Meet Kim
When did you move to the Rockford area?
1992 Raised 4 children
What are your hobbies or interests?
Family, friends, golf, bocce, pickleball, reading, travel
Favorite restaurant in Rockford?
Too many to choose: Franchescos, Abreo, The Norwegian
Best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Woodfire, Capri
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Rockford is a great, affordable place to live. It has good people and so much to offer whether you’re raising a family or an empty nester. As with anything these days, many people tend to look for the negative. There are so many new exciting things happening in Rockford. Experience all Rockford has to offer with a positive, open attitude and form your own opinions. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
Regatta, Art Scene, Apple Orchard, High School football, Tour de North End
Favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
Stroll on State, Ice Hogs, Coronado shows
Favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
Starlight Theatre, Rock Cut hike, River bike path, Anderson Gardens, golf courses
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I taught swim lessons and coached at YMCA for 18 years
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
It has all the amenities of a big city on a smaller scale and more affordable for families. It’s amazing what’s available if you look around you. ( Broadway and many shows, museums, parks, golf courses, gardens, live music, casino, breweries, wineries, Distillary, wake park, ski team, hockey team, baseball team, sports facilities… ) I could go on.
Occupation
Retired Pharmaceutical Rep
Currently volunteer tutor at Boys and Girls club and part time babysitter of 2 grandchildren.
Ethnicity
White
What stage of life are you in?
Empty Nester - 4 grown children (2 recently moved back to Rockford)
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?
Make a to do list and try at least one new thing a week. Get out of the house and discover what Rockford has to offer. You may be surprised.
New Restaurant, Ice Hog game, new library, Discovery Center museum (kids), indoor driving range at Sportscore, Coronado, snow shoe, casino, Music Box,
Favorite local event or festival
Stroll on State, City Market, Art Scene
Best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
In summer dinner on Franchescos patio and show at Starlight
In winter dinner downtown and either Ice Hog game or show at Coronado
One hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Music Box, Anderson Gardens, Aldeen golf course, Hidden Creek. ( Can’t pick one)
Best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
In summer dinner on Franchescos patio and show at Starlight
In winter dinner downtown and either Ice Hog game or show at Coronado.
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
My tribe! The friends I’ve made in this community and the friends my adult children have made. Also, how there is always so much to do. I have a seasonal to do list and can never get to it all. And of course how close and convenient and affordable everything is.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
Grab a coffee at Megs and take a walk on the River bike path, grab lunch along the River at Prairie Street, in the evening grab dinner and drinks with friends and head to Coronado show, music Box, or Casino.
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Rock Cut, Anderson Gardens, Klehm Arboretum
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
Rockford Art Deli, Porch, Megs
Best way to get involved in the community?
Get involved in things you’re interested in or passionate about and you’ll meet good people with similar interests. If you have kids be involved and volunteer at school and attend all activities. Join a pickleball league, workout class, running group etc… Join one of the many ethnic social clubs in Rockford that offer many social opportunities. There are so many volunteer opportunities, choose one and make a difference.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
That there are many people who have lived here their entire life, but so many like me who came as adults looking to meet people and make Rockford their home. That people would be so welcoming.
I wish I knew more about all the awesome different neighborhoods with different types of homes and “personalities” There are so many beautiful and unique areas that I’m still discovering all the time.
I came from Chicago suburbs and was so pleasantly surprised at how many things were available and easy to get to in Rockford. I also learned that a bonus of living in Rockford is how close we are to bigger cities like Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee which offer additional opportunities.
