Good morning, Rockford.

Dozens of families filled bags with groceries, clothing, and household needs at a free store organized by From Rockford and The Liam Foundation last Friday at Fair Grounds Park.

The event helped those facing food insecurity and will lead to more free community events this summer (donate or volunteer).

South Beloit Booster Club and Rusty Wheel Tavern will host a hot dog eating contest after the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 25, with entries at $10 as proceeds support local athletes; a pancake breakfast will be served before the parade.

Carol Alfus (a retired teacher and community volunteer) had her poem 'Sibling Wordplay' showcased on Poetically Yours yesterday.

The piece uses playful lines about succulents while Alfus built anticipation for her chapbook I Would Swim in Such a Sky, set to be published later this year by Kelsay Books.

At a ceremony on Friday morning, the Sinnissippi Audubon Society banded two peregrine falcon chicks, naming the male (River) and the female (Charlotte); the colored, number-coded bands will be tracked in a national database after resident falcon Louise was presumed dead.

Jefferson High School won the 6th annual Schools Unite to Save Lives Blood Drive challenge — earning the most donations — while Winnebago High School received the Small Community, Large Impact award.

The drive ran from February through May in partnership with the Rock River valley Blood Center.

Local orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott Trenhaile and his team have earned acceptance for three research abstracts on radiomics to improve shoulder surgery treatment, to be presented at the upcoming Orthopaedic Research Society meeting (involving collaboration with experts from Florida, New Jersey, California and Brazil).

During maternal health awareness month, UW Health OB-GYN Dr. Sarah Bradley explained that nearly one in eight women suffers from postpartum depression and stressed the need to talk to a provider if symptoms like persistent sadness or anxiety continue over two weeks — the condition is treatable.

Dairy Depot celebrated the start of ice cream season with a dual ribbon cutting on Friday, May 22 at its Loves Park location — marking the opening of Realty of America’s new office, as owner Chandra Lopez outlined plans for agent mixers and community yard games.

Love Song Live in Vietnamese

6-9 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — 21+ only — Experience captivating live music in a vibrant setting.

Nike Flag Football Camp in Rockford, IL

June 3-5 — Clarence Hicks Sports Complex — Pricing available upon inquiry — Enhance your flag football skills with experienced coaches and fun competitions.

Mushroom Identification Hike

10 AM - 12 PM — Funderburg Forest Preserve — $7 per person — Explore the wonders of fungi hidden in the forest during this nature adventure suitable for all ages.

Once on This Island

7:30-9:30 p.m. — RVC Starlight Theatre — Cost Info TBA — Experience a vibrant musical journey of love and destiny on the island of Haiti.

The Voice of Hind Rajab Movie Screening

3-5 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — $5 entry — Watch the Oscar-nominated film that explores humanity and mental health themes.