The Quad City International Airport declared last week that its parking lot has reached capacity and that limited overflow parking is available. The airport anticipates that parking will continue to be extremely limited over the next several weeks because of spring breaks occurring throughout the region. The airport authority is providing directional signage and personnel to assist people to overflow lots, and asks that signage and personnel directions be obeyed to nontraditional parking spots and overflow lots. It is suggested that passengers arrange to be dropped off at the airport by family or friends, or call for a taxi or shuttle service.
In recognition of the fifth birthday of the Putnam Museum's IMAX theatre, five-year-olds will be given free admission to the movie theatre the weekend of March 16 through 18. The Putnam's IMAX theatre officially opened on March 16, 2002. The Putnam's IMAX remains Iowa's only 3D theatre and has shown 40 movies in the past five years. The screen is six stories tall and seven stories wide, and the theatre also features 10,000-watt digital surround sound and 270 stadium-style seats. The free admission offer is subject to availability. For more information, call (563) 324-1933 or visit (http://www.putnam.org).
Niabi Zoo is looking for young people who love animals and working with the public. The Niabi Zoo Junior Zookeepr Program is an opportunity for students between the ages of 14 and 17 to experience working in a zoological environment. Participants will gain knowledge about animals and conservation during a five-day training session at the zoo in June. Junior Zookeepers graduates will volunteer as education-center hosts, petting-zoo guides, and zoo ambassadors. Applications and further information are available online at (http://niabizoo.com) or by calling (309) 799-3482. Applications should be postmarked no later than April 1.
Bi-State Literacy is now accepting funding requests from literacy-related programs. These requests for up to $500 can be for support materials or any literacy-program needs not included in a regular budget. Literacy programs can serve anyone from preschool to adult. Schools are welcome to apply, but applications cannot be for materials that are required for the regular curriculum. Funding applicants can visit the Bi-State Literacy Web site (http://www.bistateliteracy.org) to download the application. Requests for the application form as a Microsoft Word document or hard copy can be made by contacting Dave Layton at (dlayton@wiaaa.org) or 729 34th Ave., Rock Island IL 61201. Requests must be submitted by March 31.
The Family Museum is now available to make presentations to clubs, organizations, and other groups. There is no charge for this service. The Family Museum can provide professional presentations on experiential learning, science education, art education, exhibit design, and more that can be tailored to the special interests of service clubs and other groups looking for brief talks in conjunction with their regular meetings. A speaker may be scheduled by contacting Candice Graf at (563) 344-4169 or (cgraf@bettendorf.org).
Kenny Salwey, the legendary "Last River Rat" and storyteller, will speak at the Putnam Museum's IMAX Theatre on Wednesday, March 21, to share a collection of tales from his life in the Mississippi River bottoms. The Emmy-winning natural-history film Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat, which documents Salwey's life, will also be shown. Three screenings of the film are scheduled for March 21: 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Chad Pregracke, the Quad Cities' own local "river rat," will introduce Salwey. After the 53-minute film, Salwey and guests will convene in the lobby for question-and-answer sessions and book signings. There is no fee to attend this event, but donations will be accepted to benefit Nahant Marsh.
The 2007 Grant Wood Art Festival is currently seeking submissions from artists to participate in the 35th-annual festival honoring Anamosa native and world-renowned artist Grant Wood. This year's festival will take place Sunday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Anamosa, Iowa. The festival is open to artists and artisans whose work is original in design and execution. Exhibition booth spaces are available for $50. Applicants must complete the official application form and provide four slides or photos for the jurying process. For complete details, see the official application form at (http://www.anamosachamber.org). The application deadline is April 13.
Illinois Senate Bill 16, an assault-weapons ban proposed by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, may now move to the Illinois Senate for a vote at any time. The bill would require Illinois citizens to register certain rifles and shotguns with the state police and prohibit future ownership. Illinois residents would have 90 days to register the weapons or face felony charges. Details of the bill can be found at (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/default.asp).
The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday March 17, at the Ramada Inn (formerly the Signature Inn) at 3020 Utica Ridge Road in Bettendorf. The event will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. Dealers from five states specializing in comic books new and old, toys, and related collectibles will be on hand to buy, sell, and trade. For further information, contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit (http://www.epguides.com/comics).
Debi Larson, a bead-weaver at Your Design Ltd. in Bettendorf, is featured in the March edition of Bead & Button magazine. Last year Larson designed her original project and was encouraged to submit the necklace for review. If you would like to see her project or learn how to make her necklace or bracelet, she will be teaching it in March at Your Design. For more information, call (563) 355-1519. Bead & Button magazine can be found online at (http://www.beadandbutton.com). For more information on Your Design Ltd., visit (http://yourdesignltd.com).
Volunteers are needed to read live on the radio from local and regional newspapers to those who are visually and physically impaired. All volunteers are trained before reading. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and have their own transportation. To volunteer, contact Diane Stokeld at (309) 794-7560.
