Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a 70-year-old national observance focused on raising awareness, rejecting myths, and supporting those with mental health conditions and their families. This is shocking to me that we are not farther along after 70 years. Since 1949, community events, anti-stigma campaigns, and inspiring hashtags have encouraged great recognition and discussion. But, the reality is, mental health conditions still sit secondary to physical conditions both in society and in health care. The fact is mental health conditions should be treated like any other physical health condition but often is not. Just because we can’t see mental illness the way we see a physical one doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It doesn’t mean that person is in any less pain than someone suffering from a physical condition. And it certainly doesn’t mean they need any less support or care. Just like physical health, mental health can effect motivation, energy level and other daily functioning tasks. Mental health and physical health are very closely connected. Mental health plays a major role in your ability to maintain good physical health. Mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, affect your ability to participate in healthy behaviors. This can result in problems with physical health, such as chronic diseases, and can decrease a person’s ability to participate in treatment and recovery. Issues with mental health can have many different symptoms, just like issues with physical health. According to the University of Washington, of the people who die by taking their own lives, “more than 90 percent have a diagnosable mental disorder. People who die by suicide are frequently experiencing undiagnosed, undertreated, or untreated depression.” We need to stop with the stigma of mental illness and support those that need it. We need to fight for parity treatment for mental health care in emergency rooms and hospitals.  Here are some simple things you can do to support Mental Health Awareness Month:Know How to Help Someone in a CrisisAbout 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. These are our friends, family members, and loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms of mental health issues that aren’t obvious or visible. Keep resources on hand, learn how to recognize the signs, and know where you would go for help if someone you care about were to experience a crisis. Here are a few resources you can keep on hand: Suicide Prevention and Crisis ResourcesIf you are in crisis and need to talk to someone at any time, day or night, whether you feel suicidal or not, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They can provide free confidential support in a variety of crisis situations, including immediate suicidal crisis, and they can provide general information about mental health.•           Call to speak with someone who cares.•           Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself.•           Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area.•           Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're concerned forIf help is needed or you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room. You can also call the NAMI helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI or Text “NAMI” to 741741 to find help during a crisis. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers Lifeline Crisis Chat for online crisis support at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org When a Loved One Should Seek CounselingThough it may be obvious to you that someone you love needs professional help, there are many reasons why your loved one may refuse or feel reluctant to get treatment. Some people may not have access to quality mental health care, and others may avoid therapy for fear of being considered "weak" or "crazy" by those who stigmatize therapy. A person may have religious or cultural beliefs that keep them from seeking professional assistance, or perhaps they have had a negative therapy experience in the past. Exploring the reasons why someone may avoid treatment can be a good place to start, as well as normalizing mental health issues and treatment. Millions of people all around the world seek help for mental health issues in order to improve their overall health, well-being, and happiness. Severe depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation are examples of issues that warrant intervention. Some signs of psychological distress to watch for, as outlined by the American Psychological Association, include:•           Marked changes in mood, such as irritability, anger, anxiety, or sadness•           Decline in performance at work or school•           Changes in weight and appearance, including negligence of personal hygiene•           Disturbances in sleep, either oversleeping or insomnia•           Withdrawal from social relationships and activities Share Your ExperiencesWhether it’s a story about treatment or how your life is impacted by a mental health issue, sharing your experiences can be powerful for you and others. During Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage you to consider sharing your stories on social media, sharing with someone you trust, or sharing with a licensed therapist if your experiences are causing distress.How do you find a Therapist? Here are a couple helpful resources:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapistshttps://naminorthernillinois.org/resources/ Understand the Power of Language and How It Can Contribute to StigmaStigma toward mental health issues and treatment often stems from the way we come to understand concepts through media, culture, and influential others. Many commonly used phrases and sayings can contribute to misunderstanding and a reluctance to seek treatment for fear of being perceived as “weak” or “crazy.” Help challenge the stigma in your corner of the world by spending some time thinking and reading about how words and experiences may feel from a different perspective.Avoiding stigmatizing terms and phrases that cause shame, minimize experiences, and misrepresent reality can help eliminate a major obstacle to treatment. It’s not simply about being politically correct, requiring that you tiptoe around your words; the point is to simply stop and think about what you say and be mindful of how your choice of words may affect others. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s important to treat the health of your mind as you would your body. There is nothing to be ashamed about having a mental health disorder. Life can be complicated, uncertain, and stressful; and struggling with a mental health issue alone can make it seem unbearable, but we can help by understanding what we can do. The more we talk about mental health conditions and treatments, the less taboo the subject is. For a long time millions of people suffered in silence, but it’s time to break the stigma of mental health disorders and start living in the solution.

