The Moline Foundation has announced an emergency grant of $50,000 to assist flood victims in Iowa and Illinois. The funds will be given to the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities to help in flood relief throughout Iowa and the Illinois counties bordering the Mississippi River. For more information, call (309) 736-3800 or visit (http://www.molinefoundation.org).

Renaissance Rock Island last week announced that its new president will be Brian Hollenback, who has previously been Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation's housing director and executive director. Renaissance Rock Island is an umbrella organization for the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, and the Development Association of Rock Island; as president, Hollenback will serve as the chief executive officer for all three groups. He said one of his priorities is the creation of a community-development entity to acquire and leverage New Markets Tax Credits for job-creation projects such as the Columbia Park plan.

The Patriot Chopper, a custom motorcycle built in collaboration with the National Guard and Orange County Choppers, will be on display at this year's Sturgis on the River event held June 12 through 14. In July 2007, the National Guard encouraged soldiers from around the country to submit their ideas for the custom design of a National Guard-themed bike. For more information on the event, visit (http://www.sturgisontheriver.com).

The Quad Cities will host the Upper Mississippi River Conference and RiverWay 2008 late this summer. The conference, which will take place August 21 through 23, will include three keynote speakers talking about ways to connect people with the river and how to enhance wildlife habitats. Although the event at the i wireless Center in Moline is geared toward city officials, architects, environmentalists, and teachers, it will provide a variety of activities for the general public. The conference partnered with River Action, which is producing RiverWay 2008, to offer events such as night bike rides, lock and dam tours, and canoing lessons. More information is available at (http://www.riveraction.org). - Marguerite Day

The Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bettendorf are bringing public art to the downtown corridor. This month, three sculptures will be placed, with an additional three pieces of art scheduled in 2009. The chamber is asking for donations to fund the art project and has raised $2,550 toward the $9,400 goal. A charitable not-for-profit foundation has been set up at the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Bettendorf Chamber Public Art, 2117 State St., Bettendorf IA 52722.