ROCK ISLAND – Yenework Munson has come a long way in her short life so far. Just shy of 7, the Rock Island girl was adopted by Tony and Lindsey Munson from the African nation of Ethiopia in 2013. But she’s made an even bigger journey – within herself – in the past 18 months. Lindsey feels that difference in Yene’s life has been provided mostly by the Center for Living Arts, at 220 19th St., and its owners, Dino and Tina Hayz. Yene (along with dozens of other area kids) were looking forward to putting on “High School Musical, Jr.,” with three separate casts, but the spring show has... Read More

My son Jackson turned twelve this week. He is undeniably the best person I’ve ever had the honor of meeting, and I’m looking forward to continuing to experience the adventure of his life with him. And as that time goes by, he may ask me for the advice I’ve gained in my years before him and since he’s been born. That’s why I started writing this list of things I’ve learned and I wish my parents had told me. I started it shortly after he was born, and I’ve added to it and published it every year on his birthday since, and, now, I’ve published it in... Read More

River Music Experience continues to bring opportunities to listen, learn and play music, even amidst our current situation. RME Music Lab currently provides a half hour of fun and learning to kiddos (and their caretakers) at 10 a.m. every weekday. The experience is streamed on FB Live on River Music Experience’s page, at https://www.facebook.com/rivermusicexperience/. Join local musician, Bret Dale, as he plays songs and teaches all the fun parts of music to your littles. Whether he is teaching your children about the Blues or helping them make their own music shakers, happiness and fun will... Read More

Hey, let’s face it, we all know this is a troubling time. With all of the precautions, panic and precarious situations surrounding the coronavirus, it’s gotten very difficult to maintain a positive outlook. However, no matter how negative things may get, there are always people out there helping, there are always people out there trying to do the right thing, there are always people out there being kind and trying to make the world a better place, and those people and their actions are all the more significant and impactful now. That’s why this column, and the live segment on KWQC-TV6’s... Read More

Davenport’s German American Heritage Center is closing its doors through at least the end of March, due to coronavirus concerns. The museum sent the following release out today: Dear friends, The health and safety of our community and the German American Heritage Center volunteers, members, guests, and staff is our top priority. In the past weeks we have implemented sanitizing and cleaning procedures to keep our facilities a safe place to visit. But the time has come to temporarily close our doors to the public through Tuesday, March 31. This means we have postponed our Eiermarkt Spring... Read More

Illinois Youth Soccer has been working to stop the spread of coronavirus through youth soccer by cancelling events through, at least, April 15, with more cancellations potentially being announced. They’ve got the backing of one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. Today, Ronaldo issued a statement about the coronavirus through his instagram. The world-famous CR7, currently with Juventus, encourages fellow players and people to heed the advice of WHO and follow protocols and guidelines. The statement is as follows:  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

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

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

Got a player interested in learning about soccer, or keeping his or her skills sharp over spring break? The first annual Sean Leary Pre-Season Soccer Camp is coming up and the deadline to register is March 14! The camp, for boys and girls born in years 2007, 2008 and 2009, will teach kids soccer fundamentals, including footwork, passing and shooting; attack and defensive formations; team play and game theory. It’s open to all children at all skill levels; drills will be for all kids, and the camp will be divided into advanced and beginner levels to best challenge and develop each player. Camp... Read More