The Patriot Chopper, a custom motorcycle built in collaboration with the National Guard and Orange County Choppers, will be on display at this year's Sturgis on the River event held June 12 through 14. In July 2007, the National Guard encouraged soldiers from around the country to submit their ideas for the custom design of a National Guard-themed bike. For more information on the event, visit (http://www.sturgisontheriver.com).
According to the Scott County Auditor's Office, less than 2.6 percent of the 116,515 registered voters in Scott County cast a ballot in the June 3 primary election. For more information, visit (http://www.scottcountyiowa.com).
Enplanements at the Quad City International Airport rose 12 percent from 2005 to 2007 and have continued to set records for the first four months of 2008. Because of the increased traffic, the airport has plans for expansion projects, including a 330-car parking-lot extension to the 1,768 spaces available, said Bruce Carter, director of aviation. Plans also include an $8-million to $12-million rental-car facility. The rental-car service will potentially include a car wash, gas pumps, and an access road. The airport has seven nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, and Carter hopes to add direct flights to Phoenix and Washington D.C. Carter and administrators from area municipalities spoke of upcoming projects at a transportation forum on May 28. The next Transportation Forum will be held August 27. - Marguerite Day
Quad Cities PBS is bringing "Word Girl" to Modern Woodman Park on June 25. The gates will open at 6 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to play games, join in a scavenger hunt, and win prizes until 8:30 p.m., while the first 500 kids will receive a bag filled with treats. "Word Girl" will throw out the first pitch before the River Bandits play the Kane County Cougars at 7 p.m. Ticket information is available at (http://www.riverbandits.com). For more information, call (309) 796-5029 or visit (http://www.wqpt.org).
More than 80 youth apprentices will earn a stipend from the Quad City Arts Metro Arts Summer Youth Employment Program by creating, performing, displaying, and installing art. The program began on Monday, June 9, and continues through the Apprentice Showcase public celebration at 145 Arts Alley in Rock Island on Thursday, July 10.
The painting Zion in Winter by Coal Valley wildlife artist Brent Langley, has been selected for a national exhibit, Zion National Park: A Century of Sanctuary. All of the 68 paintings in the exhibit can be seen at (http://www.sgcity.org/artmuseum/zion_gallery.php).
Puppeteer and storyteller Marilyn Price will present two puppet shows on Friday, June 27, at the Moline Public Library. Her first show, Take Me Out to the Playground, will be held at 11 a.m., and Punch & Judaism will be held at 3 p.m. Because space is limited, registration is required for these free programs. To register, stop by the Moline Public Library's Children's Department or call (309) 762-6883. More information on Marilyn Price can be found at (http://www.marilynprice.com).
The Duncan J. Cameron Family Foundation has awarded $53,500 to 10 area not-for-profit organizations. The foundation was established in 2004 to improve the quality of life in the Quad Cities and to assist local women in becoming self-sufficient. For more information, or to make a contribution to the Duncan J. Cameron Family Foundation, call (563) 326-2840 or e-mail (susanskora@cfgrb.org).
The Iowa Workforce Development will receive more than $3.3 million through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. These funds will help workers who lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade, and who are therefore eligible for job-training assistance, including counseling, job-search assistance, out-of-area job-search and relocation allowances, and income support. For information on how to access these benefits, visit (http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/benefits.cfm).
Begining this fall, the Quad City Chamber Federation will offer a Community Leadership course and a Leadership Essentials course. This year, there will be special emphasis on economic development. Applications will be accepted through September 1. To get an application, go to (http://www.qcleadership.com) or visit DavenportOne, the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce, or the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.
