Good morning, Rockford.

YMCA leaders announced that the Belvidere Family YMCA will merge with the YMCA of Rock River Valley to unite resources and maintain service for local families.

Renovations will begin this year with a $500,000 lead donation from the Peggy - Jack Wolf Charitable Foundation, with construction on the new fitness center set to start in August and complete by December.

Rockford asks residents to donate items for 500 blessing boxes to support the homeless as part of America 250 celebrations.

Drop-offs happen at Carpenter's Place (1149 Railroad Ave) until June 30 and a packing event is set for Friday, July 10 at Rockford City Market from 4 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services for Harlem-Roscoe firefighter John Morgan will be held on Sunday, June 7 (visitation 2–6 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home) and Monday, June 8 (visitation 10–11 a.m., funeral at Harlem High School Auditorium with an immediate graveside service), honoring his 25 years of service.

Oscar’s Pub & Grill celebrated its 25th year and will close as owner Brad Fosberg retires — the pub will hold a last call celebration at 2 p.m. on June 13 at 5980 East State Street.

Live at Levings returns this summer with a series of concerts scheduled from June through August at Levings Park venues.

The events include a talent show on Juneteenth and a DJ battle in July, offering Rockford locals a diverse range of musical entertainment.

Guilford High School leads enrollment in Winnebago County for the 2024-25 school year with 2,026 students, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Jefferson and Harlem High Schools follow closely, all within Rockford School District 205.

Meteorological summer is underway as NOAA forecasts a one in three chance a super El Niño develops this summer, though experts say Rockford’s weather will see only minor temperature drops and near normal rain.

CMS data from Q1 shows Alden Debes Rehab & HCC, with 268 beds caring for 179 residents, ranked as the second largest nursing home in Winnebago County.

The facility earned a score of 1 while incurring three fines and four penalties.

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.

Guest Bartender Night

RPS205 administration, staff and Teacher Academy members will be behind the bar from 4-7 p.m. June 25 at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford. Fill the tip jar, get some great food and drinks and chat with your friends! A percentage will come back to Golden Apple to support local teachers. Your server may even turn out to be Dr. Jarrett! It’s a FUNdraiser — join us!

Rockford Fourth of July Fireworks

5-9:30 p.m. — Davis Park at Founders Landing — Free entry — Enjoy a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display synchronized to music over the Rock River.