Popular Door County musician Katie Dahl and rising folk star Hope Dunbar (Utica, NE) will perform at The Norwegian in Rockford on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. (dinner will be served at 6 p.m.) Their performance at Base Camp will be the second stop on the “Carpool to Heaven Tour,” a ten-day tour across the Midwest. The Norwegian is located at 1402 N. Main St., Rockford. There is a suggested donation of $8 per person.The Shepherd Express wrote of a 2018 performance: “Hope Dunbar… and Katie Dahl showcased their camaraderie. Soaring, sorrowful...enchanting.”Katie Dahl and Hope Dunbar are Midwestern songwriters with loyal fan bases and multiple accolades to their collective credit. Though they normally perform individually, at The Norwegian they will share their songs in an intimate “in-the-round” format, commenting on and adding texture to one another’s work. Dahl and Dunbar are firmly rooted in the folk tradition, with songs that roam freely to explore country, jazz, and rock traditions.Local singer-songwriter Katie Dahl, says the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, “combines old-fashioned populism, an abiding love of the land and wickedly smart love songs, all delivered in a rich and expressive alto.” Known for the literate candor of her songs and the easy humor of her live performances, Dahl also has four studio albums and an original musical play, Victory Farm, to her credit. Wisconsin Public Radio calls Dahl “the real deal.”Nebraska-based songwriter Hope Dunbar is fresh off the release of her album “Three Black Crows,” which is receiving critical acclaim and radio play across the country. Houston Music Review writes, “Hailing from Utica, NE, Hope sings loud and proud about real human issues and real light hearted fun. She dispels any claim that intelligence and creativity are unique to large urban centers.”For more information, visit thenorwegian.com or call 815-329-6191.

Rockford Art Museum hosts Not Without a Fight: Community Day, a free outdoor festival for all ages on Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum’s parking lot at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois.Presented in partnership with the YMCA of the Rock River Valley, the free event features a DJ, food trucks, and a variety of activities for all ages, including art projects, live demonstrations, games, a bounce house and more! RAM will be will be open and free to the public during the outdoor festival, which is part of the programming for Not Without a Fight, the museum’s current exhibition featuring Chicago artist Cheryl Pope, on view through Memorial Day, May 27 at Rockford Art Museum.Cheryl Pope: Not Without a Fight includes free admission for ages 18 and younger, and bilingual art information is available. Curated by Carrie Johnson, the exhibition is sponsored in part by the Ahlstrand Family Foundation, Anne and David Boccignone, Jean and Dan Clark, Women’s Art Board, and Rockford Area Arts Council, with in-kind support from Event Floral.About Rockford Art Museum: Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through art collection, exhibitions and education. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org and follow @rockfordart on social media.  

Celebrate National Hoagie Day by making some healthy hoagies!https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20520476/basic-healthy-hoagie/

Did know the stars and planets have their own special day? National Astronomy Day is on Saturday, May 11, and from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm., Discovery Center Museum is celebrating with celestial activities.  Enjoy the wonder and beauty of the night sky, investigate the planets, moon and sun, and get inspired to learn more during a free planetarium show. Monkey around with gravity, put the solar system in your pocket, navigate the constellations, meet active amateur astronomers, and more. Organized by the Astronomical League, a coalition of over 240 amateur astronomy groups from all across the nation, Astronomy Day is a national annual event that provides a means of interaction between the general public and astronomy enthusiasts, and promotes the science of astronomy. Discovery Center’s event is sponsored locally by Huntington Learning Center as well as the Illinois Arts Council Agency.Discovery Center Museum is a non-profit organization providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children under five, and an outdoor science park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, and one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. The Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $8 adults, $8 children (ages 2 to 17) and free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Hours of operation are: 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

On behalf of the Fatherhood Encouragement Project, we would like to invite you to our 2nd annual Adopt-A-Block event.Last year, more than 300 volunteers collected over 14 tons of garbage in Rockford from 7th Street to 9th Street, and 10th Avenue to 12th Avenue. That area is considered the 6th most dangerous neighborhood per capita in the United States. Since the Adopt-A-Block event, crime on those streets have decreased by 15%. We hope to accomplish that again this year in Rockford’s Haskell Neighborhood.This year we have partnered with the Rockford Police Department, Food 4 Fuel and Comcast for Comcast Cares Day. Volunteers will receive free breakfast, lunch and a t-shirt. There will also be a block party at the end of the event for the neighborhood.Please join us from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th 2019 at 515 Maple Street to help clean up this neighborhood and make Rockford a better place.For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.comcastinthecommunity.com 

We are so ready for the warm weather. We put our brains together to talk about summer in hopes that we would summon the warmth. But, we may have just predicted a snow storm instead. *Minor Note: In between recording and publishing this episode, we changed our release day from Monday to Wednesday.Swing Dancing at the Market: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/swing-dance-at-the-rockford-city-marketAdopt a block: https://rockfordbuzz.com/event/adopt-a-block-rockford-may-4thYou can find us online here:https://rockfordbuzz.com/home https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/https://twitter.com/therockfordbuzzhttps://www.instagram.com/therockfordbuzz/

