Meet Michelle
When did you move to the Rockford area?
About 25 years ago.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I'm a crafty and creative person who loves creating custom items for others, including wood signs, graphics, and flyers. I enjoy working with my Silhouette Cameo (vinyl cutting machine) to bring ideas to life. I'm also passionate about history, particularly the history of Rockford and, more recently, the history of the Rockford Police Department.
What is your favorite restaurant in Rockford?
Dos Reales, but I love the frozen margaritas at Fiesta Cancun.
What’s the best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Marie’s Pizza is my go-to! I also enjoy the White Pizza from Woodfire.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Go to ALL the things until you find YOUR things. There’s something for everyone.
What’s your favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
Pumpkins with Police, RCPD’s Trunk or Treat, and the Halloween Party at the Strong House on Irving.
What’s your favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
Festival of Lights and All Aglow at the Nicholas Conservatory.
What’s your favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
Enjoying lemon granitas from Benny’s Dariette.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I spent 17 years in radio and three years in TV before working at the Rockford Police Department. I'm also a proud graduate of Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling. Before that, I lived in Madisonville, Texas, which will always hold a special place in my heart.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
There’s something for everyone. Whatever your interests are, there’s something for you.
What is your occupation?
Public Information Officer for the Rockford Police Department.
What stage of life are you in?
Empty Nester (my son graduated from East, went to John A. Logan College followed by William Woods University, and once he graduated, he moved to Idaho. My daughter graduated from Boylan and is now a junior at Loyola University Chicago).
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 nice gloves, salt, and here’s a game changer—buy a leaf blower to clear snow off your vehicles or even porches, patios, and decks.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Rockford Police Department’s National Night Out and the Rockford Boxing Classic, both downtown at the City Market Pavilion.
What’s the best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
A show at the Coronado.
What’s one hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
I love Veterans Memorial Hall. It has such a rich history, and the energy inside is truly palpable.
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
The people. I love people, and Rockford has the best.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
Shop around downtown and pick a spot to eat too!
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
I love our little neighborhood parks, and Davis Park holds a special place in my heart from past Wing Ding concerts. It's such a beautiful spot.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
Rockford is a beautiful place to raise a family, with strong healthcare, education, and opportunities for everyone!
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
Culture Shock, the Rockford Army Surplus store next door, and SRM Prints.
What’s the best way to get involved in the community?
Volunteer! You’ll be amazed at the connections you’ll make.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
Before moving to Rockford, I wish I had known that while it may feel like a big city at first, it's actually the smallest big city you'll ever experience. It has all the amenities and features of a much larger city but with a tight-knit, community feel.
