Meet Cat
When did you move to the Rockford area?
My family arrived from Chicago in 1987. I left Rockford in 2015 and returned in 2020.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I like baking, quilting, sewing, board games, playing outside, and gardening. I am not great at any of those things (notoriously bad at every game I play). I like to take walks.
Favorite restaurant in Rockford?
Ali Baba
Best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Primo's Pizza
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Follow Rockford Area Arts Council to get started finding your interest/activity corner of Rockford.
Favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
Forest Preserves and Parks. Nicholas Conservatory Noche de las Calaveras, or one of the many trunk or treats!
Favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
Anything Christmas -- I also like snowshoeing
Favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
I love going to parks and walking my neighborhood.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I think ketchup is really gross except with french fries.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
Rockford has community and heart. It's in its renaissance era!
Occupation
Event Manager - Rosecrance Foundation
Ethnicity
White Latina (Mexican American)
What stage of life are you in?
Professional/young children - (4yo)
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
Hybrid (a mix of both)
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
Invest in a long puffer. Take Vitamin D every day. Use lotion on your face and hands consistently. Chapstick or vaseline are your friend. For the snow (for kids especially), use grocery bags between two pairs of socks to keep moisture out!
Favorite local event or festival
South Main Mercado! In June in the southwest side.
Best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
I love bowling! I also love eating downtown and enjoying time with friends (sobremesa with friends and family!)
One hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Rocktown Adventures
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
Guanajuato Grocery on Marchesano has the best tacos in the city.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
Bask in the sun at a park and play pickleball, all with my family.
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Gosh, I couldn't pick. Sinnissippi Park and Gardens will always be my favorite because I grew up in the park.
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
Winnie Nutter and Carpenter's Corner are my favorite clothing stores in Rockford. They are both secondhand, and I find excellent additions and flair for my wardrobe.
Best way to get involved in the community?
Ask me! I would love to connect you with community leaders. There is space for every interest, and if something doesn't exist, there's room to create new ideas!
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
I was born here, but I moved back in 2020. I am glad that I knew that there was space for everyone and everyone's interests here. We found exactly the neighborhood and hobbies to fit us, and we're very happy with those choices!