Jim LeachPresident Barack Obama has picked Davenport native and former Republican member of Congress Jim Leach of Iowa to head the National Endowment for the Humanities. In a statement, Obama described Leach as "a valued and dedicated public servant" who can carry on the endowment's "vital mission of ... giving the American public access to the rich resources of our culture." Obama has proposed increasing Natinal Endowment for the Humanities funding to $171.3 million in 2010. In March, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution to name the federal courthouse in Davenport in Leach's honor.

The Congregation of the Humility of Mary has announced the 2009 recipient of its "Peace & Justice Award": Sandy Walters of Davenport. Walters will be recognized for her lifelong mission to care for those in need. The award ceremony will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (1506 Brown Street in Bettendorf) on June 26 at 7 p.m. Walters is a founding director of both the Christian Family Care Center for battered women in Rock Island and of the Salvation Army Quad City Family Service Center in Davenport.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Tourism will travel the state during the 2009 Illinois Road Show. Representatives will be in the Quad Cities on Wednesday, June 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the John Deere Harvester Works Visitor Center (1100 13th Avenue in East Moline). The Road Show will feature the 2008 visitor and economic-impact numbers, the year's marketing-campaign highlights, and future marketing initiatives. For information on attractions, events, and Illinois getaways, visit EnjoyIllinois.com or call (800)226-6632.

The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for the release of nearly $71 million in unemployment-insurance-modernization incentive funds to the state of Iowa. Iowa Workforce Development can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the state legislature, for administering its unemployment-insurance program or delivering employment services. Iowa's approved application is posted at DOLETA.gov/recovery/pdf/IA.pdf.

The national touring exhibit Blue Man Group - Making Waves will appear at the Family Museum from June 20 through January 3. The 1,500-square-foot exhibit - designed to bring together science and art - will take visitors through a multi-sensory exploration of sound. On-stage, the Blue Man is one part inquisitive child, one part trickster, and one part superhero on a journey of discovery. For more information, visit FamilyMuseum.org.

Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation and local members of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition have organized a Day of Action on Thursday, June 11, at the Freight House in Davenport. The event features a policy discussion for local practitioners on recent housing and foreclosure issues (2 to 4:30 p.m.) and a Community Agency Resource Fair (5 to 7:30 p.m.), focusing on housing, fair lending, and employment. Other participating agencies include the City of Rock Island, QC DollarWise, Habitat for Humanity, and area banks.

West Music will host its fifth-annual Parking Lot Jam on Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. The West Music Parking Lot Jam is a free, family-friendly outdoor concert celebrating the musical partnerships between West Music teachers, West Music students, and local musicians. The event will be held at the West Music store off the John Deere Expressway at 4305 44th Avenue in Moline. For more information, contact C.J. Ward at (309)764-9300 or (800)582-9106.

Sarah Robb of RobbDesigns is opening the Blank Canvas studio and gallery, located at 822 1/2 15th Avenue, Suite 203, in East Moline. The Blank Canvas will be a venue for artwork, photography, and jewelry and fabric designs created by family members and other Quad Cities-area artists. The grand opening will be held on Friday, June 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and entertainment. For additional information, contact Sarah at (562)477-4965 or sarah@robbdesigns.com.

The Trivia Night Fundraiser for the Moline Public Library will be held on Friday, June 19, at Fargo Lounge in Highland Park Bowl (4204 Avenue of the Cities in Moline). Teams of up to eight people will compete for cash prizes, silent-auction items, and door prizes. The cost is $10 per person. You can participate even if you don't have a full team. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available, and no outside drinks will be permitted. Call (309)736-5737 to register.

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