars themed cupcakes, and all I can say is the force is strong with this one. Sugar BritchesHearing the term “chocolate covered gummy bears” was a bit intimidating, but after trying them I am totally on board. Sugar Britches wasn’t a typical candy store as they had a decent amount of imported treats and flavors you don’t typically find. A good example in addition to the gummy bears is a draft beer jelly bean that I sampled. In addition to candy, you also have a good selection of truffles. We sampled a peanut butter truffle and it was one of the happiest moments I had all week. Olympic TavernI had been told around town that The Olympic Tavern was a must-see spot, and we listened to the suggestions! Right off the bat, I thought the location was really cool. I was informed by the Buzz that it’s actually one of the oldest buildings in Rockford which was truly neat to learn. Food wise, I was pleased to see Olympic offered poutine and cheese curds (I did a lot of cheating). In addition to appetizers, I went for a falafel sandwich which was also very good. Definitely don’t skip this place if you’re given the opportunity. Prairie Street Brewing Co.Speaking of cheese curds, we need to focus on Prairie Street Brewing Co. Before Rockford, I’d only had “real” cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair, so I joked that any curds I ate had to beat those. Well, the curds in Rockford definitely killed the fair. Prairie Street’s sriracha dipping sauce was also a high point. Normally I’m prone to ranch, but this sauce was out of this world. Along with curds, we went for Korean BBQ wings and I channeled my inner Coloradan and tried the “Rockford Peach” wheat craft beer. Uncle Nick’sI was excited to see Mediterranean options in Rockford in general, but hearing the history of Uncle Nick’s made me positively want to give their gyros a try. Just like with a lot of the other food I ate last week, I’ve eaten a lot of gyros and I have to say that the sandwich I had at Uncle Nick’s was pretty darn good. The location was also neat in the sense of that downtown vibe. I would definitely go back. Stockholm InnBefore visiting Stockholm Inn, I had never really had Swedish food before. All I really have to say is I’m glad I got started with breakfast. If you’ve never had Swedish pancakes before, you really don’t know what you’re missing. They are quite large, so if you’re not a huge breakfast person be cautious ordering the full breakfast with eggs and protein. However, they are absolutely delicious. If you like crepes, you will love Swedish pancakes. Stockholm Inn also had really unique decor and a gift shop! Mexico ClasicoAfter a long day, sometimes all you want is Mexican food. I had Mexico Clasico suggested and I enjoyed it a lot. I witnessed the magic of tableside guacamole and experienced eating a tamale topped with shredded chicken for the first time. It was familiar but not familiar at the same time, and I’m glad I got to experience an exciting new place. Lucha CantinaBecause how else would you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I had Lucha recommended to me the very first day I arrived in Rockford and although it took us a little bit to actually get there, it was well worth the wait. The menu is actually pretty extensive and they have some delicious queso. I opted for chicken street tacos and although they’re small, they packed a lot of flavor. Next time I come to Rockford, I think I will definitely make a return to Lucha and try even more food! So What Is The Verdict On Rockford?Now that we have gotten everything I did out of the way, I suppose I should close out with how I perceive Rockford now as opposed to how I perceived it (and Illinois) before my trip. In short, I really enjoyed Rockford. As someone who had never really explored the Midwest and didn’t know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. In addition to Rockford, I also experienced Chicago for the first time and saw what such a huge city is like. Although the city was exciting and different, I must admit that I loved Rockford more. It felt like everywhere I went I was greeted with a warm welcome. It’s like being scooped up in a big hug even if no one is hugging you, and that is something that I don’t think I had ever experienced before. At least not on such a grand scale. Everyone I met seemed excited that someone was visiting for the first time, and that I was curious about exploring and seeing what the area had to offer. I had been told about Midwest hospitality before I arrived and now that I’ve experienced it for myself I will say you guys should keep it up. You surely know how to make someone feel welcome and wanted. Of course I loved seeing my friends and making new friends at the Buzz, but a lot of what I loved was Rockford for what it is. If my visit has done anything for you guys, I hope that it rejuvenated some passion for your home and gave a glimpse into all of the unique things you have right in your own backyard. I live in a rather large city, so my week was a welcome change of scenery that I absolutely fell in love with. Until next time, Rockford. Thanks for treating me to such a special week, and a big thanks to the Rockford Buzz for including me in so much and giving me this opportunity to share my experiences with everyone. One day, maybe we’ll meet again.  

