The project deals with Anne Frank having a pen pal in Danville Iowa before her family went into hiding.  You can learn more about it at http://www.traces.org/anne.html

Very few people know about it but there is a very small museum telling about the Anne Frank connection in Danville.  They would like to raise money for an expansion.  They have been working on it and raised enough to buy a couple parcels of land to build on to the current museum.

It's cute when Anne says in one of her letters that she cannot find Danville on her map of Iowa but finds Burlington.  She wonders if it is close (and it is).  Therefore, when I learned of the story two years ago, I asked two girls from Burlington to write the story.  They did a fabulous job and I love their illustrations too.  It's being prepared for print right now.

More about the authors here:    http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Young-authors-tell-Anne-Frank--s-connection-to-Iowa-in-a-new-release-entitled-Oceans-Apart.html?soid=1102870834208&aid=7t6sZyCUUaI

There is a FB page as well: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oceans-Apart-The-Connection-between-Anne-Frank-and-her-Small-Town-Pen-Pal/466532820056062

Anne also writes the young lady in Danville about her post card collection.  She even sent her a post card from Amsterdam.  So three things are about to happen (on December 5)

1. The children of Danville are launching a post card collection as they would like post cards from all over the world to be sent to them.  They hope to collect 1.5 million cards to honor the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust.

2. Their historical society is launching their building fund to raise $450,000 using Indiegogo (a crowd funding platform).  This will happen at the same time as the news about the post card project on 12/5.

3. The children's book entitled Oceans Apart (one of my A BOOK by ME series) will be a reward for giving toward the fundraising effort.

With it being so close to Christmas, I think a lot of people will be interested in helping them reach their goal with the post cards and giving toward their educational center.

12 Gifts of Christmas

With:

Steven Curtis Chapman, Laura Story, Patsy Clairmont,

Mary Beth Chapman, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll,

Anita Renfroe, Harris III, and Lisa Whelchel 

 

***

7:00 PM Friday, November 30th 

***

i-Wireless Center 

1201 River Drive

Moline, Illinois

 

The Meaning, the Magic, the Music

James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift is from above!

There's no better time to celebrate those gifts than the birthday of Jesus, the greatest gift of all!

Christmas is a time for friends and family, so gather yours for an evening you won't forget.

You'll hear the stories and songs of Christmas in a way you might never have heard them. Grammy award winners Steven Curtis Chapman and Laura Story are joined by the best storytellers around?Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg and Mary Beth Chapman along with comedienne Anita Renfroe?to present ...an event that brings the wonder of Christmas to life. The night wouldn't be complete without experiencing the magic of Christmas with illusionist Harris III, and he's bringing something special just for the kids. The evening is hosted by Lisa Whelchel of TV's "The Facts of Life."

It's a time that's uniquely enjoyable to everyone - a time to celebrate the gifts we've been given, the joy of the season and the meaning of it all. That's what 12 Gifts of Christmas is all about, and you won't want to miss it!

Tickets are now available through TicketMaster and at the I Wireless Center Box Office!

Ticket prices:

(Buy your tickets at the I Wireless Center Box Office, and avoid paying any TicketMaster fees!)

$25.00 General Admission - red on seating chart; use link below

$35.00 Reserved Seating - blue on seating chart; use link below

$125.00 VIP Reserved Seating includes VIP reception starting at 5:30PM

Reserved Seating Group (15+) $30.00

General Admission Group (15+) $20.00

Group rates are available for both reserved and general admission seats by calling the I Wireless Center group sales department at 309-277-1356.

(Note: A venue service fee of $2.50 will apply for all tickets sold.)

12 Gifts of Christmas Seating Chart:

http://www.iwirelesscenter.com/boxoffice/charts/2012-1130.pdf

For your convenience, you can also buy tickets on-line through TicketMaster:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0600494BCBDD88FC?artistid=1790609&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=0?camefrom=MARKQC

(Additional TicketMaster fees apply for all non-Box Office ticketing points.)

