Living Proof Exhibit has made many hearts leap in the Quad-Cities with its “Make Hope Soar” birdhouse project, and now that art initiative has taken wing for Chicago senior citizens. Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) this month has partnered with the Moline-based nonprofit, so far producing 80 decorated birdhouses (done by staff and residents) that will be given to people impacted by cancer. “It’s really been an amazing turnout for this project,” Jenn Ross, the art programming coordinator for CMSS, said Friday. “I think there is this real strong connection to cancer and how it... Read More

After being bruised and battered from the spring 2019 flood and the 2020 pandemic, downtown Davenport is looking to a much brighter 2021, as the Davenport City Council officially accepted a comprehensive downtown master plan at its Jan. 27 meeting. That marks a milestone for the project started a year ago by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. “As downtown goes, so goes Davenport and the Quad-Cities,” said DDP executive director Kyle Carter. “Our community is well-prepared to rebound quickly from a challenging couple of years with this roadmap... Read More

Art students from eight area colleges and universities will have their work displayed in the Figge Art Museum’s second-floor Katz Gallery beginning Saturday, Jan. 30 for the 11th annual College Invitational exhibit. Art professors from Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Clinton Community College, Knox College, Monmouth College, Scott Community College, St. Ambrose University, and Western Illinois University selected the top works from their school for inclusion. The exhibition will feature the works of 42 student artists working in a variety of techniques — including drawing, painting,... Read More

Improving equity is a major priority on the national and local level, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation continues to make big strides in the effort. It recently awarded two $100,000 transformation grants to help bring equitable solutions to the bi-state region, and the nonprofit’s new board chair is focusing on aiding minorities and disenfranchised populations in the Q-C. The East Moline and United Township School Districts, and Humility Homes and Services, will each receive $100,000 transformation grants from the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation. “The past... Read More

As it does for downtown Davenport and Bettendorf, the Quad Cities Chamber is contracting with the city of Rock Island to provide downtown place management services. “Revitalizing our downtown area is a key component to economic growth opportunities for the city, which is why we’re excited to bring this public/private partnership forward,” Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said Tuesday. “Bringing people, new events, activities and vibrancy to downtown Rock Island also brings increased revenue, improved quality of life and greater value for existing assets. That’s why it’s so important for... Read More

Bettendorf’s Emily Tinsman, in her second year as Miss Iowa and first teaching at a Des Moines middle school, is part of a new Miss America Organization program where state title holders speak with teens in their area to discuss the dangers of substance use and addiction. The new partnership with Advanced Recovery Systems’ Real Talk program has served the Florida community since 2016 (led by Miss Florida) and has impacted over 15,000 students since its founding. This partnership with Miss America Organization will expand the educational ambassador program nationwide. There are currently 20... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: The City of Rock Island’s city council has approved a contract with the Quad Cities Chamber to provide downtown place management services effective immediately. “Revitalizing our downtown area is a key component to economic growth opportunities for the city, which is why we’re excited to bring this public/private partnership forward,” said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms. “Bringing people, new events, activities and vibrancy to downtown Rock Island also brings increased revenue, improved quality of life and greater value for existing assets. That’s why it’s so important... Read More

Today, it was announced that Steven Bahls will retire as president of Augustana College effective July 1, 2022, after a notable 19-year career leading the private Rock Island school. And, on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, the head of the other major private university in the Quad-Cities, is also retiring. St. Ambrose University president Sister Joan Lescinski announced last summer she will retire effective August of 2021. A national search for the 14th president in the university’s 138-year history has been underway. Trustee alumni John Anderson ’87 and Renee Citera ’81 were appointed... Read More

Steven Bahls will retire as president of Augustana College effective July 1, 2022, after a notable 19-year career leading the private Rock Island school. Originally planning to retire in July 2021, Bahls, 66, delayed his retirement in order to lead the college through the challenging years of the pandemic. “It has been the highlight of my professional life to serve Augustana College, and I look forward to my next great adventure,” he said in a Monday announcement. The eighth president of the college, Bahls started his tenure at Augustana in the summer of 2003. Previously, he was dean at Capital... Read More

Davenport West High School is helping lead the way in providing future health care workers to fight national crises like the coronavirus pandemic. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) shows that the number of people in the U.S. entering medical school in 2020 reached a two-decade high, with a total of 22,239 enrolled students. The AAMC is a not-for-profit association that leads and serves the academic medicine community. At West High School – 3505 W. Locust St., in Davenport – the student Falcons are flying high to meet the massive medical challenge presented by the... Read More