I have seen this process work first hand for at least a few years now. What allows one company to steal another company's leads (if that competitor is running a TV ad) is a simple concept. However, most client prospects of mine fail to realize this connection until I bring it to their attention.TV ADS OR INTERNET MARKETINGLocal business clients get pressured into buying TV ads on a constant basis. Maybe they like the rep from the TV station, or maybe the rep cold called on the right day and made an immediate sale. Whether it happens this way or not, I can guarantee you that the TV rep is incentivized to make the sale. When you are about to sign a contract for TV ads, they are SURELY NOT going to explain this concept to you about Internet marketing. In most cases, the rep may not even understand or acknowledge that this weakness exists.Let's use an example to make this easy:Company A decides to run a TV ad during the local news. They are told the TV ad will help them market their revolutionary new product or service, and that the best way to reach their target audience with this new product is to go on TV during the news. They proceed with this marketing plan. In the meantime, they know their website has little to no search engine visibility for their product. However, they may be somewhat intimidated by the Internet so they choose the more traditional marketing route.Company B is their competitor and they offer the same groundbreaking new product or service. Instead of being sold a TV ad, company B proceeds with an SEO (search engine optimization) or a PPC (pay per click) plan.THE WEAKNESS OF COMPANY AWhere did Company A go wrong when they purchased a TV ad? The answer is that they may not understand the buying cycle for their new product or service. Their TV ad is now running during the evening news, which is primarily on TV when households are preparing dinner or actually eating dinner. Nobody at that immediate point in time is calling to schedule an appointment for Company A's product or service because it is now after 5:00PM.However, the household that saw Company A's TV commercial decides to do more homework later that night for the new product or service that they saw advertised on TV. They grab their iPad a couple hours later, go to Google, and start researching the product online.The person in this household is now a warmer lead that has been primed to purchase this new product or service, and wherever they decide to purchase the product/service is NOT necessarily dependent on the TV commercial that they saw during the news. Where they choose to give their business could now depend on WHO HAS MORE SEARCH ENGINE VISIBILITY.THE STRENGTH OF COMPANY BCompany B understood that the Internet is typically the last place that a consumer will visit immediately before making a decision to purchase a product or service.The TV commercial from Company A was successful in generating more local search engine traffic for this new product/service, but they failed to have a strong enough Internet presence to grasp their leads when they started searching Google to do their homework (as a part of the buying cycle).Company B now has the stronger Internet presence, so they are receiving phone calls for the new product/service and the leads might even be mentioning that they saw a TV ad (which was for Company A).THE LESSON LEARNEDIn summary, if you are considering advertising on TV, then make sure you have a strong presence for your products or services on the Internet. If you have a limited budget, and cannot afford both forms of advertising, then choose a competent Internet marketing company like ourselves and invest in the Internet.If your competitor uses TV frequently, but they fail with their online presence, then you can take advantage of the increased local search engine traffic that their TV ad is generating by strengthening your own presence on the Internet.... which will essentially allow you to siphon their leads.If you have any questions regarding this article or this scenario, then please feel free to reach out to my company at 815.979.1229.Sincerely,John LiCausiwww.InternetMarketingExperience.com

There’s almost never been a time when the Rockford area wasn’t a hub of manufacturing. Since its very first settlers dammed up the Rock River, in what’s now known as the “Water Power District,” this region has been producing goods that make the world go ‘round. From farm implements and Swedish-made furniture, to wartime equipment and fasteners, to high-precision aerospace components, Rockford has been a powerhouse in production and innovation. More than a few patents have been earned among its citizens. Through the good times and the bad, our region has lived and died by manufacturing, and its latest boom is creating many opportunities for transformation within our city. Here are 5 simple reasons why manufacturing remains the true strength of Rockford. 1.    It touches nearly half of all local jobs. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20 percent of Rockford workers are engaged in manufacturing. Add the additional 18.7 percent involved in trade, transportation and utilities and you’ve got more than 62,000 local workers making product and getting it to market. No other sector in Rockford comes close – not Education and Health Care (24,900 workers), Government (15,900 workers) or Leisure & Hospitality (13,600 workers). With so many people engaged in manufacturing in the Rockford area, we boast one of the highest concentrations of manufacturing employment in Illinois and the United States. Only Chicago and its Elgin/Kenosha-Lake County submarkets hire more people in manufacturing. 2.    It’s driving one of the most valuable markets in IllinoisRockford-area manufacturers produced more than $4.2 billion in goods in 2017, according to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis. That’s almost a third of all gross domestic product generated in Rockford that year, and it makes us the top-producing market in Illinois, behind only the greater Chicago area ($74.81 billion) and Peoria ($6 billion). 3.    It’s strong here because our neighbors are strong, tooRockford-area manufacturers don’t operate in a bubble. Look closely, and you’ll see their fate is closely linked to the success of other major manufacturers, many of which operate right here in Illinois. Companies like John Deere (Quad Cities), Caterpillar (Peoria/Chicago) and Boeing (Chicago) are purchasing parts manufactured right here in Rockford, and many of these same firms are also buying products that Rockford-based companies are making overseas, in places like China, Brazil and Europe. Our proximity to interstate highways, railroad systems and world-class airports means the Rockford area is closely linked with customers and suppliers all across the state, the country and the world. And, these transportation connections are fueling a growing cluster of activity around aerospace, with more than 90 related firms located within the Rockford area, according to Rockford Area Economic Development Council.  4.    We’re growing our own talent for the futureUnlike in years past, American manufacturers today are competitive because of their advanced knowledge and experience with high-tech equipment – not just the workers on the shop floor but the engineers designing everything from product to process. Because manufacturing is inextricably tied to the fate of our region, and because there’s an impending “bran drain” of retiring baby boomers who will leave the industry with decades of hard-won experience, Rockford-area leaders are coalescing around a strategy to grow our own talent from within. Rock Valley College is teaming up with public school systems in the Rockford region, area manufacturers and Northern Illinois University to ensure a smooth pipeline for young people and working adults to earn the credentials they need while advancing their careers. Rockford Public School students headed to the shop floor are earning college credits while practicing on RVC’s advanced CNC machines, while their colleagues are preparing for the engineering office through a four-year degree NIU now offers right on RVC’s campus. Dozens of students are finding a wide-open door to a fulfilling career post-graduation.   Meanwhile, work continues on transforming the former Barber-Colman manufacturing center, which has been vacant for decades, into a thriving live/work/study center for advanced employment training. Though still in the early design phases, this Colman Village promises to further fuel the demand for skilled manufacturing and engineering talent. 5.    Manufacturing is ExplodingSince the end of the recession, manufacturing has grown exponentially in the Rockford area – to the tune of 24 percent between 2010 and 2018, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. That rate, which outpaced the Chicago area, amounts to roughly 6,400 new jobs created over eight years. It’s like adding another FiatChrysler (5,152 workers at its recent peak) and Woodward plant (1,900 workers) to our local workforce.