Ages 1 and under free on lap. Doors open at 6:00 pm. General admission seating is located to the rear of the lower bowl and the upper bowl. It is first come-first served but you may be asked to consolidate in order to fit others. For a seating chart go to the iwireless Center website at www.iwirelesscenter.com. Group rates are available for both reserved and general admission seats by calling the i wireless Center group sales department at 309/277-1356.

Doors:

Doors open at 5:30 PM for VIP Seating Only.

Doors open at 6:00 PM for all other seating.

 

About the 12 Gifts Tour Group

With more than ten million records sold in a career that began in 1987, Steven Curtis Chapman has recorded 17 projects with Sparrow Records, including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his five GRAMMY® awards and 16 nominations, Chapman has won an American Music Award, recorded 46 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 56 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date.

 

Laura Story is a songwriter, worship leader, artist and soon-to-be mother. Her Grammy winning songs, including "Blessings" and Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable," have brought hope to millions around the world.

 

Patsy Clairmont has spoken to millions of women (and men) offering spiritual and emotional hope. Patsy has written books in several genres including devotional, fiction, children's, and gift offerings. She is one of the founding speakers at Women of Faith and trains people for the platform.

 

Mary Beth Chapman is the wife of Grammy and Dove Award winning recording artist, Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven and Mary Beth have been married for 27 years. Mary Beth released the New York Times best selling book Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope in September of 2010.

 

Marilyn Meberg is an extraordinary storytellerwho shares the gospel of Christ's love through her hilarious tales and heart-touching stories. She is the author of many books the latest of whichis "Constantly Craving". Marilyn has a masters degree in English and taught at Biola University for ten years. With a second masters degree in Counseling Psychology, she began another career as a professional counselor.

 

Luci Swindoll has been enjoying life for almost eighty years, and she doesn't seem to be slowing down. In the past 25 years she's written 14 books and spoken all over the country, and has been to all seven continents. Luci is an avid fan of her two brothers, Chuck and Orville, who are both engaged in public Christian Ministry as pastor/teachers.

 

Comedienne and author Anita Renfroe is an overnight Internet sensation. Anita is author of Hyperion release DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU: Kids, Carbs, and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse. Anita has been featured in The New York Times, Readers Digest, Women's Day and The Washington Post.

 

Harris III has performed as a Christian Illusionist before 1 million people in more than twelve nations on five continents.

 

Lisa Whelchel was as a Mouseketeer for Walt Disney's "The New Mickey Mouse Club." Ms. Whelchel is perhaps best known for her starring role as Blair Warner on NBC's "The Facts of Life" for nine years. Her first book, "Creative Correction" released October 2000 and has sold over 200,000 copies. She went on to write over a dozen more books including, "The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me," "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling," "The ADVENTure of Christmas," "The Busy Mom's Guide" Series, and her most recent, "Friendship For Grownups."

 

CAN A BANDAGE CURE CANCER? YOURS CAN!

New York, November 2012 - Bandages are known for bringing comfort, healing and smiles to children with cuts and scrapes.  Now, thanks to a new program being launched by Ouchies Bandages, bandages may also bring something much more to the many children affected by pediatric cancer - through a new contest designed to raise money for three national pediatric cancer organizations.

As part of its "Ouchies for Others" program, Ouchies Bandages has just announced a new Bandage Art contest to help raise money in the fight against pediatric cancer.  The contest gives kids the chance to design their own Ouchies bandages and tell their own story about the fight against pediatric cancer or anything else uplifting - with the chance to have their designs featured in the new "Ouchies for Others" bandages and tin to be released in 2013.

The "Ouchies for Others" Bandage Art Contest is open to kids 18 and younger.  To participate in the contest, a design template and further instructions for submitting entries can be found at www.ouchiesonline.com/bandage-art-contest.  All entries will be displayed on Ouchies' Facebook page, where fans will vote for their favorite entries by "liking" the bandage designs.  10 finalists will be chosen, and five winners will have their designs featured on the new "Ouchies for Others" bandages and tin, which will be released in 2013.  The deadline for entries is January 25th.

