Renaissance Rock Island, a consortium of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to revitalizing Rock Island, last week announced that it will reorganize staff. Under the new plan, all staff will work for all three organizations: the Development Association of Rock Island (focusing on commercial and industrial development, especially downtown), Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (responsible for housing, neighborhood, and community marketing programs), and the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (which markets and organizes events downtown). Under this reorganization, Mike Thoms will resign as president of Renaissance Rock Island, a position he held since 2005. When fully staffed, Renaissance Rock Island will have 12 employees. A national search for a new president has begun.
The Putnam Museum is looking for volunteers to assist school groups when they visit the museum during the field-trip season in April and May. School Group Hosts will greet teachers upon arrival to provide directions and keep groups on schedule as they explore exhibit halls, attend educational programs, and view IMAX films. Interested individuals are asked to complete a two-part training program to become familiar with the museum and a typical school schedule. More information about the School Group Host position can be found at (http://www.putnam.org). Click on "Contact Us," and then "Volunteer Opportunities."
The Left Bank Art League Gallery has undergone a transformation in the past few months: The walls have been covered, paint has been applied, and new artwork is moving in. The gallery, at 1629 Second Avenue in downtown Rock Island, also has new hours intended to make it more visitor-friendly: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Fridays until 7 p.m. The new works, by the Artists Unlimited group, will be on view until April 26. Left Bank's next artist reception will be held Friday, March 14, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Bi-State Literacy Council has increased funds available for literacy programs and is now accepting funding requests from literacy-related programs. These requests for up to $500 can be for support materials or any literacy-program needs not included in a regular budget. Literacy programs can serve anyone from pre-school to adult. To download an application, visit (http://www.bistateliteracy.org). Completed requests must be returned by March 31. For more information, contact LaWanda at (563) 326-7837.
The Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center on March 7 will present the Iowa 2007 Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Bettendorf resident Marguerite White, president of Premier Cleaning, LLC. The annual award was established in 2006 to honor an Iowa entrepreneur who has been in business a minimum of three years and has been significantly assisted by an Iowa Small Business Development Center.
WQPT is offering a $250 scholarship to students pursuing a career in broadcasting. The annual award can be applied to tuition, books, and fees. WQPT will forward the scholarship funds to the educational institution on behalf of the student prior to the fall 2008 semester. Interested students may request an application by calling (309) 796-2424 or visiting (http://www.wqpt.org). Applications postmarked by May 16 will be accepted.
The Choir Show Off brings the varsity and prep show choirs from Davenport Central, North, and West high schools together for shows at noon and 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10, at the Adler Theatre. Because the groups perform outside the city more often than in, the directors decided years ago to put on an event to allow the groups to be seen locally in a noncompetitive atmosphere. Tickets are available at the door; adult admission is $10, and senior and child admission is $5.
Mingle with Irish scholars during a riverboat cruise April 18. The excursion is part a national Irish Studies conference hosted by St. Ambrose University April 16 through 19. Aboard the Celebration Belle, entertainment will be provided by the Irish band Bohola, and a prime-rib dinner will be served. Launch will be at 6 p.m. at the Celebration Belle landing, 2501 River Drive in Moline, and the cruise will last until approximately 9 p.m. Reservations and a $45 fee per person for the cruise are required by March 15. Checks, made payable to St. Ambrose University, can be mailed to Ryan Dye, St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport IA 52803. For more information, contact Dye at (563) 333-6389 or (DyeRyanD@sau.edu), or visit (http://www.sau.edu/acis).
As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the Child Abuse Council is holding its fifth-annual Auction & Dance Benefit: Keepers of Dreams on Friday, April 25, at the Isle of Capri Conference Center in Bettendorf. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features heavy hors d'oeuvres, a 50/50 drawing, and live-auction items including entertainment and vacation packages, art objects, kids' packages, and jewelry. All proceeds will benefit the Child Abuse Council's prevention, awareness, and treatment programs and will be used to serve the Quad Cities community. For additional information, call (309) 764-7017 extension 106, or visit (http://www.childabuseqc.org) to register for the event.