Discovery Center Museum is excited to announce it is accepting applications for (4) paid Summer Youth Interns. This internship program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and its Youth Employment in the Arts project.The internships are available to graduating high school seniors seeking an opportunity to make use of their own art, graphic design, and computer skills. Intern will design art for special events and program as well as prepare materials for art projects that children can create. In addition, the interns will interact with and assist children in Discovery Center’s newly expanded Art Studio.The Summer Youth Employment program spans nine weeks - Monday, June 10 through Saturday, August 10, with each intern working approximately eight weeks. The remaining week will be used for college visits and/or family vacations. Potential candidates should be available to work 19 hours per week and will be compensated at a rate of $9.00 per hour.Summer interns will practice leadership skills, hone organizational abilities, flex creative muscles and sharpen people skills. They will also acquire job experience as they complete time sheets, adhere to schedules and work with professional staff. To apply for these positions, students should send their cover letter and resume to Sue Stevens at sues@discoverycentermuseum.org or by mail to Discovery Center, 711 North Main Street, Rockford IL 61103.

Anderson Japanese Gardens kicks off its popular fourteen week summer music series on May 28th.  Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens features two bands each week through the end of August. Guests are invited to set-up blankets and lawn chairs starting at 5:00 PM. The first performer begins at 5:45 followed by the headline performer starting around 6:45.  Off-site parking is available at the College of Medicine located a two blocks south on Parkview Ave. Free shuttle service is provided to and from the College of Medicine.   Admission is FREE for Premium Garden Members. Admission for Basic and Non-Garden Members is the cost of regular Garden Admission.  Guests are invited to bring carry-in picnic suppers. Several popular Rockford area food service providers have items available for purchase. Carry-in beverages are prohibited.  Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Performance Schedule May 28: Beth Kill Band (Madison, WI) | Opening: Mascot Theory (Madison, WI)June 4: Charley Crockett (San Benito, TX) | Opening: Whiskey Farm (Madison, WI)June 11: Brett Newski (Milwaukee, WI) | Opening: Patchouli (Maiden Rock, WI)June 18: Michael McDermott (Chicago, IL) | Opening: Dingo (Rockford, IL)June 25: Miles Nielsen (Rockford, IL) | Opening: Ernie Hendrickson (Chicago, IL)July 2: The Suffers (Houston, TX) | Opening: Jordana Talsky (Toronto, ON)July 9: Pieta Brown (Iowa City, Iowa) | Opening: Andrew Robinson (Chicago, IL)July 16: Neverly Brothers (Chicago, IL) | Opening: Rock & Roll Institute (Rockford, IL)July 23: Chicago Farmer (Delavan, IL) | Opening: The Hard Knock Kings (Rockford, IL)July 30: Bella’s Bartok (Northampton, MA) | Opening: Jaik Willis (Chicago, IL)August 6: Remember Jones (Asbury Park, NJ) | Opening: Steve McClanahan (Rockford, IL)August 13: Terra Lightfoot (Waterdown, ON) | Opening: Kelly Steward (Rockford, IL)August 20: Old Salt Union (Belleville, IL) | Opening: Edward David Anderson (Bloomington, IL)August 27: Bottle Rockets (St Louis, MO) | Opening: Long Shot (Rockford, IL)                                   Groovin’ in the Garden is made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor: Midland States Bank; Supporting Sponsors: Mercyhealth, Collins Aerospace, Greenlee, Accuride, Lexus of Rockford & PCI Pharma Services; Sustaining Sponsors: WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, Bergstrom, Ingenium Technologies, Gallagher Williams-Manny, Peak Sports Club, Larson & Darby Group, RSM, Furst Staffing, Liebovich Steel & Aluminum Company, LaMonica Beverages, Woodward & Scandroli Construction; and Media Sponsor: Townsquare Media.

When there’s a will, there’s a way. When there is delicious food, it will find a way to survive in Rockford. When there are determined women, things get DONE!As you know, the much loved Magpie was forced to close down in 2017 due to the fire in the neighboring Hanley building. There have been a lot of obstacles in Stephanie’s way, but she was not going to be denied a revival of Magpie. If you drive down Madison street, you’ll see the awning ready and waiting for opening day to greet all of the anxious customers visiting with empty stomachs and full appetites. Kate’s Pie Shop has lived in the East Branch of the Rockford Public Library for the past few years and has been a place to get amazing pie, drink some coffee, and hang out in a cool atmosphere. Kate had to make some tough business decisions and made the jump to get rid of the brick and mortar, focus on online pie orders, and join forces with another local kitchen so that us lovers of her pie wouldn’t be without it for long. Kate will be reviving Kate’s Great Pies. You can order full pies online for local pickup. She will also be helping out Stephanie with baked goods for Magpie. This is a match made in heaven. We’ve missed Magpie so much. We can’t wait for it to come back, and now it comes with even BETTER news – we didn’t think that was even possible. Get your tummies ready – it’s gonna be a great summer!

