Good morning, Rockford.

More than 150 participants joined the annual Hero Climb on Sunday, Sept.

13 at Swanson Stadium to honor 9/11 first responders by climbing 110 flights of stairs. The event raised funds for the Greg Lindmark Foundation and united local firefighters and fitness clubs — a tribute to fallen heroes.

Rockford’s Turning Point USA chapter held a remembrance event on Sunday to honor Charlie Kirk, who died over a year ago while speaking at a Utah campus.

President Jayden Gallagly said the group will continue to celebrate his legacy — keeping faith, debate, and free speech alive locally.

Today, the Positive Reflections Foundation held Sister Salon Day at the Her Sisters Youth Empowerment Center where area girls received free hair services and words of encouragement; the foundation plans a similar event later this year.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is starting its 10 Million Bites of Joy campaign that will run for six weeks by giving a free Confetti Bundtlet to the first 300 visitors at its Rockford location (881 S.

Perryville Road) on Sept. 15.

UIC recorded a fall enrollment of 37,199 students, 1,330 more than last year.

Growth in undergraduate, transfer, and online programs also boosted its local U of I College of Medicine Rockford (1601 Parkview Ave), marking a second consecutive record.

Local gardeners and homeowners can learn from Jack Pizzo to create pollinator and rain gardens on Sept.

17 at Cherry Valley Public Library (755 E. State St.) during Wild Ones Rock River Valley’s monthly event, starting with a 6 p.m. social hour and a 6:30 p.m. presentation.

Mercyhealth held its 40th annual NICU reunion on Sunday, Sept.

13 in Rockford to bring together families and caregivers who celebrated the progress of former patients. The event underscored the support provided by Mercyhealth Women and Children's Services and the strength of our community.