Seasons

“Everything that I’ve gone through in life has made me who I am today.” Such a powerful statement from a strong woman who has gone through so much in life. See how Kaera Watson’s resilience has impacted her and created someone we are fortunate to have in our community.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 or through chat https://www.thehotline.org/
You will be connected to local help.

In Rockford, contact
Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, Inc.
(815)-636-9811
or
Remedies Renewing Lives.
(815) 962-0871

Please consider supporting the creation of these videos for $1
http://www.patreon.com/OurCityOurStory

Produced by Pablo Korona
Music: Zach Staas, Daniel Pingrey, and Jason Kaye

Marquez Beeks, Ay Quez, is compelled to give back. He said ever since he was young, he’s always given back. Marquez started Touching Soles Inc. as a way to get the attention of kids to pass on his message of choosing the right path when faced with adversity. Watch as we follow Marquez to Resa Middle School to give away some shoes, but capture the hearts of hundreds.

If you feel these are important stories that need to be told, please consider supporting us at http://www.patreon.com/ourcityourstory

Produced by Pablo Korona

Second Camera: FlyGuy Films

Thank you to everyone at Champs Sports, and RPS 205

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