Mayor Tom McNamara will host multiple town hall events in the coming weeks. During the town halls, the Mayor will provide a brief overview of the state of the City, followed by questions from the audience.Join us for one of the following events:Wednesday, May 8, 6-7 p.m., Regents Hall in Burpee Center at Rockford UniversityTuesday, May 14, 6-7 p.m., Castle Town Center at Wesley Willows on North Rockton Ave.Wednesday, June 5, 6-7 p.m., Anderson GardensIf you are in need of a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in this event, please call 779-348-7150.

So I am going to be transparent and let you know that this article is not something I just recently wrote. I wrote it a while ago and thought it would be a good one to share on Rockford Buzz because many people may have not read it before. Also, if I am being completely transparent, I haven’t had time to write an article for this publication because we are preparing for our annual Each Breath of Faith 5k3k on Saturday, April 27. I often hear the phrase “committed” suicide and cringe. It has become such a common phrase that many don’t realize it increases the stigma around suicide. Even the media does it. I wrote this to help people understand that this phrase should no longer be used and why. I hope you find it helpful. My son did not “commit” suicide. Dealing with grief is always difficult; dealing with death by suicide is even more complicated. My son died from an untreated depression, an illness caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. It is just like any other illness, but this illness carries the stigma of a “mental” illness. Mental illness is a neurological illness. We need to help eliminate the image of a crazy person in a padded cell with the word mental illness because most struggling with this illness are just like you and me except they are fighting a battle internally that we cannot see.Since my 19 year old son Tommy died by suicide in 2014, I have realized that his illness was so incredibly intense and overwhelming that he could not escape from the pain no matter how hard he tried. Depression causes immense suffering. Depression prevents those suffering from being able to look forward to anything (including a bright future and the birth of their first child). The depressed can only think about how they feel in that moment and have lost the ability to envision a future without pain. Many times, those suffering don’t even realize their illness is treatable. The depression doesn’t allow them to think or consider the people around them, their families, or friends; they are too consumed with emotional pain that becomes unbearable. They feel hopeless. They feel helpless.  They don’t want to die, but their brain tricks them into believing it’s the only way the pain will end. For them, it is not a choice; it’s a reaction to the agonizing pain they are feeling. When I tell someone how my son died it is often followed by a silence or a look of fear. The people that know how our son died often don't even bring up his name; thinking it's best not to talk about it. The silence is the main reason for the discrimination and stigma. The silence tells me that the person has decided that this kind of death is not acceptable because it is self-inflicted. In many people’s minds, suicide occurs because of weakness or lack of character. Many don’t understand that a mental illness is the same as a physical illness. We need to support those with a mental illness and their families the same way we would with someone suffering from a physical illness such as cancer. The phrase “committed suicide” causes great pain to those who have been affected by suicide. The word “committed” was used historically because suicide was considered illegal and sinful. Now hundreds of years later we know so much more about mental disorders and how they affect the individuals. We know mental illness can lead to suicide if not treated appropriately. Let’s stop using a words that add to the stigma. We need to continue breaking the stigma of mental illness so individuals are more able to end the silence and ask for help. Unfortunately, most people misunderstand suicide and the effects of it; so the myths continue to spread. Compassion is a choice. Education and understanding is a choice. Having a mental disorder is not. Suicide is not.

Marketing in the digital age is easier than ever. From Meetup.com to Facebook to LinkedIn, there are many ways to get the word out about your business.In terms of ROI (return on investment), good old face-to-face marketing remains king.If you are a professional looking to find potential partners or clients or a business owner trying to spread the word about your products or services, there are plenty of options in the Rockford area.There's a Wabongo Wednesday that meets at a rotating business the first Wednesday of the month.There's the Rockford Social Square that meets at Josef's the first Thursday of the month.The Salsa Business Network meets at a different restaurant the first Friday of the month.The Trusted Compass meets the third Thursday of the month at Giovanni's.The INCrowd Networking Group is the fourth Thursday of the month.And there's 1 Million Cups, which meets every Wednesday at Thinker Ventures.Each has a different feel and focus, from education to worship to fun. On May 4, you can go to the revival of another networking option. The Entrepreneur Club, which focuses on professional development, is returning for a Cinco de Mayo party at Murphy's Pub & Grill, 510 S. Perryville Road. The cost is just $5 and the party begins at 7 p.m.The key to networking is to not approach these events as selling opportunities. The best networkers look at make real connections, which, some day, will open doors. What better way to work on your business than a Cinco de Mayo party?

