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Hello Rockford! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: A painting marathon, bubble wonders, and the Addams Family + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Rockford help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Local sweets worth seeking: Craving a scoop? Three hidden shops near Rockford serve up treats, from Cooper's Corner’s 12 hand-dipped flavors to Bastani Ice Cream and Sweet Shoppe’s crepes and shakes, plus Pokie's charm -- discover the full scoop.
Community-fueled creativity: Rockford artist Jesse Leach finished a 72-hour no-sleep, live-streamed painting marathon at Souljah Wellness, ending August 3 with twelve canvases and new styles, buoyed by community snacks, water, and support -- see the finished canvases.
New life for a landmark: Rockford City Council approved converting Centennial United Methodist Church in Haight Village into 10 apartments, a restaurant and banquet hall in a 14-0 vote, with construction possible this fall -- see the church plans.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
History that hits home: Skip the dusty textbook and wander Midway Village Museum, where costumed interpreters, a full Victorian-era village, and exhibits like "Many Faces, One Community" make early 1900s Midwestern life feel weirdly close to home. Drop in this week, then keep an eye out for their epic World War II Days.
Fairway therapy, anyone?: Tucked into the trees with narrow lines and gently rolling lies, Ingersoll Golf Course is a classic 18-hole, par-71 at 6,228 yards that rewards smart shots and steady nerves. Perfect for sneaking in a round this week and reminding your wedges who’s boss.
Fresh cut energy: From glossy color refreshes and perms to kid cuts that actually look cute, Sanctuary South is a full-service Aveda salon and day spa with nails, waxing, lashes, and wedding glam. Put yourself on the books this week, walk out feeling like a slightly smug improved version of you.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎭 The Addams Family @ Rock Valley College | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:30 PM – Patio-weather theater, anyone? The Addams Family brings witty, playfully macabre musical chaos to the Bengt Sjostrom’s open roof stage at Rock Valley, where Wednesday’s new "normal" boyfriend meets the clan, and hilarity, harmony, and a few delightfully morbid jokes ensue. Spooky, sweet, and very 815.
🧸 GQ Collectible Show @ CherryVale Mall | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – CherryVale Mall is going full time capsule with a collectible and vendor show, featuring sports cards, comics, Pokémon, and all the treasures you swore you wouldn’t start collecting again. Browse binders, chat with diehards, then wander into crafts and home businesses, pretzel in hand.
🫧 Bubble Wonders @ Discovery Center Museum | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – Bring the crew to Woodward Hall for Bubble Wonders, where bubble-ologist Geoff Akins turns soap and air into volcanoes, dancing bubbles, and yes, a kid inside a bubble. It’s science-adjacent magic, and the kids will actually look up. Multiple showtimes, included with admission or membership.
🛍 Rockford City Market @ Rockford City Market | Friday (8/7) at 4:00 PM – Parent’s Night Out hits Rockford City Market Friday with 40+ local vendors, 3 Good Men on main stage, and Lady and the Tramp acoustic. Secure a sitter, stroll, sip, and eat something you don’t have to share, while vendor laps pass for date night cardio.
🧺 2026 Community Picnic @ Christian Union Full Gospel Church Ministries | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Grab a blanket and claim a shady spot for an old-fashioned community picnic, complete with food, lawn games, and unrushed neighborly chatter you might enjoy. Heads up, the backpack freebie goes to students who show up, so bring the kid, not just their ID.
⚽ Silence the Violence Annual Kickball 4 A Cause @ Andrews Park | Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 AM – Think you still have a decent toe punt? The annual Kickball for a Cause backs Silence the Violence prevention, bringing neighbors together for friendly innings and real impact. Powered by Alderwoman Janessa Wilkinson Neal, Go Rockford, the City of Rockford, and the Rockford Park District.
✌ Unity Fest @ Levings Lake | Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 PM – Unity Fest is taking over Levings Lake with neighborly vibes and a walking parade, the kind where kids, grandparents, and that one guy with the giant flag all get their moment. Pack a chair, your best wave, and your tolerance for wholesome small talk.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Skip credit card interest until nearly 2028You know the feeling: you make your credit card payment, check the balance, and it's barely moved. That's interest quietly eating most of what you pay. Here's a rare chance to stop it. This card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, so for over a year every dollar you pay goes straight to what you owe, not the bank's cut. And you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. The rewards are where it gets even better. Every purchase earns you at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories climbing as high as 5%, so the card pays you back on the spending you're already doing. Put a little on it early and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting. Between the break on interest, the cash back, and no annual fee, it's a lot of card for nothing to hold. *Take a look → |
07 — Rockford report Weather forecastToday — High: 77°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 74%
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 34%
A chance of rain showers before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. This house is wildThis brick ranch-style Rockford home sits on a large, treed lot with both attached and detached garage space. Inside, hardwood floors, two fireplaces, and a finished lower level bring plenty of character and room to spread out. The kitchen pairs wood cabinetry and granite counters with stainless appliances, while the deck and backyard offer a relaxed outdoor escape.
Take a peek inside → |
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