The Christian Care Board of Directors, facing an operating-budget deficit, has reduced personnel by close to 50 percent. The faith-based, not-for-profit organization in Rock Island has provided food and shelter to record numbers this year - 42,193 meals and 10,346 nights of lodging to those in need. The organization has two facilities, a domestic-violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men, at which it also hosts a community meal site. The organization does not receive any funding from the state or federal government. To find out more about Christian Care, visit ChristianCareQC.org.
Fejervary Park will light its holiday display at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, at 1800 West 12th Street in Davenport. For more information, call (563)326-7812 or visit http://www.CityOfDavenportIowa.com.
The Rock Island Arsenal Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is helping to support soldiers and families affected by the Fort Hood shootings. AUSA has established a fund to respond to the unmet soldier and family needs of this tragedy. Donations may be made at any Quad Cities U.S. Bank location or by sending a check to: RIA AUSA, P.O. Box 3276, Rock Island IL 61201. Checks should be made payable to AUSA Fort Hood Community Response. For more information, visit AUSARIA.org.
St. Ambrose University has established a scholarship in memory of Department of Kinesiology Professor and Chair Michael Orfitelli, who passed away October 17 at age 63. The Michael A. Orfitelli Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide an annual scholarship to a student majoring in exercise science, human performance and fitness, sport management, physical education, or physical-education teaching, or who is participating in varsity sports. Applicants must demonstrate community activism and involvement. A faculty member for more than 32 years, Orfitelli served many different roles in the athletic and kinesiology departments, including 16 years as chair of the kinesiology department. Nominated four times for Faculty Member of the Year, he was inducted into the St. Ambrose Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. For more information or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, contact P.J. Foley at (563)333-6025.
Broadway Presbyterian Church (710 23rd Street in Rock Island) will be expanding its weekly worship schedule beginning Sunday, November 29. The traditional service will move from 9:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. The mosaic service will now meet at 10:45 a.m. instead of 11. A new Spanish-language worship service will meet at 11:45 a.m. Zion Temple's Kyumbya Guhimbaza also continues to meet at Broadway from 1 to 3 p.m. every Sunday. For more information, call the church office at (309)786-2631 visit BroadwayQC.org.
The Rock Island Beautification Commission is sponsoring its 24th-annual Holiday Lighting Contest for Rock Island residents and businesses. To nominate a residential or commercial light display, send the name and address of the display to the Rock Island Beautification Commission, Rock Island City Hall, 1528 Third Ave., Rock Island IL 61201, or call (309)732-2900 with a nomination. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 7. Judging will take place on Monday, December 14, and displays should be illuminated by 5:30 p.m. Winners of the 2007 and 2008 contests are not eligible.
Santa Claus will be making three trips to the Davenport Public Library (321 Main Street) on December 5, 12, and 19, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Families should be in line no later than 2:45. Children will receive a free photo with Santa, a candy cane, a book, and a goodie bag. For more information, call (563)326-7832 or visit DavenportLibrary.com.
The Family Concerns of Churches United has announced that its first "Love & Logic" parenting class will begin on Tuesday, January 26, and will be held at Broadway Church in Rock Island. The class will run for six weeks from 9 to 11 a.m. with child care provided. Parents will learn about setting limits, how to get their children to do chores, and how to end arguing and whining. The cost of the workbook is $10. If you're interested in taking the class, call Jo at (309)786-6494.
Bluebox Limited Films has announced production of Impulse, starring Christopher Kennedy Masterson from the Fox series Malcolm in the Middle. The short film, described as a pre-apocalyptic adventure, was shot in early November around Perry, Iowa. Impulse is the 19th film from Bluebox Limited Films, a production company founded in Iowa by writers/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Impulse is slated for completion in early 2010. For more information, visit BlueboxLimited.com.
