IGNITE September 2022

Are you team

‘never-ending summer’ or team ‘can’t wait for fall?’

I found myself enjoying summer a bit more than normal. I’m not a huge fan of the heat, thunderstorms and bugs that summer brings with it. However, this year, I found it easier to push past all of those things, and I had a summer worth loving.

I got to know new people at our summer events, like the After 5s at the Olympic Tavern and PrairieFire Golf & Grill. I also enjoyed time on the lake, took a trip to Tennessee, attended a few local baseball games, and much more.

That said, I’m still team fall. I’m ready for the cooler weather, the beautiful colors and all of the fall things—apple orchards, pumpkin patches, hoodies, bonfires and Halloween.

I didn’t achieve my goal of visiting all the local forest preserves this summer, but I’m excited to do it in the fall. The cooler weather and fall colors will make for a great experience. I also want to visit Anderson Gardens in the fall. I’ve been in the spring, summer and winter, so it just feels necessary to complete the seasons.

I’m also excited for the IGNITE events we have coming up. At IGNITE, fall brings us even more After 5s and Meet a Nonprofit events.

September After 5 – Sept. 21, 5:30 p.m., location TBD.

September Meet a Nonprofit – Sept. 22, 5:30 p.m., 1325 N. Johnston Ave., Rockford, featuring Northwest Community Center (NWCC). These events allow IGNITE members to learn more about nonprofits in our area and engage with them. NWCC looks forward to celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023. Each year, it and its partner organizations serve 15,000 youth and adults through a variety of recreational and educational programs. The center occupies 25,000 square feet across two buildings on its eight-acre campus.

October After 5 – Oct. 19 , 5:30 p.m., Hidden Creek Estates. Join IGNITE at Hidden Creek and get to know other local young professionals while trying some delicious wines. Stop in any time between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

October Meet a Nonprofit – TBD.

November After 5 – Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m., Greenfire Restaurant, Bar & Bakery. Join IGNITE at Greenfire Restaurant Bar & Bakery for delicious food, drinks and socializing with young professionals. Stop in any time between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

November Meet a Nonprofit – TBD.

December After 5/Holiday Party – Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club. Make plans now to attend IGNITE’s holiday party at Forest Hills Country Club. More info to come.

December Meet a Nonprofit – TBD.

Have a suggestion for an IGNITE fall event? Let us know on Facebook.

Carmen Kellerman is event & program coordinator for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and IGNITE.

Join IGNITE for camaraderie and exciting events.