I have some exciting news to announce. You may have already heard, but I’ve accepted a new job. It keeps me in Rockford and doesn’t force me to uproot my family. I’m going to be a student recruiter at Rock Valley College. My first day is Monday (today). It’s been a long, tough 7 months for me and my family. If you’ve ever lost a job you understand - especially one you spent nearly 2 decades at. But you don’t have to have ever had that happen to empathize. That’s been incredibly obvious. The outpouring of support for me and my girls - as I’ve said before - was humbling, unexpected, but helped us more than I could ever put into words. You definitely learn who your friends are - and meet a lot of new ones in the process. Things happen for a reason. And we’ve spent the last half a year finding hidden blessings. At risk of repeating myself, I’ve been allowed to spend more time being a dad: home at night for homework, dinner, bedtime. I was even the “pickup and dropoff” parent for a while. If it’s ever an option for you I highly recommend it. My brother called me a soccer mom. I’ll accept that. I was also given tremendous opportunities through the theater program, also at Rock Valley College. Thanks to Mike Webb for having the confidence to cast someone like me...with as little theater experience as I have. And thanks to you for coming to see the shows I got parts in: “Akhnaton” and “Spamalot”. Roles in both of those shows gave me the chance to meet people I never would have otherwise, and build some friendships that I truly feel will last a long time - yet another blessing. The job comes at a good time for me, especially considering Rock Valley College’s recent news. RVC announced an expansion of its aviation program. That’s huge. Even bigger - that RVC aviation maintenance program is directly connected to RFD’s announcement that aircraft maintenance giant, AAR, is setting up a facility at our airport. 500 - 1,000 jobs? Yes...good news for the region. I’m sure at some point this job will help me combine my passion for aviation with my support for Rock Valley College and this community by encouraging students to enroll to be aviation mechanics. I’ve said before I’m not from here, but this is home. And I want Rockford to be successful. I want it to be a place we’re all proud of. RVC and its efforts in the community are a major part of that. The job also allows me to continue being active with community organizations that my wife, daughter and I have supported with our energy, money, and hard work. The Rock River Valley Pantry has been an important part of our lives for nearly a decade. We’re both active in Rockford Airfest. Marla’s spent 10 years (or more) working on MELD’s annual 4th of July race. And of course, we still plan on bringing The Biggest Loser Run/Walk back to Rockford in 2015. I will also continue selling real estate with the best firm in Rockford, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors. I’ve been asked more times than I can count over the last 7 months, “When are you getting back on television?” I can honestly say that I don’t think it will be very soon. There are too many things about the job and the industry in general that bother me. And in some cases “bother” may be too mild of a word. There are issues of integrity and ethics that I see every day. I’m not sure I want to be a part of it. I never say never, but my heart isn’t in it now. I had amazing experiences as a TV reporter and anchor, but that job never defined me. I don’t need television to make me feel good about myself. Thanks for the incredible support during what was really a tough time for my family, but could have been much worse without the blessings we discovered, the kind thoughts and prayers from friends and strangers, and the strength that Marla, Allison, and I provided each other. Here’s to the next 19 years of employment!!!!
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 11:53:26 +0000
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