If you aren’t aware, social media is a massive tool for marketing. If you really think about it, your social media profiles are a way of marketing yourself. You present who you are – or, at least, the you that you want people to see. For businesses, especially local businesses, it’s a great way to connect to the community and keep your customers updated and in tune with what you’re doing. The question is always, “How do I use social media more effectively for my business?” From that, SocialROCK was born and it’s quickly turning into one of the best social media conferences in the Midwest. Yes, it takes place right here in Rockford! Winnebago Buy Local, the local non-profit organization intent on promoting local businesses and giving the owners a community to bounce ideas around in, began this great conference. Every year, they strive to make it even better than the year before. This year, it’s taking place at the beautiful Prairie Street Brewhouse, and the speakers are coming in from all over the country to talk about the importance of different platforms and tactics to implement your ideas. The speakers include: Andrea Wahl (Denver, CO), Alex Shebar (Chicago, IL), Daniel Hill (New Jersey), Erin Levzow (Milwaukee, WI), Valerie Morris (Colorado), and Jim Bohn (Milwaukee, WI).SocialROCK is on Monday, May 21, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. If you don’t have tickets yet, Last Chance tickets are still available WHILE SEATS LAST! Grab them here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socialrock-2018-by-winnebago-buy-local-tickets-43108441509Your ticket purchase includes:All Day Conference presented by Winnebago Buy Local and talented big-ticket speakersMeet & Greet/ExhibitionComplimentary Coffee, & SnacksLunch from Prarie Street BrewhouseWinnebago Buy Local TakeawaysAccess to the private #SocialROCK After-Party on the Dock of the Rock River at Prairie Street Brewhouse (weather permitting) or indoors in the barrel room lounge.If you want to better your social media presence, grab your tickets today. You’ll walk away with helpful insights and a brand new look at how to use social to improve your marketing efforts!

Hello Rockford! Don’t worry, we officially met a couple weeks ago. So, I have a friend who has lived in Rockford pretty much her entire life and she has always told me that I was overdue for a visit. As someone from the West (Colorado, to be exact), the Midwest can be a bit intimidating. However, I have been eager to expand my “places I’ve been” list, so I decided the time was now to finally see this place my friend is so in love with and, of course, pay her some attention. You’ll have to forgive me for the perception I had of basically the entire state of Illinois before last week. In my mind, Illinois was John Hughes movies, the Rockford Peaches, the Chicago Cubs, and a really tall building. Not only did I quickly learn that Illinois isn’t just Chicago, but I learned that there’s actually a lot to do in Rockford!When we started talking about my trip, we came up with a fun idea to do a series for all of you to follow along with. If you follow the Rockford Buzz, you undoubtedly noticed the pictures from all of the adventures I was so kindly treated to. In addition to taking you along with me all week, the Buzz has given me the chance to do a first-hand write up on my trip and tell you about all of the stuff I had the privilege to do.Let’s get started! Rockford Has Some Pretty Unique Local BusinessSadly, I am used to seeing more “big box” retail and food options where I live. Aurora, CO is projected to have 500,000 residents by the year 2020, so the concept of shopping local isn’t very familiar to me. I was actually quite excited about the idea of seeing and exploring small businesses and let me tell you, Rockford definitely didn’t disappoint. I went to school for graphic design and have played instruments a majority of my life, so it’s safe to say I’m a more creative person overall. Not only was I excited to hear that Rockford had a fairly large art community, but I was pleased to find some local businesses that took creativity to the next level.  Rockford Art DeliThe Rockford Art Deli was probably the most up my wheelhouse in terms of media and what interests me creatively. I really enjoyed exploring all of the designs the RAD offered for both locals and visitors. I walked away with some high inspiration and, naturally, a bag full of merchandise. I’ll proudly sport around what I bought in Colorado and already have the Rockford magnets up. Plus, they have a dog! Luna Datura’s Curious GiftsLuna Datura’s was an unexpected gem that I had a lot of fun exploring. Talking with her and learning about what makes her so passionate about her business was really inspiring. It definitely made me want to whip out my Dragon’s Blood incense when I got home. Another added bonus is Luna’s is another shop with a dog! Ground Floor SkateboardsI swiftly discovered after exploring a bit that Ground Floor is actually the only independent skateshop in Rockford. Even if you aren’t much of a skater, I would recommend popping in just to browse around. There’s some really cool art on display as well as clothes and shoes. Seeing how artists transformed broken skateboards into paintings was really awesome.   