Through the "Ouchies for Others" program, Ouchies gives 100% of profits to varied not-for-profit organizations - with all profits from the sale of these new bandages going to three national pediatric cancer organizations. Earlier this year, Ouchies launched its first "Ouchies for Others" program designed to help combat bullying.

"This line of bandages is all about inspiring kids to help other kids and what better of a way than to let kids design the bandages themselves?" says Ian Madover, President of Ouchies.  "What makes it all even better is that 100% of the profits from the sale of these bandages will benefit such important organizations in the fight against pediatric cancer, with this program raising money for  the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization®."

According to the National Cancer Institute, on average, 1 to 2 children out of every 10,000 in the United States develop cancer each year.  What's really special about the Ouchies Bandage Art Contest is that everyone wins in the fight against Pediatric Cancer - with children having the opportunity to help others while participating in this unique contest, and money being raised for such an important cause.

"The contest is designed to raise awareness about this disease and to raise the money to help find a cure," says Jennifer Saporta, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ouchies. "If the Bandage Art Contest can put a smile on one face or allow a kid to tell his/her story through a bandage design, Ouchies has made a difference."

The Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization® will be promoting the contest on their web sites. According to Kim Wetmore, Director at the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, "Last year more than 12,000 children were diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Childhood Leukemia Foundation (CLF) is dedicated to making a difference in lives of these children. CLF is honored to partner with Ouchies Bandages to work together raising awareness and bringing smiles to many little faces."

Ouchies asks, "Can a Bandage Help to Cure Cancer?" and answers emphatically, "Yours can!"

For more information on Ouchies for Others and the Bandage Art Contest, visit

www.ouchiesonline.com.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Rock Island High School, the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., will announce a joint grant to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities counselor education department and Rock Island High School's PACERS program. PACERS is an intensive mentoring and academic support program designed to help at-risk ninth grade students with personal, social and academic success.
WHAT:  Why should Barkley miss out on the holiday cheer?

More and more, people want pictures with Santa not only for their children, but also for their pets. Many people consider their dogs and cats to be cherished members of the family, making pet pictures with Santa a great new tradition.

Kids, dogs, we love them all, and on X date we invite our four-legged friends to meet Santa and capture a photo at NorthPark and SouthPark Malls. (Please be sure to keep pets on a leash or in a carrier.)

WHEN:  Pet Night will be held on Monday, December 3 and 10 from 6pm-8pm

WHERE:  NorthPark Mall in Von Maur Court Sponsored by Scott County Humane Society. Parking suggestions are at the Von Maur Mall Entrance

SouthPark Mall in DEB Court Sponsored by Quad City Animal Welfare Center and the Moline Humane Society. Parking suggestions are at the JC Penney Mall Entrance

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Macerich is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust,
which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of
regional malls throughout the United States. Additional information about Macerich can be
obtained from the Company's website at www.macerich.com.

A Super Storm Sandy Relief Drive will be held in downtown Davenport Tuesday, November 27 and donations can be dropped off from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at a tractor trailer located on the north side of the RiverCenter on 3rd Street.

This great project is being led by Wilson Elementary School in partnership with Davenport Community School District, Hawkeye Movers & Atlas Van Lines, and the Downtown Davenport Partnership.  Jr. ROTC Marines representing Davenport High Schools will be assisting at the drop off site.

 

List of Needed Donations for Rebuilding Efforts:

Blankets, flashlights, batteries, gallon Ziploc bags, cleaning hardware - brooms, flat shovels, mops, face masks, goggles, work gloves, hard hats, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, baby/toddler food and formula, duct and scotch tape, toiletries, pluming, electrical supplies, etc.

Clothing supplies are no longer needed.

We hope you can join us to help the cause!