Happy Easter Weekend, Rockford! We hope you have a great holiday if you celebrate. If you don't, there is plenty in here for you to enjoy. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, April 19, 2019RVC x RAD @ Rockford Art Deli - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmKen E Curtis @ Baci's Kitchen - view event6:00 pm - 9:00 pmStraight: Capstone Project by Auburn High Senior Garrett Bailey @ Nordlof Center - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday, April 20, 2019Open Gallery Saturday, April 20th. @ M & M Photography - view event9:00 am - 2:00 pm1st Annual Outdoor Gear Yard Sale @ Rocktown Adventures - view event10:00 am - 4:00 pmEgg Hunt Egg-stravaganza @ Discovery Center Museum - view event10:00 am - 2:00 pmEaster Egg Hunt @ Hidden Treasures Mall and Antiques - view event10:00 am - 7:00 pmSpring Market and Easter Bunny Meet & Greet @ Indoor City Market - view event10:00 am - 2:00 pmStorytime @ Rockford Public Library - view event10:00 am - 11:30 am4/20 Lagunitas Waldo's Tapping @ The Olympic Tavern - view event11:00 am - 11:00 pmMovies on Main: Mary Poppins Returns @ The Nordlof Center - view event2:00 pm - 4:00 pm4/20 @ Pig Minds Brewing - view event7:00 pm - 10:00 pmUnder the Influence @ The Nordlof Center - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmBlue Healers with special guest J.F. Gaziano @ Irish Rose - view event9:00 pmPurple Hell @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm

Is it just me or is there something really satisfying about warm-weather shops opening for the season? I love love love it! Carambola Gelato and Coffee Shop, 401 E Riverside Blvd, had their Grand (season) Opening today. So, of course, we had to pay them a visit! Coffee? Yes please. Sweets? Yes please. Cute shop? Yes please. They tick off all of these boxes. On top of that – they’re very nice people!I was sold with just some Cold Brew, but Jake was hungry so he grabbed a Panini. Then, we finished off our visit with some freshly made cannoli. The coffee was great. It tasted like a high quality brew and was very smooth going down. Jake enjoyed his ham and cheese Panini. It smelled delicious and came out fresh and hot. The cannoli was amazing. I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a good cannoli. The shell was crispy but easy to eat. The filling was sweet but very light and not overly sweet. It was the perfect ending to a meal. We each got a mini one, but I would recommend getting the large. They’re just too good. We didn’t get any gelato this time around, but I did get a taste of the mint chocolate chip and I am just itching to go back so I can have a bowl of it. It was so smooth I wanted to just eat it forever. Make sure you stop in there ASAP!

In this episode, Courtney is grumpy. But, we sit down with Kris and Wyatt from Notebook Entertainment and chat zombies, film making, local talent, their series The Deadersons, FML, and everything else they're up to!Here are some links where you can find them:http://notebookmovies.com/https://www.facebook.com/NotebookEntertainment/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxnxdGSix18nFycz8fve5wghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1RHkn735rdMJeINx2fakMQhttps://www.patreon.com/NotebookMovies/postshttps://www.amazon.com/Friday-Night-Frights/dp/B01N7PPWNQ/If you didn't hear, you can now listen to the podcast on your Podcast App of choice!Just copy this URL:https://podcast.rss.com/rockfordbuzz/feed.xmlPaste that URL into your app of choice and voila!Apple Podcasts – Tap “Library” on the bottom menu. Click Edit. Click “Add Podcast by URL”. Enter Podcast URL. Hit Subscribe.Castbox – Enter the Podcast URL into the search bar. Hit Search. Tap SubscribePodbean – Tap the search icon. Click +Add Feed URL >. Enter Podcast URL. Make sure it says you’re following.

The last place you expect to see Rockford is while you’re in the air. But, during the month of March, that exactly where we were. The Rockford Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau (RACVB) and The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) worked together to get Rockford featured in the United Airlines on-board magazine!This is a cool tidbit of news for us who live here. It’s not everyday that you get to be in an in-flight magazine. But, it’s even better for the people who don’t live here or have never been here. We are all aware that Rockford doesn’t get the best national coverage (although we’ve seen that change a bit lately!).The RACVB and RAEDC are doing a great job spreading positive news about our area, and this is another way they’ve tackled it. Now, when people are flying to destinations all over the country, they can read about the gems we have right here in Rockford. And, guess what? We are surrounded by major airports. Or, if they’re lucky, they can fly directly into Rockford. We’re accessible. We’re growing. Rockford is on the upswing. From the RACVB and RAEDC:The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council jointly contributed in March to a special section profiling Illinois in United Airlines’ inflight magazine, “Hemispheres.” The award-winning onboard magazine for United Airlines is published by Ink in New York and aimed at affluent business and leisure travelers around the world. It reaches 11.5 million passengers each month on 5,600 flights per day. “People on planes are a great target audience – they have time on their hands and a propensity for travel. During March, more than 11 million passengers flying on United’s global network were exposed to our region’s best attributes as they read United’s seatback magazine,” said RACVB President/CEO John Groh. “RACVB’s public relations team worked closely with the magazine’s editorial and creative team – first pitching story ideas, then supplying content and photos. Ultimately, Nathan Bryant and I were interviewed and quoted by one of the authors, and we also placed an ad in the publication that highlighted the region’s live/work/play advantages.”The Rockford region is prominently featured on several pages of the publication and highlights businesses and attractions like Woodward, Laurent House, and Anderson Japanese Gardens.“We are especially proud of the magazine’s focus on downtown revitalization and its overall designation of Rockford as one of Illinois’ most notable communities,” added Rockford Area Economic Development Council President/CEO Nathan Bryant. “It’s a chance for a captive audience of travelers to discover Rockford and all it has to offer for tourism and economic development.”You can view the magazine online here. The Rockford region is featured on pages 11 (an ad placed by RAEDC/RACVB), page 13 (Woodward profile), 23 (Woodward ad), 26 (Illinois guide of "most notable communities"), 30 and 33 (Revitalization), 36 (Laurent House) 37 (Anderson Japanese Gardens).

