Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford dentist Dr. Cyrus Oates, 72, won the 2025 Excalibur award on Dec.

11 for decades of service providing dental care to children (and inmates) and is now working to open a permanent facility for low-income students. He was honored at Prairie Street Brewing Co.

VetsRoll, a veterans group dedicated to supporting U.S. military members, won the 2025 Excelsior award at Prairie Street Brewing Co. on Dec.

11 for its annual journey to Washington D.C. that has provided healing to many (founded by the Finnegan family in 2010).

UW Health Women and Children’s Hospital received over 500 Chance & Friends plush toys donated by the Machesney Park PetSmart store — a truck delivered the 15 bags to brighten hospital visits for kids and support local police and fire departments.

On Dec. 11, 2025, four Community Champions were honored in a ceremony with the 2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Award winners, recognizing honorees from Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties for their work in supporting seniors, local music events and essential services.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford is offering 10,000 free long-sleeved shirts to new guests this December.

First-time visitors (21 required) must sign up for the Unity rewards program and show a valid ID at the casino on State Street to claim the offer.

Meta launched a 24/7 support hub for Facebook and Instagram users to help recover hacked or locked accounts; local residents can now access streamlined AI-powered help (which contributed to a 30 percent drop in hack incidents).

Local small business owners saw low turnout on Small Business Saturday but remain optimistic holiday shopping will boost sales (Mayor Tom McNamara issued a Shop Local in December proclamation and efforts like pre-orders by Wicked Sweets and praise for Maze Books underscore community support in Rockford).

Comfort Keepers will host a job fair for caregivers in Rockford on Wednesday, Dec.

17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4855 E. State St., Suite 22 while offering on-the-spot interviews & light refreshments.

Ars Pvblica will host its year-end forum 'The Good Life' on Dec.

13 at the Underground Gallery (418 E. State St.) in Rockford at 6:30 p.m. The event features local speakers, including an immigration advocate, artist collective, writer and poet to share ideas on what it means to live well.

Advocates say a proposed 80% cut to Harlem School District's preschool seats may leave over 1,200 children without early learning.

The consolidation plan - which includes closing two schools - will be discussed by the board at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Harlem High School.

Educators from 25 districts joined a recent workshop hosted by Rockford Public Schools District 205 with CDW and Goggle in Rockford to learn how modern AI tools can promote safe and open classroom interactions.

Nearly 50 administrators and IT teams gained training in AI use to ensure data privacy.

Residents are encouraged to follow recycling and food waste prevention tips from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources this holiday season to manage items like batteries, light strings, and leftover food, while local groups like Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful accept certain holiday lights and batteries (check local guidelines for details).

On Friday, Dec. 12, the House passed a bill to rename Rockford’s Harrison Avenue Post Office after mail carrier Jay Larson, who served for 25 years and lost his life in March 2024 while on duty.

Lawmakers said the measure honors his legacy — a tribute to a community servant.

Health experts advise Illinois residents to get updated vaccines against flu, COVID-19 and RSV as colder weather and holiday gatherings approach.

Walgreens reports that people have been seeking shots since August+ the risk of virus spread may increase with falling temperatures.

Urban Equity Properties plans to purchase the historic News Tower at 99 E.

State St. in downtown Rockford and launch a $45.6 million redevelopment adding 80 loft apartments, 12 retail spaces, and a small publishing museum — City Council will review the plan on Jan. 5.

A Christmas Carol Performance

7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Cheek Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life through a one-man play by Greg Oliver Bodine.

Holiday Pops - Rockford Symphony Orchestra

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — A festive performance featuring nearly 200 community performers, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Sleigh Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience

4-11 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Cost info not provided — Sip on festive cocktails and soak in the Christmas decor for a fun holiday season celebration.