Good morning, Rockford.

Friends of the Rockford Public Library will host its final used book sale on Saturday, Nov.

7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main branch — books and media sell for $1 and paperbacks for $0.50.

The Greater Rockford Italian American Association honored three locals at its Hall of Fame dinner on Oct.

3 in Rockford, with additional recognition at Columbus Day Mass and a ceremony in the Memory Garden at St. Anthony of Padua Parish on Oct. 4.

A new 10-foot plaque honoring Revolutionary War veteran Jehial Harmon, the only one buried locally, was unveiled Saturday, Oct.

10 at Greenwood Cemetery located at 1011 Auburn St on North Main Street in the North End as part of the Illinois SAR Cemetery Marking Project.

Residents can join a free workshop on managing invasive plants at Cherry Valley Public Library on Oct.

16 — the event will start with a 6 p.m. social hour and continue with a 6:30 p.m. presentation by forestry specialist Chris Evans from the University of Illinois Extension.

NIU has signed a decade-long agreement with IDOT to review natural resource impacts from road projects across northern Illinois and assess effects on plant life, wetlands, and wildlife habitats + offer research opportunities for faculty and students.

The program includes $40 million in funding through June 2035.

NIU and IDOT have partnered on a $40M project to study the environmental effects of road construction in northern Illinois.

The project funds NIU's Northern Illinois Roadside Ecology Program, which will begin hiring a program manager by the end of 2026 to support research on wetlands and wildlife.

Flu season is in full swing and OSF HealthCare nurse practitioner Mary O'Meara advises using supplements like vitamin D, zinc & vitamin C in moderation while urging vaccination, proper hygiene, and prompt provider contact for any signs of toxicity.

Winnebago County Health Department seeks 50 volunteers to support Friendship Bench 815—a program connecting residents with trained listeners through free training—by Oct.

30.

Rockford viewers will see Sydni Stoffregen and Alyssa Kelly sample fall food favorites at Curran’s Orchard today, including chili cheese dogs, baked potatoes, hot pretzels, soft serve and apple cider donuts.

The orchard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 6385 Kilburn Ave.

Baseball For All Nationals will return to the Rockford region July 20–24, 2027 as the nation’s largest girls’ baseball tournament set to coincide with the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

The event will take place at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, Rock Valley College, and Beyer Stadium, drawing international teams.