Good morning, Rockford.

Friends of Veterans Memorial Circle received a boost when The GOAT Pub & Grill donated $141 in change collected from customers, helping pay for fertilizer and upkeep of the busy roundabout at North Main Street and Auburn Street.

Volunteers continue daily work to keep the memorial flourishing.

Think Big! (a business accelerator for minority entrepreneurs) received a $150K impact grant from Nicor Illinois Community Investment on Thursday to expand its school of business program and coaching services in Rockford.

Aled Edwards of Candy Cloud and Robert Grottke of Tom and Jerry’s plan to revive shuttered Beef-a-Roo locations in Rockford; they are assessing buildings with contractors + work to keep the brand and local ownership intact.

Rockford residents can join free guided walking and bike tours this summer to learn about local history and architecture.

The River District Association hosts the bike tour on Aug. 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the airport — and a walking tour starting at 5:30 p.m. at Ingersoll Park.

Margie Lawrence's drawings, featuring famous women baseball players and her favorite Cubs, open today at Kortman Gallery in downtown Rockford.

The exhibition marks the gallery's first sports-based art display as part of the Women’s Baseball World Cup.

More than 45 students graduated yesterday at Goodwill of Northern Illinois Excel Center, marking its first class; the ceremony celebrated years of hard work and featured a NICI donation of $150K + ongoing support for students as they plan their next steps.

Rockford Public Schools new superintendent Larry Huff met with community members Thursday evening at Jefferson High School to share his future goals and answer questions about improving school services.

A follow-up meet and greet is set for Thursday, July 23 at the Rockford Public Library.

Nature Quest summer camp will explore animal adaptations at Alpine Hills Adventure Park from July 20 to 24.

Organized by the Rockford Park District at 401 S. Main St, the camp offers hands-on lessons about how animals use stealth and survival skills in nature.

The Fishers & Farmers Partnership is accepting proposals (through Sept.

10) for fish habitat restoration projects across the upper Mississippi River basin and northern Illinois. Award amounts range from $15,000 to $100,000 to support efforts that benefit farmers and improve water quality.

Beloit Health System advises Rockford residents to protect their lungs as wildfire smoke lowers air quality.

People with asthma, COPD or other breathing issues should stay indoors, keep air conditioning on and contact a doctor if symptoms continue.

Jacob Schroeder won the Byron Fest 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on July 11, finishing in 18:18.9.

Michael Muzzarelli and Gavin Early placed second and third with times of 18:26.86 and 19:04.04 respectively.

Girls of Summer: AAGPBL and A League of Their Own Cast Q&A

12-2 p.m. — Midway Village Museum — Free admission — Hear personal stories from legendary AAGPBL players and cast members from A League of Their Own during this engaging Q&A session.

A Rockford Evening with Hollywood: Players from A League of Their Own

5-8:30 p.m. — Rockford Woman's Club — Paid entry — Celebrate baseball history and Hollywood with AAGPBL players and cast members in a fun-filled evening.

All White Affair Rockford

4-9 p.m. — Burpee Museum of Natural History — Enjoy an evening with live R&B from ANN MARIE at this elegant summer affair.