Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: See what PCI’s three new Rockford pharma plants look like inside
And on the Rockford Patch calendar - The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet

Hello again Rockford! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️
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In today's newsletter:
- See what PCI's three new Rockford pharma plants look like inside
- Want to learn how to actually use FOIA in Rockford?
- How Kilbuck Bluffs just got bigger without adding new development
Also on today's calendar: The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Periods of sun, with a high of 70 and low of 56 degrees.
- Friday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 70, low: 49.
- Saturday: Showers around in the p.m., with a high of 68 and low of 53 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. See photos of PCI Pharma Services new plant celebration in Rockford (rrstar.com) — New PCI Pharma Services facilities in Rockford just celebrated their opening with tours, speeches, and visits from local leaders, including the mayor. The three plants on Linden Road and South Alpine Road bring expanded pharmaceutical operations and jobs to the city, drawing drug manufacturers, suppliers, and guests to see Rockford's growing role in the industry.
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2. Discover public records at new Rockford workshops (rrstar.com) — Rockford residents can attend a free three-part workshop series this fall at the Main Library to learn how to find and use government records. Sessions cover decoding federal archives, navigating digital research tools, and filing effective Freedom of Information Act requests, all aimed at giving locals more confidence to engage in civic life.
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3. Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve grows by 4.6 acres (rrstar.com) — Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve in Rockford is growing by 4.6 acres thanks to a land donation that will keep the area dedicated to conservation instead of development. The added parcel along Kilbuck Creek will be folded into the existing preserve, enhancing trails, wildlife habitat, and the popular birdwatching and wildflower spots many Rockford residents already enjoy.
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4. Mary McNamara Bernsten launches mayoral campaign in Rockford (mystateline.com) — A longtime local arts leader has officially launched her campaign for Rockford mayor, emphasizing education, neighborhood safety, and support for small businesses. Drawing on her family's history in city leadership, she's pitching a more collaborative, relationship-focused style and says economic growth must benefit all Rockford residents, not just a few.
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5. Rockford ranks first among 'hidden gem' short term rental markets (wifr.com) — Rockford has been ranked the top "hidden gem" short-term rental market in the country, with analysts citing relatively affordable home prices and strong potential rental returns. Local leaders say affordability and steady demand from youth sports and traveling workers are drawing more people and investment attention to Rockford.
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📸 Around Rockford
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet →
1521 S. Linn White Dr., Northerly Island, Chicago, IL 60605,
11:00 am
Saturday October 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Drop-In Recreation →
UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison Street, Rockford
9:00 am - Rooted Rhythms: Faith That Moves, Latin Dance Night (Adults 21+) →
109 N Main St, Rockford - North End City Market →
Rockford City Market, 1431 N Main St, Rockford
8:30 am - MOTORHEADS Rock River Fall Cruise Wet Meet →
Loves Park Boat Ramp, Mercy Rockford Sportscore, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford
9:00 am - Drop-In Recreation →
UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison Street, Rockford
9:00 am - Hogs & Dogs with the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers MC - Northwestern IL Chapter →
Kegel Harley-Davidson®, 7125 Harrison Ave, Rockford
11:00 am - Gospel Concert by the Trinadora Duo →
FTTW Church, 2115 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL
7:00 pm - Trinadora's Gospel Favorites at FTTW Church →
2115 S. Alpine Rd, Rockford
7:00 pm - Date Dash Rockford →
Tavern On Clark, 755 Clark Drive, Rockford - Eerie Autumn Lights 2026 →
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S Main St, Rockford
5:00 pm - Eerie Autumn Lights 2026 →
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S Main St, Rockford
5:00 pm
Friday September 25
Saturday September 26
Sunday September 27
Thursday October 1
Thursday October 8
📣 Rockford Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Rockford PatchAM possible:
- Mike's Mowing & More Inc — (815) 721-4464
- Beegoshop — 8154468485
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Autumn gently whispers to us that change is the natural state of existence.
Just as the forest dresses in golden and ochre tones before resting, we too learn that every phase has its own beauty, even when it is time to say… (Nextdoor Ethnic Village) - Lost Dashund is in Greenview Cemetery Gray with spots near The fence line and monolith labeled Goss and Dotty Thompson.
She is injured. If you are missing a dog ease come call for her call Aundrea at 779 424 9873. She is very worried. (Nextdoor Edgewater)
- Buckhead Meat and Seafood posted a job opening for Food Production Worker in Rockford. Apply here.
- Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center posted a job opening for Cook 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: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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