Culture Shock Clothing & RecordsI was brought to Culture Shock originally because I am a fan of wacky socks and was told that they had a decent selection of socks to browse. Not only do they have fun socks, but they also have a ton of other goodies to feed both the nerd and music lover in you. I wound up walking out of Culture Shock with four vinyl records, socks, postcards, buttons, and a Symbol keychain. Just don’t ask how much money I spent. Bark on Mulford & The Canine CruncheryLet me just say that Bark on Mulford and The Canine Crunchery make me wish that we had more small businesses in my city. Your pets are welcome to join you and you have the opportunity to actually get to know the people you are buying from, know their stories, and get in touch with events they are kickstarting. I was proud to buy my dogs Jack and Abbey items from both Bark on Mulford and The Canine Crunchery. (ps, they absolutely love the treats from the Crunchery)Rockford Has Some Buzzing Attractions and Nature SpotsNot that I expected Rockford to be just shopping, but I was really excited to find out about all of the attractions and outdoor activities there are to do. In addition to being a creative, I am also a big science geek and I undeniably appreciate a relaxing walk outside. This might be an ongoing theme for my trip, but Rockford (once again) didn’t disappoint. Nicholas Conservatory & GardensI am a big fan of conservatories and nature preserves, so I was really excited to find out that Rockford had its own conservatory. We arrived at just the right time to participate in a butterfly experience, as well as walk around the conservatory fairly undisturbed. (Fun fact: They use blue Gatorade to attract the butterflies because it mimics the properties in pollen)Sinnissippi Bike Path & Rock RiverThe first stop around Rockford actually was to see the Symbol and stroll around the path along the Rock River. After a long morning of airports, it was really relaxing to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. The sound of the water was nice and checking out Symbol was also really interesting. I saw more of the path towards downtown as well and I just found it to be a really relaxing walk. Burpee Museum of Natural HistoryIf there’s one thing I love more than art it’s probably dinosaurs, so I was kindly treated to Burpee to see Jane and the rest of the dinosaur bones. I learned that with Jane, Rockford holds the most intact juvenile T-Rex skeleton in the world. I also had fun looking at a lot of Illinois environmental facts and wildlife. I walked away with some knowledge I didn’t have before, and I love that! Beyer StadiumRemember when I said the Rockford Peaches were a big part of how I perceived Illinois? Well, what kind of trip would it be if I didn’t see where they actually played. Forgetting the fact that A League of Their Own is one of my favorite movies, I am also a huge baseball fan. Seeing anything related to baseball history always gets me very excited. I was ecstatic to be able to see it for myself and walk the steps those pioneering women walked first. Rock Cut State ParkWrapping up what there was for me to do outside, I was treated to some time inside of Rock Cut State Park. I went on an extended camping for the first time last summer and have been itching to get back outdoors ever since. Rock Cut was a really good remedy for that because of the abundance there is to do. From what I could see there were trails for hiking, horses, bikes, and no doubt so much more. We meandered around Pierce Lake for a bit and it was nice to just disconnect and enjoy being outside. It’s certainly a spot I’d love to revisit and spend more time exploring other areas and trails.  You Give Up, Or Are You Thirsty For More?To be honest with you, there was so much recommended to us that we didn’t even have time to do everything! I already have a list in the works of things I want to do next time I am in Rockford because, yes, I want to come back. Everywhere I went, I felt like I was greeted with such open arms and enthusiasm, but we will get back to that later. If you noticed with this article, I didn’t talk about anything I ate. Trust me, the Rockford Buzz and the city of Rockford didn’t starve me. I was treated to some very delicious food and I am thrilled to tell you about the restaurants and treats I experienced. Stay tuned for part two to hear about all of my Rockford food adventures!

SecondFirst Church is one of the leaders in the initiative to take back our city for good and fun. On Thursday, May 17, at 6:00pm you can head over to the parking lot on the corner of Jefferson and Church streets for a great pop-up dinner and be surrounded by likeminded folks who love Rockford. We have a great community, and this is a gathering of hope; a gathering to show that our city is worth the effort in the face of all the negative news. People have abandoned downtown and the West Side and left it as a lost cause. Meanwhile, Rockford has been improving and is worth exploring! We want to keep pushing this positive movement. Tickets are $10 dollars and well worth it! They are pulling out the nice tablecloths and real plates to treat the people of Rockford. You can grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pop-up-dinner-with-the-arc-tickets-45525522062There will also be some folks from The ARC at the dinner as well. The ARC is an organization that serves intellectually and developmentally disabled kids and adults as well as their families. They’re striving to help folks of our city that are under-represented and are doing a great job. Come out and support your city and make some new friends over a delicious dinner! 

