Seasons

An old school friend messaged her and said “Is this you?” on the show Parks and Recreation — It was. Kelly Steward found out she was the “pretty brunette” on Ron Swanson’s wall. Find out more about how this happened and what she’s been up to since.

If you enjoy these stories, please support their production on our Patreon page. Support us for as little as $1 per video. If many people help, it lightens the load. Thank you!
https://www.patreon.com/ourcityourstory

Produced by Pablo Korona

Music: Zach Staas Production Audio, Daniel Pingrey, and Jason Kaye

Extra photography:
Drone shots by FlyGuy Films
Chief Blackhawk Photography: Eric Meli

Thank you to Taco Betty’s for allowing us on their roof to film, and extra special thanks to Miles Nielsen.

Kelly’s music projects include:
Kelly Steward (her music page)
Weep & Willow (Kelly and Miles)

It wasn’t until her child was born, that Phyllis even considered her future. A high school dropout, she went back to school and was determined to create a better life for her child. Her life revolved around being a mother, unconditionally loving her child even through trying times. When her child came out as transgender, a new set of challenges presented themselves — including things she couldn’t control.

This story is a collaboration with the Rockford Register Star | rrstar.com. See how LGBTQ teens, more specifically transgender teens, have been affected by Liam’s advocacy.

Phyllis is President of the PFLAG Rockford Chapter, please consider following the page to support their efforts.

If you wish for us to continue these stories, become a patron for $1 at our Patreon Page. http://www.patreon.com/ourcityourstory

Produced by Pablo Korona

Music by Wavetop Productions — Zach Staas, Daniel Pingrey, and Jason Kaye.

Portrait photography by Carly Rice

Special thanks to Nick Stange for suggesting the story. Also thanks to Kendal Miller, Clark Kelly, Lenae Weichel, and Megan Hastings.

Carrie Johnson lost passion for what she felt was her direction in life. Little did she know that a change lay ahead of her. With renewed purpose, Carrie sets about to help her community by helping transform the institution that had helped her reinvent herself.

Featured in this piece is FIGHT NIGHT hosted by exhibiting artist (and Golden Gloves boxer) Cheryl Pope. Fight Night featured sparring bouts from Patriots Boxing Club with spoken word intervals by Empower Too. https://www.cherylpope.net/

Produced by Pablo Korona Special Thanks to Cheryl Pope, John Tac Brantley, Kendal Miller, Lenae Weichel, Clark Kelly and the Rockford Art Museum.

Music: Wavetop Productions

“I saw really clearly that life was very short, and this was it and I wanted to make a difference or do something with this very short time. This just felt like the right thing to do.”

The Norwegian restaurant is a place that came about by the sheer force of will to make a change in Emily Hurd Christensen’s life and a difference in the community.

Produced by Pablo Korona
Sourced Timelapse: Mark Christensen
Music: Zach Staas, Daniel Pingrey, and Jason Kaye of Wavetop Audio
Colorist: Daniel Skubal
Special thanks to Clark R. Kelly

In 2014, Patrick Karceski found puppies that were thrown away in a dumpster. He brought them to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Inc. Rockford IL and they rescued them. One of those puppies, Ivy, was adopted by Jennifer Walker, who brought her to training. At training, the trainer said that Ivy has the temperament to be a great therapy dog. She proudly helps out at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Ivy was thrown away, and now helps people who need help, brightening their day.

Special thank you to Patrick Karceski for providing photographs. Additional footage graciously provided by WIFR TV

Produced by Pablo Korona
Music by Zach Staas, Daniel Pingrey, and Jason Kaye of Mirari Productions