Good morning, Rockford.

The Walk to Remember event in Rockford will hold a one-mile walk and memorial brick dedication on Oct.

5 starting at 1 p.m. at the YMCA Log Lodge — the route follows the Sinnissippi Bike Path to honor families and caregivers grieving the loss of a child.

On Saturday, Kingdom Authority Church held its first meeting to show plans for the former Rockford Memorial Hospital campus on Rockton Avenue.

Melvin and Sheila Brown, who bought the closed Mercyhealth facility on September 3, said they will create a community development center—Mayor Tom McNamara warned the building might be left vacant if the church lacks needed resources.

The Better Business Bureau warned Rockford homeowners to be alert of seasonal home improvement scams as fraudsters show up unexpectedly and ask for cash or check payments.

Homeowners are advised to get written bids and verify references before work starts—report any suspicious contacts to the BBB.

Womanspace celebrated 50 years of service by inviting the community to honor the women who helped shape its work.

Executive Director Nicole Landreth said two co-founders started the network of women’s centers in Rockford 50 years ago—its mission to connect and empower remains the same.

Tony Bilic, a first-generation American whose parents arrived from Yugoslavia in the 1990s with help from Catholic Charities, said the church helped his family get housing and supplies when they moved here.

Speaking at Christ United Methodist Church on Sunday, he said the support has built his strong life in America — and urged people to welcome and help newcomers.

The Region 1 Planning Council received a $70,000 grant to plan a five-year strategy that will create shovel-ready business sites, boost job opportunities, and attract private investment in Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry counties.

Michael Dunn Jr. said the project will build partnerships between public and private partners—helping spur local economic growth.

Over 100 participants gathered in South Beloit for an ALS awareness walk where supporters and individuals with ALS came together in a park to raise awareness and show support for fighting the disease—this event was held for the first time in South Beloit and follows previous walks in Champaign, Peoria, Chicago, and other parts of Northern Illinois.

Nike Phenom America camp kicked off on Saturday at the UW Health Sports Factory in Rockford, where boys from 6th to 12th grade honed their skills as the camp ran through the weekend and is expected to have generated an estimated $155,000 in economic impact & brought visitors to local businesses. The camp has a history of developing top athletes since 2002 by offering training from highly ranked high school players.

Trail Mix Off-Road Duathlon and Mountain Bike Race

2-8 p.m. — Atwood Park Trail System — Registration required — Compete in duathlon and mountain bike races while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors.

Lola Blu & the Boys Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Grand Avenue Pub — Check local listings for ticket details — Experience Lola Blu's captivating blend of country and southern rock at this lively pub venue.

Rock River Valley Video Game Convention

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Riverview Inn & Suites — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day of gaming fun at the Rockford area's premier video game convention.

Broadway And Beyond

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.