The Rock Island Library will mark Abraham Lincoln's most important trial with a program at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Main Library (401 19th Street). Part of the "Lincoln Lives at Your Library" series, "Hellgate of the Mississippi" will discuss Lincoln's role in defending the railroad company after the steamboat Effie Afton crashed into a pier of the first bridge across the river at Rock Island on May 6, 1856. Presenter Larry Riney, author of the book by the same name, will discuss the Chicago-based trial of 1857. As an extra, Riney will also lead an independent tour of related sites, including the site of the crash and the Arsenal Museum, which holds the steamboat bell. Transportation for this optional event is on your own. Participants should plan to meet on the first floor of the Main Library at 2:30 p.m. on May 6. The tour is not sponsored by the library, but those who are interested may call (309)732-7303 for more information. There is no charge.

Black Hawk College is providing three free seminars in May on alternative energy choices. The first two seminars will be Saturday, May 16: "How to Perform Home Energy Audits" from 8 to 11 a.m. and "How to Perform Business Energy Audits" from noon to 3 p.m. Enrollment is limited to 12 people per class. Both classes will be at the college's Outreach Center (301 Avenue of the Cities in East Moline). To register, call (309)796-4823. "Alternative Energy Ideas for the Community -- Solar, Wind, Sign Lighting, & More!" will be held on Friday, May 22, also at the Outreach Center. No registration is required. For full descriptions of the classes, visit http://www.BHC.edu/bcec and click on "What's Hot! Green Technology Training."

Mothers receive free admission to the Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre on May 10 with a paid admission for a child or an accompanying adult. For more information, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.

Trinity's farmers' markets are being held at both its campuses. The Seventh Street Campus Farmers' Market in Moline will be held Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon through October. The Trinity at Terrace Park Farmers' Market in Bettendorf will run Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m. through September.

"In The Name of Peace: A Community Gathering," will be held on Sunday, May 17, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Temple Emanuel (1115 Mississippi Boulevard in Davenport). This event will provide reflection on the human costs of war and the need to make peace, and it will offer participants opportunities for community action to promote peace. The event is free and welcomes people of all faiths, philosophies, and backgrounds. For more information, contact the Reverend Ron Quay at (309)786-6494.

At a show titled "Design for Social Justice," St. Ambrose University senior Katie Payne will display photographs taken at Quad Cities area Habitat for Humanity home-building sites, many of which she took while helping with construction. Examples of her Web design, installation, and print material relating to her Habitat work will also be on exhibit at the Catich Gallery at the college's Galvin Fine Arts Center through May 15.

Piano Celebration, hosted by Piano for a Richer Life, raised more than $31,500 for Ronald McDonald House on April 18 and 19 at NorthPark Mall in Davenport. More than 450 local celebrities, student pianists, and piano enthusiasts performed on three Yamaha Conservatory grand pianos. In the past six years, Piano Celebration has raised more than $180,000 for Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City.

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