Rock Island High School’s Cultural Club got together to have a Thanksgiving Feast. Students brought food from their cultures to share. Some meals included were Baozi from Thailand, Pan Ducles (Mexican desserts), Arabic pickles, curry dishes, and a lot more! Mr. Mwaga also made a Ugali soup from Kenya. It was a great way to get together and experience another culture.  Read More

Around seven or eight years ago, I went to my LCS on Wednesday. When I got there, a beautiful woman was there sitting in a chair and the owner was nowhere to be seen. She was in the Quad Cities from Michigan or Minnesota, someplace starting with M, selling coupon books door to door. She had stopped into Mellow Blue to sell whoever was inside a coupon book and because she’d developed a hole in her shoe and Tim had gone to try and fix it. I looked through my pull that week while we talked when she asked “Why do you read comic books?” To really answer that question I have to talk about Art.... Read More

May is Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Since 1990, the U.S. has used this month to recognize and celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Like many commemorative months, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month originated in Congress in 1977. After several failed resolutions, a week was proclaimed for the acknowledgement and celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage in 1979. Finally, in 1990, it was expanded to the entire month of May, with the theme this year being “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” This theme supports WIU’s mission,... Read More

Western Illinois University has celebrated Minority Health Month in April since 2006. The national theme this year is, “Better Health Through Better Understanding.” This year’s theme focuses on improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN communities by providing them with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities. “WIU’s recognition... Read More

QUAD CITIES, Iowa / Illinois—The Quad Cities Community Foundation is welcoming two new members to its board of directors. With unique perspectives, professional expertise, and connections in the community, the new members will be important leaders in the Community Foundation’s efforts to transform the region through the generosity of donors this year. “We are so fortunate to have a board of directors that doesn’t just believe in our mission but has an ambitious vision for our Quad Cities community,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “I’m grateful... Read More

One of Project NOW’s newest fleet additions is literally a life saver. Project NOW’s new refrigerated box truck began hitting the streets last fall to help those facing food insecurity. The truck, which is grant funded, is being used as a mobile food pantry—providing food to areas that have been defined as “food deserts.” Those areas include the west end of Rock Island, the Floreciente neighborhood, East Moline, and Silvis. According to our Community Services Director, Ron Lund, we have already provided 40 tons of food (80,000 pounds) in the community through pop ups, drive-throughs,... Read More

The Quad City Chamber has launched a Black Business Council and a Women’s Business Council. Now, we are launching two more: an Immigrant/Refugee Business Council and a LGBTQ+ Business Council. We are actively recruiting business owners and leaders from across the region to join a council. Tell us about your business challenges and guide us in how we can be a resource and contribute to your success. Our goal is to foster equity and inclusion in our regional economy and help all businesses grow. “We’ve identified three major barriers for minority-owned businesses: access to funding, limited... Read More

Norm Moline goes beyond the headlines and delves into the complicated past and present of a nation in his upcoming presentation Why Taiwan Matters. This event will be held at the Moline Public Library on Wednesday, October 12, at 6pm. Registration is not required. Taiwan is only one-fourth the size of Illinois but has twice as many people, fascinating landscapes, the World Vegetable Center, and the world’s 20th largest economy providing important exports such as in information-technology. Linked with mainland China for several centuries, it has been independent with special connections to the... Read More

Tyla Sherwin-Cole, Executive Director of the Doris & Victor Day Foundation announced the Foundation has awarded grants totaling $701,000 for the current grant cycle. The grant awards to Scott and Rock Island County not-for-profit organizations and programs culminates a months-long review process, said Tyla. The directors strive to bring to reality the goal of Doris and Victor Day to make the Quad Cities a “better place.” Since its funding by a $10 million dollar gift from Doris Day Estate in 1987, the foundation has distributed $24.468 million dollars in grants and currently has assets... Read More

The Davenport Community School District is hosting an inclusion Night Gala Wednesday, May 11, 2022. John Kliegl, CEO of Special Olympics Iowa, will be there to celebrate the partnership between Special Olympics and Davenport Schools and acknowledge all the wonderful things Davenport’s Unified Champion Schools have done this year. The event is happening 6:00-7:30 p.m. at The Stardust at 218 Iowa Street, Davenport. The Special Olympics Iowa CEO and Superintendent TJ Schneckloth will sign a board to solidify the partnership. Unified Students and parents will attend, mix and mingle to celebrate all... Read More