Good morning, Rockford.

Night to Shine returned to City First Church on Friday night to honor people with special needs with music, dancing, karaoke and dinner, and more than 400 volunteers (including 200 first-timers) helped create a special red carpet experience that also offered a space for caregivers to take a break.

The 40th annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition is underway at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford despite warmer temperatures that may affect the sculptures.

Judging will take place today at 1 p.m. with winners announced at the awards ceremony.

Teachers reached a tentative contract agreement after a six-hour negotiation session, and union leaders will meet on Feb.

21 at Guilford High School to review the deal with 2,000 members before the board votes on March 24.

City officials announced that demolition of the former Elks Club will begin next week after barricades were placed around the building yesterday; temporary lane closures will affect access while salvaged bricks and stained glass are made available for public pick-up (historic elements).

Rockford experts are watching changes proposed by the American Psychiatric Association to update the DSM—the guide used to diagnose mental health disorders.

They say converting it into an online living document could modernize treatment, though no timeline has been set yet.

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.

Fireside Music with Rockford Symphony Orchestra

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with live music from Rockford’s premier youth choir while savoring light lunches and pastries.