MACOMB, IL — The local nonprofit Western Illinois Dreamers offers up to $2,000 in rent/housing and utilities assistance for immigrant students (does not include international students) who lost income or suffered a hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, such us increased health care costs. The information students provide is confidential. For more information, contact students Anthony Gomez, a-gomez6@wiu.edu and Alondra Lavariega, A-Lavariega@wiu.edu, or Professor Julia Albarracin. J-albarracin@wiu.edu at (309) 836-5202, or apply directly at forms.gle/Myg6URSKEhMqgcBs7.  Read More

Looking for a fun way to up your reading game? The Davenport Public Library is here to help with Beanstack, the world’s easiest way to keep track of all the books you read, and participate in the Library’s reading challenges! Simply go to davenportlibrary.beanstack.com and create an account or download the Beanstack App to unlock countless challenges. Hallow-Read All Ages “It’s spooky season! Summon your favorite books and experience Halloween festivities for the family by reading and completing activities.” Master of Minutes All Ages Can you become a Master of Minutes? It’s... Read More

In its major annual fundraiser, the Putnam Museum and Science Center, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport, will hold a virtual Mad Scientist Ball starting at 6 p.m., Oct. 17, on Zoom. Reservations are due this Friday, Oct. 9. The event – originally planned to be held in person – will help the Putnam to raise necessary funds for the support of programs, services and collections such as summer camps, rotating and permanent exhibits, and virtual learning. This virtual event includes an interactive science experiment, instruction from a local mixologist on crafting a signature cocktail, as well as... Read More

The Quad City Botanical Center is hosting Pumpkin Extravaganza, a full month of events and programming. Here’s what’s on the slate: SCARECROW BUILDING 10.4.20 SUNDAY, 1-3 PM Bring a bag of old clothes, hats and accessories to donate to the garden to create a scarecrow for our fall display. RSVP for a time slot online. Free with paid admission. PAW-SOME HALLOWEEN 10.11.20 SUNDAY, 1-3 PM Dress up your pup, enjoy the gardens and visit vendors. RSVP for a time slot online. Free admission with donation of dog or cat food, treats, unstuffed toy or cash for local shelters. Enter the Paw-some... Read More

Join the Quad City Botanical Center (2525 4th Avenue Rock Island) for some Sunday Funday: Scarecrow Building this Sunday Oct 4 from 1 – 3 p.m. Bring a bag of old clothes, hats and accessories to donate to the garden to create a scarecrow for their fall display. Scarecrows and clothing become the property of the Botanical Center and will be on display throughout October. Straw, cross arms, rope, burlap heads and fence posts will be provided as supplies last. Explore the gardens with the Pumpkin Extravaganza activity guide after your scarecrow is complete. ​Please read mask and distancing guidelines... Read More

Families of all artistic abilities are invited to “Paint the Lot” at the Family Museum on Saturday, October 3. The event will run 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. Cost is $50 per parking spot and participants must be registered prior to event. All proceeds will go to the Family Museum Foundation. The Museum held its first Paint the Lot event in 2017 as a fundraiser for its 20th anniversary. Families painted original designs that have withstood many Iowa winters and summers. The Museum staff decided to bring back the event since it lends itself well to social distancing – the event is outside and the... Read More

Over 200 decorated birdhouses will be on display at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, from Oct. 2 to 11, along with the Living Proof art exhibit. “They are up a short time because we want to get them out to bring hope and joy to Quad Citizens touched by cancer,” Pamela Crouch, executive director of Living Proof Exhibit (LPE), said Thursday. A wide variety of people, ages 2 to 82, participated in the “Make Hope Soar” project, including in and around the Quad-Cities, plus from Kentucky, Texas, and California, she said. LPE provides free programs that celebrate the therapeutic benefits of... Read More

In a virtual 4th birthday celebration, Tuesday, Sept. 29, Lead(h)er shared stories from across its 300-plus matches of female mentors and mentees, highlighted successes, and announced the 2020 Girl on Fire Award winners. The awards honor Mentor of the Year and Mentee of the Year — amazing women nominated by their peers who show exceptional commitment. Lead(h)er offers free mentorship to young professionals, free networking, guest speakers and professional development, as well as an inspirational spark to serve their community. All day Tuesday, on the organization’s Facebook page, they celebrated... Read More

Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for Quad City Botanical Center’s (2525 4th Ave Rock Island) annual Not So Scary Halloween Walk this Friday Oct 2 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your flashlights and explore the nooks and crannies of the Sun Garden – search for spiders, bats, jack-o-lanterns and toads as you wander down the darkened pathways. Get a glimpse of the Halloween train in our popular train garden. It’s not so scary in our gardens, making this event great for all ages. Take home a goodie bag after the fun. A one-way path will lead guests through this year’s exhibit for social... Read More

The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) Board of Directors has awarded $40,277.66 to fund internet access for Digital Equity in the Rock Island-Milan School District (RIMSD) over a period of 3 years. The vote was made at the RIMEF’s board meeting last Thursday after a presentation from RIMSD IT Director, Troy Bevans. Mr. Bevans stated the goal for the District’s technology is a sustainable approach reaching beyond the current COVID-19 crisis. The RIMEF’s funds will provide 26 indoor/outdoor antennas and 3 years of internet service for 28 Cradlepoint cellular routers currently placed... Read More