The Waste Commission of Scott County, in cooperation with the City of Bettendorf, the City of Davenport, and Scott County, has produced the 2007 Garbage Guide, which will be delivered to residents' mailboxes over the next few weeks. The guide details solid-waste collection and processing for all 17 communities in Scott County. Solid waste includes garbage, recycling, bulky waste, electronic waste, yard waste, household hazardous materials, and home health waste. The guide also provides resources and information regarding storm-water, reuse, and beautification programs. For additional copies of the Garbage Guide, call the Waste Commission of Scott County at (563) 381-1300, or view it online at (http://www.wastecom.com).
For the first time in its history, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa put free emergency contraception into the hands and medicine cabinets of women across the state. Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa gave away nearly 1,000 doses of emergency contraception in its 15 clinics across the state. Emergency contraception lowers the risk of pregnancy when started within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. The sooner emergency contraception is taken after unprotected intercourse, the better it works, making timely access important. Studies show that women generally do not use emergency contraception as a regular method of birth control.
The four public libraries in Scott County (Bettendorf Public Library, Davenport Public Library, LeClaire Community Library, and the Scott County Library System) have compiled a "best of" reading list just in time for the holidays. If you are looking for a fun gift for the avid reader, stop by one of these public libraries to pick up your free copy of "Libraries Together Favorites." Included in the booklet are annotations and quotes from favorite fiction and nonfiction titles chosen by staff, board, and volunteers. The list also includes videos, music, and more. For more information about the Libraries Together project, visit (http://www.librariestogether.org).
The Family Museum of Arts & Science was honored recently with the American Chemical Society (ACS) Illinois-Iowa Local Section's Salute to Excellence 2006 award. Salute to Excellence is an award program that recognizes the positive impact on everyday life made by a product of chemistry, a practitioner of chemistry, or a place of importance in chemistry. "The Family Museum has shown exceptional devotion and service to the surrounding community and to this section [of ACS]," reads the plaque that was given to the Family Museum at a meeting on November 30. "Their well acclaimed exhibits, from ‘Grossology' to ‘Amazing Acres' to ‘Busy Bodies: Healthy Choices,' have inspired many a child."
Hamilton Lodge Number 664, located at 2412 Grant Street in Bettendorf, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, December 16, at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend this event, which will also feature a re-dedication ceremony.
A renowned quilt-maker whose works are included in a current Figge Art Museum exhibition died only days after the exhibition premiered. African-American quilt-maker Effie Mae Howard created quilts under the name of Rosie Lee Tompkins and was found dead earlier this month. Four of her works are on display in the Figge as part of the Accidentally on Purpose: Improvisation in African Textiles & African American Quilts show. The exhibition will continue until February 11 at the Figge, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, except for Thursdays, when it closes at 9 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for people 60 and older, $6 for students with identification, $4 for children ages 3 to12, and free for members. For more information, call (563) 326-7804 or visit (http://www.figgeartmuseum.org).
Pleasant Valley student Jeff Ryder has been selected to be part of the national premiere production of Thoroughly Modern Millie School Edition. Ryder, who lives in LeClaire, is one of 48 students from 21 states picked to be part of the show, which will be presented by Music Theatre International and the Educational Theatre Association at the 2007 International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ryder will serve on the technical crew. The cast and crew will present the show for more than 2,500 students, teachers, and school administrators in June. They will be meeting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for three intensive rehearsal periods in March, May, and June. In addition, the cast's performance will be recorded and serve as the official guide-vocal CD for Thoroughly Modern Millie School Edition, which will be made available to thousands of schools and educational-theatre groups nationwide.
Trinity Regional Health System has been recognized by the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing & Public Relations with two Awards of Excellence as part of its 2006 Pinnacle Awards. Television-advertising campaigns for Trinity's cancer and heart-surgery programs were honored. This year's competition featured 120 entries in 16 different categories. Twenty-three Awards of Excellence were given based on scoring for planning, implementation, and results. Trinity's heart and cancer campaigns scored 98 and 97.5, respectively, on the 100-point scale.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced more than $10 million in direct-assistance grants for 127 fire-department and first-responder organizations through the Fiscal Year 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Additional phases will soon be announced that will total $485 million in grant awards to approximately 5,000 fire-related organizations nationwide.
Thunder Bay Grille of Davenport won Best Dessert at this year's Festival of Trees Sweet Encore event on November 18 at the Mark. More than 300 people attended the event, and awards were voted on by a panel of local celebrity judges. Thunder Bay served Warm Berries & Ice Cream and Peppermint Patty Crème Brûlée for its dessert. Both dishes have been added to the menu, and you can also get a copy of the recipes by stopping by the restaurant.
