26 Apr 2017

Help Kids Beat the Summer Learning Slide! Enter the Spring Into Summer 5K on May 20, 2017

By Mary McNeil

Rock Island, IL—Runners and walkers can Spring into Summer and support important summer learning projects with the Spring into Summer 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 20. The 9:00 am race is a partnership among Spring Forward Learning Center, Martin Luther King Center, and Rock Island Public Library summer learning programs. Proceeds support summer reading and enrichment projects at Spring Forward elementary education sites in Rock Island and Milan.

19 Apr 2017

Walk MS: Quad Cities Joins Nationwide Effort to Raise $1 Billion for People Living with MS Hundreds Will Help Achieve Milestone by Walking to End Multiple Sclerosis

By Mary McNeil

Bettendorf, Iowa — Since 1988, hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in Walk MS events across the country raising critical funds and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year, the cumulative fundraising since 1988 is expected to surpass $1 billion.

12 Apr 2017

Diversity Book Drive

By Mary McNeil

There is a month-long book drive underway in the Quad Cities designed to bring more diverse books into the area. The QC Diversity Book Drive is collecting new children’s books for kids attending Monroe Elementary School in Davenport , Rock Island Academy and Frances Willard in Rock Island, throughout the month of April. The goal is to collect at least 1000 books that reflect a diverse, multicultural world.

20 Mar 2017

Local teacher and marathoner is the face of Multiple Sclerosis

By Mary McNeil

A local marathon runner and East Moline teacher, who has been living with multiple sclerosis since 2011, has been chosen as this year's ambassador for the annual MS Walk April 22nd.

22 Feb 2017

The Penguin Project: "Annie Jr."

By Mary McNeil

First in the Quad Cities...theatre for special needs kids. For more information contact director Dino Hayz with the Center for Living Arts in Rock Island.

12 Jan 2017

Moline High School Presents "The Little Prince"

By Mary McNeil

The MHS Theatre Department is gearing up for this weekend's performance of the charming, heartwarming French children's tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince. Showtimes are this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (

10 Jan 2017

Warm up with Cocoa & Cookies on Saturday, January 28, 2017

By Mary McNeil

(Rock Island, IL) NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative invites the public to celebrate at its 6th annual Cocoa & Cookies Social. The event will take place on Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their world headquarters at 1612 Second Avenue in downtown Rock Island.

05 Dec 2016

The 15th annual “Bikes for Brains” organization will play Santa Claus once again and hand out bicycles to needy children on Monday, December 12th

By Mary McNeil

(Rock Island, IL) For the 15th year in a row three local businesses/agencies are teaming up to help many children receive their Christmas wish—a bicycle.

According to Sandy Seely-Copley with Queens' Parlour beauty salon in Moline a ...

03 Nov 2016

Learn about Ovarian Cancer at the Rock Island Library this week

By Mary McNeil

(Rock Island, IL) The CEO/Founder of the NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative is presenting Sisterly Advice to BEAT the BIG O on Tuesday, November 15th at the Rock Island Library at 2 pm (401 9th Street). The one hour informative and ent...

02 Nov 2016

Veterans Learn to Blow Glass

By Mary McNeil

Celebrating Service: Creating with Fire

Founded in 2013, Hot Glass began offering classes in 2014 to 90 at-risk youth (at no charge) and hosted 25 community glassblowing events. With Iowa Arts Council s...

Support the Reader

With your one-time, monthly, or annual contribution, the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities area's most comprehensive cultural coverage.

Alive & Free Since '93