The Davenport City Council voted to approve adoption of a "linked deposit policy" as part of the city's investment program. This linked-deposit policy now places the City of Davenport in the position of reviewing the demonstrated community commitment and reinvestment practices of financial institutions interested in competing for city business. (See "Encouraging Good Behavior," River Cities' Reader Issue 633, May 16-22, 2007.) The goal of the policy is to promote economic development and community reinvestment in economically distressed city neighborhoods, and to encourage mortgage and small-business lending with a focus on women and racial minorities.
ComedySportz Quad Cities recently captured its fourth improv world title over rival Milwaukee. ComedySportz and Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse hosted the ComedySportz world championships earlier this month, with 16 teams from as far away as Manchester, England. For reservations to ComedySportz shows, call (309) 786-7733 extension 2.
The Family Museum in Bettendorf has openings for new and returning students in the 2007-8 Comprehensive Dance Program. Classes begin Monday, August 20, and run through May 29.For more information, contact Jessica Halfhill at (563) 344-4151.
Kaplan University in Davenport has launched two new bachelor-degree and three new associate-degree programs. Bachelor of science degrees are now offered in legal studies and communications. New associate of applied science degree programs include medical assisting, medical-office management, and medical transcription. For more information, visit (http://www.kucampus.edu).
Local author D.D. Dunn will sign her books, Binder Twine 'n Bandaids and Cobwebs Critters 'n Coveralls at the Iowa Machine Shed on Friday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. Dunn's books are humorous stories about life on a small, run-down farm in western Illinois in the 1960s. The Machine Shed is located at 7250 Northwest Boulevard, off Interstate 80 exit 292.
St. Ambrose University is hosting a star party at the S.G. Menke Observatory near Dixon, Iowa, on Saturday, August 11, beginning at sunset. Venus and Saturn will have disappeared from the evening sky, but Jupiter will remain high in the sky, almost due south. With no moon, the Perseid meteor shower - one of the strongest of the year - may be viewed, although meteor showers are better viewed after midnight. The observatory's on-site telescopes will be available for sky viewing; guests are welcome to bring portable telescopes as well. The star party viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Robert Mitchell at (563) 333-6141. On the day of the event, the same number may be called for a recorded message that will either confirm the event or report a weather-related cancellation. For directions to the observatory, go to (http://www.sau.edu/astronomy/menke).
The Davenport Public Library Main Street location (321 Main Street) will be closed on Saturday, July 28, due to the Bix road race and street festival. The Main Street Library will resume its regular business hours on Monday, July 30.The Fairmount Street Library hours will not be affected. For more information about the library, visit (http://www.davenportlibrary.com).
On September 12, an estimated 1,000 volunteers will join United Way for a community-wide Day of Caring. Local not-for-profits, government agencies, parks and recreational programs, and schools are invited to submit community-service projects to United Way. Community-service projects could include any hands-on volunteer opportunities, such as landscaping, minor construction, programs with children or seniors, and clean-up activities. To enter a project in the Day of Caring, or to inquire about the event, contact Marci Zogg at (563) 355-4310 or (mzogg@unitedwayqc.org).
The Amish Harvest Tour to Cure Cancer will be held on Saturday, September 8, an effort to raise money for cancer research at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Join the cyclists as they pedal over gentle rolling hills leading past Amish homesteads and over old stagecoach routes. Stop at the one-of-a-kind rest stops featuring delicious food and friendliness served by dedicated volunteers. Online registration closes September 2. To learn more or register, visit (http://www.courageride.org).
August 1 is the deadline for anyone wanting to submit photography, film, or music for the upcoming child-abuse-awareness concert scheduled for September 15 at the River Music Experience's Redstone Room in downtown Davenport. Compiled photos, film, and music will be presented that night as a special fundraiser for the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center, Family Resources, and Life at Night. Entries should focus on the night's theme: "There's more to love than this, and it is love. Some day I will find it." Entries (preferably in digital format) should be sent to Anna at the River Music Experience, 129 Main St., Davenport IA 52801.