Rock Island, IL/ Nov.27 2012 -Augustana College will continue its River Readings program on Thursday, Nov. 29 with fiction writer Peter Geye. Geye will introduce his newest book, The Lighthouse Road, and do a free reading followed by a reception and book signing. The event will be held at7 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall inside Denkmann Hall (3520 7th Ave). Every reading is open to the public and the campus community alike.

petergeye.jpg

"The River Readings series gives students and members of the Quad Cities community a chance to interact with both well-known and up-and-coming writers. It's not every day we get the opportunity to talk to someone whose work will appear in literature textbooks for generations to come." -Dr. Kelly Daniels, River Readings coordinator.

Peter Geye was born and raised in Minneapolis, where he currently lives.  He received his BA from the University of Minnesota and his MFA from the University of New Orleans. At Western Michigan University, he received his PhD, edited Third Coast, and taught Creative Writing.  In the fall of 2010, he published his first book, Safe from the Sea (Unbridled Books), which won the 2010 Indie Lit Award for Fiction, as well as the 2010 Northeast Minnesota Book Award for Fiction.  Unbridled Books released Geye's second book, The Lighthouse Road, in October of this year. A few copies of Geye's books will be available for purchase after the reading.

For years Augustana has brought writers of poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction to campus from all corners of the country to present their work in a free reading on campus.  In the past, Augustana,has invited Marvin Bell, Gerald Stern, Jill Essbaum, and Carl Phillips, to share their work.  Later in this academic year, Augustana will host fiction writer Donald Ray Pollock on Thursday, Apr. 18.

 

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today addressed the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit in Des Moines. Today's remarks are below, as prepared for delivery:

Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds:

Some of you are shocked by what you just saw, and some of you live it every day.

If you are shocked by what you just witnessed on that video, then this summit is where you need to be.

All too often, we tend to be unaware that our kids deal with insults like these -- or it's tempting to turn a blind eye to such comments.

We dismiss it as just "kids being kids." We don't always acknowledge this issue because it's easier to hope it will go away.

But let me tell you, these comments are verbatim, they are real, and they are hurtful.

This conference is designed to shine a light on this problem. These remarks aren't confined to Waukee, they happen in virtually every school district in this state.

And so, we must turn our shock into action.

We need to shine a light, because by keeping these comments in the darkness, and ignoring them, we are keeping those students they affect in an even darker place.

In that place are thoughts of declining self-worth, declining grades, or worse.

While this video brought about shock, some of you likely felt sadness. If so, then this conference is also where you need to be.

We'll be discussing the factors that cause this behavior, ways to prevent this behavior and ideas to make our schools a safer place for learning.

Today's summit will help equip you with the information you need, the contacts you can utilize...

And the resolve to take action to prevent bullying of all kinds within our schools.

Remember - the most important thing WE do is treat each other with kindness and respect, now.

Please join me in welcoming on stage the Waukee students responsible for the great video you just watched.

It's my great pleasure to introduce:

-Beau Easley, a freshman at Iowa State University;

-Meg Goodson, a freshman at the University of Iowa;

-Mickey Sundermann, a Waukee High School Senior; and

-Sydni Rowen, a Waukee High School senior.

Thank you all for being here today. I admire the courage it took to produce such a candid video.

We know many positive things go on in our schools, but we also have to be honest about the negative things - or we cannot fully address them.

I'll now turn the podium over to Sydni Rowen to talk briefly about why she and the other students made the video...

...Thank you Sydni, and thank you to everyone attending the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit today.

We appreciate the speakers and panelists from around the state and nation for sharing their expertise with us.

And thank you to the students in 23 schools across Iowa for your entries for the video contest. At noon, we'll have the opportunity view all 23 videos on what schools are doing to prevent bullying and what more could be done.

Education Department Director Jason Glass will announce the video contest winners at the close of the summit.

Now it's my great pleasure to introduce Gov. Terry Branstad, whose commitment to public service and to treating others with dignity & respect is unmatched by anyone I know.

 

Governor Terry E. Branstad

Thank you, Lt. Governor Reynolds. And thank you to everyone here today for making the time to attend the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit.