Well, folks, our team remains red hot as they invited the Manitoba Moose into their home on Friday night and swept them right on out! The IceHogs have played 7 playoff games and they have 7 playoff wins. According to my calculations, that means they remain undefeated in the playoffs!The second round went a little like:4-2 Win4-1 Win4-1 Win6-3 WinThe IceHogs are being led by Chris DiDomenico with 4 goals and  7 assists, Adam Clendenning with 1 goal and 8 assists, Victor Edjsell with 5 goals and 3 assists, and Cody Franson with 4 goals and 4 assists. Goaltender Collin Delia is rocking an impressive 1.64 goals against average and .948 save percentage through 7 games.Every line on this IceHogs team is stepping up to the plate when they’re on the ice. One thing that is noticeable during play is their relentlessness. There is no quit in this team. They’re always pressuring the puck. They’re always blocking shots. Our goalie is fighting through traffic to make huge saves. They’re playing as a cohesive unit, and it leads to fast, exciting, and fun hockey!Now that they’ve taken down the Chicago Wolves and the Manitoba Moose, they head to Texas to take on the Stars on Friday, May 18!Texas is led by Brian Flynn with 6 goals and 4 assists, Curtis McKenzie with 2 goals and 5 assists, Travis Morin with 3 goals and 3 assists, and Roope Hintz with 1 goal and 4 assists.Goaltender Mike McKenna has a 1.65 goals against average and .952 save percentage in 9 games played. The IceHogs and the Stars will be back in Rockford for games 3, 4, and 5 if necessary starting Tuesday, May 22! Make sure you grab your tickets and participate in the RED OUT!

Happy Friday, everyone! The weekend is finally here  and there are some neat things happening here in town. Here's your weekend roundup!Friday, May 11, 2018Plant Sale @ Klehm Arboretum - view event5:00 pm - 8:00 pmThat Gurl @ The Hope & Anchor - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs Manitoba Moose Home Game 2 - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmDany Laj & The Looks with Pink Beam @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:00 amSaturday, May 12, 2018Another Dam Cross Race & Reuben Aldeen Park - view event9:00 am - 2:00 pmSpring Clothing Drive @ Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmThe Woman in Black @ Artists' Ensemble Theater - view event4:00 pm & 7:30 pmSing It Forward @ Unitarian Universalist Church - view event7:30 pm - 9:00 pmThe Cash Box Kings @ The Hope & Anchor - view event8:00 pm - 10:30 pm Blind Date @ Louie's Tap House - view event9:00 pm - 1:00 amSwingbilly RFD @ Mary's Place - view event9:00 pm - 12:00 amSunday, May 13, 2018Mother's Day @ Lino's - view event11:30 am - 7:00 pmThe Woman In Black @ Artists' Ensemble Theater - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmSound Immersion with Tibetan Singing Bowls @ Namaste Studios - view event4:15 pm - 5:15 PMJannie Nelson Sings Patsy Cline and the Famous Moms @ Belvidere Moose Lodge - view event7:00 pm - 9:00 pmAnd, of course, have a very happy Mother's Day!!!!

The weekend roundup is back! If you're wondering what Rockford has going on this beautiful Saturday and Sunday, you've come to the right spot!Saturday, May 5, 2018Bird and Butterfly Gardening @ The Landscape Connection - view event10:00 am - 11:00 amRockford Ravens vs Fond du Lac Women @ Sportscore Complexes - view event11:00 amFree Comic Book Day @ Top Cut Comics - view event12:00 pm - 10:00 pmMikkeller Running Club Rockford - 38th Run  @ The Olympic Tavern - view event12:00 pm - 1:00 pmRockford Ravens vs Chicago Riot @ Sportscore Complexes - view event1:00 pm54th Annual Convocation to Honor Lincoln Laureates @ The Coronado Perfoming Arts Center - view event5:30 pm - 8:00 pmThe Boom Boom Room Live @ Louie's Tap House - view event9:00 pm - 1:00 amJF Gaziano & Beatmerchants @ Mary's Place - view event9:00 pm - 12:00 amSunday, May 6, 2018Mary Poppins - presented by Children's/Youth Theater Project @ The Nordlof Center - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pmRCCA Presents Moscow Festival Ballet - Sleeping Beauty @ The Coronado Performing Arts Center - view event3:00 pmWe hope you all enjoy your weekend. Get out, enjoy the weather, and be safe! :)

If there's anything we know about IceHogs hockey it’s that they always find a way to make the game interesting. In heart-stopping fashion, the IceHogs and Wolves battled through six periods of hockey on Thursday night in Rosemont. The Hogs were trying to close out the series and the Wolves were trying to keep their season alive. With 2:38 left in the third overtime period, Victor Edjsell lasered the puck over the shoulder of Maxime Legacé from the right circle to crush the dreams of the Chicago Wolves. ICEHOGS WIN!!!!! ICEHOGS WIN!!!!!! Rang through the mind of every IceHogs fan still awake to see the goal or get the notification, quickly followed by the opening notes of Chelsea Dagger. There has been a lot to be excited about this year for Rockford hockey. Sweeping their bitter rivals in a crazy 3OT game and getting through to the second round of the playoffs is just another thing to add to the list. As the IceHogs sit and wait to see whom they will face in the Division Final, the Manitoba Moose and Grand Rapids Griffins will faceoff in their