Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, Bettendorf and throughout the Quad-Cities, ice cream fans aren’t going to be able to get the malts, or get the shakes. Whitey’s Ice Cream, a sweet institution throughout the area, will be temporarily closing all their stores starting Friday. The announcement came today, via Facebook: “As of ‪Friday, April 3 at 10:00 p.m.‬ all Whitey’s stores will be closing temporarily. As much as we would love to stay open and continue serving the Quad Cities, we are closing out of an abundance of caution to ensure that our employees are staying healthy... Read More

T.S. Eliot had it all wrong. In “The Waste Land,” the poet wrote “April is the cruelest month.” Well, five days before we can kick it into the dustbin of history, it’s safe to say that dishonor now belongs to March. At least March 2020, which has seen one bone-crushing loss after another for many around the world, me especially. Just one of the latest is from our beloved Quad-Cities theater community – of which I’ve been honored to share as longtime arts reporter for the Dispatch/Argus (and later Quad City Times), as well as piano accompanist and occasional stage performer. The singular... Read More

Sunday, March 22, was an important day — and not only because it was the 90th birthday of legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, whose moving ballad “No One Is Alone” carries extra weight nowadays. In this crazy, continually changing time of Covid-19, this past Sunday was the first I can remember our church ever canceling its worship service. I have been piano accompanist at Davenport’s Zion Lutheran Church since 1999; performing each week and becoming close to many of its members have been highlights of my life. Among religious congregations nationwide that closed their doors,... 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

Finally! Here’s some good news! Quad City Arts is pleased to announce the 2020 Arts Dollars grant awards to 24 nonprofit organizations, totaling just over $85,000. Since 1979, Quad City Arts grants have provided funding for local artists and non-profit organizations to enrich the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Since 1990 alone, more than $1,000,000 has been awarded. Arts Dollars funds are generously provided by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. The Awards go to: Capacity-Building Grants: Quad Cities Woodturners Education... Read More

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your wedding catered by Quiznos, then getting hammered on free booze and sharing Olive Garden desserts during the reception, then this year’s Leap Year Day is your lucky day. This Saturday, Feb. 29, marks 2020 as a Leap Year. It also offers you the opportunity to cash in on some free promotional deals from companies looking to get a little extra publicity for their generosity. So, allow me to oblige them and inform you of your chance to get everything from free beer to free desserts to free catering for your wedding. Freebie deals on Saturday, Feb. 29: Miller... Read More

If you’re looking for a way to add more bacon to your diet — and let’s face it, who isn’t? — Dunkin Donuts has just the option for you with a new, literal bucket o’ bacon. Yup, for those of us who feel that bacon and eggs would be so much better without those pesky eggs, DD has debuted the new Snackin’ Bacon, which features eight strips of bacon in a little paper bucket. According to the Dunkin Donuts website, “Our Snackin’ Bacon starts its journey smoked with natural cherrywood. It’s then treated to our sweet and savory blend of brown sugar and... Read More

The magnificent, massive 55-foot skeleton of a rare Finn whale will be displayed in the atrium of the finished Umbeck Science and Mathematics Center in Galesburg’s Knox College, but in the midst of the complex’s construction, it’s the backbone of hard-working Local Union 25 craftsmen who are creating the building’s solid foundation. Over two dozen union members are hard at work on the $43 million, 30,000 square foot project, aiming for a finishing date of Thanksgiving 2019, and in an edifice dedicated to the study of science and mathematics those union workers are utilizing their skills... Read More

Prairie Players Civic Theatre announced today that they will bring magician David Casas and his show The Magic of David Casas to Galesburg for one performance only on September 16th at 2:00pm. Tristan Taspcott said, “We loved having David’s family friendly here last season and we are thrilled to be having him back!” “David is like having a little slice of Vegas right here in the Midwest,” he added. Iowa’s premier magician David Casas has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years with his award winning magic. From Chicago, to Las Vegas, David’s unique and cutting edge style... Read More