Good morning, Rockford.

City First Church is giving away fresh groceries including dairy, meat, and produce in a drive-thru event on Spring Creek Road today from 10 a.m. to noon to serve about 750 families in need.

The event is partnered by Christian Life Schools and state Senator Dave Syverson — who will help distribute turkeys while supplies last.

Rockford’s Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week begins soon as local partners plan food drives, volunteer shifts at shelters, and community forums to address food insecurity and housing instability.

The Health & Human Services Department joins the effort—supporting service providers across Winnebago, Boone and DeKalb counties.

Davis Park at Founders Landing is closed for major upgrades that began September 30 and will add a skatepark, playground, new stage and related buildings—state grants and city funds are funding the work, which will finish in spring 2026.

The Rubi family, experienced in the restaurant business, bought the former Ellida Lounge at 1111 Fifth Ave from Miss Carly’s on Nov.

5 and now plans to convert it into Spider on Quinta, a creative event space hosting movie nights, workshops and community events. Their plan will move forward pending City Council approval with a zoning board and liquor commission review scheduled for Dec. 16 — they aim to update the venue while keeping its original charm.

Several Rockford dessert shops including Mary’s Market — Sugarjones, By The Dozen Bakery, Pinnon Meats, Mac Brothers Cheesecakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bezzy’s Home Bakery offer a range of Thanksgiving treats for pre-orders with varying flavors, deadlines and pick-up times; customers should call early to secure their orders.

Benny Salamone, owner of Benny’s Dariette in Rockford, reported illegal dumping caught on security cameras when a black GMC (seen unloading trash bags) was filmed behind his business before he left for a trip and he filed a police report.

Facing a $3.1M deficit, the Harlem School Board has proposed closing Maple and Olson elementary schools and reducing early childhood seats from 360 to 80 to address low enrollment and unused buildings — the district will hold public hearings Dec 1, 2 and 3 before a board decision on Dec 15.

Three Rockford Public Schools students won a culinary competition for their creative chicken patty sandwich ideas—second grader Connor from Conklin Academy made a breakfast sandwich with pancakes, bacon, and syrup while seventh grader Iker from Flinn entered an Ultimate Super Spicy sandwich and junior Jordan from Auburn designed one with grilled pineapple and coleslaw on Texas toast. Each winner will receive a Nintendo Switch OLED and have their winning creation featured on the district’s spring menu.

Illinois State Sen. Dave Syverson urged residents to follow cooking safety rules as Thanksgiving nears, warning that an average of 158,400 home fires relate to cooking.

He advised staying in the kitchen when frying, using timers to turn off appliances, and keeping kids and pets away + checking smoke alarms to lower the risk of fire during holiday gatherings.

City of Rockford Health and Human Services will hold two LIHEAP outreach sessions—one tomorrow at Loves Park City Hall with registration beginning at 8:45 a.m. and one on November 20 at the Brooke Road United Methodist Church Community Center.

Each event will offer only 50 appointment slots due to high demand and residents must bring all required documents.

The Illinois Hospital Board will vote later this week on two major health moves — Mercyhealth will sell its Rockton Campus Hospital for $1 to Kingdom Authority International Ministries, which intends to turn the property into a community center, and FHN may merge with Mercyhealth as part of a plan to invest $100 million over five years. Mercyhealth had stopped services at the Rockton campus in July, and the merger is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

New Medicare rates will raise healthcare costs for seniors starting in 2026 as the CMS sets Part B premiums at $202.90 monthly—an increase of $17.90—and raises deductibles for Part B and hospital stays.

Local Lifescape Community Services is helping seniors review plans during open enrollment.

Rockford Regents have released a 25-player roster and will open the season away against the Illinois State Redbirds on November 20 at CEFCU Arena as they try to improve on last season’s 15-13 record.

The team includes local players like Adrian Agee and Logan Curington and will look to build a strong start.

An Evening with The Cold Stares

7:30-10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — Starting at $15.08 — Experience the fierce, blistering live show of The Cold Stares, a duo with nearly a decade of world touring.

Babyface Concert

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.

2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot

2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.

Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk

12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.

An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.

The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company

6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.

Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland

11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.

NLI’s Holiday Open House

4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.

2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Celebrate community service excellence at the Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Award Ceremony.

An Evening with Kevin Gordon

8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — From $15.08 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Louisiana's own Kevin Gordon as he shares stories through his songs.