Rockford: America’s Top Housing Market

The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com recently released the updated Housing Market Ranking with Rockford claiming the top spot as the number one real-estate market in the U.S. With a population of about 147,000 residents and a metro area of about 339,000, Rockford is a vibrant city sitting along the Rock River, featuring countless museum attractions, spaces to enjoy nature, iconic eateries and much more.

Rockford is among Illinois’ growing economies with various developing industries including health care, aerospace and logistics. Additionally, it is home to the Chicago Rockford International Airport, which is among the fastest growing cargo airports in the world and flies over 100,000 passengers to popular destinations each year.

Sitting 90 miles from Chicago and Milwaukee, Rockford has been a popular area to settle for new homebuyers searching for affordable homes while still being connected to large city life and active neighborhoods.

The Housing Market Ranking is based on the status of the real-estate market, economic health and quality of life in metro areas across the U.S. This ranking is a testament to Rockford’s thriving communities and progress.

To see a full list of the Housing Market Ranking, click here.

 Did you know? Pat Healy grew up in Illinois

Pat Healy is an actor, writer and director from Chicago born Sept. 14, 1971 who is best known for his roles in “Better Call Saul” and the Steven Spielberg film “The Post.” In 1993, he graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in theatre. While attending ISU he performed in theatre productions like “Romeo and Juliet” and “Cloud Nine.” He also performed at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and was among those recognized in the ISF’s “40 years/40 actors” honor roll in 2017.

Healy’s career took off later in life. After graduating from ISU, he moved to Los Angeles and was able to land roles every so often, but it was an inconsistent living. He got through slow periods by utilizing his writing skills and doing odd jobs. Less than five years ago, he was driving for Lyft.

A month after he began driving for Lyft, he was offered a role and within two months, he was offered three roles at the same time and had to turn one down. The roles he accepted were in “Better Call Saul” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which brought opportunities like working alongside Carol Burnett.

Pat Healy’s commitment to working hard and being a good, humble person has contributed to his much deserved success and made him a role model in many people’s eyes.  

Remembering April 18, 1818: How the Enabling Act paved the way for statehood

On April 18, 1818, President James Monroe signed into law the Enabling Act, a pivotal moment in American history that set the stage for Illinois to achieve statehood later that year. This significant legislation marked a crucial step in the expansion of the United States and the establishment of the Illinois territory as a full-fledged member of the United States.

The Enabling Act granted authority to the people of Illinois to form a constitution and state government, thereby paving the way for their admission into the union. It was a testament to the spirit of democracy and self-governance that characterized the young nation during its westward expansion.

The Enabling Act provided the legal framework for Illinoisans to organize themselves and assert their right to statehood.

Following the enactment of the Enabling Act, the people of Illinois wasted no time in drafting a constitution. In August 1818, a constitutional convention convened in Kaskaskia, where delegates from across the territory deliberated and crafted a document that reflected their aspirations for statehood and self-determination.

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois officially became the 21^st state to join the union, with Shadrach Bond elected as the first governor. The state’s admission into the union was a cause for celebration, marking the culmination of years of effort and the beginning of a new chapter in Illinois’ history.

The significance of April 18, 1818 goes beyond the mere signing of a piece of legislation. It represents a milestone in the nation’s westward expansion and the fulfillment of the American promise of democracy and representation. The Enabling Act empowered the people of Illinois to shape their own destiny and contribute to the rich tapestry of the United States.

Today, as we reflect on the events of April 18, 1818, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of those early pioneers who forged a path for Illinois to become a state. Their vision and determination laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse state that Illinois is today. The Enabling Act stands as a testament to the principles of democracy and self-governance that continue to define the American experience.

Artist of the Month: Winifred Godfrey

• Artist of the month

Winnie Godfrey is our April Artist of the Month. Originally from Philadelphia, Godfrey was raised on Chicago’s south side and earned a bachelor of science in art and a master of fine arts from the University of Wisconsin. She also studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of California.

The timeless tradition of floral painting inspires most of Godfrey’s work, but she developed a unique style that depicts floral subjects in an eye-catching, modern way. She utilizes light, color and composition techniques to make photorealistic paintings and presents her subjects with a fresh approach to depicting shapes, texture and the translucency of flowers.

Although her artwork primarily consists of oil-based floral paintings, she is renowned for her work in other figurative subjects, including a series inspired by the indigenous Mayans in Guatemala. Each painting illustrates a different village and costume in a sequence of 14 life-size oils titled “Mayan Procession.” While she often uses oil paint, Godfrey includes a variety of mediums in this series, such as textiles, photos and “alfombra” or carpet made of colored sawdust.

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