The Call for Artists to apply to Rockford Art Museum’s 71st Greenwich Village Art Fair remains open through April 30 at Zapplication.org. An annual fundraiser for the museum since 1948, the two-day outdoor event takes place Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in the parking lot at Rockford Art Museum, located at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois.Held on the second Saturday and Sunday after Labor Day, every year—rain or shine—the fine art fair features juried artists, live music by local musicians, art activities for kids and families, a local marketplace, food and drink, and much more. GVAF is the longest running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. The fair is limited to no more than 155 artists representing a cross section of medium categories, including ceramics, drawing, fiber, furniture, leather, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, paper, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood, and more. Awards totaling $4,500 are presented to one Best of Show, six Judge’s Choice, and five Honorable Mention, and local businesses and individuals pledge more than $10,000 in Purchase Awards. Gates are open 10 AM–6 PM Saturday, Sept. 14 and 10 AM–5 PM Sunday, Sept. 15. Admission at the gate is $7 for adults, free for kids 12 and younger. Artists keep 100% of their sale proceeds. Only admission proceeds help support Rockford Art Museum programming throughout the year. The application and more details are available at Zapplication.org.

First of all - all $25+ Rockford Buzz backers in the month of April are going to received this awesome drawstring bag designed by our very own merch designer Katherine Leigh.Now onto business -As you know, we rolled out a huge update at the beginning of February.We launched the Rockford Buzz Backer ProgramWe opened up our page to Guest AuthorsWe shifted our business model internallyWith the Backer Program, we revived our newsletter, but it was only going out bi-weekly. This update announcement is mostly regarding that.Our newsletter will now be going out to ALL Rockford Buzz users. It will give you a heads up for events coming up that week, highlight a local business, show off swag we have coming for our Backers, and more!If you are at the $2 backer tier - this change only really matters to you. Instead of your perk being the bi-weekly newsletter, you will now get input on which videos we put out next. We will be sending out links to polls and other fun stuff!If you haven't checked out our backer program yet, you can do that HEREGet access to content input, an exclusive Facebook group where you can give us feedback, the Rockford Buzz Video Show, Rockford Buzz the Podcast, monthly Rockford-positive Swag, monthly hangouts, and MORE!We worked really hard brainstorming how we can give back to the community that you've helped us form here at Rockford Buzz. So, join us in changing the narrative of our hometown.Stay Awesome,Rockford Buzz Team

Welcome to Spring ArtScene Weekend! This one is jam-packed with great events going on around Rockford. Here's your Weekend Roundup!Friday, April 12, 2019From Minks to Sinks Rummage Day Sale @ Midway Village Museum - view event8:00 am - 4:00 pmSpring ArtScene 2019 @ Nordlof Center - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe Art of Healing, Veteran Showcase @ Veterans Memorial Hall - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpring Art Scene @ JustGoods - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmArt Scene: Express-Oh! Art @ Katie's Cup - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmThe Norwegian Artist Lofts do ArtScene - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmArtScene @ Rockford City Market - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpring ArtScene Inner Illumination @ Luna Datura's - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmMaximalism @ Mainfraim - view event5:00 pm - 11:00 pmMoxie Ladies - Spring Art Scene 2019 @ Rockford Roasting Company - view event5:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpring Art Scene- Remix! @ 317 Art Collective - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmSpring Art Scene-Wizards of Booze @ The Olympic Tavern - view event6:00 pm - 10:00 pm80’s,90’s and 2000’s Party! @ Dusty Boots - view event8:00 pmBare Bones @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pmArt Scene In The Basement @ Abreo - view event10:00 pm - 2:00 amSaturday, April 13, 2019Record Store Day - CULTURE SHOCK Style! - view event8:00 am - 8:00 pmFrom Minks to Sinks Rummage Day Sale @ Midway Village Museum - view event9:00 am - 12:00 pmFuture Nurse Academy @ Discovery Center Museum - view event10:00 am - 2:00 pmRockford Screening of Minding the Gap with Filmmaker Q & A @ Nordlof Center - view event11:00 am - 2:00 pmSpring Art Scene and Open House @ Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties - view event1:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpring Art Scene-Wizards of Booze @ The Olympic Tavern - view event4:00 pm - 10:00 pmSpring Art Scene @ JustGoods - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmArt Scene: Express-Oh! Art @ Katie's Cup - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpring ArtScene Inner Illumination @ Luna Datura's - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmMaximalism @ Mainfraim - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmMoxie Ladies - Spring Art Scene 2019 @ Rockford Roasting Company - view event4:00 pm - 9:00 pmBruce Wehman Photography sale to benefit RPL @ Nordlof Center - view event5:00 pm - 10:00 pmMystery Mashup Cabaret @ Nordlof Center - view event6:00 pm - 8:00 pmThe Cash Box Kings @ The Hope and Anchor Pub - view event8:00 pm - 10:00 pmPetty Cash @ District - view event9:00 pmRecord Store Day [AFTER PARTY] w/Culture Shock & Dogfish Head @ The Olympic Tavern - view event9:00 pm - 1:00 amToo Deep @ Mary's Place - view event9:30 pm - 1:30 amSunday, April 14, 2019Young Artist Show: Youth Division @ Rockford Art Museum - view event1:00 pm - 3:00 pmNAMI Mental Health support group @ SwedishAmerican Heart Hospital - view event2:00 pm - 3:30 pmMusic of Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, and Marty Robbins @ Concerts on the Creek - view event3:00 pm - 5:00 pmRockford IceHogs vs Milwaukee Admirals @ BMO Harris Bank Center - view event6:00 pm

