To say it’s been a difficult year for creators in the local, and national, arts scene is a massive understatement. All of us have lost money, jobs, our careers and found our artistic outlets severely curtailed. Any of us within the live performance and audience interaction area — from live music to theater to book signings — have had our livelihoods completely decimated. One local creator, however, Kristin Bruchmann, is looking to help out. She told me recently, “I’ve been quite concerned about the number of folks in the Q-C arts scene who have lost their livelihoods... Read More

Three Quad Cities-area Toastmasters clubs are hosting an open house to give people an opportunity to learn more about how the organization can help hone communication and leadership skills. Quad Cities Advanced Toastmasters, Quad Cities Executive Toastmasters, and Moline Toastmasters are co-sponsoring the event, which starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at Newcomb Presbyterian Church in Davenport. The event will feature all the components of a typical Toastmasters meeting, including 5-7 minute speeches, evaluations, and exercises in extemporaneous speaking, known in most Toastmasters clubs as... Read More