The Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bettendorf are bringing public art to the downtown corridor. This month, three sculptures will be placed, with an additional three pieces of art scheduled in 2009. The chamber is asking for donations to fund the art project and has raised $2,550 toward the $9,400 goal. A charitable not-for-profit foundation has been set up at the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Bettendorf Chamber Public Art, 2117 State St., Bettendorf IA 52722.
On May 22, Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba, Police Chief Frank Donchez, and Scott County Attorney Mike Walton announced new procedures to curb the recent string of crime in Davenport. Donchez said the area bound by Locust, Seventh, Ripley, and Bridge streets will be targeted. The chief said staffing changes and high-profile, high-visibility patrols will be elements of efforts in the area, as well as a modified pursuit policy. The city council will also contribute $20,000 to the Crime Stoppers program, which allows citizens to anonymously provide information about crimes. - Ben Clague
Al Goldfarb will lead a discussion of Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at the Moline Public Library. This is the second book of the reading and discussion series "Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature," whose titles focus on the theme "Between Two Worlds: Estrangement & Homecoming." Registration is required, and can be done by visiting the Moline Public Library or calling (309) 736-5737. Books will be provided to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. "Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature" is a project of Nextbook and the American Library Association.
The Mississippi Valley Blues Society will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, June 1, to benefit the 2008 IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. The event will be held in the Sam's Club parking lot at 3887 Elmore Avenue in Davenport from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Grilled brats and burgers cooked up by Ric Burris, the president of the blues society, will be for sale along with chips and sodas. Patrons will be able to get a preview of the music at the fest.
Through Friday, August 29, the Rock Island Main Library at 401 19th Street will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The downtown location returns to regular Saturday and weekday hours on Tuesday, September 2. For hours and locations anytime, call (309) 732-7334 or visit (http://www.ripl.lib.il.us).
In Scott and Rock Island counties, residential compact flourescent lights - which contain mercury - are accepted free of charge through Waste Commission of Scott County programs. Intact bulbs can be dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following Davenport locations: Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Avenue, and Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Avenue (County Road Y-48). Although bulbs can be dropped off during regular business hours, residents may want to take advantage of the household hazardous material appointment system and remove other toxic materials from the home. Call (563) 381-1300 for an appointment to dispose of paints, stains, varnishes, pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners, and other mercury-containing items at no charge.
The Crossroads Entertainment Conference & Showcase is now accepting submissions for showcase performance consideration. Artists can visit (http://www.sonicbids.com/crossroadsiowa) to submit an electronic press kit (EPK). Up to 15 slots are available for showcase performances. All genres are encouraged to submit, but no cover bands. Compensation is offered and is negotiated at the time of booking. The showcase will take place on Thursday, December 4, at Court Center in downtown Des Moines. The deadline to submit an EPK is June 15. Artists chosen to play at the showcase will be notified by August 1. A $20 submission fee is required.
"Specifically for Seniors," a monthly educational and entertainment series for seniors sponsored by the Davenport Public Library and Senior Voice, meets March through November on the last Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Fairmount Street Library. For a list of upcoming programs, visit (http://www.davenportlibrary.com).
The City of Clinton received $431,579 to improve infrastructure at the Clinton Municipal Airport. In the same grant, Muscatine received $120,951 to improve infrastructure at the Muscatine Municipal Airport. This grant was made available by the U.S. Department of Transportation. .
The Rock Island Parks & Recreation Youth Summer Recreation Program is for children living within the Rock Islan/Milan school district between the ages of five and 12. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 9 through July 25. For more information, call (309) 732-7275.
