Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How underfunded is Rockford’s firefighters pension—and what are taxpayers paying?

Spotted on the Rockford calendar: The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet

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Cheers Rockford! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How underfunded is Rockford's firefighters pension—and what are taxpayers paying?
  • Want to be one of 50 Rockford neighbors trained to listen?
  • How will Rockford's new senior center transform an old bank building?

Also on today's calendar: The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: An afternoon shower or two, with a high of 69 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and warmer, temps: high: 80, low: 55.
  • Sunday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 78 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rockford Firefighters Pension Fund is 45.0 percent funded and $243.7 million short; taxpayers put in $20.0 million last year (rockfordsun.com) — Rockford taxpayers are helping support a firefighters pension fund that is only 45% funded, leaving a $243.7 million gap between assets and promised benefits. The fund paid over $25 million to retirees and survivors last year, while residents contributed $20 million largely through property taxes. The report also details investment gains, administrative costs, and top firefighter salaries and pensions.
   

2. Volunteers wanted for 'Friendship Bench 815′ project to improve mental health (wifr.com) — Rockford-area neighbors are being asked to step up as volunteers for the new Friendship Bench 815 project, which will place trained listeners on benches around the community to support everyday mental health needs. The Winnebago County Health Department hopes to recruit 50 residents by Oct. 30, offering free training so anyone can help reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation locally.
   

3. New nonprofit shows off its plans for creating Rockford senior center in old bank space (rockrivercurrent.com) — Older adults in Rockford could soon have a dedicated place to gather, exercise, and socialize as the Living Well Center of Northern Illinois transforms a former Fifth Third Bank on South Alpine Road into a new senior center. Backed by state funds and City Council support, the free-membership hub aims to open by February with fitness equipment, classes, art space, and a community café.
   

4. Local Facebook group supports younger women battling breast cancer (wifr.com) — Younger women in Rockford facing breast cancer are finding crucial support through a local Facebook group called the "Breasties," created by three patients who wanted a safe, understanding space. The group now connects nearly 250 area women online and at in-person meetups, helping them navigate treatment, family responsibilities, and emotional challenges while honoring a late co-founder's legacy of encouragement and hope.
   

5. Rockford stars prepare for upcoming charity dance competition on Nov. 21 (mystateline.com) — Rockford residents are invited to support local mental health care at the Dancing with the Rockford Stars fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Tavola in Rockford. A recent preview party introduced the six celebrity dance teams and kicked off voting, auctions, and donations that will help Family Counseling Services keep sliding-scale counseling accessible across Northern Illinois.
   

📸 Around Rockford

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Capri Italian Restaurant over on Riverside ~ My husband and I went there last night.
    Absolutely delicious! One of the best meals out we have had in quite some time. Not a whole lot of other patrons there last night. I know it was a… (Nextdoor South Highland)
  • Sometimes I wonder if I was born in the wrong decade 😊 What's something from the 70s or 80s that you really miss?
    Music, cars, restaurants, TV shows… I'd love to hear what you remember most (Nextdoor Creekview Association)
  • DXP Enterprises, Inc. posted a job opening for Warehouse Driver in Rockford. Apply here.
  • Mercyhealth posted a job opening for Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.

Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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