Deann
Thoms, president of Quad City Arts, last week announced the
appointment of Carmen Darland as executive director of the
organization. Most
recently, Darland served 18 years as vice president of marketing for
Heart of America Restaurants & Inns and was previously with
Davenport Bank & Trust Company (now Wells Fargo). The Des Moines
native currently serves on the boards of DavenportOne, Goodwill of
the Heartland, and North Scott Educational Foundation. Quad City Arts
serves six counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. For more
information, visit (http://www.quadcityarts.com).
Organizers of the Xstream Cleanup are asking citizens to submit areas in need of cleaning for the annual event that will take place on Saturday, August 16. Xstream Cleanup focuses on cleaning areas near streams and rivers, but also organizes litter cleanups and large-debris removals on land in the greater Quad Cities area. Cleanup-site ideas can be submitted by calling Paula at (563) 468-4218 or by visiting (http://www.xstreamcleanup.org). The deadline for submissions is May 15.
The Muscual Dystrophy Association will host "ALS Day" at Modern Woodmen Park on May 9 to raise awareness about the disease. Residents of the Quad Cities area affected by ALS and related diseases may receive medical care at the MDA/ALS Clinic at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. MDA's ALS services include loaned medical equipment and financial help with purchasing wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication devices. MDA also provides educational materials, support groups, and a Web site (http://www.als-mda.org).
Brenda DuBois, professor and director of the master of social work program at St. Ambrose University, is this year's recipient of the Social Justice Award from the SAU School of Social Work. DuBois will be honored at the 10th-annual Social Justice Conference on Thursday, May 8. The annual award honors those individuals and social-service agencies from the greater Quad Cities who have demonstrated a commitment to social and economic justice and the promotion and advancement of human rights.
The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend is now accepting grant applications from charitable organizations for its spring grant cycle. In 2007, $410,000 in grant support was distributed from the foundation's Community Impact Fund. Not-for-profits that focus in the areas of health and human service, education, the environment, arts and culture, and youth and social services may apply for grants from this fund. Applications must be submitted to 852 Middle Rd. Suite 100, Bettendorf IA 52722, by Monday, May 12. Visit (http://www.cfgrb.org) to download a grant application, or call (563) 326-2840 for more information.
A Tennis Block Party will be hosted by the Quad City Tennis Club (1522 47th Avenue in Moline) on Saturday, May 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit (http://www.TennisMonth.com).
At the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame annual event held April 12, John Morrow of the Quad Cities was recognized as Chinese Martial Arts Grand Master of the Year. In addition to receiving Grand Master status, Morrow was awarded a Doctorate of Martial Arts Philosophy and Martial Arts Science. For information on John Morrow or Morrow's Academy of Martial Arts in Moline, call (309) 764-1929 or visit (http://www.morrowsacademy.com).
The Putnam Museum recently received the Loren Horton Community History Award from the Iowa State Historical Society for its locally developed exhibition Bloodlines: Our Ties to the Civil War, in the museum's Main Gallery through May 18. In the exhibition, visitors learn the stories of local soldiers who fought in the war, as well as the families and communities they left behind. It also offers a glimpse of life in the Quad Cities at the time. For more information about Bloodlines, visit (http://www.putnam.org) or call (563) 324-1933.
At 6 p.m. on May 7, the Rock Island Main Library (401 19th Street) will host "Fly Tying for Beginners." Learn how to make your own colorful fishing lures for fly-fishing with this hands-on, free class. To make a reservation, call (309) 732-7303.
This May, a total of $3,000 in Casey's gift cards and nearly $10,000 in Travel Iowa Gift Baskets will be given away through the Iowa Welcome Centers, including the Mississippi Valley Welcome Center in LeClaire. For more information, visit (http://traveliowa.com).
