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In today's newsletter:
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? š¤ (Answer below!)
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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) ā 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.
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2. Volunteers wanted for 'Friendship Bench 815ā² project to improve mental health (wifr.com) ā 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.
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3. New nonprofit shows off its plans for creating Rockford senior center in old bank space (rockrivercurrent.com) ā 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 cafĆ©.
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4. Local Facebook group supports younger women battling breast cancer (wifr.com) ā 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.
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5. Rockford stars prepare for upcoming charity dance competition on Nov. 21 (mystateline.com) ā 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.
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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?" ā 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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