Hunger and poverty are problems that impact communities around the world. Locally, here in the Quad Cities, we know the struggle. We see it around us, and know the work of the community to end it. Nationally and globally, hunger and poverty are also a problem. Every night, 1 in 7 people in the world go to bed hungry. In the United States, more than 17 million households, or 14.5 percent of Americans don't know where their next meal may come from.¹

In October, the community is coming together to end hunger both locally and globally. Starting with churches in the community, and including local businesses, schools, and the entire community, the 43rd annual Quad Cities CROP Hunger Walk has been planned for Sunday, October 5th at 2:00 p.m. Our walk, which is the only bi-state CROP Hunger Walk in the nation, will raise funds to go toward hunger alleviation efforts both in the Quad Cities and through the work of Church World Service around the world. The 600 or so walkers also raise awareness of the struggle families dealing with hunger and poverty face on a daily basis.

"Here in our area, 25 percent of funds raised will go to local hunger programs which make a real impact for families dealing with hunger and poverty in our community. These funds really do make a difference in peoples lives in our community," said Rick Martin, coordinator of the Quad Cities CROP Hunger walk.

"The money and awareness raised by the more than 70 CROP Hunger Walks across Iowa make a huge difference in the lives of people around the world," said Jordan Bles, Church World Service Assistant Field Director for the Iowa Region. "$110 raised is the equivilant of an emergency food package - locally purchased and culturally appropriate enough for a family of five for one month. $300 equals 10 meters of a shallow borehole well for a community desperate for clean, safe water and sustainable food security."

Everyone is invited to participate, and play a part in ending hunger both in the Quad Cities area and around the world. For more information, please contact Rick Martin (qccrophungerwalk@gmail.com).

EASTBOURNE, England - Madison Keys, the 19 year-old tennis professional from Rock Island, Illinois, yesterday won her first career Women's Tennis Association title at the Aegon International Tennis Tournament in England.

Keys, who was unseeded in this tournament, was playing in her first final. She became the youngest American to win a singles title since Vania King did so in October 2006.

Keys now turns her attention to the Wimbledon Championships, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, which begin today at the All England Club in London.

June 14 - Children's Festival 

Bouncy House, Balloon Man, Tattoo painting Lady, Liquid chalk sidewalk drawings,  clown or clowns and much more. Rain date June 19.

June 19 - Cake Walk. Proceeds will go to Friendly House Food Pantry.

June 28 - Children need to bring a white t-shirt.  They will decorate the t-shirts in red and blue paint (fireworks).

Musicians in June

June 7 - Jim Roeder
June 14 - Kevin Boyd
June 19 - Larry Lockwood
June 28 - Terry Stone

Just a friendly reminder, folks, that the Freight House Farmers' Market is open on Tuesdays from 3pm until 6pm in addition to their regular Saturday hours of 8am until 1pm.

Starting in May the outdoor market will be in full "bloom" as vendors will fill the lots with hundreds of fresh, locally grown and produced items.

For more information, please visit www.freighthousefarmersmarket.com