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🌱 Patch AM: Want to help Rockford neighbors struggling with bills and basics?

Also, don't miss Drop-In Recreation on the Rockford Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Rockford? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Want to help Rockford neighbors struggling with bills and basics?
  • What Rockford Rescue Mission's new CEO means for local families in crisis
  • Why the Garfield Drive murders still haunt Rockford a decade later

Also on today's calendar: Author Brian Trapp in Conversation with Adam al-Sirgany and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the fish say when she hit a wall? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Nice with peeks of sunshine, with a high of 71 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 77, low: 58.
  • Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 70 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. How can you help neighbors in need? Join Rockford walk Sept. 19 (rrstar.com) — Rockford residents are invited to join the Friends of the Poor Walk on Sept. 19 at the Y Log Lodge, with a Mass at 9 a.m. and the walk starting at 10:30 along the Rock River path. Organized by local St. Vincent de Paul conferences, the free event raises donations that stay in Winnebago County to help neighbors with rent, utilities, food, and other essentials.
   

2. Rockford Rescue Mission appoints new chief executive (rrstar.com) — Rockford Rescue Mission has appointed veteran ministry leader Brad Hopkins as its new CEO, guiding the long-standing Rockford nonprofit after Sherry Pitney's 44 years of service. Serving people facing homelessness, addiction, and crisis in the Rockford area, the Mission says its faith-based purpose will stay the same as Hopkins meets local media and begins shaping its next chapter.
   

3. The Thread: Inside the Garfield Drive murders that claimed a Rockford mom and her three children (mystateline.com) — Nearly ten years after a Garfield Drive home burned in Rockford, residents are still grappling with the murders of Keandra Austin and her three children, a case that shook the city. Investigators eventually tied neighbor Eric Jackson to the killings and arson, leading to his conviction on four counts of first-degree murder, offering some closure while the tragedy's memory lingers locally.
   

4. Annual Rockford Hero Climb honors Sept. 11 firefighters, Greg Lindmark Foundation (mystateline.com) — Rockford residents and first responders just completed the fifth annual Rockford Hero Climb, tackling 110 flights of stairs to honor firefighters lost on Sept. 11. The event, held locally, also raises money for the Greg Lindmark Foundation, which offers confidential mental health counseling to first responders across the Stateline region, highlighting the emotional toll of emergency work.
   

5. Mercyhealth celebrates NICU graduates and families at 40th annual reunion (mystateline.com) — Families from across Rockford gathered at Mercyhealth's Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside for the 40th annual NICU reunion, celebrating children who once needed intensive newborn care. Former patients, many now energetic toddlers, enjoyed pony rides, crafts, and games while reconnecting with the doctors and nurses who supported them through fragile early days.
   

📸 Around Rockford

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm planning to ship a basket full of snacks and other small items made
    in Rockford to some friends out of state. What else besides small bags of Mr. Salty's and Mrs. Fishers chips would be good to send? (Nextdoor Churchills Grove)
  • Hi this is Jeannie over on North Haven Court the Corner House 8527 my two little monster children got out many of you have probably seen them before morgan is a black and tan German shepherd border collie mix and Gunner is in English cream golden
    retriever. Currently I have a severe eye infection so I cannot be looking for them please keep an eye out and let me know if you see them or if you… (Nextdoor Southampton)
  • Omnia Healthcare Group posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Rockford. Apply here.
  • CVS Pharmacy, Inc. posted a job opening for Store Manager In Training 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: Dam! (Thank you George G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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