Good morning, Rockford.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center's burn unit held its second annual fundraiser Friday at Blackhawk Athletic Club + raised funds for Camp I Am Me for pediatric burn patients during National Burn Awareness Week.

Survivors, families, and donors came together to support the camp's free summer activities.

Gustafson's Furniture and Mattress is temporarily closed amid a management transition following the retirement of Dale and Trina Gustafson—phone lines are open today as the store pledges to fill its open orders and plans to reopen soon.

Regional groups announced a months-long series of events for America’s 250th anniversary at Midway Village Museum and other local sites.

Planned activities include a community cleanup on April 22, a youth concert on May 8, historical storytelling on June 27, and more events through July, highlighting local culture (full details online).

Local poet Anna Jollymore is featured in Poetically Yours with her poem 'Where Do the Women in My Family Put Their Pain.' Published yesterday at 11:41 a.m., the piece details her journey from Iowa to Rockford and her debut book Words for Becoming in 2025 (echoing strong local arts ties).

Two Keith Country Day School students Morgan Gates and Lilli Klinger will perform at Carnegie Hall on Feb.

8 as part of the Honors Performance Series; they will travel to New York City from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 to participate in workshops and events with top conductors.

Rockford and The Battery Network launched a free battery disposal initiative at the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Center (3315 Kishwaukee St.) open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.; residents may drop off common household batteries while automotive batteries require special handling at other sites.

Rockford-area agencies offer tips for seniors to stay safe from scams and wandering.

Jeff Barnes, executive director (Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging), and Lifescape’s Carli Jonet (marketing director) urge neighbors to check on elders and use safety tools like ring cameras and airtags.

In November, Realtor.com data showed the median home price in Winnebago County fell to $183,833 from $199,000 in October—a 7.6% drop, with recorded home sales down 17.8% compared to last November.

AHL All Star Classic

1-9 p.m. — BMO Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on top hockey players as they showcase their skills at this all-star event.

Galentine's Pop-Up

4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.

Valentine's Day Ski-Plane Fly-In

5 PM — Midtown District — Free entry — Enjoy a winter cookout with lots of fun and ski planes at Cottonwood Airport.

Dexter Patterson Meet & Greet and Book Signing

3-7 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — Free for general admission; VIP tickets available — Celebrate Black History Month with author Dexter Patterson sharing his passion for birding and signing his new book.

An Evening with Laid Back Country Picker

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Cost not specified — A unique concert blending country rock with a powerful duo performance.

An Evening with Freedy Johnston

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — From $18.85 — Enjoy the poignant storytelling of acclaimed songwriter Freedy Johnston as he performs live.

La Fe Norteña Concert

8 PM — Apollo Activity Center — $40.00 + Fees — Enjoy a night of vibrant Norteno music featuring La Fe Norteña and more.

Charlie Berens Comedy Show

5-8 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Emmy-winning comedian and author Charlie Berens.