The following article is part of QuadCities.com’s partnership with local music website The Echo. For more, check out theechoqc.com! Nearly one in every five East Moline residents is Hispanic or Latino, so it makes sense there is a solid Mariachi band program at Glenview Middle School, 3100 7th St., East Moline. Formed in 2015 by Richard Clark, who retired last year, the Mexican music program is under the new direction of Monike Hill of Davenport, who has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting and Pedagogy... Read More

Western Illinois University Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chemistry Andrea Alveshere will join two research partners to present their findings at the American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA) conference in Denver, CO this week. An online conference will be held the following week. Their research presents new revelations about the genes and knowledge systems of our earliest human ancestors and has relevance – not only as a fascinating discovery about ancient humans – but also to timely questions about effective strategies and priorities in our modern educational... Read More

The Development Association of Rock Island, Inc. (DARI) is launching a scholarship program providing two $5,000 scholarships to Rock Island high school seniors to help kick off its community marketing campaign “Why Rock Island.” Applicants are asked to usetheir imagination to create a video or other visual that tells the story Why Rock Island is a great place to live, work and play. DARI will then use the stories to help market Rock Island. The deadline for applications is April 22nd. The scholarship was created using proceeds from the Divots FORE DARI golf outing that DARI hosted in 2021.... Read More

Thurgood Brooks is proud to receive the endorsement of Run for Something (RFS), the groundbreaking organization that recruits and supports strong voices in the next generation of progressive leadership. “I am so grateful that Run for Something has endorsed my campaign for Illinois State Representative in District 72. It is very exciting and humbling to be supported among a diverse and young group of over 70 candidates from 28 states. This endorsement will strengthen our campaign advocacy for a clean and green economy, attractive and affordable housing, and healthy and stable communities throughout... Read More

Today, U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Home Front Energy Independence Act, which would expand the production and availability of American biofuels. In an effort to lower energy costs for working families and support economic growth in rural communities, Bustos joined the legislation following last week’s vote to ban imports of Russian energy products. Specifically, the Home Front Energy Independence Act would: Make E15 available year-round Establish an E15 Tax Credit and Extend the Tax Credit for Biodiesel Direct... Read More

Continuity matters. Just ask Hunt and Diane Harris, who recently moved from Moline to Naperville to be closer to their son and his family. As they settle into their new home, they’re making sure that their giving remains grounded in the Quad Cities, that generosity keeps thriving in their family, and that their legacy lives on after their lifetimes, too. How? By converting their two existing private foundations into a donor-advised fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. With the support of the Community Foundation staff, Hunt and Diane will be able to use the newly established Harris Family... Read More

Bettendorf School District is holding its monthly mobile food pantry thanks to River Bend Food Pantry 5:45 – 7 pm on Tuesday, March 22, at Neil Armstrong Elementary. Families and children in need are encouraged to attend. More details and information are available at the event.  Read More

Looking for something fun to do for St. Patrick’s Day this weekend? Here’s a pot full o’ gold of events happening in and around the Quad-Cities for you to check out… St. Patrick’s Society Grand Parade 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Downtown Rock Island, corner of 4th Ave and 23rd St. More info: HERE The only interstate St. Patrick’s Parade in the U.S. It runs from Illinois into Davenport Iowa. The parade begins at St. Mary’s Church and continues through the downtown area crossing the Mississippi to Davenport, Iowa. – – – The parade begins at... Read More

We continue to hear news reports of crime, abuse, and neglect. We often feel as though we are on the brink of disaster and unable to help, when in truth, we have never been closer to making a difference. It is one simple personal interaction away. A single positive comment, a lone hand extended in friendship and support, a smile and word of encouragement to motivate and mentor a young person. Preventing lost potential is the mission of The HAVlife Foundation. Preventing the lost potential of our community’s youth, those age 10-15 that may be currently living in an “at risk” world.... Read More

The Bettendorf Public Library was awarded $5,000 in a grant from the State Library of Iowa from American Rescue Plan Act funds. The grant went towards expanding the Library’s digital collection of books and audiobooks that were specifically designed to support psychology, professional development, personal finance, wellness, and more. These electronic offerings are accessible for Bettendorf Public Library cardholders at https://rivershare.overdrive.com/rivershare-Bettendorf/content/collection/1263776 and fall in line with the Library’s vision to support the community’s pursuit of knowledge... Read More