series-deciding game 5 on Monday. The winner of that game will come to Rockford to take on our hot Hogs. In the first round, the IceHogs had 6 players who were, at least, a point per game. Chris DiDomenico lead the way with 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 3 games. Adam Clendening had 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points. Victor Edjsell recorded 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points with those two goals coming in the final game of the series. Cody Franson notched 1 goal and 3 assists. Carl Dahlstrom had 1 goal and 3 assists. Regular season point leader, Anthony Louis, notched 3 assists in round one. In 3 games played, goaltender Collin Delia came up huge with a 1.52 goals against average and a .949 save %. Heading into Monday night’s game, Grand Rapids has played two goalies, Jared Coreau and Tom McCollum. Coreau has a .62 goals against average and a .973 save percentage. McCollum has a 3.00 goals against average and a .891 save percentage. They have three players who are a point-per-game. Ben Street is their leading playoff producer with 4 goals and 3 assists in 4 games. Matthew Ford has 2 goals and 3 assists in 4 games. Brian Lashoff has 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 games. Manitoba’s goaltender, Eric Comrie is riding a 3.32 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. They have two players that are a point-per-game. Chase De Leo has 1 goal and 5 assists in 4 games played. Michael Spacek has 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games played. Both of these teams played our IceHogs hard this past season. They have speed and their goaltenders have the ability to steal games. Our Hogs are coming in hot off of a sweep, but neither team can be taken lightly. The Central Division Final is going to be a battle, and it's one we are looking forward to following!The second round begins on home ice here at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Wednesday, May 9. Grab your tickets HERE before they’re gone!

You know when you meet someone and they just have the drive to help people and be successful? That’s exactly the vibe I got when I met Christy Moore. She is a kind person with a big heart who wants to make our community a better place. Christy Moore grew up here in Rockford. After moving to Chicago for a while, she moved back once she got married. Being close to her parents was important to her and she appreciates how Rockford is a great community to raise a family in. There is a lot of support here and many things for families to do together. She is a graduate of Boylan High School and U of I Champaign. She was in the business school for Marketing and Sales with a minor in Political Science. Her educations helped to propel her career. Christy was a Vice President of Sales, Recruitment & Training for a marketing and advertising company. When her son, Mike, turned two and her and her husband’s attempts to have a second child were unsuccessful, she decided it was time to quit the corporate world and start her own business. She felt family time was equally important as work time and feels empowered being able to be her own boss! She is able to work for herself by educating people about the benefits of essentials oils and helping to coach others on beginning their own business as she has. She is also the President of local non-profit, Junior League of Rockford and a member of the Keith School Parent Association!In her spare time, she loves spending time with her son and her husband of 10 years, Greg. They enjoy golfing and are really competitive with each other. Even when they aren’t golfing, they just love being outside – swimming, going to Klehm Arboretum, enjoying nature. The Discovery Center and Burpee Museum are great sources of entertainment as well. They also head into Chicago a lot and enjoy the city because her sister still lives out there!Christy’s favorite thing about Rockford is all of the new development going on downtown and the bike paths. The revitalization of Rockford – it is fun to watch. There are great restaurants here and City Market is an awesome event. She appreciates the outpouring of community support for Junior League and how many people care about volunteer organizations. For example, Anthony from Artale Wine always comes out to Volunteer and give back to the community. Her favorite local restaurants are: Alchemy, Lucha Cantina, Garrett’s, Social, Baci’s Kitchen, and JMK.Fun facts: Movie: Tommy Boy, Beauty and the Beast, Sound of MusicTV Show: American Idol and Big Brother – They’re the only two shows her and her husband like to watch togetherBook: Twilight Series, The Wonder of Boys, Girl, Wash Your Face, Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office – it talks about how girls are raised and how it affects them in the workplaceMusic: Tom Petty, Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Stapleton, Zac Brown BandChristy is a Leukemia survivor. She was diagnosed 2 months before her wedding. They were told that treatments would leave her infertile. Thankfully, they had enough time to freeze embryos. She wasn’t able to carry their child, so her cousin Elizabeth carried their child for them and now they have an awesome son. Christy has made a full recovery!