On Wednesday, July 22, a team of cyclists participating in the Journey of Hope will arrive in Davenport as part of a nine-week, 4,000-mile cycling event across the country to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. The team will arrive in the afternoon and then have dinner and a friendship visit at 1757 West 12th Street beginning at 5 p.m. Visit PushAmerica.org for more information, or call (704)504-2400 extension 159.
The Iowa State University Scott County Extension Master Gardeners are hosting an informational meeting on Wednesday, July 29, at 7 p.m. Attendees can learn more about the program and sign up for interviews for this fall's training classes. Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained by Iowa State University in horticulture, who return service to the community through educational projects. The Scott County Extension Office is located at 875 Tanglefoot Lane in Bettendorf. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may call (563)359-7577 for an application and to schedule an interview.
St. Ambrose University invites high-school and transfer students and their families to learn about private-college education during Iowa Private College Week, August 3 through 7, sponsored by the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges & Universities. Campus tours and information sessions on financial aid will allow prospective students and their families to meet and speak with current students, faculty, and staff to learn about cost, campus life, and the university's academic programs. For more information, call (563)333-6300, or visit SAU.edu and click on "Iowa Private College Week."
A $360,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant has been awarded for the Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws Block Grant Program. The grant will be awarded to the Iowa Criminal & Juvenile Justice Planning Agency. The judicial-district boards meet to review local data and determine the district priorities pertaining to underage drinking in their areas. Initiatives would include programming for prevention, treatment, and education, as well as the use of youth task forces.
The one-man show "Jews of Tin Pan Alley" will be presented by Milwaukee musician Lil' Rev on Thursday, July 23, at 7 p.m. at the Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street). The free performance is part of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities' Jewish Cultural Series. Rev traces Jews as contributors to the American musical landscape as writers, song pluggers, publishers, singers, comedians, and entertainers. For more information on the series, visit JFQC.org
More than a year after flood waters did massive damage to Theatre Cedar Rapids' home in the Iowa Theater Building, the Vision Iowa Board has voted to award $1.5 million toward renovation and expansion of the downtown facility. In addition to repairing flood damage, the project will give the theatre a facelift, creating more space for its patrons and adding modern facilities. Additional funding for the $7.8-million project will include $3 million pledged to the Next Act Capital Campaign and several FEMA grant applications that total more than $3 million.
A congressional subcommittee has approved a total of $10.8 million for projects in Iowa. The Armed Forces Reserve Center/Field Maintenance Shop and Army Aviation Support Facility in Davenport would receive $2.2 million for the design and renovation a new 450-member training facility.
Through August 30, the Rock Island Public Library (401 19th Street) is hosting"Where I've Been," featuring the works of Quad Cities artist Mardi Howell. Art exhibits are free and open for viewing in the second-floor art gallery during regular library hours.
The federal Department of Housing & Urban Development has awarded nearly $17 million to Iowa to prevent homelessness. The funding will be used by communities to rapidly re-house families who fall into homelessness or to prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place. Davenport will receive $712,000, and the Iowa statewide program will receive $11.9 million.