On Saturday, April 20, Burpee Museum of Natural History and Discovery Center Museum are teaming up to double the fun with their “Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza”.Highlights:10,000 hidden eggsLive bunnies to petFossilized eggs to see and touchSpringtime crafts and art projects Children, ages 1 through 9, can bring their own baskets and hunt for eggs filled with treats. Egg hunts will be held at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm for children ages 3-9. They will be subdivided into age groups and have separate hunts at both times. Egg hunts will be at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm for children ages 1-2. Everyone is encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes before start times as the egg hunts will begin promptly. Children ages 3-9 will be divided into age groups and have separate hunts at both times.In between the egg hunts, both museums will offer special activities from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Burpee Museum will have a variety of unusual eggs on display and bunnies to pet. Kids big and little can exercise their creative muscles at Discovery Center creating springtime crafts and adorable art projects.Combined ticket admission that allows access to both museums for all activities onApril 20 is $12 child; $10 per adult. Member children of either Burpee or Discovery Center are $3; Member adults and children age 1 and younger are free. Admission is possible from either entrance. Cost does not include admission to Discovery Center’s Thomas the Train: Explore the Rails! special exhibition.Burpee and Discovery Center hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday. Both museums will be closed Sunday, April 21 in observance of the Easter Holiday.  Burpee Museum is located at 737 N. Main Street; Discovery Center is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street. Free parking is available at both locations. For more information, call the Burpee at 815.965.3433 or Discovery Center at 815.963.6769.Discovery Center Museum, ranked the #4 children’s museum in the nation, is a hands-on science museum with over 250 interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Its mission is to create opportunities for joyful learning and discovery through hands-on experiences in the sciences and arts.Established in 1941, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is the home of Jane, a rare juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, and one of the preeminent mid-sized natural history museums in the nation. Its mission is to inspire all people to engage in lifetime of learning about our natural world.

Lately, I have been absolutely glued to the TV to watch the news. A few years ago, I could have somewhat cared less. Nowadays, it seems like news events are affecting my day to day lifestyle much more than I can ever remember…I have recently made a connection and honestly, I am not sure if there is any definite connection, but I would like to share what I noticed.Today (2/26/19) President Trump has arrived in Vietnam to meet with Kim Jong-un from North Korea for the 2nd Nuclear Summit. We have known about this meeting through the news outlets for at least a week or two.About 9 days ago, I noticed an uptick in hacking attempts to some of our client websites from IP addresses in Vietnam. They were attempting to break into multiple local business websites on our dedicated server, but were unsuccessful.Here is why they wanted to break in:Terrorist groups pay hackers to break into U.S. based websites. It is a profitable business.Hacking into a website can allow the hackers to exploit the server and send out large amounts of SPAM email, which can be profitable if unsuspecting recipients open the email and make a purchase, etc.Breaking into a business website could allow them to lock out the actual website owner, and then potentially allow them to hold the business website captive in exchange for a ransom payment from the business owner. (similar to a computer hack)The bottom line is that it is all bad….Whether or not the uptick I noticed from Vietnam has been fueled by the location of the 2nd Nuclear Summit, I cannot be sure. However, it is possible.Here is why they couldn’t gain access to our server and moved on:We proactively monitor EVERY business website that we have on our high speed dedicated website server. If there is a hacker attempting to gain access, then we know about it and can make adjustments. This is drastically different from any web developer that can barely return a client email or a phone call! We are sometimes monitoring our business server late into the evening….We won’t allow website admin logins to have weak usernames OR weak passwords. Anything that is easy to guess or too short is really vulnerable. These hackers are getting more and more intelligent...We require all of our business website clients on our dedicated server to undergo routine CMS and plugin updates for security purposes. Hackers can scan the Internet looking for outdated CMS revisions and plugins and then hack into your website using those vulnerabilities. If you update your CMS and plugins on a routine basis, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a website hacking.If your website was designed many months/years ago and neither you or your website developer have updated a single revision of your CMS installation or plugins, then it isn’t a question of whether or not you will be hacked. It is a question of WHEN will they finally hack in...How to protect your business website:If you are the owner of a local business, the key here is to choose a website developer for your business website that has INVESTED in a quality website hosting platform for their clients, and that PROACTIVELY monitors the websites of all their business clients on a routine basis.If you are a website developer and just learning the industry, then please take this article seriously and be more proactive with monitoring the websites of your business clients. You are doing your business clients an injustice if you don’t!Please insert your name and email here in order to receive an email whenever we release a new article pertaining to online marketing or website development. Everyone is welcome to register.