I am proud that more than 1,100 Iowans have gathered for this critical conversation about how we can work together to stop bullying.

We know Iowa schools can't do it alone - that it takes the community. I deeply appreciate your commitment to making that happen.

But isn't it also surprising that we are here? Iowans enjoy a well-deserved reputation for being good neighbors. We are people who look out for each other. Treating each other with respect is a prized value.

Yet it's clear that it's time to have this conversation.

In the most recent Iowa Youth Survey of students in grades six, eight and 11, half of those surveyed reported being bullied at school in some way.

Whether in schools, on a school bus, elsewhere in the community, or in the digital world, bullying seems like a bigger problem than it used to be.

It is easy to point to changes in technology. Cell phones, tablets and computers have made 24/7 cyber-bullying possible - but they are not to blame.

The culture around us too often fosters a disregard for others that is unhealthy -- and sometimes dangerous. Incivility has become all too common in the workplace, in politics and on the road, as well as in social media.

Schools sometimes reflect this.

Being bullied can leave children at increased risk of depression and we know it can have tragic consequences - even becoming a potential factor in suicide.

The consequences of bullying are far-reaching and long lasting.

I want to share excerpts of three emails received after announcing the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit would be held

Here is the first one: "My family is now defined by bullying. It forces your child to grow up faster and there is an actual loss of just being a child. My child will forever be known as a 'victim.' We will survive, but we are forever changed.

"My fear? I can't monitor my child on the bus. I can't monitor my child on the way home. I can't monitor my child in the hallways. I can't monitor my child in the cafeteria. The bully has the right to those same areas, even with recorded physical and verbal assaults.

"I guess it takes a suicide or critical injury to address a bully and their family. Get serious about this and take a hard look at addressing the bullies' parents."

Here is the second email: "I graduated from high school in 1979, and, after four-plus years of torture, I was publicly humiliated at my high school graduation.  It's been 33 years since I graduated and I have never attended a reunion....

"Needless to say, what happened in my high school years has forever shaped me into the person I am today.  In my heart, I feel that the children of today need to know what the long-term effects of bullying can be.  The suicides nationwide are certainly horrific, but the ones who lived through it and suffer every day because of it have lessons to teach as well."

And here is the third email, from a student who also sent a video with a song she wrote about bullying: "Hi, I'm 15 and wrote this because of a personal experience. I did the video myself, too. I was not going to let them break me. Because in the end bullying is really about power. Why give anyone that satisfaction over you! I didn't, and I won't and I hope more and more kids don't, either."

We all recognize that we must do more to stop bullying, but we're often not sure how.

I am encouraged that awareness is growing that bullying is NOT a normal rite of passage in childhood - and that we must do more to prevent it.

From Sioux City to Marshalltown to Davenport, schools and their communities are stepping up to meet this challenge. Today we will learn more about their work.

The Iowa Department of Education earlier this year launched a new data collection system to provide a more accurate picture of bullying in schools. It also gives school leaders a clear definition of bullying.

In October, the Iowa Emergency Management Association District 6 sent a declaration of support for the efforts of my office and the Iowa Department of Education to eradicate bullying in Iowa's schools. We are grateful for their support.

And today, I am proud to announce the launch of a new bullying and suicide prevention resource - Your Life Iowa. This hotline and website, funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health in partnership with Boys Town, the Iowa Youth Advisory Committee and the Iowa Department of Education, will provide help to Iowans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Trained counselors will offer support and guidance to bullied youth who feel they have run out of options. Your-Life-Iowa-dot-org will also serve as a go-to resource where Iowans can get information about how to be part of the solution to ending bullying and youth suicide.

Numerous efforts are under way to stop bullying in Iowa. But we are a long way from where we need to be. So what do I hope we will accomplish today?

We must send a clearer message that schools alone cannot stop bullying, that it takes the community.

I hope we learn more about how to change the culture inside and outside schools -- with concrete steps -- so bullying is not tolerated.

