Davenport, Iowa, March 18, 2013 - Community Action of Eastern Iowa and Davenport Parks and Recreation are partnering to provide need based scholarships for summer activities for Iowa youth. Community Action of Eastern Iowa has setup a scholarship fund of $10,000 for low income families provided by the Iowa Department of Human Rights, through the Community Services Block Grant.

Scholarships are being provided to Iowa families with households at or below 125% of the Federal poverty line. These scholarships will provide healthy, active, engaging recreational activities to youth from families that would be unable to afford such opportunities on their own. Youth from our community will have the opportunity to explore nature, dance, athletics, and theatre regardless of income.

Davenport Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of quality programming which maximizes the range of opportunities available to match the interests of children. Because Davenport Parks and Recreation was willing to provide a discount for these families, and because the two organizations worked together to streamline the process, the funding will reach more families than would otherwise be the case. A child enrolling in a ten week course will receive a summertime full of learning and memories.

"Initially Community Action of Eastern Iowa approached Davenport Junior Theatre about setting up a potential scholarship," according to Daniel Sheridan, Performing Arts Director for Davenport Parks and Recreation. "We soon shifted the idea to span the whole scope of Davenport Parks and Recreation, realizing that this would allow kids more opportunities. The goal is to keep kids learning and playing all summer long to help combat
summer learning loss. So more options seemed like a good thing."

The process to obtain the scholarship is by voucher. All applicants must apply in person at the office of Community Action of Eastern Iowa (500 East 59th Street, Davenport) and bring the most recent tax return or 90 days proof of income. Social Security Cards for all household members are also required. Community Action of Eastern Iowa will determine income eligibility of the household utilizing 125% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), in accordance with the rules of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). All applicants must have Iowa household residency.

Community Action of Eastern Iowa will complete the Scholarship Voucher for qualifying households and will give the voucher to the qualifying parent. The qualifying parent will take the completed voucher to Davenport Parks and Recreation at their River's Edge office, 700 West River Drive, to enroll in one approved multi-week course up to the amount indicated on the voucher. The voucher is only good for multi-week summer course offerings.

Funding is limited. When all funds are exhausted the program will end.

Vander Veer Holiday Show

Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory presents it's annual Holiday Floral Show! With thousands of poinsettias and many lighted evergreens it's sure to get you in the holiday mood. It's also a great setting for a Christmas family photo too!  While there check out all the new merchandise is our Conservatory store!

Show Dates: December 1st through January 12th

The conservatory is open

Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm

Saturday: 10am -  8pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Admission is only $1, free for kids 16 and under

Vander Veer Botanical Park 215 W Central Park

Thanks to our sponsors:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Davenport, Iowa, May 31, 2012 - Beginning June 4, the store at Vander Veer Conservatory will close temporarily for the Enabling Garden construction project. The Conservatory will remain open for regular hours. The closing is necessary for work on a new
entrance as part of the Enabling Garden project.

The Enabling Garden is an accessible garden and features plantings that stimulate all the senses, and includes planting beds and containers raised for comfortable reach. This accessible garden can be used by persons of any age or ability and includes garden elements that appeal to all five senses. The gardens are designed to improve and maintain the physical mental and social health of everyone.

An artist's conception of the completed Enabling Garden can be found on the Parks and Recreation's website on the Vander Veer Botanical Park page. The web address is: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks.

Construction is expected to be complete sometime in August. Patrons should check the

Parks and Recreation website for any notice on closure during the construction period.