Jonathan Turner lives in Bettendorf and was a longtime reporter for The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus. He holds degrees in music from Oberlin College and Indiana University, and served as assistant music director for Music Guild’s production of “The Secret Garden.” Jonathan recently joined the QuadCities.com team and will review theater and performance and offer commentary and reporting on the local arts scene. His first story for our site details his experience with “The Secret Garden,” which was among the many local arts offerings devastated by the cancellations due to the... Read More

Effective March 17th, the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department is temporarily closing the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center to members and the public and suspending all scheduled programming including sports, special interest classes, fitness classes, and camps through March 29th. We are taking all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our community by following the recommendation of health officials in order to prevent the community spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The office will remain open, and staff is working on rescheduling programs and activities if possible.... Read More

Even though the physical buildings have been shut down due to coronavirus concerns, the Rock Island Library continues to offer digital services through OverDrive, eRead Illinois, Hoopla digital, Kanopy, RB Digital magazines, and the New York Times online. Many of our digital services are offering extended use during this time of need. For example, Kanopy has opened up unlimited access to a collection of films that can be viewed without using monthly credits. The Kanopy Kids collection is also available for unlimited use for 30 days. As a resident in the area served by RAILS, Rock Island Public... Read More

World Labyrinth Day will be held Saturday, May 2, as people from around the world, including those in the Quad-Cities, will participate in the event. Sponsored by The Global Labyrinth Society, the idea is that around the world, people will walk a labyrinth for peace at 1 p.m. in their time zone. Thirty eight countries, and many places across the U.S. participated last year. Locally, participants will walk at First Presbyterian Church, which is at 777 25th Avenue East Moline.  It is a grass surface, across the street from the church, and generally takes about half an hour to walk. People will be... Read More

As part of the Rock Island Public Library’s commitment to work within health guidelines and help prevent or mitigate the spread of COVID-19,  all Rock Island Public Library locations will be closed to the public from 8:00 pm today, Monday, March 16 through Saturday, April 4.  At the present time, the library plans to reopen to the public on Monday, April 6. This announcement includes routes for our Mobile Library2Go, which will be suspended until the time being.  The book drop will also close for the duration. Please do not return your items to any library. As part of this process, all... Read More

The first annual Sean Leary Pre-Season Soccer Camp, originally due to run March 14-April 11, has been canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus. Illinois Youth Soccer Association has canceled all events and issued a mandatory cancellation order for events up through April 15 for all clubs in the state, and the camp is following that order. The decision was made not only out of concern for children attending the camp, but for their grandparents and younger siblings who are the most vulnerable to exposure to the virus, as well as parents and coaches. The camp may be held this summer. More information... Read More

Calling all princesses and princes! Ballet Quad Cities will be holding a VIP Prince and Princess Party from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, prior to their performance of “Sleeping Beauty” at the Adler Theater, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport. Patrons are asked to arrive at the Adler Theater green room no later than 12:45. Tickets are $15 for the reception. Call Amanda at (309) 786-3779 to reserve your spot! For more information, see www.balletquadcities.com.  Read More

East Moline Silvis Soccer Club has postponed all soccer practices and related team activities for rec and travel soccer teams due to considerations over the coronavirus. According to an e-mail from the club: Due to Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) guidelines, we will not be able to start our spring season at its desired time.  As of now we will not have practices starting until after March 31st.  We will keep everyone up to date as we learn more. Keep an eye on www.quadcities.com for more information as it develops.  Read More

Beginning today, the Family Museum is limiting guests to 250 people at a time until further notice.  In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations, the museum is limiting the number of people to help the prevention and spread of the COVID-19 virus. In addition, if you or any member of your family are experiencing the following symptoms, they ask that you do not visit the Family Museum: ·  Fever ·  Cough ·  Shortness of Breath The Museum appreciates your understanding in this volatile time.  They strive to be a responsible organization to their visitors,... Read More

The Quad City Botanical Center announces Chocolate Experience on Sunday, March 15, 2020 has been postponed due to concerns about COVID-19. The Center intends to reschedule the popular chocolate tasting event and all ticket purchases will be honored at a later date. Admission to the gardens will be waived for Chocolate Experience ticket holders this Sunday, March 15, 11 AM – 4 PM. There will be no chocolate activities. The Rock Island County Health Department was consulted and encouraged the Botanical Center to postpone the event due to the expected large crowds and the close contact activities... Read More