Every student should know that if they report being bullied, adults will take them seriously and that other students will stand up for them in a nonviolent way.

We also need to examine whether state law can be strengthened to help schools better address bullying.

Together, we must be more engaged in the effort to prevent bullying.

Be an instrument for change, help our children feel safe, and use the information you gather here today as your charge to improve the lives of students for the better.

Thank you.

 

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For the sixth consecutive holiday season, The Hungry Hobo restaurants in the Quad Cities will partner with The Salvation Army by collecting donations in the iconic Red Kettles throughout the Red Kettle Campagin and into January.

These smaller kettles, all donated by The Hungry Hobo, will sit on the countertops of all local Hungry Hobo restaurants collecting change and dollar bills. It is another example of a simple act that can help a person or family in crisis. "Hungry Hobo customer donations help us house and feed hundreds of people at the Family Service Center - 15 families for a month to be exact.

The Hungry Hobo employees' enthusiasm is a big part of this campaign's success," states Holly Nomura, Development Director.

When you see a counter kettle at your favorite Hungry Hobo location, please give generously and make sure to thank them for hosting the kettle. "The Hungry Hobo is honored to be able to partner with The Salvation Army to help the needy throughout the Quad-City area," said Pryce T. Boeye, President, CEO of The Hungry Hobo.

In fact, 82 cents of every dollar you put into the counter kettle sustains The Salvation Army's life-transforming programs which include shelter, food and clothing for individuals and families with no where else to turn.

Please dine at the following twelve locations where you can find Salvation Army counter kettles:

The Twelve Hungry Hobo Locations are:

  • 320 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf
  • 4810 Elmore Avenue, Davenport
  • 903 E. Kimberly Rd. (Old Town), Davenport
  • 1432 W. Locust St., Davenport
  • 1640 W. 53rd Street, Davenport
  • 1109 Canal Shore Drive, LeClaire
  • 4101 44th Avenue, Moline
  • 1635 Ave. of the Cities (Browning Field), Moline
  • 4117 Kennedy Drive (Kennedy Square), East Moline
  • 1842 18th Avenue, East Moline
  • 902 W. 4th Street, Miland
  • 2532 18th Avenue, Rock Island

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The Rock Island Public Library will host a free public art show of works by East Moline artist Glorie Iaccarino from Monday, Dec. 3 throughFriday, Dec. 28 in the second-floor art gallery space of the Main Library, 401 19th Street. A public reception for her exhibit, "Art from Life; Life from Art: a Harmonious Partnership," is scheduled from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, Dec. 8, also at the Main Library.

"Art is a universal language. Our connection to nature is a universal bond," says Ms. Iaccarino. Her work includes nature photography, digital art cards, watercolors, acrylics and pen and ink. "I believe that artists draw much of their inspiration from nature and their own lives. So that as art mirrors life, I believe that art can illuminate the power of 'life' by using it in advocacy in order to positively inspire and actually transform lives. Art draws from life and life is more fulfilling and vibrant because of art. It's a harmonious partnership," adds Ms. Iaccarino.

A Quad City native, Ms Iaccarino has spent the last twenty years as a working artist, art instructor and community advocate. She currently is serving as an executive board member of the Watertown Community Empowerment Coalition, on a residency advisory board, and a newly forming Continuing Education advisory board. Among other projects, she created the Eco Arts Council, initiated an "Earth Corner" program for elementary students, and has provided arts workshops at local libraries, public schools and non-profit youth groups. Iaccarino also created and facilitated a program entitled "The Mobile Art Clinic," which provided healing art and self-awareness programming to at-risk youth and early childhood day-care clients.

From January through March 2013, the Rock Island Library art gallery will feature works by Rock Island schoolchildren, starting with elementary schools in January, high school artworks in February and junior high schools in March.

For more events at the Rock Island Public Library, pick up a winter program brochure or monthly events calendar at any Rock Island Library, check the library calendar or news sections at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or sign up for news by email. For questions, please call 309-732-7323 (READ.)

(End)

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